The Green Team is proud to Light Up the Holidays for Warwick Playground Dreams

The Green Team celebrates the holiday season by recognizing the joy and beauty of homes and businesses whose decorations Light Up the Holidays and our communities. It celebrates the ideals of giving and sharing that are at its core by raising money for local charities. And this year, what better way to celebrate the Holidays than by selecting a charity devoted to children!.
Warwick Playground Dreams
Parent volunteers from throughout the Town of Warwick make up this non-profit organization. Their goal, to raise the funds needed to replace aging equipment in Stanley Deming Park. Working with Play by Design of Ithaca, NY, the new playground will not only be whimsical and fun, but also inclusive, with ADA-accessible playground equipment. The playground will also be community built. It is hoped that local artists will decorate it to reflect the culture, history and beauty of Warwick.
Working together with the Village, schools,and Play by Design, volunteers are organized and ready, willing and able! Unfortunately, building a creative, fun and accessible playground is expensive. So being selected as the recipient of donations from Warwick’s Green Team Light up the Holidays event was good news. And on November 29 there was great news. The Light Up the Holidays team presented Warwick Playground Dreams with donations of $1,950. With the continued generosity of Warwick’s businesses, professionals and individuals, there will be more to come.
It Takes a Community to Build a Playground
“We were very excited and grateful when the Green Team reached out to us and offered to help us bring the community together in support of all of Warwick’s children,” said Hannelore Chambers, President of Warwick Playground Dreams. “It is so heartening to see other members of the community reaching out to help us raise awareness and get closer to our $300,000 goal.
As many other towns and cities before us have experienced, building a playground can also build a greater sense of community. How empowering for the children to see what a great thing can be created if everyone works together, and that this playground is being created out of love for them by their parents, grandparents and neighbors. Through our very close collaboration over the last year, many of our committee members have already experienced how strong bonds can be created all across the town between families who might not otherwise have crossed paths due to geography and different school districts.”
You Can Be Part of this Wonderful Project
Light Up the Holidays Sponsors are helping to purchase materials and equipment needed to build the playground. There will be challenging equipment for older kids, and equipment accessible and useful to children of different abilities. The organization will soon be entering their second phase of fundraising efforts. Local groups, businesses and families will be able to sponsor specific playground components. This will range from individual swings and slides to a proposed dual zip line and a wheelchair accessible merry-go-round.
For more information on the Green Team’s Light Up the Holidays event, visit https://www.greenteamhq.com/luh2017. For more information on Warwick Playground Dreams, visit their website at http://warwickplaygrounddreams.com/.
The Green Team Lights Up the Holidays… and Faces at the Vernon Township Senior Center

The Green Team celebrates the holiday season by recognizing the joy and beauty of homes and businesses whose decorations Light Up the Holidays and our communities. And it celebrates the ideals of giving and sharing that are at its core by raising money for local charities.
Meet the Vernon Recipient of Light Up the Holidays 2017 Donations
Keren Gonen of Green Team New Jersey Realty shocked Jane Damstra, Director of the Vernon Township Senior Center, when she told Jane that her organization had been selected as its designated charity. Jane’s shock, however, soon turned to excitement as she started imagining what the sponsorship donations could mean to the approximately 200 seniors who come to the Center annually. On any given day you can find between 38 and 50 seniors ages 60 and over at the Center. First of all, some come for the lunch provided by the Senior Services Nutrition Program for a $2 donation. And many are there to enjoy the activities offered by the Center. Currently these include Zumba, shuffleboard, line dancing, Wii bowling and pool, cards, watching DVD’s. Almost all of these activities involve minimal cost, and don’t provide the challenge and creativity that many seniors crave.
And now Keren has shocked Jane once again. On November 30 she presented Jane with $1,450 in donations. Furthermore, with the continued generosity of local businesses throughout Sussex County, there will be more to come.
Local Businesses Can Make a Difference
Aging does not bring an end to creativity, to curiosity, to learning, to enjoyment of life. Local businesses that sponsor the Green Team’s Second Annual Light Up the Holidays Contest can make a real difference in the lives of Vernon’s seniors. Because, now programs that Jane had only dreamed of can start to become reality.
One of her top priorities is the purchase of two laptop computers. They’ll be used as part of a training program with tech-savvy high school volunteers. The volunteers will teach the seniors to use the internet to talk to faraway family members, pay bills, and more. A group of talented knitters at the Center create items for donation to charitable causes. However, wool can be expensive. Thus, another priority is crafting supplies, including wool needed for these projects. Jane would also love to start a watercolor class. And she’d like to bring in guest speakers and instructors. Generally, fees exceed what the program budget will allow. Furthermore, there are other programs she wants to start – day trips for the many who are no longer able to drive themselves. Trips to the mall, to see local theatre productions… The list goes on.
Brighten your community through Light Up the Holidays!
Local professionals, businesses and individuals can work with the Green Team to bring exciting new programs to Vernon’s vibrant senior population. And if what comes around goes around, there will be light and joy enough for all of us! For more information about the Green Team and its Second Annual Light Up the Holidays Event, visit https://www.greenteamhq.com/luh2017/, and for more information about the Vernon Township Senior Center, visit http://www.vernontwp.com/services/senior_center/,
Local Real Estate Market Review – October 2017

October’s Market Review Meeting was held a little more than a week before Thanksgiving, and a little more than a month before we ring in a new year. It’s the perfect time to talk about goals that have been set, goals that have and have not been met, and goals that have been exceeded. The Green Team’s Warwick office is one of the top ten agencies in Orange County, with a goal of being one of the top five! And the Vernon office, which opened its doors just 18 months ago, is already in the top 25 of all Sussex County agencies! The Warwick office, as of October 31 it has already exceeded 2016’s year-end total. Green Team New Jersey Realty does not have a full year to compare 2017’s sales to, but its anticipated year-end sales will clearly demonstrate a successful accomplishment for a new agency.
Exceeding Goals and Expectations
2017 has seen exciting goals being set and met by agents in both offices. Mention Sales Leader Awards in Warwick, and there are two names that immediately come to mind: Jennifer DiCostanzo, 2016 Sales Leader and First Quarter Sales Leader Award winner for 2017, and Nancy Sardo, winner of the 2nd and 3rd Quarter Sales Leader Awards for 2017. Jen has already exceeded her goal for this year, and Nancy is close to reaching hers. Who will be the 4th Quarter Leader and who will be 2017 Sales Leader? We can’t wait to find out! And, while these two battle it out, Chris Kimiecik, while new to real estate, has blasted way past his goal of $1,000,000 in sales. Other agents have either reached or exceeded their goals, and others are still working towards meeting theirs. In Vernon, Keren Gonen is a shining star! Another agent new to the business, Keren set a very high first year goal of $3,000,000 – and she has already exceeded that! These agents are excellent examples of the opportunities and possibilities that exist in our industry, as well as demonstrating the hard work, dedication and drive that it takes to reach and then exceed goals. There are many other agents who are exceeding the goals they set for themselves for 2017. Green Team’s agents in both offices are working hard, constantly striving to improve their knowledge and skills, all while providing top notch service to their clients. 2018 looks to be an exciting year for all.
“How is the market?”
When a client asks this question, an agent’s answer is indicative of their level of professionalism and knowledge. This market review meeting focused on how to analyze local real estate stats to provide a clear and accurate portrait of market conditions to clients.
Average Sold to Asked Ratio
This is the percentage a house sold for under or over the last asking price (not the original price).
Sussex County:
With an average of 96.8%, the Sold to Asked Ratio in Sussex County in 2017 has been higher than any of the previous four years. There has been a slight downward trend since July, but this can be attributed to a seasonal fluctuation. Besides, October’s average of 96.35% is still higher than any month during 2013 to 2016.
Orange County: In Orange County, the Sold to Asked Ratio is almost 98%, which means the market is Hot!!!
Units Sold
The term units here includes single family homes, condominiums, townhomes and multi-family homes with 1-4 units.
Sussex County: Here again, the stats show that the 2017 market is hot, with more units being sold this year than in any of the years from 2013 to 2016. There was a dip in September, but then a rise in October.
Orange County: Orange County seems to be trending the same as Sussex County, with a dip in September, then climbing back up in October. Green Team’s internal numbers track the market trend of the rise in the number of units sold in October. The number sold was greater than in July, which is unusual, and it was greater than October in each of the four years prior.
Average Days on Market
The faster things are selling, the hotter the market, so look for the lowest number on the graph as opposed to the highest. In New York State, the calculation was changed so that it is from the List Date to the Contract Date, rather than to the Binder Date, which was the standard 3 years ago.
Sussex County: With an average of 91.03 days on the market, 2017 once again proves itself to be a hotter market than the previous four years.
Orange County: A trend similar to Sussex. With an average of 110 days for the year to date, October listings are below that, with an average of 92.54. 2017 has been consistently lower than the prior four years.
Homes that sold at 100% or more of last asking price
Sussex County: In October the number dipped slightly below last year’s October number, but still almost one-third of homes are selling at 100% of their asking price – or above it!
Orange County: Orange County is at approximately 35%, and is higher than last year.
Average Price
Sussex County: Despite the market being hot, prices have gone down since 2013, when the average price was $243,909. In 2017, it’s $221,196. In fact, on average, prices are lower this year than the last four years. When pricing a home for a client It is essential to look at hyper-local comparables.
Orange County: The story is different in Orange County. The graph shows peaks and valleys, with some stabilization between September and October, and the average price of homes in 2017 is $238,220. That number was $235,213 in 2013, $235,868 in 2014, and $229,637 last year. Again, although the market is hot, prices have not risen as many might expect, so it is important to check local stats to see what houses in a given neighborhood are going for when pricing a home for the market. This does not appear to be a market trend where you can say prices are definitely coming up.
So, How is the Market?
After reviewing all of the data contained in the graphs for these categories for Sussex County and Orange County, the real estate market is Hot!!! If trends continue their upward climb we can anticipate another great year in 2018. Continue setting goals and let the market help you achieve the best possible deals for sellers, and find the best home, at the best price, for buyers.
Our Next Market Review Meeting
Our November Market Review Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, December 12. As always, we look forward to keeping on top of our goals and discussing matters that are important to the success of your real estate transaction with our agents. We’ll then be posting information that we hope you’ll find interesting and helpful.
Tom Folino Joins the Green Team

The Green Team Home Selling System is pleased to announce that Tom Folino has joined our organization. Tom, a true Warwick native, was born and raised here. His father, the owner of Folino’s Shoe Repair, was a fixture in the Village of Warwick, and his mother remains active to this day, now involved in the senior citizens’ retirement group.
Tom grew up loving his hometown and sports. He combined his love of both by coaching teams in Little League Baseball, the Youth Recreation Soccer Program, and the Youth Basketball League. Tom received his B.S. in Physical Education and Health from Slippery Rock University and his M.S. in Sports Administration from Montclair University. He taught in the Warwick Valley Central School District for 34 years, where he was also the Boys Varsity Basketball Head Coach and the Boys Varsity Golf Head Coach. Tom and his beautiful wife of 29 years, Nancy, raised their two sons here in Warwick. Thomas, the eldest, is a 4th-year medical student at NYCOM and younger son, Tyler is pursuing his Master’s Degree in Real Estate Development at Columbia. Nancy is a Director of Nursing at White Plains Hospital in Westchester.
Even when buying and selling his own homes throughout the years, Tom found that he really enjoyed the process – from obtaining financing to negotiating the best deals, and everything else involved. After retiring from teaching, Tom decided to turn his attention to real estate full time, motivated by a desire to help people sell their houses and find homes they’ll love in this community he knows so well. Tom, a well-respected teacher, and coach brings the same enthusiasm, dedication, and professionalism to his real estate career. His clients’ needs and desires come first, and his familiarity with Warwick and its many neighborhoods and villages is a real asset.
When asked why he chose to join the Green Team, Tom said that was easily answered in two words: “Geoff Green.” It seems that Tom coached Geoff some years ago and even then was impressed by the young man’s work ethic, perseverance, and leadership skills.
And, according to Geoff, “There might not be a better person to get into Real Estate in the Warwick NY market than Tom Folino. A true example of someone who has a huge network is extremely likable and always acts with integrity. What people might not know about him is that he is extremely diligent in his follow up and a very smart guy to boot. We are extremely blessed that Tom has decided to join our company.”
So, here we have it! The former coach and former player… together on the same winning team again.
Nancy Sardo wins Third Quarter Sales Leader Award

WARWICK – (November 1) The Green Team Home Selling System is located at 7 Main Street in the Village of Warwick.
Nancy Sardo is on a roll! The Green Team Home Selling System in Warwick, NY has announced that Nancy recently won the Third Quarter Sales Leader Award, after having won the award for the Second Quarter. When asked about her recent successes, Nancy makes it clear that she doesn’t want to talk about herself. “It’s not about me,” she says. “It’s about the support the Green Team offers. It’s about the most up-to-date marketing tools, resources and training sessions available to us. It’s about co-workers that form a very real team, always having your back and always being there to offer advice and support. But most of all, I am grateful to work with a Broker who does everything he can to help everyone, from newcomers to seasoned agents, build their businesses and achieve their goals. Geoff Green works tirelessly to provide us with the latest educational, technical and marketing tools we need to succeed. And he always makes himself available to answer questions, brainstorm problems, and encourage us to be the best we can in this business.”
According to Geoff Green, “Nancy Sardo is a true superstar. That pretty much says it all. Nancy has won her second (in a row) Quarterly Sales Leader Award. Nancy’s business is truly flying and quite frankly she is going to be hard to catch. I have never seen Nancy so focused and confident in her Real Estate Sales business. It’s fun to watch and to do all that we can to help her along.”
Nancy is an Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR), and has earned her Associate Broker’s License as well as Seniors Real Estate (SRES) designation. In addition to listing and selling homes throughout Orange County, Nancy is passionate about new construction and has helped many clients build their dream homes. Nancy, husband Denis and their two children make Warwick their home. For more information, visit the Green Team website for Nancy’s biography and current listings.
Barbara Tesa Wins Third Quarter Sales Leader Award – 2017

VERNON, NJ – (November 1) Green Team New Jersey Realty in Vernon, NJ is proud to announce that Barbara Tesa is the recipient of its Third Quarter Sales Leader Award.
Though relatively new to Green Team NJ Realty, Barbara is no newcomer to the real estate industry. She brings to the Green Team over 20 years of professional experience in residential and commercial real estate management and 8 years as a successful licensed real estate agent in New Jersey. Barbara’s professionalism, knowledge and commitment to her clients is evident in the numbers: 4 out of the five transactions she had for this quarter sold in under 30 days!
When asked what her motto for success is, Barbara promptly replied: “Your Property…My Priority!” She went on to explain, “I believe the strongest asset I have personally is really listening to what the client has to say and making it my priority to deliver for them. When listing a property, besides having a great rapport with the sellers, I feel marketing is key. Coming on board with Green Team New Jersey has provided me with so much opportunity to broaden my marketing skills, it has paid off. The added plus at Green Team is the positive morale and encouragement here; it’s such a pleasure working with a Broker who is hands on and truly takes an interest in each agent’s performance. Happy to be part of the “TEAM”!”
According to Geoff Green, “This is Barbara Tesa’s first Green Team Quarterly Sales Leader award, and I am more than confident that it won’t be the last. In fact, I think it will be the first of many. Barbara is a consummate professional who is always looking to improve her craft of selling homes. We are extremely blessed to have Barbara in our Agency and we look forward to assisting her to many future Quarterly Sales Leader awards.”
Barbara and her husband, Rudi, bought and sold several homes in Bergen County before discovering the magical combination of resort living and the natural beauty of Sussex County at Crystal Springs, where they currently reside. As a realtor and long-time resident there, Barbara has worked with many clients buying or selling in Crystal Springs, as well as surrounding areas. So, you can add expertise in Resort Homes to Barbara’s list of qualifications, along with membership in Garden State Multiple Listing Service, National Association of Realtors and the Sussex County Association of Realtors.
First Time Going to Warwick Applefest?

Here are Some Tips from the Green Team to Make Planning your Day at Warwick Applefest as Easy as Pie!
You’ve been hearing about Warwick Applefest for years, wondering what attracts over 35,000 people to this annual event. And now you’ve decided that this is the year you’re going to experience it for yourself! On Sunday, October 1 you are coming to Warwick, NY to attend the festival that has been voted Best Family Event of the Year for 3 years running by Times Herald-Record readers. It has also been chosen as one of the top ten festivals by the American Bus Association in their “Top 100 Events in North America.” But you realize you could use a little advice to make the most of the day. So, here are some tips from the Green Team to getting the most out of Warwick Applefest 2017!
Do Your Homework…
A great way to start your Warwick Applefest experience is with the official website, www.warwickapplefest.com. Here you’ll find a festival map and listings for over 200 Warwick Applefest vendors and 50 non-profit organizations and where they’ll be located. Not to mention the dozens of food vendors! And the live music! There is a lot to see, and do, and eat! A little planning will go a long way!
Get There Early!
Green Team agents Toni Kreusch and Jennifer DiCostanzo stress the importance of getting there early! The festivities begin at 10 a.m., but you’ll want to get a parking space before then. As the event expands throughout Warwick’s entire downtown, it might be helpful to have a GPS address to guide you to the optimal parking location. There are two parking locations within walking distance of the action. One at Park Avenue Elementary School, and the other at Veteran’s Memorial Park. If those are full, you can park at Warwick Valley Middle School or Warwick Valley High School and ride the free shuttle buses that run all day. There is a $5 to $10 parking fee, with proceeds going to charity. Toni has one more important reason for getting there early; you get to avoid the long line for the crab cakes on Railroad Avenue!
Don’t Try To Do It All!
Agents Geoffrey Green and Nancy Sardo both had this advice. Do not try to do it all! There is so much to do, it’s easy to overdo. Even though the thought of visiting an orchard for some Warwick apple picking or winery may seem like a good idea, it’s simply too much to do in one day. Rather than apple picking, the orchards will be selling fresh-picked apples, ciders, and pies at the festival. Save your energy and spend the day checking out the crafters, the many musical acts performing throughout the day on several stages, and visiting the food vendors. And, as a special treat for all you garage sale lovers, you’ll be passing one after another as you pass the homes on your walks to and from the different areas of Warwick Applefest! You’ll need the full day to explore everything Warwick Applefest 2017 has to offer!
Like to Do It All Anyway? Come for the Weekend!
There’s lots to do on Warwick Applefest Weekend! Check out the great local orchards for Warwick apple picking, or take your pick from the wineries and distilleries in the area, many with tastings, food and music! The Carnival at Applefest will be open from 3:30 to 10:30 pm Friday and Saturday (with a wristband fee for unlimited rides each night; free admission at Applefest). Is antiquing your thing? Warwick has antique and consignment shops galore! You can explore the unique shops, the restaurants, and even take in a double feature at the Warwick Drive-In Theatre!
There are beautiful Bed & Breakfasts located throughout Warwick NY, as well as hotels and motels in nearby Goshen and Middletown. The Warwick Applefest website has links for finding lodging.
Family Fare
There is lots for kids to do at Warwick Applefest! Geoff, the proud father of two young sons, recommends checking out the kid-friendly vendors in Stanley-Deming Park. You’ll find activities for kids including musical entertainment, face painting, and pony rides. Don’t forget the Carnival rides, too! And your kids can even participate in an apple pie eating contest! Kids 12 and under can take part for a $1 donation (goes to the Warwick Ecumenical Food Pantry), and Ages 13 and up (adult level) can participate for a $5 donation! If baking is more your child’s style, kids 7-16 can enter the Apple Pie Baking Contest. Just bring the registration form available on the website to the booth along with the pie! After judging, slices will be sold to also benefit the Food Pantry.
What to Bring – and What Not to Bring – With You!
The whole family is welcome at Warwick Applefest, except for the furry four-legged members. No dogs allowed, but there are vendors that sell yummy dog treats you can bring home to them!
While some vendors do take credit cards, food vendors take only cash, so make sure you come prepared! There are ATMs located in various establishments in the Village.
Jacque Kraszewski recommends that you pack for the day like you’re going on a hike! Bring a backpack with water, snacks and wipes.
Because of the crowds, Nancy recommends leaving baby carriages at home, if at all possible. She also advises bringing insect repellent and being careful to protect yourself from bees (yes, it’s that time of year). If you do have a problem with bee allergies, it might be a good idea to make sure you pack whatever medications you need.
With all the different crafts, pies, fruits, and much, much more for sale, you might want to bring along some tote bags to carry your day’s haul!
And Our Most Important Tip?
Have a great time and come back throughout the year to experience all that Warwick has to offer!
Get To Know Warwick
It’s just 55 miles from New York City, but Warwick, New York might just as well be a world away. Scenic country roads wind through rich farmland, mountains, valleys, around lakes, wetlands and into the different villages and hamlets that make up this unique township.
Known not only for its natural beauty, Warwick is a town that prides itself on its sense of community, its schools, its love and support of the arts, its thriving main street with unique shops and restaurants, and the weaving of its rural character into the fabric of daily life. Farmers markets and restaurants feature locally grown produce. Pick-your-own apple orchards abound, as do local wineries, breweries, and distilleries. The natural terrain lends itself to a variety of activities; hiking, camping, skiing and snowboarding, boating, swimming, golfing and more.
Learn More About Warwick
20 Tips for Preparing Your House for Sale [INFOGRAPHIC]

Some Highlights:
- When listing your house for sale your top goal will be to get the home sold for the best price possible!
- There are many small projects that you can do to ensure this happens!
- Your real estate agent will have a list of specific suggestions for getting your house ready for market and is a great resource for finding local contractors who can help!