Congratulations to Our NJ REALTORS Circle of Excellence Winners

by Jennifer Darby Metzger

Jennifer Darby Metzger and Ron Darby, Broker/Owners of ERA Justin Realty Co in Rutherford are proud to congratulate eighteen of its agents for being named the New Jersey Association of Realtors (NJAR) 2019 Circle of Excellence Sales Award winners. NJAR recognizes top producing real estate members who have demonstrated excellence in the field of salesmanship.

“It is very exciting to have and recognize 18 outstanding recipients under one roof”, boasts Darby. “One Gold, Two Silver and Fifteen Bronze is an amazing accomplishment and we couldn’t be more proud of them. These agents are passionately committed and extremely dedicated to achieving the ultimate goal for their clients. They demonstrate outstanding sales ability and a vast knowledge of the real estate market. Their service and dedication are what epitomize our values for over 50+ years.”

This year’s Gold Level Award winner is Libera “Lee” Schilare.

Silver Level Award winners are: Carol Calamari and Fara Espandi

The Bronze Level Award winners are: Beth Albanese, Julia Dagistanli, Jessica Davidson, Kristen Davis, Glenn Elliot, Joana Iliescu, Michelle Korosy, Margaret “Peggy” McLaughlin, Catherine Nimmo, Sharon Robie, Danielle Sette, Jennifer Sullivan, Grace Tirrito, Catherine “Cathy” Vick, and Rosemarie Zembryski.

In addition to recognizing these agents, Jennifer Darby Metzger and Ron Darby are delighted to announce that its highly professional and knowledgeable agents sold 3 times more homes in Rutherford than the nearest competitor, based on statistics from NJMLS, once again establishing itself as the #1 Brokerage in the Rutherford, NJ area for the 19th year in a row. “We are thrilled to be able to say we achieved this position in the marketplace once again,” Darby says. “We will continue to bring value to our clients, providing the highest level of customer experience. It is our absolute honor to service our community.”

five star professional award • five star professionals • February 17, 2020

by Jennifer Darby Metzger

ERA Justin Realty Announces Five Star Professionals Award Recipients

Real estate is a hyper local business and what matters most isn’t the volume of transactions one accomplishes, but rather it’s each client’s experience with their own transaction. ERA Justin’s transaction growth continues to be fueled by satisfied clients who refer their friends and family and return for help with their real estate needs. The positive consumer experience has led to nine of our agents being recognized with the prestigious Five Star Professionals award for 2020: (pictured left to right) Rosemarie Zembryski, Julia Dagistanli, Jessica “Jessi” Davidson, Libera “Lee” Schilare, Beth Albanese, Carol Calamari, Fara Espandi, Catherine “Cathy” Vick, and Michelle Korosy (not pictured).

About Five Star Professionals

Five Star Professional has partnered with New Jersey Monthly Magazine to recognize the top real estate professionals based on consumer feedback and experience. The Five Star Real Estate Agent award program is the largest and most widely published real estate agent award program in North America, covering more than 40 major markets.

The 5 Star Award process starts with a 3rd party nomination. Winners are determined by a series of factors, the most important of which are results of client and industry peer evaluations on key criteria critical for an excellent client experience. Thousands of homebuyers and sellers are contacted to rate their real estate agent on various points, including customer service, integrity, Market knowledge, communications, negotiation, closing preparation, post-sale service, finding the right home, marketing of home, and overall satisfaction

Likewise, real estate industry peers are asked to evaluate real estate agents on four criteria: Industry expertise, customer service skills, Market knowledge, and negotiation skills.

Jennifer Darby Metzger, Broker/Owner at ERA Justin Realty states, “We are grateful for every referral and every returning client, as each represents proof that our highly professional agents are succeeding in delivering on our promise of 5-star customer service.”

2019 leadership circle • award winners • ERA Justin Realty Leadership Circle • February 17, 2020

by Jennifer Darby Metzger

ERA JUSTIN REALTY RECOGNIZES ITS 2019 LEADERSHIP CIRCLE WINNERS

ERA Justin Realty, the top residential real estate brokerage in the Rutherford area, recognized itstop producing agents for 2019 and sets its goals for another successful year in 2020.

ERA Justin Realty Broker/Owners Jennifer Darby Metzger and Ron Darby offered, “As we kick off 2020 and hit the ground running, we want to celebrate some of our key accomplishments in 2019 and recognize some of our top agents who have helped set us up for success in the new year, through our Leadership Circle Awards.”

The Leadership Circle Awards at ERA Justin is an internal awards program designed to recognize those agents that meet and exceed their goals and the company’s goals on a monthly basis. The 2019 Leadership Circle winners are (as pictured, left to right, standing): Lee Schilare, Cathy Vick, Kristen Davis, Glenn Elliot, Julia Dagistanli, and (seated) Carol Calamari, Fara Espandi, and Joana Iliescu.

“We are inspired by our hardworking agents every day, not just in their sales and volume numbers, but also in their dedication to their customers and giving back to the community. All of our agents deliver an extraordinary real estate experience to their clients.” Darby boasts.

Because of all our tremendous agents, and stellar management staff, ERA Justin is the top selling real estate brokerage in Rutherford for the 19th consecutive year in a row, based on Closed Sales Volume, according to statistics available from the New Jersey Multiple Listing Service (NJMLS). “ERA Justin Realty has sold 3 times more homes in Rutherford than the nearest competitor,” Darby adds.

Darby credits his company’s success to his team’s dedication to customer service and leveraging the latest real estate technology and tools to extend its listing reach, improve lead generation and enhance the consumer experience. “We’re excited about the road ahead and look forward to providing top quality service to our customers,” states Darby Metzger.

To reach any of our Real Estate Professionals, call (201) 939-7500. ERA Justin Realty Co is conveniently located at 118 Jackson Avenue and 57 Park Avenue, in Rutherford, NJ.

charity • ERA Justin Realty • NJ Food & Clothing Rescue • Rutherford Food Pantry • Toys for tots • January 4, 2020

ERA Justin Realty and It’s Agents Helped to Make the Holidays Special

by Jennifer Darby Metzger

ERA Justin Realty and It’s Agents Help Make the Holidays Special

ERA Justin Realty spent the holiday season giving back to the community that they serve. Beginning with Giving Tuesday, the office started collecting food for the food pantry. Thanks to the generosity of the agents and local residents who contributed food, ERA Justin was able to help fill the Rutherford Food Pantry with food for the holidays. The Rutherford Community Pantry, Inc. is a volunteer non-profit organization which meets emergency and ongoing needs for food and personal hygiene items for citizens of Rutherford and members of Rutherford religious institutions who are referred by an approved agency throughout the year. It is a joint effort of concerned citizens, community faith congregations and civic organizations.

The second charity ERA Justin Realty helped is Toys For Tots. In conjunction with the ERA Real Estate network, the ERA Justin Realty agents contributed new toys to the program which is run by the US Marine Corps Reserve. Their mission is to bring the joy of Christmas to less fortunate children. The entire ERA Real Estate network had 253 participating offices in the drive with over 7,500 agents who collected more than 8,300 toys this holiday season. For more information on the Marine Toys for Tots program visit toysfortots.org.

The third charity that ERA Justin helped this holiday season is NJ Food & Clothing Rescue. The staff of ERA Justin contributed items on wish lists of needy families in the area that were provided by the charity to help make their Christmas happy. NJ Food & Clothing Rescue have been helping local families since 2015. This is the 4th year that ERA Justin has adopted families through the program.

ERA Justin has always been there for the community but during the holiday season they especially work hard to make it special. For more information about these charities or for help with your real estate needs, please call (201) 939-7500 or visit us at one of our two Rutherfordlocations, 118 Jackson Avenueand 57 Park Avenue.

ERA Justin Realty Charities • Helping Families • NJ Food & Clothing Rescue • December 20, 2019

by Jennifer Darby Metzger

Special People Doing Special Things!

ERA Justin Realty in conjunction with Realtor agent and program coordinator Sharon Robie have secured items of necessity for families and children for Christmas 2019.

N.J. Food & Clothing Rescue started in 2015 as a non profit fundraising organization. Phil and Renay Stafford started the charity because in 1999 they were flooded by hurricane Floyd and lost most of their belongings. When they applied for relief services they were told that they would have to wait for services. That motivated Phil and Renay as Phil had been helping people most of his life but wanted to take it a step further. N.J. Food & Clothing Rescue was born.

Phil offered, “We try to help people that are in crisis without having to wait. If someone comes to us for help we can help immediately. We help people all year long with food, toiletries and essential household items. At this time of year, one of many things we do is adopt a family for Christmas.”

Renay added, “Throughout the years we’ve helped families who are in crisis or are having difficult times. We help single parents, seniors, Veterans and the homeless. We have families who are registered with us who we help with food weekly. During their hard times, we help them with fruits, vegetables and non perishable items. In this way what little money they do have they can use towards bills, rent, medicines, etc. The families for our Adopt A Family program are families that are registered with us. We also sponsor a domestic violence agency, Never Alone Again. This organization has families with single moms and children with many of them living in a shelter. We also have families referred to us from people who we know; who know families who are struggling. This is our 4th year that we have done this project. Every year the number of families and children we help increases.”

Sharon concluded, “We have single families and companies including ERA Justin Realty sponsoring families for Christmas this year. This is very bitter-sweet and are happy that we are able to help so many families, but its also sad that there are so many in a situation like this. N.J. Food & Clothing Rescue could not do what we do collectively without the help of very generous people. ERA Justin Realty sponsored needy families in 2019. For additional information visit their website www.njfoodclothingrescue.org or email them at njfoodandclothingrescue@aol.com“

ERA Justin has always been there for the community. To find out how Sharon or any our real estate agents can help you with your real estate needs, please call (201) 939-7500 or visit us at one of our 2 Rutherford locations, 118 Jackson Ave and 57 Park Ave.

55 Kip Center • ERA Justin Realty • festival of trees and wreaths • holiday wreath • November 22, 2019

ERA Justin sponsors a wreath for the 25th Annual Festival of Trees and Wreaths

by Jennifer Darby Metzger

ERA Justin sponsors a wreath for the 25th Annual Festival of Trees and Wreaths

ERA Justin’s little elves have been very busy decorating for the Kip Center’s 25th Annual Festival of Trees and Wreaths. While a favorite tradition in the community, it also serves as a fundraiser for the Kip Center. Beautiful Trees and wreaths are designed by Kip supporters including local merchants, non-profit organizations, artists, and children.

Trees/Wreaths/Centerpieces will be on display at the Kip Center from now until December 14th at which time they will be raffled off to benefit the 55 Kip Center. Raffle tickets are available for purchase Tuesdays through Saturdays from 8:30 am – 4:30 pm. Raffle tickets are 25 for $10.00. Please join us for a Kip Open House, as part of the Borough’s Holiday Festivities, from 11:00 am – 3:00 pm on Saturday, November 30th.

ERA Justin Realty is pleased to help 55 Kip Center, a fun, empowering, and enriching vital resource for older adults and their families. They are Bergen County’s ONLY nationally accredited Senior Center of Excellence and have a membership of over 700 members. They offer Health & Wellness, Education, Recreation, Fitness and nutrition programs to area seniors volunteers also provide escort for essential transportation needs including doctor appointments and grocery shopping. Volunteers can also provide food shopping for those unable to shop for themselves. A little of your time can make a BIG difference in the life of a senior in Bergen County! For more information on this program or to become a volunteer, please call Cathy Baviello of 55 Kip Center at 201-460-1600.

35 Years • 35th anniversary • anniversary • ERA Justin Realty • November 8, 2019

ERA Justin Realty Celebrates 35 Years with ERA and Introduces New Vision

by Jennifer Darby Metzger

ERA Justin Realty Celebrates 35 Years with ERA and Introduces New Vision

Looking back, Ron Darby Broker-Owner never thought he would be completing his 52nd year in the real estate industry. He thanked the community in addition to the lawyers, mortgage brokers, and bankers, along with other business professionals who have always been there for them as they have grown to top 100 ERA success status.

Jennifer Darby Metzger, Broker-Owner said, “Time flies when you are doing what you enjoy. I remember when I was studying for my salesperson and then my broker licensing. It seems like yesterday, though it’s now thousands of transactions later. We’ve certainly grown and it’s because of the dedication of our wonderful teammates and professionals who focus with us.”

“ERA Justin Realty is highly driven by the knowledge and experience of our business platform. Everything we do is designed with the universal goal of expanding that knowledge base through a series of innovative tools, programs, and resources that help deliver true value and make it easier for us to better serve today’s consumers. We are building a smarter business community; we all achieve more when we share knowledge and work together.

Metzger concluded, “All of our firm’s Realtor agents can be reached at either of our two Rutherford offices at 118 Jackson Avenue and 57 Park Avenue. By phone (201) 939-7500, (201) 438-0588 or (201) 438-SOLD. Also, view 1000’s of homes at our websites at www.ERAJustin.com and www.ERAJustinRealty.com.”

buyer qualifications • ERA Justin Realty • home affordability • November 3, 2019

Determining your ability to buy a home

by Jennifer Darby Metzger

Determining your ability to buy a home

The gap between the increase in personal income and residential real estate prices have been used to defend the concept that we are experiencing an affordability crisis in housing today. Home prices and wages are two key elements in any affordability equation. There is, however, an extremely important third component to that equation: Mortgage interest rates

Mortgage interest rates have fallen by more than a full percentage point from this time last year. Today’s rate is 3.75%; it was 4.86% at this time last year. This has dramatically increased a purchaser’s ability to afford a home.

Here are three reports validating that purchasing a home is more affordable today than it was a year ago:

CoreLogic’s Typical Mortgage Payment
“Falling mortgage rates and slower home-price growth mean that many buyers this year are committing to lower mortgage payments than they would have faced for the same home last year. After rising at a double-digit annual pace in 2018, the principal-and-interest payment on the nation’s median-priced home – what we call the “typical mortgage payment”– fell year-over-year again.”

The National Association of Realtors’ Affordability Index

“At the national level, housing affordability is up from last month and up from a year ago…All four regions saw an increase in affordability from a year ago. The payment as a percentage of income was down from a year ago.”

First American’s Real House Price Index (RHPI)
“In 2019, the dynamic duo of lower mortgage rates and rising incomes overcame the negative impact of rising house price appreciation on affordability. Indeed, affordability reached its highest point since January 2018. Focusing on nominal house price changes alone as an indication of changing affordability, or even the relationship between nominal house price growth and income growth overlooks what matters more to potential buyers – surging house-buying power-driven by the dynamic duo of mortgage rates and income growth. And, we all know from experience, you buy what you can afford to pay per month.”

Bottom Line
Though the price of homes may still be rising, the cost of purchasing a home is falling. If you’re thinking of buying your first home or moving up to your dream home, let’s connect so you can better understand the difference between the two. To contact any one of our Real Estate Professionals, stop by either of our two Rutherford offices at 118 Jackson Avenue or 57 Park Avenue or by calling 201.939.7500.

Harvard Club • Jennifer Darby Metzger • New York's Harvard Club • October 23, 2019

FLASHBACK: JENNIFER DARBY METZGER SPOKE AT NEW YORK’S HARVARD CLUB

by Jennifer Darby Metzger

FLASHBACK:

JENNIFER DARBY METZGER SPOKE AT

NEW YORK’S HARVARD CLUB

The most powerful and successful real estate leaders, from franchise brands and independent real estate firms across the nation, were welcomed to the Harvard Club in New York in 2018 by RIS Media.

Ron Darby, ERA Justin Realty Broker-Owner said, “Those leaders, including Jennifer Darby Metzger, came together last year for this event to exchange ideas and strategies to better meet the needs of today’s sophisticated, technology-savvy consumer. Jennifer was chosen as a guest speaker specifically by a select group of brokers, owners, brand executives, and real estate service leaders.”

“It was an honor to be invited to speak amongst some of the most knowledgeable leaders in real estate”, Darby Metzger said. As Jennifer spoke, she shared some of her strategies for effectively reaching, connecting and servicing today’s technologically-driven consumer.

It is this philosophy that has helped ERA Justin Realty to be recognized by its parent company, ERA Real Estate. ERA Justin Realty was named as a finalist for the Gene Francis Memorial Award. This award recognizes those companies that reflected the qualities most respected throughout the global ERA system and the real estate industry. Known for both his forward-thinking business acumen as well as his philanthropic spirit, Gene Francis established a defining culture of service to which all ERA companies aspire. Factored into the award selection are: high customer satisfaction ratings, strong brand engagement and use of ERA resources, and sales and company growth.

See why ERA Justin continues as a leader in customer satisfaction. The ERA Justin Realty team can be reached at either of the two Rutherford offices at 118 Jackson Avenue and 57 Park Avenue. By office phone (201) 939-7500, (201) 438-0588 or (201) 438-SOLD.

1st 3 quarters winners • 2019 leadership circle • ERA Justin Achievers • ERA Justin Realty • October 10, 2019

ERA Justin Realty Leadership Circle 2019

by Jennifer Darby Metzger

ERA Justin Realty Leadership Circle 2019

The Year-to-Date ERA Justin Realty Leadership Circle achievers for 2019 include (from
front to back): Julia Dagistanli, Sophia Vazac, Fara Espandi, Lee Schilare, Cathy Vick,
Carol D. Calamari, and Kristen Davis (not pictured).

Each one of these skilled real estate agents are knowledgeable on a variety of topics and
can help the sale or purchase of your home go smoothly.

The home buying/selling process is a complex transaction and although the internet and
real estate apps can help you “find the home of your dreams”, an experienced real estate
agent, like our Leadership Circle achievers, will help guide you through the arduous
process.

Our agents know the local market, have a vast network of other real estate professionals
to reach out to (including mortgage lenders, home inspectors, attorneys, title companies,
movers, etc.), and have tremendous negotiation skills. Even a straightforward sale can go
awry unless both parties keep to deadlines and stay ahead of potential problems. Our real
estate agents can correct issues with the contract, make sure inspections and repairs are
completed on time, and keep both parties on schedule to make the closing. Those are only
a few areas where having a professional Realtor can be of extreme value. The
experienced skills of our team are invaluable to the success and experience of the
transaction.

Our agents and their brokers, Ron Darby and Jennifer Darby Metzger are always advising
homeowners on topics that aid them in making sound real estate decisions regarding their
homes. “There is a difference in real estate companies and our agents take pride in their
work,” stated Darby.

With close to 100 units sold to date between these leadership circle winners, it is easy to
see that these sales professionals are hyper-focused and ready to serve the needs of their
sellers and buyers.

To contact any of our ERA Justin Realty agents for your home buying or selling needs,
stop by either of our two Rutherford offices at 118 Jackson Avenue or 57 Park Avenue or
by calling (201) 939-7500 or visiting www.ERAJustin.com.

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