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Leadership Circle Top Producer honors for listing and sales volume went to Fara Espandi Hamzeh and Glenn Elliot while Leadership Circle Top Producing listing and sales income honors went to Ilene Harpuder, Cathy Vick and Jennifer Darby, not pictured.
 ERA Justin Realty Leadership Circle Award achievers for 2007 were recently congratulated by Carol Darby Broker Co-owner. Pictured L to R standing, John Boguszewski, Ilene Harpuder, Fara Espandi Hamzeh, Peggy Mc Laughlin, Glenn Elliot, Carol Calamari, Terry Mertens, Grace Tirrito and Carol Darby. L to R seated, Rosemarie Zembryski, Cathy Vick and Haleh Hamzeh. Not pictured is Kristen Davis.
ERA Justin Realty Leadership Circle Winners Bring Success To Sellers
Flowers will shortly bloom, buds will be on the trees and ERA Justin Realty Leadership Circle achievers will bring satisfaction to hundreds of buyers and sellers in 2008. This is the time when families focus on real estate sales, but the first question sellers ask is, “How do I price my house?”
Ask these ERA Justin Realty Leadership Circle Performance achievers and the answer you will hear over and over again is "realistically.” Ask and they will provide a complimentary Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) and you will have the detailed answers to your real estate questions. The Leadership Circle achievers who were cited for their performance to their buyers and sellers include John Boguszewski, Ilene Harpuder, Fara Espandi Hamzeh, Peggy McLaughlin, Glenn Elliot, Carol Calamari, Terry Mertens, Grace Tirrito, Rosemarie Zembryski, Cathy Vick, Haleh Hamzeh and Kristen Davis. Carol Darby, Broker Co-owner, recently awarded the honors.
Additionally, Leadership Circle Top Producer honors for listing and sales volume went to Fara Espandi Hamzeh and Glenn Elliot while Leadership Circle Top Producer honors for listing and sales income went to Jennifer Darby, Ilene Harpuder and Cathy Vick.
Carol Darby said, “Although varied real estate markets have been adversely affected throughout the country, ERA Justin Realty buyers and sellers were minimally affected. In fact, due to the strong efforts of our ERA Justin Realty Leadership Circle winners, 2007 finished as one of our banner years. We now are poised to achieve and exceed expectations for our 2008 buyers and sellers. We offer for your review our publication Real Estate Results In Writing, our report of over 700 testimonials from our very satisfied buyers and sellers. We are proud of this accomplishment and plan to share it with hundreds of buyers and sellers this year.
If you are considering the sale of a home and want to know the facts of the 2008 real estate market, including current pricing, you should contact one of the Leadership Circle achievers at our firm and request a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) and no cost or obligation to determine its fair market value as well as the market forecast.
In conducting a CMA, our ERA Justin Realty Leadership Circle achievers have access to a wide array of information, such as databases containing recent listing and selling prices of similar homes in the neighborhood. The resulting analysis can help a homeowner understand the current market and will provide a realistic figure of the home's fair market value. If a home is then put on the market, we can use the CMA results to help the homeowner establish a selling marketing program. The CMA information is very helpful in determining the true value of a 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 homes in the area have sold.”
Ron Darby, Broker Co-owner added, “Truly, there is a difference in real estate companies, and our focus to detail 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.”
Ilene Harpuder a full-time sales professional with ERA Justin Realty has been a market leader for nearly two decades and a consistent award achiever. She has been honored by the corportate offices of ERA as well as the National Association of Realtors for her Lifetime Achievement Award in the Circle Of Excellence for more than ten years of accomplishments. She shares tips for first-time home buyers wanting to purchase a home in the spring 2008 market.
ERA Justin Realty’s Ilene Harpuder First Home Tips
ERA Justin Realty, a leading realty firm serving the communities of Bergen, Passaic, Essex and Hudson counties has sold thousands of homes to first time homebuyers since their opening in 1950. Seeing shifts in the industry from seller’s markets to buyer’s markets as well as varied shifts in mortgage interest rates, their buyers have enjoyed both the benefits of home ownership as well as value appreciation over the years.
ERA Justin Realty’s sales professional, Ilene Harpuder stated, “It is approaching spring 2008 and if you are contemplating the purchase of your first home, congratulations! As you probably know, buying a home is one of the biggest financial commitments you can make. It is also a process filled with emotion and a touch of anxiety. To help keep you sleeping soundly, here are answers to three big questions that concern many potential first-time homeowners.
Question #1: How do I decide what to look for in a home? It’s easier than you think. Sit yourself down and list what’s important to you in a home. The purchase of every home involves making tradeoffs, so be sure to prioritize your list. One element is architectural style. Do you prefer a Colonial, a Cape Cod or a modern look? An important factor to consider is living space. How much room do you need right now and future anticipated needs? Make a list of features that must be a part of your home. Perhaps that Olympic-size pool and tennis court can be put off for another day, but you may absolutely need an eat-in kitchen now. It’s all a matter of your taste and personal style.
Question #2: Where should I begin the search? That old real estate adage about “location, location, location” aside, choosing where to live is usually determined by your personal circumstances and desires. Do you have a particular community, or even a particular block, in mind? What is it about the location of your new home that is most important to you? Do you prefer an urban, suburban or rural setting? Consider proximity to work, schools, shopping, entertainment and houses of worship. Once you've narrowed your list of potential candidates, the Internet can be an excellent tool for learning what a particular community has to offer. An overwhelming percentage of buyers begin their search on the Internet.
Question #3: How can I find financing that makes sense for me? The modifying real estate market has made more homes affordable today with major seller price reductions and incentives. Interest rates are lower than we’ve seen in decades. Innovative financing plans are available to fit a broad range of needs. For those buyers who have been waiting and watching, outstanding buying opportunities are in place for those wanting to achieve their dreams in 2008.
Once you’ve narrowed your search, talk to one of our ERA Justin Realty real estate home professionals who serve the communities you’d like to call home. ERA Justin Realty sales agents are trained to guide you through your purchase every step of the way. Our Website www.ERAJustin.com brings up-to-date listings directly to you, and we can suggest many mortgage lenders who offer loan programs expressly designed to meet the needs of qualified first-time homebuyers.
Although the path to finding your first home may have twists and turns, once you have the answers to the big questions the search can be fulfilling, and even fun! ERA Justin Realty can guide you from the beginning to the closing. Ask to see our publication Real Estate Results In Writing containing over 700 testimonials from our very satisfied buyers and sellers who have made us their Realtor of Choice.”
Carol Calamari of ERA Justin Realty who has educational outreach with the National Trust for Historic Preservation has received a special commendation from the Rutherford Historic Committee for restoration of her own residence. She is a career sales professional with ERA Justin Realty with an Emmy-winning television production background.
ERA Justin Realty’s Carol Calamari Commended For
Excellence in Historic Home Preservation
Most of us appreciate the aesthetic value of historic homes and have even been known to fall in love with them from time to time.
Carol Calamari of ERA Justin Realty Co. has partnered with the National Trust for Historic Preservation to increase her educational outreach centering on the preservation of historic properties. Having 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 rowhouses to modest Queen Anne cottages and cozy bungalows.
Her strong desire for historic home preservation has even more meaning now. The Rutherford Historic Committee for excellence in preservation recently commended three homes representing style of architecture stretching over 50 years. Using strict guidelines, their original selection of twelve homes was narrowed to three, including the Calamari home. The selection committee was comprised of the Rutherford Building Official, Borough Historian and Board of Adjustment Vice-Chairman who visited each home before making their final determinations. The Calamari home is a one-floor style of the 1920’s. She restored the exterior to its original look and feel of that era.
Carol said, “I was pleasantly surprised and honored to receive the commendation. I had purchased the home from a relative of either the first or second family to live there, but the past history of the home is relatively sparse. To be selected from a group of twelve homes with historic character is wonderful and gives me great personal satisfaction.”
In her real estate career with ERA Justin Realty, Carol is a qualified real estate professional who can help guide you with your real estate needs. She has special knowledge through her association with the National Trust for Historic Preservation. She has been certified in recognizing and appreciating the diverse styles of historic homes, and understanding the challenges faced and advantages available to customers wishing to buy and sell such properties.
Karen Kelly a Realtor-Associate with a presence throughout Bergen, Passaic, Essex and Hudson counties in listing and sales of residential real estate has joined the sales team at ERA Justin Realty. She has recently transferred from her prior position with Kurgan-Bergen Realtors and is awaiting the opportunity to serve her Buyers and Sellers at her new office.
Karen Kelly Transfers to ERA Justin Realty as Realtor-Associate
“Karen Kelly known throughout Bergen, Passaic, Essex and Hudson Counties has recently joined ERA Justin Realty as one of our sales professionals. Transferring from her post as a Realtor-Associate from Kurgan-Bergen Realtors, she will continue to serve her Buyers and Sellers in their real estate needs,” stated Ron Darby, Broker Co-owner.
According to Karen, “Buying and selling a home is an enormous endeavor for most people. As a Realtor-Associate I'm here to guide them through each step of the transaction to work toward a smooth and stress-free transaction. To me, servicing customers and clients means more than just showing homes, it’s a process that takes time and careful planning for both the Buyer and Seller. In each transaction I wear many hats, but my priority is being a good listener. I review their needs so I can achieve their expectations. I make myself accessible from 8:00 AM until 9:00 PM daily. This is my vision, my business and my Buyers and Sellers are my priority. I’m here to provide unsurpassed service. Locating the home of their dreams or selling their home for its highest market value is what drives me in my profession. Whether a home, condominium, townhouse, co-op or rental apartment, I view every transaction with utmost professionalism.”
Darby continued, “When you're ready to sell you need a results-oriented agent with experience and strong negotiating skills. In today's real estate market focus brings results. Buyers are very selective and savvy and Sellers need a focused agent to market their homes with great exposure in order to receive the greatest return on their investment. For these reasons Karen is a wonderful choice.”
“As an experienced Realtor-Associate I know that there is a difference in real estate firms. As a professional I wanted to work with ERA Justin Realty, a firm whose focus is on their Buyers and Sellers as well as their Agents. Because I take my job very seriously, I wanted to be associated with a firm is which a leader in their field. Over the years, I've had the opportunity to close transactions with ERA Justin Realty Agents and it was always a pleasure to do so. I admired their professionalism and strong exposure in the marketplace. As a lifelong resident of Rutherford, I wanted to work for a leading real estate firm in our area, and after interviewing with several agencies, ERA Justin Realty was my agency of choice,” concluded Karen.
Karen is a member of both the Lincoln School and Pierrepont School Parent Teacher Associations and is enjoying her 7th year as an active parent at the Rutherford Cooperative Day Nursery School (RCDN). She is also a past member of Meadowlands Moms Club, a volunteer with the Rutherford Little League, Rutherford Junior Football, Rutherford Babe Ruth, and Rutherford Jr. Wrestling Program for the children. She is also a member of the Rutherford Vipers women's softball team and enjoys running, reading, piano, interior design, and spending time with friends & family.
Her degrees include a Bachelor’s Degree from Glassboro State College and Communications with a minor in advertising and public relations. She is also continuing her education as a Graduate Student at Montclair State University.
Karen and her family have resided in Rutherford since 1968. She attended Pierrepont School and Rutherford High School and is married to her husband Paul. They have four children Bryan, Matt, John and Brendan.
ERA Justin Realty proudly received the prestigious ERA 2003-2007 Commitment to Excellence Award for five consecutive years, one of 14 premier ERA real estate firms from 3,000 across the nation for their service to the real estate industry and the communities they serve. For these reasons ERA Justin Realty and Karen Kelly should be your buying and selling Realtor of choice.
Rosemarie Zembryski ERA Justin Realty sales professional shares tips on getting ready for spring house repairs for homeowners throughout the firm's marketing areas within Bergen, Passaic, Essex and Hudson Counties.
ERA JUSTIN REALTY REPORT: GET READY FOR SPRING HOUSE REPAIRS
“Soon we’ll be coming out of hibernation--plants, flowers, lawns, and even your home. Winter plays havoc on houses, and spring should be a time to take a walk around your house to get that spring chore list in order. Here are few additional areas to pay attention to,” according to ERA Justin Realty’s Rosemarie Zembryski.
ROOF VENTILATION
Remember that ice dam on the roof last winter? Remember how hot your attic was when you went up there to check the antenna wire last summer? Proper attic ventilation can help with both those problems, and spring--while it's not too hot or too cold--is an ideal time to take care of any necessary work. Attic ventilation should equal approximately 1 square foot of vent area for every 300 square feet of attic, so first figure out roughly how many square feet your attic is, and then divide by 300. The total vent area should be roughly split between high and low vents, so now divide that number by two. Take some measurements to see if you have an adequate amount of vent area in both the eaves and high on the roof, and add more as needed. Also, check the condition of existing vents to see that the screen is intact, flashings are secure and well sealed, and there are no other problems that need correcting.
SPRINKLERS
Permanent, in-ground sprinklers are great, as long as they're properly adjusted. Run each set of sprinklers through a cycle, and watch how and where the water is hitting. Adjust or replace any sprinklers that are hitting your siding, washing out loose soil areas, spraying over foundation vents, or in any other way wetting areas on and around your house that shouldn't be getting wet.
GRADE
Soil is also susceptible to being washed away or redistributed by heavy winter rains and melting snow. Now is the time to check and see if the grade around the outside of your home has been moved around by winter's fury, which can result in runoff getting into your basement or crawlspace, or running into neighbor's yards where it shouldn't go. Look for areas where soil seems too high or too low in relation to your home, as well as for marks on your siding, foundation, walkways, and other areas that might indicate if soil or water is in a place it shouldn't be. A 4-foot builder's level placed on a long, straight board can help you check grade and slope--redistribute soil so that for every foot horizontally you have at least 1/4 inch of fall away from the house.
CHECK YOUR HOUSE NUMBERS
Can someone find your house easily, especially in the dark? Spring is a great time to check that your house numbers are clearly visible from the street, that they are painted a contrasting color from whatever surface they are mounted on, that they are somehow hit by exterior lighting at night, and that they are not obscured by overgrown foliage.
FENCES AND GATES
Fence posts are especially susceptible to ground water saturation, and will loosen up and tilt if the soil around them gets soaked too deeply. Check fence posts in various areas by wiggling them to see how solidly embedded they are. If any are loose, wait until the surrounding soil has dried out from winter's rains, then excavate around the bottom of the posts and pour additional concrete to stabilize them.
SMOKE DETECTORS
As always when it's time to change the clocks, you want to check your smoke detectors. Replace the batteries, clean the covers, and test the detector's operation before it's too late. If you have gas-fired appliances in the house, including a water heater, now is also a great time to consider adding a carbon monoxide detector, which are inexpensive and easy to install, and are available at most home centers and other retailers of electrical parts and supplies.
Rosemarie concluded, “If you are not personally handy, there are listings under handyman in many of the local newspapers who advertise for jobs big and small. You may want to phone more than one, ask and check their references for work they’ve done for other homeowners before making your hiring decision.”
Karen Hermey known throughout Bergen, Passaic, Essex and Hudson Counties as the past owner of Arlene Sigretto Realty is continuing her impressive real estate career with ERA Justin Realty Co. Her focus is to bring the best buying and selling opportunities to her clients, knowing those opportunities are enhanced in her new position with ERA Justin Realty Co.
Realtor Karen Hermey Joins ERA Justin Realty
For the past 24 years Karen Hermey has been identified with a long relationship with Arlene Sigretto Realty, both as agent and then as owner of the firm.
Her strong business ethics focus on thoughts she recently shared. “Real estate and housing are among the most significant events in a person’s life. I believe my clients deserve a Realtor who is dedicated, sincere, honest and primarily concerned with their needs and their best interests. Through this, bonds have been established beyond pure business and trusting relationships have been created.
2008 is the right time in my career to join ERA Justin Realty. I’ve always enjoyed a wonderful working relationship with the Justin agents and know that their high standards match mine. The firm offers me greater opportunities to serve the needs of my clients through their strong marketing of listings as well as continuing education for their agents. They have proven themselves to thousands of buyers and sellers since opening their doors in 1950. They serve the areas where I live, my family lives and my clients live. They exceed expectations each day.”
Karen offers a very impressive background. She is a Dean’s list graduate of Montclair State University, Trustee and Director of the Wallington Public Library, past Director of the Meadowlands MLS and a past President of the Friends of the Williams Center. Her community involvement includes committee member of the Rutherford Labor Day Street Fair and Chairperson Founder of the Children’s Art and Musical Festival celebration.
Currently a resident of Wallington with her husband Victor, they have raised three children and now enjoy their five grandchildren and expecting the sixth grandchild shortly.
Ron Darby, Broker Co-owner added, “We are proud that Karen has selected our firm to continue her impressive real estate career. Since selling her firm and now joining us, her clients will enjoy continuing opportunities in buying and selling. Throughout the years we have worked closely with Karen. Our management style will enhance her abilities. Karen can be reached at our office or by email at Karen.Hermey@ERA.com.”
“There is a difference in real estate companies. Attending ongoing advanced training, seminars, roundtable discussions with industry leaders and focus groups is what we continually do at our firm. We believe, in order to exceed seller’s expectations of what a real estate agent is about, 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 our sellers will hold us in the highest regard. To prove that, our sellers have put their thoughts in writing. We have on file for the asking, ‘Real Estate Results In Writing’ our report of over 700 testimonials from our very satisfied sellers and buyers,” Darby concluded.
Glenn Elliot of ERA Justin Realty is celebrating the firms 58 years as an area market leader, serving Bergen, Passaic, Essex and Hudson Counties. Always being on the cutting-edge of technology advancement, he offers an Internet broadcast each month for buyers and sellers.
ERA Justin Realty’s Glenn Elliot Offers Internet Broadcast Services
Glenn Elliot a sales professional with ERA Justin Realty who attends continuing real estate training including CRS, GRI, e-PRO receiving certified designations, brings focus to industry trends including the newest broadcast technologies known as Podcasts. Each month the “Elliot Podcast” brings focus to an important industry trend as well as timely tips for buyers and sellers. To listen to a current Podcast, go to www.GlennSellsNJ.com and follow the links to “My Podcast.” Current and future topics may include mortgage interest rates, availability and information on style of area houses, negotiation information and future real estate forecasts.
Glenn stated, “There are purchasers who are intent on buying while relatively low mortgage rates are available, and there are opportunities for sellers who realize that their first step is to think like a buyer, not a seller. In other words, look at their house through a buyer’s eyes. Listings new to the market have stronger appeal as long as they are priced according to the market. It is wise to be priced properly rather than chasing market pricing downward as prices may continue to modify. In future Podcasts, topics may include tips for sellers about marketing their house including virtual video tours, the value of many photos and school information.
Our ERA Justin Realty listing and sales professionals are proactive in providing sellers with comprehensive information when reviewing the sale of their house. We provide a marketing plan with samples of the marketing materials that will be used to promote your home, as well as strong Internet exposure. As reported, nearly 80 percent of today's homebuyers start their home searches on the Internet. Some sellers plan marketing strategies to list at a price that's under market value to generate a possible bidding contest to send the price higher. Be mindful that overpriced listings won't sell. Your house is in daily competition with many similar houses on the market at any given time.
ERA Justin Realty listing and selling professionals who are active in your area will be able to advise you about an effective list price for your home. We offer our Comparative Market Analysis (CMA), a comprehensive study of your house in comparison with others that are on the market, that have sold, that have expired, as well as the 2008 market update. It’s offered at no cost or obligation simply by phoning our office or responding to the CMA offer that you have recently received by mail. Each month I will be broadcasting timely Podcast information to assist in your buying or selling needs.”
ERA Justin Realty proudly received the prestigious ERA Commitment to Excellence Award for five consecutive years, one of 11 premier ERA real estate firms from 3,000 across the nation. For these reasons ERA Justin Realty has been a Realtor of choice to thousands since they opened their offices in 1950.
The ERA Justin Realty sales professionals can be reached at either of their two Rutherford offices at 118 Jackson Avenue and 57 Park Avenue, by office phone (201) 939-7500, (201) 438-0588 or (201) 438-SOLD. Also view 1000’s of homes at their website at www.ERAJustin.com
Ron Darby, ERA Justin Realty Broker Co-owner and staff of listing and selling agents are poised to assist buyers and sellers as the 2008 real estate market continues to gain momentum. The firm which offers advanced real estate marketing programs reported that 2007 ended as one of their banner years in strong listings, sales and referrals for those relocating to other parts of the country.
ERA Justin Realty Report: Buying Your House in 2008
Ron Darby, ERA Justin Realty Broker Co-owner has his staff of career sales agents poised for a strong 2008 buying and selling season. Sharing and reporting the newly released information from Inman News, an industry leader in real estate trends, Darby said, “The following will give insight into the process of buying and selling in this new real estate industry. All parts of the buying and selling process are in place at ERA Justin Realty and we stand ready to exceed expectations. In fact, we proudly offer our extensive publication, Real Estate Results In Writing, offering over 700 testimonials from our very satisfied clients and customers.”
“Mortgage interest rates dropped recently and home prices have moderated in many areas, making it a good time to buy. If you've never bought a home before or if you currently own a home but have never bought and sold at the same time, the process can seem intimidating.
You can ease your anxiety by formulating a game plan and by assembling the best team of professionals you can find, including a mortgage person; a real estate agent or two if you're buying and selling in different locations; inspectors; an insurance agent; a closing agent or escrow officer; and an attorney, depending on where you're buying.
The two key players on your team are the mortgage person and the real estate agent. Once you have these selected, they can help you line up the additional help you need. The best recommendations for real estate professionals are from acquaintances who recently had a good experience buying in your area. Be sure to ask if they would use their agent or mortgage person again.
The first step is to find out how much you can afford. Most buyers need a mortgage in order to complete a home purchase. A lender will qualify you for a certain loan amount depending on how much cash you have available for a down payment and closing costs -- the various fees associated with buying or selling a home.
Other relevant factors are your credit score, your verifiable income and what type mortgage you decide to use for your purchase. There are a lot of different mortgage options: 30-year fixed-rate mortgages, 15-year fixed, interest-only, as well as various types of adjustable-rate mortgages.
You can work with a mortgage broker who will shop the mortgage market for you and place your loan package with the lender that offers the best deal. Or, you can work directly with a lender, such as Bank. Just make sure that you understand what kind of loan is being offered. You might want to consult with an independent party like your accountant or financial advisor to determine which kind of financing is best for you. Once you know how much you can afford, ask your mortgage broker or lender to have you preapproved for the financing you need. This requires that you complete a loan application and have your credit checked. This will put you in a good bargaining position with the seller.
While you're checking on financing, you should also find a real estate agent. If you've never bought a home before, you should use an agent who is a good communicator and who will take the time to explain the process. Also, keep in mind that your agent will be interfacing with the other parties in the transaction. You want someone you trust and who you are sure will represent you professionally and work diligent on your behalf. Repeat home buyers who will be selling and buying using the same agent will also want to make sure that the agent has good marketing skills. It's a benefit if the agent is organized and has good resources.
A good seller's agent can help you get ready to sell your home by creating a task list of the things that need to be done before your home goes on the market. Your listing agent should be able to give you the names of reputable people who can assist you with cleaning, painting, hauling, storing, inspections, staging, landscaping and whatever else you need to prepare your home for a profitable sale.”
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