Uncategorized March 4, 2011

Karen Kelly, ERA Justin Realtor professional shares consumer information for buyers and sellers. Karen achieved being in the top five income producers within the firm for 2010. Her listing and sales activities create activity throughout Bergen, Passaic, Essex and Hudson counties.
         ERA Justin Realty’s Karen Kelly 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 Karen Kelly, a Realtor professional with ERA Justin Realty.

The ANSWERS® book is based on questions that ERA brokers hear most frequently. According to Karen, “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 http://www.erajustin.com/ under the Buying and Selling tabs on our home page.”;

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 buying and selling and includes a glossary of needed real estate terms. 
Karen continued, “ANSWERS® is designed to help consumers better prepare for the home buying and selling process. Additional information from our Realtor professionals include information providing sellers with a list of easy things they can do to improve the process.”;
ERA Justin Realty proudly received the prestigious ERA world-wide 2003 through 2010 ERA ‘;Commitment to Excellence Award’;, one of the most sought awards that can be achieved for service to buyers, sellers and the community efforts they serve including their charitable events.  Only outstanding business entities are honored and receive it. Additionally the firm has once again achieved being an‘ERA Top-100’; firm worldwide bringing accolades to the firm from ERA corporate as well as from other ERA real estate firms in the network. 
Consumers interested viewing the ANSWERS® book can view it on line at http://www.erajustin.com/ or call or visit Karen or any of the ERA Justin Realty Realtor professionals at either of their two Rutherford office locations at 118 Jackson Avenue or 57 Park Avenue and by phone at (201) 939-7500, (201) 438-0588 or (201) 438-SELL.
Uncategorized February 24, 2011

ERA JUSTIN REALTY NJAR 2010 CIRCLE OF EXCELLENCE AWARDS PRESENTED

ERA Justin Realty’s New Jersey Association of Realtors Circle of Excellence Award achievers in the bronze category for 2010 include, seated: Cathy Vick, Kristen Davis, Carol Calamari, Fara Espandi. Standing: Monir (Matt) Hanna, Glenn Elliot and broker co-owner’s Jennifer Darby Metzger, Carol Darby and Ron Darby, broker of record for the firm.
 
     ERA JUSTIN REALTY NJAR 2010
CIRCLE OF EXCELLENCE AWARDS PRESENTED
Rutherford:  Each year the New Jersey Association of Realtors honors its top producers in sales and listings sold.  Based upon Realtor production with focus to detail, agents throughout New Jersey are awarded for their outstanding efforts.
It is important to recognize remarkable achievements of the best-of-the-best because of the positive impact that these award achievers have on their buyers, their sellers and the communities in which they conduct their daily real estate business. 
Ron Darby, ERA Justin Realty broker and co-owner offered personal accolades to the ERA Justin Realty team of sales professionals and stated, “When you examine the structure of each real estate transaction, one can appreciate the reasons why these fine sales-professionals have been awarded.  There are groups of individuals involved, including buyers, sellers each with their attorney, mortgage lenders, appraisers and underwriters, home, termite and radon inspectors, community building inspectors for the final certificate of occupancy and other varied inspectors.  Add to the mix hand-delivery of documents, dozens of hours on the phone with buyers and sellers and only then can one appreciate the value of this outstanding NJAR award.  Our best-of-the-best 2010 Circle of Excellence Bronze winners include Cathy Vick, Kristen Davis, Carol Calamari, Fara Espandi, Monir (Matt) Hanna and Glenn Elliot. We are extremely proud of their ERA Justin Realty team efforts.  Each year they exceed buyer and seller expectations.  They are truly Realtors of choice and they would love to be your Realtor.”
All ERA Justin Realty full service Realtors 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. View 1000’s of homes at their websites at www.ERAJustin.com and www.ERAJustinRealty.com
Uncategorized February 23, 2011

ERA JUSTIN REALTY OFFERS STABLE AGENT CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

 
 
Jennifer Darby Metzger, broker and co-owner of ERA Justin Realty offers opportunities for real estate agents. Jennifer has been a market leader for the firm for many years with outstanding successes. She, along with her management team now offers hands-on training for agents joining the firm
 
  ERA JUSTIN REALTY OFFERS
STABLE AGENT CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

South Bergen County:  How many careers exist today when management truly works to help their team be successful. According to Ron Darby, a leading real estate manager, owner and broker in the real estate industry for 44 years and co-owner of ERA Justin Realty, “We work with our agents each day to help them achieve their goals, in a constant changing real estate industry.  We are this year honored to have six 2010 NJAR ‘Circle of Excellence’ award achievers in the Bronze category. To be an achiever, one should be with achievers. We are seeking two full time agent achievers to be part of our team, only two.”
Jennifer Darby Metzger also speaks from great experience.  The firm’s management team has hired, trained and guided agents to success hundreds of times. Many ERA Justin Realty agents have been with ERA Justin Realty for decades, with earnings greater than at most area real estate firms. 
She said, “We stress stability, a necessity for success in this new world of real estate. As real estate trends change, as agents’ commission needs change, we watch and listen. ERA Justin Realty has one of the strongest commission structures for agents, once again bringing our firm to the forefront in earnings, outdistancing the majority of competition in earning potential.  We also give our agents the greatest buyer base potential with stronger advertising than any other real estate firm in South Bergen County.  Three full color page advertisements of our listings in The South Bergenite and Community News brings an abundance of potential buyers to our agents while giving our sellers more marketing exposure than other firms.  Our ‘Winning Edge Teammate Advantage’ benefit package is not obtainable at other firms. We proudly are considered a real estate market leader by thousands of sellers and buyers and offer internal training programs and a superior level of support as requested by our agents.
ERA Justin Realty is once again honored as a ‘Top-100’ ERA firm worldwide and is the recipient of the ‘ERA Commitment to Excellence’ award from 2003 through 2010.  For these reasons, agents both newly licensed and experienced who join us have the potential to begin strong earnings immediately.  Our agent ‘Winning Edge Teammate Advantage’ commission benefit package has been structured so agents have a sense of pride in receiving strong earnings and other benefits which they deserve in this new age of real estate.
We are proud of our achievements. Our team of Realtor professionals work each day to meet and exceed buyer and seller expectations. Continuing to grow, we are offering those who want a successful career in real estate to phone for a confidential conversation.  Give us a few minutes and we’ll give you a rewarding lifetime career.”
Jennifer concluded, “To learn more, phone me at (201) 939-7500 or view our websites at www.ERAJustin.com and http://www.erajustinrealty.com/.  If you are a career-minded full-time licensed agent, serious about your real estate business, but not advancing at your current firm, it may be time to make that phone call.  Making a decision to make the call is a tough decision, from there, the rest is easy.  We’ll show you how!”
ERA Justin Realty operates two state-of-the-art Rutherford offices at 118 Jackson Avenue and 57 Park Avenue.  By office phone (201) 939-7500, (201) 438-0588 or (201) 438-SOLD. 

Uncategorized February 2, 2011

ERA Justin Realty Leadership Circle Top Producers

ERA Justin Realtor professionals who have achieved 2010 Leadership Circle awards. Seated L to R:  Cathy Vick, Carol Calamari, Fara Espandi, Kristen Davis. Standing: Karen Kelly, Ilene Harpuder, Rosemarie Zembryski, Monir (Matt) Hanna, Glenn Elliot and Grace Tirrito. Their services to their buyers and sellers cover Bergen, Passaic, Essex and Hudson counties. They also begin 2011 with new listings sold, new contacts taken and pre-qualified buyers in negotiation for area homes.

ERA Justin Realty Leadership Circle Top Producers
Focus for clients and customers are the force that motivates the staff of active Realtor professionals at ERA Justin Realty.  In fact, the firm tracks continuing activity of 100 real estate firms who service the vast reaches of Bergen County and ERA Justin Realty has again proven itself to be an area real estate market leader in 2010.

Ron Darby, Broker and Co-owner recently posted the 2010 year-end ‘Leadership Circle’ production results for those sales professionals who have exceeded all expectations for the year.  Receiving accolades were Cathy Vick, Carol Calamari, Fara Espandi, Kristen Davis, Karen Kelly, Ilene Harpuder, Rosemarie Zembryski, Monir (Matt) Hanna, Glenn Elliot and Grace Tirrito.

 
Darby stated, “Throughout each quarter we proudly present the ‘Leadership Circle’ Award to those teammates who focus and exceed the expectations of their sellers and buyers.  These fine professionals who are currently awarded had earned accolades throughout each 2010-quarter.  It is an ongoing team effort, which makes us a market leader throughout Bergen, Passaic, Essex and Hudson counties. 
 
For our sellers and buyers, we have compiled our ‘What People Are Saying’ presentation of nearly 800 testimonials regarding the services that we offer.  A copy is available for review for the asking. Additionally, these sales professionals focus on the inventory of homes that we have for sale, knowing exacting details, so they can provide our sellers and buyers with the service they deserve.  It’s a win-win for all! 
 
Due to continuing market changes, any of our professionals will be pleased to provide a current market price analysis of your home at no cost or obligation.  The report features current homes on the market, homes that have sold and closed, and details as to the value of your home.  The analysis will focus on 2011 market value for the spring and beyond.   It will also give details on the specifics of your home and what a seller may do to make it more marketable. Invite them in, it will be well rewarding for your sales process.
 
Carol Darby co-owner added, “Additionally for the overall year, Kristen Davis is awarded as the overall top income producer and Fara Espandi the overall first place ‘Leadership Circle’ recipient for listing and sales activity as well as participation in other company commitments.”
 
ERA Justin Realty continues to receive the prestigious worldwide ‘ERA Commitment to Excellence Award,’ receiving it from 2003 through 2010. We are excited that we will be honored at the upcoming ERA International Business Conference to be held in Las Vegas in March 2011.”
 
These ERA Justin Realtor professional award achievers can be reached at either of their Rutherford offices at 118 Jackson Avenue and 57 Park Avenue.  By office phone (201) 939-7500, (201) 438-0588 or (201) 438-SOLD. View 1000’s of homes at their websites at www.ERAJustin.com and www.ERAJustinRealty.com.
Uncategorized February 2, 2011

Fara Espandi Awarded the National Association of Realtors CRS Designation

Fara Espandi, a Realtor professional with ERA Justin Realty has been awarded with a National Association of Realtors designation earned by only 4% of Realtors nationwide.
 
Fara Espandi Awarded the
National Association of Realtors CRS Designation
Bergen County: Fara Espandi, a Realtor professional with ERA Justin Realty, a market leader throughout Bergen, Passaic, Essex and Hudson counties has been awarded the prestigious Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) Designation by the Council of Residential Specialists, the largest not-for-profit affiliate of the National Association of Realtors.
Realtor professionals who receive the CRS Designation have completed advanced courses and have demonstrated professional expertise in the field of residential real estate. Fewer than 35,000 Realtors nationwide equaling approximately 4% from hundreds of thousands of Realtors have earned the credential.
Home buyers and sellers can be assured that Fara, as a CRS Designee subscribes to the strict Realtor code of ethics, has access to the latest technology and is a specialist in helping clients maximize profits and minimize costs when buying or selling a home.
Broker-owners of ERA Justin Realty, Ron Darby, Carol Darby and Jennifer Darby Metzger along with their entire team of Realtor professionals congratulated Fara during a recent meeting of their Leadership Circle recipients.
Fara said, “ERA Justin Realty continues to receive the prestigious worldwide ‘ERA Commitment to Excellence Award,’ receiving it from 2003 through 2010. We are excited that we will be honored at the upcoming ERA International Business Conference to be held in Las Vegas in March 2011.”
 
Fara and the ERA Justin Realtor professional achievers can be reached at either of their Rutherford offices at 118 Jackson Avenue and 57 Park Avenue.  By office phone (201) 939-7500, (201) 438-0588 or (201) 438-SOLD. View 1000’s of homes at their websites at www.ERAJustin.com and www.ERAJustinRealty.com.
Uncategorized February 2, 2011

ERA Justin Top Producers Report for 2011: Smart Sellers Think Like Buyers

Fara Espandi and Kristen Davis have both achieved top honors at ERA Justin Realty for 2010 in different categories. They share their success strategies for buyers and sellers for 2011 as they continue listing and selling throughout Bergen, Passaic, Essex and Hudson counties.
ERA Justin Top Producers Report for 2011:
Smart Sellers Think Like Buyers
 
ERA Justin Realty’s Kristen Davis and Fara Espandi succeeded each challenge during 2010 and achieved top positions within the firm. Kristen has achieved #1 production in commission income and Fara earned #1 position in the firm’s Leadership Circle for sales, listings and other business model responsibilities. To be successful, these sales professionals know what makes for a successful sale and advise that smart sellers should think like buyers.  This advice continues in 2011.
Jennifer Darby, broker co-owner said, “There are plenty of homebuyers intent on buying while they can still lock in a relatively low mortgage rate. So, the 2011 housing market should present good opportunities for sellers who understand how to maximize profit in this new, more balanced, selling environment. Buyers are concerned about perceived value.  For this reason, pricing is more important than ever, as is property condition. Buyers are less forgiving of defects. So, ideally, you should fix defects before you put your home on the market. There is an abundance of housing inventory for buyers throughout our marketing areas.”
Kristen added, “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. Our ERA Justin Realtor professionals are proactive in advising potential sellers with comprehensive information when reviewing the sale of their 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 at least fifty websites as well as their full page advertisements in The South Bergenite and Community News. As reported, approximately 85 percent of today’s homebuyers start their home searches on the Internet.” 
Fara 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 with the many photos and a video tour of your home that we create and are on the Internet as soon as your home is opened up to the market. For these reasons, we receive referrals from many sellers who had a positive experience buying their home through us and decide to list with the our Realtor who represented them as buyers.”
Jennifer commented, “Your aim is to sell for the highest price possible, but at a realistic price dictated by the market. Don’t list for less than a price you can accept. But, keep in mind that overpriced listings won’t sell. Your house is in daily competition with many similar houses on the market at any given time. Our congratulations to both Kristen and Fara for their outstanding production and hard work and their positive outlook for our 2011 real estate market. They both know the secrets to real estate success and will be pleased to bring that success to your transaction.
Our ERA Justin Realtor professionals 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 spring 2011 market update.  It’s offered at no cost or obligation simply by phoning our office.”
ERA Justin Realty proudly received the prestigious ERA 2003 through 2010 ‘Commitment to Excellence Award,’ as a premier ERA real estate firm across the nation.  For these reasons ERA Justin Realty should be your buying and selling Realtor of choice.
 The ERA Justin Realty sales professionals can be reached at either of their two Rutherford offices at 118 Jackson Avenue and 57 Park Avenue, by office phone (201) 939-7500, (201) 438-0588 or (201) 438-SOLD. Also view 1000’s of homes at their websites at http://www.erajustin.com/ and http://www.erajustinrealty.com/.
Uncategorized January 30, 2011

MOMS Club growing throughout Bergen County, New Jersey

Bergen County, New Jersey:  In 1983 when Mary James, an at-home mother in California, decided she was tired of being alone at home, she wanted to meet other at-home mothers and she wanted to find other at-home children for her children to play with. When she discovered there were no other organizations that met during the day and allowed her to come with her baby and preschooler, she decided to start a brand new organization for at-home mothers, and the MOMS Club was born.  MOMS stands for Moms offering Moms support.
 
The chapter she started was so successful, she knew mothers in other areas must be needing the MOMS Club, too. Soon she and other volunteers were helping mothers start mom’s clubs across the country and around the world!

There now are 2,100+ chapters in the US alone and over 110,000 members, with international chapters also forming.

Locally, those interested can reach Vickie Payne at 973-893-8020, who stated,
“Are you are a stay at home or part time working mom or dad? We are building a group 
who support one another as we stay at home to raise our children. We contribute to the communities that we live in to make them better and more vibrant places for our children to develop and thrive.
We have monthly meetings that are a great way to meet us and see if you want to be part of our group.  Bring your kids and meet some new moms and dads. And yes, dads are also welcome. Included in what we do is create play dates, work on special nights out, set up service projects, discussion topics and equally important we are there to support each other.”
Jennifer Darby Metzger, Broker Co-owner of ERA Justin Realty located at 118 Jackson Avenue, Rutherford, New Jersey stated, “We have donated both our large conference room which can comfortably accommodate more than 40 of us plus an extra room that has been set up as a playroom for the kids while we are meeting. It’s a win-win for us. We are excited to have this facility available for the MOMS CLUB for our monthly meetings. Come check us out.”
For more information, call Vickie Payne at the MOMS Club of the Meadowlands at (973) 893-8020.  Additionally, more information is available at their website, http://www.momsclubofthemeadowlands.org/.  They are growing and would love to have you join us.”

Uncategorized January 22, 2011

Kevin Jurik Realtor Professional Joins ERA Justin Realty

Kevin Jurik has joined ERA Justin Realty since transferring from another real estate brokerage. His past transactions, linked to new marketing efforts and technologies will guide him to success for his buyers and sellers. Kevin will service the needs of those wanting to buy and sell in Bergen, Passaic, Essex and Hudson counties.

Kevin Jurik Realtor Professional Joins ERA Justin Realty
“I believe to achieve success for my buyers and sellers, a hardworking, knowledgeable and experienced agent is needed. I pride myself on that.” stated Realtor professional Kevin Jurik of ERA Justin Realty.

Jennifer Darby Metzger, ERA Justin Realty Broker stated, “Kevin’s attributes parallel our business philosophy in that our buyers and sellers will benefit from his upbeat friendly abilities to provide customer satisfaction.  This is of extreme important at our firm.  Kevin demonstrates this each day.”

In his free time away from the office he enjoys all phases of the newest technologies that drive our real estate industry, bettering buyer and seller successes, working on impressive marketing strategies as well as having coached youth hockey for ten years.

Kevin added, “I enjoy what I do; providing for my family by working hard in my career as a real estate professional and assisting buyers and sellers so they can make educated decisions regarding their homes in our communities.  ERA Justin Realty is well known to have an outstanding and high volume ‘business model’ as a state-of-the-art real estate industry leader. To become one of the best, you learn from the best. I specialize in first time buyer purchases, relocation for those moving within the state or across the nation and helping those in need in this ever-changing real estate market.”

Having been a Lyndhurst resident, Kevin now resides in Rutherford with his wife Megan, daughter Rylee and their brand new baby daughter, Avery Cate.

“ERA Justin Realty proudly received the prestigious ERA world-wide 2003 through 2010 ‘Commitment to Excellence Award’, selected from ERA offices nationwide, and Kevin will be part of this continuing effort,” added Jennifer.

For more information, and to speak with Kevin about real estate needs, consumers can reach him and the other ERA Justin Realtor professionals 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 website at www.ERAJustin.com and www.ERAJustinRealty.com. For additional information you can email Kevin at Kevin.Jurik@ERA.com .
Uncategorized January 21, 2011

ERA Justin Realty Report: Selecting the Right Real Estate Agent in 2011

Peggy McLaughlin, a Realtor Professional with ERA Justin Realty has been instrumental in hundreds of real estate transactions throughout her career. Her repeat business through referrals is outstanding as she now serves the needs of grown children whose parents engaged Peggy during her early years throughout Bergen, Passaic, Essex and Hudson counties. Here Peggy explains the benefits of hiring the right real estate agent.
ERA Justin Realty Report: Selecting the Right Real Estate Agent in 2011
In our fast-paced real estate world with technologies that guide us from minute to minute, buyers and sellers must know facts rather than fiction to be successful in their purchase and sale. Picking the right real estate agent is at the top of the list.
Choices in real estate as in any business should be based on fact, not fiction. Agents who do a lot of business with excellent service provide a wealth of experience which can be necessary in the current real estate market. Years in business alone should not be the determinating criteria.
“It’s important to listen to  pricing figures you may not want to hear, but important to know so you can make an educated decision both on agent selection and proper pricing. Hearing glowing overpriced pricing from an agent in order to obtain a listing is not prudent. To buy into such dream-pricing only to be disappointed, not selling your property and losing valuable time is counterproductive to what you need to be successful,” said Peggy McLaughlin, a Realtor professional with ERA Justin Realty.
Continuing, she added, “Be sure before you list your home for sale or selecting your agent, you receive a true and critical (CMA) Comparative Market Analysis, a complete report which gives value details based on current market activity, sold houses and even more telling, those listings throughout your community that did not sell due to overpricing and other criteria. You can then set a price that is meaningful to you so qualified buyers will have an interest. And lastly, the pricing must be in line with the very restrictive appraisal guidelines so mortgage financing can be granted to your new buyer. Under appraised value usually results in a no-sale transaction.”
Ron Darby, ERA Justin Broker Owner continued, “Our Realtor professionals do continuing education to better serve the needs of our customers and clients. We market our listings on dozens of websites, see to vast paperwork, work within the transaction to be sure that before any offer is presented to a seller that we have a mortgage preapproval for buyer financing, review all disclosures, negotiate the purchase and sale and attend home inspections, appraisals, certificate of occupancy inspections and other details too numerous to mention here.
Carefully examine your agent’s enthusiasm. Be sure the agent believes it can be sold in the current market if properly priced.  Accept pricing updates from your agent if the market is unaccepting of your pricing and make needed adjustments as needed. Creating your team of professionals during a home purchase or sale is imperative in today’s challenging home-sale market and can be critical to your ultimate success.
As in any business, there are good agents and those who may not be in tune with current market conditions  Some top-performing agents provide their clients with excellent service. Agents who do a lot of business have a wealth of experience to draw from can be helpful when problems arise. Our Realtor professionals oversee the marketing for our sellers and the house hunting for our buyers. We review disclosures and reports, negotiate the purchase contract and do whatever is required to facilitate a successful closing. You want to work with a professional who feels positively about your home and who believes it can be sold in the current market if properly priced and prepared for sale.”
ERA Justin Realty and its Realtor professionals will offer references from satisfied buyers and sellers whose opinions you can trust as they build a rapport with you. Don’t underestimate the importance of good rapport and mutual trust. You’ll be working with your Realtor professional for some time. Invariably problems crop up during a transaction. Working through the tough spots is far easier if you hire someone that you respect, trust and with whom you communicate well.  The qualities you’re looking for in a Realtor include good communication skills, diligence, determination, promptness, trustworthiness, persistence and responsiveness.
Peggy concluded, “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 buyers and 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 hope everyone holds us in the highest regard.  To prove that, our sellers have put their thoughts in writing. We have on file for the asking, ‘Real Estate Results In Writing’ our report of nearly 800 testimonials from our very satisfied sellers and buyers.”
Uncategorized January 2, 2011

ERA Justin Report: Real Estate Negotiation Tips that Help



Realtor professional Cathy Vick has serviced the needs of her loyal buyers and sellers for over twenty-years at ERA Justin Realty.  Additionally her expertise has earned her a relocation specialist designation with the nation’s largest relocation company and she serves the requirements of Fortune-500 buyers and sellers in their purchase and sale.

ERA Justin Report: Real Estate Negotiation Tips that Help

Just about everything that we’ve all learned about real estate selling and buying is different in today’s ever- changing real estate market. The game rules have changed nationally and we are now dealing in what experts say is the “New Normal.”


As a seller, you will want to know whom you will be negotiating with. Are your buyers financially qualified for mortgage financing? ERA Justin Realty will never present an offer to a seller without a qualified mortgage pre-approval from a recognized lender with a proven track record.  It is typical for any of as when being a seller to hope for the best price, but highest may not necessarily be the best because it doesn’t always come from a buyer who can financially close the transaction based on two important factors; obtaining the needed financing and equally important, having the seller’s house appraise based on comparable sales within the short few months timeframe. Although cash is considered king, large cash down payments are almost non-existent, with most buyers working with the minimum required down payment requirements. If the lender’s appraisal of value is less than the selling price, the transaction may fail because of new negotiations.


Cathy Vick a Realtor professional with ERA Justin Realty and one of the firm’s certified relocation specialists, stated, “As a seller or a buyer, each transaction is typically an emotional experience. Being rational is a necessity in making proper decisions. I, along with many of my ERA teammates, work with the nation’s largest relocation company representing dozens upon dozens of Fortune-500 buyers and sellers.  We have the information for successful closed transactions. Educated sellers do counter any offer from a bona fide qualified buyer. We give good advice to our buyers too, as to their need to be prepared to adjust their offer in order to own the home of their dreams. We advise that negotiations are the process, not adversarial. Both are trying to reach their common goal, the purchase and sale of the property.”


Ron Darby, Broker Owner stated, “We work with each of our sellers, advising them to be realistic in this ‘new normal real estate market.’ For sellers who will only sell if they get a certain price, we nurture those relationships by showing them current comparable sales, those sales that the appraisers use for their appraisal process, expired listings and that overpriced houses linger on the market while the buyers simply move on to one or more other houses that fit their needs. As of this writing there is approximately ten months of unsold housing inventory available.”


During 2011, Cathy will continue her specialty in advising her buyers and sellers with dedicated service and with a comprehensive CMA report as to correct pricing for this market for each new listing.

Ron concluded, “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 buyer’s and seller’s expectations of what a real estate agent is about, we don’t learn or teach just the basics.  We want to learn, know and teach much more than is ever expected of us.  In that way, we hope everyone holds us in the highest regard.  To prove that, our buyers and sellers have put their thoughts in writing. We have on file for your viewing, ‘Real Estate Results In Writing’ our report of nearly 800 testimonials from our very satisfied sellers and buyers.”