ERA Justin Realtyreal lifeReality TVTV mythsTV real estate shows August 21, 2019

TV SHOW Myths vs. REAL LIFE

TV SHOW MYTHS vs REAL LIFE 

“Have you ever been flipping through the channels, only to find yourself glued to the couch in an HGTV binge session? We’ve all been there, watching entire seasons of shows like “Property Brothers,” “Fixer Upper,” and “Love It or List It,” all in one sitting,” said Rufina “Maggie” Rodriguez/ERA Justin Realtor agent. When you’re in the middle of your real estate-themed TV show marathon, you might start to think everything you see on the screen must be how it works in real life. However, not necessarily correct.

Myth #1: Buyers look at 3 homes and decide to purchase one of them.

Truth: There may be buyers who fall in love and buy the first home they see, but according to the National Association of Realtors, the average homebuyer tours more as a part of their search.

Myth #2: The houses the buyers are touring are still for sale.

Truth: Everything is staged for TV. Many of the homes shown are already sold and are off the market.

Myth #3: The buyers haven’t made a purchase decision yet.

Truth: Since there is no way to show the entire buying process in a 30-minute show, TV producers often choose buyers who are further along in the process and have already chosen a home to buy.

Myth #4: If you list your home for sale, it will ALWAYS sell at the open house.

Truth: Of course, this would be great! Open houses are important to guarantee the most exposure to buyers in your area, but they are only one piece of the overall marketing of your home. Keep in mind, many homes are sold during regular showing appointments as well.

Myth #5: Homeowners decide to sell their homes after a 5-minute conversation.

Truth: Similar to the buyers portrayed on the shows, many of the sellers have already spent hours deliberating the decision to list their homes and move on with their lives and goals.

Bottom Line: Having an experienced professional while navigating the real estate market is the best way to guarantee you can make the home of your dreams a true reality. 

All of the ERA Justin Realty full-service Realtor agents can be reached at either of their two Rutherford offices at 118 Jackson Avenue and 57 Park Avenue. By office phone (201) 939-7500, (201) 438-0588 or (201) 438-SOLD. Also, view 1000s of homes at their websites at www.ERAJustin.com and www.ERAJustinRealty.com.

 

down paymentERA Justin Realtyhome buying tipsLauren Waddell August 9, 2019

How Much Do You Know About Down Payments?

How Much Do You Know About Down Payments?

ERA Justin Realty’s Lauren Waddell offers, “Whether you’ve owned a home before, or you’re ready to jump into homeownership for the first time, there are always a lot of questions swirling around about what is truly required for a down payment, and how to best source down payment assistance. Let’s tackle these two today.”

1. How much do you really need for a down payment?

There is a long-standing misconception about down payment requirements. A survey from Fannie Mae shows only 17% of consumers know the minimum options are actually between 1 – 5% of the purchase price and 40% don’t know how much they need at all.”

She continued, “There are many mortgage loans available that require as little as 3% down for first-time buyers, and some ask for only 3.5% down from repeat buyers. There are even loans available for Veterans that provide 0% down payment options too.

We’ve mentioned recently that you don’t need to come up with a 20% down payment to buy, and we’ve also shared how quickly you can save for a 3% or 10% down payment, depending on where you live. If you’re planning to put down just 3%, the research shows it may be possible in most states to have enough saved for a down payment in less than a year. That puts homeownership in a much closer reach for many potential buyers, maybe even you!

2. How can I get help with my down payment?

Regardless of the loans available, many buyers still need assistance with a down payment. The great news is, there are a lot of ways to tap into down payment assistance options. Here are just a couple of them:

Assistance from Family Members

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) said, “a third of recent first-time buyers received down payment assistance from family members.” They also mentioned, “the average net worth of those aged 75 and over stands at $264,800…They just might offer the boost the next generation needs to become homeowners.”

That means one of the ways to find help with a down payment is to accept a gift from a family member. If this is an option for you, make sure you talk to your loan officer before you accept the money, to ensure you document the process the way it is required by your loan. This way, it will be received properly and you can still potentially qualify.

Down Payment Assistance Programs

The reality is, not everyone has a loved one or a family member who can provide help with a down payment. There are, however, more than 2500 down payment assistance programs available (by local areas like city, county, or neighborhood), and some of them are even specifically for first-time buyers. The gap, as mentioned in the same survey, is “only 23% of consumers are familiar with low down payment programs.”

That’s why it is so important to get familiar with these options by doing your homework before you plan to buy a home. Determine what is available in the area where you ultimately want to live, so you have all the details you need to take advantage of the down payment assistance option that is best for your family.

If buying a home is one of your long-term goals, you may be able to get there sooner than you think by tapping into one of the many down payment assistance programs available.

The ERA Justin Realty full-service Realtor agents can be reached at either of their two Rutherford offices at 118 Jackson Avenue and 57 Park Avenue. By office phone (201) 939-7500, (201) 438-0588 or (201) 438-SOLD. Also, view 1000s of homes at their websites at www.ERAJustin.com and www.ERAJustinRealty.com.

Buy a home in 2019buying a homeERA Justin RealtyHome buying steps July 22, 2019

10 Steps For Buying a Home This Summer

10 Steps For Buying a Home This Summer

 
If you are thinking of buying a home, you may not know where to start. Here is a simple list of 10 steps that you will go through to purchase a home. Make sure to ask your agent for details about each step. ERA Justin Realty has been a New Jersey market leader since opening its doors in 1950. 
  1. Save your down payment.  (It may be as low as 3.5%)
  2. Know your credit score. 
  3. Work with an accomplished real estate agent. 
  4. Get pre-approved.  
  5. Go home shopping.  
  6. Make a proper offer. 
  7. Have your home inspection. 
  8. Have your mortgage appraisal. 
  9. Close the sale. 
  10. Congratulations, you are a home owner and can Move In.
Our ERA Justin Realty group of Realtor Broker Owners, agents, management staff and administration team are available to serve your needs daily. The 10 steps and more is what we do each day for our buyers and sellers and how we accomplish successes for you.
 
Further, we are the #1 Brokerage in closed Rutherford listings and sales for the last 18 consecutive years with over 1,000 reviews and testimonials from our buyers and sellers.
 
Questions and want more information on our real estate market leaders and real estate topics, consumers can reach the ERA Justin Realty team at either of their two Rutherford offices at 118 Jackson Avenue or 57 Park Avenue. By phone at (201) 939-7500, (201) 438-0588 or (201) 438-SOLD. Additional real estate information is also available at the firms 1000’s of homes websites at www.ERAJustin.com and www.ERAJustinRealty.com.
 
 
  
2019 leadership circleERA Justin AchieversERA Justin Realty July 16, 2019

ERA Justin Realty 1st & 2nd Quarter 2019
 

These ERA Justin Realty Leadership Circle achievers, whose additional certifications include Historical Home Specialists, Senior Residential Specialists, and consistent Leadership Circle Achievers are New Jersey Five Star Home Professionals.

For the first and second quarters of 2019, Kristen Davis, Sophia Vazac, Carol D. Calamari, Lee Schilare, and Fara Espandi (pictured from left to right: Julia Dagistanli – not pictured) know the secrets to real estate success.  It is easy to see that these sales professionals are focused on exceeding the needs of their sellers and buyers. They would like to be your Realtor. 

They are also knowledgeable on a variety of topics.  Throughout the years, they’ve been featured in, Moving And How It Affects Children, How Renters Can Become Buyers, Dollar For Dollar Return On Renovations, Empty Nesters And Returning Children, Avoiding The Money Pit, as well as other timely articles for buyers and sellers.

Although showing and selling real estate is a 365-day job for these ERA Justin Realty real estate achievers, their responsibilities go beyond what the public sees.  The firm has a vast resource library of important topics to share with the public.  They and their brokers, Ron Darby and Jennifer Darby Metzger are always busy advising homeowners on topics that aid them in making sound real estate decisions regarding their homes. 

“There is a difference in real estate companies,” stated Darby.  “We have on file for the asking, ‘What people are saying’ our report of over 1,000 quotes and testimonials from our sellers and buyers.  No other area real estate firm can offer that. Ask any of these Leadership Circle achievers who will provide a complimentary Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) of your house and you will have the answers to your real estate questions.”

“These ERA Justin Realtor achievers’ are our best-of-the-best for the first and second 2019 quarters. They achieved our ‘Leadership Circle’ status for their efforts above and beyond for their sellers and buyers,” Metzger concluded.

For more information on these real estate market leaders and on real estate topics, consumers can reach them at either of their two Rutherford offices at 118 Jackson Avenue or 57 Park Avenue. By phone at (201) 939-7500, (201) 438-0588 or (201) 438-SOLD.  Additional real estate information is also available at the firms 1000’s of homes websites at www.ERAJustin.com andwww.ERAJustinRealty.com.

energy tipsERA Justin RealtyMike Anderson July 10, 2019

ERA JUSTIN REALTY PROVIDES ENERGY TIPS 2019

Losing money is never a good thing. You want your home to be comfortable, but you certainly don’t want it to cost you more than is necessary. Energy efficiency is both good for the environment and for your bank account. A quick look around your property can help you save when it comes to energy efficiency issues.

Michael Anderson, ERA Justin Realtor agent offers these tips to South Bergenite readers. “Older homes that haven’t been updated can often create energy issues, but they don’t have. Newer homes may suffer less from energy issues, but every home needs to be inspected from time to time. First, look for the obvious problems, such as cracked windows, a storm door that is not closing properly, or even a split in the foundation. Warm (or cool) air can seep through, costing you valuable money. Try holding your hand over door and window frames to see if the air is coming through. On windy days, place a piece of tissue paper next to these openings. If the tissue moves, you’ve got a problem. It may be time to take action. The good news is that you have very little to lose and a lot to gain. Try adding caulk around your door and window frames and along basement walls. There are inexpensive ‘sweepers’ you can place at the bottom of your door to help keep out drafts. Weatherstripping is usually easy to install and is quite effective in sealing up small areas where air leaks through. Be sure to replace any broken panes. A newer and better sealing storm door might also be an option.

In the winter, a rug or ‘draft stopper’ can be placed by the door to block heat from escaping. Let the sunlight work for you by opening drapes when the sun is out and closing them later in the evening. In fact, the fabric is a terrific way to keep a room warm.

Adjusting the thermostat only a few degrees can make a tremendous difference in that energy bill. If it feels a little cooler than you would like in the winter, put on a sweater. As long as everyone in the house is healthy, it shouldn’t make any difference, except to your bank account. In the summer, ceiling fans can circulate the air, making your home feel cooler without costing so much. Even in the winter, you can reverse the blades on the ceiling fan and it will move the warm air around, making the room seem warmer without turning up the thermostat.”

Michael concluded, “All across the nation, the most sought award that can be achieved in business is the ‘J.D. Power & Associates’ award. Only outstanding business entities are honored and receive it. ERA Real Estate was the recipient of ‘Highest Satisfaction for First Time Home Buyers Among Full-Service Real Estate Firms’ Also awarded ‘Highest Satisfaction for First Time Home Sellers.’ For these reasons ERA Justin Realty should be your buying and selling Realtor of choice.”

The ERA Justin Realty full-service Realtor agents can be reached at either of their two Rutherford offices at 118 Jackson Avenue and 57 Park Avenue. By office phone (201) 939-7500, (201) 438-0588 or (201) 438-SOLD. Also, view 1000s of homes at their websites at www.ERAJustin.com and www.ERAJustinRealty.com.

 
ERA Justin RealtyFeed the needMove for hunger July 3, 2019

ERA Justin Realty Continues Collaboration With Move For Hunger For Food Pantries

ERA Justin Realty Continues Collaboration With Move For Hunger For Food Pantries

ERA Real Estate, a global franchising leader and ERA Justin Realty New Jersey, previously announced that they will be a real estate brand working on a national level with Move For Hunger, a non-profit organization that mobilizes the relocation industry to reduce fight hunger. The ERA Justin Management Team: Jennifer Mazone, Michelle Korosy, Glenn Elliot, Jennifer Metzger, Cindy Plessel, Ron Darby, Mazzion Schnackenberg and Nona Orlando, in conjunction with the staff of Realtor agents, enabled the ERA® network of participating brokers and their affiliated agents to tap into Move For Hunger’s network of more than 1,000 relocation companies to collect food and fill food pantries in advance of the holiday seasons and support the ongoing ERA “Feed the Need” campaign.

“Connecting with ERA agents and brokers both complements and advances our mission, so this collaboration was a natural fit,” explained Adam Lowy, founder and executive director of Move For Hunger. “By combining the strength of our network of relocation companies with ERA Real Estate’s network of brokers and agents, we have the ability to get food to those who need it most.”

“Millions of Americans face food insecurity every day and together with Move For Hunger, we can help put food on the tables of families across the country,” said Simon Chen, president and CEO of ERA Real Estate. “We look forward to working with Move For Hunger to provide our passionate brokers and agents the opportunity to hold local food drives during the upcoming holiday season and beyond.”

“ERA brokers and agents have a commitment to service that goes far beyond their residential real estate expertise,” said Stephanie Reyna, national vice president of growth & engagement for ERA Real Estate. “We continue to be inspired by the way they step up and demonstrate leadership in their communities.”

Ron Darby and Jennifer Darby Metzger, ERA Justin Realty Broker Owners participate in many varied charitable organizations. Their firm has been strongly involved since ERA Justin Realty’s beginnings in 1950.

The Feed the Need campaign officially launched with the following brokers and agents: ERA American Real Estate, ERA Neubauer Real Estate, Inc., ERA Davis & Linn, ERA Justin Realty Co., ERA Central Realty, ERA Home Run Real Estate, and ERA Old South Properties, Inc. with more to be announced. For more information call ERA Justin Realty at (201)939-7500.

agentERA Justin Realty agentJennifer ZenquisREALTOR June 27, 2019

 

Jennifer Zenquis is welcomed to ERA Justin Realty

 

 

Upon accepting her Realtor agent position, Jennifer Zenquis brings the utmost attention to the customer service experience. Her background in retail, travel, and photography has helped to craft her knowledge in cultivating a community. She is a true benefit to the firm.

Jennifer said, “I’m eager to grow my career with ERA Justin Realty. It is my belief that people do not want to be sold something. What people really want is for someone to help guide them to make a well-informed decision. As a professional, it is my purpose to share my knowledge and experience. As a friend, it is my intent to express my enthusiasm and commitment. As your trusted Realtor agent, it is my goal to serve you.

Speaking Spanish as my second language I will focus on both first-time and repeat buyers in residential, commercial and investment properties and enjoy hiking, biking, and travel in my free time.”

Continuing her enthusiasm Jennifer stated, “I am looking forward to meeting new buyers and sellers and offering my knowledge and work ethic to accomplish their housing goals.”

Ron Darby, Broker Co-owner added, “We are pleased that Jennifer has selected our firm for growth in her real estate career. A recent resident of Rutherford, we are confident that she will give her full time and energy for the success of her buyers and sellers. She is meticulous, organized and understanding in her approach to our business.

ERA Justin Realty buyers and sellers have put their thoughts about the company into writing and they are on file for review. We have over 1,000 reviews from satisfied sellers and buyers. Jennifer and all of the ERA Justin Realty full-service real estate team can be reached at either of their two Rutherford offices at 118 Jackson Avenue and 57 Park Avenue, by office phone (201) 939-7500, (201) 438-0588 or (201) 438-SOLD. Also, view 1000’s of homes at their websites at www.ERAJustin.com and www.ERAJustinRealty.com.

career opportunityERA Justin Realtyreal estate career June 27, 2019

ERA JUSTIN REALTY OFFERS SUCCESSFUL CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

ERA JUSTIN REALTY OFFERS SUCCESSFUL CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

How many careers exist today that involve helping people achieve their lifelong dream? According to Ron Darby and Jennifer Darby Metzger,  leading real estate owners and brokers in the real estate industry for decades and co-owners of  ERA Justin Realty, “Real estate agents help make dreams come true every day.”
 
Darby and Metzger speak from great experience.  They have hired, trained and guided agents to success hundreds of times. Many ERA Justin Realty agents have been with them for decades, with earnings greater than at most area real estate firms.  Darby continued, “We also give our agents the greatest buyer base potential with stronger advertising than any other real estate firm in South Bergen County.  Full color page advertising of our listings in the South Bergenite to our potential buyers and our agents while giving our sellers more marketing exposure than other firms.  Our ‘Winning Edge Teammate Advantage’ benefit package makes us proud.  Our major market share has made us #1 in Rutherford closed sales transactions for the past 18 years.
 
 Continuing, Metzger said, “All across the nation, the most coveted award that we achieved in business is the ‘J.D. Power & Associates’ award as well as having achieved more than 1,000 wonderful buyer and seller reviews. These are honors above all honors. We are proud to be part of these achievements. Our team of Realtor sales agents exceed expectations.  Continuing to grow, we are offering those who want a successful career in real estate to phone me for a confidential conversation.  Give us a few minutes and we’ll give you a rewarding lifetime career. To learn more, phone me at (201) 939-7500 or view our website at www.ERAJustin.com.”

ERA Justin RealtyLauren Waddellreal estate agentREALTOR June 25, 2019

Lauren Waddell Joins the ERA Justin Realty Team

Lauren Waddell Joins the ERA Justin Realty Team

Very active in area activities and also a Rutherford resident, Lauren Waddell has sat on her children’s PTA boards, coached Rutherford Recreation softball teams for years and served as a Girl Scout Troop Leader.

She also was a member of the Junior Women’s Club in addition to personal designations such as ABR, CRS, GRI, and Realtor. Lauren was born and raised in Rutherford and graduated from Rutherford High School in 1993.

Her family includes her husband Ty Waddell and children Ty Waddell – 13, Vita Waddell – 12 and Troy Waddell – 10, not forgetting Sandy their dog. ERA Justin Realty is widely recognized for their professionalism, skilled staff, and forward industry thinking and the use of cutting-edge technologies aimed for successful transactions to better serve their buyers and sellers. To say you are affiliated with ERA Justin Realty brings strong satisfaction. With their support systems, success follows as we at the firm exceed buyer and seller expectations.”

She added, “ It will be my pleasure to find and make a space, a home for you, an individual expression of ourselves as well as a welcoming sanctuary for our families and food styles.”

ERA is a family run organization that treats their Realtors like they are family. ERA Justin’s Realtors are strongly involved in Rutherford’s community events. I am a long time Rutherford resident who has chosen to raise my family in Rutherford because of the many wonderful things it has to offer including many community events, great schools, and programs such as supporting the arts, theatre for elementary students all through the high school and sports programs as well. I also love the multiple street fairs that we are involved in from Labor Day where people come from all over to visit our town, to the holiday tree lighting ceremony and our parades.

Lauren stated, “ERA Justin Realty is widely recognized for professionalism, skilled staff, and forward industry thinking and the use of cutting-edge technologies aimed for successful transactions to better serve their buyers and sellers.  To say you are affiliated with ERA Justin Realty brings strong satisfaction.  With their support systems, success follows as we at the firm exceed buyer and seller expectations.”

She concluded, “ It will be my pleasure to find and make a space, a home for you, an individual expression of ourselves as well as a welcoming sanctuary for our families.”

Lauren and all of the ERA Justin Realty full-service Realtor agents can be reached at (201) 939-7500, (201) 438-0588 or (201) 438-SOLD. Additional cutting-edge real estate technology and information awaits you at www.ERAJustin.com and www.ERAJustinRealty.com.

agentJonathan deBruyn June 20, 2019

Jonathan deBruyn Joins the ERA Justin Realty Team

Jonathan deBruyn Joins the ERA Justin Realty Team

“In my opinion,” offered Jonathan deBruyn, “Compared to other area Realtors Jennifer Darby Metzger and Ron Darby Broker Owners and their firm ERA Justin Realty build a great rapport and support system for their buyers, sellers, and agents.

I’ve joined their team of successful agents to cater to your real estate needs, whether selecting a rental apartment or buying or selling a house. I meet and network with many people with the possibility of an introduction to your house and its sale. Networking with large groups expands my abilities to assist you in both your sale or purchase. Further, as an introduction, I’m also in contact with many contractors who purchase with cash or large down payments, a plus to future sellers who may list their properties with me.

After obtaining my license, it was inevitable that I would join the ERA Justin team. Their professionalism and motivation to always do better made them a step above the rest. Then to be at events and outings they organize, I realized that every person associated with them is knowledgeable and uplifting.

When starting a new chapter in life, such as renting your first place, buying a new home, selling a house, or even buying that dream vacation home, it should be an enjoyable time. I believe that these times in your life should be full of excitement, and positivity. I’ve personally known the stress of making a large purchase and learned that by helping a customer understand the process from start to finish, they can be more at ease with their decisions. By taking the time to discuss every step and making sure people understand as much as possible, it will make room for a few smiles added into their story. I hope to give people hopeful exciting memories.

As the owner of two successful mechanical contracting companies, I’ve learned many things. I know what it takes to get a job/task done. Deadlines and budgets are nothing new to me, I actually thrive under pressure. Meeting new customers and helping them get what they want, is the best part of my job as a business owner and Realtor. These interactions and lasting friendships are what makes me happy to be in the service industries. Broker Metzger, said, “Jon is well known throughout the communities we serve.”

He is a resident of Lyndhurst NJ for the past 12yrs. Summers, when available are spent in Beach Haven West NJ where he has had a home for 16 yrs. He’s been awarded the Humanitarian Award from the Township of Nutley and was the top of the class at real estate school.

Metzger added, “Our large group of Realtor agents, Jon’s teammates, welcomed him to the firm and are looking forward to working with him and his buyers and sellers as one large team. We foster these relationships at ERA Justin Realty. Every member of our team embodies a commitment to community that is part of our DNA. Under our leadership, the firm not only advances our profession of real estate through our collaborative culture, but we also enhance the lives of the people we serve through our philanthropic efforts.”

Jon concluded “At ERA Justin Realty the words, ‘There is a difference in real estate companies’ is more than a phrase. Our team lives it every day. For these reasons ERA Justin Realty has been selected by thousands of buyers and sellers as their Realtor of choice since 1950 and that is why I have joined their team.”

All of the ERA Justin Realty full-service Realtor agents can be reached at (201) 939-7500, (201) 438-0588 or (201) 438-SOLD. Additional cutting-edge real estate technology also information awaits you at www.ERAJustin.com and www.ERAJustinRealty.com and Jon’s email at Jon@erajustin.com.