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.

There’s been a buzz lately about a so-called “Silver Tsunami.” 

The term suggests that a massive wave of baby boomers are getting ready to transition to smaller homes, flooding the market with larger homes for sale.  While this is great news for nationwide inventory and decreasing home prices, economists say don’t hold your breath.

“Demographic trends don’t ‘tsunami’”, says Mark Fleming, Chief Economist at First American, “They trickle.” The baby boomer generation spans over nearly two decades, which means any demographic shifts in real estate will unfold over an extended period. 

Nevertheless, the market is heating up ahead of the hot real estate season: spring!

“We may not be completely saturated, but more and more houses are being listed,” says Julia Dagistanli, “Expectations for the upcoming spring market are high for both buyers and sellers.” Pent-up demand from those who postponed buying in the winter months will benefit those who postponed listing until spring.

For buyers: mortgage rates are continuing to decrease making homeownership more affordable and accessible – and making buying this spring more enticing. Lower interest rates means buyers can spend more money on a house.

For sellers:  limited inventory will drive up both demand and prices for available homes on the market, making it more likely you’ll get top dollar for your property.

“Silver Tsunami or not,” says Jennifer Darby Metzger, Broker/Owner of ERA Justin Realty, “The spring real estate market is poised to be hot. Both buyers and sellers alike should get ready to act fast.”

“Buyers can get a head start by finding a trustworthy mortgage broker and obtaining a pre-approval letter stating the maximum amount they can pay for a home,” says Dagistanli, “Sellers can get a head start on spring cleaning ahead of open house season.”

No matter your stage of life, Julia Dagistanli or any of the agents at ERA Justin Realty can help you reach your real estate goals. Give us a call at (201) 939-7500 or stop by our office at 46 Chestnut Street in Rutherford.

Selling a property with multiple units can be a unique challenge, especially if it’s your first time. “It’s not just a real estate transaction,” says Jennifer Darby Metzger, Broker/Owner of ERA Justin Realty, “It’s a business transaction.”

There are things owners of multi-family units, especially ones with apartments that are currently rented with long term leases in place, should know before putting their property on the market.

Danielle Sette and Jessica Davidson of Team Sette/Davidson at ERA Justin have a few tips.

The more on top of your property you are, the easier it will sell. “Proactive landlords who update and renovate in between tenants have a higher return on their investment,” says Danielle, “Not only do they get more money through monthly rentals, but some buyers want a turnkey property,” adds Jessica, “They get instant income at market value the day they close.”

However, some buyers would prefer the units are unoccupied, especially if their rent hasn’t increased in some time.

“Having long term tenants at below current market rents can be an issue when selling an occupied multi-family home,” says Jessica. Agents suggest sellers take a hard look at their rental incomes when deciding when to sell and how to price their property. “Keeping current market rent is imperative to the pricing structure when dealing with multi-family homes,” says Danielle.

However, upping rents right before listing might not be the best idea. “In some cases, your renters will need to be available for showings,” says Jessica, “Showings can be difficult when tenants do not cooperate.”

“It’s also important to keep up to date on state inspections and registering rents annually with your town,” says Danielle. “This makes getting a Certificate of Occupancy easier when selling, and the process of passing the property on to new owners more smooth.”

Bottom Line: Selling a multi-unit property comes with its own set of challenges. Team Sette/Davidson or any of the agents at ERA Justin Realty can help. Call us at (201) 939-7500.

Yes, we all have smartphones these days and they take pretty darn good pictures. Horizontal. Vertical. Portrait mode. 3-D! If you’re in the process of selling your home, you may be wondering whether it’s worthwhile to invest in professional photography, when your smart phone seemingly does it all.

“When it comes to selling your home,” says Elizabeth Osipova, a member of ERA Justin’s marketing team and one of northern New Jersey’s top 7 real estate photographers according to Giggster.com, “If a picture is worth a thousand words, then professional photography could be worth thousands of dollars.”

Here’s why Elizabeth says hiring a photographer is smarter than using a smartphone:

1.     Creating a Positive First Impression  

“As a seller, you only have one opportunity to make a favorable first impression of your property. That first impression is often formed through the listing’s images. This can lead to more showings and potentially more people showing up at your open house.”

       2.    Attracting Potential Buyers

“High-quality, eye-catching images capture the interest of potential buyers, making your property stand out amongst comparable homes. Professional photographers have access to tools like a wide-angle lens that helps effectively portray the size of your house.” 

3.     Highlighting Key Features

“Professional photos showcase your property in the best possible light, conveying its uniqueness, aesthetics, and ambiance. Whether it’s the stunning view, stylish interior design, spacious rooms, and amenities like a pool or three car garage, these are all selling points that need to look their best.” 

4.     Build Trust and Credibility

“When potential buyers see well-composed, well-lit, and appealing photos, they are more likely to trust that your property is accurately represented. This can increase their interest in taking the time to visit your home and potentially start the process of buying it.” 

Jennifer Darby Metzger, Broker/Owner of ERA Justin Realty agrees professional photography is worth every penny. “Homes that are photographed professionally not only sell more quickly, they sell at a higher price than those without professional photos,” says Metzger, “Some real estate agencies may try to cut corners by cutting out pro photos, but not ERA Justin.”

If you’re getting ready to list your house for sale, we are ready to make it look its best. Give us a call at 201-935-7500.

It’s a great time to sell a house in New Jersey.

Home prices across the state went up significantly in 2023, and are continuing that trend so far in 2024.

“According to the New Jersey Real Estate Network, New Jersey earned the 4th highest percentage increase across the country last year,” says Ilene Harpuder, Sales Associate at ERA Justin Realty.

NorthJersey.com reports the New Jersey Real Estate Network ranked states after analyzing data from Zillow on sales across the country from January 2023 to December 2023. The analysis shows New Jersey’s home prices went up 7.43% over those 12 months. In comparison, the average price increase for single family homes nationwide was 3.5%.

New Jersey comes in behind New Hampshire at #3, Maine is #2 and Connecticut is in the top spot with the highest percentage increase in home prices.

“The analysis shows prices went up the most in these states for a host of reasons,” says Jennifer Darby Metzger, Broker/Owner of ERA Justin Realty, “Some of those reasons include job growth and more people wanting to move to the area. Many New York City dwellers moved to the suburbs in New Jersey or north to New England in recent years. Supply and demand always drives prices up.”

On the opposite end of the sales spectrum, the states showing the biggest decreases in real estate prices are Louisiana, Idaho, Texas, North Dakota and Nevada.

“Any decrease in price is unusual,” says Harpuder, “In the past 5 years homes across the country have seen a more than 50% increase in appreciation. The biggest jumps were during the pandemic years.”

“Last year New Jersey also had the second highest home price increase in the nation by dollar amount,” says Metzger. “The average home price is now more than $495,000 dollars. That’s more than $34,000 up over 2022.”

This is great news for sellers. But there is good news for buyers too. Mortgage prices are dipping below 7% again, which helps buyers afford the monthly payments on rising sale prices.

If you’re getting ready to sell and want to see how much your home is now worth, Ilene Harpuder or any of the knowledgeable agents at ERA Justin Realty can help. Give us a call at (201) 939-7500 or pop in at 46 Chestnut Street in Rutherford.

Mortgage Rates rose to nearly 8% in 2023. That’s the highest they’ve been in 20 years.  “We saw both high home prices and higher mortgage rates in 2023,” says Fara Espandi, Sales Associate at ERA Justin Realty, “That was a double whammy that really affected affordability. But the good news is those days are over. Mortgage rates are finally in the 6% range again.”

“The pandemic was too high, 2023 was too cold,” Odeta Kushi, Deputy Chief Economist at First American Financial Corporation recently told the Washington Post, “2024 won’t be just right, but it will be heading in a normalizing direction.”

So what can homebuyers expect? Economists expect mortgage rates to continue to decline in 2024, but the drop will be modest and gradual. They’re expected to settle between 6 and 7% by the end of the year.

 “Don’t expect to see the super low rates we saw during the pandemic,” says Jennifer Darby Metzger, Broker/Owner of ERA Justin Realty, “Those rates were abnormal. What we are seeing now with 6 to 7%  is a correction. It’s not less than 3%, but it’s also not more than the 16% your parents and grandparents might have paid in the 70s and 80s. It’s actually in the middle to low end.”

Why is the mortgage interest rate so important when shopping for a home? “It factors into your monthly payment,” says Espandi, “The less you spend paying back your loan with interest, the more you can spend on the house itself.”

At the end of 2023, the average interest rate on a 30-year fixed mortgage was 6.61% according to The Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, also known as Freddie Mac. It peaked in October 2023 at 7.79%.  “If inflation starts leveling off and stays that way, the Federal Reserve could start cutting interest rates again in the middle of 2024,” says Metzger, “The Fed doesn’t control mortgage rates directly, but lenders usually follow suit and cut their own rates.”

If you’re looking for a realistic assessment about how much home you can afford to buy this year, Fara Espandi or any of the knowledgeable agents at ERA Justin Realty can help. Give us a call at (201) 939-7500.