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Cathy Vick, Realtor at ERA Justin Realty shares important information when moving with children. She recently received the 2008 Realtor of the Year Award from the membership at the RealSource Association of Realtors. Cathy serves the needs of buyers and sellers throughout Bergen, Passaic and Essex Counties.  She is a multimillion dollar producer each year.

ERA Justin Realty Report: New Kid On The Block, Moving With Children

Moving is a major change for all members of a family. Adult responsibilities weigh heavily when keeping track of all the tasks needed to make a move go smoothly. If you have children, this may be a difficult time to focus on their problems, too, but it’s also one of the most crucial times to keep their concerns in mind.

Sometimes what seems like a major disruption to grownups is viewed as an adventure to the kids. Still, changing homes can also upset feelings of stability (in the case of younger children) and belonging (in the case of teens). These are special concerns for these age groups.

According to ERA Justin Realtor, Cathy Vick, “The most important thing a parent can do is maintain normal routines as much as possible, and when it isn’t possible, to let the kids know that apprehension about a big life change is normal, too. Try to keep calm about the move yourself, and your children will be more likely to follow your lead. It is advisable to be open about what’s happening and how everyone feels about it. 

This means keeping your kids in the loop at each stage of the move. They don’t have to get a vote, but it helps everyone for them to get increasingly use to the idea of this change. Bring them along when you look at houses, make them familiar with the new area you’re moving to, and investigate its attractions (including the athletic or extracurricular offerings that appeal to your kids). Exploring some of this on the Internet is a good way to relate your relocation to an activity they already enjoy.

Encourage your children to express any worries, and do what you can to reassure them. If you went through similar experiences as a child, you can share how you dealt with it, if it was easy, so much the better, and if it was hard, your children will know they’re not the only ones who have ever had to deal with change.

Make a smooth move with children. Try and arrange visits to the new school and meetings with the new teachers before the school year or semester starts. When you have more than one child, make bedroom assignments in the new house as soon as possible to avoid sibling strife (comfort, privacy and age seniority are all issues of kid politics that it is sometimes easy for grownups to forget).

Above all, be open and patient. If you pay the right attention, you will be letting your children know that, move or no move, the most important people in their life aren’t going anywhere.”

“There is a difference in real estate companies,” continued Cathy. “Presenting consumer information, we believe, is in order to exceed sellers expectations of what ERA Justin Realty is about, and we don’t offer just the basics.    In that way, we know that our sellers will hold us in the highest regard.  Our sellers have put their thoughts in writing. We have on file for the asking ‘Real Estate Results In Writing’ our report of over 750 quotes and testimonials from our sellers and buyers.  No other area real estate offers that.”

Cathy recently received the 2008 Realtor of the year award from the RealSource Association of Realtors.  ERA Justin Realty proudly received the prestigious ERA world-wide Commitment to Excellence Award, one of 14 premier ERA real estate firms from 3,000 for five consecutive years. For these reasons ERA Justin Realty should be your buying and selling Realtor of choice.

The Realtor agents from  ERA Justin Realty pose for a fun photo in connection with the ERA sponsorship of the PBS television network production of "Ask This Old House." The ERA Justin Realty participation will provide the communities with greater access to exclusive home how-to information.  Getting ready with their contractor tools, hardhats and enthusiasm from the top is: Aileen Vitale, Monir "Matt" Hanna, June Incorvaia, Ilene Harpuder, Mary Iannaccone, Carol Calamari, Louise Bloomer, Karen Hermey, Glenn Elliot, Ed Bulger, Rosemarie Zembryski, Grace Tirrito, Karen Kelly, Jennifer Darby Metzger, Peggy McLaughlin, Rose Solak, Fara Espandi, Cathy Vick and Kristen Davis.  By the way, the talented team of sales professionals are keeping their Realtor day jobs.

ERA JUSTIN REALTY ANNOUNCES NATIONAL SPONSORSHIP OF
ASK THIS OLD HOUSE

ERA Justin Realty, a market leader throughout Bergen, Passaic and Essex Counties is pleased to announce that it is part of a yearlong national sponsorship campaign with “do-it-yourself,” home improvement icon, Ask This Old House. To bring attention to this outstanding programming their staff of Realtor Agents took a break from their real estate duties to join together for a humorous photo. They did agree they are better at listing and selling real estate than standing on a rooftop. This sponsorship gives ERA Justin Realty the ability to provide their consumers with information to guide them through all the stages of homeownership-from buying and maintaining to selling.

“The sponsorship also brings two powerful brands together to provide consumers with the most trusted home improvement information out there. We are proud to be associated with such a respected, well-known name in the home improvement industry, and we believe this relationship will help raise awareness of both ERA Justin Realty and Ask This Old House as trustworthy, dependable resources for home buyers, home sellers and homeowners. ERA Justin Realty is in a unique position to use this relationship to benefit our community with special initiatives throughout the year,” said Ron Darby, ERA Justin Realty Broker Co-owner.

Through this sponsorship, ERA Justin Realty will help support the national broadcast portion of Ask This Old House programming on PBS. In addition, they will have the ability to offer their community unique and specialized content by leveraging the print and online outlets of Ask This Old House, including This Old House magazine and ThisOldHouse.com.

Ron Darby continued, “Broadcast programming aired on PBS beginning October 2008. To find out more information about the sponsorship, visit www.ERA.com/ask.  There is a difference in real estate companies.  We ask buyers and sellers to compare.  We believe that in order to exceed expectations of what a real estate firm is about, we don’t offer just real estate basics; we are as comprehensive as possible.  In that way, we know that our buyers and sellers will hold us all in the highest regard.  There is much to consider and be assured that a Realtor Agent at ERA Justin Realty will give full time and attention to all questions and concerns.  For these reasons ERA Justin Realty was honored as the recipient of the ‘ERA Commitment to Excellence’ award, one of fourteen firms from 3,000 to receive this prestigious award worldwide for five consecutive years. The firm was also awarded as an ERA national ‘Top-100’ firm in 2007. Ask to review our newest publication, ‘Real Estate Results In Writing,’ our report of 720 testimonials from our very satisfied buyers and sellers. Readers can also visit our 1000’s of homes website at www.ERAJustin.com.” 

ERA Justin Realty's Fara Espandi with daughter Haleh Hamzeh, one of Bergen Counties successful mom-daughter sales teams focus on their buyers and sellers and preparation of a house before it goes on the market. For the 2009 selling season they offer a detailed report on preparing your house for sale and will provide a detailed marketing program for the sale of your house. Both agree that marketing prior to listing a house can bring stronger results in the sale.

ERA JUSTIN REALTY’S BEST MARKETING TOOLS ARE GOOD AGENTS

Your best marketing tool when selling your home is a good Realtor real estate agent. Fara Espandi and Haleh Hamzeh, a successful mom-daughter team shares their insights. Why?  In past real estate markets it might have been tempting to consider possibly selling your house yourself.  In this new real estate market good Realtor agents are a necessity. And, since no one knows your home better than you, the choice should be obvious. But there is so much more to selling a home than simply putting a For Sale sign in the front yard.  There are reasons why some Realtor agents seem to do so well. They work diligently, pay attention to detail and are available at all times. They also use all the tools at their disposal, including extensive training, knowledge of the industry and neighborhoods and marketing expertise. A good licensed Realtor agent knows what needs to be done and when, and is aware of the potential pitfalls in this very important decision.

Fara said, “Gone are the days when a Realtor agent could be successful by simply putting a sign in the yard, making a few phone calls and having a nice smile. Changes in technology have made an impact in the way your property must be marketed. Our ERA Justin Realty real estate professionals have so many more options available, and the smart Realtor agent knows how to use them. They combine the traditional tried and true marketing efforts with today's technology to better serve you and represent your needs to a greater group of potential buyers. They know how important it is to have a qualified purchaser who is preapproved for mortgage financing before bringing a potential contract to their seller. Beyond that, an aggressive marketing plan needs to be created. A front yard sign and placement on the Multiple Listing Services are important, but using the strength and participation of more than two dozen real estate websites is a must.”

Haleh added, “An effective web site, such as our www.ERAJustin.com can allow our Realtor agents to put your listing on the Internet for the world to see with video tours, color photos and full description. This is an industry standard we use for a greater viewing audience whom you are not able to reach by sending out post cards or making phone calls. With photos of the inside and outside of your home, buyers can explore before calling for an appointment. Approximately 85% of buyers begin their search on the Internet. Our website can also link buyers to on-line calculators, mortgage companies, general property search features, neighborhood and school searches, plus other valuable information that can allow them to see the affordability and assets of your home. And this information is available anytime, anywhere. You and your Realtor agent are open for business 24 hours daily, seven days a week.”

“Today's Realtor agent also has the capability of emailing photos of your property anywhere in the world, great for potential out-of-town buyers. Messages sent via email or through a website can automatically trigger a cell phone, keeping your Realtor agent in constant contact. And our professional Realtor agents send regular email notifications that contain their listings and links back to information that can benefit the sale of your home. Instead of waiting for someone to drive down your street and see your sign, you now have the world at your fingertips through ERA Justin Realty. With so many houses on the market, it's wise to choose a sophisticated and high tech ERA Justin Realtor agent who can assertively promote your home. The odds are greater that your property will sell faster and at a higher price,” concluded Haleh.

There is a difference in real estate companies, and ERA Justin Realty is always focused on the newest technologies. The firm asks buyers and sellers to compare.  Their philosophy includes exceeding expectations of what a real estate Realtor agent is about.  They don’t offer just real estate basics; they are as comprehensive as possible.  In that way they know that their buyers and sellers will hold them in the highest regard.

Kristen Davis e-PRO® Agent Utilizing Technology To Provide Consumers with State-of-the-Art Services

As more and more consumers begin their search for real estate-related information on the Internet, it is critical that real estate professionals are well educated in the use of technology to the benefit of both the consumer and the agent and/or broker.

Realizing the importance of technology training, the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) now offers its members the e-PRO certification course -- the only technology certification program offered by NAR. The program is designed to prepare real estate professionals to make the most of Internet technology and to identify, evaluate, and implement new Internet business models. The elite group of course graduates represents only one percent of all REALTORS in the country including Kristen Davis a Realtor professional with ERA Justin Realty.

“The real estate industry has undergone a fundamental change over the past five years. Today, nearly 80% of all buyers and sellers begin their search online. As an e-PRO certified agent, I have knowledge and tools needed to provide my clients with the information they need and the customer service they demand. It’s both hi-tech and hi-touch. The buyer and seller is the reason for my job, for without them, I wouldn't have a purpose, lessons learned in my early career with Panasonic, which philosophy I continue to practice and live by. I’ve always dealt with the public that is my focus," offered Kristen.

The REALTOR e-PRO certification course is an educational program unlike any other professional certification or designation course available, comprehensive and interactive. It is specifically designed to provide real estate professionals with the technology tools needed to assist consumers in the purchase or sale of a home.

The exclusive REALTOR e-PRO certifies real estate agents and brokers as Internet professionals. The course is designed to help REALTORSÒ stay at the leading edge of technology and identify, evaluate and implement new Internet business models.

Since completion, Kristen, an e-PRO certified real estate professional joins the ranks of a special community of highly skilled and continuously trained professionals who provide high quality and innovative online-based real estate services.  Consumers can identify the e-PRO through the exclusive e-PRO Internet Professional logo she has earned. Graduates use the skills they've acquired to provide clients information on properties for sale, local communities, and the local real estate market.

Ron Darby ERA-Justin Realty Broker said, "Kristen has a vast knowledge of real estate. Her background was founded learning the real estate business in administrative work first and then achieving her New Jersey real estate license. She joined our team in September 2004 transferring from a local Century-21 firm and has achieved NJAR Circle of Excellence Awards in 2005, 2006 and 2007, with additional awards to be presented through ERA for 2008 production.  She is positive, outgoing and enthusiastic and that is a great asset in Kristen’s exceptional real estate career with us. Her nature makes her buyers and sellers instantly comfortable with her and her abilities to provide the services they require for a successful purchase or sale."

Kristen concluded, “I am always pleased to offer a complimentary, no-obligation CMA market value report for those who are considering the sale of their homes, as well as looking forward to working with buyers and families transferring to Bergen, Passaic and Essex Counties. I get strong satisfaction helping others in their real estate needs, and can honestly say that I give my all to each and every buyer and seller I work with. There really is a difference in Realtors and ERA Justin Realty Co."

Kristen can be reached daily by cell phone at (201) 314-2501. By office phones reach her at (201) 939-7500 extension #226, (201) 438-0588 or (201) 438-SOLD. Call Kristen and be ready to enjoy a wonderful real estate relationship. Also view 1000’s of homes by clicking  www.erajustin.com and selecting her name from the Realtor Agent section.

Tom Hilt, East Rutherford resident and a veteran of the real estate industry for 22 years, recently transferred to ERA Justin Realty from Coldwell-Banker Realtors.  He is a specialist in commercial as well as residential real estate listings and sales.  He serves his membership with the RealSource Association of Realtors, New Jersey MLS, Garden State MLS and the New Jersey Association of Realtors. His objective is to provide the highest level of honesty and integrity and to provide the ultimate in service and satisfaction to his buyers and sellers.

Tom Hilt Joins ERA Justin Realty as Commercial/Residential Specialist

Rutherford:   Patience and attention to detail.  Sound familiar?  These are important words at ERA Justin Realty, the firm that asks buyers and sellers to compare.  They state, “There is a difference in real estate companies,” and they live those words in their daily activities as well as with those who join their firm.

During Tom Hilt’s interview process with the firm, he made it evident that his business philosophy includes patience and attention to detail as well as his personal goal, to offer the highest level of service throughout the entire buying and selling process.  His past post was with Coldwell-Banker Realtors and he joined ERA Justin Realty because of its reputation as a progressive and highly honest company about to celebrate its 59th anniversary in Rutherford.  His circle of influence with people he knows best is centrally located to the firm.  Tom has recently celebrated his 22nd year in commercial and residential sales and rentals and looks forward to his new post with ERA Justin Realty.

Early in his business career he enjoyed ownership of three service stations, a towing service for AAA and in his free time taught scuba diving and served six years at a Navy “Seabee” reservist and is a past executive board member of the Carlstadt American Legion Post #69.

“My exposure to ERA Justin Realty was through years of experience while at Coldwell-Banker Realtors and transacting business with the ERA Justin firm.    While meeting with Ron Darby, our broker, I confirmed the level of excellence that the firm has attained over their 59 years in business, the many thousands of homes they’ve sold as well as the continuing referral business they have from satisfied buyers, sellers and now the children and grandchildren of these families.  I wanted to be part of this respected and successful organization. They are a leader in real estate,” said Hilt.”

An East Rutherford resident for 39 years, he resides with his wife Joan.  In his spare time he is active in animal welfare and is an avid sail boat enthusiast, enjoys power boating, deep sea fishing, scuba and skiing. One of his strong accomplishments is being awarded as “Ski Patroller of the Year,” and received recognition for life saving from the National Ski Patrol and for 35 years of service.  He has also received a “Life Saving Award” from the Rutherford Police Department and the “Ronald McDonald Donor Award” for his efforts in serving area children.

Ron Darby concluded, “We are excited to have Tom join the firm.  His residential and commercial real estate experience brings a superior level of talent to us. He is known throughout Bergen, Passaic, Essex and Hudson Counties and he immediately continued his real estate services the minute he walked through our doors.”

Tom and our team at ERA Justin Realty stand ready to serve you.  Because of our daily priorities, we proudly received the prestigious ERA world-wide ‘Commitment to Excellence Award’, one of 14 premier ERA real estate firms from 3,000. For these reasons ERA Justin Realty and Tom should be your buying and selling Realtor of choice.”

Louise Bloomer a long-term Realtor serving Bergen, Passaic, Essex and Hudson Counties has transferred to ERA Justin Realty after many years with Coldwell-Banker Realtors. Her professionalism and drive brought her to ERA Justin Realty because of  their focused involvement toward buyers and sellers as well as the many charitable causes and events that they successfully host. Her specialization is working with first-time buyers and well as families needing to relocate.

Louise Bloomer Joins The ERA Justin Realty Team Of Sales Professionals

Rutherford:  Coming from a customer satisfaction background and being a long-term Realtor with Coldwell-Banker Realty, Louise Bloomer has transferred to the ERA Justin Realty family where her focus will continue, meeting and exceeding the needs of her buyers and sellers.

“With our knowledge of Louise and her focused work ethics, she is a natural fit at ERA Justin Realty,” said ERA Justin Realty Broker Co-owner, Jennifer Darby.  She continued, “Our relationship began with Louise many years ago dealing regularly with her on real estate transactions.  She has resided in Rutherford for twenty-four years and is married to her husband Tom.  They have two sons, Chris and Nick and their pet beagle.   During her free time she enjoys family, town sponsored events, good friends and cooking.  With Louise’s energetic personality, her schedule has always quickly filled with buyer and seller appointments, contract negotiations and building relationships for future listings with area residents.  We are confident that this will continue.”

Louise stated, “My business background with strong customer service and my determination to exceed buyer and seller needs will prove successful at the completion of each real estate transaction. With so many real estate firms to choose from, I chose ERA Justin Realty because of its success and warm and welcoming office.  They are a long time area real estate firm with thousands of satisfied customers and clients.  They are community focused with involvement in many charitable causes and events in which I look forward to being part of.”

Louise is also a member of the Real Source Association of Realtors, New Jersey Association of Realtors, and the NJMLS and Garden State MLS. Locally she has participation as PTA secretary and the Women’s Auxiliary Rutherford Little League.

Jennifer concluded, “We are pleased to have Louise with us.  Her knowledge will aid our entire sales team and her buyers and sellers will quickly discover that she is reliable, responsible and understanding of their needs.

Ronald Darby, has been Broker and co-owner of ERA Justin Realty since the 1980s and has been active in real estate since 1967. Ron's expertise in real estate has brought purchase and sale successes for thousands during his career. He and his staff are responsible for the growth of ERA Justin Realty to "Top 100" status from over 3,000 ERA real estate offices all across America. Additionally the firm has been awarded for 5 consecutive years with the "ERA Commitment To Excellence Award," for their commitment to the industry and the communities they serve.

ERA Justin Realty 2009 Report: Smart Sellers Who Think Like Buyers

There are qualified buyers intent on buying with the current reduced interest rates in the 5% range and the $7,500 first time buyer federal credit. So, the 2009 housing market should present good opportunities for sellers who understand how to maximize profit in this new, more balanced, selling environment.  The first step is to start thinking like a buyer, not a seller because of the vast selection of houses available on the market.

Ron Darby, ERA Justin Realty Broker Co-owner reported, “As reported in the media, when the market is rising quickly, buyers are less concerned about overpaying because they're sure they'll recoup the excess payment within a few months because of robust appreciation. This was the psychology of the past.  Now, buyers are much more concerned about value.  For this reason, pricing is more important than ever, as is property condition.  

Listings are most salable when they're new on the market. To maximize your opportunities, your home not only needs to be priced right and properly prepared for sale, you also need a comprehensive marketing plan. You want to make sure that information about your listing reaches as many potential buyers as possible.”

The ERA Justin Realty listing and sales Realtor professionals are proactive in advising potential sellers with comprehensive information when reviewing the sale of your house.   They provide you with a marketing plan with samples of the marketing materials that will be used to promote your house, as well as strong Internet exposure on the most prominent of 24 national websites.  As reported, approximately 85% percent of today's homebuyers start their home searches on the Internet.

Darby continued, “A listing on the Internet isn't enough, though.  Buyers don't look at listings that don't have photos. You can gain an edge on the competition if multiple photos and a full color virtual tour with description and accompanying music of your home is on the Internet as soon as your home is opened up to the market. It's important to have a good working relationship with your agent. For this reason, many sellers who had a positive experience buying their home decide to list with the agent who represented them as buyers. In most cases, it's not wise to work with an agent who is outside of the local market area. Your aim is to sell for the highest price possible, but sellers must understand that the house is in daily competition with many similar houses on the market at any given time.

Our ERA Justin Realty listing and selling Realtor 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 upcoming 2009 market update projection.  It’s offered at no cost or obligation simply by phoning our office.

There is a difference in real estate companies.  We ask buyers and sellers to compare.  We believe that in order to exceed expectations of what a real estate firm is about, we don’t offer just real estate basics, and we try to be as comprehensive as possible.  In that way, we know that our buyers and sellers will hold us in the highest regard.  There is much to consider and be assured that a sales professional at ERA Justin Realty will give full time and attention to all questions and concerns.  For these reasons ERA Justin Realty was honored as the recipient of the ‘ERA Commitment to Excellence’ award, one of fourteen firms from 3,000 to receive this prestigious award worldwide for five consecutive years. The firm was also awarded as an ERA national ‘Top-100’ firm in 2007. Ask to review our newest publication, ‘Real Estate Results In Writing,’ our report of 720 testimonials from our very satisfied buyers and sellers.”

Carol Calamari, ERA Justin Realty Realtor explains the benefits of the ERA Justin Realty Home Protection Plan.  The plan offered to both Sellers and Buyers gives the home selling and buying process strong advantages as well as offering peace of mind during the process. Carol and the entire sales team at ERA Justin Realty are well versed in the program and will present all details.

ERA Justin Realty Home Protection Plans Give Peace-of-Mind

Now is the time to buy a home!  Really, now is the time to buy for many reasons!  First time buyers can enjoy the $7,500 federal tax-free credit toward their purchase, mortgage interest rates have dramatically reduced and there is a great selection of properly priced listings available.

ERA Justin Realty has another positive to the buying process.  Carol Calamari, ERA Justin Realtor said, “Let me explain. Everyone has his or her own ‘house horror story.’ This one has a happy ending. The Sheffields' saga began just days after they moved into their new home and continued throughout the first year. The pool pump broke, the built-in vacuum stopped working, and most devastating, the air conditioning system ceased operating on the first day of the summer heat wave. Thereafter, the Sheffield home was nicknamed  ‘The Money Pit.’

For Sellers, a home protection plan can add value to their home sale and protects them at a time when they would rather not make major investments in their property. It has been reported that on average, homes listed with a warranty sell more rapidly than homes listed without a home warranty. The ERA Protection Plan goes one step further by covering the Seller for up to six months provided that the Seller agrees to purchase the plan at a nominal fee for the Buyer. It's a win-win situation for the Seller having protection in place while the house is on the market for sale.  For Buyers in New Jersey, the ERA Protection Plan provides coverage generally for one year.  The plan agreement provides all of the details and costs.

ERA Justin Realty's Ed Bulger a Realtor agent with the firm offers consumer information about the exclusive ERA on-line publication, 'The Answers Book.'  Written from buyers and sellers most asked questions, compiled nationally, it is comprehensive in topics of buying and selling residential real estate. Here he shares information with area readers which can help make the purchase and sale of real estate a smoother process and transition. 

 

ERA Justin Realty’s Ed Bulger Offers Consumer Information

 

“ERA Justin Realty is making available to the public a valuable resource to help consumers with their most frequently asked questions about buying and selling a home. ANSWERS®, ERA's real estate reference book, provides ‘plain English’ explanations to help consumers feel more comfortable about the home buying and selling process,” stated Ed Bulger, a Realtor and agent with ERA Justin Realty.

 

The ANSWERS® book is based on questions that ERA brokers hear most frequently. According to Bulger, "The ANSWERS® book takes the most important things that we have learned over the years helping customers, and organizes it to help consumers feel more confident about home buying and selling. ANSWERS® is available to consumers free of charge by viewing it on our website www.erajustin.com under the ERA Answers header.”

 

Both current and new homeowners will find sound advice, inside tips and honest answers to a multitude of questions about the real estate process in the ANSWERS® book. The book contains sections on home selling, buying, financing and maintenance, and includes questions such as what makes a house sell, when is the best time to list a house for sale, is there any seasonality to the market, and what's the difference between fair market value and asking price. In addition, the Answers Book includes a glossary of important real estate terms.

 

ANSWERS® is designed to help consumers better prepare for the home buying and selling process. Additional information from our staff includes The "ERA Show and Tell Checklist" providing sellers with a list of easy things they can do to improve the buyers' first impression. "Five Days to a Smooth Closing" is a day-by-day checklist of things sellers should do during the final week before closing. For buyers, there is an "Inspection Checklist" and an overview of mortgages in addition to other tools.

 

 

 

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