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Winning Your Own Race
2017 Green Team Momentum BuilderAward
This is a very special award, given to the Green Team Sales Associate who has created the most positive and consistent momentum in their professional career and personal life.
The 2017 Momentum Builder Award was presented to Tammy Scotto of the Green Team’s Warwick Office. Just as Tammy persevered in both her professional and personal life, Geoff Green persevered in his belief in her. To Geoff, it’s all about the journey, and about not giving up, no matter where the road takes you. According to Geoff, there are three components to success in the real estate business: time, intellect and persistence. Seems like sometimes the three may not align in the beginning. But, as in Tammy’s case, the intellect was there, her persistence paid off and eventually she had the time to put into her real estate career.
Tammy’s Story – In Her Own Words
“Firstly, I want to say thank you to Geoff for giving me this award this year. I really do appreciate the acknowledgment. There are MANY other agents here at the Green Team that deserve to be standing up here right along with me, so thank you. When Geoff called to tell me he wanted to honor me with this award, he said he was really thinking about the year and was going to talk about “Overnight Success.” I said to him, “Are you sure you want to give this award to me? I’ve had my license for 19 years!”
19 years ago I got 2 licenses. One was my Real Estate license, the other my marriage license. I’m happy to say both are in full effect and going strong today. But, as many of you know, this means I have been selling real estate through all stages of family life. I was selling as a mom with infants, toddlers and now teenagers. I am anything but an overnight success. Yet for me, that worked. My marriage and my family were and are number one in my life. But the reason I stuck it out with real estate is because it’s the only job I know that allows you to control your own schedule. We can turn it on and off as life requires. Lord knows we work all hours of the night and weekends. Yet we can also schedule around volunteering in school, sports events and other activities.
And the rest is history!
I’ve learned a LOT over these past 19 years. But, to be honest, I’ve learned the MOST the past 4 years. Four years ago I was selling real estate (very part-time) and working another job. Finally, I thought maybe I should just let my license go. The company I was with was going to start charging a monthly fee that I was not willing to pay. So I thought about it and was just going to get out of the business. My husband said, “Don’t do that, you’ve had it this long, maybe look at other options”.
So after a phone call to LucyAnn [Tinnirello] which led to a phone call from Geoff Green, the rest is history. In 2015, Geoff, LucyAnn, Jacque & I went to a Buffini convention in Philly and Geoff was talking about the Captain’s Club. He looked back and said, “Next year, right Tammy?” I said, “Nah, 2017.” Well, I had that gut feeling I needed that ONE extra year to get my business really going. And with all of the tools that Geoff provides for us, I learned how to really ramp up my business. It means a lot to actually have a broker that wants you to be successful and that is why you will be stuck with me for a VERY LONG TIME!!!!!
Winning your own race…
Part of the Green Team mission statement says: “A Real Estate Agent that is highly productive is more likely to deliver excellent client service than someone who is not. Couple that with a Real Estate Agent who has the time and ability to lead a meaningful life, and you have the perfect environment for an exceptional client experience.”
We’re all different and unique in this room. Some of us are go-getters right out of the gate. I was more of a Tortoise than the Hare….slow and steady… But I’m winning my personal race and wouldn’t give anything for the time I spent with my young kids. Finally, whichever one you are, make sure you’re doing it for you. I am living a meaningful life, have time to enjoy my family along the way and now I’m making a great living as well. 2017 was a great run and I’m looking forward to more years like it ahead! “
Green Team New Jersey Realty Agents Recognized for Achievements and Excellence in Sales
Annually, the New Jersey Association of Realtors® (NJAR®) recognizes its members who have demonstrated distinction in sales with two coveted awards: the New Jersey Association® of Realtors Circle of Excellence Sales Award® and the New Jersey Association of Realtors® Distinguished Sales Club Award®.
The NJAR® Circle of Excellence Sales Award® is considered among the most prestigious honors awarded to Realtors in the Garden State. Highly regarded throughout the industry, the award recognizes members who have excelled in the field of salesmanship.
The NJAR® Distinguished Sales Club Award recognizes members who have achieved the Circle of Excellence Sales Award® for 10 or more years (which need not be consecutively earned)
The 2017 award 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
Achieving the New Jersey Realtors Circle of Excellence Sales Award at any level is no small accomplishment.
Congratulations to all the winners
We would like to recognize the Green Team New Jersey Realty agents who are 2017 recipients of this prestigious award.
Why You Should Get Pre-Qualified When Buying a Home
Is Mortgage Pre-Qualification Necessary?
According to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, Pre-Qualification and Pre-Approval in practice both refer to a letter from a lender that specifies how much the lender is willing to lend to you. While there are some legal distinctions, basically both specify a loan up to a certain amount, based on certain assumptions. These letters provide useful information. However, loan offers are not guaranteed. Rather, the letter can help you make an offer. It gives the seller confidence that you will be able to get financing to buy the home.
A buyer in today’s market needs Pre-Qualification/ Pre-Approval. This is the preliminary step to the mortgage process. Consequently, talking with a bank or mortgage lender is vital. The lender will check your credit and ask specific financial questions regarding your income, employment and financial obligations. As a result, the letter is generated based on a “snapshot “ of the financials given. It’s the first step in understanding your eligibility when ready to look at homes to buy. And it keeps you in sync with your financial budget and means.
Are You Pre-Qualified?
“Are you pre-qualified?” is an important question your realtor will ask before showing you properties. If not and you’re serious about buying a home, now is the time to start engaging in mortgage conversations with a lender. A wealth of financial resources will be shared with you to get you started. And to keep you on track understanding the loan process, your eligibility, and working within your price range. The importance of this question will determine if you’re “ABLE” to buy… Now.
Understanding Loan Types is Important
The “loan type” you’re qualified for is of equal importance for you to know and understand. Because some homes, due to their condition, may not be eligible for all loan types. Thus, your realtor will be able to navigate the market for you, finding homes that best match what you are qualified for.
The goal and success of buying a home when financing is to be Ready, Willing and “Able.” Working closely with your buyers agent and mortgage lender will help prepare you for navigating a challenging market for buyers.
My advice to buyers entering the market … understand the market you’re about to enter. Prepare yourself! Have your financing in place, regardless if purchasing with cash or a loan.
Preparation is Key!
I can help you navigate your way through the process and connect you with the right mortgage lenders. Contact Me Today.
5 Things No One Tells You About Selling
1. Your Home Has to be pretty as a picture! People will be seeing your home online before they ever set foot in it. So that means that your house will have to look its best when photos are taken. Every room needs to be at minimum neat and clean, but every detail does show up on camera. No piles of things that you are meaning to pack, or laundry waiting to be folded… Now is the time you want your home to look its company best. You will also want to make sure your home’s best features are included in the listing photos. Do you have a great backyard, or finished basement, or a deck made for entertaining… Let prospective buyers know about it!
2. And now that you’ve got your home looking gorgeous for the photos, you have to keep it looking that way! You never know when a buyer will come across those photos of your home and want to see it right away. You have to be in “ready to show” mode at all times, so no dishes left overnight in sink, or toys scattered around the house.
3. The first two weeks after listing bring in the most buyers, so price accordingly. Offer a fair price; buyers excited about seeing your “just listed” home may be more apt to making an offer on a home that is reasonably priced than one that is overpriced. Don’t start off high, thinking you can always bring the price down if you don’t get any results. You may miss out on that initial excitement and buyers will then see a home that has been lagging on the market and wonder why…
4. Clean out your closets! Everybody wants and needs more storage, so if your closets and cabinets are overflowing, it screams to buyers “This house does not have enough storage room!” This is the time to declutter. Donate, make a trip to the local consignment shop, or store off-site, but make sure buyers see neat, organized closets with plenty of room. You may even find yourself liking this pared-down living style!
5. Even in a Seller’s Market you may have to offer some buyer incentives. While many sellers are benefitting from the current market, some homes may be older, not quite as “nice” as others in the neighborhood, in need of work, etc. You may want or need to consider sweetening the deal. By being realistic about your home and how it may appear to buyers, you can come up with options that just might make buying your home more appealing. From covering closing costs, to purchasing a home warranty to cover repairs that might be needed, or doing a pre-sale home inspection, you may find yourself selling sooner, even if your house is not the prettiest on the block!
Avoid These Selling Mistakes
Selling a home? Avoid these selling mistakes
Selling a home is a major life event that can trigger a lot of feelings – and a lot of decisions that just might wind up working against you! After all, your home is special to you; it’s your castle, your retreat. It reflects your taste, your style,your hard work (or even your lack thereof)… And your home holds memories, as well as your belongings. Maybe lots of your belongings.
There are basic things that you’ll be asked to do when you put your house on the market. Some of these things may seem a little unreasonable, maybe a little harsh, but these are the things that help sell homes. Some homeowners have trouble following the advice of real estate professionals when first putting their home up for sale, then wonder why it’s not selling. So let’s learn from their mistakes…
Overvaluing a Home
The truth is simple. If your home is overpriced, it just won’t sell. It’s important to take note of similar homes in your neighborhood that have sold and see what they went for. An experienced real estate agent will be able to tell you what your home is worth. And, though you might have put a great deal of money into making renovations to your home, don’t assume that you can just add that onto your home’s value.
You put too many restrictions on showing times, or you are always present at showings
It’s just common sense. Agents must be able to access your home to show it to prospective buyers. Your home should be kept clean and ready to show, sometimes on short notice. Also, if your house is going to be shown, that is the time to leave for a little while. Buyers can become very uncomfortable if you are hovering around while they are looking around. They may not feel free to tour your home and address any issues they see with their realtor. They might just leave your home without giving it the consideration they might have if you were not there…
Your Home is just not clean enough
A visibly dirty house is not going to make a good impression on buyers. Stained carpets, streaky windows, dust… Your home has to be “best company” clean, and kept that way. You never know when your house will be shown. If necessary, have a cleaning service come in for a one-time deep clean, then make sure you maintain that clean! Make sure bathrooms are clean every morning, beds made, no dirty dishes in sink or on countertops, no piles of laundry around. Do a quick scan before you leave the house in the morning and make sure clutter is put away, and all rooms look their best.
Your Home is just too cluttered – and has too much personal “stuff” around
Here’s a simple truth. When people see clutter, they think “Not enough storage space!” Now is the time to start the de-cluttering process. In addition to making your house show-ready, it will make your packing and moving to your new home that much easier! Donate what you can, and the items that you really want to keep you might want to consider packing up and storing. This goes for closets, too. Yes, buyers will be looking into your closets, and again don’t want to feel there is no space. Donate what you no longer wear, pack up and store out of season items. Linen closets and under counter cabinets should also be uncluttered.
Then comes the really hard part… Taking down all those photos of your family, the kids’ school portraits, vacation shots. Buyers need to be able to walk into your home and visualize it as their home, not yours! Your walls should be a neutral canvas that will let the buyer envision the possibilities.
Your Home needs a lot of repairs!
Most buyers don’t want to move into a home that will require the expense and effort of making lots of repairs, even if some are just “small” repairs. The less repairs needed, the more appealing your home!
And, last but not least…
You don’t have the right real estate agent!
The right agent will help keep you from making these selling mistakes, and others, and will then market your beautifully clean, uncluttered, depersonalized, correctly priced home so that you can achieve the best results!
Green Team Awards Ceremony for 2017
Geoff Green takes the name of his company, the Green Team, quite seriously. Being an agent here is all about being part of a team. It’s about perfecting your craft, providing consummate service to each and every client. Also, it’s about providing support to your team mates. Furthermore, it’s about reaching for and achieving goals. At the Green Team Awards Ceremony, those goals were recognized. On January 26, 2018 the Green Team family came together to celebrate a very good year. 2017 saw many agents not only succeed in their goals, but surpass them. As a result, Geoff presented the framed certificates with pride.
Geoff was asked how it felt to have so many of his agent’s reach various levels of success. “I have an overwhelming sense of gratitude,” he replied. After starting this company 13 years ago, Geoff is seeing his goals surpassed by people he deeply cares about. One of the things that he loves about this business is its ability to help improve, even change, lives. And knowing that he has had a part in creating the training, the support, the vehicle and the opportunity for change means everything. Because, above all, this business is about people.
Awards were presented at Albert Wisner Library, followed by a Post Awards Ceremony Celebration hosted by Jeremy Miller of First Home Bank at the Historic Warwick Inn.
Presentation of awards was by category.
And the Green Team’s First MVP Award, for $10+ Million in Sales Volume, Goes To…
Finally someone broke Geoff Green’s record of $10 Million in sales in a year, and he couldn’t have been happier or prouder. When Geoff first met Jennifer DiCostanzo, he told her that he saw her as becoming the #1 Agent in all of Orange County, not merely in the Green Team. When asked about how she felt on achieving over $10 Million in sales in 2017, Jen replied… “Rewarded.” “Humbled, honored to be recognized for all the hard work and long hours I put in. This is something you don’t take lightly. The numbers don’t mean everything. You need tunnel vision; just focus on meeting the expectations and needs of your clients. That is ultimately the goal, and in the end, everyone wins.” Jen is excited to have raised the bar, both for herself and for her fellow Green Team associates.
Jen lovingly acknowledges the support and contributions of her family. She couldn’t have done this without them. They’re a team, organizing and having flexibility because of her often erratic schedule and long work hours. Her recipe for success? When you are given an opportunity, determination, hard work, keeping current, and keeping steady will keep you on track. “When you love what you do,” says Jen, “it’s not work. I can’t imagine doing anything other than Real Estate.”
In addition to the very special MVP Award, Jen was awarded Yearly Sale Leader for 2017 and Citizen of the Year, for her outstanding contributions to our local community. In the middle photo, Jen and Vernon Yearly Sales Award Winner, Keren Gonen, happily display their awards.
And It’s Another Triple Win…
In the Vernon office, Keren Gonen scored a triple play. In addition to being Yearly Sales Leader for 2017, Keren was voted Team Player and Citizen of the Year by her coworkers. What makes this all even more special is that this was Keren’s first year as an agent. Furthermore, to Geoff Green, Keren is a shining star, a remarkable sales person with tenacity and drive to be at the top. Keren truly believes that where a person lives has a big impact on their happiness. Therefore, she loves helping her clients, whether they are buying or selling, achieve their goals and enhance balance and happiness in their lives. She dedicates herself to providing them with the best real estate experience possible. In real estate, Keren has found her balance and happiness. And, in the Green Team, a new home.
Momentum Builder Award
This is a very special award for the Green Team Sales Associate who has created the most positive and consistent momentum in their professional career. The nominee has had the same impetus reflected in many aspects of their professional career, and in their personal life. This year, Tammy Scotto was honored and moved the ceremony attendees with her story and words of inspiration.
The Captain’s Club
The Captain’s Club is one of the ways that Geoff recognizes and rewards the members of his team who have achieved a certain level of success in their business. Agents who have achieved a sales volume of $3 Million or more are acknowledged. There are benefits that go along with getting to this level. According to Geoff, it’s about more than sales volume. It is about showing that you have what it takes to be the captain of a team.
Captain’s Club – Warwick
From left to right: Dean Diltz, Angela Murphy, June Cosgrove-Hayes, Pip Klein, Tammy Scotto and Vikki Garby. Not shown in photo: Chris Kimiecik, Nancy Sardo, Denise Schmidt and Lucyann Tinnirello .
Captain’s Club – Vernon
From left to right: Barbara Tesa, Charles Nagy and Keren Gonen.
Top Producer Awards
Agents in this category reached over $2 Million in sales volume.
From Left to Right: Linda VanDeweert and Terry Gavan of the Green Team Warwick Office proudly display their awards, as do Ted Van Laar and Joyce Rogers of the Vernon office. (Not Shown in Photo: Stacy Springer, Vernon office)
And last, but definitely not least…
The Warwick office selected Donna Roberts as its Team Player of 2017. Donna is the person who is there for everyone, doing everything. She keeps the agents and the offices running smoothly. And, she did a remarkable job coordinating this event. Thank you, Donna!
Looking forward to another great year!
The Impact Staging Your Home Has on Sales Price [INFOGRAPHIC]
Staging Your Home
Some Highlights:
- The National Association of Realtors surveyed their members & released the findings of their Annual Profile of Home Staging.
- 50% of staged homes saw a 1-10% increase in dollar value offers from buyers.
- 77% of buyer’s agents said staging made it easier for buyers to visualize the home as their own.
- The top rooms to stage in order to attract more buyers are the living room, master bedroom, kitchen, and dining room.
Contact one of our Real Estate Sales Agents for advice on how to best stage your home to get top dollar.
Whether You Rent or Buy, Either Way You’re Paying a Mortgage!
There are some people who have not purchased homes because they are uncomfortable taking on the obligation of a mortgage. Everyone should realize, however, that unless you are living with your parents rent-free, you are paying a mortgage – either yours or your landlord’s.
As Entrepreneur Magazine, a premier source for small business explained in their article, “12 Practical Steps to Getting Rich”:
“While renting on a temporary basis isn’t terrible, you should most certainly own the roof over your head if you’re serious about your finances. It won’t make you rich overnight, but by renting, you’re paying someone else’s mortgage. In effect, you’re making someone else rich.”
Christina Boyle, Senior Vice President and head of the Single-Family Sales & Relationship Management organization at Freddie Mac, explains another benefit of securing a mortgage as opposed to paying rent:
“With a 30-year fixed rate mortgage, you’ll have the certainty & stability of knowing what your mortgage payment will be for the next 30 years – unlike rents which will continue to rise over the next three decades.”
As an owner, your mortgage payment is a form of ‘forced savings’ which allows you to build equity in your home that you can tap into later in life. As a renter, you guarantee the landlord is the person building that equity.
How much house can you afford?
Interest rates are still at historic lows, making it one of the best times to secure a mortgage and make a move into your dream home. Freddie Mac’s latest report shows that rates across the country were at 4.22% last week.
Bottom Line
Whether you are looking for a primary residence for the first time or are considering a vacation home on the shore, now may be the time to buy.
News and Advice
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Barbara Tesa wins Fourth Quarter Sales Award
Green Team New Jersey Realty in Vernon, NJ is proud to announce that Barbara Tesa is the recipient of its Fourth Quarter Sales Leader Award.
Though relatively new to Green Team New Jersey Realty, Barbara is no stranger to the real estate industry – or to winning this award! She was also the recipient of the Third Quarter Sales Leader Award. When asked how she feels about winning the quarterly award for the second time, Barbara replied, “I’m certainly encouraged by my 4th Quarter sales results and I’m still smiling over that! The truth is, I love what I do and I’ve been fortunate to have met and helped really terrific clients with their real estate objectives in 2017. As I focus on 2018, while I plan to expand my marketing, those clients and their referrals will remain important to furthering my success…all of which is made easier through the continued support of the Green Team.”
Barbara has over 20 years of experience in residential and commercial real estate management and 10 years as a licensed real estate agent in New Jersey. Barbara and husband Rudi reside at Crystal Springs, where they enjoy resort living amid the natural beauty of Sussex County, and where Barbara also practices her craft. In addition to her expertise in the sale and purchase of resort homes, Barbara is a member of the Garden State Multiple Listing Service, National Association of Realtors and the Sussex County Association of Realtors.
