ERA Justin Realty MDA Summer Camp Bowl-a-thon for Kids

by Jennifer Darby Metzger

ERA brokers, agents and family for the MDA bowl-a-thon left to right: Denise Leonessa, Kate Korosy, Peggy McLaughlin, Jennifer Darby Metzger, Glenn Elliot, Carol Calamari, Fara Espandi, Kristen Davis, Ilene Harpuder, Al Rottini, Wayne Kubs, Allyson Kubs, Michelle Korosy, Gene Amsel, Don Lamastra with his office team, Ron Darby and Steve Way.

ERA Justin Realty MDA Summer Camp Bowl-a-thon for Kids

ERA Justin Realty works each year to send many children with Muscular Dystrophy to area summer camp for some fun in the sun while their health permits. The camp is in a structured setting for their needs.

In this effort, an ERA-MDA Bowl-a-thon to raise needed donations for the Muscular Dystrophy Association was recently held at the Wallington Lanes, Wallington, New Jersey by the Realtor agents of ERA Justin Realty Co. The event was kicked off with success, raising over $8,000.00 which begins their effort toward raising $30,000.00 for 2013.

ERA Justin Realty co-owners Jennifer Darby, Ron Darby and Carol Darby coordinated the event with their agents and family members and was also joined by the team from ERA Suburb Realty of Scotch Plains, Union County, New Jersey.

Ron Darby, chairman for all of ERA offices throughout New Jersey with his fundraising team is coordinating the statewide fundraising event. Their check is to be presented at the national MDA Telethon on Labor Day.

Albert Rottini, one of the firms top fundraisers at ERA Justin Realty said, “We are asking for area residents to help achieve these goals for our MDA kids, whose health may permit them to be part of summer camp this year, but they may not be able to attend in future years. Each year MDA supports some 90-summer camps across the country. Whether in Alaska or Hawaii, in California or New Jersey, at MDA camp barriers simply don’t exist. A child with a disability can just be a child among friends. MDA camp is a magical place offering a wide range of activities specially designed for young people who have limited mobility or use wheelchairs. MDA camp programs, although structured, are conducted in a relaxed atmosphere that gives campers an unmatched opportunity to develop lifelong friendships, share interests and build self-confidence. Activities range from outdoor sports such as swimming, boating, baseball and horseback riding to less physically demanding programs like arts and crafts and talent shows. Thousands of youngsters attend MDA camp each year at no cost to their families.”

Be a volunteer or a sponsor by sending your tax deductible check made payable to MDA and mail it to MDA c/o ERA Justin Realty Co., 118 Jackson Avenue, Rutherford, New Jersey 07070. If you have questions on this great program for the kids call (201) 939-7500.

To review more about ERA Justin Realty MDA simply go to their websites at www.ERAJustin.com and www.ERAJustinRealty.com.

ERA • ERA Justin • ERA Justin Realty • real estate • Realogy • REALTOR • realty • Ron Darby • Rutherford • sell a house • May 20, 2013

ERA JUSTIN REALTY’S BEST MARKETING TOOLS ARE GOOD AGENTS

by Jennifer Darby Metzger

Ron Darby, ERA Justin Realty Broker co-owner provides valued information to area sellers regarding the sale of their house. A market leader in area real estate for 45 years, Darby explains the missteps taken by many sellers.

ERA JUSTIN REALTY’S BEST MARKETING TOOLS ARE GOOD AGENTS

Always chatter, chatter, chatter in the media about real estate upward swings, sideways swings and downward swings. Add to the mix the national media from California touting ”prices increasing” and communities thousands of miles away will believe it means their community. They find a real estate agent who does not educate his seller about the local market, takes the overpriced listing and the seller becomes disillusioned with the industry and the agent when the house does not sell. In fact, this impacts those trained agents who work diligently to educate their potential sellers, repeated thousands of times nationally each day. By the end of each day, its natural for a homeowner to be confused and dismayed. The seller will possibly lose six months of valued time watching properly priced real estate sell while their house remains unsold and the listing then expires, only to once again begin the process.

“Your best marketing tool when selling your house is a good real estate firm and agent,” suggests Ron Darby, ERA Justin Realty Co. broker of record and co-owner. “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 agents seem to do so well. They work diligently, pay attention to detail, educate their sellers as to market pricing, exacting marketing conditions 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 agent knows what needs to be done and when, and is aware of the potential pitfalls in this very important decision.

Gone are the days when an 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 can be marketed. Today’s real estate professional has so many more options available, and the smart 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 pre-approved 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 several Multiple Listing Services are important, but eMarketing plays an increasingly larger role in finding the right buyer.”

ERA Justin Realty has been a trusted name in real estate since 1950, creating many thousands of real estate transactions in Bergen, Passaic, Essex and Hudson counties. Using effective websites, such as www.ERAJustin.com and www.ERAJustinRealty.com can allow an agent to put your listing on the Internet for the world to see. This is in addition to another menu of Internet websites that ERA Justin listings use in their marketing. This is a much more efficient way to market to 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 and virtual tours, buyers can explore before calling for an appointment. The websites 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 assets of your home. And this information is available anytime, anywhere. You no longer have to sit around hoping for a phone call or someone seeing your ad in the paper. You and your agent are open for business 24 hours daily, seven days a week.

Today’s 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 agent in constant contact. Instead of waiting for someone to drive down your street and see your sign, you now have the world at your fingertips. With so many houses on the market, it’s wise to choose a sophisticated and high tech agent who can assertively promote your home. The odds are greater that your property will sell faster and at a higher price.”

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. The firm offers over 700 written reviews of their services to sellers and buyers, available to be seen each day. Their philosophy includes exceeding expectations of what a real estate 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.

ERA Justin Realty proudly received the prestigious ERA world-wide 2003- 2012 ‘Commitment to Excellence Award’, as a premier real estate firm from nearly 30,000 ERA brokers and agents. Their ERA Justin Realty full service real estate agents 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.

ERA Justin Realty • Jennifer Darby Metzger • Pre-sale home inspection • real estate • REALTOR • Ron Darby • Rutherford • April 20, 2013

by Jennifer Darby Metzger

Jennifer Darby Metzger and Ron Darby Broker co-owners of ERA Justin Realty offer ideas for sellers by ordering a pre-sale home inspection of their home. They, with their business associate Carol Darby and staff of Realtor agents stand ready to offer details. The firm has been a trusted name in real estate since 1950.

ERA JUSTIN REVIEWS INSPECTING THE HOME INSPECTOR, A CRITICAL LOOK

“Home sellers increasingly are ordering pre-sale home inspections to make reports available for buyers to review before they make an offer. By doing so, they hope to avoid renegotiations that can occur if the buyer’s inspections reveal defects that weren’t disclosed to them before they made an offer,” according to an Inman News report.

Ron Darby, ERA Justin Realty Broker co-owner offered, “Ask one of our real estate agents for a candid opinion of an inspector’s reliability, an important aspect if you are doing a pre-sale inspection, as the inspector’s credibility is important to your sale. If some of your agent’s past clients used the inspector, call the inspector and ask for references. Check with friends who bought recently to see if they know the inspector, and if they would use him again.”

The Inman News report continued, “Home inspections often recommend further inspections by other professionals, such as roofers, plumbers, electricians, drainage contractors or engineers. Few sellers complete all recommended further inspections before they market their homes. It’s hard to tell from a written report whether a further inspector recommendation is in response to something questionable that the inspector discovered, or whether it’s simply an attempt by the inspector to limit his liability.

Before you rely on a report, have a conversation with the inspector to find out if there are issues of serious concern that need further investigation. Inspectors will often be candid in a verbal conversation, but will attempt to minimize their liability with disclaimers in the written report. Also be aware that many home inspection reports include a statement that the report can’t be relied on by other parties. This could mean the buyers if the report was ordered by the sellers. If you’re concerned about this issue, talk directly to the inspector or consult with a knowledgeable real estate attorney to determine the extent of the inspector’s liability to you for overlooked defects.

In competitive markets, where overbidding is the norm, many buyers choose to rely on the sellers reports and forego an inspection contingency. This may not be risky if the sellers have provided current and complete reports from reputable inspectors and the buyers have a wealth of home owning experience. Experienced home buyers have an advantage because they can often assess how much it will cost to repair defects even if the sellers don’t provide estimates. Buyers who don’t fall into this category should include an inspection contingency in their offer. There’s a strategy that could improve your chances even if you end up competing with buyers who choose to waive their right to an inspection contingency. You can include an inspection contingency in your purchase offer, but also include a provision that you will pay up to a certain amount to correct defects that are uncovered that were previously unknown. This way the seller knows that you are a sincere buyer who won’t back out due to minor defects that might be uncovered during your inspections.”

“All can be confirmed through Buyer’s and Seller’s attorneys at the inception of a transaction. 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 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,” added company Broker co-owner Jennifer Darby Metzger.

ERA Justin Realty received the prestigious ERA world-wide 2003 through 2012 ‘Commitment to Excellence Award,’ one of very few from ERA real estate brokers and agents nearing 30,000. Only outstanding business entities are honored and receive it. ERA Justin Realty has been your trusted name in real estate since 1950.

For more information on real estate topics, consumers can reach the ERA Justin Realty sales team at either of their two Rutherford offices at 118 Jackson Avenue or 57 Park Avenue. By phone at (201) 939-7500, (201) 438-0588 or (201) 438-SOLD. Additional real estate information is also available at the firms 1000’s of homes websites at www.ERAJustin.com and www.ERAJustinRealty.com.

bergen county • buy a house • Daniel Jones • ERA • ERA Justin Realty • homes for sale • house for sale • Meadowlands • Moving with children • March 4, 2013

New Kid On The Block

by Jennifer Darby Metzger

Daniel Jones, ERA Justin Realtor salesperson is an active full time teammate. His focus is on residential first-time and repeat buyers and sellers. With the active Spring market in place, he presents information about moving with children.

ERA Justin Realty Daniel Jones Report: New Kid On The Block

Moving during Spring 2013 can be a major change for all members of a family. Adult responsibilities are busy times when keeping track of all the tasks needed to make a move go smoothly. If you have children, this may be an important time to focus and keep their move in mind.

Sometimes what seems like a major disruption to grownups is viewed as an adventure to the kids. Still, changing homes can also change 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 salesperson Daniel Jones, “The most important thing a parent can do is maintain positive routines as much as possible, to let the kids know that 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 is excited about the move.

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 extra-curricular 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.

Minimizing transitions and heading off family concerns are each essential to 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 alone.”

“There is a difference in real estate companies,” continued Jones. “ERA Justin Realty has been your trusted name in real estate since 1950. Presenting consumer information, we believe, is in order to exceed buyers and sellers expectations of what ERA Justin Realty is about, and we don’t offer just the basics. In that way, we know that we will be held in the highest regard. Hundreds have put their thoughts in writing with their reviews of our services. We have on file for the asking, ‘What people are saying’ our report of over 700 reviews and testimonials from our sellers and buyers. No other area real estate firm offers that. Are we proud? Absolutely!”

ERA Justin Realty proudly received the prestigious ERA Commitment to Excellence Award, only eleven from ERA offices with approximately 30,000 brokers and agents. For these reasons ERA Justin Realty should be your buying and selling Realtor of choice.

All of the ERA Justin Realty full service Realtor salespersons and brokers 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 winning search websites at www.ERAJustin.com and www.ERAJustinRealty.com.

Uncategorized • February 25, 2013

ERA Justin Realty Receives Muscular Dystrophy President’s Club Honors

by Jennifer Darby Metzger

Albert Rottini and Jennifer Darby Metzger of ERA Justin Realty review their fundraising check with ERA’s Gene Amsel. As a result of the firms fundraising efforts, they have been inducted to the MDA President’s Club and will be honored at ERA’s International Business Conference in Austin, Texas.

ERA Justin Realty Receives Muscular Dystrophy President’s Club Honors

A notification to ERA Justin Realty made a recent snowy day brighter, when Broker Ronald Darby received an invitation to the ERA-Muscular Dystrophy Association induction to the MDA President’s club to be held at the ERA International Business Conference in Austin, Texas in March.

For their efforts as Northern New Jersey’s top fundraising ERA real estate office, Darby informed his ERA teammates that the firm was inducted into the President’s Club, honors shared only by organizations with year-long focus to the Summer Camp For Kids program.

Ron Darby, Broker, and the ERA New Jersey Chairman for MDA introduced Al Rottini and Jennifer Darby Metzger for their efforts in leading the team’s fundraising efforts. He said, “They were introduced on WWORTV and presented their 2012 fundraising check during the Labor Day Telethon. The firm continues to spearhead the efforts for MDA in this lifesaving mission again in 2013.”

Rottini stated, “ERA Justin Realty and our team of Realtor professionals focused and succeeded in an outstanding fundraising effort in sending area MDA children to summer camp.”

Darby-Metzger continued, “Our ERA Justin teammates spent time at summer camp with the kids. At that moment, one can see how rewarding it is to participate. We spent our efforts working with the kids in their arts and crafts projects, viewed their games and activities and enjoyed their varied conversations.”

Their fundraising team has begun their 2013 fundraising with a kick-off to this year’s bowl-a-thon to be held locally for the MDA kids.

Darby added, “Each year MDA supports summer camps across the country. Whether in Alaska or Hawaii, in California or New Jersey, at MDA camp barriers simply don’t exist. A child with a disability can just be a child among friends. MDA camp is a magical place offering a wide range of activities specially designed for young people who have limited mobility or use wheelchairs. MDA camp programs, although structured, are conducted in a relaxed atmosphere that gives campers an unmatched opportunity to develop lifelong friendships, share interests and build self-confidence. Activities range from outdoor sports such as swimming, boating, baseball and horseback riding to less physically demanding programs like arts and crafts and talent shows. Thousands of youngsters attend MDA camp each year at no cost to their families.”

Darby-Metzger said, “If you’re 16 or older, you’re invited to apply to join the MDA team as a camp volunteer. At most MDA camps, volunteer counselors work one-on-one with campers around the clock, providing the care, close supervision and attention children with neuromuscular diseases need. Counselors push wheelchairs, lift and carry youngsters, and even bunk-down near their campers. But above all, they become a youngster’s friend for a week and sometimes for a lifetime.

By becoming an MDA summer camp sponsor you can provide a local youngster with neuromuscular disease with many special summer memories. As a sponsor, you will be invited to visit the local MDA camp during the special sponsor VIP Day. You’ll see the joy that your participation in this program creates. Your involvement will also be saluted on the local broadcast of the MDA Labor Day Telethon.”

Rottini concluded, “Become a sponsor! Help youngsters with neuromuscular diseases in your community experience a week of fun and friendship they’ll never forget. At MDA camp there’s always a need for volunteer counselors, medical staff, water safety instructors and activity coordinators. Be a volunteer or a sponsor by sending your tax deductible check made payable to MDA and mail it to MDA c/o ERA Justin Realty Co., 118 Jackson Avenue, Rutherford, New Jersey 07070. If you have questions on this great program for the kids, call us at (201) 939-7500.”

Review more about ERA Justin Realty at their websites at www.ERAJustin.com or www.ERAJustinRealty.com. ERA Justin Realty has received the prestigious ERA ‘Commitment to Excellence Award’ since 2003, as a premier ERA real estate firm across the nation. these reasons ERA Justin Realty should be your buying and selling Realtor of choice and can be reached at either of their two Rutherford at 118 Jackson Avenue and 57 Park Avenue, by office phone (201) 939-7500, (201) 438-0588 or (201) 438-SOLD.

bergen county • buy a house • ERA • ERA Justin Realty • homes for sale • house for sale • houses for sale • Meadowlands • NJ • Northern New Jersey • real estate • Realogy • REALTOR • Ron Darby • Ronald Darby • Rutherford • January 26, 2013

by Jennifer Darby Metzger

With more than 45 years as a real estate leader in Bergen, Passaic, Essex and Hudson Counties, Ron Darby, broker co-owner of ERA Justin Realty shares valued information for buyers and sellers. He, with his Realtor professionals are responsible for thousands of area real estate transactions. The firm is celebrating 63 years as a real estate market leader.

ERA JUSTIN REALTY OFFERS NATIONWIDE RELOCATION SERVICES

Ron Darby, ERA Justin Broker Co-owner with forty-five years of area real estate experience, listings and sales totaling thousands of transactions for the firm, shares relocation services with South Bergenite readers. He offered, “In today’s real estate market, a large portion of buyers come from out of town. Whether moving across the country or just across the state, relocating to a new community can be an exciting experience for everyone in a family. With corporate transfers, company down-sizings and moves to meet family needs on the rise, relocation services have expanded their scope.”

“ERA-Justin Realty created a market as a relocation specialist, when ERA Real Estate was the only company to electronically transfer listings to relocating buyers, as part of the ERA national network” stated Darby.

This type of cutting edge technology helped to establish and maintain the company’s reputation as a technology leader in the real estate industry. Today, ERA-Justin Realty continues to serve the needs of transferees as part of one of the nation’s largest corporate relocation firms and by training its sales agents on how to best serve this special market for their clients. In conjunction is extensive home buying information on their 1000’s of homes websites, www.ERAJustin.com and www.ERAJustinRealty.com.

To help buyers who are relocating determine the general area in which they would like to live, ERA’s national website, www.ERA.com features multi-thousands of home listings and allows users to research detailed information about those communities. Buyers can learn about the styles of homes in an area and how much house their money can buy in different neighborhoods. “Finding a highly qualified, knowledgeable, local Realtor who knows the area can simplify the process of relocating, and having staff who lives in the area and knows the nuances of the community is very important,” according to Darby.

“Our Realtor professionals begin by interviewing transferees about the community from which they are moving in order to find out what they liked best about that community and what qualities they value, so that we can recommend a community which encompasses those qualities,” he added.

Working with both incoming buyers and local corporations in need of relocation services for their employees, corporations like the products that a quality full-service real estate company like ERA-Justin Realty has to offer. ERA Justin Realty offers a high level of customer service, which they, as an independently owned and operated company can provide. Many home sellers, recognizing the benefits that ERA Justin Realty has to offer in relocation services list their homes with the firm for greater showing exposure. They like the fact that their home with color photos and details are exposed worldwide through dozens Internet sites.

Darby continued, “Call or visit any of our Realtor professionals who will be pleased to provide answers to your relocation questions. Each year ERA Justin Realty receives the prestigious worldwide Commitment to Excellence award, from the ERA network of approximately 30,000 brokers and agents. Our sales professionals can be reached at either of our Rutherford offices at 118 Jackson Avenue and 57 Park Avenue. By office phone (201) 939-7500, (201) 438-0588 or (201) 438-SOLD. We are just a phone call away, and always here for you.”

ERA • ERA Justin Realty • Gifting • homes for sale • house for sale • houses for sale • Realogy • Ron Darby • Ronald Darby • Rutherford • November 18, 2012

Gifting The Family Home

by Jennifer Darby Metzger

ERA Justin Realty brings helpful topics to Bergenite readers. Ron Darby, broker co-owner offers tips and hints about gifting the family home. The firm serves buyers and sellers in Bergen, Passaic, Essex and Hudson Counties and are celebrating their 62 years in area real estate.

ERA Justin Realty Report: Gifting The Family Home

“If you are getting ready to move out of your longtime home and into more sunshine, you can actually gift your home to a child or friend but that gift will come with a few strings attached. In many countries around the world, once the parents die, the children simply move into the home and take over the master bedroom. While that progression still occurs in the United States, estate taxes, home values, job transfers, and the desire for a separate space and different environment have changed the use of the traditional family home. The bottom line is that the home has evolved from basic shelter to the average person’s most valuable possession. It needs to be carefully protected, guarded, and even nursed along–much like the responsibilities that took place within the home itself. And the financial value is usually accompanied by priceless memories and experiences, making the family home beyond doubt the ultimate asset.” This is information brought forth by author Tom Kelly in his book “Real Estate for Boomers and Beyond,” reported ERA Justin Realty’s broker co-owner Ron Darby, his firm awarded for their commitment to excellence from approximately 30,000 ERA brokers and agents.

Darby stated, “First and foremost, your child or friend’s basis in the house will be what you paid for the property, plus major improvements. Because this cost you paid years ago may be lower than today’s home value, there’s a chance tax will be owed on a subsequent sale. Carefully note that tax laws change and everyone should review their specific situation with their tax advisor for the most current laws and tax information.”

Kelly’s book states, “For example, if you purchased your home in 1970 for $60,000 and it is now worth $450,000, your child’s basis would be $60,000 if you chose to transfer the home to the child as a gift. If the married child sells the home 10 years down the road for $760,000, their tax liability would be on $200,000 ($760,000 minus the $60,000 basis, minus the $500,000 exclusion for married couples). Taxpayers in the 15 percent tax bracket would thus owe the Internal Revenue Service approximately $30,000 in capital gains tax. The actual gain is the difference between the adjusted sales price (selling price less selling expenses) and the adjusted basis. The adjusted basis is the original cost plus capital improvements. Capital improvements are the cost of improvements having a useful life of more than one year. Examples include the new roof, dock, deck, remodeled bathroom, and finished basement. Generally, an expense is a capital improvement if it adds value to the property or extends its useful life. If these criteria are not met and the expenditure is considered necessary to maintain current usefulness, it is a maintenance cost.

The outright gift would also reduce your lifetime gift tax and estate tax exemptions. While the limits on both the lifetime gift tax and estate tax used to be the same (there was one overall exemption, and the individual used it up by making gifts during life and at death), the 2001 legislation set the gift tax and estate tax on different roads beginning in 2004. Both were combined into a ‘unified’ exemption because gifts made during life also counted against the total. The overall, or unified, exemption remains for the entire estate, but a gift exemption limits the amount that can be given during a lifetime. Once the unified exemption is used up, the tax rates that apply are quite high. The estate tax is being phased out over a 10-year period, but the gift tax will remain in place. The gift tax exemption is $1 million in 2006, but the estate tax leaps to $2 million. In future years, the gift tax exemption will remain at $1 million, while the estate tax exemption rises until the estate tax is fully repealed in 2010. At that time, the top gift tax rate again will equal the top income tax rate.

If you are going to gift your home to an individual, it’s best to offset the amount by first using your annual gift tax exclusion of $11,000 per gift. You can gift $11,000 (this amount will rise and is tied to inflation) to any one person in any year. Hence, if you and your spouse each make a gift to both your child and her spouse, you can offset $44,000 of the home’s value. Then, as long as the home’s net figure is less than $1 million, you won’t owe any current tax (unless you made substantial gifts earlier that reduced your remaining exemption).”

Darby concluded, “Tax regulations do change, so take the time to check with your tax attorney or your accountant before making any moves. Be certain that goals are shared and discussed. You’ll find it saves time, money and anxiety.”

ERA Justin Realty proudly received the prestigious ERA 2003 through 2011 Commitment to Excellence Award, from approximately 30,000 ERA real estate brokers and agents. For these reasons ERA Justin Realty should be your buying and selling Realtor of choice.

All of the ERA Justin Realty listing and 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 websites at www.ERAJustin.com, www.ERAJustinRealty.com and www.SellBergenCounty.com.

bergen county • ERA • ERA Justin Realty • Michelle Korosy • NJ • Northern New Jersey • real estate • Realogy • REALTOR • realty • Ron Darby • Ronald Darby • Rutherford • sell a house • November 5, 2012

ERA Justin Reports On Recommended Work Before Selling

by Jennifer Darby Metzger

ERA Justin Realtor Michelle Korosy offers a report on recommended work before selling. ERA Justin Realty serving Bergen, Passaic, Hudson and Essex Counties since 1950 has generated many thousands of successful real estate transactions. Korosy is an integral part of the real estate team who serves the firm’s buyers and sellers.

ERA Justin Reports On Recommended Work Before Selling

Sellers often order pre-sale inspection reports. This inevitably raises the question of how much, if any, of the recommended work should be done before selling. Ideally, any defect that would be hazardous to buyers who preview the property during the sale process should be corrected. An example is a trip hazard that might cause someone to fall. In addition, to maximize your return from the sale, you should repair defects that adversely affect how the property looks.

Michelle Korosy, an ERA Justin Realtor said, “First impressions are important. So, if the fence or porch portions are rotted and look shabby, you might want to repair them. If the exterior paint is peeling, repainting is in order if the budget allows. You get positive results when you repair a defect and improve appearance by doing so. For example, let’s say that the wood pest (also known as termite) inspector finds damage under the vinyl covering in a bathroom. If the vinyl is worn and outdated, you’ll do better on the sale if you replace the floor covering with new covering. In the course of doing this, the damaged wood can be repaired. The result is that the house shows better and a defect is eliminated–two benefits for the price of one.

You certainly can’t be expected to rebuild your home in order to sell it. Nor is this a sensible thing to do economically. As an example, take a house that had a deck that looked okay and wasn’t unsafe. But there was dry rot damage scattered throughout the deck. The only way to repair the deck was to replace it. It would be difficult to get the job done in the timeframe in which the seller wanted to sell. The deck was old and no longer met current code requirements. It would have had to be redesigned. So the seller decided to leave the deck as it was and disclose that the deck needed to be replaced. The future owners could have the new deck designed to meet their needs at a later date. Upfront disclosure is better than surprises during the sale process.

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.”

Ron Darby Broker added, “At ERA Justin Realty the words, ‘There is a difference in real estate companies’ is more than a phrase. We live it every day. Because of our daily priorities, we proudly received the prestigious ERA world-wide 2003 through 2011 ‘Commitment to Excellence Award’, a firm from approximately 30,000 ERA brokers and agents nationally. Ask to see our written report of over 700 reviews of our company from our buyers and sellers. For these reasons ERA Justin Realty should be your buying and selling Realtor of choice.”

All of the ERA Justin Realty full service Realtor 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 and (201) 438-SOLD. Additional cutting-edge real estate technology information awaits you at www.ERAJustin.com and www.ERAJustinRealty.com. For a rewarding real estate career visit www.NorthJerseyRealEstateCareers.com.

bergen county • buy a house • ERA • ERA Justin Realty • homes for sale • house for sale • houses for sale • Jennifer Darby • real estate • Realogy • REALTOR • November 2, 2012

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

by Jennifer Darby Metzger

Jennifer Darby Metzger, ERA Justin Realty Broker Co-owner shares valued information about home protection plans and how they benefit both buyers and sellers. The company on-the-grow attracts career professionals having six new agents recently join their team who will make the plan available to their buyers and sellers.

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

Everyone has his or her own “house horror story.” The Sheffield’s 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.”

Fortunately, the Sheffield’s had the forethought to purchase a home protection plan from their ERA Realtor, which covered all or some of the costs of repairing or replacing the broken home components.

Jennifer Darby Metzger, ERA Justin Realty Broker Co-owner said, “The Sheffield’s story repeats itself thousands of times a day across the country. It is for that reason that ERA-Justin Realty has the ERA Home Protection Plan program available for both our Buyers and Sellers.”

Jennifer continued, “A home protection plan safeguards a Buyer or Seller from unexpected expenses when covered mechanical items break down. Our ERA Buyer Protection Plan and Seller Protection Plan provide replacement coverage as well as comprehensive repair of major mechanical systems and appliances such as air conditioning, heating and electrical systems, interior plumbing, built-in appliances, water heaters and accessible ductwork, subject to a small deductible per service call.

For Sellers, a home protection plan makes a house desirable to the market 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 a year after the purchase on resale homes.

If one considers that the most costly purchase in life is generally one’s house, a home protection plan is a small price to pay for peace of mind and to insure oneself against the unexpected.”

“There is a difference in real estate companies, and our ERA Protection Plans are perfect examples. 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 all in the highest regard. Ask to see our over 700 written ‘What People Are Saving’ reviews about our company. Additionally, we’ve recently had six new Realtors join our strong team. All of our team can answer your home protection plan questions,” she added.

The ERA Justin Realtor 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, www.ERAJustinRealty.com and www.BuyBergenCounty.com.

bergen county • buy a house • Daniel Jones • ERA • ERA Justin Realty • homes for sale • house for sale • houses for sale • Meadowlands • Northern New Jersey • real estate • Realogy • REALTOR • realty • Ron Darby • Rutherford • October 26, 2012

by Jennifer Darby Metzger

Daniel Jones recently joined the “Top-100” ERA Justin Realty firm as a Realtor. With membership at the New Jersey Association of Realtors, New Jersey Multiple Listing Service and the RealSource Association of Realtors, he is focused to see to the housing needs of buyers and sellers throughout Bergen, Passaic, Hudson and Essex Counties.

Realtor Daniel Jones Joins ERA Justin Realty

Jennifer Darby Metzger, ERA Justin Realty Broker Co-owner welcomed Daniel Jones to their firm.

Upon accepting a Realtor position, he stated, “I’m eager to begin my career here. It is my belief that people do not want to be sold something. What people want is for someone to help guide them to make a well informed decision. As a professional, it is my purpose to share my knowledge and experience. As a friend, it is my intent to express my enthusiasm and commitment. As your trusted Realtor, it is my goal to serve you.”

When asked to express to us his business ethics, he offered, “I’m focused, driven, consistent and always committed to my responsibilities to my buyers and sellers.”

Continuing on, with an optimistic and genuine tone, Daniel stated, “I am always looking forward to meeting new buyers and sellers and offering my knowledge and tenacious work ethic to accomplish their housing goals.”

Working with the ERA Justin agents, I 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 both myself, and my clients live. They exceed expectations each day.”

Daniel continued, “A positive atmosphere creates positive results. At ERA Justin Realty, they care about their agents like family. Their agents’ success and well-being is the foundation upon which this company is built and, in turn, translating to strong listings taken and closed sales.”

Ron Darby, Broker Co-owner added, “We are pleased that Daniel has selected our firm for his real estate career. Residing in Carlstadt, he is familiar with our marketing areas. We are confident that he will give 150% of his time and energy for the success of his buyers and sellers. He is meticulous, organized and understanding in his approach to our business.

There is a difference in real estate companies. Attending on-going advanced training, seminars, round-table 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. Daniel is part of this process.”

ERA Justin Realty sellers have put their reviews of the company in writing. They have on file for review, ‘Real Estate Results In Writing’ their report of over 700 testimonials from satisfied sellers and buyers.

Daniel Jones and all of the ERA Justin Realty full service real estate team 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 websites at www.ERAJustin.com, www.ERAJustinRealty.com and www.SellBergenCounty.com.

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