Agency News and Awards October 22, 2020

Krissy Many achieves CIREC Designation

Krissy Many has achieved her CIREC Designation. She is expanding her expertise to better serve her clients with the Commercial & Investment Real Estate Certification

What The CIREC Designation Means

According to the NAR Code of Ethics, agents must have the proper training for specialized services. Agents undertaking the extensive CIREC course obtain the needed foundation to provide commercial and investment real estate services.  A wide range of topics are covered. Included are tax implications, 1031 Exchanges, valuing property, and more.  Also covered, preparation of financial analyses, and comparing financial impacts of leasing vs. buying. Furthermore, negotiating concepts and tactics are important parts of the course.

Agency News and Awards October 16, 2020

3rd Quarter 2020 Sales Leaders

Congratulations from Geoff Green, President of Green Team Realty, to our 3rd Quarter Sales Leaders

3rd Quarter 2020 Sales Leaders for Green Team Realty have been announced. They are Jennifer DiCostanco for Green Team New York Realty and Keren Gonen of Green Team New Jersey Realty.

“Jennifer and Keren – Two big names in the Orange & Sussex County Real Estate business.  It’s not easy to be the third quarter sales leader because it’s the biggest production quarter of the year for Realtors.  Those who place the highest in Q3 are usually the annual winners as well.  Both Jennifer and Keren are perennial All Stars in this industry and for good reason.  They both work extremely hard in and on their businesses, and they both have exceptional reputations with their clients.   Congratulations to both ladies and I have to say that I won’t be one bit surprised to see both of them do it again year after year.”

Jennifer DiCostanzo, Green Team New York Realty

This is not the first Sales Leader Award for Jennifer DiCostanzo. She has been the Yearly Sales Leader since joining Green Team in 2015. In addition, she was 1st Quarter Sales Leader for 2020. Jen received the MVP Award in 2017 for more than $10 Million in sales. In 2019 she received that award for more than $12 Million in sales. She attributes her success to steadfast dedication to each of her clients. Furthermore, she has a plethora of knowledge and experience which is evident in each transaction and results in creating strategic approaches and facilitating solutions. Jen had this to say about achieving 3rd Quarter Sales Leader:

“Thank you to my clients and colleagues. We adapted to covid protocols and worked together safely during the strongest sales quarter of the year, during pandemic times.”

Keren Gonen, Green Team New Jersey Realty

This is not Keren Gonen‘s first time as a Sales Leader, either. This is her fourth time as Quarterly Sales Leader. Most recently, she was named Sales Leader for the 2nd Quarter of 2020. And in 2017, the year Keren started at Green Team New Jersey Realty, she was Yearly Sales Leader.

Keren said the following about her latest achievement:

“I was given this opportunity to say a few words about this achievement and although I am grateful for being in this place, at this time, I would like to say the following: I know how scary this time is for all of us.  America is in turmoil, due to Corona, The Elections, The Economy, Our rights and Freedom and so much more.  It is this uncertainty, now more than ever, that reminds us that our safe haven is our HOME.  This is the reason for the spike in sales in Real Estate. We all want to feel SAFE.  It is now, more than ever, that we look inside our homes and our hearts and decide what is important and what is not.  It is now that we must all come together, not fall farther apart.  To those who have chosen me as the one to accompany them on this journey, I am grateful.  I hope that I have made, at least in part, your need to relocate a bit easier, a bit less stressful, and that I contributed some peace in these difficult times. For all of that, I am grateful.”

Agency News and Awards October 5, 2020

Meet James Colgan

James Colgan comes to Green Team New York Realty with an interesting background. While we’ve heard about people moving up to this area from New York City, few actually started out here, moved to the City, then moved back! However, that is exactly what James Colgan did.

Growing up in Warwick

James knows a lot about Warwick and the surrounding areas. After all, he grew up here He attended Warwick Schools, graduating from Warwick Valley High School. His family still lives here. Therefore, even when he lived in NYC he’d come back to visit. James never lost his love of Warwick.

While growing up in Warwick, James’ love of sports became evident. Furthermore, sports also defined his career path. James received his B.S in Physical Education from SUNY Brockport. At Brockport, James was president of the Men’s’ D1 Club Hockey Club,  In addition, he was a member of the Physical Education Club. He then attended Southern New Hampshire University. There, James earned his M.S.in Sports Management and certification in Athletic Administration.

James Colgan’s passion for sports and coaching led him to become a physical education teacher in New York City, where he also lived,  In the past, James also coached both lacrosse and golf at Warwick Valley High School during the summer enrichment program.  Further, he coached Warwick’s Boys Freshmen Lacrosse Team.

The Transition to Real Estate

However, another passion began to grow. He helped his parents sell and buy a new home. Then, he was inspired to buy rental properties. The same dedication and hard work he put into his love of sports extended to his love of real estate. He enjoyed the overall experience, from renting to buying and selling a home. In addition to his teaching, he obtained his license and started working in real estate in New York City.

However, he was pulled to come back to the beautiful area he was raised in. James purchased a townhouse in Sussex County, NJ, which borders Orange County, NY. He has family and friends in Warwick, where he grew up. He has extensive knowledge of Warwick. Additionally, he is very familiar with the rest of Orange County, and Westchester. With his knowledge of real estate and of the area, James decided to join Green Team New York

Lessons learned in school

A transition from teaching and coaching to real estate is not a stretch at all. James learned the importance of building relationships and listening to the wants and needs of his students. That same caring and attentiveness that he gives his students is also shared with his real estate clients. Further, the discipline and teamwork that come with playing sports and coaching is engrained in the way he works with clients. James continues his education, keeping up to date with policies, trends, and the real estate market.

The love that James has for this area is evident. James describes Warwick as a “homey” place, where people are friendly and respectful. The eclectic shops, the Farmers Market, and the restaurants make Warwick a lovely town for people to call home. James is especially fond of the outdoor spaces and activities available year-round. Because, of course, his love of sports has not faded away. So, in his “spare” time, you’ll find James on the golf course or playing hockey.

Housing Market News September 24, 2020

September 2020 Housing Market Update

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[et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text”]Geoff Green, President of Green Team Realty, welcomed everyone to the September 2020 Housing Market Update. The webinar, held on Tuesday, September 15 at 2 p.m., examined the housing market on both national and local levels. Discussion included the impact of various economic factors resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.

If you missed the webinar or would like to view it again, it is available here.

Meet the Panel

September Housing Market Update panelists were Kristi Anderson and Keren Gonen of Green Team New Jersey Realty. They shared their knowledge and expertise in the Vernon and Sussex County, New Jersey markets. Carol Buchanan, Green Team New York Realty, shared her experiences with the Warwick, Orange County, New York markets. In addition, our guest panelist was Michael Giannetto of Cross Country Mortgage. Michael shared his expertise on the

First, here are some stats on the national and local markets, presented by Geoff.

We’re Up, Up, and Away

Green Team Realty Sept 2020 Housing Market Update

July marked ten straight months of year-over-year gains in price. In addition, we have first time ever, national median home prices breaching the $300,000 level. With the easing of lock-down regulations, showing traffic is now way up, year over year.  Mortgage applications, year-over-year, are also popping. Realtor.com’s chief economist says that inventory is down 38%.

Demand is way up, supply is way down

Builder confidence is also growing. It tied its highest reading in NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market index’s 35-year history. However, lumber prices have more than doubled since mid-April. The pricing of lumber should come back down, based on supply issues as opposed to supply and demand.

Housing affordability

The housing market is about affordability as opposed to just pricing. While prices continue to go up, mortgage rates have been going down. Thus, lower mortgage rates make buying a home more affordable.

Learn more, watch the webinar

Watch Geoff’s full presentation on national and local economic and real estate trends. In addition, hear our expert panel discuss their experiences in this market. Click here to view the webinar.

Furthermore, compare prior stats. Click here for the July 2020 Housing Market Update.

“Housekeeping” Items

Green Team Realty Housing Market Update

Contact our Panelists

Green Team Realty Sept 2020 Housing Market Update

Join us on Tuesday, October 20 at 2 p.m.

Sign up for updates now at GreenTeamRealty.com/HMU

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Agency News and Awards August 30, 2020

Edward Sattler receives CIREC designation

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”3.0.47″][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”3.0.48″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.0.47″ parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”3.0.74″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”]Green Team New York Realty is pleased to announce that Edward Sattler has received his Commercial and Investment Real Estate Certification (CIREC).

According to Ed,

“I’ve been interested in commercial real estate for years. I enjoy working with clients and understanding their needs. Most importantly, I want to help them achieve their real estate goals, whether as buyer, seller, landlord or tenant.”

Ed’s start in real estate

When Ed says he has been interested in commercial real estate for years, you can believe it. His passion for real estate was first recognized by his parents when he was in fourth grade. By age 12, junior working papers in hand, he was saving for a down payment. Ten years later, Ed and his wife had purchased land and completed construction on their first home in Warwick. Furthermore, ten years after that, they had completed a minor subdivision and built 2 more houses.

What the CIREC designation means

According to the NAR Code of Ethics, agents must have the proper training for specialized services. Agents undertaking the extensive CIREC course obtain the needed foundation to provide commercial and investment real estate services.  A wide range of topics are covered. Included are tax implications, 1031 Exchanges, valuing property, and more.  Also covered, preparation of financial analyses, and comparing financial impacts of leasing vs. buying. Furthermore, negotiating concepts and tactics are important parts of the course.

 

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Agency News and Awards August 28, 2020

Meet Ryan Fisher

Chapter One: How Ryan met Geoff

Ryan Fisher comes to the Green Team with a distinction that no other sales associate can claim. Ryan and Geoff Green went to the University of New Hampshire together. After college, they worked together in the mall industry. That’s when Geoff recruited Ryan to Pyramid Management Group. Ryan was a top-performing specialty leasing representative at Palisades Shopping Mall. Within two years he grew to be in the top four producers in the company. During his time with Pyramid, Ryan honed skills and techniques that he uses to this day. He learned how to canvas and generate leads. He also learned the art of follow-up and setting appointments. Most importantly, he learned how to close. Ryan also developed the habit of setting goals and acquiring the positive mindset it takes to accomplish them.

Chapter Two: New England, Taxis, then Real Estate

Ryan decided to return to New England. For 12 years he owned and operated a taxi company on Martha’s Vineyard. It was here he learned to run a business from start to finish. Using connections from his university days, he hired students to work each summer. Furthermore, many of them returned to work for multiple summers. He grew the business acquiring a second medallion. This allowed him to operate in two towns with a fleet of 12 vehicles.

Somehow, during this time, he also managed to get his real estate license in Massachusetts. When it came time to buy, Ryan was able to negotiate a seller-financed deal to buy the mixed-use property he ran his business out of. After the purchase, Ryan developed the property by replacing the not-to code garage with a commercial garage with an apartment on top. He eventually sold the taxi medallions, but still owns the property and rents both the commercial and residential units out.

Chapter Three: Ryan and Geoff, Together Again!

Once again, Geoff and Ryan began collaborating on a business idea. Geoff pitched the idea of REALLY – The Business Referral Exchange™. Referrals within real estate are fragmented. REALLY offers Business professionals the chance to network and grow their business. Ryan was intrigued. He had always thought real estate would be a good fit. Ryan loves working with people and enjoys the challenges that come in this field. He was also eager to play a part in helping REALLY grow. Furthermore, It seemed a natural fit to join the Green Team.

Ryan is currently licensed in both Massachusetts and New York. He is happily married with two children and a dog named Mona. Ryan and family moved from New England to Warwick. Ryan brings to his real estate business a unique and extremely relevant skillset. He also brings his love of music, drumming in particular. Of course, Ryan and Mona the dog enjoy hiking and outdoor activities.

Buying a home August 20, 2020

Home Insurance Myths and Misconceptions

Geoff Green, President of Green Team Realty, and Garret Durland of Seely & Durland Insurance presented a webinar on myths and misconceptions people have about Home Insurance.  Also joining the conversation were Michelle Dixon and Brianna Smith of Seely & Durland. This local insurance agency has been an important part of Warwick since 1934. Presented live on Facebook Thursday, August 13, the information they shared is important to all homeowners. If you were unable to catch it on Facebook Live, you can view the webinar here. In addition, below you’ll find a summary of some of the topics discussed.

Home Insurance.  Can’t Live with it. Can’t live without it!

Three out of five homes are underinsured. There is a misconception between market value and insurable replacement cost. A difference exists between what the home sells for versus what it costs to rebuild a home. Thus, replacement cost often exceeds market value.

Common Home Insurance Exclusions

Learn what the most common exclusions are. Also, learn about specific coverage available for some of these exclusions. It’s interesting to note that flood losses can include damage from a broken water main (surface water entering a home).

Home Insurance to cover Home Businesses

With more and more people operating a business at home many lack coverage, leaving them financially exposed. There are options available to provide needed coverage. There is also coverage available for “businesses” by kids. For instance, snow shoveling, landscaping or lawn mowing for neighbors.

High-Value Items

The standard homeowner’s insurance policy provides coverage up to a set amount for lost or stolen valuables. However, high-value items can be covered on a floater based on their appraised value. This includes jewelry, furs, guns, coins, watches, etc.

Fallen Trees Coverage

A tree falling on your property is only covered if it does damage to a structure or blocks your driveway.  There have been many storms impacting our area. Therefore, it’s important to understand the limits of your Home Insurance coverage.

Personal LIability

Did you know that if your child slanders someone on social media, that may become a situation requiring personal injury coverage? A reminder that people must be careful about what they are posting online. Personal injury coverage can be added to your Home Insurance policy An umbrella policy is an excess liability policy. It provides coverage over the limit on your home, auto, etc.

Answers to often-asked questions/Ending on a positive note.

Something most homeowners wonder about is the effect of filing multiple claims. Also of interest, what if you do Airbnb, HomeAway, or VRBO. How are these being covered by insurance companies?  In addition, what impact does your credit score have on premium rates? Find the answers in the webinar. Most importantly, there are ways to save on Home Insurance. Check out the tips discussed to see if you qualify for savings. Finally, view the informative follow-up discussion with Geoff Green and Garrett Durland,

Contact Information

Seely & Durland Insurance is located at 13 Oakland Avenue, Warwick NY. Their direct line is 845-986-1177. You can also visit their website at seely-durland.com.

 

 

 

 

 

Agency News and Awards August 10, 2020

Krissy Many Receives Military Relocation Professional Certification

 

Krissy Many of Green Team New York Realty has achieved Military Relocation Professional (MRP) Designation. This certification prepares real estate professionals to work with current and former military service members. Importantly, the course addresses finding the right housing solutions and taking full advantage of military benefits and support.

NAR’s Military Relocation Professional Certification

When military staff and their families relocate, the services of a real estate professional who understands their needs and timetables makes the transfer easier, faster, and less stressful. This certification focuses on educating real estate professionals about working with current and former military service members to find the housing solutions that best suit their needs and take full advantage of military benefits and support.  Course participants learn to provide the real estate services, at any stage in the service member’s military career, that meet the needs of this niche market and win future referrals. In addition, participants hone their knowledge and skills to work with active-duty military buyers and sellers, as well as veterans with the NAR’s Military Relocation Professional Certification.

When asked why she decided to obtain this certification, Krissy replied:

“Veterans and their families do what they do so we can do what we do in comfort and safety. I sought this designation so that in some small way I can show my support for our military.  Maybe, just maybe, I can make their relocation and home selection a little easier and smoother. The benefit of this training and designation is that I will speak and understand their language as well as their time frames. Military personnel speak a language all their own and it is full acronyms! Their needs, timing and challenges are unique to them.  I understand these factors and can be a source of information, guidance and support to our military families in their real estate needs.”

NAR Military Relocation Professional

 

Housing Market News July 29, 2020

July 2020 Housing Market Update

Geoff Green, President of Green Team Realty, welcomed everyone to the July 2020 Housing Market Update. The webinar, which was held on Tuesday, July 24 at 2 p.m., examined the housing market on national and local levels, in light of the impact of various economic factors resulting from the Covid-19 pandemic.

If you missed the webinar or would like to view it again, it is available here.

Meet the panel

Following a review of the national and local stats, Geoff checked in with the panel. Sales Associates from Green Team New York Realty and Green Team New Jersey Realty shared what was happening in their respective states and communities. Covid-19 regulations on the real estate industries in New York and New Jersey have differed, with varying results. The July 2020 Housing Market Update panelists were Keren Gonen, Pam Zachowski, and Kristi Anderson, who discussed the Vernon and Sussex  County, NJ market. Toni Kreusch shared her experiences and views on the Warwick and Orange County, NY market. Additionally, our guest panelist, Ken Aulicino, Mortgage Loan Originator with Family First Funding, shared his expertise and experiences.

First, though, here are some of the stats presented by Geoff.

It’s all about jobs, jobs, jobs

The consensus of various experts was that the US would add 3,000,000 new jobs in June. However, the actual number of jobs added was 4,800,000. While that’s a good number, there is more to the story. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the unemployment rate for June was 11.1%. In March, just before Covid-necessitated shut-downs, unemployment was at 4.4%. In April, it shot up to 14.7%. Then in May it declined to 13.3% So it would appear unemployment is trending downwards. However, it’s just not that simple.

Green Team Realty July 2020 Housing Market Update

The core unemployment rate is trending upwards. Geoff took a look at historical core unemployment rates to bring things into perspective. How many companies will actually be bringing jobs back?

Real Estate Metrics

Forbearances & Foreclosures

Geoff predicted that we’ll be hearing more and more about forbearances and foreclosures in the media. Of all active forbearances past due, 77% had at least 20% equity in their homes. Of these, 59% had 30% or more equity. According to Geoff, not many people will walk away from the equity they have in their homes. As long as pricing stays intact and doesn’t plummet, many homeowners will do their best to stay in their homes and keep their mortgages going.

Showing Activity

According to Showingtime.com, showing activity is up big time. Year-over-year, the showing index is up nationally by 21.4%. Inventory has been a problem for a while, but it’s exacerbated now. The long term average of households currently on the market is 2.4% Currently that number is down to 1.2%. How does this impact pricing? It is all about supply and demand.

To learn more, watch the webinar

Watch the video to hear what the experts had to say, as well as to see Geoff’s full presentation on national and local economic and real estate trends. To compare with what was happening last month, click here for the June 2020 Housing Market Update.

“Housekeeping” Items

Contact our Panelists

Green Team Realty July 2020 Housing Market Update

Remember to join us on Tuesday, September 15th at 2 p.m. Sign up for updates now at GreenTeamRealty.com/HMU

 

Agency News and Awards July 22, 2020

Green Team Realty’s 2nd Quarter 2020 Sales Leaders

Congratulations from Geoff Green, President of Green Team Realty, to our 2nd Quarter Sales Leaders.

Geoff Green, President of Green Team Realty, was proud to announce the 2nd Quarter 2020 Sales Leaders. They are Chris Kimiecik of Green Team New York Realty in Warwick NY, In addition, Carol Buchanan was second and Terry Gavan, third.  Keren Gonen is 2Q Sales Leader for Green Team New Jersey Realty, located in Vernon NJ, with Charles Nagy and Ted Van Laar in second place, and Pam Zachowski in third.

Chris Kimiecik, Green Team New York Realty 

Geoff had the following to say about Chris’s achievement:

“Chris Kimiecik is a shining example of “success begets success.”  Here is a guy who runs one of the most successful landscaping companies in Orange County and yet he finds time to not only become a Realtor, but to be very successful at doing so.   Chris will be the first one to point out that he couldn’t do it all without the support of his wife Megan who plays an integral role in his Real Estate business.  This is the first Quarterly Sales Leader award for Chris, but I am certain that there will be more.  Congratulations Chris and Megan!”

Chris on being 2Q Sales Leader

“Our clients, my wife and real estate partner, Megan, and the support of The Green Team “Warwick” all played a part on this journey to Q2 sales leader. Through diversified businesses that integrate with each other, and our partnership with the Green Team, we are able to offer an unmatched experience. When you surround yourself with the right people and team, anything is possible.  We look forward to working with you, your friends, your family and anyone considering buying or selling a home in Warwick NY and surrounding area.”

Keren Gonen, Green Team New Jersey Realty

Geoff said the following about Keren’s latest achievement:

“If it wasn’t clear before, it should be abundantly clear to everyone now that Keren Gonen is going to top the production charts in her market territory for many years to come.  No one works harder and cares more for her clients then Keren.  We are extremely blessed to have Keren as part of Green Team New Jersey Realty.  Congratulations Keren, and keep up the good work!”

This is not Keren’s first time as a Sales Leader. This is her third time as Quarterly Sales Leader. And in 2017, the year Keren started at Green Team New Jersey Realty, she was Yearly Sales Leader.

Keren on being 2Q Sales Leader

Keren had this to say about her latest achievement:

“I am very grateful to be the Second Quarter Sales Leader!  2020 started out really well for me in the Real Estate Market as it did for many others.  I contribute this to the networking group I am a part of (Referral Roundtable), my involvement in the Community, and my overall work ethic. I am that agent that gets up at 5 am to finish paperwork and still is out with clients late in the evening. This Pandemic that has aggressively changed all of our lives, also changed the Housing Market.  Like many others, working during COVID-19 means that I was able to assist clients running away from The City and into “The Country.”  Working seven days a week, coordinating showings during Corona, along with inspections, appraisals, and being mindful of how cautious we all must be during this process meant that I was able to help more people get into new homes.  Although Real Estate Agents were not deemed “Essential Workers” and thank God for those people who put their lives on the line every day and continue to do so, I believe that Real Estate Agents made the mass exodus from NYC possible for many people that were hopeless and quarantined.  This made us Agents essential to those people seeking a different way of life.”