Green Team New Jersey Realty is proud to announce its 2021 Circle of Excellence Awards recipients.
According to NJ Realtors®, the NJ Realtors® Circle of Excellence® Sales Award® recognizes those members who have demonstrated excellence in the field of salesmanship”
The 2021 Circle of Excellence Awards 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”
Most noteworthy, this is the first year Green Team New Jersey Realty has had a sales associate in each of the four categories.
Green Team New Jersey’s NJ Realtors® Circle of Excellence® Sales Award® recipients are:
Keren Gonen s the first to reach the Platinum Level for more than $20 million in sales. Kristi Anderson achieved Gold Level, with over $12 million in sales.
Even in today’s sellers’ market, there are still ways for buyers to win big.
Build a team of trusted professionals and make strategic plays as you budget and pick your desired neighborhoods. Then, be ready for the competition by getting a pre-approval letter and leaning on your expert advisors to draft a winning offer.
In a sellers’ market, you can still be the champion if you have the right team and strategy. Let’s connect today to make your game-winning play.
Maybe with the leverage you currently have, you can negotiate a deal that will allow you to make the move of your dreams. What’s your home’s value?
Put an experts eye on your home search! You’ll receive personalized matches of results delivered directly to you. We’ll take into account your goals, criteria, and preferences to find properties that are exactly what you were always dreaming of. Start Here!
When you’re selling any item, you usually want to sell it for the greatest profit possible. That happens when there’s a strong demand and a limited supply for that item. In the real estate market, that time is right now. If you’re thinking of selling your house this year, here are two reasons why now’s the time to list.
“Spring, the hottest time of year for homebuyers and sellers, has started early, according to economists. . . . ‘Home shopping season appears to already be in full swing!’”
And they aren’t the only ones saying buyers are already out in full force. That claim is backed up with data released last week by ShowingTime. The ShowingTime Showing Index tracks the average number of monthly buyer showings on active residential properties, which is a highly reliable leading indicator of current and future trends for buyer demand. The latest index reveals this December was the most active December in five years (see graph below):
As the data indicates, buyers are very active this winter. Last December saw even more showings than December of 2020, which was already a stronger-than-usual winter. And remember – you want to sell something when there’s a strong demand for that item. That time is now.
2. Housing Supply Is Extremely Low
Each month, realtor.com releases data on the number of active residential real estate listings (listings currently for sale). Their most recent report reveals the latest monthly number is the lowest we’ve seen in any January since 2017 (see graph below):
And don’t forget, the best time to sell an item is when there’s a limited supply of it available. This graph clearly shows how extremely low housing supply is today.
Even Though Supply Is at a Historic Low, Home Sales Are at a 15-Year High
According to the latest Existing Home Sales Report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), existing-home sales totaled 6.12 million in 2021 – the highest annual level since 2006. This means the market is hot and homeowners are in a great place to sell now while sales are so strong.
NAR also reports available listings by calculating the current months’ supply of inventory. They explain:
“Months’ supply refers to the number of months it would take for the current inventory of homes on the market to sell given the current sales pace.”
The current 1.8-months’ supply is the lowest ever reported. Here are the December numbers over the last five years (see graph below):
The ratio of buyers to sellers favors homeowners right now to a greater degree than at any other time in history. Buyer demand is high, and supply is low. That gives sellers like you an incredible opportunity.
Bottom Line
If you agree the best time to sell anything is when demand is high and supply is low, let’s connect to begin discussing the process of listing your house today.
Maybe with the leverage you currently have, you can negotiate a deal that will allow you to make the move of your dreams. What’s your home’s value?
Put an experts eye on your home search! You’ll receive personalized matches of results delivered directly to you. We’ll take into account your goals, criteria, and preferences to find properties that are exactly what you were always dreaming of. Start Here!
Geoff Green, President of Green Team Realty, summed up the unique challenges of 2021.
“It was a culmination of two of the most difficult years in the history of our industry and our Agency. Yes, the market has been sizzling, and yes lots of our Sales Associates had their best years of production ever. However, it all came at a cost. Our Sales Associates worked boldly through a pandemic. They endured countless bidding wars, many of which they didn’t win. They counseled their clients through an endless amount of phone calls to help them not be deterred from attaining their vision of becoming a homeowner. Despite the challenges put in front of them, they all endured and succeeded at new heights. A sincere congratulations to all of Green Team Realty’s Sales Leaders for their success in 2021.”
2021 resulted in the creation of new sales level awards, to ensure that the dedication and hard work of Green Team Sales Associates are recognized. Due to that dedication, Green Team New York Realty is #1 out of 149 offices in the Town of Warwick, based on sales volume and number of transactions in 2021. Furthermore, Green Team New York Realty is #5 of 585 offices in Orange County. Green Team New Jersey Realty is #1 of 206 offices in Vernon Township, based on sales volume and number of transactions in 2021. Furthermore, Green Team New Jersey Realty is #9 of 506 offices in Sussex County.
Yearly Sales Leaders and new sales level awards, setting the bar higher
Keren Gonen,, Green Team New Jersey Realty Sales Leader, and Sapphire Level. ($20-30 Million)
Jennifer DiCostanzo, Green Team New York Realty Sales Leader, Diamond Level ($15-20 Million)
As we celebrate Black History Month, we honor and recognize the past and present experiences of Black Americans. A significant part of this experience is investing in a home of their own. While equitable access to housing has come a long way, the path to homeownership is still steeper for households of color. It’s an important experience to talk about, along with how working with the right real estate experts can make all the difference for diverse homebuyers.
We know it’s a more challenging journey to achieve homeownership for some because there’s still a measurable gap between the overall average U.S. homeownership rate and that of non-white groups. Today, the lowest homeownership rate persists in the Black community (see graph below):
Homeownership is an essential piece for building household wealth that can be passed down to future generations. However, there are obstacles in the homebuying process that can negatively impact certain racial and ethnic groups, including the Black community. This can delay or prevent many from achieving homeownership, challenging their ability to grow their net worth. A report by Vanessa G. Perry of the George Washington University School of Business and Janneke Ratcliffe of the Urban Institute explains:
“. . . households of color have much lower homeownership rates than white households and consequently hold, at the median, just one-eighth the wealth of white households.”
On top of that, when Black households do become homeowners, research shows they pay more for those homes overall than the average household. Raheem Hanifa, a Research Analyst for the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University, tells us:
“Black homeowners not only have primary mortgages with higher interest rates than white homeowners with similar incomes, they also have higher interest rates than white homeowners with substantially lower incomes, . . . Black homeowners have experienced systemic barriers to homeownership and wealth-building opportunities that have limited their ability to access credit, which is a key component in receiving low mortgage interest rates.”
For Black homebuyers, the inequity that remains in housing can be a point of pain and frustration. That’s why it’s so important for members of diverse groups to have the right team of experts on their sides throughout the homebuying process. These professionals aren’t only experienced advisors who understand the market and give the best advice. They’re also compassionate allies who will advocate for your best interests every step of the way.
Bottom Line
Opportunities in real estate improve every day, but there are still equity challenges that many face. Let’s connect to make sure you have an advocate on your side as you walk the path to homeownership.
Put an experts eye on your home search! You’ll receive personalized matches of results delivered directly to you. We’ll take into account your goals, criteria, and preferences to find properties that are exactly what you were always dreaming of. Start Here!
If you’re looking to buy a home, you may be wondering how your student loan debt could impact those plans. Do you have to wait until you’ve paid off your student loans before you can buy your first home? Or could you qualify for a home loan with that debt?
To give you the answers you’re searching for, let’s take a look at what recent data shows. That way, you know what to expect and what to do next to achieve your dream of becoming a homeowner. While everyone’s situation is unique, your goal may be more within your reach than you realize.
Do you have to delay your plans because of student loans?
If you’re worried your student loans mean you have to put your homeownership goals on hold, you’re not alone. In fact, many first-time buyers believe they have to delay their plans. According to data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR):
“When asked specifically about purchasing a home, half of nonhomeowners say student loan debt is delaying them from purchasing a home (51%).”
When asked why their student loans are putting their plans on the back burner, three key themes emerged:
47% say their student loans make it harder to save for a down payment
45% say they think they can’t qualify for a home loan because of existing debt
43% say they believe the delay is necessary even though they’ve never applied for a mortgage
No matter which reason resonates most with you, you should know a delay may not be necessary. Here’s why.
Can you qualify for a home loan if you have student loans?
In the same NAR report, data shows many current homeowners have student loan debt themselves:
“Nearly one-quarter of all home buyers, and 37% of first-time buyers, had student debt, with a typical amount of $30,000.”
That means other people in a similar situation were able to qualify for and buy a home even though they also had student loan debt. You may be able to do the same, especially if you have a steady source of income. Apartment Therapydrives this point home:
“. . . buying a home with student loans is possible, experts say. The proof is in the numbers, too: Some 40 percent of first-time homebuyers have student loan debt, according to the NAR study.”
The key takeaway is, for many people, homeownership is achievable even with student loans.
The best way to make a decision about your goals and next steps is to talk to the professionals. A real estate advisor can walk you through your specific situation, your options, and what has worked for other buyers like you. They can also connect you with other professionals in the industry who can help. You don’t have to figure this out on your own – lean on the experts so you have the information you need to make an informed, confident decision.
Bottom Line
Many other buyers with student loan debt are already achieving their homeownership dreams. Maybe it’s time to take the next step toward making yours a reality. Let’s connect to discuss your options and find out how close you are to achieving your goal.
Put an experts eye on your home search! You’ll receive personalized matches of results delivered directly to you. We’ll take into account your goals, criteria, and preferences to find properties that are exactly what you were always dreaming of. Start Here!
In today’s sellers’ market, many homeowners are weighing their options and trying to decide if they should sell their house. If you’re in that group, you may be balancing things like the ongoing health crisis, rising mortgage rates, and your own changing needs to determine your best time to make a move.
However, recent data shows that time may already be here. According to the latest Home Purchase Sentiment Index (HPSI) by Fannie Mae, 76% of consumers believe now is a good time to sell.
Looking back over the past few years, its clear consumers are incredibly optimistic today. The graph below shows the percent of survey respondents who say it’s a good time to sell a house, and their positive outlook is on the rise. The big dip near the middle of the chart indicates how consumer sentiment about selling dropped at the beginning of the pandemic as uncertainty about the health crisis and its impact grew. The good news is, the trend today shows a continued, drastic improvement, and people are feeling more and more confident with time about selling a home.
In fact, survey respondents think it’s an even better time to sell a house today than they did in the lead-up to the health crisis. The latest survey results indicate we’re at one of the strongest peaks in seller sentiment since March of 2019, hitting highs when 77% of people thought it was a good time to sell only twice before in June and October of 2021.
Why Are Consumers So Optimistic About Today’s Housing Market?
From record-high equity gains to record-low housing supply and significant buyer demand, homeowners have more motivation than ever to sell. There are more buyers in today’s market than there are homes for sale, and that’s driving home prices up, making it a great time to sell your house.
According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the current supply of homes for sale today is at a 1.8-month supply, which is an all-time low. When the supply of homes for sale is low, sellers will likely see more offers, which is exactly what’s happening right now. As NAR notes:
“The average home for sale is receiving 3.8 offers today, up from 3.3 offers just one year ago.”
Bottom Line
With the inventory of houses for sale so low today pushing home prices in an upward direction, it’s no wonder consumers think it’s a good time to sell. If you’re ready to take advantage of today’s favorable sellers’ market, let’s connect today.
Maybe with the leverage you currently have, you can negotiate a deal that will allow you to make the move of your dreams. What’s your home’s value?
Put an experts eye on your home search! You’ll receive personalized matches of results delivered directly to you. We’ll take into account your goals, criteria, and preferences to find properties that are exactly what you were always dreaming of. Start Here!
The Green Team is proud to announce that Nerette Lewishas decided to join our Vernon, NJ office. We’re excited to have her on our team in both New York and New Jersey and look forward to helping her continue to grow!
Please join us in WelcomingNerette Lewisto The Green Team New Jersey!
If your workplace is delaying its return to office plans or is allowing permanent work from home options, that may open up new possibilities for your home search.
If you want to learn more about how remote work can give you more options, let’s connect to discuss your situation and priorities for your home search.
Put an experts eye on your home search! You’ll receive personalized matches of results delivered directly to you. We’ll take into account your goals, criteria, and preferences to find properties that are exactly what you were always dreaming of. Start Here!
If your needs are changing, you may be thinking about sharing a home with additional loved ones, such as grandparents, adult children, or other extended family members. Whether it’s for financial or health-related circumstances, or simply because you’ve reached a new phase of life, you might be wondering if living with multiple generations under the same roof is a good move for you. Many people have found themselves in a similar situation and they’ve already made the choice to live in a multigenerational home.
What Is a Multigenerational Home?
The Pew Research Center defines a multigenerational household as a home with two or more adult generations. They include households with grandparents and grandchildren under the age of 25. As you weigh your options and decide if multigenerational living is right for you, here’s some helpful information highlighted by other homeowners living with additional loved ones.
The Benefits of Multigenerational Living
A recent report from Generations United surveyed individuals living in a multigenerational setting and asked them about the key benefits of this housing arrangement. It says:
“Nearly all Americans who live in a multigenerational household (98%) feel their household functions successfully, citing various aspects of home design, family relationships and interactions, and supports and services influencing their success.”
The study identifies some of the top benefits of this lifestyle as an improved financial situation, better mental and physical health, strengthened bonds with loved ones, and more (see chart below):
Those are just some of the reasons why most people who decide to live in this situation find it worthwhile. As Donna Butts, Executive Director at Generations United, says:
“Families may come together from need, but they are staying together by choice. Indeed, more than 7 in 10 (72 percent) of those currently living in a multigenerational household plan to continue doing so long-term.”
With More Adults Living Under One Roof, You May Need More Space
If you decide to look for a multigenerational home, it’s important to understand what everyone will need to make the arrangement work to its fullest. Something that often makes the top of the list for homeowners living with multiple generations is additional space for privacy. This could mean more bedrooms and bathrooms or features like an in-law suite or a basement.
If you’re realizing your current house doesn’t provide the room you need for multigenerational living, an expert real estate advisor can help you navigate the process to find the right home that works for you and your loved ones.
Bottom Line
Living in a multigenerational household has real and impactful benefits. If you’re interested in learning more about these options in our local area, let’s connect so you can find a home that fits your changing needs.
Maybe with the leverage you currently have, you can negotiate a deal that will allow you to make the move of your dreams. What’s your home’s value?
Put an experts eye on your home search! You’ll receive personalized matches of results delivered directly to you. We’ll take into account your goals, criteria, and preferences to find properties that are exactly what you were always dreaming of. Start Here!
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