Everyone keeps saying it’s a seller’s market. So you listed your home for sale. It’s been on the market for weeks, with no bites? Sound like a familiar scenario? You might just need to make a few small changes to see big results.

When it comes to selling a house, homeowners generally want three things: top dollar, a quick closing and the fewest hassles. (There are always some!) While today’s market is generally favorable toward sellers, there are some factors that could keep a house from selling. Here are some things to think about.

Limited Access

“If we can’t show your home, we can’t sell your home,” says Lee Schilare, Sales Associate at ERA Justin Realty, “Access is key.” Are you putting limits on how often agents can show your home? Take a hard look at your schedule and see where you can free things up. 

“Motivated buyers may be traveling in from out of town to see houses, and if yours is not available to them, they won’t buy it,” adds Schilare. “Minimal access equals minimal exposure.”

Curb Appeal

“You always want to make a great first impression,” says Schilare, “And that starts with curb appeal.” How your home looks on the outside could make or break a buyer’s decision to book a showing. Sometimes all it takes is a little more upkeep. Pull the weeds. Keep the lawn mowed. Add a few colorful plants or flowers. A little can go a long way for curb appeal.

Staging

Remember you never get a second chance to make a first impression, and that goes for the inside of your home too. Stage your front hall. Put away all of your coats and shoes. Make that first glimpse of your home clean and inviting. You want buyers to be able to imagine themselves in your home as soon as they walk through the front door. 

Declutter

Don’t let it stop at the front door. If you’re having trouble selling, you may just need to declutter. Buyers have a hard time seeing how great the bones of your house are through mess. So clear away those piles of paper. Pack up all of your family photos. Less is more.

Priced Too High

We know you want top dollar. Everyone does. But is your sale price unrealistic? That could be why your home hasn’t sold yet. 

“It’s tempting to list high in a seller’s market,” says Jennifer Darby Metzger, Broker/Owner at ERA Justin Realty, “But the fact is if it’s overpriced it will sit on the market and if it sits too long that could deter buyers.” 

Bottom Line

There could be several reasons why your home isn’t selling. Fortunately the most common ones are easy fixes. An experienced real estate agent can help you identify your shortcomings and make sure your home is priced to sell. Lee Schilare or any of the agents at ERA Justin Realty can help. Give us a call at 201-939-7500.

Timing can be crucial when it comes to making significant financial decisions. If you’ve been contemplating selling your house, it’s time to take that leap. Here’s why:

It’s a Seller’s Market

The biggest reason to sell your house now is it’s a seller’s market. “Inventory is more than 50% lower than normal nationwide,” says Laura McCarthy, Sales Associate at ERA Justin Realty, “There are more buyers than there are available homes.” This means sellers have the advantage of setting higher prices and receiving multiple offers. You could sell high… fast.

Record-Low Mortgage Rates

Yes, they’re higher than they were. But historically speaking mortgage rates are still quite low. “This is not just good news for buyers, it’s actually good news for sellers, too,” says Jennifer Darby Metzger, Broker/Owner at ERA Justin Realty, “Low interest rates mean buyers can afford to pay more for a house. The higher the price, the more money in your pocket.” By selling now, you have a large pool of qualified buyers who can afford to pay more for your property.

Equity

If you’ve owned your home for a significant period of time, you may have more equity in it than you think. “Equity is how much more money your home is worth now versus how much you paid for it,” says McCarthy, “If you bought your house for $100,000 and it’s now worth $150,000 that $50,000 is your equity.” Selling now will give you the opportunity to cash in on that equity and either reinvest it, or use it in retirement.

What does this mean for you?

“This means the time to act is now,” says Darby Metzger,  “Buyers have fewer choices than they did in normal years, which puts your house in high demand.”

According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR):

• 74% of homes sell within a month of listing
• The average number of days on the market is 18
• Average number of offers on a single house: 3

“When a home goes on the market – and it’s priced right – it sells quickly,” says McCarthy, “We can help you make sure your price is right.”

Bottom Line

Ultimately, the decision to sell is a personal one that depends on factors specific to your circumstances. If you need help deciding if now is the best time for you, Laura McCarthy or any of the knowledgeable agents at ERA Justin Realty can help. Give us a call at 201-939-7500.

ERA Justin Realty Co is proud to announce its 2023 Leaders for the second quarter of the year. The winners are: Jennifer Sullivan, Libera “Lee” Schilare, Julia Dagistanli, Fara Espandi, Danielle Sette, Jessica “Jessi” Davidson, and Rosemarie Zembryski.

 “This market is red hot again. But, that doesn’t mean houses are selling themselves,” said Jennifer Darby Metzger, Broker/Owner of ERA Justin Realty Company. “Competition is fierce and these agents stayed on top of their game to serve their clients.”

The ERA Justin Leaders Program recognizes agents who meet and exceed their goals and the company’s goals on a monthly basis. 

“These agents stand out because even in the face of ongoing low inventory and bidding wars they connect with their clients to make their home purchases or sales more than just a financial transaction,” says Darby Metzger. “They keep in mind that whether it’s buying that new home or downsizing as an empty nester, real estate represents changes in someone’s life. Our agents recognize that and honor that responsibility,” adds Darby Metzger. 

ERA Justin Realty is again the #1 top selling real estate office in Rutherford, for the 22nd year in a row. In 2022, ERA Justin closed more than three times as many sales as any other 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 and has been for more than 7 years.

Want to work with one of 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. Visit erajustin.com to see current listings.

Tips for first-time homebuyers are easy to find. Know your budget… get pre-approved…

But what about first-time sellers? You rarely see tips for that. Here are some things you need to know.

Prepare Emotionally

Buying and selling are very different transactions. Buying a home can bring excitement for a new era. Selling a home can bring sadness for the end of one. You need to be prepared for the emotions you may feel when deciding to move.

Prepare Financially

When buying a home, you want to get the most for your money. When selling, it’s the opposite. You want to maximize your profit potential, without spending too much to get your home ready to sell. Take a hard look at your finances and figure out what you need to make on your house in order to move into a new one.

Price Your Home Accurately

You have to be realistic about what your home is worth. That starts by pricing your home accurately. “You don’t want to create the wrong impression by pricing your house too high then reducing it,” says Kristen Davis, Sales Associate at ERA Justin Realty, “A real estate agent familiar with how much other houses in your neighborhood are selling for can help you make sure yours is priced to sell.”

Stage Your Home

You don’t have to spend a lot to stage your home, but it is necessary to boost its appeal to a wider range of buyers. “You don’t have to buy all new throw pillows,” says Jennifer Darby Metzger, Broker/Owner of ERA Justin Realty, “Sometimes removing extra furniture and taking down family photos and personal mementos is all that’s needed. And you need to pack it all up eventually anyway!” If it looks like no one lives there, you’ve staged it well.

List on the Right Day

“This is one For-Sale-By-Owners rarely get right: listing on the right day,” says Davis. The best day to list your home is determined by a host of factors including your location, the weather, and the current state of your local real estate market. You want your home to stand out  on its very first day on the market. A knowledgeable real estate agent can help you figure out when that first day should be.

Be Flexible

Go with the flow when it comes to showings. The more your home is available to your agent and potential buyers, the faster it will sell. Keep it clean and tidy every day until you’re in contract.

This list is just a sampling of best practices for first-time sellers. For more individualized instructions, Kristen Davis or any of the experienced sellers agents at ERA Justin Realty can help you. Give us a call at 201-939-7500.

Close your eyes. Imagine your dream home. Chances are you’d have to win the lottery to buy what you were just picturing. But how close can you get? For that, we will have to take your dream state and break it down into two lists: your must-haves and nice to haves. So let’s start big, with your Dream State.

Dream State: Okay, go ahead and picture your dream home again, you have to start somewhere! Chef’s Kitchen. Walk-in closets. Second floor laundry. A pool! “If you can find a home that checks off all your boxes that’s in your budget,” says Julia Dagistanli, Sales Associate at ERA Justin Realty, “It’s a clear winner!”

Must-Haves: Okay, so maybe you don’t need a pool. Decide what you can scratch off your list, and what is absolutely non-negotiable. Perhaps it’s that 2nd floor laundry or a certain number of bedrooms. If so, keep those things on your list.

Nice-to-Haves: “Here is where you list the pool,” says Jennifer Darby Metzger, Broker/Owner of ERA Justin Realty, “It would be nice, but it’s not a necessity.” Perhaps neither is that Chef’s Kitchen. But how nice would that be? List all the things that would be a happy surprise in this column.

When it comes to buying a home in the current market, it’s best to be realistic about your personal reasons for moving. Is a pool the main reason you want to move? Probably not. It’s more likely the need for more space or a home office, proximity to loved ones, friends or work that’s motivating you to move.

So take a good, hard look at your list of needs versus wants – and what would be a nice added bonus! A knowledgeable real estate agent will know where you should look to check off the most boxes. Perhaps you can have it all! Julia Dagistanli or any of the Sales Associates at ERA Justin Realty can help. Give us a call at 201-939-7500.

New Jersey has always been seen as a desirable place to live, but right now it is more popular than ever. There are several reasons why.

New Jersey’s real estate market has been experiencing a surge in demand ever since 2021. “For many home buyers, the pandemic caused a shift in priorities in both personal health and work,” says Joana Iliescu, Sales Associate at ERA Justin Real Estate, “Those changes directly affected where they are choosing to live.”

The Work From Home trend that started during the pandemic is a lingering factor in today’s real estate market. Suburban home sales are as strong as ever as more and more people have “hybrid” employment, working a few days from home and commuting to the office for the rest. This puts New Jersey in a particularly popular position due to its proximity to major metropolitan areas like New York City and Philadelphia. 

“People can easily work in the big cities, without having to live in the cities,” notes Jennifer Darby Metzger, Broker/Owner of ERA Justin Real Estate, “Many former city dwellers love Bergen County because it’s close to New York, but still feels like a world away.”

Low mortgage rates helped spike home sale numbers in 2021, but the higher interest rates of today are not slowing down transactions nor bringing down prices. The average single family home price in New Jersey is currently $357,000. That’s up 12.5% since last year. The rise in prices is due to the low number of existing homes on the market, resulting in high demand.

“Another reason for the high demand,” says Iliescu, “are the traditional reasons many people choose to move out of cities and into suburban or rural areas: more space, excellent schools and a lower cost of living. Plus, there are a wide range of activities to take advantage of across the state.”

“Here in New Jersey we have beaches for summer swimming, mountains for winter skiing and Broadway just over the river. What more could you ask for?” asks Iliescu.

If you’re looking to move out of a city – or looking to sell your home to someone who might be – Joana Iliescu or any of the knowledgeable agents at ERA Justin Realty can help. Give us a call at 201-939-7500 or pop into our office at 46 Chestnut Street in Rutherford.

Hate has no home here. It’s a sentiment taken to heart at ERA Justin Realty.

ERA Justin’s team of real estate agents showed this by taking time to learn new ways to best understand and serve the diverse population of Northern New Jersey and beyond. 

A thought-provoking panel discussion was held at Elia Restaurant in East Rutherford. It was led by Tanya Reu-Narvaez, Chief People Officer of Anywhere Real Estate. A Nutley native of Puerto Rican descent, Tanya got right down to business by questioning why some organizations find talking about fostering diversity and inclusion difficult. “They call it a hard conversation,” Tanya said, “Why? We are talking about people.”

In introducing the panel, Tanya welcomed Virginia Caamano, President of the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals. Virginia pointed out how the Latino community currently represents more than 40% of the nation’s first time homebuyers, and it’s growing fast. “It’s expected to reach 70% by the year 2035!” she added.

Virginia relayed how her own parents, Spanish-speaking immigrants, achieved the American dream of homeownership when they bought their home in Lyndhurst. 

While telling the love story – that led to building wealth – she surprised ERA Justin Broker/Owner Jennifer Darby Metzger with a heart-warming fact: “My parents bought that house with the help of an agent from ERA Justin,” Virginia said, “And they called her back 30 years later when it was time to sell.” That agent, Grace Tirrito, is still with the company. Virginia’s parents are now enjoying retirement in a new oceanfront home.

Also on the panel was Asian Real Estate Association of America (AREAA) Vice President Soo Yu, who recounted the racism she often faces at home showings. She told of the time another agent was surprised to find she spoke English then still talked loudly as if she and her clients would not understand otherwise. “I had a choice,” she said. “I could either say ‘EXCUSE ME’? Or realize it’s just ignorance.”

Another segment of the population which is often highly discriminated against in real estate is the LGBTQ+ community. David Siroty from the LGBTQ+ Real Estate Alliance pointed out that even though the percentage of people who identify as LGBTQ is rising steadily, particularly among younger generations, discrimination at home and at work is still affecting their home buying power. UCLA’s Williams Institute reports that the LGBTQ+ homeownership rate is 49.8%, far lower than the overall national average of 64.6%.  

Some tips the panelists offered to help diverse communities achieve their real estate goals included widening their location search parameters and using utility bills to help establish good credit.

But, it is not just buying power that’s affected in these underserved communities. The panel pointed out selling power is too, particularly when there is inequality in appraisals. A home belonging to a white family will often be valued higher than a similar minority-owned home in the same neighborhood. 

The fear of not getting the price they deserve can be assuaged with a single emotion, according to Virginia Caamano: “Trust. They’re looking for trust.”

If you are looking for a real estate agency you can trust – no matter which segment of the population you identify with – ERA Justin Realty will help you buy or sell your home. Pop into our main location at 46 Chestnut Street in Rutherford or call us at 201-935-7500. 

This 4th of July, declare your independence from renting!

“There is nothing like the feeling of freedom you get when you buy your first home,” says Grace Tirrito, Sales Associate at ERA Justin Realty, “Instead of paying your landlord rent, you’re essentially paying yourself.”

Here are 5 reasons why it’s better to own, than rent:

1. It’s an investment

The  average homeowner’s net worth is more than 44 times greater than the average renter’s net worth. Owning a home creates personal wealth. As you pay down your mortgage, your home is also appreciating in value. It gives you a better and safer return than investing in the stock market.

2. Tax Advantages

When you buy a home, you can write-off your property taxes and mortgage interest. “This not only means your housing costs are costing you less on an after-tax basis, but you’ll potentially get a much bigger refund from the IRS,” says Jennifer Darby Metzger, Broker/Owner of ERA Justin Realty, “When you rent, 100% of your monthly rental payment is made with your after-tax dollars and you get nothing back.”

3. Monthly Budget Predictability

When you rent, your landlord decides when your payment will go up, and you usually have no say over it. When  you have a mortgage, you know what your payment will be every month for years to come. Rent rates keep rising.

4. Control Over Improvements

When you own your own home, you can change anything you want, when you want it. No asking the landlord. Plus, any improvements you make increases the value of your home. That money goes into your pocket when you sell. Not your landlord’s. 

5. Sense of Security

“Buying a home gives you a sense of security you just don’t get through renting,” says Tirrito. “You’re not just putting a roof over your head. You’re putting down roots in a community, participating in its upkeep and providing for your family potentially for generations to come.”

If you’re ready to declare your independence from your landlord, an experienced real estate professional can help you achieve your dream of homeownership. Give Grace Tirrito or any of the knowledgeable agents at ERA Justin a call at 201-939-7500.

Our four-legged friends are often some of the most important, and most adorable, members of our family. In order to provide our furry companions a safe place to explore and grow, our team recommends “pet-proofing” your home. Not only does this create a safe environment, but it also protects  your home from any wear-and-tear and allows it to stand the test of time. 

First, we recommend dedicating a specific drawer or cabinet to pet supplies. Before you know it, your pet supplies like treats, leashes, doggie bags, and more can take up a significant amount of space in your home. Having a place to store all of these items helps to declutter your space and creates one go-to spot for all of your needs. . 

Another important factor to consider is your choice of flooring. Instead of opting for the typical hardwood or carpet, we suggest going for a more durable material like luxury vinyl, engineered wood, or tile. “Switching to one of these flooring types protects the floor from deterioration, but doesn’t force homeowners to sacrifice style,” says Ilene Harpuder of ERA Justin Realty. 

If you are interested in having area rugs in your home space, we advise our clients to invest in machine washable, water resistant, and stain resistant rugs. How many times has your pet jumped out of the bath soaking wet or run inside the house with muddy paws? With washable rugs, there is no need to worry. Simply throw the rug in the washing machine and it will come out as good as new! 

While using childproof locks may not be the first thing that comes to your mind when preparing your home for a pet, it is very important to prioritize safety for your animal. Our top tips include locking cabinets and drawers that are within your pet’s reach, closing toilet lids, moving medications and cleaners to a safe location, and taking electric cords out of reach. This way, your animal can roam freely and safely without you having to worry.  

“Taking all of these precautions not only protects your pet, but keeps your home in pristine condition and makes it all that much easier to put it on the market when you are ready to sell,” says Jennifer Darby Metzger, Broker/Owner of ERA Justin Realty. 

If you are interested in beginning the home selling journey, give Ilene Harpuder or any of our agents 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.”

Darby 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 Darby 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 Darby Metzger.

 “Something that looks like trash to you may be very important to the seller emotionally or financially,” says Darby 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.