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.
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.
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.
For some people, it’s almost a moral dilemma. They’ve been talking to an agent they like. Then they see a house they like. However, the house is listed by a different broker. Consequently, they feel that it’s only ethical to contact the listing agent.
Or, they think they’ll be able to negotiate a better price by going directly to the Listing Agent.
What’s in a Name? An agent by any name would get me a good deal.
Some buyers believe the listing agent will give them a better deal. After all, they’re saving that agent from splitting a commission. Hence, a listing agent shouldn’t mind negotiating a better deal for them, or giving up part of his or her commission.
The buyer doth presume too much, methinks.
Or, the buyer sees a listing with an agent’s name, and imagines all the work that has gone into this deal. So, it’s only right that they should give the listing agent their business, too. It just wouldn’t be fair to have another agent show them the property. Hence, the buyer presumes that the listing agent will be upset by bringing a buyer’s agent into the picture.
To Thine Own Client Be True.
However, in both scenarios, a major factor is missing. Who has the Buyer’s back? The Listing Agent represents the Seller. Therefore, the Seller’s best interests come first. The Agent will want to get his client the best possible purchase price, which in turn will mean a larger commission. The Listing Agent has advised the Seller on how to market and sell their home, prepare it for showing, price it realistically, handle offers and negotiate the best deal for his client.
This is where the Buyer’s Agent comes in. She wants to get her client a new home for the best possible price. Additionally, she has the knowledge and expertise to advise on neighborhoods, schools, property valuation and more. The Buyer’s Agent will arrange showings for each property her client is interested in, advise on obtaining pre-approval and financing from a lender, and handle problems that might arise during home inspection, etc. She will negotiate the best deal for her client, and handle the legalities and paperwork of closing. Furthermore, the Buyer’s Agent may continue to help her client even after closing. Recommendations of local businesses and services can be an immense help when a client is new to a neighborhood.
The better part of the client/agent relationship is discretion.
Whether a Buyer’s Agent or Listing Agent, there are certain characteristics each should have. Confidentiality, loyalty, accountability, disclosure, adherence to laws… These are just a few of the traits a good agent possesses.
To work with a Buyer’s Agent or Listing Agent, that is the question. And the answer is, find the real estate agent with the knowledge, experience and expertise to best represent you in either buying or selling your home.
Want to learn more about buying a home, Download our free 22-page Home Buying Guide.
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!
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.
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!
The latest edition of CoreLogic’s Home Price Index shows that nationally, home prices have appreciated 6.7% over the last year and 0.9% month-over-month. The release of the report included this headline,
“National Home Prices Now 50% Above March 2011 Bottom”
The real estate market has come a long way since 2011, which is great news for homeowners!
Nearly 79% of homeowners with a mortgage in the US now have significant equity in their homes (defined as over 20%), according to the latest Equity Report. The challenge is that not every homeowner knows how much their home’s value has appreciated.
Homeowners in Denver, CO lead the way with 8.7% appreciation over the last year, while owners in Washington and Utah have experienced a 3% increase in values since the start of this year!
Nationally, CoreLogic forecasts that home values will increase another 5.0% by this time next year.
Bill Banfield, VP of Capital Markets at Quicken Loans, recently explained the importance of knowing the conditions in your area,
“With home values constantly changing, and the rates of change varying across the country, this is one more way to show how important it is for homeowners to stay aware of their local housing market.”
Bottom Line
Do you know what your house is worth? Have you stayed put because you are nervous you won’t have enough equity to buy your dream home? Get started with a quick and free home evaluation – Click Here
One of the main reasons why For Sale By Owners (FSBOs) don’t use a real estate agent is because they believe they will save the commission an agent charges for getting their house on the market and selling it. A new study by Collateral Analytics, however, reveals that FSBOs don’t actually save anything, and in some cases may be costing themselves more, by not listing with an agent.
In the study, they analyzed home sales in a variety of markets in 2016 and the first half of 2017. The data showed that:
“FSBOs tend to sell for lower prices than comparable home sales, and in many cases below the average differential represented by the prevailing commission rate.” (emphasis added)
Why would FSBOs net less money than if they used an agent?
The study makes several suggestions:
“There could be systematic bias on the buyer side as well. FSBO sales might attract more strategic buyers than MLS sales, particularly buyers who rationalize lower-priced bids on with the logic that the seller is “saving” a traditional commission. Such buyers might specifically search for and target sellers who are not getting representational assistance from agents.” In other words, ‘bargain lookers’ might shop FSBOs more often.
“Experienced agents are experts at ‘staging’ homes for sale” which could bring more money for the home.
“Properties listed with a broker that is a member of the local MLS will be listed online with all other participating broker websites, marketing the home to a much larger buyer population. And those MLS properties generally offer compensation to agents who represent buyers, incentivizing them to show and sell the property and again potentially enlarging the buyer pool.” If more buyers see a home, the greater the chances are that there could be a bidding war for the property.
Three conclusions from the study:
FSBOs achieve prices significantly lower than those from similar properties sold by Realtors using the MLS.
The differential in selling prices for FSBOs when compared to MLS sales of similar properties is about 5.5%.
The sales in 2017 suggest the average price was near 6% lower for FSBO sales of similar properties.
Bottom Line
If you are thinking of selling, FSBOing may end up costing you money instead of saving you money.
I am headed off for vacation next week with the Fam. Do you know why I will be turning my phone off? Here are three main reasons why I can and will turn my phone off while on vacation:
First and foremost my brain needs the rest. Just like many of yours do. Taking 5-7 Free Days in a row usually allows your brain to have enough rest that it will come up with a “break through” idea for you. The exciting part is that, as I write this I have no idea what that breakthrough will be. That said, something will pop. Can’t wait!!
I will be turning my phone off because I will be prepared to do so. I am a very serious business person and care very much about all of the stake holders in my business. Because of this, I prepare for my departure well in advance of it. Curious to know how I prepare? Well it’s your lucky day. I have decided to share the Green Team Free Day / Vacation Prep Checklist document that I have created for our Sales Associates.
(Quite frankly this is probably the most important reason to turn my phone off while taking a vacation), Because my beautiful Bride and Boys deserve the quality time Dad gives them when he is not distracted. There is nothing more beneficial for my marriage and relationship with my children than when I turn off the phone and focus on them. My loved ones are well deserving of Quality Time as are yours.
So what are you waiting for? Try just one Free day to start. One 24 hour period of time, midnight to midnight, with no work whatsoever.
Before you get to the bonus material listed below, please allow me to give a pitch. If you are a Realtor in the same market territory as one of our offices why not come in to learn more about the opportunity of working with us? I promise you that we are very different in many ways from any other Brokerage you have come in contact with. You will not be disappointed by what you learn. Call me directly to schedule an appointment.
Now, here is the bonus material:
Free Day / Vacation Prep Checklist
Created for Green Team Home Selling System Sales Associates.
One of our Industry’s greatest dilemma’s is the inability for most Realtors to take enough time away from the business to live a meaningful life. We take this very seriously at The Green Team and have created this document along with a first class support team to actually execute the plan listed below.
Free Day = 24 hours (Midnight to Midnight) Absolutely No Work. Turn the devices off!!
Preparation Plan for taking time off:
If you are simply going to take one Free day you really don’t really need to put this plan in place. Just take the day off and come back ready to rock and roll when it’s done. If you wish to take 2 or more Free Days then definitely complete the next steps.
Make sure your Agent Service Manager (ASM), Certified Sales Assistant (CSA) if applicable, are aware of the days you will be out of touch.
Find a Licensed “Buddy” in the office, ie another licensed Green Team Realtor. You will need to have this Buddy agree to be on call during your absence to handle any issues for you. If you have a CSA the Buddy will only need to handle licensed sales activities. The CSA will handle all non-licensed activities if you have a CSA.
Enable your vacation responder on your email account to start on the day you leave and end on the day you come back. Here is sample wording for the email responder:
Thank you for sending me a message. I will be out of the office on Monday 2/20/17 and returning on Tuesday 2/21/17. I will not be checking email during this time. If you need assistance please call my office (845-208-9928) and our Admin support team will be able to help you with whatever it is that you may need. I hope this message finds you well.
PLEASE DO NOT leave the contact information of your CSA in your vacation responder. It is recommended that you do not leave the name or contact information of your Buddy either. Let the process take it course. People will follow the protocol and provided that the ASM has been properly notified of your dates and support people, ie CSA & Buddy this will work.
Change your voicemail greeting(s). Here is sample wording for the voicemail greetings:
Hi this is Geoff. Today is Saturday April 29. I will be out of the office until Monday May 8th. I will not be returning voicemails left here until I return on Monday May 8th. If you need immediate assistance please contact my office at 845-208-9928 and a member of our Administrative Team will be able to assist you with any matter that you may have. Thank you for calling and have a great day.
PLEASE DO NOT leave the contact information of your CSA in your voicemail greetings. It is recommended that you do not leave the name or contact information of your Buddy either. Let the process take it course. People will follow the protocol and provided that the ASM has been properly notified of your dates and support people, ie CSA & Buddy this will work.
Now that you have completed all of the above-mentioned steps you can RELAX and enjoy your time off!! Remember, shut the phone off, leave the laptop at home, and spend time with the people in your life who really matter.
An extensive list of helpful things to remember when setting off for a vacation.
House Items:
shut off water at the house.
Set thermostat
Turn H/W heater down
Garbage & recycling to curb.
Documentation/ Important Paperwork
Passport
Drivers License
Medical release for children if not going on trip.
Plane/Train tickets
Work Items:
leave voicemails on work and cell phone
repoint emails for leads if need be
repoint fax email
set email for vacation message.
business cards
pen
Toiletries
Shaving cream & razor
Any medicine if necessary
Hair clippers
Painkillers/ ibuprofen
contact lenses
toothbrush, toothpaste & floss
deodorant
sunblock & lotion
nasal spray if going to mountains
chapstick
Technology Items
power adaptors
Bose speaker
ear phones for plane or adaptor of ear buds
camera & recharging device
laptop & power cord
Charger for cell phone
GPS
Auxiliary Cable for Cell phone – (audio cable)
Kid’s tablets
Fire TV Stick
Other Items:
foreign cash if applicable
Call bank to make sure debit cards will work internationally
Charles Nagy and Theodore Van Laar Win Second Quarter Sales Award
VERNON – (August 9, 2017) Green Team New Jersey Realty in Vernon, NJ is proud to announce that Charles Nagy and Theodore Van Laar recently won the Second Quarter Sales Leader Award.
Geoff Green puts it best… “The Dynamic Duo has done it again! Actually, this is their first Green Team Quarterly Sales Leader Award, but I just had to say that! In all seriousness, Charlie and Ted are an exceptional team within Green Team New Jersey Realty. They have a tremendous amount of experience between the two of them and they are just getting started on their road to success at Green Team New Jersey. It will be fun to watch how far they can take their business!”
To say they have a tremendous amount of experience is almost an understatement! Together, they have spent over 70 years in the real estate business.
Ted Van Laar with Geoff Green
For over 31 years, Ted Van Laar has been a trusted sales associate, specializing in resort properties. Ted and wife Rosanne were first attracted to the beauty and amenities of area resorts back in 1979. Through the years they have shared their appreciation and enjoyment of the Mountain Creek, Crystal Springs and Great Gorge resort area with their three children, friends and family. Ted has a reputation for honesty and integrity, and he enthusiastically shares his love of the Resort lifestyle with his clients, whether they’re looking for a primary residence, second home or an investment property.
Charlie Nagy with Geoff Green
Charles Nagy and wife Lynne live in Crystal Springs, where he enjoys playing golf and taking part in other activities available in the community. Charles has been involved in different aspects of the real estate business for the past 40 years. His experience includes the creation and sale of real estate tax sheltered investment offerings; real estate management of high rises and garden apartment complexes; development of raw land for construction of residential homes and, for 18 years, as a builder of residential properties. He has also obtained his certification as a Short Sale and Foreclosure Resource. For two years running (2014 and 2015), Charles was one of Sussex County’s Top Sale Producers, earning the Bronze award. His achievements continue, as shown by this award:
“We are honored to win top producers of Green Team New Jersey Realty for the second quarter of the year. The environment of the New Jersey office promotes an atmosphere of camaraderie which makes for a fun and highly productive environment. Not to mention the one-of-a-kind business model intentionally developed to enhance our client services through continual agent training and support, modern marketing and client appreciation program.”
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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.
