Green Team Realty’s 2019 Launch Competition Was a Big Success
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Green Team Realty’s Launch is a competition with a purpose. It provides incentives for Sales Associates to learn or improve their use of Green Team’s Customer Relationship Management system (“CRM”). The ultimate goal is providing the best in customer service and appreciation. By inputting and keeping track of the information and activities pertaining to client transactions, agents are better able to refine their client appreciation programs. Further, maintaining relationships with clients past, present and future in today’s challenging real estate market makes everyone a winner. Geoff Green, President of Green Team Realty, promotes the competition at the beginning of each year. He feels that agents who fully know and use the CRM can provide better services to their clients while also getting better control of their businesses and lives. Besides, a little friendly competition and generous prizes ensure some serious participation.
Thanks to the Team Leaders!
Before announcing the winning teams and individuals, Geoff Green first thanked the team captains for volunteering their time and effort. “These ladies went above and beyond to make this a fruitful competition for all of the Sales Associates. Great job to all team captains!” In the Warwick office, Angela Murphy volunteered to once again serve as a Launch team leader. And Kim Lesley stepped up as team leader of the opposing team. At the Vernon office, Cathie Witte took on last year’s team leader and individual winner, Keren Gonen. All four leaders did their best to inspire their teams to become proficient in using the CRM. And, of course, to score the points given for CRM activities.
Angela Murphy Kim Lesley Cathie Witte Keren Gonen
The Winning Teams are:
In Warwick, Kim Lesley’s Rock’n’Rollers put up a valiant fight, but Angela’s Murphy’s Master Minds came out on top. And in Vernon, Cathie’s Witte’s Wonders came in with the most points, despite a great showing by Keren’s Gonen’s Greenies.
This year Geoff awarded cash prizes for each of the top ten Sales Associates on the winning teams. Each sales associate had to have a minimum of 600 points from February 14 to March 31, the length of the Launch competition.
And the Individual Winners from those Winning Teams are:
- Top Sales Associates with the most points: Carol Buchanan (Warwick) and Heidi Hyland (Vernon)
- Top Sales Associates with the second most points: Tom Folino (Warwick) and Cathie Witte (Vernon)
- The 3rd and 4th place Sales Associates: Angela Murphy & Denise Schmidt (Warwick) and Joyce Rogers and Kim Lasalandra (Vernon)
- The 5th and 6th place Sales Associates: Nicole Willner & Lucyann Tinnirello (Warwick) and Ann Nussberger (Vernon)
- The 7th and 8th place Sales Associates: Terry Gavan and Toni Kreusch (Warwick)
- The 9th and 10th place Sales Associates: Nancy Sardo & Karen Gauvin (Warwick
Dean Diltz was not a member of the winning team. However, as the highest point earner in the Warwick office, he was awarded a special prize.
Looking forward to Launch 2020!
Will our team leaders step up for the challenge again? Which team will score the most points? And what incentives will Geoff offer to motivate everyone! Stay tuned for February 14, 2020, when Launch 2020 will blast off!
April 2019 Housing Market Update
The April 2019 Housing Market Update was held on Facebook Live Tuesday, April 16 at 2 p.m. If you missed the live webinar, you can view it at your convenience by clicking here. You can also sign up for updates at GreenTeamRealty.com/HMU.
Geoff Green, President of Green Team Realty, began the update with some national statistics. Discussions have been going on for months as to what the 2019 would look like. And, for the most part, it’s roaring. At least that is the case in our area, the northeast.
National Housing Market Statistics
Total Existing Home Sales
This chart shows the total existing home sales for every two months, year over year. There was a dip, with things trending down, from the end of 2017 through 2018 nationally. But there is a bump at the beginning of 2019. And it seems to be busy for everyone right now. The thinking is that this may be another banner year.
Median Price of Existing Home Sales
Prices have very consistently increased over the last 3 to 4 years. And there doesn’t seem to be a reason to anticipate any change in that trajectory any time soon.
Existing Home Prices by Region
Breaking down existing home prices in terms of regions, this shows where we are now versus last year. The Midwest is leading home prices increases, followed by the Northeast.
% Change in Sales
As prices have risen, there are fewer homes across the nation in the $0-$100,000 range. This low inventory has resulted in the change in sales for that price range. However, it is also interesting that on the very high end, transactions of $1 Million+ have faltered and slowed down. When you start to get into those metro areas where $1+ Million is not unusual, people may be starting to find it’s a little out of reach.
Housing Supply at the National Level
The lack of inventory has been seen as a reason for why the number of transactions was softening for the last 12, 14 months; The supply level peaked in 2018 and then came down towards the end of 2018. But it now looks like it may be coming up again. We really need this to happen to keep the transactions going.
Projected Home Price Appreciation
A panel of over 100 economists, real estate experts and investment and market strategists were interviewed for the most recent Home Price Expectations Survey. These experts have raised the projections they made in the 4th quarter of 2018 for 2019 and 2020. They are anticipating a better year than they first thought.
Mortgage Rate Projections
Despite a zooming market and a very solid economy, rates in Geoff’s view are still remaining low. Someone who was looking for a home a year and a half ago may now see rates up a point and think that they are now “high.” However, Geoff says that rates are still historically low.
Local Housing Market Update
Orange County, NY – Units Sold
We seem to be holding even compared to last year. Perhaps a tick better. This is good news.
Orange County, NY – Average Sales Price
So far this year we’re basically even with last year.
Orange County, NY – Ask to Sold Ratio
Ratio at which a home sells versus the last asking price. The ratio seems to be trending higher which means that demand is still very high. People are willing to pay at or near asking, if not over asking. Bidding wars are still continuing.
Orange County, NY – Days on Market
The days on market continue to drop consistently. Homes are still selling fast, selling quicker each year. All signs point to a continued Seller’s Market.
Sussex County, NJ – Units Sold
Units sold in January and February were lower than in 2018. However, in March the number rose, coming in a tick higher than March 2018.
Sussex County, NJ – Average Price
Sales prices in Sussex have been a bit of a conundrum. Price hasn’t taken hold and there has been a significant one month drop from February to March. This will be an interesting analytic to watch as the year goes on.
Sussex County, NJ – Ask to Sold Ratio
Again, the higher the number, the closer things are selling towards the asking price and the less sellers are having to negotiate off those prices. We’re looking at some very strong numbers here.
Sussex County, NJ – Days on Market
Again, here the lower the number the stronger the market. Here was have a steady pattern of fewer days on the market. Homes are selling faster and faster.
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Meet the Panel

Geoffrey Green, Moderator
President, Green Team Realty

Vikki Garby,
Green Team
New York Realty

Keren Gonen,
Green Team
New Jersey Realty
Laura Moritz,
Classic Mortgage
aura Moritz has been with Classic Mortgage for 18 years.
Geoff Green began the panel discussion by asking about the trends they’ve been seeing in the Housing Market Updates and in the market itself. Geoff recalled that the numbers were softening during 2018. Therefore, there was a lot of uncertainty about how the market would be in 2019. However, the numbers seem to be indicating a very good year.
He asked Vikki and Keren what their experiences were in the field. Vikki said that the general market conditions she sees in Orange County, specifically the Warwick, Goshen, Middletown area, indicate a really strong market. There is still a shortage of inventory, which feeds the demand. She has received several new buyers recently coming from outside the area. Plus, many sellers are staying in the area, adding to the number of prospective buyers.
She has noticed more For Sale by Owner signs lately, and has had buyers request to see some of those. Vikki noted that that’s fine; she’s able to show her clients the homes and guide them through the home purchasing process. She then asked if Keren was seeing the same thing in Sussex County and if it’s a new trend. Keren said they are seeing the same thing in New Jersey. With today’s technology, some sellers are thinking they can do it on their own. And as Vikki mentioned, there are no issues approaching a FSBO and arranging a showing for their buyers.
In regard to home prices plummeting in Sussex, Keren said a new wave of REO’s has been released. This hasn’t happened in a while. They’re also being more logical in their pricing. That may be why we’re seeing that drop. In addition, there is that same problem of inventory. Recently Keren had buyer request to see a newly listed home over the weekend. However that home had an accepted offer on it before her clients could see it 4 days later. It’s still a seller’s market.
New Construction
Geoff agreed that there is clearly an inventory shortage. There is real, organic growth in the market. There are many people who can afford a home, and qualify. Yet there are more prospective buyers like this out there than there are suitable homes. In Warwick, in particular, there is a lot of new construction going on. He wondered if around our local counties there is enough new construction yet. He asked what the panelists were seeing. Had they noticed new subdivisions offering more options for their buyers?
Keren said in Sussex, there was Crystal Springs. A large halted construction site there had just been bought up, and there is new things going up. And there are a lot of people interested in them because there is not that much construction around. They also have those houses that have burnt down and had to be totally gutted. Those houses are getting a lot of activity as well.
Vikki is seeing a lot of new construction in the Warwick area specifically, and also in Goshen, Cornwall. She feels it’s a result of the lack of inventory. Geoff noted that he reads a lot of articles from economists, etc. He received an email from a loan company which urged homeowners to become more reasonable in their pricing. There has also been a lot of talk by economists about the importance of municipalities needing to loosen up their zoning requirements and do what they can to speed up municipalities.
Geoff’s response to these? “Welcome to my world!” Planning boards have gotten tighter and tighter and people are concerned about their communities growing too fast. Regulations have gotten tighter, rather than loosening up. And while Geoff doesn’t believe these things are bad, he’s just saying it’s harder to develop in today’s day and age than it was 50, 60 years ago. There’s just a lot more red tape involved.
Geoff said it will be really interesting to see. America is the place to be. Globally, our economy is far outpacing any other country out there. We’re the “shining city on the hill” again and many people want to be here. Also, many people just don’t want to move.
What’s happening with mortgage financing?
Geoff then asked Laura Moritz where we are with mortgages and where she see rates going, Further, he noted there seems there is a lot of loan of money available, and a lot of loan programs. He doesn’t think that’s the problem. Laura responded that she really doesn’t see a problem at all as far as qualified buyers getting financing. Even a few mortgages were done this month for people with credit scores in the 500’s. Underwriting guidelines have really loosened up. Borrowers may also have what’s called in banking compensating factors = their credit is not so great, but they have other factors, Laura is really not seeing any rejections. She also is not seeing houses not appraising for value. The market has been very steady.
Interest rates are very low now. She has locked in and closed some 30 year loans recently at 4-1/4% with 20% down and good credit. With 15 year loans , you’re looking at high 3’s%.
Geoff mentioned that we’ve talked about the appraisal situation often on the housing market updates. He said it was maybe a year or more that it wasn’t so certain that things would appraise and it was difficult. Now that we have in this steadily increasing medium price market appraisers can buy into the fact that this house is worth more than the one down the street because it’s selling six months later and it’s an increasing market. Where it’s hard on appraisers is on the turn, when the market is on its way up or on its way down.
Laura added that some high end properties with “fluff” amenities may not translate to an appraisal. However, ever her high-end appraisals have been coming in on point because they have the comps.
She doesn’t believe that rates will move in either direction very much over the next 6 to 9 months. However, as we know, one catastrophic event or something in the global economy can shift the bond market and it can change on a dime. It does look like rates will hold steady over the summer months.
Laura closed the discussion by noting that it’s a great time to buy a house. She’s seeing a lot of young people and couples trending towards buying a home before getting married in order to skip the renting stage. She loves hearing from them a few years later that they appreciated $70,000 gain and can now buy their forever home. It’s a great time to buy a home in the Northeast. Geoff added that even speaking to average price we’re still really not back to 2006 levels. As much as it’s a seller’s market now, there is still lots of room for growth in price appreciation in our local markets.
May Housing Market Update
The next Housing Market Update will be held on May 21 at 2 p.m. You can stay informed and sign up for Housing Market Updates. Just click here.
Green Team New Jersey Realty’s 2018 Circle of Excellence Award Recipients

From left to right: Ann Nussberger, Charles Nagy, Kristi Anderson, Theodore Van Laar, Barbara Tesa, Alison Miller, Joyce Rogers, Keren Gonen
Green Team New Jersey Realty’s 2018 Circle of Excellence Award Recipients
With eight of its sales associates receiving the New Jersey Realtors® Bronze Circle of Excellence Award, GTNJR couldn’t be prouder! The recipients are: Kristi Anderson, Keren Gonen, Alison Miller, Charles Nagy, Ann Nussberger, Joyce Rogers, Barbara Tesa and Theodore Van Laar. And they happily displayed the awards which recognized their hard work and achievement.
Geoff Green, President of Green Team Realty, was in attendance at the April 4 Awards Luncheon. “What makes the number of Award recipients especially outstanding is that it represents almost half of the associates in our Vernon office. It also represents an upwards trend from six Circle of Excellence Award recipients in 2017. I fully expect to see the number of recipients continue to rise.” Kimberly Lasalandra, Broker Manager of Green Team’s Vernon office was also on hand to support the recipients. “Since we first opened our doors in 2016, we have been attracting dedicated, hardworking real estate professionals who share a common goal of providing excellent customer service. Having so many recipients of the Circle of Excellence Award proves that the systems we have in place and the people we attract are a formula for success. I look forward to seeing how many recipients we have in 2019!”
What the award means…
According to its website, “New Jersey Realtors® is proud to have members who are experts in their fields, advocates in their communities and leaders amongst their peers. Throughout the year, New Jersey Realtors® honors the accomplishments of select members through prestigious awards.” Further, “The NJ Realtors® Circle of Excellence® Sales Award® recognizes those members who have demonstrated excellence in the field of salesmanship.”
Charles Nagy and Theodore Van Laar – 2019 1st Quarter Sales Leaders for Green Team New Jersey Realty
The Dynamic Duo does it again!

Green Team President, Geoffrey Green, presents the 2019 1st Quarter Sales Leader Award to Ted Van Laar and Charles Nagy
Last year, Charles Nagy and Theodore Van Laar were Green Team New Jersey Realty’s 2nd Quarter, 4th Quarter, and Yearly Sales Leaders. Now the team is starting off 2019 in a big way, as 1st Quarter Sales Leaders. When Geoff Green first called Charlie and Ted the Dynamic Duo, no one really knew just how much they would live up to their new nickname.
According to Geoff, “Charlie and Ted are without a doubt top performers. These two gentlemen continue to achieve top production results amongst their formidable peers. Not only do they produce at a high level, they are seasoned professionals who have great knowledge about the Real Estate industry which they share with each and every client. Green Team New Jersey Realty is very proud to have Charlie and Ted working with our Agency.”
What makes them dynamic as a duo?
These equity partners in Green Team New Jersey Realty come from diverse real estate backgrounds. However, together they form a productive, successful team. They are united by their love of resort properties and resort living. Charlie and Ted have been recipients of the Circle of Excellence Award multiple times between 2014 and 2018. The award requires minimum sales of $2.5 million and 15 transactions to qualify. And, in 2018, they also became part of the Green Team’s President’s Club. The President’s Club honors those associates with $5 to $10 Million in sales volume.
Charlie is the designated spokesman for the team and had the following to say: “Going forward it will be increasingly more difficult for Ted and me to maintain the top of the leaderboard, thanks to all of the competition in the GTNJR office. But we will continue our efforts to compete hard for the top spot. However, it will also be our pleasure to see one of our co-agents take it away, should that be the case. The TEAM before the individual is our motto!”
APRIL COME SHE WILL

Paul Simon’s beautiful ode to the changing of the seasons seems like the appropriate theme song for this post. April has arrived, and with her come blooming trees and flowers and lush, green lawns. We’re greeted with the songs of birds in the morning, and the chirping of crickets after dark. And we are more than ready to shake off those winter blues and welcome Spring into our lives.
Clean for Spring…
For many, the arrival of spring is synonymous with deep cleaning. Idreamofclean.net has the ultimate checklist. And, for those who may not dream of clean, check out Popsugar.com’s simpler checklist.
With a clean, fresh canvas, you’re ready to accessorize and make changes that bring the outdoors in. Decoraid.com shares spring decorating trends for 2019. And, while you’re bringing the outdoors in, Housebeautiful.com shares some house plants that can help you get a good night’s sleep.
Take it outside…
As the weather gets warmer, we spend more and more time outdoors. Now is the perfect time to create the outside living space of your dreams. So Housebeautiful.com has ideas to inspire amazing backyard escapes. Furthermore, kids need their own space to escape to. And homebnc.com has some great ideas for play areas. Furthermore, it’s great when adults and kids can work together on projects for the home. These DIY projects will enhance your garden while you have fun!
Celebrate Earth Day…
The first Earth Day celebration took place on April 22, 1970, 49 years ago! To learn more, click here.
An Earth Day Celebration will be held at the Outdoor Discovery Center at Hudson Highlands Nature Museum in Cornwall on Saturday, April 27, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Activities are designed for family fun and learning. They include nature play, storytelling and puppetry, interactive games and activities, music, hay rides, a community art project and more. And the celebration kicks off with a Hike-a-Thon at 9 a.m.!
Vernon Earthfest 2019 will take place on Sunday, April 28 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Heaven Hill Farm and Garden Center. With live music throughout the day, there will also be face painting, gem mining, and a showcase of photography by local high school students and artwork by local elementary students. In addition, presenters include the Delaware Valley Raptor Center, Honeybees and the Environment, Snakes ‘n Scales (and Scary Critters) and Eyes of the Wild (Unusual Animals). Visit the website for details.
Earth Fest Warwick will be held on Saturday, May 4 and Sunday, May 5. There will be several events going on at Stanley Deming Park. The 3rd Annual Too Good to Toss community swap celebrates re-use, repair, and re-creating! Treecycle, hosted by local artists and makers, welcomes you to join in hands-on re-purposing and up-cycling, a bike check-up clinic, music, dance, food, information and more!
DIY Projects for Earth Day… and every day!
Of course every day is Earth Day, and GoodAirGeeks.com has lots of DIY ideas for projects for adults, kids, schools, community service and more. And if you’d like some more ideas, there is always Pinterest to provide you with lots of earth-friendly projects.
Learn more about Orange County, NY and Sussex County, NJ
Kristine “Krissy” Many Earns NAR Pricing Strategy Advisor Certification
Kristine “Krissy” Many has been awarded Pricing Strategy Advisor (PSA) Certification by the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR).
According to the NAR, determining property values depends more than ever on professional expertise and competence, the best use of technology, and a commitment to approach pricing from various perspectives. Further, Marc Gould, Executive Director of the Center for Specialized REALTOR® Education, stated, “Consumers deserve accurate property value assessments, so NAR is proud to provide REALTORS® with a credential that provides enhanced tools, education, and expertise to determine the most accurate value for a home.”
PSA Certification gives REALTORS® the knowledge and skills to:
- select appropriate comparables and make accurate adjustments;
- guide sellers and buyers through details of comparative market analyses and the underlying pricing principles informing them; and
- interact effectively with appraisers.
Krissy considers herself a consultant rather than a salesperson. And, she adds, “In my consultative role, this certification will benefit my clients by allowing me to effectively and accurately address their pricing questions, allowing them to feel confident in their buying and selling decisions.”
Kristi Anderson joins Green Team New Jersey Realty
Green Team New Jersey Realty welcomes Kristi Anderson to their team. Kristi brings with her over 18 years of experience. The Broker-Realtor® is an Accredited Buyer’s Representative and has Short Sales and Foreclosure Resource Certification. In addition, the 15-year resident of Vernon has a thorough knowledge of the area and local market. But she brings something more. She brings a desire to help people make their real estate dreams come true.
Kristi’s passion for real estate began when she purchased her first home. She found the whole process exciting. Searching for the right house, negotiating, arranging financing, closing… even dealing with challenges that arose inspired Kristi to get her license. She still feels that same excitement when helping clients find the right house. She is able to point out the good and bad, helping them see potential they might be missing. With a good eye for staging, she helps her sellers present their homes in the best light to potential buyers. Her slogan, “Kristi will make it happen for you,” aptly describes her commitment to the clients she serves.
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.
Kristi is excited about joining Green Team New Jersey Realty. She feels that this is the right place at the right time for her. “I’m happy to be joining a team with the passion, energy and commitment to client service that I have.”