Danielle SetteERA Justin RealtyERA Justin Realty agentOwe the fence July 21, 2017

Danielle Sette Offers Market Insights: Rather Than Sitting on the Fence …Why Not Own It?

Danielle Sette Offers Market Insights:
Rather Than Sitting on the Fence …Why Not Own It?
ERA Justin Realty, a leading real estate brokerage since 1950, serving Bergen, Passaic, Essex and Hudson counties, is  experiencing extremely strong real estate market conditions.  In fact, the firm is #1 in closed Rutherford transactions for the past 16 years. Danielle Sette, a Realtor agent with the firm offers the following insights for consumers who are considering buying a home.
Homes are More Affordable – Housing prices  are currently affordable for qualified buyers because many banks, mortgage lenders and credit unions offer expanded and varied mortgage programs. Our firm works with many varied lenders with the anticipation that a mortgage program is available for your purchase.
Rates are Low30-year fixed mortgage interest rates remain near historical lows, but do fluctuate.  Our ERA Justin agents will gladly refer you to several lenders so you can verify a current rate based on your qualifications.
Timing is Everything – For qualified buyers, this is the time to buy. According to historical trends, when mortgage loan limits increase it decreases the availability and affordability of mortgage credit for many home buyers.
Homeownership is the American DreamNearly nine in ten Americans historically have felt that homeownership is an important part of the American Dream, according to a past New York Times/CBS News poll,
Financing is Available Today’s borrower needs to have stable employment and sufficient income to cover the monthly mortgage payment and living expenses; adequate savings with a down payment; and, in general, and good credit. If you meet these basic requirements and plan to live in the home, you may be well on your way. Credit score requirements may be higher or lower depending on loan type, income history, property type and other factors.
“For qualified buyers, now may well be the time to make your move,” said Danielle.  “If a home purchase is in your future plans, I would encourage you to talk to one of our Realtor agents because now may be the time for you to act. There is continuing house inventory on the market for you to capture that dream home you have always wanted at a price and terms you can handle based on a lender’s mortgage pre-approval.  But don’t wait too long, because mortgage rates and home prices won’t stay at this level forever.  Find your perfect home along with a mortgage that meets your needs with the help of our outstanding Realtor agents.”
ERA fundraiserERA Justin RealtyMDA Summer Camp July 21, 2017

ERA Justin Realty Sponsors MDA Summer Camp For Kids 2017

ERA Justin Realty Sponsors MDA Summer Camp For Kids 2017
The Muscular Dystrophy Association in conjunction with ERA Justin Realty began the 2017 MDA Summer Camp for kid’s fundraiser at their past International Business Conference.
Pictured is ERA Justin Realty’s Jennifer Darby Metzger, Gloria Darby, Ron Darby, Carol D. Calamari, Catherine Nimmo, Jennifer Sullivan and Michelle Korosy  who attended the conference and were honored as members of the MDA President’s Club for their outstanding work during current and previous years. They have received original art selections from the MDA kids displayed by Cindy Plessel, Nona Orlando and Mazzion Schnackenberg. At VIP camp day Michelle Korosy, Glenn Elliot, Jennifer Darby Metzger, Lee Schilare, Danny Simone and Ron Darby shared treats for the kids.
Ron and Jennifer representing ERA’s New Jersey campaign joined others nationwide where they reviewed plans to send as many MDA kids to summer camp and shared their future insights and plans.
Each year MDA supports some 90 summer camps across the country. A child with a disability can just be a child among friends. MDA camp is a magical place offering a wide range of activities specially designed for young people who have limited mobility or use wheelchairs. MDA camp programs, although structured, are conducted in a relaxed atmosphere that gives campers an unmatched opportunity to develop lifelong friendships, share interests and build self-confidence. Thousands of youngsters attend MDA camp each year at no cost to their families.
As an MDA sponsor, you will be invited to visit the local MDA camp during our special sponsor VIP Day. You’ll see the joy that your participation in this program creates.
Ron who is also the ERA MDA Chairman for New Jersey for 17 years continued, “Become a sponsor! Help youngsters with neuromuscular diseases in your community, experience a week of fun and friendship they’ll never forget. At MDA camp there’s always a need for volunteer counselors, medical staff, water safety instructors and activity coordinators. Be a volunteer or a sponsor by sending your tax deductible check made payable to MDA and mail it to MDA c/o ERA Justin Realty Co., 118 Jackson Avenue, Rutherford, New Jersey 07070.  If you have questions on this great program for the kids, call me at (201) 939-7500.”
curb appealERA Justin Realtyfirst impressionsIlene Harpuderunclutter July 21, 2017

Seller Competition Requires Attention For A 2017 Showing

 

Seller Competition Requires Attention For A 2017 Showing

 
 “Customers’ first impressions sales will be made or lost before they reach the front door – or as soon as they walk through it,” according to ERA Justin Realty’s Ilene Harpuder.
 
Her menu of  first impression areas that an owner may want to consider includes, “Curb appeal,  the feeling customers get from the upkeep of the house and grounds, and how comfortable this makes them imagining themselves as the owner. You want to do everything you can to make them see your house as their house, both outside and in.  A new paint job is an investment that may more than pay for itself, and neat landscaping, trimmed shrubs, new flowers, puts your prospective buyers in just the right frame of mind. Inside, kitchens and bathrooms should be in sparkling condition.  These rooms are known to be what makes up many home-seekers’ minds. Removal of odors like pet smells and smoke will lessen distractions for customers you want focusing on your home’s possibilities, and clearing of clutter is crucial. You don’t need to spend a fortune to get the work done. Your goal is to have good work done at a reasonable price. It’s wise to get bids from several contractors.
 
The fewer belongings you have crowding your rooms and closets, the bigger the home will appear.  Put some things in storage if you need to or hold a garage sale to help cut down on some of the build-up you were going to clear out for moving anyway.  Personal memorabilia can be removed. Repainting rooms in a neutral white also helps convey the sense of spaciousness.  Clean windows, fresh flowers have big impact. From major improvements to subtle touches that tip the scales in your favor, the features of a house that we often take for granted can be the ones that determine your home greater selling success. According to the National Association of Realtors, curb appeal alone accounts for half of all home sales.”
 
Ilene continued, “A little effort now saves you a lengthy process later. First impressions will expedite the sale, and securing the services of one of our Realtor agents will make it all the surer. We will  guide you in all the above matters, from supplying a checklist of presentation tips to recommending affordable painting contractors. Whatever it takes, we can give you confidence that, for some buyer soon, the showing of your home will be love at first sight.  We will provide a 2017 home market analysis  (CMA) with information in determining the true value of your house and the right asking price. In the end, however, the homeowner should decide on a price that he or she feels is competitive and consistent with the price at which other houses in the area have sold. Our CMA report for our sellers is truly comprehensive in all aspects.  Complete with color photos and detailed information, it makes pricing easier for those planning a sale. Truly, there is a difference in real estate companies, and our details will make the difference. We ask buyers and sellers to compare.  We believe that in order to exceed expectations of what ERA Justin Realty is about, we don’t offer just real estate basics, we try to be as comprehensive as possible.  In that way, we know that our buyers and sellers will hold us all in the highest regard.”

ERA Justin RealtySchool is inSchool is never out July 10, 2017

At ERA Justin Realtors School is Never Out

Ron Darby, ERA Justin broker co-owner said, “As many have noticed, the business of being a Realtor® has become significantly more complex to exceed buyer and seller expectations. Innovation in technology and the knowledge required to apply it effectively to our profession continues to proceed at a dizzying pace. Our clients use technology to communicate with us in ways that few could have imagined just a few short years ago, and they expect us to be every bit as comfortable with using technology as they are. Cell phones have replaced office phones and texting and the Internet offers a global marketing presence to every Realtor at our firm.

The regulatory environment in which we operate has become more complicated as well. Legal protections for consumers, a host of financing options and a myriad of state and local regulations place demands on our attention that we are prepared to meet as we continue to best serve the interests of our clients. Therefore, the knowledge base that each of us must possess grows daily.

I’m not suggesting that sales professionals should feel nostalgia for simpler times. In truth, successful Realtors have always invested considerable effort to achieve success. If a sales associate’s job simply consisted of putting up a sign, running an ad and waiting for the phone to ring, our profession would have been phased out of existence long ago. It is precisely the considerable knowledge required to help clients reach their real estate goals that instill value in what we do.

Intelligent use of technology has always been a core principle at ERA Justin Realty, particularly when it comes to education. Our innovative use of communications and multimedia technology serves to put each of us in control of what we learn and when we learn it. Realtors don’t have to wait until the end of the semester to find out how they are doing. The results are visible in a client’s happiness when they find a home that meets their needs both financially and emotionally, which lets us know how we are doing every day.”

Ron concluded, “We are proud to offer this, one of a series of informational tips for homeowners. We offer continuing articles as an added measure to make our phrase ‘There is a difference in real estate companies,’ more than just a phrase, but a reality. 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 and Home Sellers Among Full Service Real Estate Firms’ awards. For these reasons ERA Justin Realty should be your buying and selling Realtor of choice.”

agentCliff BoanClifford BoanERA Justin RealtyERA Justin Realty agentRon DarbyRutherford real estate July 8, 2017

Clifford Boan Agent Joins ERA Justin Realty

 

“I believe to achieve success for my buyers and sellers, a hardworking, knowledgeable agent is always needed. I pride myself with everything I do.” stated Realtor agent Clifford Boan who recently joined the team.

“Being part of a real estate firm with strong ethics, technology and continuing education are reasons why I selected ERA Justin Realty as the firm I want to be with. When thinking about becoming involved in the real estate industry, I knew I wanted to work for a brokerage that reflected my values and interests. ERA Justin Realty is focused on the community and has a true family environment”

Jennifer Darby Metzger, ERA Justin Realty broker co-owner stated, “Cliff’s upbeat friendly abilities will provide customer satisfaction. This is of extreme importance at our firm and he demonstrates this each day.”

Cliff introduced himself and said, “It is my desire to make you a happy home-owner. I believe a home is a reflection of whom we are and what we want to be surrounded by. That being said, choosing a place to hang your hat may be the most important decision of your life. All of my ERA Justin sales team, are here to make this great decision as easy as possible. My background includes residing in Harrison and currently Kearny for over twelve years. As a contractor I’ve spent several years in many types of homes across the state. I’ve gained an eye for trouble spots in homes that need remediation or call for new styles of renovation, all helpful for my buyers facing construction issues. My free time has included being a Boy Scout Troop Leader and my love for music as an accomplished guitarist.”

Additional real estate information about Clifford is available at the firms 1000’s of homes websites at www.ERAJustin.com andwww.ERAJustinRealty.com. There is a difference in real estate companies. ERA Justin Realty asks buyers and sellers to compare. Their philosophy includes exceeding expectations of what a Realtor is about. They don’t offer just real estate basics; they are as comprehensive as possible. In that way they know that their buyers and sellers will hold them in the highest regard and received the prestigious ‘Circle of Light Award’, as a premier ERA real estate firm, selected from approximately 31,000 ERA brokers and agents globally.

Attachments area
 
ERA Justin Realtylongtime agentssenior agents June 25, 2017

DECADES OF ERA JUSTIN REALTY SERVICE TO BUYERS AND SELLERS

 
Each year the New Jersey Association of Realtors honors its top producers in sales and listings sold.  Based upon Realtor production, agents throughout New Jersey are awarded for their outstanding efforts, many serving their communities, buyers and sellers for decades at ERA Justin Realty.
 
It is important to recognize remarkable achievements of the best-of-the-best because of the positive impact that these award achievers have on their buyers, their sellers and the communities in which they conduct their daily real estate business. Although ERA Justin Realty has market-leading top-producing agents many who are newer with the firm, this article features those who have been with the firm and licensed for six years to decades, including: Glenn Elliot-1990, Cathy Vick-1983, Peggy McLaughlin-1998, Ilene Harpuder-1993, Grace Tirrito-1998, Fara Espandi-1999, Ron Darby-1967, Jennifer Darby Metzger-1997, Mary Iannaccone-2004, Carol D. Calamari-2001, Kristen Davis-2004, Michelle Korosy-2006, Rosemarie Zembryski-2006.
 
Ron Darby and Jennifer Darby Metzger ERA Justin Realty co-owners offered accolades to their team and stated, “When you examine the structure of real estate transactions, one can appreciate the successes of our veteran and newer career professionals. We are proud of their loyalty and the many years they have been with us. Each day they exceed  buyer and seller expectations.  They truly are Realtors of choice and would love to be your Realtor.”
Carol D. CalamariCertificationERA Justin Realtyhistoric homesNational Trust for Historic Preservationtraining June 11, 2017

ERA Justin’s Carol D. Calamari Reviews National Historic Homes

ERA Justin’s Carol D. Calamari Reviews National Historic Homes

Carol D. Calamari, a Realtor with ERA Justin Realty, partnering with the National Trust for Historic Preservation has been certified for her educational outreach, centering on the preservation and restoration of historic properties.  Having achieved this designation makes her familiar with architecture that spans more than three centuries of history, highlighting both high-style and vernacular buildings ranging from stately Federal mansions and handsome Italianate row houses to modest Queen Anne cottages as well as bungalows.
By the standards of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, any structure at least 50 years old may qualify for historic-landmark status. This is determined by a home or other building’s demonstration of particularly significant architectural features or now-rare styles, or its role in important past activities or events (famous inventions, once-pivotal industries, presidential birthplaces or visits, etc.) Restoring the historic character to a possibly-neglected house can be a costly and time-consuming effort.
But there’s much to be said for the personal satisfaction of remaking a house by your own effort, and restoring an example of America’s past that can help keep us mindful and proud of our heritage. Also, where there are historic homes there are likely to be whole historic neighborhoods, which preserve and offer to the homebuyer just the kind of old-fashioned community qualities that today’s home-seekers are craving and today’s developers are trying to re-create.
If your home is on or considered eligible for local, state or national registers of historic places, various rules will be in effect for building materials, renovations, and uses of the structure which most fit the historical period in which it was built. Although these requirements can be an inconvenience, many states offer tax and other incentives for owning and rehabilitating historic homes found to meet historic-preservation officials’ criteria. And owners of homes on government registers of historic places still have broad latitude in selling, altering and using their property. 

Before buying such a home, you’ll want to check into several factors to determine whether the investment you’re making in history is the right one for you: What laws apply to local historic buildings and districts, how much restoration does the house require, and what contractors are available who are knowledgeable about handling historic homes are a few of the major questions you’ll want answered before making a commitment. 

ERA Justin RealtyJennifer Darby Metzgermonika AptacyRon Darbysalesperson June 3, 2017

Monika Aptacy Joins ERA Justin Realty


Jennifer Darby Metzger, ERA Justin Realty Broker Co-owner welcomed Realtor salesperson Monika Aptacy to their firm.
Upon accepting a position, Monika stated, “I’m eager to grow my career at ERA Justin Realty. People want someone to help guide them to make a well informed decision. As a resident of Rutherford for 15 years with my husband Robert, my focus is to aid families transition from a possible city lifestyle to a more suburban lifestyle in Rutherford and our surrounding communities. 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.”
When asked to express her business ethics and background, she said, “Being born and raised in Poland, then working in the high-end watch and jewelry business being success oriented for over 20 years, I’m focused, driven, consistent and always committed to my  real estate buyers and sellers.  It’s all about exceptional service. I am always looking forward to meeting new buyers and sellers and offering my knowledge to help accomplish their housing goals.
 Working with my ERA Justin agents, I know that their high standards match mine. The firm offers me greater opportunities to serve the needs of  buyers who want to live in our Bergen, Passaic, Hudson and Essex County communities as well as servicing sellers transferring to other areas.  Our agents have proven themselves to thousands of buyers and sellers since opening our doors in 1950. We serve all areas where my clients live. We exceed expectations each day.”
Away from the office, Monika enjoys biking, walking, swimming, travel and loves home staging and renovations.
Ron Darby, Broker Co-owner added, “We are pleased that Monika had selected our firm for her real estate career. We met and served her in her home purchase through us. With her knowledge of us and our teammates, she immediately felt at home with all we do and what keeps us as a Top-100 ERA real estate firm each year.”
 “There is a difference in real estate companies. We know in order to exceed buyer and seller expectations we don’t learn just the basics. We want to learn, know and teach much more than is ever expected of us. In that way we know that they will hold us in the highest regard,” added Monika.
agent career opportunitiesERA Justin RealtyJennifer Darby MetzgerRon DarbyRutherford real estate May 22, 2017

ERA JUSTIN REALTY OFFERS AGENT CAREER OPPORTUNITIES 2017

 
 
Bergen County:  How many careers exist today when management truly works to help their team be successful. According to Ron Darby, a leading real estate manager in the real estate industry for 50 years and co-owner of ERA Justin Realty, “We work with our agents each day to help them achieve their goals, in a constant changing real estate industry. We are this year honored to have many NJAR ‘Circle of Excellence’ award achievers in the Bronze and silver category. To be an achiever, one should be with achievers. We are seeking full time agent achievers to be part of our team.”
 
Jennifer Darby Metzger, broker co-owner also speaks from great experience.  The firm’s management team has hired, trained and guided agents to success hundreds of times. Many agents have been with them for decades, with earnings greater than at many area real estate firms. 
 
She said, “We stress stability, a necessity for success in this world of real estate. We establish a strong buyer base with full color page advertising of our listings in The South Bergenite which brings an abundance of potential buyers to our agents while giving our sellers more marketing exposure than other firms plus national exposure on our varied on-line internet websites all part of our winning edge teammate advantage benefits package. We proudly are considered a real estate leader by thousands of sellers and buyers and offer training programs and a superior level of support, being the #1 agency in closed Rutherford transactions for 16 consecutive years.
 
ERA Justin Realty is consistently honored as a ‘Top-100’ ERA firm worldwide and a recipient of the ERA Commitment to Excellence  award. For these reasons, agents both newly licensed and experienced who join us have the potential to begin strong earnings immediately. Our winning edge teammate advantages package is structured so agents have a sense of pride while receiving strong benefits.
 
We are proud of our agent’s achievements. Our team works each day to meet and exceed buyer and seller expectations. Continuing to grow, we are offering those who want a successful career in real estate to phone for a confidential conversation.  Call Jennifer or Ron at (201) 939-7500.  Give us a few minutes and we’ll give you a rewarding lifetime career.”
 

cost efficient homeenergy efficient homeERA Justin RealtyMichelle KorosyRon Darby May 16, 2017

How To Save More Than Energy: The Cost-Efficient Home

 The energy-efficient home is moving from the horizons of futuristic planners to the agenda of current homeowners. ERA Justin Realty shows their buyers and sellers; there is a difference in real estate companies, a Realtor of choice since 1950.
Michelle Korosy, a Realtor salesperson with the firm, offered, “Summer is a perfect time to explore cost efficient areas before we approach cooler weather. First, you’ll want to figure out what needs fixing. To identify problem areas, contact a qualified professional and get an energy audit of your home. Some upgrades are simple and less expensive. For example, one common problem is insulation. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says that proper ceiling insulation alone can reduce your heating bill by as much as 20 percent. Other energy draining can be solved by replacing old fixtures with more modern and efficient models. Windows, doors and skylights equipped with sealed double panes also reduce heating and cooling costs, and are features for which utility companies may offer rebates. 
The EPA notes that air leakage from gaps in your home’s structure, holes for plumbing and wiring, for instance,  accounts for 25 to 40 percent of the energy a common home uses for heating and cooling. Similar troubles come from inadequately sealed duct joints and otherwise inefficient, older heating and cooling systems.
Even conventional systems such as ventilation can release enough heat from your home to cost a fortune in unnecessary bills. Upgrading these systems can pay for itself, and later pay off as an attractive resale value when possible buyers of your home want to benefit from this form of savings. 
And when you’re ready to go from finding the problem to fixing it, agencies don’t just supply the news, it may provide some solutions, as well. The EPA’s Energy Star rating appears on numerous products, identifying efficient appliances and other home furnishings that enable vast savings. Energy Star central air conditioners may save approximately 20 percent on cooling bills. 
Studies have shown the resale advantages of homes with lower energy costs. Look for such solutions. Your utility bills, Energy Star fact sheets and other documentation can be attractive proof to present to prospective buyers.
In the short term, you can save on some of these improvements even as they help enhance your home’s value. In addition to offering expert advice and home-selling solutions, real estate brands such as ERA Justin Realty, feature the Select Services network of national and local vendors with leading household products.