Agency News and Awards February 21, 2022

Welcome Michelle Spina to Green Team New York Realty!

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The Green Team is proud to announce that Michelle Spina has decided to join our Warwick, NY office. We’re excited to have her on our team and look forward to helping her grow! 

Please join us in Welcoming Michelle to Green Team New York Realty!

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Selling a Home February 21, 2022

What Every Seller Needs to Know About Renovating This Year

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If you’re planning to sell this year, you’re probably thinking about what you’ll need to do to get your house ready to appeal to the most buyers. It’s crucial to work with a trusted real estate professional who knows your local market to get your home ready to sell. But there are a few things you should consider when deciding what to renovate and update before listing this season. Here are three things to keep top of mind as you’re making your list of projects to tackle this year.

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1. The Number of Homes for Sale Is Very Low

Housing inventory sits far below what is normally considered a balanced market. In fact, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the latest data indicates inventory is hitting an all-time low. Because there’s such a limited supply of homes available for sale, you’re in a unique position when you sell your house to benefit from multiple offers and a quick process.

But you want to do so while buyers are still scooping homes up as fast as they’re being listed. Spending time and money on renovations before you sell could mean you’ll miss your key window of opportunity. Of course, certain repairs may be important or even necessary. The best way to determine where to spend your time – and your money – is to work with a real estate advisor to confirm which improvements are truly needed and which ones aren’t likely to be deal-breakers for buyers.

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2. Buyers May Be Willing To Take on Projects When They Purchase Your House

Today, many buyers are more willing to take on home improvement projects themselves to get the house they’re after, even if it means putting in a little extra work. A recent survey from Freddie Mac finds that:

“. . . nearly two-in-five potential homebuyers would consider purchasing a home requiring renovations.

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If more buyers are willing to tackle repairs on their own, it may be wise to let the future homeowners remodel the bathroom or the kitchen to make design decisions that are best for their specific taste and lifestyle. Depending on the structural condition of your house, your efforts may be better spent working on small cosmetic updates, like refreshing some paint and power washing the exterior to make sure the home stands out. Instead of over-investing in upgrades, the buyer may change anyway, work with a real estate professional to determine the key projects to tackle that will give you the greatest return on your investment.

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3. Your Agent Will Help You Spotlight the Upgrades You’ve Made

Over the past year, many people made a significant number of updates to their homes. The most recent State of Home Spending report finds:

“Home improvement spending rose 25% year-over-year to $10,341. Homeowners who invested in home improvement did an average of 3.7 projects, up from 2.7 in 2020, . . .”

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The same is true for any projects you invest in moving forward. No matter what, before you renovate, contact a local real estate professional for expert advice on what work needs to be done and how to make it as appealing as possible to future buyers. Every home is different, so a conversation with your agent is mission-critical to make sure you make the right moves when selling this season.

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Agency News and Awards February 21, 2022

GTNYR – Achieving Personal Best

COVID-19 created both challenges and opportunities

For those in the real estate industry, COVID-19 has presented many unique challenges. However, it has also presented many opportunities.  And, for many sales associates of GTNYR, it meant achieving their personal best.  Despite the shutdowns and ever-changing regulations, the pandemic created a housing market with a life of its own. Ultimately, many city dwellers found themselves wanting homes with outdoor space, room for remote working and learning, and private spaces. And,  Orange County attracted many of these buyers. Fueled by historically low interest and inventory rates, sellers have been experiencing multiple offers and bidding wars. And, the expertise and dedication enabled Green Team New York Realty Sales Associates to meet the challenges head-on.

GTNYR achieving personal best in 2021

While the housing market soared, so did many of our real estate associates! Therefore, Green Team New York Realty would like to congratulate our sales associates who had their best-selling year in 2021! 

Agency News and Awards February 18, 2022

Agent Spotlight on Kristi Anderson

The Green Team Agent Spotlight is on Kristi Anderson.   

About Kristi…

Kristi joined Green Team New Jersey Realty in 2019, bringing with her over 18 years of experience. That year, she became a Captains Club award winner with $3-$5 Million in sales. In 2020, with $10.8 Million in sales, she was in the top 1.7% of all agents in Sussex County. In addition, she was named to the Green Team MVP Circle. Furthermore, Kristi received the New Jersey Realtors® Silver Circle of Excellence Sales Award that year.

Kristi Anderson of GTNJR Silver Circle of Excellence Award
And, with over $12 million in sales for 2021, Kristi has achieved Green Team’s new Platinum production level.
Kristi is now licensed in New York as well and has joined Green Team New York Realty.

The Broker-Realtor® is an Accredited Buyer’s Representative. In addition, Kristi has Short Sales and Foreclosure Resource Certification. This busy mom of four still finds time to volunteer with the Vernon Township School District’s SCA. She is also a dedicated, hardworking volunteer board member of the Vernon Chamber of Commerce.  What’s more, Kristi has also started volunteering for the Highland Lakes Community Ecology Committee.

 

Kristi Anderson of Green Team New Jersey Realty at Street Fair

 Kristi Anderson enjoying the sun

Before entering the real estate profession, what did you do?

I was in banking for several years then I worked as an Account Service Representative for a pharmaceutical Data Company. It was interesting but sitting at a desk all day was just not my cup of tea. I love the diversity being a Realtor offers

How and why did you become a real estate agent?

I bought a house and thought the whole experience was really cool even though there were some bumps in the road and it took us 5 months to close. However, I went and got my license, and here I am 20 years later still loving it.

What do you like best about being a real estate agent?

The excitement of making people’s real estate dreams come true. I love the feeling I get every time!  There is nothing else like handing them the keys and seeing that big smile on their face.  Priceless!

What do you like least about being a real estate agent?

Telling a client disappointing news. Unfortunately, it happens in this business and you have to assist your clients through the triumphs and turmoil.

What was your most memorable/unusual real estate transaction?

My client was buying a property and there was a discrepancy in the land of about 2 acres. The attorney notified everyone at closing and they decided to sue each other and we went to court. The judge said this is a joke and told the sellers you will sell the property to these buyers at this price and that is it. A month later we closed. They happily still live there.

What is it like being part of the Green Team?

There is always someone there to help and their client appreciation program does not compare. I love seeing the smile on my client’s faces when I hand them their Thanksgiving pie
Kristi Anderson with GTNJR For Sale Sign

How would family and friends describe you?

Hardworking, tenacious, easy to talk to, problem solver, dedicated, sincere, transparent, and most importantly honest!

What is your proudest accomplishment?
When I was in banking they had a program for employees that if you went above and beyond for a customer it would be made into a commercial. I had a client come in after hours and he needed to cash his check and was flying out early in am. I basically took his check and cashed it out of my account through the ATM. He informed my manager and we made a commercial and it was on national TV. They even played during the World Series.

What does “home” mean to you?

Home means family to me. A place where you feel safe, where you belong. Where you feel stable and secure.  Homes is the base of where memories begin. 

What advice would you give to someone thinking about selling their home?

There is no better time to sell Covid has really made people appreciate the value of owning a home which has helped the values rise.

What advice would you give to someone thinking about buying a home?

Real estate is the best investment you can make. Not just financially, emotionally also. It is yours and you should be proud of that accomplishment. Rates are still low, so I would get in before they go up.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

Work smarter not harder. Get your license sooner. lol
Buying a home February 14, 2022

Are You Ready To Fall in Love with Homeownership?

Financial benefits are always a key aspect of homeownership, but it’s also important to understand that the nonfinancial and personal benefits are why so many people genuinely fall in love with their homes. When you own your home, you likely feel a sense of emotional attachment because of the comfort it provides, but also because it’s a space that’s truly yours.

Over the past two years, we’ve learned to love our homes even more as we’ve stayed home more than ever due to the ongoing pandemic. As a result, the personal and emotional benefits our homes provide have become even more important to us.

As the most recent State of the American Homeowner from Unison puts it:

“Despite the upheaval and uncertainty of the past year, one thing has stayed the same: the home continues to be of the utmost importance and a place of security and comfort.

When the health crisis began, the world around us changed almost overnight, and our homes were redefined. Our needs shifted, and our shelters became a place that protected us on a whole new level. The same study from Unison notes:

  • 91% of homeowners say they feel secure, stable, or successful owning a home
  • 64% of American homeowners say living through a pandemic has made their home more important to them than ever
  • 83% of homeowners say their home has kept them safe during the COVID-19 pandemic

It’s no surprise this study also reveals that homeowners now love their homes even more as our emotional attachments to them have grown:

Are You Ready To Fall in Love with Homeownership? | MyKCM

That sense of emotional connection genuinely reaches far beyond the financial aspect of homeownership. Because they’re our shelters – ones that we can genuinely call our own. Our homes touch our hearts and can also positively impact our mental health.

As JD Esajian, President of CT Homes, LLCsays:

“Aside from the financial factors, there are several social benefits of homeownership and stable housing to consider. It has long been thought that buying a home contributes to a sense of accomplishment. Still, most individuals fail to realize that homeownership can benefit your mental health and the community around you.

Whether you’re thinking of buying your first home, moving up to your dream home, or downsizing to something that better fits your changing lifestyle, take a moment to reflect on what Mark Fleming, Chief Economist at First Americannotes:

“Buying a home is not just a financial decision. It’s also a lifestyle decision.

Bottom Line

There are so many reasons to fall head over heels for homeownership. Your home will provide a place to customize and call your own, in addition to stability and security. If you’re ready to fall in love with homeownership, let’s connect so you can get started on your homebuying journey today.

Put an experts eye on your home search! You’ll receive personalized matches of results delivered directly to you. We’ll take into account your goals, criteria, and preferences to find properties that are exactly what you were always dreaming of.
Start Here!

Maybe with the leverage you currently have, you can negotiate a deal that will allow you to make the move of your dreams.
What’s your home’s value?

Contact one of Our Agents today!

See out Complete Inventory of Available Properties!

Agency News and Awards February 13, 2022

2021 Circle of Excellence Awards

Green Team New Jersey Realty is proud to announce its 2021 Circle of Excellence Awards recipients.

According to NJ  Realtors®, the NJ Realtors® Circle of Excellence® Sales Award® recognizes those members who have demonstrated excellence in the field of salesmanship”

The 2021 Circle of Excellence Awards levels are:

  • Platinum: $20 million and 30 units minimum, or 125 units
  • Gold: $12 million and 25 units minimum, or 90 units
  • Silver: $6.5 million and 20 units minimum, or 70 units
  • Bronze: $2.5 million and 15 units minimum, or 30 units”

Most noteworthy, this is the first year Green Team New Jersey Realty has had a sales associate in each of the four categories.

Green Team New Jersey’s NJ Realtors® Circle of Excellence® Sales Award® recipients are:

Keren Gonen s the first to reach the Platinum Level for more than $20 million in sales.  Kristi Anderson achieved Gold Level, with over $12 million in sales.

The Dynamic Duo of Charles Nagy and Theodore Van Laar each received the silver award.  And Barbara Tesa and Pamela Zachowski were awarded the bronze award.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Buying a home February 11, 2022

How To Win as a Buyer in a Sellers’ Market

How To Win as a Buyer in a Sellers’ Market [INFOGRAPHIC] | MyKCM

Some Highlights

  • Even in today’s sellers’ market, there are still ways for buyers to win big.
  • Build a team of trusted professionals and make strategic plays as you budget and pick your desired neighborhoods. Then, be ready for the competition by getting a pre-approval letter and leaning on your expert advisors to draft a winning offer.
  • In a sellers’ market, you can still be the champion if you have the right team and strategy. Let’s connect today to make your game-winning play.

Maybe with the leverage you currently have, you can negotiate a deal that will allow you to make the move of your dreams.
What’s your home’s value?

Put an experts eye on your home search! You’ll receive personalized matches of results delivered directly to you. We’ll take into account your goals, criteria, and preferences to find properties that are exactly what you were always dreaming of.
Start Here!

Contact one of Our Agents today!

See out Complete Inventory of Available Properties!

Selling a Home February 10, 2022

Want Top Dollar for Your House? Now’s the Time To List It.

When you’re selling any item, you usually want to sell it for the greatest profit possible. That happens when there’s a strong demand and a limited supply for that item. In the real estate market, that time is right now. If you’re thinking of selling your house this year, here are two reasons why now’s the time to list.

1. Demand Is Very Strong This Winter

recent article in Inman News explains:

“Spring, the hottest time of year for homebuyers and sellers, has started early, according to economists. . . . ‘Home shopping season appears to already be in full swing!’”

And they aren’t the only ones saying buyers are already out in full force. That claim is backed up with data released last week by ShowingTime. The ShowingTime Showing Index tracks the average number of monthly buyer showings on active residential properties, which is a highly reliable leading indicator of current and future trends for buyer demand. The latest index reveals this December was the most active December in five years (see graph below):

Want Top Dollar for Your House? Now’s the Time To List It. | MyKCM

As the data indicates, buyers are very active this winter. Last December saw even more showings than December of 2020, which was already a stronger-than-usual winter. And remember – you want to sell something when there’s a strong demand for that item. That time is now.

2. Housing Supply Is Extremely Low

Each month, realtor.com releases data on the number of active residential real estate listings (listings currently for sale). Their most recent report reveals the latest monthly number is the lowest we’ve seen in any January since 2017 (see graph below):

Want Top Dollar for Your House? Now’s the Time To List It. | MyKCM

And don’t forget, the best time to sell an item is when there’s a limited supply of it available. This graph clearly shows how extremely low housing supply is today.

Even Though Supply Is at a Historic Low, Home Sales Are at a 15-Year High

According to the latest Existing Home Sales Report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), existing-home sales totaled 6.12 million in 2021 – the highest annual level since 2006. This means the market is hot and homeowners are in a great place to sell now while sales are so strong.

NAR also reports available listings by calculating the current months’ supply of inventory. They explain:

“Months’ supply refers to the number of months it would take for the current inventory of homes on the market to sell given the current sales pace.”

The current 1.8-months’ supply is the lowest ever reported. Here are the December numbers over the last five years (see graph below):

Want Top Dollar for Your House? Now’s the Time To List It. | MyKCM

The ratio of buyers to sellers favors homeowners right now to a greater degree than at any other time in history. Buyer demand is high, and supply is low. That gives sellers like you an incredible opportunity.

Bottom Line

If you agree the best time to sell anything is when demand is high and supply is low, let’s connect to begin discussing the process of listing your house today.

Maybe with the leverage you currently have, you can negotiate a deal that will allow you to make the move of your dreams.
What’s your home’s value?

Put an experts eye on your home search! You’ll receive personalized matches of results delivered directly to you. We’ll take into account your goals, criteria, and preferences to find properties that are exactly what you were always dreaming of.
Start Here!

Contact one of Our Agents today!

See out Complete Inventory of Available Properties!

Agency News and Awards February 10, 2022

Green Team 2021 Awards

Geoff Green, President of Green Team Realty, summed up the unique challenges of 2021.

“It was a culmination of two of the most difficult years in the history of our industry and our Agency.  Yes, the market has been sizzling, and yes lots of our Sales Associates had their best years of production ever. However, it all came at a cost.   Our Sales Associates worked boldly through a pandemic.  They endured countless bidding wars, many of which they didn’t win.  They counseled their clients through an endless amount of phone calls to help them not be deterred from attaining their vision of becoming a homeowner.  Despite the challenges put in front of them, they all endured and succeeded at new heights.  A sincere congratulations to all of Green Team Realty’s Sales Leaders for their success in 2021.”

2021 resulted in the creation of new sales level awards, to ensure that the dedication and hard work of Green Team Sales Associates are recognized. Due to that dedication, Green Team New York Realty is #1 out of 149 offices in the Town of Warwick, based on sales volume and number of transactions in 2021. Furthermore, Green Team New York Realty is #5 of 585 offices in Orange County. Green Team New Jersey Realty is #1 of 206 offices in Vernon Township,  based on sales volume and number of transactions in 2021. Furthermore, Green Team New Jersey Realty is #9 of 506 offices in Sussex County.

Yearly Sales Leaders and new sales level awards, setting the bar higher

Keren Gonen,, Green Team New Jersey Realty Sales Leader, and Sapphire Level. ($20-30 Million)

Jennifer DiCostanzo, Green Team New York Realty Sales Leader, Diamond Level ($15-20 Million)

Platinum  ($10-15 Million)

Green Team New York Realty: Tiffany Megna, Nancy Sardo, Dean Diltz

Green Team New Jersey Realty: Kristi Anderson

Gold ($5-$10 Million)

Green Team New York RealtyTammy Scotto, Carol Buchanan, Kimberly Lasalandra, Karen Gauvin, Kristine Many, Tom Folino, Vikki Garby, Pip Klein, Mary Pearsall, Angela Murphy.

Green Team New Jersey Realty: Charles Nagy, Theodore Van Laar, Pam Zachowski, Barbara Tesa.

Silver ($3-5 Million)

Green Team New York Realty: Cami Cielo, Lucyann Tinnirello, Toni Vogel, Walter Ross, Kasey Decker

Green Team New Jersey Realty: Cami Cielo, Toni Kreusch

Bronze ($1.5-$3 Million)

Green Team New York Realty: Linda Vandeweert, Toni Kreusch, Rebecca Hundley, Cara Dumond, Guillermina Tavares, Chris Kimiecik, Robert Valentine, Ed Sattler, Kim Lesley

Green Team New Jersey Realty: Jaime Dalton

 

 

 

Buying a home February 9, 2022

The Path To Homeownership Can Be Steeper for Some Americans

As we celebrate Black History Month, we honor and recognize the past and present experiences of Black Americans. A significant part of this experience is investing in a home of their own. While equitable access to housing has come a long way, the path to homeownership is still steeper for households of color. It’s an important experience to talk about, along with how working with the right real estate experts can make all the difference for diverse homebuyers.

We know it’s a more challenging journey to achieve homeownership for some because there’s still a measurable gap between the overall average U.S. homeownership rate and that of non-white groups. Today, the lowest homeownership rate persists in the Black community (see graph below):

The Path To Homeownership Can Be Steeper for Some Americans | MyKCM

Homeownership is an essential piece for building household wealth that can be passed down to future generations. However, there are obstacles in the homebuying process that can negatively impact certain racial and ethnic groups, including the Black community. This can delay or prevent many from achieving homeownership, challenging their ability to grow their net worth. A report by Vanessa G. Perry of the George Washington University School of Business and Janneke Ratcliffe of the Urban Institute explains:

“. . . households of color have much lower homeownership rates than white households and consequently hold, at the median, just one-eighth the wealth of white households.”

On top of that, when Black households do become homeowners, research shows they pay more for those homes overall than the average household. Raheem Hanifa, a Research Analyst for the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard Universitytells us:

“Black homeowners not only have primary mortgages with higher interest rates than white homeowners with similar incomes, they also have higher interest rates than white homeowners with substantially lower incomes, . . . Black homeowners have experienced systemic barriers to homeownership and wealth-building opportunities that have limited their ability to access credit, which is a key component in receiving low mortgage interest rates.”

For Black homebuyers, the inequity that remains in housing can be a point of pain and frustration. That’s why it’s so important for members of diverse groups to have the right team of experts on their sides throughout the homebuying process. These professionals aren’t only experienced advisors who understand the market and give the best advice. They’re also compassionate allies who will advocate for your best interests every step of the way.

Bottom Line

Opportunities in real estate improve every day, but there are still equity challenges that many face. Let’s connect to make sure you have an advocate on your side as you walk the path to homeownership.

Put an experts eye on your home search! You’ll receive personalized matches of results delivered directly to you. We’ll take into account your goals, criteria, and preferences to find properties that are exactly what you were always dreaming of.
Start Here!

Contact one of Our Agents today!

See out Complete Inventory of Available Properties!