ERA Justin Realty CharitiesHelping FamiliesNJ Food & Clothing Rescue December 20, 2019

Special People Doing Special Things!

ERA Justin Realty in conjunction with Realtor agent and program coordinator Sharon Robie have secured items of necessity for families and children for Christmas 2019. 

N.J. Food & Clothing Rescue started in 2015 as a non profit fundraising organization.   Phil and Renay Stafford started the charity because in 1999 they were flooded  by hurricane Floyd and lost most of their belongings.  When they applied for relief services they were told that they would have to wait for services.  That motivated Phil and Renay as Phil had been helping people most of his life but wanted to take it a step further. N.J. Food & Clothing Rescue was born. 

Phil offered, “We try to help people that are in crisis without having to wait. If someone comes to us for help we can help immediately.  We help people all year long with food, toiletries and essential household items. At this time of year, one of many things we do is adopt a family for Christmas.”

Renay added, “Throughout the years we’ve helped families who are in crisis or are having difficult times. We help single parents, seniors, Veterans and the homeless. We have families who are registered with us who we help with food weekly. During their hard times, we help them with fruits, vegetables and non perishable items. In this way what little money they do have they can use towards bills, rent, medicines, etc. The families for our Adopt A Family program are families that are registered with us.  We also sponsor a domestic violence agency, Never Alone Again.  This organization has families with single moms and children with many of them living in a shelter. We also have families referred to us from people who we know; who know families who are struggling. This is our 4th year that we have done this project. Every year the number of families and children we help increases.”

Sharon concluded, “We have single families and companies including ERA Justin Realty sponsoring families for Christmas this year. This is very bitter-sweet and are happy that we are able to help so many families, but its also sad that there are so many in a situation like this. N.J. Food & Clothing Rescue could not do what we do collectively without the help of very generous people. ERA Justin Realty sponsored needy families in 2019. For additional information visit their website www.njfoodclothingrescue.org or email them at njfoodandclothingrescue@aol.com

ERA Justin has always been there for the community. To find out how Sharon or any our real estate agents can help you with your real estate needs, please call (201) 939-7500 or visit us at one of our 2 Rutherford locations, 118 Jackson Ave and 57 Park Ave.
Catherine NimmoERA Justin RealtySelling A Cluttered House December 9, 2019

Selling A Cluttered House

 
Selling A Cluttered House
When you own a home, it is easy to accumulate a lot of items over time. With enough closets, spare bedrooms and a garage or shed, you can easily fill your home to bursting. When trying to sell that home, clutter makes your home seem smaller, ultimately eating equity and killing deals.
According to ERA Justin Sales Associate, Catherine Nimmo, “Getting rid of clutter is the first thing you need to do when you’re thinking of putting your home on the market, and, unless you move frequently, there are very few people who don’t accumulate more than they should”. Unfortunately, all of these items can really get in the way when you decide to sell your house. 
Clutter makes it hard to think. Buyers want and need to see the full potential of your house to picture themselves in it, but that can be difficult to do when it is covered up in your things. You have to make room for a potential buyer to imagine their lives in what might soon be their home. Make separate piles of items to save, donate, and throw away. Less is more! 
You can sell your items online, hold a garage sale, or donate. For the things you’re keeping, store your personal items in the attic or basement or consider renting a storage space and temporarily clearing everything out to make the house neutral. 
 
By getting rid of extra seating, paring down the clothes in your closets and throwing out everything in the pantry that’s past its best-before date, you create the illusion of more space. After all, near-empty rooms always look bigger than rooms filled with furniture. Hiring a professional organizer to help with the process is very effective if a seller needs assistance.
 
Nimmo says, “Once you have removed all the clutter, you’ll want to do a deep-clean of your home”. If you do not plan on hiring a professional, go room by room cleaning- dusting, polishing, wiping, etc. If you have carpets, you will want to get them professionally cleaned. Hiring a stager can also help get the home show-ready once you have decluttered. A good real estate agent will have a portfolio of vendors to help you with all aspects of getting your home sales-ready.
 
The last step in the process is to take good professional photos. Most potential buyers these days are going to look at your house and its listing online. Good photos make all the difference, and will draw buyers. The cleaner it is, the less clutter it has, and the better the furniture is staged, the more amazing your photos will look. Spending time at this point of the process makes a big impact later on.
 
Catherine Nimmo and all of the ERA Justin Realty Sales Associates are available to help get your home ready to sell. Call (201) 939-7500 for all of your real estate needs. ERA Justin Realty is conveniently located at 118 Jackson Avenue or 57 Park Avenue. Both in Rutherford.


ERA Justin Realty agentJason Rivera November 25, 2019

ERA Justin Realty Welcomes Jason Rivera

ERA Justin Realty Welcomes Jason Rivera 

Jason Rivera has recently joined the staff of Realtor agents at ERA Justin Realty. Jason is an East Rutherford resident, where he has lived for 3 years with his wife, Denise and their 2 children, daughter Jaden and son Sebastien and their boxer, Hazel. He is a native to the area having grown up in Passaic Park.

Jason said, “I’ve been through the process of home buying/ownership several times before becoming an ERA Justin Realty agent.  I know the feeling as a buyer and a seller and to be a successful agent, I need to feel more like a confidant rather than a sales person.” 

 “My previous life as a technician had me in and out of all different types of homes and I know the nooks and crannies of a living space. This has given me a good eye for detail. I also like to feel as if I’m visiting with the homeowner rather than having an appointment.” Jason, who will be specializing with first time home buyers, continued, “My focus has been to do the right thing not because it benefited me but because it was the right thing to do and I was  recognized for detail of service as a most aesthetically detailed technician .


Jason concluded, “I am an avid guitarist, enjoy playing hockey and I’m a hockey ref with certifications from USA inline, AAU, SIHA and ISCA. I enjoy spending time with the kids and being involved with them at school functions. ERA Justin Realty is the right fit for me. It feels more like a family than a company and has the backing of ERA Real Estate, a well established brand.”

 Jason and all of the ERA Justin staff can be reached at (201) 939-7500, (201) 438-0588 and at ERA Justin Realty’s 2 Rutherford offices at 118 Jackson Ave and 57 Park Ave.
agentERA Justin RealtyERA Justin Realty agentKaitlyn BacoREALTOR November 22, 2019

ERA Justin Welcomes Kaitlyn Baco

Kaitlyn Baco recently joined ERA Justin Realty as Realtor Sales Associate and is excited to continue helping clients. A former executive chef, Kaitlyn understands client satisfaction and wants to bring the utmost attention to the customer service experience. 

Kaitlyn says, “I am committed in operating the best business that few can replicate as I am respectful, outgoing, friendly, competitive, and always willing to help. I am a great communicator and strive for satisfaction. Being able to assist others through business is my passion.” Kaitlyn graduated with high honors from Monmouth University with a degree in Business Administration from Monmouth University, and a concentration in Marketing and Management.

Kaitlyn continues, “I take full pride in hard work and dedication. I productively and efficiently plan my priorities (the guest/client first, always) and make strategic decisions to accomplish goals. I understand a great leader that can plan accordingly without wasting time is extremely important and essential in helping clients find their dream home in the time most comfortable for them.”
When asked why she chose ERA Justin Realty, Kaitlyn immediately boasted “I wanted to join ERA so that I would be treated like family. In my own family, we root for each other to be successful and are always encouraging one another to reach our own personal goals.”
Jennifer Darby Metzger, Broker Co-owner added, “We are pleased that Kaitlyn joined our firm for growth in her real estate career. She is dedicated and passionate in all that she does”. A 7 year resident of Rutherford, we are confident that she will give her full time and energy for the success of her buyers and sellers. 
For help with your real estate needs, Kaitlyn and all of the ERA Justin Realty real estate  professionals can be reached by calling (201) 939-7500 or visiting www.ERAJustin.com. We are conveniently located at either of the two Rutherford offices at 118 Jackson Avenue and 57 Park Avenue.


55 Kip CenterERA Justin Realtyfestival of trees and wreathsholiday wreath November 22, 2019

ERA Justin sponsors a wreath for the 25th Annual Festival of Trees and Wreaths

 

ERA Justin sponsors a wreath for the 25th Annual Festival of Trees and Wreaths

ERA Justin’s little elves have been very busy decorating for the Kip Center’s 25th Annual Festival of Trees and Wreaths. While a favorite tradition in the community, it also serves as a fundraiser for the Kip Center. Beautiful Trees and wreaths are designed by Kip supporters including local merchants, non-profit organizations, artists, and children. 
Trees/Wreaths/Centerpieces will be on display at the Kip Center from now until December 14th at which time they will be raffled off to benefit the 55 Kip Center. Raffle tickets are available for purchase Tuesdays through Saturdays from 8:30 am – 4:30 pm. Raffle tickets are 25 for $10.00. Please join us for a Kip Open House, as part of the Borough’s Holiday Festivities, from 11:00 am – 3:00 pm on Saturday, November 30th.
ERA Justin Realty is pleased to help 55 Kip Center, a fun, empowering, and enriching vital resource for older adults and their families. They are Bergen County’s ONLY nationally accredited Senior Center of Excellence and have a membership of over 700 members. They offer Health & Wellness, Education, Recreation, Fitness and nutrition programs to area seniors volunteers also provide escort for essential transportation needs including doctor appointments and grocery shopping. Volunteers can also provide food shopping for those unable to shop for themselves. A little of your time can make a BIG difference in the life of a senior in Bergen County! For more information on this program or to become a volunteer, please call Cathy Baviello of 55 Kip Center at 201-460-1600. 
 

35 Years35th anniversaryanniversaryERA Justin Realty November 8, 2019

ERA Justin Realty Celebrates 35 Years with ERA and Introduces New Vision

ERA Justin Realty Celebrates 35 Years with ERA and Introduces New Vision


Looking back, Ron Darby Broker-Owner never thought he would be completing his 52nd year in the real estate industry. He thanked the community in addition to the lawyers, mortgage brokers, and bankers, along with other business professionals who have always been there for them as they have grown to top 100 ERA success status.

Jennifer Darby Metzger, Broker-Owner said, “Time flies when you are doing what you enjoy. I remember when I was studying for my salesperson and then my broker licensing. It seems like yesterday, though it’s now thousands of transactions later. We’ve certainly grown and it’s because of the dedication of our wonderful teammates and professionals who focus with us.”

“ERA Justin Realty is highly driven by the knowledge and experience of our business platform. Everything we do is designed with the universal goal of expanding that knowledge base through a series of innovative tools, programs, and resources that help deliver true value and make it easier for us to better serve today’s consumers. We are building a smarter business community; we all achieve more when we share knowledge and work together.

Metzger concluded, “All of our firm’s Realtor agents can be reached at either of our two Rutherford offices at 118 Jackson Avenue and 57 Park Avenue. By phone (201) 939-7500, (201) 438-0588 or (201) 438-SOLD. Also, view 1000’s of homes at our websites at www.ERAJustin.com and www.ERAJustinRealty.com.”

buyer qualificationsERA Justin Realtyhome affordability November 3, 2019

Determining your ability to buy a home

 
 
 

Determining your ability to buy a home

The gap between the increase in personal income and residential real estate prices have been used to defend the concept that we are experiencing an affordability crisis in housing today. Home prices and wages are two key elements in any affordability equation. There is, however, an extremely important third component to that equation: Mortgage interest rates
 

Mortgage interest rates have fallen by more than a full percentage point from this time last year. Today’s rate is 3.75%; it was 4.86% at this time last year. This has dramatically increased a purchaser’s ability to afford a home.

Here are three reports validating that purchasing a home is more affordable today than it was a year ago:

CoreLogic’s Typical Mortgage Payment
“Falling mortgage rates and slower home-price growth mean that many buyers this year are committing to lower mortgage payments than they would have faced for the same home last year. After rising at a double-digit annual pace in 2018, the principal-and-interest payment on the nation’s median-priced home – what we call the “typical mortgage payment”– fell year-over-year again.”

The National Association of Realtors’ Affordability Index

“At the national level, housing affordability is up from last month and up from a year ago…All four regions saw an increase in affordability from a year ago. The payment as a percentage of income was down from a year ago.”

First American’s Real House Price Index (RHPI)
“In 2019, the dynamic duo of lower mortgage rates and rising incomes overcame the negative impact of rising house price appreciation on affordability. Indeed, affordability reached its highest point since January 2018. Focusing on nominal house price changes alone as an indication of changing affordability, or even the relationship between nominal house price growth and income growth overlooks what matters more to potential buyers – surging house-buying power-driven by the dynamic duo of mortgage rates and income growth. And, we all know from experience, you buy what you can afford to pay per month.”

Bottom Line
Though the price of homes may still be rising, the cost of purchasing a home is falling. If you’re thinking of buying your first home or moving up to your dream home, let’s connect so you can better understand the difference between the two. To contact any one of our Real Estate Professionals, stop by either of our two Rutherford offices at 118 Jackson Avenue or 57 Park Avenue or by calling 201.939.7500.

Cathy Vickhome buying tipsTips for home buying October 31, 2019

Six Tips When Buying a Home

When buying a home in today’s complex real estate market, it is critical to have a local, trusted adviser on your side. Cathy Vick, seasoned Real Estate Sales Associate at ERA Justin Realty states, “Finding a home can be daunting as a first-time homebuyer if you aren’t prepared”. Here are five tips on how to find the home that is right for you, without losing your mind.
 
1. Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage Before You Start Your Search
One way to show you’re serious about buying your dream home is to get pre-qualified or pre-approved for a mortgage. Understanding your budget will give you the confidence of knowing whether or not your dream home is within your reach. This will help you avoid the disappointment of falling in love with a home well outside your price range. ERA Justin can help find a mortgage lender to get you started.
 
2. Know the Difference Between Your ‘Must-Haves’ and ‘Would-Like-To-Haves’
Do you really need that farmhouse sink in the kitchen or a certain light fixture to be happy with your home choice? Would a two-car garage be a convenience or a necessity? Before you start your search, list all the features of a home you would like. Qualify them as ‘must-haves’, ‘should-haves’, or ‘absolute-wish list’ items. This will help with what to focus on that’s most important.
 
3. Research and Choose the Neighborhood Where You Want to Live
Every neighborhood has its own unique charm. Before you commit to a home based solely on the house, explore the area. Make sure it meets your needs for “amenities, commute, etc. and then spend a weekend exploring before you commit.” Also, an experienced real estate professional can share the “lay of the land” to a particular area, and may introduce you to a location you never would have considered before.
 
4. Pick a House Style You Love and Stick to It
Evaluate your family’s needs and settle on a style of home that will best serve those needs. Just because you’ve narrowed your search to a zip code doesn’t mean you need to tour every listing in that vicinity.
 
5. Find a Real Estate Pro to Help Navigate the Process
You started the preliminary process of the home search. Now is the time to contact a professional to help you move the process along. The home process is a complex transaction and although the internet and real estate apps can help you “find the home of your dreams”, an experienced real estate agent will help guide you through the arduous process.
 
6. Document Your Home Visits
Once you find a real estate professional and start touring homes, the features of each individual home will start to blur together. Keep your camera handy and make notes on the listing sheet to document what you love and don’t love about each property you visit.
 
Cathy Vick and our ERA Justin Realty agents are experienced in the local market and are here to answer any questions you may have regarding the home buying process. In a high-paced, competitive environment, any advantage you can give yourself will help you on your path to buying your dream home.
 
To contact any one of our Real Estate Professionals for your home buying or selling needs, stop by either of our two Rutherford offices at 118 Jackson Avenue or 57 Park Avenue or by calling 201.939.7500. 
Harvard ClubJennifer Darby MetzgerNew York's Harvard Club October 23, 2019

FLASHBACK: JENNIFER DARBY METZGER SPOKE AT NEW YORK’S HARVARD CLUB

 

FLASHBACK: 

JENNIFER DARBY METZGER SPOKE AT 

NEW YORK’S HARVARD CLUB


The most powerful and successful real estate leaders, from franchise brands and independent real estate firms across the nation, were welcomed to the Harvard Club in New York in 2018 by RIS Media.

Ron Darby, ERA Justin Realty Broker-Owner said, “Those leaders, including Jennifer Darby Metzger, came together last year for this event to exchange ideas and strategies to better meet the needs of today’s sophisticated, technology-savvy consumer. Jennifer was chosen as a guest speaker specifically by a select group of brokers, owners, brand executives, and real estate service leaders.”

“It was an honor to be invited to speak amongst some of the most knowledgeable leaders in real estate”, Darby Metzger said. As Jennifer spoke, she shared some of her strategies for effectively reaching, connecting and servicing today’s technologically-driven consumer.

It is this philosophy that has helped ERA Justin Realty to be recognized by its parent company, ERA Real Estate. ERA Justin Realty was named as a finalist for the Gene Francis Memorial Award. This award recognizes those companies that reflected the qualities most respected throughout the global ERA system and the real estate industry. Known for both his forward-thinking business acumen as well as his philanthropic spirit, Gene Francis established a defining culture of service to which all ERA companies aspire. Factored into the award selection are: high customer satisfaction ratings, strong brand engagement and use of ERA resources, and sales and company growth.

See why ERA Justin continues as a leader in customer satisfaction. The ERA Justin Realty team can be reached at either of the two Rutherford offices at 118 Jackson Avenue and 57 Park Avenue. By office phone (201) 939-7500, (201) 438-0588 or (201) 438-SOLD.

1st 3 quarters winners2019 leadership circleERA Justin AchieversERA Justin Realty October 10, 2019

ERA Justin Realty Leadership Circle 2019


ERA Justin Realty Leadership Circle 2019
 
The Year-to-Date ERA Justin Realty Leadership Circle achievers for 2019 include (from
front to back): Julia Dagistanli, Sophia Vazac, Fara Espandi, Lee Schilare, Cathy Vick,
Carol D. Calamari, and Kristen Davis (not pictured).


Each one of these skilled real estate agents are knowledgeable on a variety of topics and
can help the sale or purchase of your home go smoothly.


The home buying/selling process is a complex transaction and although the internet and
real estate apps can help you “find the home of your dreams”, an experienced real estate
agent, like our Leadership Circle achievers, will help guide you through the arduous
process.


Our agents know the local market, have a vast network of other real estate professionals
to reach out to (including mortgage lenders, home inspectors, attorneys, title companies,
movers, etc.), and have tremendous negotiation skills. Even a straightforward sale can go
awry unless both parties keep to deadlines and stay ahead of potential problems. Our real
estate agents can correct issues with the contract, make sure inspections and repairs are
completed on time, and keep both parties on schedule to make the closing. Those are only
a few areas where having a professional Realtor can be of extreme value. The
experienced skills of our team are invaluable to the success and experience of the
transaction.


Our agents and their brokers, Ron Darby and Jennifer Darby Metzger are always advising
homeowners on topics that aid them in making sound real estate decisions regarding their
homes. “There is a difference in real estate companies and our agents take pride in their
work,” stated Darby.


With close to 100 units sold to date between these leadership circle winners, it is easy to
see that these sales professionals are hyper-focused and ready to serve the needs of their
sellers and buyers.


To contact any of our ERA Justin Realty agents for your home buying or selling needs,
stop by either of our two Rutherford offices at 118 Jackson Avenue or 57 Park Avenue or
by calling (201) 939-7500 or visiting www.ERAJustin.com.