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Glenn Elliot • sell your home • selling your home • February 17, 2022

What NOT To Do When Selling

by ERA Justin

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.

 

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sanela lindov • February 10, 2022

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

by ERA Justin

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.

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Congratulations to our 2021 NJ REALTORS Ⓡ Circle of Excellence Winners

by ERA Justin

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.”

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ERA Justin Agents Lead The Market

by ERA Justin

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.

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ERA Justin Realty Celebrates #1…AGAIN

by ERA Justin

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.

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david jackson • home affordability • home buyer tips • home buying tips • mortgage • January 6, 2022

Mortgage Rates Expected to Keep Rising in 2022

by ERA Justin

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.

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Ilene Harpuder • new years resolutions • winter home selling • winter selling • December 23, 2021

New Year Resolutions To Help Sell Your Home

by ERA Justin

2021 was a record year for real estate. Interest rates hit all-time lows, and for home sellers, that meant a great time to cash in. These trends look to continue into 2022. So if you’re thinking about selling your home next year, Ilene Harpuder, a sales associate at ERA Justin Realty, has some advice for things you can do now to prepare to list your home.  

 

Get a Pre-Sale Home Inspection

“Hire a home inspector to do a thorough inspection of your home before you put it on the market,” advises Ilene. “This way you have plenty of time to make any necessary repairs and will be ready to go when you want to list.” This will remove many objections that your potential buyers may have, and you also might benefit from a faster sale and higher selling price.

 

Start Decluttering

“Most people have no idea how much stuff they have until they decide to move,” Ilene continues. “Start going through your basement, attic, closets, spare room, and even your main living areas and get rid of everything you don’t want to move to your new home. Donate it, sell it, give it away or throw it away! You want your home to look spacious and clean to attract buyers.”

 

Get a Head Start on Packing 

If you don’t need it for the next six months, pack it up. Holiday decor, seasonal items, sentimental items that remained after decluttering-pack them all now. “The fewer things you have in closets, the garage, or the basement, the bigger your home will look and feel,” advises Ilene.  

 

Find a Good Realtor

A good real estate agent will be incredibly knowledgeable about the local market, so you can be sure that you get the best possible price for your home. ERA Justin Realty has received the number one ranking in closed sales in Rutherford for 21 consecutive years, and its agents have, on average, more than 10 years’ experience. 

Ready to sell your home? Contact Ilene or one of the other qualified real estate professionals at ERA Justin by calling 201.939.7500.

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Real Estate Equals Transition

by ERA Justin

In When Harry Met Sally, a classic New Year’s movie, Billy Crystal jokes that death notices should be adjacent to apartment listings. 

“While maybe a little crassly put,” says Jessica (Jessi) Davidson, Sales Associate at ERA Justin Realty, “real estate is about transition.” 

Young couples buy houses to start a family. Families move to towns with good school districts. Older people downsize or move to locations with warmer weather. Divorced couples need two households. Changes in life usually translate to changes in address—and that’s where a knowledgeable real estate professional can help navigate the process. 

 

Planned Moves

Expecting a child? Changing jobs? Downsizing? These big life moments allow some time to plan, scope out neighborhoods and school systems, and gain a comfortable feel for what those making a change need and can afford. The buyers have the advantage of knowing where they want to be and when they want to be there, allowing them to make the best fit on their terms. The sellers have time to prepare their homes and optimize their timing on the market. 

 

Unexpected Moves

Accident? Illness? Sudden life change? Unplanned moves throw everything in a whirl and usually offer less time and fewer resources to make a move. However, real estate professionals can decrease the chaos of moving quickly. Realtors provide local expertise, housing market knowledge and the ability to get things done. 

 

With mortgage rates and housing inventory low, even more change is in the air. This year had a strong sellers’ market as people migrated from their former commutes and offices and looked for more space. A real estate agent will help sellers and buyers navigate the whole process of planned and unplanned moves to get the best out of any market. 

 

“Whether you’re moving quickly or slowly during a time of transition, we’ll reduce the surprises and hassles that accompany a move,” adds Jessi. “The most important thing for us is making sure you and your family are taken care of as you go through this life change.” 

 

To help make your next move, contact Jessi or any of our experienced ERA Justin Realty sales agents at 201-939-7500.

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catherine vick • Cathy Vick • foreclosure • foreclosures • housing market • December 9, 2021

Why a Wave of Foreclosures Isn’t Coming

by ERA Justin

With pandemic-related mortgage forbearance plans ending, there is concern a wave of foreclosures is looming as homeowners have to start making loan payments again.

It isn’t.

“There’s fear it could look like 2008, when the housing bubble burst,” says Cathy Vick, a Sales Associate at ERA Justin Realty. “What’s happening today is nothing like 15 years ago.”

Here are a few reasons:

Fewer homeowners are in trouble. After the last housing crash, about 9.3 million households lost their homes to foreclosure, short sale, or simply because they gave it back to the bank. When stay-at-home orders were issued in early 2020, mortgage companies offered homeowners a chance to stop loan payments for up to 18 months. Companies expected 30% of mortgage holders to take them up on the offer. But only 8.5% did.

Most mortgages in forbearance have plenty of equity. Because of rapidly rising home prices over the past two years, 93% of the roughly 1 million homeowners still in forbearance have at least 10% equity in their homes. “This means homeowners in financial trouble could sell and make enough to pay the related expenses,” says Cathy. For those exiting forbearance who don’t want to sell, they can choose between resuming loan payments and tacking the extra debt on to the end of their mortgage, modifying their loans to reduce the monthly payments, or refinancing to pay off the debt.
The current market can absorb extra inventory. When foreclosures hit the market back in 2008, there was an oversupply of houses for sale. “Today is the opposite,” says Cathy. “Back in 2008, there was over a nine-month supply of listings on the market. Today, we have less than a three-month supply.”

 

If you’re in the market to buy or sell your home this new year, contact Cathy Vick or any of the agents at ERA Justin Realty at 201-939-7500.

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buy a house • buyer qualifications • buying a home • Catherine Nimmo • mortgage • November 25, 2021

Be Thankful for 3% Mortgage Rates

by ERA Justin

Buyers shopping for a home this holiday season may be disappointed they missed out on 2% interest rates, but they should be thankful rates are still so low. “Everyone’s talking about how rates are up over 3%,” says Catherine Nimmo of ERA Justin Realty, “but in the grand scheme of things these are still really great rates.” Now that the average 30-year fixed mortgage is above 3%, rising interest rates is one of the biggest topics dominating discussion in the housing market today. Since experts project rates will rise further in the coming months, that conversation isn’t going away any time soon.

So, what do mortgage rates above 3% really mean for homebuyers? Today’s average mortgage rate still gives buyers a great opportunity. Buyers
don’t want mortgage rates to rise, as any upward movement increases your monthly mortgage payment. But it’s important to put today’s average mortgage rate into perspective. Today’s rates are lower than the average rates over the last five years. In 2018, the average rate was 4.54%. And today’s rate isn’t just low when compared to recent years. In the 1980s, mortgage rates averaged over 12%. This makes 3% truly outstanding by comparison.

What Does That Mean for You? Being upset that you missed out on rates below 3% is understandable. But it’s important to realize, buying now still makes sense as rates are expected to continue to rise. “Rising rates diminishes your house buying power,” says Catherine, “Meaning, if you wait to buy a house you see today, that same house will cost you more in a few months. The longer you wait, the more it will cost you.” Since rates are expected to continue rising, buying now could save you money in the long run. To lock in a great rate now, give Catherine Nimmo or any of the agents at ERA
Justin a call at 201-939-7500.

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