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April 2021 Housing Market Update
Green Team Realty’s April 2021 Housing Market Update was held on Tuesday; April 20 at 12 p.m. Geoff Green, President of Green Team Realty, welcomed viewers.
If you missed the webinar or would like to view it again, it is available here:
Snapshot of Year-over-Year Changes in Key Metrics
- Showings are up 49%
- Purchase applications, up 39%
- Pending deals, down 0.5%
- Existing homes sales, up 9.1%
- New Home Sales, up 8.2%
- Existing inventory is down 52%
- New Home inventory down 4.6%
Inventory at historic lows?
What else are we talking about in our April 2021 Housing Market Update?
Housing Market Stats – National and local levels
“Housekeeping” Items
Hear from our Panelists
Geoff was joined by panelists Tammy Scotto of Green Team New York Realty, and Kristi Anderson of Green Team New Jersey Realty. In addition, Laura Moritz of Classic Mortgage was there to share her expertise as a mortgage specialist.
To hear the panel discussion, click here for the webinar.
We’ll see you on Tuesday, May 18 at 12 p.m. Sign up for Housing Market Updates at:
HMupdate.com
1st Quarter 2021 Sales Leaders
Green Team New York Realty announced that Tammy Scotto is the 1st Quarter Sales Leader of 2021. Rounding out the top three in sales were Carol Buchanan and Nancy Sardo.
Green Team New Jersey Realty announced that Keren Gonen is once again the Quarterly Sales Leader. Keren was Sales Leader for Quarters 2, 3, and 4 of 2020, as well as Yearly Sales Leader. Rounding out the three top three in sales were Kristi Anderson, and the team of Charles Nagy and Ted Van Laar.
Tammy Scotto, Green Team New York Realty
Tammy finished 2020 as a member of the Green Team Realty Presidents Club, for sales between $5 and $10 million. Geoff Green had this to say about Tammy:
We are very excited to announce that Tammy Scotto has won the Quarterly Sales Leader award for Q1 of 2021. Tammy is a very consistent top producer who remarkably has never won this award. That said, Tammy is always near the top of our production charts. So it comes as no surprise that she ultimately finished in first place this quarter. What makes Tammy such a great producer is the fact that her clients truly love her. Why do they love her? It’s quite simple. She just doesn’t give up. Tammy truly goes above and beyond the call of duty for her clients. She never takes on more than she can handle, and takes every client’s situation very seriously. Big congrats Tammy! We are all very happy that you have won this award!”
According to Tammy,
” Last year was challenging on many levels. The Pandemic left us housebound for many weeks. That made our business even more challenging. The floodgates opened around May/June and I took off running. Clients from NYC, Long Island, and New Jersey were looking to relocate to the beautiful Hudson Valley. I can’t say thank you enough to all my clients who trusted in me through those difficult times to find them a new home. Last year’s business has trickled over to the start of 2021 and for that I am grateful. Looking to keep the momentum going for the remainder of the year.”
Keren Gonen, Green Team New Jersey Realty
It is not surprising that Keren Gonen is in the top 20 of all agents in Sussex County, With $17.8 Million in sales in 2020, she was Yearly Sales Leader for 2020 and joined the MVP Circle. Also, she was the 2020 recipient of the special Momentum Builder Award. .According to Geoff,
“Keren Gonen’s roll seems to have no end. Keren finished 2020 in grand fashion producing more sales volume than 99% of her peers in Sussex County. She has now officially won our Q1 2021 Sales Leader award, and I can say with certainty that she is not taking her foot off the pedal anytime soon. It’s truly remarkable to watch Keren’s business soar higher and higher. But what is truly most remarkable about this Lady is that she is one of the nicest people you will ever meet. It’s hard to find such a great producer who truly respects all people she comes in contact with. Great job Keren! Here is to many, many more such awards.”
Keren had this to say about being 1st Quarter Sales Leader:
“In true fashion of the times, 2021 continues to surprise us all. The Market is still strong and plenty of people are still selling and buying. Thank you to all my Buyers, Sellers, and investors for choosing me as your Realtor of Choice. I am grateful to all of you. Stay safe.”
Alison Miller donates Citizen of the Year Prize Money to VTHS SCA
Alison Miller – Green Team New Jersey Realty’s 2020 Citizen of the Year
Alison Miller was selected as Green Team New Jersey Realty’s Citizen of the Year. This award is in recognition of her dedication and hard work on behalf of the VTHS SCA.
According to Broker Manager Kim Lasalandra, Alison is a dedicated and busy wife, mother, and fabulous real estate agent. However, she also spends a lot of her time helping the school and the community. Alison is the current President of the SCA (School Community Association) at Vernon Township High School. Formerly, she was the treasurer for 2 years. Before that, the secretary.at Glen Meadow Middle School (2014-2015).
At the end of the 2020 school year, both the president and vice president vacated their positions. Alison stepped up to become President. What’s more, her retired mother stepped up to take on the role of treasurer.
What does the SCA do?
Basically, the SCA, as a whole, raises a lot of money through different programs to assist the children of the Vernon Township schools. In addition, the SCA recognizes teachers and staff, as well as the great people of their community. Of course, 2020 was a difficult year. The usual fundraisers are social events. Unfortunately, most could not be held due to COVID. Luckily, they were able to organize an online auction this spring to raise money for scholarships for high school seniors. Furthermore, the organization helps brighten the spirits of Vernon Township’s senior citizen members of the Senior Center, as well as local children through the Giving Tree Project.
Alison selected an organization very important to her
It is not surprising that Alison Miller donated her Citizen of the Year prize money to the Vernon Valley High School SCA. Furthermore, Alison specified that the donation is for the Senior Scholarship Awards. Accepting the donation was Ginger Wynne, Executive Treasurer, and Pam McCann, Executive Secretary of the SCA. According to Alison:
“As an Executive committee, annually our school SCA board volunteers raise money specifically for Vernon High School senior scholarships. We were unable to raise any money in 2020. And this year we were able to raise a good portion of funds by means of an online silent auction. The auction committee worked tirelessly and diligently on the organization of this event. Therefore, I wanted to donate the $500 for the Senior Scholarship Awards. I am especially grateful to this group of ladies/parents for their efforts. I am the only board member with a graduating senior in 2021. Therefore, this is also my final year serving on the Vernon SCA board.
In addition, I am grateful to Geoffrey Green and Green Team New Jersey Realty. The $500 award money for donation to the charity of my choice was an unexpected and welcome surprise.”
In photo Pam McCann, Executive SCA Secretary, on the right, Alison Miller in the center, and Ginger Wynne, Executive SCA Treasurer on the left .
Buyer Competition Is Good News for Sellers
![Buyer Competition Is Good News for Sellers [INFOGRAPHIC] | MyKCM](https://files.mykcm.com/2021/04/01112239/20210402-MEM-1046x2046.png)
Some Highlights
- With so many buyers looking for homes to purchase and so few houses available today, there’s a substantial increase in bidding wars, and homes are selling fast.
- According to the latest Realtors Confidence Index Survey from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), on average, houses are receiving over four offers from buyers and they’re selling in less than three weeks.
- If you’re ready to make a move, let’s connect today so you can sell your house while the market is in your favor.
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!
Carol Buchanan donates Citizen of the Year Prize Money to Local Charities
Carol Buchanan – Green Team New York Realty 2020 Citizen of the Year
Carol Buchanan donates Citizen of the Year Prize Money to local charities. She and her husband have always been involved in the community. They raised their children to give back. Now they are raising their grandchildren to do the same. For instance, Carol and her granddaughter were spotted ringing the bell for the Salvation Army at Shoprite.
Lucyann Tinnirello, Broker Manager of Green Team New York Realty, said this about Carol.
“She has a dedicated heart. It takes a special person to be so kind. Furthermore, she’s a loving mother, devoted wife, doting grandmother, and busy real estate professional, However, Carol still makes time to give to her community.”
It’s no wonder Carol was recognized as Citizen of the Year. She has been a Meals on Wheels driver for the past 12 years. Moreover, she continues to deliver meals despite the pandemic. Unfortunately, Carol can’t chat with the seniors she delivers to. Consequently, she misses those conversations almost as much as they do. In addition, she is very involved with the Lions Club of Warwick and fundraising, including their 5K Labor Day Race.
Honoring Citizen of the Year with Donations to Local Charities
Geoff Green, President of Green Team Realty, believes in giving back to the community. In fact, Green Team’s core values include volunteerism and support of local charities. Geoff Green donated a total of $500 to the charities of Carol’s choosing in honor of her Citizen of the Year Award.
Carol graciously accepted the Award and announced the charities to receive donations:
“I’m honored to have received this award. I thank Geoff Green for his generous donation to the Warwick Area Migrant Committee and the Warwick Valley Humane Society. It is always my pleasure to give back to the Warwick community that has been so good to me and my family. I’ve always admired the work and dedication of Suzy Barron for the Humane Society, as well as Kathy Brieger for her generous support and wonderful programs for the children of migrant workers.
Warwick Area Migrant Committee
Kathy Brieger, Warwick Area Migrant Committee, shared these words::
“Carol, Congratulations on your recognition. I’m grateful to you for giving us this gift. We will be using the $250 to support our Safety Backpack Project. The bright orange bags will be given to 200 farmworkers who walk or ride their bikes to work.
These bags are packed with safety-related items like safety goggles and hand sanitizer. The intention of the safety backpacks is to allow drivers to see farm workers as they walk or ride their bikes to work. This is often a safety hazard during certain times of the harvest when farmworkers may be leaving for work and returning home when it is dark. The date for the distribution is April 17th at 12 pm. It will be organized by WAMC at the ALAMO.”
Warwick Valley Humane Society
Suzyn Barron of the WVHS sent the following message:
“Warwick Valley Humane Society is so honored to receive this donation from Carol for our Building Fund towards a new shelter facility. On behalf of our homeless pets, we thank her for her generosity in sharing her award of Citizen of the Year with our organization.
The current shelter facility is not up to today’s standards in animal sheltering. This new facility will offer a more spacious, healthier, safer, and well-ventilated building for the animals, staff, and visitors. Thanks, Carol, for helping us build a better safe haven for our community’s unwanted, abandoned, and neglected animals.
Carol Buchanan and Geoffrey Green present Suzyn Barron, Warwick Valley Humane Society, and Kathy Brieger, Warwick Area Migrant Committee with donation checks
March 2021 Housing Market Update
The Green Team Realty March 2021 Housing Market Update was held on March 16 at 12:00 p.m. If you missed the live webinar or would like to watch it again, it’s available here:
Overview of the real estate market on the national level
Geoff Green, President of Green Team Realty, began the update with a quote from Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist at NAR:
“Home sales could possibly reach 8 million if we had more inventory… Mortgage rates should remain very low throughout 2021, although we may have seen the lowest already.”
As shown in this graphic, foreclosure activity is minimal.
Geoff pointed out that with the job loss and economic woes resulting from the pandemic, you would expect the number of foreclosures to be much higher. According to DS News,
“About 325,000 people will exit the forbearance program over the next six to nine months without a plan in place. Some – but probably not all – of those loans will likely default.”
The continuing saga of low inventory – and the Sellers Market
Year-over-year changes indicate that this is a great time to sell. Inventory is so low, if you are thinking about getting your house on the market, now is the time to do it!
Home Price Appreciation
For an in-depth discussion on home price appreciation, watch the housing market update here.
National and Local Housing Market Stats (Orange County NY and Sussex County NJ) are then discussed.
“Housekeeping” Items
Meet our Panel
Geoff was joined by Keren Gonen of Green Team New Jersey Realty and Carol Buchanan of Green Team New York Realty. In addition, Ken Aulicino of Family First Funding added his expertise as a Mortgage Specialist.
The discussion began with the topic of buyers and possible issues in obtaining mortgages. In addition, whether appraisals were coming in, even with rising home prices. Geoff asked Ken Aulicino about whether rates were coming up. Even with rates coming up, historically they are still very low. Click here to watch the full panel discussion, including a question and answer session.
If you would like to get in touch with any of our panelists, their contact information is below:
We’ll see you on Tuesday, April 20 at 12 p.m. for our next Housing Market Update.
You can sign up for Housing Market Updates at GreenTeamRealty.com/HMU
2020 Team Player and Citizen of the Year Awards
Thursday, February 11, was the second night of Green Team Realty’s 2020 Awards Celebration. Like many events occurring in 2020, it took place on Zoom! The first night celebrated Sales Awards. The third and last night was for the Momentum Builder Award. And this night was to announce the Team Player and Citizen of the Year Awards.
Team Player Award
Geoff Green, President of Green Team Realty, stresses the importance of elevating those around you. .Focusing on winning each day creates a winning culture, a Green Team Core Value. The recipients of this award do all that. In addition, they are deemed most reliable, and positive. Furthermore, they are dependable, work well with others, and have great problem-solving skills.
Before the winners are announced, a word from our Broker Managers
The Broker Managers were instrumental in selecting the Team Player Award Recipients. Lucyann Tinnirello, Broker Manager of the Warwick office, said this about her selection:
“The person selected has a lot of the attributes described above. Furthermore, sales associates in the office had a say in the selection and hit the nail right on the head!”
Kim Lasalandra, Broker Manager of the Vernon office, had this to say:
“This person is always very reliable and always seems to be around at the right time. If not out with clients, then she’s in the office helping other agents.”
And the Team Players of the Year are…
Tiffany just celebrated her second year with Green Team. She had set business goals for herself, which she achieved for 2020. However, she had no idea that she would be named Team Player of Green Team New York Realty. When Lucyann called to tell her, she was overwhelmed with emotion. Tiffany summed up her feelings on teamwork with one of her favorite quotes:
“Teamwork divides the tasks and multiplies the success.”
Cathie loves the truly positive attitude that exists at Green Team New Jersey Realty. She has found a sense of comradery at Green Team that was missing in other offices she has been with. Cathie loves being part of the Green Team and is grateful to be here.
Geoff, in turn, told Cathie how much he appreciates her positive attitude and willingness to help others. He stressed how important connection with others is, especially now. The team players are the ones that help provide that connection, something he is grateful for.
Citizen of the Year Award
Geoff began the presentation of this award with a quote by George Elliston, American Journalist and Poet, 1883-1946:
“How beautiful a day can be when kindness touches it.”
Recipients of this award have made outstanding contributions to our local communities. Many of the sales associates in each office are very involved in the community, making the decision a difficult one. However, in the end, there were two very deserving individuals who received this award.
According to Lucyann, Carol has a dedicated heart. It takes a special person to be so kind. In addition to being a loving mother, devoted wife, doting grandmother, and busy real estate professional, Carol makes time to give to her community. Carol has been a driver for Meals on Wheels for over 12 years now. It’s been hard during COVID since she hasn’t been able to chat with the seniors she is delivering to. She misses that connection with them as much as they do.
Carol and her husband have always been involved in the community. They raised their children to give back, and are now raising their grandchildren to do the same. Lucyann commented that at Christmas, Carol was at Shoprite, ringing the bell for the Salvation Army with her granddaughter. As Carol says,
“Volunteering is good for the soul.”
Another Green Teamer who believes in the power of volunteering is:
Kim stated that Alison is also a dedicated wife, mother, and fabulous real estate agent. She also spends a lot of her time helping the school and the community. Alison is currently the current President of SCA (School Community Association) at Vernon Township High School. She was the treasurer for 2 years. Before that, the secretary. Last year, both the president and vice president vacated their positions. Alison stepped up to become President. What’s more, her mother stepped up to take on the treasurer role.
Basically, the SCA raises a lot of money through different programs to assist the school. 2020 was a difficult year. The usual fundraisers are social events. Therefore, they could not be held due to COVID. An online auction is being planned to raise money for scholarships for high school seniors. The organization also helps senior citizens, and local children through the Giving Tree project.
A surprise ending to the evening…
Geoff was moved by the work that these volunteers and their organizations are doing. Furthermore, upon hearing the difficulties that non-profits were facing raising funds due to COVID, he decided right then to do something special. Each Citizen of the Year Award recipient will receive $500 to be donated to the charities of their choice. Geoff went on to say, when all is said and done, these are the things that will matter most. Family, and helping others.
Congratulations to our Team Players and Citizens of the Year!
Green Team Realty 2020 Sales Awards
Geoff Green, President, welcomed everyone to the Green Team Realty 2020 Sales Awards. Normally, the annual sales award event is held at the Warwick Valley Country Club, with a band or D.J., plenty of food and drink, and lots of good spirits and comradery. However, the pandemic has required creative alternatives. Therefore, Geoff and Green Team Marketing Director Andrew Clough decided to put together an event on Zoom. The Awards Ceremony was divided into three webinars, with Sales Awards being the first, on February 10. The following night celebrated the Team Player and CItizen of the Year Award Winners. Finally, on February 12, Geoff announced the recipient of the Momentum Builder Award.
Geoff shared his appreciation for Green Team sales associates, as well as one of his favorite quotes:
“Great salespeople are relationship builders who provide value and help their customers win.” Jeffrey Gitomer
2020 was a challenging year for all, but Green Team sales associates faced some unique situations. As independent contractors, they do not receive salaries or benefits, such as health insurance. Further, they have had to adapt to ever-changing state restrictions and regulations on the real estate industry. As the pandemic wore on, many city-dwellers decided to move to suburban and rural areas, including Orange and Sussex Counties. Sales associates had to adjust to different ways of helping clients buy or sell homes while making sure that everyone stayed safe. Many of our sales associates rose to the occasion, and we honor them here.
The MVP Circle Award
This year four sales associates became members of the MVP Circle, each achieving over $10+ Million in sales volume.
Keren Gonen is in the top 20 of all agents in Sussex County, with $17.8 Million in sales in 2020. She is a three-time Citizen of the Year award winner, as well as 2017 Team Player award winner.
Jennifer DiCostanzo is ranked #13 in Orange County. She has been the yearly sales leader for the past 5 years. In addition, she was the first sales associate to receive the MVP Circle Award. In fact, this is her third time receiving this award. Jen has also been a three-time Citizen of the Year award winner.
Kristi Anderson joined Green Team New Jersey Realty in 2019. She became a Captains Club award winner in 2019. Now, with $10.8 Million in sales, she is in the top 1.7% of all agents in Sussex County for 2020.
Nancy Sardo joined the Green Team in 2015. She is a two-time Presidents Club Award Winner. With $10.4 Million in sales volume for 2020, she is in the top 1.5% of all agents in Orange County for that year.
Presidents Club Awards
This award was given to those who had a sales volume of $5 to $10 Million in calendar year 2020.
The following sales associates from Green Team New York Realty achieved Presidents Club: Dean Diltz, Tammy Scotto, Vikki Garby, and Tiffany Megna. Nikki Grzegorzewski joined Green Team in 2020. With $6.2 Million in sales volume, she is in the top 4% of all agents in Orange County.
The following sales associates from Green Team New Jersey Realty achieved Presidents Club: Theodore Van Laar, Charles Nagy, Barbara Tesa, and Alison Miller.
Captains Club Awards
This award was given to those who had a sales volume of $3 to $5 Million in calendar year 2020.
The following sales associates from Green Team New York Realty achieved Captains Club: Carol Buchanan, Kristine “Krissy” Many, Terry Gavan, Tom Folino, Karen Gauvin, Kim Lesley, Lucyann Tinnirello, and Pip “Julie” Klein.
The following sales associates from Green Team New Jersey Realty achieved Captains Club: Kimberly Lasalandra, Pamela Zachowski, and Camilia “Cami” Cielo.
Honorable Mention Awards
This award was given to those who had a sales volume of $1.5 to $3 Million in calendar year 2020.
The following sales associates from Green Team New York Realty achieved Honorable Mention: Chris Kimiecik, Mary Pearsall, Angela Murphy, Guillermina “Gidget” Tavares, Dana Green, Toni Vogel, Kathleen Eubanks, Cara Dumond, and Toni Kreusch
The following sales associates from Green Team New Jersey Realty achieved Honorable Mention: Catherine L. Johnson-Witte, Heidi Hyland, and Yvette Saldana.
