Buying Is Now 26.3% Cheaper Than Renting in the US

by Jennifer Darby Metzger

Buying Is Now 26.3% Cheaper Than Renting in the US

“The results of the latest Rent vs. Buy Report from Trulia show that homeownership remains cheaper than renting, with a traditional 30-year fixed rate mortgage, in 98 of the 100 largest metro areas in the United States,” according to ERA Justin Realty’s Margaret (Peggy) McLaughlin.

In the six years that Trulia has conducted this study, this is the first time that it was cheaper to rent than buy in any of the metropolitan areas. It’s no surprise, however, that those two metros are San Jose and San Francisco, CA, where median home prices have jumped to over $1 million dollars this year. Home values in San Jose have risen 29% in the last year, while rents have remained relatively unchanged.

For the 98 metros where homeownership wins out, 97 of them show a double-digit advantage when buying. The range is an average of 2.0% less expensive in Honolulu (HI), all the way up to 48.9% in Detroit (MI), and 26.3% nationwide!

In order to calculate the true cost of renting vs. buying, Trulia includes all assumed renting costs, including one-time costs (like security deposits), and compares them to the monthly costs of owning a home (insurance, mortgage payments, taxes, and maintenance) including one-time costs (down payments, closing costs, sale proceeds). They also assume that households stay in their home for seven years, put down a 20% down payment, and take out a 30-year fixed rate mortgage.

In 2016, when buying was 41.3% less expensive than renting, the average mortgage rate was the driving force behind the difference. Rates this year are the highest they have been in six years which has narrowed the gap, all while home price appreciation has also been driven up by a lack of homes for sale.”

Cheryl Young, Trulia’s Chief Economist, had this to say, “One point deserves emphasizing: The ultra-costly San Francisco Bay Area is not a harbinger for the nation as a whole. While renting may outweigh buying in San Jose and San Francisco, it is unlikely that renting will tip the scales nationally anytime soon.”

Peggy concluded, “Homeownership provides many benefits beyond the financial ones. If you are one of the many renters out there who would like to evaluate your ability to buy this year, let’s get together to find your dream home.” Peggy and the other ERA Justin Realty teammates can be reached at (201)939-7500 or www.ERAJustin.com.

Food Pantry • hunger • Rutherford Food Pantry • stock food pantry • October 25, 2018

Collaboration With Move For Hunger To Stock Food Pantries Around The Country

by Jennifer Darby Metzger

Collaboration With Move For Hunger To Stock Food Pantries Around The Country

ERA Justin Realty Owner-Brokers Ron Darby and Jennifer Darby Metzger with their strong administrative staff including Nona Orlando, Cindy Plessel, Mary Ellen Schnackenberg, Glenn Elliot, Jennifer Mazone and Michele Korosy have announced that ERA will be the first real estate brand to work on a national level with Move For Hunger, a non-profit organization that mobilizes the relocation industry to reduce food waste and fight hunger. The collaboration will enable the ERA® network of participating brokers and their affiliated agents to tap into Move For Hunger‘s network of more than 1,000 relocation companies to collect food and fill food pantries in advance of the holiday season and support the ERA “Feed the Need” campaign.

“Connecting with ERA agents and brokers both complements and advances our mission, so this collaboration was a natural fit,” explained Adam Lowy, founder and executive director of Move For Hunger. “By combining the strength of our network of relocation companies with ERA Real Estate’s network of brokers and agents, we have the ability to get food to those who need it most.”

“Millions of Americans face food insecurity every day and together with Move For Hunger, we can help put food on the tables of families across the country and locally,” said Ron Darby and Jennifer Darby Metzger. “We look forward to working with Move For Hunger to provide our passionate brokers and agents the opportunity to hold local food drives during the upcoming holiday season and beyond.”

The ERA “Feed the Need” campaign will kick off officially on Tuesday, November 27th fueled by the power of social media and collaboration.

Darby and Metzger added, “Our ERA brokers and agents have a commitment to service that goes far beyond our residential real estate expertise. We continue to be inspired by the way our team steps up and demonstrates leadership in our communities.”

The Feed the Need campaign officially launches with the following brokers and agents: ERA Justin Realty Co., ERA American Real Estate, ERA Neubauer Real Estate, Inc., ERA Davis & Linn, ERA Central Realty, ERA Home Run Real Estate, and ERA Old South Properties, Inc. with more to be announced.

ERA Justin Realty agent • Mike Anderson • real estate market • October 14, 2018

Michael Anderson: Is the Real Estate Market Getting Back to Normal

by Jennifer Darby Metzger

Michael Anderson: Is the Real Estate Market Getting Back to Normal

ERA Justin Realtor agent Michael Anderson gives an overview of past, current and future real estate cycles, suggested by Keeping Current Matters. “Housing in a normal real estate market typically appreciate with price swings. Looking back after the bubble burst in June 2007, values depreciated 6.1% annually until February 2012. From March 2012 to today, the market has been recovering with values appreciating annually. These swings in values were caused by ratios between the available supply of inventory and buyer demand in the market. In a normal market, there would be a 6-month supply of housing inventory.

Anderson added, “KCM then suggested, “When the market hit its peak in 2007, homeowners and builders were trying to take advantage of a market that was fueled with inventory levels growing to approximately 7 months. With that, many homes available for sale, there weren’t enough buyers to satisfy the number of homeowners/builders trying to sell, so prices began to fall.

Then, foreclosures came to market. We eventually hit 11 months inventory which caused prices to reduce until early 2012. By that time, inventory levels had fallen to 6.2 months and the market began its recovery.

Over the last five years, inventory levels have remained below the 6-month supply needed for prices to continue to level off. As a result, home prices have increased over that time at percentages above the appreciation levels seen in a more normal market.

That was the past. What about the future? We currently have about 4.5-months inventory. This means prices should continue to appreciate at above-normal levels which most experts believe will happen for the next year. However, two things have just occurred that are pointing to the fact that we may be returning to a more normal market.

1. Listing Supply is Increasing, both existing and new construction inventory is on the rise. A past Existing Home Sales Report from the National Association of Realtors revealed that inventory has increased over the last months after months of declining inventory. At the same time, building permits are also increasing which means more new construction coming to market.

2. Ivy Zelman, who is widely respected as an industry expert, reported in her ‘Z’ Report: While we continue to expect a resumption of growth in resale transactions on the back of easing inventory in 2019 and 2020, our real-time view into the market through our Real Estate Broker Survey does suggest that buyers have grown more discerning of late and a level of “pause” has taken hold in many large housing markets. Indicative of this contacts rated buyer demand at 69 on a 0- 100 scale, still above average but down from 74 last year and representing the largest year-over-year decline in the two-year history of our survey.”

Anderson concluded, “Based on the KCM information, with supply increasing and demand waning, we may soon be back to a more normal real estate market. We will no longer be in a buyers’ market (like 2007-February 2012) or a sellers’ market (like March 2012- Today).

Prices won’t appreciate at the levels we’ve seen recently, nor will they depreciate. It will be a balanced market where prices remain steady, where buyers will be better able to afford a home, and where sellers will more easily be able to move-up or move-down to a home that better suits their current lifestyles.”

Ron Darby, Broker-Owned added, “We are just returning to a more normal market, which in the long run, will be much healthier for you whether you are a buyer or a seller.”

Harvard Club • Jennifer Darby • Jennifer Darby Metzger • New York's Harvard Club • September 26, 2018

by Jennifer Darby Metzger

JENNIFER DARBY METZGER SPEAKS AT

NEW YORK’S HARVARD CLUB

Taking place at the Harvard Club, New York, RIS Media’s real estate CEO Exchange welcomed the most powerful and successful real estate leaders who hail from franchise brands and independent real estate firms from across the nation.

These leaders, including Jennifer Darby Metzger, came together for this event to exchange ideas and strategies to better meet the needs of today’s sophisticated, technology-savvy consumer. Jennifer was invited as a guest speaker designed specifically by a select group of brokers, owners, brand executives, and real estate service leaders.

“It was an honor to be selected to speak among 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 well-read, well-aware technology-driven consumer.

It is these strategies that helped ERA Justin Realty get recognized in February 2018 by its parent company, ERA Real Estate. ERA Justin Realty was named as a finalist for the Gene Francis Memorial Award; the highest honor given to an ERA company by the brand. This award recognizes those companies that reflect the qualities most respected throughout the global ERA system and the real estate industry. Known for 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 is 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.

fall 2018 home market • listing your home • reasons to list • September 24, 2018

Beth Albanese, ERA Justin Realtor Agent, Offers Information for Fall 2018

by Jennifer Darby Metzger

Beth Albanese, ERA Justin Realtor Agent, Offers Information for Fall 2018

“There are several reasons why listing your home for sale this fall makes sense. The Buyer Traffic Report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows that buyer demand remains very strong throughout the vast majority of the country. Buyers are ready, willing and able to purchase…and are in the market right now! In fact, more often than not, multiple buyers end up competing with each other to buy the same homes. Take advantage of the buyer activity currently in the market.

Beth continued, “There Is less competition now. Housing inventory is still under the 6-month supply needed for a normal housing market. This means that, in the majority of the country, there are not enough homes for sale to satisfy the number of buyers in the market. This is good news for homeowners who have gained equity as their home values have increased. However, additional inventory could be coming to the market soon. Historically, a homeowner stayed in his or her home for an average of six years, but that number varies. Many homeowners have a pent-up desire to move as they were unable to sell over the last few years because of a negative equity situation. As home values continue to appreciate, more and more homeowners will be given the freedom to move. The choices buyers have will continue to increase. Don’t wait until this other inventory comes to market before you decide to sell. Today’s competitive environment has forced buyers to do all that they can to stand out from the crowd, including getting pre-approved for their mortgage financing. This makes the entire selling process much faster and much simpler as buyers know exactly what they can afford before home shopping.

Ron Darby and Jennifer Darby Metzger, Broker-Owners added, “There will never be a better time to move up. If your next move will be into a premium or luxury home, now is the time to move up! The abundance of inventory available in these higher price ranges has created a buyer’s market for anybody looking to purchase these homes. This means that if you are planning on selling a starter or trade-up home, your home should sell quickly and you should be able to find a premium home to call your own! According to CoreLogic, prices are projected to appreciate over the next year. If you are moving to a higher-priced home, it will wind up costing you more in raw dollars (both in down payment and mortgage payment) if you wait. Only you know the answers to these questions. You have the power to take control of the situation by putting your home on the market. Perhaps the time has come for you and your family to move on and start living the life you desire.”

For a survey of what improvements you are considering as well as a (CMA) comparative market analysis price opinion on your home’s current value, one of our ERA Justin Realty sales professionals will be glad to give you a comprehensive overview and written report, at no obligation” concluded Beth.

The entire staff at ERA Justin Realty stand ready to be of service. Reach them at either of their two Rutherford office locations at 118 Jackson Avenue or 57 Park Avenue, or by phone at (201) 939-7500, (201) 438-0588 or (201) 933-SELL

equity increase • Federal Reserve • Home equity • September 10, 2018

Joana Iliescu: Greater Equity in your Home 2018

by Jennifer Darby Metzger

Joana Iliescu: Greater Equity in your Home 2018

Every three years, the Federal Reserve conducts their Survey of Consumer Finances in which they collect data across all economic and social groups. Their latest survey data, covering 2013-2016 was then released. The study revealed that the median net worth of a homeowner was $231,400 – a 15% increase since 2013. At the same time, the median net worth of renters decreased by 5% ($5,200 compared to $5,500 in 2013). These numbers, reveal that the net worth of a homeowner is over 44 times greater than that of a renter owning a home is a great way to build family wealth.

Joana said, “Simply put, homeownership is a form of ‘forced savings.’ Every time you pay your mortgage, you are contributing to your net worth by increasing the equity in your home. That is why, for the several years in a row, Gallup reported that Americans picked real estate as the best long-term investment. Their results showed that 34% of Americans chose real estate, followed by stocks at 26% and then gold, savings accounts/CDs, or bonds.

If you want to find out how you can use the increased equity in your home to move to a home that better fits your current lifestyle, let’s get together to discuss the process.”

Joana continued, “We at ERA Justin Realty stress stability, a necessity for success in this world of real estate. We also provide buyer potential with stronger area advertising than any other real estate firm much of Bergen County. Full color page advertisements of our listings in North Jersey Newspapers brings an abundance of potential buyers to our agents for their buyers while giving our sellers strong marketing exposure. We proudly are considered a real estate market leader by thousands of sellers and buyers since 1950 and plan to be the Realtor of choice to thousands more in the upcoming years.”

ERA Justin Realty is continuously honored as a ‘Top-100’ ERA firm worldwide and is the recipient of the ‘ERA Commitment to Excellence’ award.

1000 reviews • 5 star reviews • client reviews • September 8, 2018

One Review an Honor, Over 1,000 Reviews A Tradition

by Jennifer Darby Metzger

One Review an Honor, Over 1,000 Reviews A Tradition

ERA Justin Realty receiving over 1,000 written reviews from their buyers and sellers are on file with the firm. The focus from the firm’s buyers and sellers are the force that motivates the staff of active Realtor agents at ERA Justin Realty. Their Five Star reviews are on file for review. In addition, the firm tracks continuing activity of nearly 100 real estate firms who service the vast reaches of area communities and broker-owners, Ron Darby and Jennifer Darby Metzger and their agent team have again proven themselves to be real estate market leaders, stating, “One Review an Honor, Over 1,000 Reviews a Tradition.”

Ron and Jennifer proudly offered, “An incredible honor to have our Realtor agents awarded and these honors are outstanding”

Continuing, Ron said, “Our fine awarded agents have also earned the elite Circle of Light for Community Service Award which was presented to us at the ERA global business conference in Los Angeles, California.”

Our Realtor agents are 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 current value of your home. It will also give specifics as to what a seller may do to make it more marketable for a sale. Invite them in, it will be well rewarding for your sales process.

The ERA Justin Realty team can be reached at either of their Rutherford offices at 118 Jackson Avenue and 57 Park Avenue and their Hoboken Meet & Greet location at 221 River Street, Hoboken. 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 • August 22, 2018

ERA Justin Realty Offers Online Virtual House Tours 2018

by Jennifer Darby Metzger

ERA Justin Realty Offers Online Virtual House Tours 2018

Lee Schilare known throughout Bergen, Passaic, Essex and Hudson Counties as a Realtor broker/agent for ERA Justin Realty in real estate sales reviewed some of the state-of-the-art technological advances offered continually updated technology which enables consumers to view ERA Justin Realty house listings through an online virtual tour, making home buying and selling easier.

Considered to be a technology leader in the real estate industry and a continual Top-100 ERA real estate firm nationwide, ERA Justin Realty features virtual tours in today’s fast-paced and technologically advanced real estate market. Virtual tours offer home sellers the advantages of a 24-hour a day, seven-day a week open house, at the home buyers convenience.

Lee said, “Virtual tours include both single and multi-scene views of the interiors and exteriors of ERA Justin listed properties. Online visitors can tour properties at any hour, from their home, office, or from anywhere in the world. The expectations of today’s real estate home buyers and sellers are high, and as more consumers use the internet to look for a home, it is critical to have the best tools to promote our listings online. Virtual tours help potential buyers view a property’s attributes so much better than just a text description or a single photo of a house; for example, consumers can view what is on the other side of the street and next door.”

Continuing, she said, “Online virtual tours also increase a listing’s exposure to potential buyers, which our home sellers find very attractive. Buyers who view a virtual tour and then call us about a property are strong, interested prospects.”

Consumers interested in learning more about ERA Justin Realty’s online virtual tours can visit and experience a virtual tour on the internet by entering www.ERAJustin.com.

Lee concluded, “All of our ERA Justin Realtor professionals can be reached at either of our two Rutherford sales offices at 118 Jackson Avenue and 57 Park Avenue and by phone at (201) 939-7500, (201) 438-0588 or (201) 438-SOLD.”

As a real estate market leader, they continually receive outstanding awards for their service, including the ERA Commitment to Excellence Award from ERA worldwide

ERA Justin Realty • J. D. Power and Associates • J. D. Power Award • Ron Darby • July 28, 2018

ERA Justin Realty Part of Network Recognized By J.D. Power and Associates

by Jennifer Darby Metzger

ERA Justin Realty Part of Network Recognized By J.D. Power and Associates

ERA Justin Realty, a leading market Realtor serving Bergen, Passaic, Hudson and Essex Counties is part of the global real estate network which was earlier named the recipient of the J.D. Power and Associates Award for “Highest Overall Satisfaction For First Time Home Sellers Among National Full Service Real Estate Firms.” ERA Real Estate was the only national real estate company to be the recipient of the J.D. Power and Associates Award during that year.

This marked the second year in a row ERA Real Estate had received an award from this prestigious organization. The prior year the company was the recipient of the J.D. Power and Associates Award for “Highest Overall Satisfaction For First Time Home Buyers Among National Full Service Real Estate Firms.”

“Being recognized by a well-respected organization such as J.D. Power and Associates is a great honor,” said Broker Owner, Ron Darby of ERA Justin Realty. “This award is a reflection of the dedication and service our Realtor agents provide their clients to ensure the process of selling and buying as a pleasant and successful experience.

Locally, ERA Justin Realty offers a host of products and services dedicated to meeting the needs of first time sellers and buyers. Prospective first-time sellers and buyers can also visit our ERA Justin Realty website at http://www.erajustin.com/ to address our most frequently asked questions about buying and selling a home. For these reasons ERA Justin Realty should be your buying and selling Realtor of choice. There is a difference in real estate companies.”

“The J.D. Power and Associates Home Buyer/Seller Satisfaction Study” is based on responses from 4,834 home buyers and sellers surveyed on behalf of the ERA brand.

Ron concluded, “To learn more about ERA Justin Realty, our staff of Realtor agents and our award-recognized programs and services, call our team who 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 website at http://www.erajustin.com/.”

Little League Girls Softball • Rutherford little league softball • team sponsor • July 26, 2018

ERA Justin Realty Sponsors 2018 Rutherford Girls Softball

by Jennifer Darby Metzger

ERA Justin Realty Sponsors 2018 Rutherford Girls Softball

Flashback to spring 2011, ERA Justin Realty was approached by Rutherford Recreation to be a sponsor of a Rutherford Little League girls softball team. Without hesitation the answer was a resounding yes, never realizing that that team would be honored as the champs for that season. We have been a proud sponsor now for 8 years in a row.

Carol D. Calamari ERA Justin softball team photographer said, “We are all very proud of how well the girls play and their show of true team effort throughout the seasons, while having fun.”

Brokers Ron Darby and Jennifer Darby Metzger continued, “At ERA Justin Realty the words, ‘There is a difference in real estate companies’ is more than a phrase. We believe strongly in community and our sponsorship of our teams each year is exceptionally rewarding. Because of our support of community activities and our charitable contributions we’ve proudly received several prestigious ERA global community awards.”

Readers who would like to add their congratulations to the team can direct them by office phone (201) 939-7500, (201) 438-0588 or (201) 438-SOLD and they will be forwarded.

Home

Properties

About Me

Blog

Neighborhood News

© ERA 2023 - 2024. All rights reserved. ERA^® and the ERA Logo are registered service marks owned by ERA Franchise Systems LLC. ERA Franchise Systems LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each franchise is independently owned and operated. Any services or products provided by independently owned and operated franchisees are not provided by, affiliated with, or related to ERA Franchise Systems LLC nor any of its affiliated companies