Fara EspandiRetirement Communitysenior agentssenior citizen March 17, 2022

Retirement Changes What You Need in a Home

The past two years brought significant life changes for many of us. For some, the Covid-19 pandemic meant retiring earlier than expected. According to the Schwartz Center for Economic Policy Analysis, at least 1.7m older workers retired from their jobs in 2021 because of the coronavirus recession. 

If you’ve recently retired, your current home may not fit your new lifestyle. The good news is the past two years also brought a significant rise in home prices.  According to the latest Homeowner Equity Insights report from CoreLogic, homeowners nationwide gained on average more than $50,000 in equity in 2021 alone. 

“That, coupled with a mortgage that’s paid off or close to it,” says Fara Espandi, Sales Associate at ERA Justin Realty, “presents a great opportunity to sell your house and address your evolving needs.”

Move Closer to Loved Ones

“For those reaching retirement age,” says Jennifer Darby Metzger, Broker/Owner of ERA Justin Realty, “one of the biggest reasons they buy a new house is to live closer to loved ones.”

 

If you find yourself farther from friends and family than you’d like to be, the equity you’ve built in your home may enable you to move and live closer to those in your life who matter most.

 

Find the Right Home for Your Needs

Not only can your equity power a move to a new location, but it can also help you purchase the right size home.

 

“Many homebuyers 55 and older downsize and buy a smaller home than they’re selling,” says Espandi “depending on location that can mean a small or no mortgage. That’s important if you’re living on a fixed retirement income.”

 

“Whatever your home goals are,” says Darby Metzger, “a trusted real estate advisor can help you find the best option for your situation. They’ll help you sell your current home and guide you as you buy your next one and move into this next phase of life.”

 

If you’ve recently retired and your needs are changing, contact Fara Espandi or any of the agents at ERA Justin Realty by calling 201-939-7500.

affordbuyerbuying a homeCarol CalamariCarol D. Calamari March 10, 2022

Home Prices Reach 15-Year High in 2021

Home prices reached their highest point in 15 years last year. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), existing home sales hit 6.12 million in 2021.

 

This is despite a drop in sales in December, which the NAR says was due to lack of inventory rather than lack of demand. “Sales for the entire year finished strong, reaching the highest annual level since 2006,” says Lawrence Yun, chief economist at the NAR. Existing home sales data includes single-family homes, co-ops and condos that were owned and occupied before going on the market.

 

“Existing home prices not only grew rapidly last year,” says Carol D. Calamari, Sales Associate at ERA Justin Realty, “they also sold faster than ever. Many were under contract in less than a week.”

 

Low mortgage rates led to increased demand from all types of buyers in 2021, including both vacation property investors and first-time homebuyers.

 

“Millennials were some of the biggest buyers in the final months of 2021,” says Calamari, “trying to get in before mortgage rates go up.”

 

The NAR expects existing home sales to slow down by the second half of 2022 due to rising mortgage rates, the NAR says recent employment gains and stricter underwriting standards will keep the market from crashing.

Jennifer Darby Metzger, Broker/Co-Owner of ERA Justin Realty agrees. “Mortgage rates are expected to remain below 4% through the end of 2022,” says Darby Metzger, “that is still historically low and will keep the housing market going strong.”

The NAR predicts housing inventory to start improving by 2023 as kinks in the supply chain ease up for contractors. “Home builders have already made strides in 2022 to increase supply,” says Yun, “but reversing gaps like the ones we’ve seen recently will take years to correct.”

If you’re ready to buy a home, Carol D. Calamari or any of the Sales Associates at ERA Justin Realty can help you find the home of your dreams, even in the tightest markets. Contact us by calling 201-939-7500.

Danielle SetteFSBOJessi DavidsonJessica Davidsonsell your homeSetteDavidson March 3, 2022

Why NOT to Sell by Owner

Many sellers consider “For Sale By Owner” in a hot market, thinking their house will sell itself. However, according to Danielle Sette and Jessica “Jessi” Davidson of ERA Justin Realty’s Team Sette Davidson, FSBO is not a good idea for several reasons.

 Transaction Liaison

Are you available every time someone wants to see your home?

“Professional Realtors work closely not only with prospective buyers but with reputable business partners in the industry, like lenders, attorneys and inspectors,” says Sette. “Our job is to be the transaction liaison during the entire process. We guide you step-by-step to help you obtain your real estate goals.”

 Access to Large Networks

“Listing your home yourself on Zillow or even the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) is not enough,” says Jennifer Darby Metzger, Broker/Owner at ERA Justin Realty, “Agents have personal relationships with pre-approved home seekers and other agents. That means a bigger pool of potential buyers. A bigger pool can mean a faster sale at a larger price.”

  Net More Money

People who sell-by-owner tend to set a price based on an online assessment tool or by banking on an over-asking price a neighbor says they were offered for their home. This can make the listing price way off, so it doesn’t sell. The longer it sits on the market, the lower the ultimate sale price. 

“Realtors have access to industry tools through their real estate boards to appropriately price your home to sell, and provide you the best education, history and services,” says Sette.

“Clients may utilize these tools to help with the decision-making process,” adds Davidson.

 Limit Legal Risks

There are reams of legal paperwork involved in buying and selling a home. One of the most important items is writing the contract with favorable terms for all. “Realtors explain the terms or provisions written in the contract. We protect our clients by working closely with real estate attorneys. This helps the home buying process move forward with ease,” says Davidson.

 

There is no substitute for a local real estate agent when it comes to earning top dollar. If you are interested in selling your home, contact Team Sette Davidson at ERA Justin Realty by calling (201) 939-7500.

buying a homebuying is cheaper than rentingfirst time buyerfirst time buyershome buying tipsRight time to buy February 24, 2022

Why You Should Buy a Home This Year

Buy a home or continue renting? Arguing the financial benefits can create a heated debate. However, there is one element in the home buying corner you can’t ignore: equity.

“Owning a home makes you money,” says Christian Peguero, Sales Associate at ERA Justin Realty. “By renting, you’re paying someone else’s mortgage and making them money.”

According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), homeownership is a key pathway to wealth. Here’s how equity can build your net worth over time when you own a home.

Equity over the Last 10 Years

National Association of Realtors (NAR) research shows homeowners nationwide have gained an average of $139,134 in equity over the past 5 years and $218,505 over the last 10 years. “That built-up equity means you can cash-in on your starter home and upgrade to your dream home,” says Jennifer Darby Metzger, Broker/Owner at ERA Justin Realty, “Usually when people build-up equity, they use it to buy a larger or newer home in a better area. That’s the wealth effect of equity.”

Looking Forward at the Equity to Come

The past two years have seen record leaps in home prices, and they’re still expected to grow even more. The Home Price Expectation Survey, a survey of over one hundred economists, real estate experts, and investment and market strategists, predicts home values will increase as follows:

  • 2022: 5.82%
  • 2023: 3.94%
  • 2024: 3.56%
  • 2025: 3.55%

 

“It takes time to build up equity through price appreciation and paying down your mortgage,” says Christian. “But it ultimately pays off. Your grandchildren may thank you.”

Homeowners who accumulate wealth through equity can pass it on to future generations. The Federal Reserve’s Survey of Consumer Finances explains:

“Families can directly transfer their wealth to the next generation in the form of a bequest. They can also provide the next generation with inter vivos transfers (gifts), for example, providing down payment support to enable a home purchase or a substantial wedding gift.”

 

To explore your options in real estate, reach out to Christian Peguero or any of the sales associates at ERA Justin Realty by calling 201-939-7500.

Glenn Elliotsell your homeselling your home February 17, 2022

What NOT To Do When Selling

There are a lot of opinions out there about what to do when you’re getting ready to sell your house. There are also plenty of things you should NOT do. Here are a few:

  •  Do NOT offer an allowance

Don’t offer buyers an allowance to fix problems in exchange for a sale. “This will send buyers on a hunt to find more problems with your house,” says Glenn Elliot, Sales Associate at ERA Justin Realty. “You don’t want that.” Correct them yourself and earn a higher selling price.

  •  Do NOT assume staging is expensive

Basic staging can be achieved at a minimal cost. “It’s really pretty affordable,” says Jennifer Darby Metzger, Broker/Owner at ERA Justin Realty. “Plus, you can often write professional staging off in your taxes as a cost of doing business when you sell.”

  • Do NOT test the waters

Some sellers will do the bare minimum in pre-sale prep and list quickly just to see how the market responds. “Don’t do this,” says Glenn. “If your house doesn’t sell in the first 30 days, buyers will assume something is wrong with it.”

  •  Do Not Overestimate

Don’t overestimate the value of repairs or renovations you did years ago. “You can’t get top dollar for a house that’s no longer up to date,” says Darby Metzger.

  •  Do NOT remain attached

Your décor may not be a buyer’s cup of tea. Don’t remain attached to your personal effects. “Take down the photos of your kids, clear the magnets off the fridge,” says Glenn.

  •  Do NOT give up

“The right buyer is out there,” says Jennifer Darby Metzger, Broker/Owner at ERA Justin Realty. “Don’t give up just because they don’t show up right away.”

For more help figuring out what not to do when selling your home, contact Glenn Elliot or any of the agents at ERA Justin Realty by calling 201-939-7500.

 

sanela lindov February 10, 2022

Sanela Lindov Joins ERA Justin Realty’s Family of Real Estate Professionals

ERA Justin Realty is thrilled to announce that our exceptional community of agents is growing with the addition of new Sales Associate Sanela Lindov.

Sanela is a lifelong Bergen County resident and is personally familiar with the area. She was raised in Rutherford, graduated from Rutherford High School and now lives in the borough with her husband, Fuad, and three children, 16-year-old Kayla and 9-year-old twins Aliana and Dylan. Her children all attend Rutherford schools.

“For buyers whose top priority is the school system,” says Sanela, “I can speak to the excellence of our schools, from my own experience and the experiences of my children.”

Sanela’s background is in commercial property management. She says she chose to begin her career in residential real estate at ERA Justin not only because it’s been the top selling realty company in Rutherford for the past 21 years straight, but because of the investment ERA Justin makes in its employees. 

“ERA Justin has fantastic training benefits,” says Sanela, “plus a warm, family atmosphere.”

 “We are thrilled to welcome Sanela to the ERA Justin family,” says Jennifer Darby Metzger, Broker/Co-Owner of ERA Justin Realty, “She brings with her decades of first-hand experience living and working in the Rutherford area. That’s invaluable knowledge when working with buyers who are moving from out of state or even from out of the country.” Sanela is bilingual. She speaks both English and Bosnian.

Sanela is looking forward to helping every type of home seeker from renters to sellers to buyers. She is particularly keen on helping first-time home buyers find the house of their dreams. “My happiness derives from seeing other people be happy,” says Sanela “and I know how stressful, yet exciting, it can be to find that first home.”

When she is not showing houses and closing sales, Sanela enjoys traveling, shopping and spending time with her family which also includes her dog, Diesel, and two cats, Luna and Gizmo. 

If you are looking for an agent who cares about ensuring your happiness, contact Sanela or any of our experienced real estate professionals at ERA Justin by calling 201.939.7500.

2021 Circle of ExcellenceCarol CalamariCarol D. CalamariCatherine Nimmocatherine vickCathy VickCircle of excellenceDanielle SetteERA Justin AchieversFara EspandiGlenn ElliotJennifer SullivanJessi DavidsonJessica DavidsonJulia Dagistanlikristen davislee schilareLibera SchilareMichelle KorosyRosemarie ZembryskiSharon Robie February 3, 2022

Congratulations to our 2021 NJ REALTORS Ⓡ Circle of Excellence Winners

ERA Justin Realty Co. is proud to congratulate fourteen of its agents for being named the New Jersey Association of Realtors (NJAR) 2021 Circle of Excellence Sales Award winners. NJAR recognizes top producing real estate members who have demonstrated excellence in the field of salesmanship.

“We are thrilled to once again celebrate an impressive number of winners from our family of agents,” boasts Jennifer Darby Metzger, Broker/Co-owner of ERA Justin Realty. “Two Gold, five Silver and seven Bronze is truly something to be proud of, especially considering the continuing challenges we faced in 2021.”

“These agents take full advantage of the tools, training and robust marketing support we provide to create exceptional customer experiences,” adds Darby Metzger, “They truly are examples of our core values of service and dedication to our clients and community.”

This year’s Gold Level Award winners are Julia Dagistanli and Librera “Lee” Schilare.

 Silver Level Award winners are Carol Calamari, Fara Espandi, Michelle Korosy, Catherine Nimmo and Jennifer Sullivan. 

The Bronze Level Award winners are Jessica “Jessi” Davidson, Kristen Davis, Glenn Elliot, Sharon Robie, Danielle Sette, Catharine “Cathy” Vick, and Rosemarie Zembryski.

In addition to recognizing these agents, Jennifer Darby Metzger is delighted to announce that ERA Justin Realty’s highly professional and knowledgeable agents sold more than twice the number homes in Rutherford than the nearest competitor, based on statistics from NJMLS, once again establishing itself as the #1 brokerage in Rutherford home sales for the 21st year in a row. And based on 2021 they are also #1 in both units and volume for sales in Southwest Bergen County, which includes Rutherford, Carlstadt, East Rutherford, Hasbrouck Heights, Little Ferry, Lyndhurst, Moonachie, North Arlington, South Hackensack, Teterboro, Wallington and Wood-Ridge.

“We are thrilled to be able to say we achieved this position in the marketplace once again,” Jennifer says, “It is our absolute honor to serve our community.”

Carol CalamariCarol D. CalamariERA Justin AchieversERA Leadership CircleERA Real Estate awardFara EspandiJennifer Darby MetzgerJennifer SullivanJulia DagistanliLeadersLeaders AwardLeadership Circlelee schilareLibera Lee SchilareLibera Schilare February 3, 2022

ERA Justin Agents Lead The Market

ERA Justin Realty is thrilled to celebrate its Leaders Award winners for the third quarter of 2021. The Leaders Award recognizes those top performing agents that meet and exceed their goals and the company’s goals on a monthly basis. The third quarter winners are Carol D. Calamari, Julia Dagistanli, Fara Espandi, Lee Schilare and Jennifer Sullivan. “We are proud to honor these agents not only for their sales performance but also because they exemplify our core values to positively impact their communities and our industry,” said Jennifer Darby Metzger, ERA Justin broker. “Each of these individuals have combined their entrepreneurial spirit with the tools, training, and support we provide to all our agents, to create
successful, profitable businesses.”

“There’s a huge opportunity for agents to grab market share in today’s current economy,” Darby Metzger added. “Our clients are looking for creative ways to sell and buy a home. With the current competition in the market, it has never been more important.”

“At ERA Justin, we provide our agents with the technology, tools and services to seize on these current market trends,” Darby Metzger continued. “From professional photographers, virtual tours, and video walk-throughs, to our extensive online listing promotions in hundreds of online outlets, our agents are able to provide consumers with the exposure, experience and services they need right now. Coupling this with our creativity makes our process foolproof.”

According to recent market research of agents and brokers affiliated with ERA Real Estate, independents and other brands conducted by Wakefield Research, ERA Real Estate is regarded as a brand that is leading competitors in growth speed and potential. Noted primarily as an experienced, full-service offering, ERA Real Estate is recognized for its culture, reputation, relationships and technology. Nearly 80% of surveyed ERA Real Estate agents report that the brand’s tools and technology positively impact their productivity.

 

If you’re looking to be a part of a powerful network of like-minded entrepreneurs supported by a brand dedicated to helping you grow, contact Jennifer Darby Metzger at 201-939-7500.

2021 leadersERA JustinERA Justin AchieversERA Justin RealtyFara EspandiJulia DagistanliRutherfordRutherford NJRutherford real estate January 27, 2022

ERA Justin Realty Celebrates #1…AGAIN

ERA Justin Realty is the #1 residential real estate brokerage in Rutherford, for the 21st year in a row! ERA Justin Realty has sold more than twice as many homes in Rutherford as the nearest competitor. And based on 2021 we are also #1 in both units and volume for sales in Southwest Bergen County, which includes Rutherford, Carlstadt, East Rutherford, Hasbrouck Heights, Little Ferry, Lyndhurst, Moonachie, North Arlington, South Hackensack, Teterboro, Wallington and Wood-Ridge. 

We are also equally proud to announce that Julia Dagistanli and Fara Espandi were named the company’s TOP agents in 2021 based on sales volume and units. 

Julia Dagistanli achieved the honor based on overall volume sold in 2021. Julia was also ERA Justin’s top leasing agent in units and volume. Julia is a lifetime member of the NJAR Distinguished Sales Club and a year over year top ranking ERA Real Estate Associate in the state of New Jersey. A knowledgeable and experienced agent, Julia is a Certified Distressed Property Expert and also holds a New York Real Estate Salesperson license. 

Fara Espandi achieved the honor based on closed sales units in 2021. Fara also sold most overall units in Rutherford for 2021 and was ERA Justin’s top listing agent, an impressive accomplishment.  Fara is a lifetime member of the NJAR Distinguished Sales Club and a year over year top ranking ERA Real Estate Associate in the state of New Jersey.  A knowledgeable and experienced agent, Fara holds several real estate designations including certification in Short Sales and Foreclosures and ERA Distinctive Properties.

“Julia and Fara are dedicated real estate professionals who strive to achieve impressive results for their customers. They work diligently to help their clients obtain their real estate goals and dreams and it is this commitment that drove them to become our top producing agents last year,” said Jennifer Darby Metzger, Broker/Owner of ERA Justin Realty Co. “We are so proud to have them as an essential part of the team.”

If you’re looking for expert real estate advice, call Julia (who also speaks Turkish and French) or Fara (who also speaks Farsi) at the office at 201.939.7500. 

ERA Justin Realty Co is conveniently located at 118 Jackson Avenue and 57 Park Avenue in Rutherford, NJ.

david jacksonhome affordabilityhome buyer tipshome buying tipsmortgage January 6, 2022

Mortgage Rates Expected to Keep Rising in 2022

Mortgage rates can determine how much you can afford to spend on a new home. The lower they are, the more house you can get for your money. 2021 saw some of the lowest mortgage rates ever recorded. They started creeping up toward the end of the year and experts expect rates to continue rising in 2022. “It will happen slowly but surely,” says David Jackson, a sales associate at ERA Justin Realty, “But you can bet on mortgage rates continuing to go up in this new year.”

 

Here’s what major mortgage financiers forecast for 2022:

Freddie Mac: “The average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) is expected to be 3.5 percent in 2022.”

Fannie Mae: “Right now, we forecast mortgage rates to average 3.3% in 2022, which, though slightly higher than 2020 and 2021, by historical standards remains extremely low and supportive of mortgage demand and affordability.”

First American: “Consensus forecasts predict mortgage rates will hit 3.7% by the end of 2022.”

 

The overall average of major mortgage predictions is 3.58% by the end of 2022. What does this mean if you’re thinking about making a move? Waiting will cost you more in the long run.

“When rates go up, your monthly payment goes up,” says Jennifer Darby-Metzger, Broker/Owner of ERA Justin Realty. “That’s more money out of your pocket every month for the years it takes to pay off your loan. That can really add up.”

Bottom line: if you’re thinking of buying over the next year, it may be wise to make your move sooner rather than later. David Jackson or any agent at ERA Justin Realty can help you get the most for your money, call 201-939-7500.