Over the past few years, potential homebuyers have faced a significant challenge: a limited number of homes for sale nationwide. However, according to new data from Realtor.com, those days may be over. Inventory is up now three years in a row.

“We are not back to pre-pandemic 2020 levels,” says Rosemarie Zembryski, Sales Associate at ERA Justin Realty, “But so far in 2024, there have been nearly twice as many homes for sale than there were in early 2022.”

Does This Mean Finding a Home is Easier? 

The simple answer is both yes and no, and it depends upon where you want to live. According to Realtor.com, in February 2024 there were 15% more homes for sale in the U.S. than there were in February 2023. “This uptick could shake up the housing market, particularly here in New Jersey, especially if we keep seeing more and more ‘For Sale’ signs,” says Jennifer Darby Metzger, Broker/Owner at ERA Justin, “This increased inventory is great, but nationwide there is still a shortage and competition remains high.” 

“It’s important to be informed and realistic about the real estate market,” adds Zembryski, “The housing deficit accumulated over the pandemic years. It won’t disappear overnight. But this upward trend is certainly a step in the right direction.”

What Does This Mean for Potential Buyers?

While you may have more homes to choose from than in previous years, don’t expect an abundance of choices. Real estate is inherently local, and an experienced agent can offer invaluable insights into the specific inventory situation in your desired location. This is why it’s so important to partner with a trusted local agent. “We have relationships with other real estate agents across New Jersey and in other states,” says Metzger, “This helps us keep tabs on new inventory and hop on houses for our clients as soon as they hit the market.”

Bottom Line

If you’re contemplating buying a home in the current market, it’s essential to stay informed and prepared. Rosemarie Zembryski or any of the knowledgeable agents at ERA Justin can help you find the home of your dreams, no matter the number of homes on the market. Give us a call at (201) 939-7500.

When it comes to staging your house to sell, less is more. 

“You want fewer everything,” says Michelle Korosy, Sales Associate at ERA Justin Realty, “Fewer family photos on the piano, fewer throw blankets in the living room, fewer coffee mugs in the kitchen cabinet.” 

One way to achieve this is by decluttering. “By clearing out all of the unnecessary items in your home,” says Jennifer Darby Metzger, Broker/Owner of ERA Justin Realty, “you’re clearing the way for buyers to imagine themselves at home.” Here are some of Jennifer and Michelle’s top reasons why you should declutter and remove extraneous furniture before your first open house.

Maximize Space

Too much furniture can make even the most spacious homes feel cramped. By removing unnecessary items, you can showcase the true potential of your space. This allows potential buyers to visualize their own belongings in the home and appreciate its size and functionality. 

Sense of Order

A cluttered home can give the impression of poor maintenance and neglect, which can deter potential buyers. On the other hand, a clean and organized space conveys a sense of care and attention to detail. When buyers walk into a clutter-free home, they feel a sense of calm. Decluttering helps eliminate distractions and allows the focus to be on the property’s overall appeal.

Enhance Visual Appeal 

In today’s digital age, most buyers begin their search online. A clutter-free space appears more photogenic, with better lighting and a clearer view of each room. Captivating visuals can generate more interest in your property.

Streamline the Moving Process

By decluttering before listing your property, you’ll have fewer items to pack and transport, saving time, money, and energy. It can also help you prioritize what is truly necessary, making it easier to move.

Bottom Line

Remember, less is more when it comes to real estate. So, roll up your sleeves, start sorting, and enjoy how a clutter-free home increases your chances of a successful sale. Need help getting started? Michelle Korosy or any of the experienced agents at ERA Justin can help. Call (201) 939-7500.

Spring has sprung! There are signs of it everywhere. Flowers are popping up alongside “For Sale” signs planted on front lawns across America. 

“As the weather warms up, the real estate market heats up too,” says Mary Iannaccone, Sales Associate at ERA Justin Realty, “Spring is the busiest home buying time of the year.”

If you’re getting ready to list your home for sale, it’s important to make sure your house is in tip top shape. Here are some tips on how to get your house market-ready fast.

Declutter & Organize

“Buyers need to be able to visualize themselves living in your house,” says Jennifer Darby Metzger, Broker/Owner of ERA Justin Realty, “That’s hard to do when the house is filled to the brim with your stuff. So your first step should be to declutter and organize.” Start by going room by room, packing up all your family photos and throwing out or giving away things you don’t need. You want to create a sense of space and openness. Plus, less clutter makes rooms look bigger and easier to stage and decorate.

Deep Clean

“Next you want to give your kitchen and all bathrooms a thorough scrubbing,” says Iannaccone. Pay attention to details like grout lines, and re-caulk if yours is cracking. Sparkling clean kitchens and baths make a great first impression on buyers. 

Maintain Your Yard

“Curb appeal is extremely important as many buyers will do a drive-by before making an appointment to see the inside of your home,” says Metzger, “So keep your lawn mowed, bushes trimmed and weeds pulled. A well maintained yard shows buyers your home has been cared for and loved.” Professional landscaping can also help homes sell faster and for more money.

Find an Agent

“A skilled listing agent is your partner when selling your home,” says Iannaccone, “We are there to guide you every step of the way from pricing to closing.” An experienced agent will make sure your home is professionally photographed and looking its best when it hits the market. If you’re looking to put your home on the market this spring,  Mary Iannaccone or any of the agents at ERA Justin can help. Give us a call at (201) 939-7500.

It’s the time home buyers and sellers alike have been waiting for… spring!

It’s time to fling open the doors and usher in the busiest time of the year for real estate.   

Here is what to expect.

Increased Activity

“Spring brings a surge in real estate activity for a few reasons,” says Laura McCarthy, Sales Associate at ERA Justin Realty, “Longer, warmer days literally mean more hours in the day to show homes in the best light – natural light! Sellers who have been waiting for winter to pass are now ready to list and buyers are ready to look.” 

More Inventory

As more sellers enter the market during spring, inventory levels rise. “This gives buyers a wider selection of homes to choose from, making it more likely they’re find the perfect match,” says Jennifer Darby Metzger, Broker/Owner of ERA Justin Realty, “However, it’s worth noting that while inventory grows, well-priced and desirable properties can still sell quickly.”

Higher Demand

Spring is a popular time for families to look for a new home because it’s easier to move kids during summer break from school. “Putting an offer in on a new home in spring gives families enough time to close and move before the start of the new school year,” says McCarthy. Increased demand can mean competition for buyers and potentially multiple offers and quicker sales for sellers.

Price Appreciation

The combination of increased demand and limited supply during the spring months often leads to price appreciation. Sellers may benefit from higher sale prices as buyers compete for desirable properties. 

Mortgage Rates

“While prices are increasing, mortgage rates are continuing to slowly but surely go down,” says Metzger, “This helps buyers offset their monthly payments and make it possible to afford a higher priced home.” 

Bottom Line

The spring real estate market brings both higher demand and a greater inventory of homes for sale. It’s crucial for both buyers and sellers to stay informed about local market conditions and work with professional real estate agents who can guide them through the process. ERA Justin can help. Give us a call at (201) 939-7500.

“Your house doesn’t have to be in pristine condition in order to sell it,” says ERA Justin Broker/Owner Jennifer Darby Metzger, “We can help you clean it out or explore other options.”

Metzger has personal experience dealing with top-to-bottom clean-outs, having done it for someone close who passed away leaving behind three homes that were stuffed to the rafters with paperwork, clothing, and even brand new items still in their bags along with original receipts. 

“We will never say ‘This house is too messy. We can’t list it,’” says Metzger. “We’ve seen it all.”

Shows like Hoarders are bringing awareness to this psychological condition that affects two to five percent of the American population, but hoarding is nothing new. According to the National Association of Realtors, the first recognized hoarders were brothers Homer and Langley Collyer who died in Harlem in 1947. They left behind a mansion filled with 120 tons of junk, including Model T car parts and 14 grand pianos.

While cases like that are extreme, the thought of decluttering or packing up can feel overwhelming to a homeowner especially if they’ve been in their homes for decades. “These items are sentimental to them,” says Metzger.

“Something that looks like trash to you may be very important to the seller emotionally or financially,” says Metzger. “We treat these clients with compassion and understanding as we help them shed what is no longer needed in order to  move on to the next phase of their lives.”

Extreme cleaning professionals, and psychologists alike, suggest renting a storage space for sellers who are not quite ready to part with particular items. If they’re in a hurry to sell, a storage space buys them time to revisit their belongings and decide what to keep, what to donate, what to give away to relatives and what to trash.

Formulating a plan around the clutter is critical in the selling process, “Whether it’s referrals for clean outs, estate sales or selling your home “as-is” with the contents, we have done it before and are here to help!”

If you’re ready to sell your longtime home but don’t know where to begin paring down a lifetime of accumulation, an experienced ERA Justin real estate professional can help. Give us a call at 201-939-7500.

ERA Justin Realty Co is delighted to unveil its Q1 2024 Leaders, showcasing top performance and dedication during the first quarter of the year. The distinguished leaders include Fara Espandi, Julia Dagistanli, Lee Schilare, Alexa Micciulli, Cathy Vick, and Rosemarie Zembryski.

Reflecting on the dynamic market landscape, Jennifer Darby Metzger, Broker/Owner of ERA Justin Realty Company, noted, “The market landscape has undergone shifts since this time last year. These agents have displayed remarkable adaptability, consistently navigating the evolving real estate terrain and delivering outstanding results for their clients.”

The ERA Justin Leaders Award commends agents who consistently surpass their own goals, their clients’ objectives, and the company’s benchmarks on a monthly basis.

“At ERA Justin Realty, our primary objective is to offer unparalleled service to our clients. These agents exemplify continuous learning and market knowledge ensuring their clients achieve optimal outcomes,” Darby Metzger stated. “Whether securing a competitive offer for a client’s dream home or maximizing the sale value of their current property, these agents excel across the spectrum, evident in their impressive sale records.”

ERA Justin stands as a pinnacle in Southern Bergen County residential real estate, boasting a team of seasoned professionals dedicated to providing the best experience and outcomes for buyers and sellers. ERA Justin offers unparalleled expertise and support.

To connect with ERA Justin’s pros, call us 201-939-7500 or visit their convenient Rutherford locations at 46 Chestnut Street or 57 Park Avenue. To see our current listings, visit www.erajustin.com.

If you’re thinking about listing your house for sale, apparently April is the best time of year to do it. A recent study from Realtor.com shows the third week of April is particularly fruitful for homeowners wishing to sell. 

“According to the study, homeowners who list around the third week of April see lots of interest in their homes from buyers, and quick sales with the fewest reductions in the sale price,” says Kristen Davis, Sales Associate at ERA Justin Realty.

“Spring is always a good time to sell no matter the week or month,” adds Jennifer Darby Metzger, Broker/Owner of ERA Justin, “But April may be a sweet spot for buyers for several reasons, especially if they have school aged kids and want to move during summer break.”

If you’ve been putting your plans to sell on hold and waiting for the perfect time, here are more reasons why now is a great time to start the process. 

Lower Competition

“Other sellers may be waiting until the weather gets a little warmer to list,” says Davis, “Or maybe they haven’t yet tackled their spring spruce up list yet. If your  house is in good shape, listing now can give you a leg up on the competition.”

“And even if it’s not,” adds Metzger, “We have lists of local, trusted repair services and contractors who can prep your house for sale. Lean on the pros. We can help prioritize your to-do list and figure out a feasible target listing date. ” 

Quick Fixes

You won’t have time for major renovations, so focus on small fixes when looking to list quickly. Many repairs are easy, but have a big impact when selling! “Many buyers want to do major renovations to their own taste, so focus on fixing little things that could deter potential buyers,” says Davis, “Fix that loose tile in the kitchen. Tighten hinges on doors. Get that stain out of the carpet that’s been bugging you. Little things can go a long way.” 

Bottom Line

Even if you’re not ready to list this month, that’s okay! Spring is peak homebuying season and it’s still a seller’s market. Give Kristen Davis or any of the knowledgeable agents at ERA Justin a call at (201) 939-7500 to get the ball rolling. 

ERA Justin Realty is delighted to announce that our exceptional community of agents is growing with the addition of new Sales Associate Soila Columbie. 

Soila has worked in real estate for the past 20 years, but her interest in residential homes started back in high school as a student at nearby Harrison High. “My friends and I used to drive around looking at all the beautiful homes in this area. They are dream homes,” says Soila, “And now it’s my job to actually go inside them, admire the architecture and decor and help homebuyers acquire them.”

Soila grew up in New Jersey but spent a few years living in the Caribbean before deciding to come back home and raise her kids. 

She now lives in North Arlington with her two sons, 18-year-old Evan who is a Senior at North Arlington High and 30-year-old Pedro who is actively searching for his first home. “It is a pleasure to be able to use my real estate skills and guide my own son through the process of being a first time homeowner,” says Soila.

In addition to her home life, Soila also enjoys traveling abroad. She has been to more than a dozen countries including all over Europe, Japan, Singapore and Korea. “My experience in foreign countries has exposed me to many different cultures and people, many of whom choose to move to the melting pot that is New Jersey.” Soila says this helps her identify with clients from all over the world who are making their homes here.

Plus, Soila is bi-lingual. She can speak, read and write in both Spanish and English which helps immensely when clients need complicated real estate paperwork translated.

Soila loves how every day is different in real estate. She loves the challenge of selling homes and the thrill she feels when she matches clients to the unique home of their dreams. “Nothing makes me happier than seeing the joy in my client’s faces as they receive the key to their new home for the first time,” says Soila.

Soila’s clients come back to her again and again as their needs and wants in a house change. “The idea of your dream home evolves as people’s lifestyles change and grow through the different stages of their lives,” says Soila who is getting ready to downsize to a one-story ranch house herself, as her youngest son approaches graduation from high school.

If you are looking for an agent who can help you find happiness and stability in a home for years to come, Soila or any of the agents at ERA Justin Realty can help. Give us a call at (201) 939-7500.

Upgrading your home’s interior is a great investment, both financially and emotionally according to a new report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR).

“The NAR worked with the National Association of the Remodeling Industry to rank various projects according to what gives you the biggest bang for your buck,” says Lee Schilare, Sales Associate at ERA Justin Realty, “It turns out certain interior projects are not just money makers, they make you happy too.”

The NAR and NARI took a look at the typical costs of the most popular remodeling and replacement projects and ranked them by cost recovery and how much joy the renovations give the homeowner. They call it “The Joy Scale.”

“Turns out there are many interior projects that rank 10 out of 10 on the Joy Scale,” says Jennifer Darby Metzger, Broker/Owner of ERA Justin Realty. They are:

• Painting the whole interior or just one room
• Adding a new home office
• Refinishing hardwood floors
• New wood floors
• Closet renovation
• Insulation upgrade
• Attic conversion

“Some of these, like painting, are things you can do yourself,” says Schilare, “That’s notable because all of these projects also help increase how much your home is worth when you sell.”

According to NAR and NARI, some interior projects pay for themselves… and some. The highest cost recovery percentage according to the report is refinishing hardwood floors which will earn you a whopping 147% return on your investment. “Original hardwood floors are highly sought after,” says Schilare, “Paying for professional sanding, staining, and polishing is worth it.”

Adding new wood flooring is also a worthy investment. It will earn you 118%, according to the report, and upgrading insulation in your walls may not be much to look at, but it will pay you back penny for penny at 100%. 

Whether you’re looking to sell or seeking a diamond in the rough awaiting your personal touch, Lee Schilare or any of the experienced agents at ERA Justin Realty can help. Give us a call at (201) 939-7500.

Whether it’s your first house or your fifth, buying a home is a major financial decision. 

“You want to make sure you’re prepared before you start the process,” says Joana Iliescu, Sales Associate at ERA Justin Realty. Here are a few things to consider to make the transaction as smooth as possible. 

Your Budget. How much can you afford to spend on a home? This will depend on your income, your debts, and your savings. It’s important to be realistic about your budget and not overextend yourself

Your Credit Score. Your credit score will be a major factor in determining your mortgage interest rate. “The higher your credit score, the lower your interest rate will be,” says Jennifer Darby Metzger, Broker/Owner of ERA Justin, “So make sure you pay your credit card bills on time. It all factors in.”

Your Down Payment. A down payment is the amount of money you put down on a home when you buy it. “The standard down payment is 20%, but you may be able to get a mortgage with a lower down payment if you have good credit or are a veteran,” says Iliescu. “Your real estate agent can help identify down payment programs and whether you qualify.”

Your Loan Type. There are two main types of mortgages: conventional and FHA loans. Conventional loans are typically offered by banks and other lenders, while FHA loans are offered by the Federal Housing Administration. FHA loans have lower down payment requirements than conventional loans, but they also have higher interest rates.

Your Closing Costs. “Closing costs are the fees you pay when you buy a home. They include things like the appraisal, title insurance, and attorney fees,” says Metzger. “It’s important to factor closing costs into your budget and whether they be rolled into your mortgage.”

Your Home Inspection. A home inspection is a thorough examination of a home’s condition. Have your potential house checked top to bottom by a professional home inspector before you buy so you can be aware of any potential problems.

Your Mortgage Pre-Approval. “Getting a mortgage pre-approval letter is a good way to show sellers you’re serious about buying a home,” says Iliescu. “It also gives you an idea of how much you can afford to spend.”

If you’re ready to buy in 2024, an experienced real estate agent will find a home, negotiate a good price, and close the deal. Joana Iliescu or any of the agents at ERA Justin Realty can help. Give us a call at (201) 939-7500.