ERA Justin Realty is proud to announce that Jennifer Darby Metzger has been named one of RIS Media’s Newsmakers for 2024!

RISMedia, the leader in real estate information, has been providing the industry with news, trends and business development strategies since 1980 through its flagship publication, Real Estate magazine, its leading website, RISMedia.com, its blog, Housecall (blog.rismedia.com), and its renowned networking and educational events.

Every year RISMedia honors the Real Estate Newsmakers who are “making headlines for the right reasons”.  The real estate industry faced challenges heading into 2023 from rising interest rates and persistent inflation to elevated home prices, industry lawsuits and more. Given the extraordinary events throughout the year, there were many who made headlines for the wrong reasons. But there were many, many more who forged through a trying year to accomplish great successes, uplift their companies and communities, push forth needed innovation, and collectively advance the real estate industry forward. RISMedia’s 7th Annual Real Estate Newsmakers represent real estate champions of all kinds, from all walks of the industry. According to RISMedia “during this time when our industry is under siege by an array of forces, it is more important than ever to shine a light on the vast amount of good that continues to occur. The examples set by our 2024 Newsmakers serve as important inspiration and motivation for the year ahead.”

In 2023, Jennifer Darby Metzger, broker/owner of ERA Justin Realty, led her team through a self-analysis of their diversity, equity and inclusion goals and practices. They identified ways to better serve their increasingly diverse New Jersey community. 

“The most rewarding part of my career is working with others in my office to achieve success together…We know how important we are to one another. We share knowledge and experiences with each other, we mentor one another, work to grow every day and to be leaders in our industry,” says Darby Metzger. “One of the reasons we are successful at it is because we incorporate fun in what we do. We enjoy the tremendous opportunities our group brings, and we celebrate each other’s victories as if they are our own. We constantly strive to do better and more for our clients than any others.”

RIS Media will welcome the Newsmakers at their  2024 CEO & Leadership Exchange in September at the Mayflower Hotel in Washington D.C.

Reach out to Jennifer anytime to chat about real estate at ERA Justin Realty (201)939-7500.

ERA Justin Realty, the top residential real estate brokerage in the Rutherford area, is proud to announce its Leaders for the 4th quarter of 2023. 

They are: Fara Espandi, Carol D. Calamari, Alexa Micciulli, Catherine Nimmo, Julia Dagistanli and Lee Schilare.

ERA Justin’s Leaders Award is an internal program that recognizes those agents that consistently meet and exceed their goals, their client’s goals and the company’s goals on a monthly basis.  

“We are extremely proud of these agents,” said Jennifer Darby Metzger, Broker/Owner of ERA Justin Realty. “Not only do they lead the company in sales and volume numbers, but they also set an example with their dedication to customer service and service to our community.”

The company celebrated a number of outstanding achievements in 2023. 

ERA Justin Realty is again the #1 top selling real estate office in Rutherford, for the 23rd year in a row. In 2023, ERA Justin closed more than three times as many sales as any other real estate office in Rutherford.

ERA Justin is also #1 overall in the Southwest Bergen Area which includes Rutherford, East Rutherford, North Arlington, Lyndhurst, Wallington, Carlstadt, Hasbrouck Heights and Wood-Ridge.

Plus, according to the NJMLS, an impressive seven out of the top 10 agents in Rutherford are from ERA Justin, including Fara Espandi, Jessica “Jessi” Davidson, Danielle Sette, Julia Daglistanli, Michelle Korosy, Catherine Nimmo and Rosemarie Zembryski.

Want to work with one of our award-winning team members for your real estate needs?  Call 201.939.7500, or visit us 7 days a week. We are conveniently located at 46 Chestnut Street in Rutherford, NJ.

ERA Justin Realty Co. is proud to congratulate eleven of its agents for being named the New Jersey Association of Realtors (NJAR) 2023 Circle of Excellence Sales Award winners. NJAR recognizes top producing real estate members who have demonstrated excellence in the field of salesmanship.

“We are thrilled to once again celebrate an impressive number of winners from our family of agents,” boasts Jennifer Darby Metzger, Broker/Owner of ERA Justin Realty. “One Gold, Four Silver and six Bronze. We are truly proud, particularly considering the ever changing landscape in real estate the past year.”

“These agents are dedicated to achieving their clients’ goals, whether that be home ownership for the first time, or selling their long-time home to the right buyer,” adds Metzger. ”Their service and dedication are what epitomize our values for over 60 plus years.

This year’s Gold Level Award winner is Alexa Micciulli. Silver Level Award winners are Danielle Sette, Fara Espandi, Jessica “Jessi” Davidson and Julia Dagistanli. The Bronze Level Award winners are Antonella Dininno, Catherine Nimmo, Catharine “Cathy” Vick, Libera “Lee” Schilare, Michelle Korosy and Rosemarie Zembryski.

In 2023, ERA Justin Realty Company’s highly professional and knowledgeable agents sold more than three times more homes in Rutherford than any other company, once again establishing itself as the #1 brokerage in Rutherford home sales for the 23rd  year in a row. ERA Justin Realty Company is also ranked #1 in closed units in the Southwest Bergen area which consists of Carlstadt, East Rutherford, Hasbrouck Heights, Little Ferry, Lyndhurst, Moonachie, North Arlington, Rutherford, South Hackensack, Teterboro, Wallington and Wood-Ridge based on NJMLS statistics for 1/1/2023-12/31/2023. 

“We are thrilled to be able to say we achieved this position in the marketplace once again,” Jennifer says, “It is our absolute honor to serve our community.”

If you would like to work with our award-winning team members for your real estate needs call 201.939.7500. We are conveniently located at  46 Chestnut Street and 57 Park Avenue, in Rutherford, NJ. 

Sales Associate Fara Espandi has been named Top Agent at ERA Justin Realty for the year 2023.

Espandi received the honor by both selling the most units and earning the highest volume in sales in the company this past year.

“I am so honored to be recognized for this,” said Espandi, “I would like to give big thanks to all of my buyers, sellers, landlords, friends and family who supported me and helped me achieve my goals this year.”

Espandi started her career in real estate 26 years ago in 1997. Fara has been a member of NJ Realtor Circle of Excellence since 2000.  She is also a lifetime member of the  New Jersey Association of Realtors’ Distinguished Sales Club.

“Fara is a ‘people person’ and it shows in how she helps her clients obtain their real estate goals and dreams,” said Jennifer Darby Metzger, Broker/Owner of ERA Justin Realty. “It is this commitment to the community that helped her become the top producing agent at ERA Justin Realty in 2023.”

“Realtors don’t just sell homes. We hold your hand and help you mentally move on to the next phase of your life,” says Espandi. “It isn’t just selling real estate, I provide the tools and expertise to make an emotional transaction as easy as I can for my client. In the year ahead, I look forward to serving my clients and helping them through what can be a stressful but exhilarating time in their lives. ”

To see how Fara Espandi can help you with your real estate questions or needs, call us at 201.939.7500 or stop by our main office at  46 Chestnut Street in Rutherford.

It can be hard to put a price tag on your home, especially if it’s where you have celebrated so many of life’s precious milestones. Birthdays. Holidays. Graduations. Bridal Showers. How do you put a price on memories? 

“Well, you don’t,” says Glenn Elliot, Sales Associate at ERA Justin Realty, “Your memories are priceless. Your home isn’t. That’s why it’s best to bring in a knowledgeable but neutral real estate professional to help make sure you don’t price too high – or too low.”

Pricing your home correctly can be the single most important decision when you list your home for sale. “It can mean the difference between getting top dollar quickly,” says Jennifer Darby Metzger, Broker/Owner of ERA Justin Realty, “Or languishing on the market for months, resulting in a lower sale.”

Here are Glenn’s top tips to setting the right price point:

Avoid Overpricing

“Setting a realistic and appropriate price at the outset is crucial,” says Elliot, “Seeing an inflated price could cause potential buyers to overlook your house.”

Also keep in mind online search parameters are often capped at round numbers. “If you have a mental selling price of $399,000, don’t list at $415,000 just to see if you can get it,” says Metzger, “A buyer searching multiple listings with a top budget of $400,000 might not even see yours if it’s higher than that.”

Don’t Underprice 

Some sellers will intentionally undervalue their homes, hoping to cause a bidding war and quicker sale. “It may draw more interest, but underpricing can backfire,” says Elliot, “Some buyers may second guess their quick decision and back out, sending you back to square one.”

Renovation Values

“Sure, an $80,000 new kitchen is appealing to buyers, but that doesn’t mean your home’s price will increase by that exact amount,” says Elliot, “Before you invest in upgrades, analyze your neighborhood’s trends to see if splurging on state-of-the art appliances will increase your resale value, or if buying mid-range will actually get your more bang for your buck.”

Evaluate Comps

One way to assess your local trends is to take a look at recent sales in your area. “Your agent can give you a list of recent comparable home sales that resemble yours in terms of size, location and amenities,” says Metzger, “Together you can use the information to adequately price your home.”

If you’re looking to put your home on the market in 2024, Glenn Elliot or any of the experienced agents at ERA Justin Realty can help. Give us a call at (201) 939-7500. 

Whether you’re thinking about selling, or getting ready to buy, what homes cost now and in the near future comes into play.

“You may have seen some negative news about home prices over the past year,” says Erin Hunkemoeller, Sales Associate at ERA Justin Realty, “But the truth is that while there was a dip during the winter of 2022, prices roared back starting early spring of this year and were back at the heights seen in 2022 by the end of the summer .”

Pulsenomics polled over 100 economists, investment strategists and housing market analysts for its latest Home Price Expectation Survey. It found that most of those polled predict home prices will go up every year between 2% and 3%  through at least the year 2027.

“That’s five years of consistently rising prices,” says Jennifer Darby Metzger, Broker/Owner at ERA Justin Realty, “This means if you want to buy, but are waiting to see if prices will come down, you’re not going to see them lower than what they are today. The time to buy is now.”

Sellers who think they missed the prime time to sell during the pandemic should rethink their expectations. “The bloated over-asking offers we saw during the pandemic was abnormal. Smaller but consistent rises in prices is a return to normalcy in the real estate market,” says Hunkemoeller, “Plus, inventory remains low nationwide. That’s part of what is driving prices up and still leading to bidding wars in some areas.”

Let’s look at the numbers. According to the Pulsenomics panelists, if you own a home that’s worth $400,000 this year, it will be worth more than $471,000 by the year 2028. “That’s consistent growth in equity,” says Metzger, “And added wealth to your household, whether you’re a seller or a first time homeowner.”

If you’re thinking about whether buying a home is a good choice right now, remember it can be a powerful way to build wealth in the long run. Erin Hunkemoeller or any of the agents at ERA Justin can help you find a home and watch your net worth grow. Give us a call at (201) 939-7500.

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.

It’s a familiar scene playing out all across the country every day: Baby Boomers are selling their longtime family homes and downsizing. On the minds of many of them: “Should we buy again? Or should we rent?”

There are pros and cons to both options, and the best choice for each individual will depend on their unique circumstances.

Renting

“It may feel like you’re regressing, but there are actually several advantages to renting after selling a home,” says Cathy Vick, Sales Associate at ERA Justin Realty.” Here is Cathy’s list of PROS for renting in older age:

More Affordable – “Renting can be cheaper than owning, especially if the Baby Boomer is on a fixed income.”

Maintenance – “This is particularly appealing to those who have mowed big yards the past 30 years,” says Vick, “When you rent, ongoing home maintenance like mowing and repairs are the landlord’s responsibility.”

Time is Money – “Minimizing your responsibilities can free up more time and money for the things you love, like certain hobbies like golf or traveling.”

However, there are also some disadvantages to renting. Jennifer Darby Metzger, Broker/Owner of ERA Justin Realty spells out the CONS:

No Equity – “You may be spending less, but you are also earning less. There is no equity in renting. Buying builds equity and generational wealth. Equity is a passive income that you’re earning just by living there. You can pass that money down to your children.”

Rent Risk – “Just because you scored a low rent today, doesn’t mean it will stay that way,” says Metzger, “Landlords are free to raise your monthly rent when your lease is up or sell the property to someone who will charge you more.”

Less Control – “Renters have less control over their living space. Any changes you want to make need to be approved by your landlord.”

Bottom Line

Deciding where to live after selling a long term home depends on an individual’s circumstances. Whether you decide to buy or rent, Cathy Vick or any of the experienced real estate agents at ERA Justin Realty can help you find either a house or an apartment. Give us a call at (201) 939-7500.

Look out Millennials, there are some new kids on the block: Gen Z. 

Millennials, also known as Generation Y, were born between roughly 1984 and 1996. Gen Z starts in the year 1997. And that was 25 years ago already.

Though Millennials have been pushing the average first time homebuyer age well into their 30s, Gen Zers are showing signs of readiness earlier. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR) nearly a third of Gen Z buyers transitioned right from their parents’ home to their own.

“Traditionally people rent an apartment first after flying the nest,” says Catherine Nimmo, Sales Associate at ERA Justin Realty, “Not so for Gen Z. They’re saving up by living rent free at home, then putting it toward their down payment.”

The reason: Gen Z buyers say they want stability and their own family, and that starts with buying a house. According to the NAR, 34% said starting or growing their family was their main motivation for buying a home. 

“That in turn gives them stability,” says Jennifer Darby Metzger, Broker/Owner of ERA Justin Realty, “Buying a home gives them control over their biggest monthly expense: housing. A mortgage is a fixed cost. Rents rise.”

When you have a fixed mortgage rate on your home, you can lock in your set monthly payment for the duration of your loan. That’s usually 15 or 30 years. “Rent prices are at the mercy of your landlord,” adds Metzger.

So where is Gen Z  buying? “The suburbs,” says Nimmo, “Gen Z buyers want to be close to work and nightlife in the city but they also want access to nature. That’s exactly what living in a suburban area provides.”

Locating a home that provides the best of both worlds can be tricky. A knowledgeable real estate professional like Catherine Nimmo or any of the agents at ERA Justin can help. Give us a call at (201) 939-7500 if you’re Gen Z – or a member of any generation eager to buy!

(PS – If you’re wondering what comes after Gen Z, it’s Gen Alpha. Those are kids born between 2010 and now. So they still have some time.)

The real estate market tends to slow down in December, but the buyers who are looking are serious. They’re ready to give themselves the gift of a home for the holidays and that can mean a fast sale. 

This might make the idea of selling your home on your own appealing. However, For-Sale-By-Owner (FSBO) comes with many risks.

“One of the biggest risks is limited exposure,” says Carol D. Calamari, Sales Associate at ERA Justin Realty, “Professional real estate agents have an extensive web of networks, online listing platforms, and marketing resources that make sure your home is seen by a wide audience of potential buyers.”

During the holiday season, many potential buyers are also juggling family activities and events. A professional agent can make sure your property is not overlooked. 

Then, there’s all the fine print. “Selling a house involves legal documentation, contracts and negotiation,” says Jennifer Darby Metzger, Broker/Owner at ERA Justin Realty, “A misstep in paperwork or pricing could lead to legal issues or even financial losses.” 

Pricing can be particularly problematic. “If you price it too high, you could scare away buyers,” says Calamari, “If you price too low you are potentially costing yourself thousands of dollars you could be reinvesting in another property and your future.”

Finally, there are safety concerns related to selling a property on your own. “Welcoming strangers inside your home to look around is always a safety concern,” says Metzger, “Real estate professionals take steps to screen potential buyers before bringing them to your home for a showing.”

Bottom Line: According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR) only about 10% of the homes that sell nationwide per year  are successfully sold by the owner. 

If you’d like to sell your home, but are wary of doing it yourself, trust your instincts. Carol D. Calamari or any of the knowledgeable agents at ERA Justin can help make the selling process a whole lot easier. Give us a call at (201) 939-7500.