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'Tis the season for giving. The ERA Justin Realty Kip Center team, including Terry Mertens, Rose Marie Zembryski, John Boguszewski, Kristen Davis, Ilene Harpuder and Carol Calamari joined together to create their Kip Center 2008 High School Musical fundraising wreath.  The Kip Center cited the firm for winning the 'Most Creative In The Business Category' award.  It will be raffled off at the Rutherford Kip Center as part of their holiday fundraiser for area senior citizens.

 ERA JUSTIN REALTY PARTICIPATES IN KIP CENTER HOLIDAY FARE

Rutherford:  It was just spring, but within a wink and a blink a chill is now in the air, the malls are all decked out with holiday displays, shoppers are out and about and it’s also beginning to look a lot like Christmas at Rutherford’s Kip Center, the areas recreation and nutritional citizen center, where area residents enjoy daily activities and lunch programs.

Christmas trees, wreaths, and holiday displays abound with participants who are as busy as holiday elves getting ready for the upcoming Kip Center drawing, when dozens of decorated trees and wreaths are given to winners through their annual holiday drawing. The event helps raise needed donations used to fund the varied activities at the center.

Carol Calamari and Terry Mertens of ERA Justin Realty are the firm’s coordinators for the 2008 charitable event, and have presented their most unique theme wreath, ‘High School Musical’, this year’s hottest Disney movie.  “The thought was to bring much attention to our entry, so moms, dads, and grandparents will up bid our wreath for the family kids. The focus is to bring strong financial benefits to the Kip Center fundraiser. We’re happy to report that our entry has been cited by the Kip Center as ‘Most Creative In The Business Category’, said Calamari and Mertens.” 

Carol said,  “ ‘Tis the season for giving. By helping the Kip Center raise money with ERA Justin Realty’s donation of the ‘High School Musical’ wreath you are helping the community. Please stop by The Kip for a chance to win!  It's a win-win situation locally and you will be helping our area seniors immensely.”

The ERA Justin Realty team of sales professionals offer valuable interest-free assistance information for first-time home buyers.  Not widely known, a beneficial program is in place for those who qualify. Professional assistance is at hand at the firm who will schedule appointments with well versed mortgage lenders offering full details and time limits of the program.

Time is Running out on Interest-Free Assistance for First-Time Home Buyers

Rutherford: ERA Justin Realty professionals note that the Housing and Economic Recovery Act benefits are set to expire soon. Individuals and couples contemplating the purchase of their first home have an opportunity to take advantage of a federal income tax credit that can help put them in the home of their dreams - but time is running out, noted ERA Justin Realty Broker Co-owner Ron Darby on behalf of his entire staff who have the details on this first-time home buying program.

"The Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 created a new, temporary federal income tax credit to provide an incentive for qualified first-time homebuyers," Darby said, "but because of the recent uncertainty in the financial markets, many buyers who would qualify missed this piece of good news. Fortunately, there’s still time for buyers to benefit."

A qualified "first-time" buyer - defined as an individual who has not owned a home during the past three years can receive a federal tax credit of 10 percent of the cost of their principal residence, up to a maximum credit of $7,500. Buyers receive a tax credit (in essence, an interest-free loan) on their personal income tax return in the calendar year following the year of closing on their home.

Unlike a tax deduction, the tax credit lowers a qualified first-time homebuyer’s tax bill, dollar-for-dollar. Tax deductions reduce taxable income, so their value varies with the tax bracket of the individual.

One year after taking the credit, the buyer begins paying the tax credit back in equal installments over the next 15 years. If the home is sold at any point during the 15-year payback period, the balance of the loan is repaid; the balance is forgiven if the home sells at a loss.

"The temporary tax credit provides one more sound reason for first-time buyers to take advantage of today’s attractive interest rates and ample inventory of homes, as well as save on their federal taxes," Darby said. "The benefits are significant.”

Darby cautions that the emphasis is on "temporary." The credit went into effect on April 9, 2008, and to be eligible for the tax credit, a qualified first-time buyer’s principal residence must be purchased before July 1, 2009. Other eligibility requirements must be met to receive the credit, Darby noted, including income limits. Individuals who exceed the limit may be eligible for a partial credit. Buyers should seek advice from a professional tax advisor for specific tax calculations. Additionally ERA Justin Realty will arrange an appointment with a mortgage lender well versed in this program for those interested in exploring this opportunity.

"For anyone contemplating the purchase of a home, there are currently very attractive opportunities out there," Darby said. "And the availability of the temporary federal income tax credit makes this an especially good market for first-time homebuyers who qualify. Our team of professionals will be happy to provide further information to anyone who may be thinking of buying and may be eligible to take advantage of this tax credit, as well as to anyone who may be providing financial assistance to a first-time homebuyer. To be sure they qualify they should contact their attorney or tax preparer. There is a difference in real estate companies. Presenting valuable information, we believe, is another way to exceed buyers and sellers expectations of what ERA Justin Realty is about, as we don’t offer just the basics. In fact, our buyers and sellers have put their thoughts in writing. We have on file for the asking, ‘Real Estate Results In Writing,’ our report of over 720 quotes and testimonials from our very satisfied buyers and sellers.  No other area real estate firm offers that.”

Kathleen Douglas, a licensed New Jersey real estate agent has joined ERA Justin Realty as one of their team of Realtors.  Well versed in accounting, her expertise will aid her in residential real estate sales throughout the firm's marketing areas of Bergen, Passaic and Essex counties.

Lyndhurst Resident Makes ERA Justin Realty Her Realtor Of Choice

Kathleen Douglas, a resident of Lyndhurst and active in community participation including the PTA, American Cancer Society, Disabled American Veterans, the Lyndhurst cheerleaders and football team and the Girl Scouts has joined the ERA Justin Realty office as a Realtor.  Many areas residents recognize her through her community activities.

Broker Ron Darby stated, “We all welcome Kathleen in joining our team of sales professionals.  Through her outreach to area residents she will serve their real estate buying and selling needs.” 

Kathleen added, “I joined the team at ERA Justin Realty because of their success as a leader for more than 50 years.  Through the firm’s strong team, experience and expertise I have the confidence to serve my buyers and sellers with strong products and services and to exceed their expectations.”

“There is a difference in real estate companies,” added Darby. “Attending ongoing advanced training, seminars, roundtable discussions with industry leaders and focus groups is what we continually do at our firm, much more than many other area real estate firms.  We believe that in order to exceed sellers’ expectations of what a real estate agent is about, we don’t have them learn just the basics.  We want them to learn, know and teach much more than is ever expected of them.  In that way, we know that our sellers and buyers will hold us in the highest regard. This is the background that will aid Kathleen in her real estate business.”

Continuing, he said, “We are pleased to have Kathleen join us. She attended an accredited New Jersey licensing school, passed her state examination and will follow our teachings closely, which is based on customer service and listening.  Yes, listening is what we do at our firm.  If one listens to our buyers and sellers needs and requirements and then follows-up with the smallest detail, success for Kathleen will come easily.”

Kathleen resides with her daughter Tiana and their dog Peaches.  She holds a B.S. in accounting and has twenty-five years of corporate accounting experience.  “The ERA Justin team gives back to the communities they serve through their real estate services and their charitable efforts and by keeping the communities informed on important issues.  This is truly a team that is committed and determined and I’m honored to be part of this wonderful firm,” Kathleen concluded.

Ilene Harpuder a Realtor sales professional with ERA Justin Realty has been recognized as a real estate market leader for her buyers and sellers.  Her efforts for many years shows her sterling reputation in real estate sales as she strives to exceed her buyer's and seller's expectations.  Ilene presents the current Dian Hymer report.

 ERA Justin Realty Presents Curb appeal Tips That Pay Off

Dian Hymer is a nationally syndicated real estate columnist and author of "House Hunting, The Take-Along Workbook for Home Buyers" and "Starting Out, The Complete Home Buyer's Guide," Chronicle Books.

"Hymer’s report recently published by national Inman News offered Ms. Hymer’s featured news report,” stated ERA Justin Realty’s sales professional  Ilene Harpuder.  “This comprehensive report brings focus to important items that can make a difference to sellers in this current real estate market,” she continued.

“Imagine going on a job interview looking shabby, or trying to sell your car for a good price when it's dirty and loaded with stuff. In a competitive market, you wouldn't do well.

The same can be said about selling your home. If it looks neglected and in need of work, some buyers won't even take a look. This is particularly the case in today's market where, in many parts of the country, there are far more homeowners anxious to sell than there are buyers interested in buying.

In a business where emotions and pride of ownership play a big role, first impressions can have a lasting effect. Most buyers lack the ability to imagine what a house might look like with a different exterior paint color or a landscaped yard. When there is a lot of inventory on the market, you may have only one chance to catch a buyer's attention. Make sure it's not lost before he or she walks through the front door.

One of the first items on a home seller's agenda should be a critical evaluation of how the home and yard look from the street. It's a good idea to ask your real estate agent to help with this. Sellers often have strong emotional attachments to their homes and have difficulty seeing it objectively.

Your goal is to identify cost-effective changes you can make to your house and yard that will make it more appealing to buyers. This could be as simple as cleaning up the yard, adding colorful plants, mulching, power washing the entry walk, and washing dirt off the exterior of the house.

However, if the paint is peeling, shutters are deteriorating, the fence is leaning and the yard is a mess, you have a bigger project on your hands. You can sell a house in this condition. But, it will appeal to a limited number of buyers who are willing to tackle a fixer-upper in order to get a bargain price.

Your home will appeal to a larger audience and will sell more quickly and for a better price if you put the time and money into improving its curb appeal. Curb appeal refers to how your house appears from the street. Even if you're selling a fixer-upper, it's a good idea to do some cleanup so that buyers can perceive the potential.

Jennifer Darby, ERA Justin Realtor Co-owner reviews real estate buying opportunities and suggests what sellers might do to create a quicker sale.  ERA Justin Realty is a real estate market leader throughout Bergen, Passaic and Essex Counties and is recognized as a "Top 100" ERA firm nationally.

 ERA Justin Reports Creating Buying Opportunities With Recommended Work

It’s autumn 2008 at ERA Justin Realty Co. The phones are ringing, buyers are making housing appointments, mortgage financing is available for qualified buyers, mortgage interest rates are historically low and new contracts are happening for sellers and buyers.

Ron Darby, ERA Justin Realty Broker Co-owner reports, “We all know of the current stock market issues, our governments recently taken steps and how these conditions affect the real estate industry nationally. Many areas across the country have been dramatically affected and some areas less affected.  These conditions are regionalized and are bringing strong opportunities to area buyers in our marketing areas.  Our buyers are learning of the buying opportunities as our sellers focus on proper pricing, bringing more buyers to their houses and successful sales transactions.”

ERA Justin Realty continually reviews listing prices with their sellers as well as giving advice on what makes their houses more appealing in the marketplace. Sellers may order presale inspection reports. This educates as to how much, if any, of the recommended work should be done before selling. 

Jennifer Darby, ERA Justin Realty Co-owner says, “First impressions are important. So, if the fence or entry porch is in disrepair and look shabby, repair them. If exterior paint is peeling, consider some repainting. You get positive results when you repair a defect and improve appearance by doing so in this market. 

You certainly can't be expected to rebuild your home in order to sell it. Nor is this a sensible thing to do economically. When structural elements are in need of repair and you haven't the time or money to repair them, it's a good idea to get repair estimates and make these estimates available to prospective buyers before they make an offer. This way, you're in control of the process and can find reliable contractors or engineers who will give you reasonable and not exorbitant estimates.

It can be unsettling to a buyer to discover that the roof is in poor condition or the foundation needs work. Most buyers will have no idea how much it will cost to make repairs. Fear of the unknown makes people anxious, which isn't a good frame of mind for someone who's trying to decide whether to buy your home.  During the purchase negotiations price adjustments can be made for these unrepaired defects. If you choose not to make major repairs before selling, this should be reflected in your list price, especially with competition from other sellers.”

 Ron Darby and Jennifer Darby ERA Justin Realty Co-owners were recently invited with other business leaders to take part in the NASDAQ closing bell ceremonies. The invited guests work closely with the Muscular Dystrophy Association in raising donations for the MDA Summer Camp for Kids program. Bottom photo shows Ron Darby, fifth from the left, Gloria Darby, ninth  and Jennifer Darby eleventh from the left.

ERA Justin Realty Invited to NASDAQ Closing Bell Ceremonies

The NASDAQ always ready to assist and kickoff the Labor Day Muscular Dystrophy Telethon for Jerry Lewis and his kids invited a group of dedicated business owners to attend and take part in the closing bell ceremonies on August 27, 2008.

Ron Darby and Jennifer Darby Co-owners of ERA Justin Realty were invited to the NASDAQ platform to take part with other business owners in ringing the closing bell.  The ceremony was broadcast live throughout the world on all major financial television networks and projected on the giant Times Square screens. 

Ron Darby is the chairman for all ERA New Jersey real estate offices representing the Muscular Dystrophy Association and Jerry’s Kids.  In coordination with all ERA offices statewide, Darby coordinated fundraising activities with the final check presented on the MDA Labor Day Telethon by ERA Justin Realtor Associate, Kristen Davis.  Darby has held this post for the past seven years. 

Plans have already begun for 2009 with a commitment to send a large group of youngsters to MDA Summer Camp and to fund wheelchairs and equipment needed for the kids.

Because of their community efforts ERA Justin Realty proudly received the prestigious ERA 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007 Commitment to Excellence Award, one of 14 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 of families.  Additionally the firm has been awarded as a “Top-100 ERA Firm” for their outstanding sales production during 2007.

For those interested in joining and being part of the rewarding 2009 fundraising activities call Jennifer Darby or members of the ERA Justin Realty team at  (201) 939-7500 ,  (201) 438-0588  or (201) 438-SOLD. Their real estate activities boast 1000’s of homes at their website at www.ERAJustin.com.”

"We'd love more seminars," were the words and tone from the attendees from Bergen and Passaic Counties as well as one attendee who flew from Texas to hear Elder Law Estate Planning attorney Benjamin Eckman Esq., on many timely topics.  The conference room filled, all listened attentively and then time was spent with an in-depth question and answer period. Elder-Law is a specialized field of law.  ERA Justin is planning a follow-up Elder-Law Estate Planning seminar as the reservation list filled quickly and the room was filled to capacity.

 ERA Justin Realty Wins Accolades For Elder Law-Estate Planning Seminar

Rutherford:  ERA Justin Realty, as part of its ongoing community service seminars, recently held a successful Elder Law-Estate Planning Seminar with National Academy Elder Law attorney, Benjamin Eckman, Esq.

Once announced, reservations were fully filled with residents of Bergen and Passaic counties, including one attendee who flew from Texas to attend.  ERA Justin Realty Senior Specialists, Jennifer Darby, Ilene Harpuder, Cathy Vick, Fara Espandi, Kristen Davis and Carol Calamari hosted the seminar.

Ron Darby, ERA Justin Realty Broker Co-owner stated,  “We recognize the importance of this seminar topic because it impacts each and every one of us in one way or another.  Once assembled did we then have greater understanding of the common issues that face us all, as our attendees questions from all areas of the room shared commonality on the topics.  Mr. Eckman spoke on asset protection, wills and trusts, probate and power of attorney, nursing home and long-term care insurance, Medicare, Medicaid and guardianships.” 

Attendee comments included, “We’d love more seminars.”  “It was excellent and thank you.”  “The seminar was very informative. “We quickly made an appointment with Mr. Eckman.”  “We found the seminar informative, your staff very pleasant and I thank you for your attentiveness.”

This was the second in a series of seminars being brought by ERA Justin Realty Co.  The first, held in mid-summer brought forth a room filled with area children and their parents on children in prospective home-buying families who are encouraged to participate in activities related to home buying events that enable them to find their own comfort level with an often-puzzling process.

As a strong industry leader and a national Top-100 firm, ERA Justin Realty is underscoring the critical role of children in the home buying process. Whether at open houses or home tours, more families are involving their children in the process. With the emotional impact of leaving the familiarity of surroundings, friends and schools, the seminar stressed the positives of new horizons, better surroundings, new friends and the advantages of new schools.

The firm is nearing announcement of their third seminar for first-time homebuyers, which will include guest speakers who will explain many new programs offered in this fast changing borrowing market.

“There is a difference in real estate companies,” Darby continued, “Presenting community seminars, we believe, is another way to exceed buyers and sellers expectations of what ERA Justin Realty is about, as we don’t offer just the basics. In fact, our buyers and sellers have put their thoughts in writing. We have on file for the asking, ‘Real Estate Results In Writing,” our report of over 720 quotes and testimonials from our very satisfied buyers and sellers.  No other area real estate firm offers that.”

Monir "Matt" Hanna who will supervise commercial sales and new construction at ERA Justin Realty has recently joined the firm, transferring from a Century-21 background.  His experience includes being honored by the New Jersey Association of Realtors and had received the 2005 Bronze, 2006 Silver and 2007 Bronze Circle of Excellence awards. He and the full-service team of residential professionals at ERA Justin Realty want to exceed expectations and want to be your Realtor.

ERA Justin Realty Welcomes Monir “Matt” Hanna To The Firm

Rutherford:  ERA Justin Realty has been serving the communities of Bergen, Passaic, Essex and Hudson counties since its beginnings in 1950. Since those early days the real estate industry has changed, grown, been enhanced by technologies including the Internet, and although challenging at times within the industry, ERA Justin Realty has stayed ahead of the curve and is in the forefront of the industry with all of the state-of-the-art technologies that keep it a market leader.  For these reasons, the-best-of-the-best licensed real estate agents continually join the ERA Justin Realty sales team.

Ron Darby, Broker Co-owner of the firm recently announced another step in keeping the firm at the forefront of services to its buyers and sellers by introducing Monir “Matt” Hanna to the firm who will oversee commercial real estate opportunities, new construction as well as focus on residential listings and sales. He has transferred to ERA Justin Realty from a Century-21 background.

Known to his buyers and sellers as Matt, he said, “With over 25 million in past real estate transactions my growth is based on successes for my clients and customers.  I focus on negotiation skills and focus on their needs.”

A Rutherford resident for ten year, Matt resides with his wife Sally, son Matthew and two daughters, Miriam and Amanda.  He brings the warmth and caring that he shares within his family to the marketplace in each transaction for his clients and customers. His background includes obtaining his New Jersey Brokers license and has earned a B. A. in accounting. He earned Silver and Bronze NJAR Circle of Excellence Awards for 2005, 2006 and 2007 as well as the Century-21 Centurion Award.

 Ron added “We have one of the finest real estate teams of professional Realtors in the industry and Matt brings value to our firm in commercial and new construction sales. He will focus on serving his sellers and buyers needs, making their dreams true while working to exceed their expectations.”

ERA Justin Realty has been recognized by multi-thousands of buyers and sellers over the years and is noted today as an area market leader.  They proudly received the prestigious ERA 2003 - 2007 Commitment to Excellence Award, one of 14 premier ERA real estate firms from 3,000 across the nation.  For these reasons ERA Justin Realty is recognized as a Realtor of choice.

 Matt can be reached by office phone  (201) 939-7500 ,  (201) 438-0588  or (201) 438-SOLD. Also view 1000s of homes at the ERA Justin Realty website at www.ERAJustin.com, or reach him direct at  (201) 893-0643 .

Cathy Vick addressing the membership at the RealSource Association of Realtors 2008 Annual Breakfast Meeting, Friday, October 3, 2008 at the Park Ridge Marriot, where she was cited as the 2008 Realtor of the year.

 ERA Justin Realty’s Cathy Vick Cited by RealSource Association as 2008 Realtor of the Year

 ERA Justin Realtor-Agents and management team share their strategies for successful transactions for their buyers and sellers.  Pictured front row left to right:  Broker Co-owner Ron Darby, Cathy Vick, Broker Co-owners Jennifer Darby Metzger and Carol Darby. Second row: Peggy McLaughlin, Fara Espandi, Glenn Elliot and John Boguszewski.  Third row: Ilene Harpuder, Grace Tirrito, June Incorvaia and Carol Calamari.

ERA Justin Realty, Realtor of Choice to Thousands
There Is A Difference In Real Estate Companies

ERA Justin Realty’s motto is, “There is a difference in real estate companies.”  It has held true in strong real estate markets as well as modifying real estate markets.  It has held true during the past 58 years, since their beginnings in 1950. 

Ron Darby, Broker Co-owner celebrating his 41 years in real estate sales has brought together a group of his longest employed ERA Justin Realtor-Agents who share their views with our readers.  He says, “Each day we work to exceed buyer and seller expectations.  I’ve assembled several of our long term Realtor-Agents who express their views in this, our current report:

Cathy Vick said, “In this modifying real estate market, hiring ERA Justin Realty to sell your home has strong advantages.   About 10% of homeowners have attempted to handle the sale of a home themselves, a statistic that has held pretty steady over the years during strong market conditions. Before making a decision about whether to go it alone, it is important to have a realistic idea of what is involved in the biggest financial transaction most of us are likely to make. Why work with ERA Justin Realty?”  Here are reasons to consider:

Jennifer Darby and Carol Darby ERA Justin Realty Co-owners said, “Our ERA Justin Realtor-Agents know what’s happening in the real estate market, not just in our state and communities, but also in your neighborhood. As trained professionals who may have seen hundreds of homes similar to yours, we know their features and selling prices, and as professionals are well qualified to set a price that can bring the maximum number of offers for your house. It’s all reflected in our detailed (CMA) Comprehensive Market Analysis report created for your house alone.”

Peggy McLaughlin added, “We focus on the details. Accurate pricing, qualifying potential buyers, positioning advertising for maximum exposure, evaluating potential offers, negotiation and closing the sale are some of the basic skills needed to successfully sell your home. Then there are environmental, government and disclosure requirements that must be followed as well.”

Fara Espandi added,  “ERA Justin Realty knows marketing. Marketing that attracts offers, not just lookers. A coordinated marketing campaign using the right combination of print advertising, direct mail and the Internet ensures your home receives maximum exposure. And as experienced Realtor-Agents, we can advise you on cost-effective strategies for ensuring your home looks its best to potential buyers.”

Glenn Elliot and John Boguszewski followed up, “Our ERA Justin Realty Realtor-Agents are pros at bringing buyers and sellers together. One of our Realtor-Agents may already have a buyer for your home and our successful Realtor-Agents  are continually replenishing our rosters of potential buyers, as well as networking with other real estate professionals who may have the perfect buyer for your home. Our outreach for buyers is nationwide with our ERA Referral Network.”

Ilene Harpuder added, “We can help reduce the stress of a sale.  Are you prepared to show your home in the middle of the day? Every weekend? Our Realtor-Agents provide the time to show your home whenever it is convenient for a potential buyer. It’s our job. And we are available to respond quickly and courteously to inquiries by phone call, email and fax. Think of ERA Justin Realty as your personal home sales assistant.”

Grace Tirrito said, “ERA Justin Realtor-Agents are experienced negotiators. We can help avoid costly errors during the negotiation phase of a transaction. As experienced negotiators, we can help maintain objectivity during what can often be an emotional time for sellers and buyers. And the ability to deal successfully with any issues that crop up often calls for just the right combination of firmness and diplomacy.”

June Incorvaia added, “Whether you are a seller or a buyer, perhaps one of the biggest benefits our ERA Justin Realty real estate professionals have to offer to you is our experience. Combined, we have over 400 years of experience. We have made assisting buyers and sellers our business, so that you can get on with the pleasure of realizing your dream!” 

Carol Calamari, concluded, “There is a difference in real estate companies and our newly published report of 720 buyer and seller testimonials prove it with our real estate results in writing.  We want to exceed your expectations.  We want to be your Realtor."

Members of the ERA Justin Realty family were invited to present the ERA Real Estate Brokers of New Jersey check on the Jerry Lewis Labor Day MDA Telethon. Realtor Kristen Davis presented the ERA Justin Realty and ERA New Jersey check of $40,000. for their MDA Summer Camp fundraisers for area MDA children.  Pictured left to right:  Kyle Davis, Kristen Davis, recording star and Telethon MC, Tony Orlando, Christopher Davis, WWOR-TV sports anchor Russ Salzberg,  Jillian Davis and Mike Davis.

 

 

 

 

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