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Nancy Sardo, First and Second Quarter Sales Leader Award Winner
Nancy Sardo does it again…
The Green Team is pleased to announce that Nancy Sardo is the Sales Leader Award Winner for both the First and Second Quarters of 2018. Nancy is not a stranger to this achievement. In 2017 she was the winner for the Second and Third Quarters. And some things just don’t change. Nancy still does not want to talk about herself. Instead, she would prefer to talk about the Green Team and the support and training offered.
A Mutual Admiration Society
When Nancy and Geoff Green talk about each other, their mutual admiration is evident. Nancy is proud to be with a broker who is constantly on the cutting edge of technology He provides Green Team sales sssociates with the marketing tools, technical training and practice sessions they need to provide the utmost in client service.
Nancy finds the Green Team Home Selling System to be unsurpassed when it comes to providing education, training and support. And, whether an agent is new or seasoned, Geoff always makes time to talk and brainstorm a problem. He may not know this, but he inspires Nancy to get out there and do her best everyday.
And Geoff’s thoughts on Nancy? He takes great pride and joy in all of her successes. He has called her a true superstar, and that description continues to hold true, maybe now more than ever.
It Takes a Team
One of the reasons Nancy doesn’t like to talk about herself is that she believes it takes more than one person to properly market a property or create a presentation to a perspective client. The team approach is a major part of the Green Team’s way of doing business. Geoff makes sure that his sales associates are backed up by a talented support team: office support, marketing director, graphic designer, copywriter, and computer specialists.
Being in the business of listing and selling homes throughout Orange County since 2005, Nancy has seen the positive impact of the Green Team’s approach as opposed to other brokerages. The emphasis on exceptional service and client appreciation has made a very real difference in her business.
New Construction: Combining passion and expertise
Nancy enjoys real estate in all its forms, whether helping someone buy, sell, or lease a property. However, her real passion is new construction. She has extensive experience working with both builders and clients. Her experience has led her to serve as listing broker for many subdivisions throughout Orange County. Nancy keeps up-to-date on new building codes and their impact on current and planned building designs and costs.
Nancy walks the buyer through all the steps of building their dream home. From the first meeting with the builder, obtaining financing, selecting finishes and upgrades and making sure that decisions are made in a timely manner to meet construction schedules, Nancy is there. Her goal is to make the experience of building a home as positive and stress-free as possible. And she keeps costs in mind as she guides buyers through the process, doing her best to keep them on their budget and not overspend on finishes and options.
The Whole Package…
With a shortage of existing homes on the market, new construction offers an option that might not have been previously considered. If you choose this route, being represented by a sales associate with knowledge, experience, an eye for detail, and the ability to keep track of and explain the process is priceless.
Nancy Sardo has all those qualities and more. Her real estate credentials are impressive. She’s an Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR), earned her Associate Broker’s License, and also has the Seniors Real Estate designation (SRES). She works non-stop and is constantly in motion. But there is something else about Nancy that makes her stand out and helps explain her success. Even in the midst of difficult times, she remembers to look for the good. Combine her knowledge, expertise, and energy with a remarkable attitude and you know that Nancy is, indeed, the whole package.
Housing Market Update for June 2018 & Impact of Federal Tax Reform on Housing Market
Orange & Sussex Counties – Housing Market Update for June 2018 and Impact of Federal Tax Reform on the Housing Market
The Green Team went live on Facebook Tuesday, June 12 with its monthly housing market update. Geoff Green, President of the Green Team, moderated the event. Panelists included sales associates Vikki Garby and Kim Leslie of the Warwick office and Keren Gonen and Joyce Rogers from the Vernon Office. Guest panelists were Dan Bounds, Senior Home-Lending Advisor with Chase Bank and Ed Mainland, Executive Director at JP Morgan Chase & Co. A special presentation was given by Thomas McGlynn, Managing Director of BDO Expatriate Services, on the impact of federal tax reform on the housing market.
Overview
Nationally there has been a 5.3% year-over-year increase in existing home prices. Low to middle-level houses are moving faster than higher-end homes. However, economists are concerned about the affordability of homes for the entry buyer level. The lack of inventory is driving home prices up. The West Coast has been moving at a greater pace than here in the North East. Supply and demand is taking hold. Foot traffic stats are very interesting. There has been more foot traffic this year than last year during the same time. On a national level, existing home sales are slightly down from where they were last year during the same period. This may be a reflection of inventory problems.
Orange County Update
Average Price
Average price has really taken off. There was a mixed bag of results until this year.
Units Sold
May saw the most units sold for this month since 2014. However, prior to May, this year is the first where we’ve seen more than one month at or less than the same month in previous years. There has been a steady increase year-over-year until 2018. We will continue to keep a watch on this analytic as it may be the most important indicator of when there will be a downturn.
Average Days on Market
The average days on market continues to decrease. This indicates the market is hot; a good seller’s market. For some who have been waiting a long time, now may be a good opportunity to sell their homes.
Sussex County Update
Average Price
The amount of distressed inventory (foreclosures, short sales, etc.) has stymied price growth and appreciation in Sussex. However, the average price in May of this year is the highest it has been for this month since 2014.
Units Sold.
There has been a substantial decrease in units sold, even with average price increasing and average days on market decreasing.
Average Days on Market
The average days on market keeps going down, indicating a hot market.
Market Q&A
Buyer Concerns – Price or Inventory?
Geoff Green asked Vikki Garby whether she got a sense that her buyers were more worried about current prices or not being able to find a home due to lack of inventory. Vikki responded that inventory was the biggest problem. However, once they found a home, buyers were concerned about going to contract quickly. People were getting stressed out about interest rates. Therefore, they want to get them locked in as soon as possible since rates are rising. Dan Bounds advised that their mortgage customers are able to get their rate locked in once they have a signed one-page purchase agreement.
Appraisals – On Point?
Geoff then asked Keren Goren if appraisals were coming in on point, or if there were still problems. Keren replied that appraisers were coming in on point in New Jersey. Geoff responded that in a solid, appreciated market appraisers seem to be more comfortable and confident coming in on valuation.
Inventory – Quality or Quantity?
Geoff’s question to Joyce was, “Everyone says there’s no inventory, but there are homes on the market. Is the physical nature of inventory not what buyers are looking for? Is it the condition of homes?” Joyce stated that there was not a lot in good shape in certain price points. Much is a total gut job. Buyers want what they want, and many don’t see the potential in getting a fixer-upper.
Geoff felt that money, time and ability can be a deciding factor. In addition, as a property owner himself, he knows how hard it can be to get good contractors. They’re busy, materials are costing more, and prices are coming up. Both Joyce and Keren said that they’ve seen flippers making mistakes and poor choices that are visible to buyers. Using lower grade materials, not putting finishing touches (outlets without covers, exposed wiring, etc.), they are hurting themselves in their rush to put the house on the market. The problem is then compounded by listing agents overpricing these homes.
The Luxury Home Market
There has been discussion about possible negative impact of the new tax laws on the luxury, hi-end real estate market. While too soon to know what the true impact will be, the luxury market is currently doing better on a year-over-year basis. Sales of high-end homes ($500-$750,000) are up in both Orange and Sussex Counties.
The Impact of Tax Reform on the Housing Market
Following the monthly market update, guest speaker Tom McGlynn of BDO spoke about the impact of tax reform on the Housing Market, as well as in general. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act was signed on Dec 22, 2017, the President’s “gift” to the nation. There wasn’t time to process the impact as changes began Jan 1, 2018. The Legislation will expire for individuals on Dec 31, 2025.
Tax Rates for 2018
It had been expected that tax rates would be limited to 3 or 4 bands. However, the bands are dramatically expanded. Furthermore, there is a drop in rates from a high of 39.6% to a high of 37% in 2018, going forward. The expectation is that people with higher income levels will see a decrease in federal income tax liability.
Major Changes:
Above-the-line deductions:
Moving expense deductions: Only available for US military moving pursuant to military order. As a result, changes will impact US citizens who move for employment, whether in the US, abroad, or to the US.
Alimony: For Agreements entered into after Dec 31, 2018. the deduction for alimony or separate maintenance payments has been repealed. Furthermore, inclusion of money received for alimony as income is repealed. Existing agreements are grandfathered in.
Standard & personal exemptions: Standard deduction increased, almost doubled. Married filing jointly, is now $24,000. More taxpayers may end up claiming the standard as opposed to itemizing. Personal exemption is suspended through 2025.
Medical Expenses. Threshhold lowered to 7.5 percent from 10% for out-of-pocket expenses not covered by insurance.
Real Estate impacted regulations
State and local taxes: In our market this is the big item. Taxpayers are now only allowed to deduct a maximum $10,000 aggregate of state and local real property, personal property, and state and local income sales taxes.
Mortgage Interest: Amount of acquisition indebtedness applies to new loans. However, mortgages in place before 2017 grandfathered in up to $1,000,000 mortgage. For debt incurred after Dec 15, 2017, you can only deduct interest paid on indebtedness of up to $750,000. Furthermore, home equity interest deduction has been suspended.
Vikki asked for confirmation that limitations do not apply to real property taxes and personal property taxes paid or accrued in carrying on trade or business? Tom confirmed that this is correct; real estate traders/investors filing Schedule E are not subject to the new limits. In addition, properties held for investment are not effected by the mortgage limitation.
Changes in other deductions
Charitable contributions: Limitation on deduction for cash contributions increased to 60% of AGI. However, this cannot be in addition to Standard deduction. The deduction can only be taken if the taxpayer is itemizing. It is not known how or if this will affect charitable giving.
Casualty losses: Suspended through 2025, unless loss is attributable to a Federally declared disaster area.
Wagering Transactions: Limited to income offsetting expenses.
Miscellaneous itemized deductions: Suspended through 2025. Includes unreimbursed business expenses, investment fees, tax prep fees.
Pease limitation suspends limitation on itemized deductions. For 2018-2025, no limitation on itemizations exceeding standard deduction.
AMT (Alternative Minimum Tax): Put in place to make sure taxpayers weren’t able to reduce their tax liability by utilizing certain itemized deductions (income taxes, real property, state and local taxes) due to income. Congress minimized Corporate AMT. The individual AMT was expected to be eliminated. However, Congress decided to keep it in place but significantly increased exemption amounts and thresholds.
Selling Your Home – Tax Basics Relating to Closing Disclosure Statement
Nothing changes regarding home sale rules if you can show you owned and used home for principal use 2 out of 5 years. Hence, the first $500,000 of gain is exempt from federal and state tax. Basis is the amount home is worth for tax purposes. This includes what you paid for home, improvements, closing costs, etc. However, current year deductions may be subject to limitations.
The above are just highlights of the discussions and presentation. You can watch the entire video here.
We Keep You Informed:
The Green Team Shares this information and more each month during our Live Housing Market Update. Register to join the webinar and hear directly from our participating Green Team Sales Associates who share their personal take on how the marketplace is doing.
Industry experts join us each month to share insights into the currently financing environment, as well as broader economic issues affecting the housing market.
Check out our past Housing Market Updates. Then Register to get our Housing Market Updates.
Orange County Real Estate Market Report for May 2018
Green Team Business Review – May 2018
The numbers tell a story all their own. Despite the lack of inventory on the market, despite the specter of rising interest rates, loss of deductions due to new tax laws, etc., the Green Team is doing something very right and finding people buyers for their homes and finding homes for buyers! Both the Warwick and Vernon offices have more than doubled their sales volume from a year ago.
Orange County, NY Real Estate Market Report – April 2018 Results
The May Market Update was held on Tuesday, May 8 on Facebook Live. It was moderated by Geoff Green, Founder of Green Team Home Selling System. Panelists included sales agents Vikki Garby from the Warwick office, Keren Goren of the Vernon office, Michael Giannetto from Residential Home Funding and Ken Ford from Warwick Valley Financial Advisors.
If you missed the original live event, click here to watch. The discussion involved not only the housing market, but also perspectives on the economy. Our guest panelists have a great deal of knowledge and expertise, and the conversation was informative, educational and lively.
You can also sign up for monthly updates by email on the Green Team website.
We were experiencing technical difficulties:
Prior to the update going live, the following discussion took place:
The lack of inventory remains the biggest impediment to home sales, and the panel discussed the various reasons why people are reluctant to sell now. Vikki Garby stated that there were more buyers this winter than last spring, but that there is not a lot to buy. Cash buyers were coming in strong, with some people getting full asking price, or over. Keren Goren stated that many people she spoke to were just hanging on, waiting to see what would happen in the market.
Geoffrey Green told the panel that he is often asked, “Should I wait, because prices are going higher?” According to Vikki, sellers are worried about finding a home! People move up here from other places and swamp the market, and people who want to sell but stay in the area are concerned. Keren said that houses in Sussex are outdated, older than what buyers are looking for. Geoff said, “At the end of the day, if you’re moving and need to sell, try to sell and buy at the same time.”
The conversation turned to “fixer-uppers.” Geoff felt that most buyers don’t have the time, experience, and money to do renovation after buying a home. However, he asked the panel if they were seeing more buyers willing to take on a fixer-upper.
Keren cited a buyer who was willing to take out a loan to put a new roof on a house where everything else had been done. He was willing to go that step. Vikki stated there was not much to choose from and buyers trying to get into the area are having to be more flexible. Mike Giannetto stated that reno loans are now a big product and many people are taking the opportunity to fix up a house, put in new appliances, roof, etc., using equity.
Watch the video for more discussion, including a fascinating look into the world of economics and how the bond market impacts the interest rate that buyers may soon be paying.
Orange County, NY Real Estate Market Report – April 2018 Results
We are pleased to share with you the Housing Market Report for April 2018. We break down local real estate activities and provide you with stats, graphs, and analysis of our local and regional real estate market. In addition, we provide insight from some of the people most familiar with market trends: sales associates, mortgage funding specialists and financial advisers.
Average Days on the Market
The faster homes are selling, the hotter the market. Look for the lowest number on the graph, as opposed to the highest. The calculation in New York State is from the List Date to the Contract Date.
With numbers in for April, the average days on are the lowest they’ve been for this month for 5 years.
Average Price
Here again we’re seeing a trend. Prices are coming in at their highest point for April in 5 years, at an average of $247,849.
Average Sold to Asked Ratio
This is the percentage a house sold for under or over the last asking (not the original) price.
The higher the percentage, the hotter the market. This April the percentage dipped slightly below April 2016 and 2017, but sellers are still negotiating at approximately 3.5 points off the last asking price. As mentioned last month, this is an average of all of Orange County, with some areas having a higher percentage, and some a lower one.
Homes that sold at 100% or more of last asking price
Here again there was a slight dip below April 2016 and 2017, though the numbers remain higher than 2014 and 2015.
Units Sold
Units sold seems to have flat lined; however, more units were sold in April 2018 than in the four preceding years.
We Keep You Informed:
The Green Team Shares this information and more each month during our Live Housing Market Update. Register to join the webinar and hear directly from our participating Green Team Sales Associates who share their personal take on how the marketplace is doing.
Each month we are also joined by industry experts who share insights into the current financing environment as well as broader economic issues affecting the housing market.
Check out our past Housing Market Updates. Then Register to join our next one on June 12th at 9am.
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Balancing Emotions When Selling Your Home…
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Balancing emotions when selling your home… without losing your mind!
The day has come. You’ve decided to list and sell your home and embrace a new beginning. Now comes the emotional roller coaster ride that everyone goes through. You are not alone. Understanding the phases involved will help you in balancing emotions so that you can overcome the ties that bind you.
Phase 1: Excitement
Excitement starts the early wave of emotions when you’ve made the decision to sell and are getting ready for your next venture and new beginning. The stars are aligned.
Phase 2: Second Thoughts
Second thoughts are the silent partner of anxiety. Will my home sell? How long will it take? Is it priced right? Why don’t buyers see the value in my home? Why did that one sell and not mine? These thoughts will run through your mind on a daily basis. Don’t let them!!! Your home will sell to the buyer who is meant to have it. It’s that simple. Don’t overthink the process. Leave that to your realtor.
Phase 3: Buyer Feedback
Buyer feedback! The Good, the Bad and the Ugly, are opinions that are not about you, but the experience buyers had while viewing your house. Take note, make adjustments, and forge forward. Remember, not every home is for every buyer. Improve the showing experience for the next showing.
Phase 4: It’s worth more than that!
It’s worth more than that! You’re frustrated and annoyed the offer received was below list price. It’s a starting point to continue further discussion. Don’t get offended! Seize the opportunity of buyer interest.
Phase 5: Inspections, contracts and appraisal… OH MY!
Inspections, contracts and appraisal… OH MY! Calm heads will always prevail. You are only allowed to panic when I tell you to” is a rule to be followed. You can’t stress the unknown variables. They will balance out. Leave that to the team you hired.
Phase 6: Relief, excitement and melancholy…
Relief, excitement and melancholy all rolled into the closing day and accompanied by exhaustion. Not that it’s laborious, but emotional! Remember you started the process with the goal to get you where you need to be, and now that it’s finally here, it’s a win/win!
Expecting these emotions to surface will help you understand it’s not just happening to you! Limit stress factors with preparation and by hiring an experienced realtor to safeguard a smooth transaction in your home sale.
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Orange County Real Estate Market Report for April 2018
Green Team Business Review – April 2018
There has been a lot of excitement at the Green Team lately. Much of it was generated by the Launch Competition, which was a tremendous success this year. You can read about this annual contest, its goals, the winners and the prizes here. Then Lucyann Tinnirello was selected as the new Broker Manager of the Warwick office. In addition, Nancy Sardo was named the recipient of the First Quarter Sales Leader Award in Warwick.
Making Market Updates More Informative and More Accessible
While it seems that would be enough to report, there’s more. The Green Team strives to bring its agents and its clients up-to-date market information as well as insight into the mortgage market, events that impact interest rates, and more. To provide all this information in an expanded, far-reaching format, the Green Team is going Live on Facebook.
Orange County, NY Real Estate Market Report – March 2018 Results
We are pleased to share with you the Housing Market Report for March 2018. We break down local real estate activities and provide you with stats, graphs, and analysis of our local and regional real estate market. The April Market Update was held Tuesday, April 17 on Facebook Live. It was moderated by Geoff Green, the Broker/Manager of Green Team Home Selling System. Panelists included sales agents Vikki Garby and Jacqueline Kraszewski. In addition, Jeremy Miller of First Home Bank provided insights on mortgage and housing industry stats. Dan Habib, of MBS Highway, a firm that provides insight and analytics to industries, discussed where interest rates are headed and the topic of affordability. Watch the video on our Facebook page to hear what these experts had to share.
Also, you can sign up on the Green Team website to receive a monthly update by email.
Average Days on the Market
The faster homes are selling, the hotter the market. Look for the lowest number on the graph, as opposed to the highest. The calculation in New York State is from the List Date to the Contract Date.
We take a snapshot of the past 5 years and see how the current market compares. The average number of days on the market is the lowest it’s been for March since 2014. This shows a stronger market for sellers. However, it’s not the best news for buyers.
Average Price
Prices have not been on the comeback for some time, but last June they started to rise and are now coming out of the gate significantly higher. According to Geoff, inventory continues to be a big problem. He thinks that one of the issues is that some sellers still can’t get out of their homes based on refinancing they did ten years ago. They just can’t sell until prices rise, and he believes that will be the key to unlocking inventory.
Jacqueline stated there are just not enough houses out there to show. The average length of time that most people stay in a house is ten years, and ten years ago was when the market really crashed. Some people are still underwater and either can’t get out, or don’t want to just break even; they’d like to make a profit.
Vikki added that this year some things are helping. Last year appraisals were hurting the market. This year they seem to be getting more realistic based on what is actually happening in the market. There is very little supply for the demand. Market traffic was higher in February 2018 than it was in May of 2017. Sellers are feeling their strength and power in this market. Even banks are seeing the market potential and wanting to get in on the act, raising prices on properties they would have sold at much lower prices in previous markets. Vikki has experience in real estate investing, flipping homes, etc., so she brings a valuable perspective to the conversation.
Geoff mentioned that some banks are even holding their position in inventory and renting out units, something which is highly unusual. Banks generally unload inventory. For them to hold and rent is almost unheard of.
Average Sold to Asked Ratio
The percentage a house sold for under or over the last asking price (not the original price).
The higher the percentage, the hotter the market. Again, March 2018 is outpacing the last 4 years, with sellers negotiating approximately 3.5 points off their last asking price. It’s important to remember that this is an average of all Orange County; in some areas the percentage will be higher and in others, lower.
Homes that sold at 100% or more of last asking price
Again, the numbers continue to rise. March 2018 is the highest it’s been since 2014, with almost 35% of homes going for 100% or more of the last asking price. In other words, expect bidding wars!
Units Sold
There hasn’t been a dip from the previous year in many years. However less homes were sold in March than in previous years. Vikki felt that people closing in March were closing on those deals made in December and January, when inventory was way down.
Jacque stated that the market is hard on people starting out, those buyers in the under $300,000 range. There is not much available at that price point, and if there is something, it’s usually a total handyman special, which people don’t want!
Geoff agreed that currently, couples are usually both employed and don’t have the time, expertise or inclination to start making repairs and remodels to the home they purchase. They would rather pay top dollar for a move-in-ready home. His advice for sellers: spend time renovating your home before putting in on the market. Bathrooms, kitchens, windows all need to be in good shape. Paint, new siding, fixing up the landscaping, and replacing the roof if necessary, will bring a good return on your investment. Buyers are willing to pay top dollar!
Next Market Update
Mark your calendars and join us on Tuesday, May 8 at 9:15 a.m. for our next Facebook Live Market Update. Our special guests will be Michael Giannetto of Residential Home Financing, who will be offering substantive updates on the mortgage market and Ken Ford of Warwick Valley Financial Advisors, who will discuss other economic factors impacting the housing market. If you can’t make it at 9:15, be sure to watch it later!
Meet Lucyann Tinnirello, the new Broker Manager of Green Team’s Warwick office.
Why a broker manager?
With his business expanding and taking most of his time, Geoff Green knew it was time to hand over the reigns of day-to-day management of the Green Team’s Warwick office to a new broker manager. Furthermore, he understood it would take someone special to do the job.
First of all, the perfect candidate would have to be experienced in real estate and able to handle the detailed management of the office. In addition, the candidate would have to be someone who was not ego driven. Finally, it would take someone able to work with a growing team of agents to solve problems and help them succeed in their businesses. Fortunately, the perfect candidate was already a member of the Green Team family.
Meet Lucyann Tinnirello, the perfect candidate…
Green Team Home Selling System is happy to welcome Lucyann Tinnirello as its first Broker Manager. With 34 years of experience, Lucyann knows the business inside and out. Thus, she understands that real estate is mostly about solving problems and developing relationships.
Lucyann sees the Broker Manager position as being an opportunity for caring, helping, resolving problems and promoting an atmosphere of teamwork, where agents share with their co-workers what their experiences have taught them. However, she also understands there will be challenges. In managing workflow, she knows she must practice neutrality, as well as empathy and efficiency. She feels well prepared to take on the responsibilities of this position, having been co-owner of her own firm. There is a motto that Lucyann lives by: “It’s nice to be important, but it’s more important to be nice.” Her fellow agents agree that Lucyann embodies this motto and is the person who can handle this job. She is both well liked and respected by her peers.
A message for Lucyann’s clients…
By the way, Geoff has a message for Lucyann’s clients. “Fear not! Lucyann will continue to list and sell homes! This position was designed for an active sales person, with support staff and systems providing back-up for the Broker Manager.”
One more word of wisdom…
Lucyann has one more bit of wisdom to live by. Football coach Lou Holtz said this at a seminar and she’s never forgotten it. “WIN…” or “What’s Important Now!” And for Lucyann, what’s important now is doing the best job she can as the Green Team’s new Broker Manager.
Green Team’s 2018 Launch Competition was a blast!
Green Team’s Launch Competition is all about inspiring sales agents to get back to basics. It’s about enhancing those skills that lead to the exceptional client service that the Green Team is known for. This annual event, with agents competing individually and on teams, is both fun and energizing and sets the stage for success each year.
The CRM is one of the most important tools an agent can use
The Green Team’s custom-designed CRM (customer relationship management system) is one of the most important tools an agent can use. It provides a way to input and keep all needed information in one place. By keeping track of client information, activities pertaining to transactions and much more, the CRM can be an agent’s best friend. Most of all, it enables agents to refine their client appreciation programs, keep in touch with past, present and future clients, and maintain those relationships.
According to Geoff Green, agents who fully know and use the CRM can provide better service to their clients while getting better control of their businesses and their lives. The Launch Competition offers incentives for agents to really build outstanding client appreciation programs, using CRM as the mechanism.
First Place Winner, Third Place Winner and a Winning Team
For the first time, agents from both offices competed against, well, everyone for the top three places. And it was a “friendly,” albeit tight race, run by some very motivated participants.
Keren Gonen of the Vernon office started 2018 just as she finished 2017… on top. With the highest number of points, Keren won first prize in the individual category, and what a prize it is! Provided by Jeremy Miller of First Home Bank, she received a full conference pass to Inman ConnectNY 2019, along with a three-night hotel stay for the four-day conference. Keren is the first to admit she is highly competitive and motivated. However, there was another reason for her high score.
Last year Keren participated in Launch, competing only with her Vernon colleagues. She did well, coming in third place, then stopped using those basic skills she had learned. And found that stopping was affecting her business! Consequently, she went back to using the CRM. As a result, she says, “All the information is there! Instead of sorting through texts and emails, it’s easy to keep track of everything, including notes.”
Team work…
Furthermore, as captain of one of the Vernon office’s two teams, Keren worked with a group of highly motivated agents. She stressed to everyone the importance of using the system, updating their databases, and maintaining them. When newer agents hadn’t yet grasped how to best utilize their CRM, Keren did training sessions with them. Keren’s team went on to win the Vernon Office team competition and team members received gift certificates to a local florist. Congratulations to Keren Gonen, Heidi Hyland, Joyce Rogers, Cathie Witte, Kimberly Lasalandra, Ted Van Laar, Loida Claudio, Jamie Dalton, Yvette Saldana and Tom Shields. And thanks to Pam Zachowski’s team for their participation in the competition.
Heidi does it again…
Heidi Hyland was definitely a major asset to her team, but her participation and efforts led to another win, as well. She scored third in the individual competition and was presented by Geoff with a $100 gift certificate to her favorite restaurant! Heidi is another highly motivated agent. Last year she came in second place in the Vernon office’s individual competition, and who knows how high she’ll place next year!
Second Place … and another winning team!
From the look of delight on his face, it’s almost as though Dean Diltz of the Warwick office had strategized to come in second so that he could win this great 43” LCD TV. However, we know that’s not really the case. Right, Dean? And while he admits to using the CRM intermittently, during Launch his priority was to take stock of how it worked and update his records with the help of CSA Ali Yurchuck.
One of the things that kept Dean motivated during the competition was being fully vested in helping his team. Angela Murphy led Murphy’s Master Minds by being an upbeat motivator. She kept on top of the team members, organizing social gatherings so they would bond. And when agents needed help learning how to input data, there were CRM training sessions. As winners of the team competition in Warwick, Murphy’s Master Minds received gift certificates to a local car wash. Congratulations to team members Angela Murphy, Dean Diltz, Terry Gavan, Nancy Sardo, Tom Folino, Toni Kreusch, Pip Klein, Linda VanDeWeert, Jim Moser, June Cosgrove-Hays, Walter Ross and Jane Reilly. And thanks to Jacque Kraszewski and her team for their efforts and participation!
The bar is set high for next year
Each year there is an increased commitment to Launch as shown by the numbers. Winning scores have doubled since last year, and scores indicate that many agents have a better understanding of the CRM. In addition, prizes offered this year provided an added incentive. Most of all, no one loses when they participate in the annual Launch. Each agent finishes the competition with a better understanding of the CRM and the Customer Appreciation Program so they can better serve their clients… It’s a win-win for everyone!
What Should You Look for In Your Real Estate Team?
How do you select the members of your team who are going to help make your dream of owning a home a reality? What should you be looking for? How do you know if you’ve found the right agent or lender?
The most important characteristic that you should be looking for in your agent is someone who is going to take the time to really educate you on the choices available to you and your ability to buy in today’s market.
As the financial guru Dave Ramsey advises:
“When getting help with money, whether it’s insurance, real estate or investments, you should always look for someone with the heart of a teacher, not the heart of a salesman.”
Do your research. Ask your friends and family for recommendations of professionals they’ve worked with in the past and have had good experiences with.
Look for members of your team who will be honest and trustworthy; after all, you will be trusting them to help you make one of the biggest financial decisions of your life.
Whether this is your first or fifth time buying a home, you want to make sure that you have an agent who is going to have the tough conversations with you, not just the easy ones. If your offer isn’t accepted by the seller, or they think that there may be something wrong with the home that you’ve fallen in love with, you would rather know what they think than make a costly mistake.
According to the Home Buyer and Seller Generational Trends Report:
“Buyers from all generations primarily wanted their agent’s help to find the right home to purchase. Buyers were also looking for help to negotiate the terms of sale and to help with price negotiations.” Additionally, “Help understanding the purchase process was most beneficial to buyers 37 years and younger at 75 percent.”
Look for someone to invest in your family’s future with you. You want an agent who isn’t focused on the transaction but is instead focused on helping you understand the process while helping you find your dream home.
Bottom Line
In this world of Google searches, where it seems like all the answers are just a mouse-click away, you need an agent who is going to educate you and share the information that you need to know before you even know you need it.
Orange County Real Estate Market Report for March 2018
Green Team Business Review – March 2018
February’s numbers are in, we’re nearing the end of March, and the Scoreboards show the possible contenders for the first quarter sales leader awards. Based on actual numbers for January and February, the Warwick Scoreboard has Vikki Garby in the lead, followed by Nancy Sardo and Lucyann Tinnirello. In Vernon, Joyce Rogers leads Charles Nagy and Ted Van Laar. In Warwick, total sales volume is down slightly from January/February of 2017, while Vernon’s total sales volume is up by over $700,000 from the same period in 2017. However, if projections are correct, March will see sales volume increase in both Orange and Sussex Counties. March may also see shifts in the Scoreboard tallies.
This month’s business review meeting marked a Green Team first. The market stats were reviewed on Facebook Live (facebook.com/greenteamhq), giving agents and clients alike the opportunity to participate in real time. Geoff Green moderated the review, with panelists Angela Murphy and Terry Gavan commenting on the Orange County market and Pamela Zachowski providing commentary on the Sussex County market. Melissa Bressette, Green Team’s Marketing Director, also participated, with questions regarding the impact of rising interest rates on home sales.
Orange County, NY Real Estate Market Report – February 2018 Results
We are pleased to share with you a Housing Market Report from February 2018. We break down the local real estate activities and provide you with stats, graphs, and analysis of our local and regional real estate market. You can sign up on our website (www.greenteamhq.com) for monthly market updates. This month the market review was held on Facebook Live. You can visit our Facebook page to view the video, as well as informative posts. (www.facebook.com/greenteamhq/videos)
Average Days on the Market
The faster homes are selling, the hotter the market. Look for the lowest number on the graph as opposed to the highest. The calculation in New York State is from the List Date to the Contract Date.
The average number of days on the market for homes in Orange County continues to decline, which is good news for the market. In February, the average number of days on the market was 104.
Average Price
Prices started coming back in July of 2017. There are Sellers with big mortgages on their homes who are patiently waiting, putting off retirement plans, etc., waiting for prices to come up more. When they do, inventory will open up. February of this year had the highest average price for a February since 2015.
Average Sold to Asked Ratio
The percentage a house sold for under or over the last asking price (not the original price)
The average sold to asked ratio is on the rise. At 96.86%, this is the highest number for a February since 2014.
Homes that sold at 100% or more of last asking price
The stats came in just slightly lower than February of last year, but higher than February 2014-2016. 2017’s numbers were consistently the highest since 2014, and 2018 is continuing that trend, indicating a strong market.
Units Sold
There were continual increases in January. While there was a slight log jam in February, the red line should consistently rise above the blue line for the rest of the year. It’s a healthy market place. According to Angela Murphy of the Green Team’s Warwick office, this is a strong, healthy market. There is a shortage of inventory, but no shortage of buyers. Additionally, most buyers don’t want to do work on a home. They are looking for turn-key properties. This is a good market for investors interested in flipping.
Note
Melissa Bressette, Marketing Director for the Green Team, asked what impact rising interest rates were having. According to Angela, despite rising interest rates, good connections with mortgage lenders can ease buyers’ minds and work with them on financing homes. Rates are still pretty low and affordable. If homes are priced correctly, there is usually a $10-$15,000 spectrum from asking price to where it’s sold. Comps of sold properties are more important than comps of properties that are for sale.
We Are Go For Launch
Green Team 2018 Launch
It’s Launch Time – that “friendly” little competition that inspires Green Team Sales Associates to start the new year off right by building on and enhancing the skills that will lead them to deliver excellent client service throughout the year.
Focused around essential daily activities that utilize the Green Team’s custom-designed CRM (customer relationship management) system, sales associates compete both on individual levels and as part of teams. The CRM features a unique gamification component that tracks competition activity and enables everyone to see real-time competition stats throughout the entire contest, giving associates that little “push” they might need.
The Launch Competition has been going on how for just over a month and it is something Green Team Associates take very seriously. Yes, they are having fun. Yes, they are enjoying strategizing. And yes, they definitely enjoy winning. But they also enjoy the possibility of winning some amazing gifts. Prizes are awarded to the top three individual sales associates and the top team!, and this year the prizes are HUGE!!
The agent with the highest overall points at the end of our Launch Competition will receive a full conference pass to Inman Connect NY 2019 and 3-night hotel stay in New York. This exceptional prize is being provided by Jeremy Miller of First Home Bank.
Additional prizes are awarded to individuals that achieve second and third place as well as the team with the highest overall points.
Green Team Agents News and Awards
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