Buying a home June 22, 2017

Buying Is Now 33.1% Cheaper Than Renting in the US

The results of the latest Rent vs. Buy Report from Trulia show that homeownership remains cheaper than renting with a traditional 30-year fixed rate mortgage in the 100 largest metro areas in the United States.

The updated numbers actually show that the range is an average of 3.5% less expensive in San Jose (CA), all the way up to 50.1% less expensive in Baton Rouge (LA), and 33.1% nationwide!

Other interesting findings in the report include:

  • Interest rates have remained low and, even though home prices have appreciated around the country, they haven’t greatly outpaced rental appreciation.
  • With rents & home values moving in tandem, shifts in the ‘rent vs. buy’ decision are largely driven by changes in mortgage interest rates.
  • Nationally, rates would have to reach 9.1%, a 128% increase over today’s average of 4.0%, for renting to be cheaper than buying. Rates haven’t been that high since January of 1995, according to Freddie Mac.

Bottom Line

Buying a home makes sense socially and financially. If you are one of the many renters out there who would like to evaluate your ability to buy this year, let’s get together to find your dream home.

Selling a Home June 20, 2017

Top Home Renovations for Maximum ROI [INFOGRAPHIC]

Some Highlights:

  • Whether you are selling your home, just purchased your first home, or are a homeowner planning to stay put for a while, there is value in knowing which home improvement projects will net you the most Return On Investment (ROI).

  • While big projects like adding a bathroom or a complete kitchen remodel are popular ways to increase a home’s value, something as simple as updating landscaping and curb appeal can have a quick impact on a home’s value.

  • For more information about top renovation projects that net you the most ROI, you can check out the complete list here.

 

Selling a Home June 20, 2017

Do You Know How Much Equity You Have in Your Home?

CoreLogic’s latest Equity Report revealed that 91,000 properties regained equity in the first quarter of 2017. This is great news for the country, as 48.2 million of all mortgaged properties are now in a positive equity situation.

Price Appreciation = Good News for Homeowners

Frank Nothaft, CoreLogic’s Chief Economist, explains:

One million borrowers achieved positive equity over the last year, which means risk continues to steadily decline as a result of increasing home prices.”

Frank Martell, President and CEO of CoreLogic, believes this is a great sign for the market in 2017 as well, as he had this to say:

Homeowner equity increased by $766 billion over the last year, the largest increase since Q2 2014. The rising cushion of home equity is one of the main drivers of improved mortgage performance. Since home equity is the largest source of homeowner wealth, the increase in home equity also supports consumer balance sheets, spending and the broader economy.”

This is great news for homeowners! But, do they realize that their equity position has changed?

According to the Fannie Mae’s Home Purchase Sentiment Index (HPSI), more homeowners are beginning to realize that they may have more equity than they first thought.

This is only the second time in the survey’s history that the net share of those saying it’s a good time to sell surpassed the net share of those saying it’s a good time to buy.

78.8% of homeowners have significant equity (more than 20%) in their homes today!

This means that many Americans with a mortgage have an opportunity to take advantage of today’s seller’s market. With a sizeable equity position, many homeowners could easily move into a housing situation that better meets their current needs (moving to a larger home or downsizing).

Doug Duncan, Senior Vice President and Chief Economist at Fannie Mae spoke out on this issue:

“High home prices have led many consumers to give us the first clear indication we’ve seen in the National Housing Survey’s seven-year history that they think it’s now a seller’s market. However, we continue to see a lack of housing supply as many potential sellers are unwilling or unable to put their homes on the market…” 

Bottom Line

If you are one of the many Americans who is unsure of how much equity you have built in your home, don’t let that be the reason you fail to move on to your dream home in 2017! Check your homes worth – click here

Let’s get together to evaluate your situation!

Agency News and Awards June 13, 2017

The Green Team Welcomes Kim Lesley

Kim’s Unique Journey

“Your new home is the foundation in which to hold your family’s dreams, aspirations and visions.  And it is my responsibility to find you a personal sanctuary that you can call home.”   This is not a responsibility that Kim Lesley takes lightly.  The Green Team is delighted to welcome her to their Warwick office.  Kim brings her own unique life experiences and aesthetic to the team, and to her clients.  

Kim’s journey began in England.  It led her to New York City 28 years ago.  A professional working musician, she continues to perform and teach singing.  One of the original cast members of Broadway’s “Hamilton the Musical”  just happens to be Kim’s daughter, Jasmine.   Of course, Jasmine’s first singing teacher was her mom!  

Some 24 years ago, Kim began to frequently attend the peaceful environment at Ananda Ashram in Harriman Heights. Furthermore, she leads meditation workshops as the Spiritual Director of her own program in rehab programs and outpatient facilities.  Four years ago, she decided to make the move from Brooklyn to Monroe.  Her purchase of a home in Orange County led her to become a full-time realtor, helping others to find their new home.  “I fell in love with the beautiful Hudson Valley and its mountainous hills and valley.  As a result, I wanted to share it with others!”

The Path Leads to the Green Team

Kim’s passions have given her special tools that are invaluable in this industry.  Her ability to focus, to consistently, persistently hold onto a vision, have enabled her to see deals through when others have given up.  Negotiating is her passion.  She understands that each transaction has its own unique quality.  It was doing a transaction with a Green Team agent that led Kim to this destination in her journey.  “The realtor impressed me with his knowledge in what was a complicated transaction.  Furthermore, I became drawn to what the Green Team was doing:  its website, Facebook presence, and then to the people.  The Green Team displayed an upbeat, positive attitude.  Most of all, the agents were honest, friendly and helpful.  There was a connection that made me want to be part of this.”  

Kim’s understanding of the heart in others makes her dedicated to finding the perfect home for you. Whether buying, selling or renting a home, working with Kim will be an enlightening, joyous experience.  And rest assured, she will go above and beyond for you, with guidance and wisdom, never losing sight of the ultimate goal.

To contact Kim or learn more about her Click Here.

Selling a Home May 22, 2017

May the Forces Be With You…

Months Inventory of Homes for sale

Months Inventory of Homes for Sale from 2011 – Today

Thinking about selling your home?   We have some information that will help to sell your home quickly There are two forces that can have very real impact on getting your house sold.  The first force?  The market itself, with its demand for homes and the shortage of inventory!  The second force?   Working with an experienced and successful sales professional.  These two forces combined can result in quick results, multiple bids and getting your asking price.  While these results have been pretty rare in the housing market, we just saw 3 success stories with just these results in just 2 months!   Jen DiCostanzo and Vikky Garby, both agents here at Green Team Home Selling System, put these forces into play and made three sellers – and three buyers – very happy!

One Street, Two Sales, Two Months!

It is not often we see this kind of success.  But for Jen DiCostanzo, 2016 Sales Leader of the Year, it doesn’t seem unusual at all.  The first home was a raised ranch at 10 Sutherland Drive in the Village of Monroe. In beautiful, move-in ready condition, the house was located in an area great for commuting to NYC, and in close proximity to stores and restaurants. The home went to contract in less than 60 days after being on the market, and sold for 98% of its list price just 2 months after that!

The Second Home Goes on the Market!

Just days before 10 Sutherland Drive closed, 8 Sutherland Drive was put on the market.  There was high buyer interest for this 4 bedroom/2 bath raised ranch, in the same ideal location.  Multiple offers were made on this lovely, move-in ready home.   It went to contract in less than a month, and closed one month later, at full asking price!  

Success Breeds Success!

It is said that success breeds success.  People do notice when a home in their neighborhood sells quickly.  When they see an agent who is focused, attentive, and gets the job done!   Of course it is not often that next door neighbors decide to sell their homes at around the same time.  However, when someone in the neighborhood of Sutherland Drive does decide to sell, the tale of one street, two sales, two months is likely to be remembered! 

Homes Sells in two days

Happy home owners – Sold their home in just two days

Low Inventory, Right Price Point.  Bingo!

For the seller of 9 Emily Court, all the forces were aligned for an amazing sale.  Working with Vikki Garby, with her background in investment banking and real estate investment, they were in good hands. The home was listed on a Sunday night.  The very next day there were 9 showings, and there was an accepted offer above asking price on day 2!  According to Vikki, there is extremely low inventory in the price range of $300k-$350k.  By listing the house midway, it was at a very desirable price point.  This story has a very happy ending.  The house went to contract at 20 days, sold for $10,000 above asking price, and the new family is enjoying their home.

There are a few other forces in play…

In each sale above, the home was neat, decluttered, and depersonalized.  Of course, location, proximity to stores, schools, etc. also play roles in the desirability of a home.  Your Real Estate Agent will advise you on things you can do to ready your home for sale.  And you have the power to make decisions and take actions that will make the force work for you!  Choosing the right Real Estate Agent, one who is knowledgeable, experienced and there for you, is the first decision you’ll make. And perhaps the most important!  Then listing your home at the right price point, as suggested by your Agent.  Of course, taking care of the things around your house that will make it show well, can make a difference.   You are a team, working together in a market that can work for you!    May the forces be with you!

 

Agency News and Awards May 18, 2017

Launch 2017 Winners – Green Team New Jersey Realty

VERNON -(May 19, 2017)  It was two months of “friendly” competition that inspired the Sales Associates of Green Team New Jersey Realty to get back to basics.   

Throughout February and March, a variety of fun events helped motivate teams to work hard and focus on their skills.  In the end The Grinders, with Charles Nagy coming in first overall, along with Heidi Hyland and Stacey Springer, took home the prizes (gift certificates to local stores).

As Broker Manager Kim Lasalandra explained,  “Our Annual ‘Launch Competition’ is part of the Green Team’s continual efforts to motivate, educate and provide a fun working environment for our Sales Associates, which leads to outstanding customer service.”

 

Learn More about these agents and the entire Green Team New Jersey Realty team – Click Here

 

 

 

 

Buying a homeSelling a Home May 16, 2017

The Internet Vs. the Real Estate Agent

The Internet Vs. the Real Estate Agent

The Internet Vs. the Real Estate Agent.  It may seem like the internet provides many all the tools that can make buying your dream home seem like a breeze.  You can search online, see a home you like, take a video tour.  Sure, there’s an Agent attached to the house, but that seems more a formality.  That’s who you call because they have the keys to the house you want to see..  You’re tech savvy, you know where you can get a mortgage online, you know how to do your research.  You’ve got this under control.  Or do you?

The Real Estate Agent

The Real Estate Agent is more than the holder of the keys.   Buying – or selling – a home is a process, one that has many steps.  The experienced Real Estate Agent is there to act as your guide through the process.  From beginning to end, your Agent is there for YOU!  To find out what is really important to you in a new home.   Help you obtain the most beneficial financing.   And to help you get the most house for your money.  

The home you eventually purchase may not be the one you found on Zillow.com.   But that home gave both you and your real estate Agent an idea of what you are looking for.  You will most likely visit numerous homes.   Some may be listed by other Agents, but YOUR Agent can and will arrange for you to see them all, and will represent you!   Your Real Estate Agent’s goal is to help you find the best home at the best price, and to make the process as easy and stress free as possible.

Using the Internet as a Tool

The internet definitely has a place in your search. You can take countless house tours without ever leaving your home.  It can help you define the style of house you want, the must haves you’d like to have in that house, and the things you can compromise on.   You can get statistics on neighborhoods and school districts.  It can definitely be fun checking out all the beautiful homes shown on the internet, but when you make that decision that it is now time to buy or sell, it’s time to let the Real Estate Agent step in.

The Real Estate Agent, the Internet, and You … the Perfect Trio

Real Estate Agents work very hard at their jobs.  Their goal is to help you either get into a home that you’ll love, or sell the home that you love, so you can move on to the next.  They have the training and resources to check for homes both online or through other agency offerings and their knowledge of the local market.  The Agent will find comparable housing prices in specific areas. In addition, they have access to sites with information not available to home buyers and sellers.   And they know the different neighborhoods in the town or city you are looking for.

If you don’t qualify for the financing to afford a home in one specific neighborhood, they can recommend an area which may just be more affordable. A knowledgeable, local real estate Agent can translate the stats you’ve seen online into real life info that can help you achieve your goals! They help you navigate the maze of forms, regulations… of making offers – and counteroffers!  They’ll be by your side.  From visiting properties, through making your offer. Through having it accepted, then through your home inspection.  They’ll help you handle some of those challenges that can arise, ranging from merely irritating to downright nerve-wracking!  They will be by your side until the closing – when YOU become the holder of the keys!

After the Sale, your Real Estate Agent is still there for you!

Once you have either moved in, or moved on to your next home, your Agent remains a valuable source of information.  And, while the internet can provide you recommendations for contractors and local businesses, the recommendations from your Agent will be based on working with those individuals and businesses.  That can make a big difference when selecting people to turn your new house into your new home!  

So, the Internet Vs. the Real Estate Agent?   While the Internet may have played a part in the overall process, there is something that it just can’t do … and that is have the human touch!

Agency News and Awards May 15, 2017

Kimberly Lasalandra Wins First Quarter Sales Award

VERNON – (May 9, 2017)  Green Team New Jersey Realty in Vernon, NJ is proud to announce that Kimberly Lasalandra recently won the First Quarter Sales Leader Award.

Kim is no stranger to real estate. For the past 12 years she has been licensed in both New York and New Jersey.  The Managing Broker at Green Team New Jersey Realty, Lasalandra is a member of The Hudson Gateway Association of Realtors, The Passaic County Board of Realtors, The Sussex County Board of Realtors, The Garden State Multiple Listing Services and the National Association of Realtors.

Before becoming a real estate agent, Lasalandra was involved for 25 years in running her family business.  While involved in all aspects of the business, the skill that helped make her transition to real estate so successful was her work in customer relations.

Kim’s philosophy when it comes to real estate is simple, but effective.   “I try to make meaningful connections with every client to better understand their needs and make their buying and selling experience productive and successful. My goal is to help them make the right decisions and I thoroughly enjoy what I do.”   That philosophy, teamed with the Green Team’s proven systems and support, appears to be  a winning combination.

Lasalandra and husband Nick have lived in Warwick, NY for 16 years.

According to Geoff Green, “Even though Green Team New Jersey Realty is a relatively new office in Vernon, we are witnessing much success in a market that is seeing an average increase of sales of 24% over last year.  With agents like Kim, whose expertise, enthusiasm, and outstanding client service contributed to her winning the First Quarter Sales Leader Award, I predict great things for Green Team New Jersey!”

Learn more about Kim and view her listings – Click Here or to explore Warwick, NY and Vernon, NJ use this link

Buying a home May 5, 2017

Do You Know the Cost of Waiting? [INFOGRAPHIC]

Some Highlights:

  • The “Cost of Waiting to Buy” is defined as the additional funds it would take to buy a home if prices and interest rates were to increase over a period of time.
  • Freddie Mac predicts that interest rates will increase to 4.8% by this time next year, while home prices are predicted to appreciate by 4.9% according to CoreLogic.
  • Waiting until next year to buy could cost you thousands of dollars a year for the life of your mortgage!
Selling a Home March 30, 2017

Thinking of Selling? Do it TODAY!!

 Thinking of Selling? Do it TODAY!!

That headline might be a little aggressive. However, as the data on the 2017 housing market begins to roll in, we can definitely say one thing: If you are considering selling, IT IS TIME TO LIST YOUR HOME!

The February numbers are not in yet, but the January numbers were sensational. Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist for the National Association of Realtors, said:

“Much of the country saw robust sales activity last month as strong hiring and improved consumer confidence at the end of last year appear to have sparked considerable interest in buying a home. Market challenges remain, but the housing market is off to a prosperous start as homebuyers staved off inventory levels that are far from adequate…”

And CNBC says consumer confidence in the economy is fueling the market:

“U.S. home resales surged to a 10-year high in January as buyers shrugged off higher prices and mortgage rates, a sign of growing confidence in the economy.”

The only challenge to the market is a severe lack of inventory. A balanced market would have a full six-month supply of homes for sale. Currently, there is less than a four-month supply of inventory. This represents a decrease in supply of 7.1% from the same time last year.

Bottom Line

With demand increasing and supply dropping, this may be the perfect time to get the best price for your home. Let’s get together and discuss the inventory levels in your neighborhood to determine your next steps.