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Winning Your Own Race
2017 Green Team Momentum BuilderAward
This is a very special award, given to the Green Team Sales Associate who has created the most positive and consistent momentum in their professional career and personal life.
The 2017 Momentum Builder Award was presented to Tammy Scotto of the Green Team’s Warwick Office. Just as Tammy persevered in both her professional and personal life, Geoff Green persevered in his belief in her. To Geoff, it’s all about the journey, and about not giving up, no matter where the road takes you. According to Geoff, there are three components to success in the real estate business: time, intellect and persistence. Seems like sometimes the three may not align in the beginning. But, as in Tammy’s case, the intellect was there, her persistence paid off and eventually she had the time to put into her real estate career.
Tammy’s Story – In Her Own Words
“Firstly, I want to say thank you to Geoff for giving me this award this year. I really do appreciate the acknowledgment. There are MANY other agents here at the Green Team that deserve to be standing up here right along with me, so thank you. When Geoff called to tell me he wanted to honor me with this award, he said he was really thinking about the year and was going to talk about “Overnight Success.” I said to him, “Are you sure you want to give this award to me? I’ve had my license for 19 years!”
19 years ago I got 2 licenses. One was my Real Estate license, the other my marriage license. I’m happy to say both are in full effect and going strong today. But, as many of you know, this means I have been selling real estate through all stages of family life. I was selling as a mom with infants, toddlers and now teenagers. I am anything but an overnight success. Yet for me, that worked. My marriage and my family were and are number one in my life. But the reason I stuck it out with real estate is because it’s the only job I know that allows you to control your own schedule. We can turn it on and off as life requires. Lord knows we work all hours of the night and weekends. Yet we can also schedule around volunteering in school, sports events and other activities.
And the rest is history!
I’ve learned a LOT over these past 19 years. But, to be honest, I’ve learned the MOST the past 4 years. Four years ago I was selling real estate (very part-time) and working another job. Finally, I thought maybe I should just let my license go. The company I was with was going to start charging a monthly fee that I was not willing to pay. So I thought about it and was just going to get out of the business. My husband said, “Don’t do that, you’ve had it this long, maybe look at other options”.
So after a phone call to LucyAnn [Tinnirello] which led to a phone call from Geoff Green, the rest is history. In 2015, Geoff, LucyAnn, Jacque & I went to a Buffini convention in Philly and Geoff was talking about the Captain’s Club. He looked back and said, “Next year, right Tammy?” I said, “Nah, 2017.” Well, I had that gut feeling I needed that ONE extra year to get my business really going. And with all of the tools that Geoff provides for us, I learned how to really ramp up my business. It means a lot to actually have a broker that wants you to be successful and that is why you will be stuck with me for a VERY LONG TIME!!!!!
Winning your own race…
Part of the Green Team mission statement says: “A Real Estate Agent that is highly productive is more likely to deliver excellent client service than someone who is not. Couple that with a Real Estate Agent who has the time and ability to lead a meaningful life, and you have the perfect environment for an exceptional client experience.”
We’re all different and unique in this room. Some of us are go-getters right out of the gate. I was more of a Tortoise than the Hare….slow and steady… But I’m winning my personal race and wouldn’t give anything for the time I spent with my young kids. Finally, whichever one you are, make sure you’re doing it for you. I am living a meaningful life, have time to enjoy my family along the way and now I’m making a great living as well. 2017 was a great run and I’m looking forward to more years like it ahead! “
Why You Should Get Pre-Qualified When Buying a Home
Is Mortgage Pre-Qualification Necessary?
According to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, Pre-Qualification and Pre-Approval in practice both refer to a letter from a lender that specifies how much the lender is willing to lend to you. While there are some legal distinctions, basically both specify a loan up to a certain amount, based on certain assumptions. These letters provide useful information. However, loan offers are not guaranteed. Rather, the letter can help you make an offer. It gives the seller confidence that you will be able to get financing to buy the home.
A buyer in today’s market needs Pre-Qualification/ Pre-Approval. This is the preliminary step to the mortgage process. Consequently, talking with a bank or mortgage lender is vital. The lender will check your credit and ask specific financial questions regarding your income, employment and financial obligations. As a result, the letter is generated based on a “snapshot “ of the financials given. It’s the first step in understanding your eligibility when ready to look at homes to buy. And it keeps you in sync with your financial budget and means.
Are You Pre-Qualified?
“Are you pre-qualified?” is an important question your realtor will ask before showing you properties. If not and you’re serious about buying a home, now is the time to start engaging in mortgage conversations with a lender. A wealth of financial resources will be shared with you to get you started. And to keep you on track understanding the loan process, your eligibility, and working within your price range. The importance of this question will determine if you’re “ABLE” to buy… Now.
Understanding Loan Types is Important
The “loan type” you’re qualified for is of equal importance for you to know and understand. Because some homes, due to their condition, may not be eligible for all loan types. Thus, your realtor will be able to navigate the market for you, finding homes that best match what you are qualified for.
The goal and success of buying a home when financing is to be Ready, Willing and “Able.” Working closely with your buyers agent and mortgage lender will help prepare you for navigating a challenging market for buyers.
My advice to buyers entering the market … understand the market you’re about to enter. Prepare yourself! Have your financing in place, regardless if purchasing with cash or a loan.
Preparation is Key!
I can help you navigate your way through the process and connect you with the right mortgage lenders. Contact Me Today.
Green Team Awards Ceremony for 2017
Geoff Green takes the name of his company, the Green Team, quite seriously. Being an agent here is all about being part of a team. It’s about perfecting your craft, providing consummate service to each and every client. Also, it’s about providing support to your team mates. Furthermore, it’s about reaching for and achieving goals. At the Green Team Awards Ceremony, those goals were recognized. On January 26, 2018 the Green Team family came together to celebrate a very good year. 2017 saw many agents not only succeed in their goals, but surpass them. As a result, Geoff presented the framed certificates with pride.
Geoff was asked how it felt to have so many of his agent’s reach various levels of success. “I have an overwhelming sense of gratitude,” he replied. After starting this company 13 years ago, Geoff is seeing his goals surpassed by people he deeply cares about. One of the things that he loves about this business is its ability to help improve, even change, lives. And knowing that he has had a part in creating the training, the support, the vehicle and the opportunity for change means everything. Because, above all, this business is about people.
Awards were presented at Albert Wisner Library, followed by a Post Awards Ceremony Celebration hosted by Jeremy Miller of First Home Bank at the Historic Warwick Inn.
Presentation of awards was by category.
And the Green Team’s First MVP Award, for $10+ Million in Sales Volume, Goes To…
Finally someone broke Geoff Green’s record of $10 Million in sales in a year, and he couldn’t have been happier or prouder. When Geoff first met Jennifer DiCostanzo, he told her that he saw her as becoming the #1 Agent in all of Orange County, not merely in the Green Team. When asked about how she felt on achieving over $10 Million in sales in 2017, Jen replied… “Rewarded.” “Humbled, honored to be recognized for all the hard work and long hours I put in. This is something you don’t take lightly. The numbers don’t mean everything. You need tunnel vision; just focus on meeting the expectations and needs of your clients. That is ultimately the goal, and in the end, everyone wins.” Jen is excited to have raised the bar, both for herself and for her fellow Green Team associates.
Jen lovingly acknowledges the support and contributions of her family. She couldn’t have done this without them. They’re a team, organizing and having flexibility because of her often erratic schedule and long work hours. Her recipe for success? When you are given an opportunity, determination, hard work, keeping current, and keeping steady will keep you on track. “When you love what you do,” says Jen, “it’s not work. I can’t imagine doing anything other than Real Estate.”
In addition to the very special MVP Award, Jen was awarded Yearly Sale Leader for 2017 and Citizen of the Year, for her outstanding contributions to our local community. In the middle photo, Jen and Vernon Yearly Sales Award Winner, Keren Gonen, happily display their awards.
And It’s Another Triple Win…
In the Vernon office, Keren Gonen scored a triple play. In addition to being Yearly Sales Leader for 2017, Keren was voted Team Player and Citizen of the Year by her coworkers. What makes this all even more special is that this was Keren’s first year as an agent. Furthermore, to Geoff Green, Keren is a shining star, a remarkable sales person with tenacity and drive to be at the top. Keren truly believes that where a person lives has a big impact on their happiness. Therefore, she loves helping her clients, whether they are buying or selling, achieve their goals and enhance balance and happiness in their lives. She dedicates herself to providing them with the best real estate experience possible. In real estate, Keren has found her balance and happiness. And, in the Green Team, a new home.
Momentum Builder Award
This is a very special award for the Green Team Sales Associate who has created the most positive and consistent momentum in their professional career. The nominee has had the same impetus reflected in many aspects of their professional career, and in their personal life. This year, Tammy Scotto was honored and moved the ceremony attendees with her story and words of inspiration.
The Captain’s Club
The Captain’s Club is one of the ways that Geoff recognizes and rewards the members of his team who have achieved a certain level of success in their business. Agents who have achieved a sales volume of $3 Million or more are acknowledged. There are benefits that go along with getting to this level. According to Geoff, it’s about more than sales volume. It is about showing that you have what it takes to be the captain of a team.
Captain’s Club – Warwick
From left to right: Dean Diltz, Angela Murphy, June Cosgrove-Hayes, Pip Klein, Tammy Scotto and Vikki Garby. Not shown in photo: Chris Kimiecik, Nancy Sardo, Denise Schmidt and Lucyann Tinnirello .
Captain’s Club – Vernon
From left to right: Barbara Tesa, Charles Nagy and Keren Gonen.
Top Producer Awards
Agents in this category reached over $2 Million in sales volume.
From Left to Right: Linda VanDeweert and Terry Gavan of the Green Team Warwick Office proudly display their awards, as do Ted Van Laar and Joyce Rogers of the Vernon office. (Not Shown in Photo: Stacy Springer, Vernon office)
And last, but definitely not least…
The Warwick office selected Donna Roberts as its Team Player of 2017. Donna is the person who is there for everyone, doing everything. She keeps the agents and the offices running smoothly. And, she did a remarkable job coordinating this event. Thank you, Donna!
Looking forward to another great year!
Giving Back to our Communities
2nd Annual Light Up the Holidays Contest
The Green Team’s 2nd Annual Light Up the Holidays Contest and the generosity of our communities made the holidays brighter for two local charities. This year, Green Team’s Warwick office selected Warwick Playground Dreams as its designated charity. And Green Team New Jersey Realty in Vernon raised funds for the Vernon Township Senior Center. Agents from each office hit the streets, the phones and their email, contacting local professionals and businesses and asking them to become part of this community effort. Becoming either a Gold, Silver or Bronze Sponsor, donations were made out directly to the charity, in amounts corresponding to the level of sponsorship. The 2017 sponsors have a permanent place on our website and you can view them here.
This year the Green Team changed things up a bit. Instead of one, there were now three ways to participate. You could enter your home or business yourself. Or you could enter a business or someone else’s home. And this time. the Green Team “elves” drove around to take in the holiday decorations and also to take photos of homes they felt expressed the warmth and light of the season! In each county, there were 1st, 2nd and third place winners, decided upon by committee votes. Each winner received a framed certificate featuring a photo of their decorated home or business.
Presentation to Warwick Playground Dreams
On January 10, members of the Green Team Home Selling System in Warwick were excited to present representatives of Warwick Playground Dreams with donations totaling $3,650. This non-profit organization is dedicated to making sure that children of all abilities have access to playground components that will allow them to play together in a safe, inclusive environment. The playground, located in Stanley Deming Park, will encourage the free play and creativity necessary for both physical and cognitive development. A true labor of love, the playground will be community built in the Spring or Fall of 2018. To donate or volunteer, visit the organization’s website.
Appearing in this photo, from left to right, are: Donna Roberts, Adrienne Lepre, Geoff Green, Megan Cardenas, Keren Gonen, Jen DiCostanzo, Hannelore Chambers, Steven Lichtenberg, Kerri Fenton Foley, Toni Kreusch, Alan Norberg, Kim Lesley and, in front, Gianna Lepre.
The Orange County Winners, from 1st to 3rd place…
Presentation to the Vernon Township Senior Center
What better time to present donations to the Senior Center than at their annual holiday party! There was a full house and joyous atmosphere as the seniors celebrated the holidays … and the donations totaling $2,750. The money raised will help provide the seniors with new activities, craft supplies and other enhancements to the Center’s programs. Jane Damstra, Director of the Senior Center (pictured on the left, being presented with donation checks by Green Team New Jersey Realty’s Barbara Tesa), has wonderful plans! If you’d like to donate or volunteer at the Senior Center, click here for more information.
The Sussex County Winners, from 1st to 3rd place…
The true joy is in the giving…
And perhaps that is the most wonderful thing about this event. Whether sharing your beautiful corner of the world, decked out in lights to celebrate the season… Or helping to raise money for a worthy cause, or donating to that cause. Or perhaps volunteering your time and expertise, maybe by helping to build a playground or teaching tech tricks to a group of seniors… This is the true meaning of Lighting Up the Holidays!
Orange County, NY Real Estate Market Report for Dec 2017
Housing Market Report – Orange County, NY
We are pleased to share with you a Housing Market Report from December 2017 as well as a look at the trends for the entire 2017 year. We break down the local real estate activities and provide you with stats, graphs, and analysis of our local and regional real estate market.
Average Days on the Market
The faster things are selling, the hotter the market. Look for the lowest number on the graph as opposed to the highest. The calculation was changed in New York State. It’s now from the List Date to the Contract Date, rather than the Binder Date.
With the average number of days on the market continuing to decrease, the market continues to sizzle! The average number of days a home was on the market in Orange County was 99.15 in December. 2017 has consistently had the lowest number of days on the market for all years since 2013. At or below 100 days on market average for approximately half the year are solid numbers.
Average Price
An upward trend is finally appearing, at or above all previous years since 2013. Prices are coming up, which should hopefully unlock some inventory. There are people who have been holding off selling their home, many waiting to retire to warmer climates, waiting until they could get a higher price for their homes.
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 number, the hotter the seller’s market.
On average, sellers are having to negotiate less than 3% off of their last asking price. This is a solid trend higher than any of the previous 4 or 5 years.
Homes that sold at 100% or more of last asking price
More than 30% of homes sold at 100% or more of their last asking price, another indicator of a strong market.
Units Sold
The term units here includes single family homes, condominiums, town house and multi-family homes with 1-4 units.
The most important indicator of a strong market is the number of units being sold. The transaction numbers continue to be solid, above the last four years.
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Light Up the Holidays is Making the Season Brighter for Two Local Charities!
Local businesses and individuals have joined forces with the Green Team by becoming sponsors for our Second Annual Light Up the Holidays event. To date, Orange County sponsors have raised $3,400 for Warwick Playground Dreams, and Sussex County sponsors have raised $2,350 for the Vernon Senior Center. Sponsorship donations are made directly to the charity, and you’ll find these generous community and business members featured on the Green Team’s website, where they will have a permanent place of honor! It is not too late to join our sponsors in making a lot of dreams come true.
And now the fun begins! We are looking for photos of homes that reflect the beauty of the season to feature on our website and Facebook page! Enter your own home, nominate your neighbor, or a business whose decorations you admire! Also, don’t be surprised if a Green Team member has admired your light display and left you a placard asking you to register on our website! Visit https://www.greenteamhq.com/luh2017 to register, to see the community members who have donated so generously to these two charities, and to place or see your home in the competition!
Wishing all a joyous holiday season!
Click on the images below to view homes in your area that have been entered into the Light Up The Holidays 2017 contest so far. Continue to check back as homes will continue to be added through the new year.
The Green Team is proud to Light Up the Holidays for Warwick Playground Dreams
The Green Team celebrates the holiday season by recognizing the joy and beauty of homes and businesses whose decorations Light Up the Holidays and our communities. It celebrates the ideals of giving and sharing that are at its core by raising money for local charities. And this year, what better way to celebrate the Holidays than by selecting a charity devoted to children!.
Warwick Playground Dreams
Parent volunteers from throughout the Town of Warwick make up this non-profit organization. Their goal, to raise the funds needed to replace aging equipment in Stanley Deming Park. Working with Play by Design of Ithaca, NY, the new playground will not only be whimsical and fun, but also inclusive, with ADA-accessible playground equipment. The playground will also be community built. It is hoped that local artists will decorate it to reflect the culture, history and beauty of Warwick.
Working together with the Village, schools,and Play by Design, volunteers are organized and ready, willing and able! Unfortunately, building a creative, fun and accessible playground is expensive. So being selected as the recipient of donations from Warwick’s Green Team Light up the Holidays event was good news. And on November 29 there was great news. The Light Up the Holidays team presented Warwick Playground Dreams with donations of $1,950. With the continued generosity of Warwick’s businesses, professionals and individuals, there will be more to come.
It Takes a Community to Build a Playground
“We were very excited and grateful when the Green Team reached out to us and offered to help us bring the community together in support of all of Warwick’s children,” said Hannelore Chambers, President of Warwick Playground Dreams. “It is so heartening to see other members of the community reaching out to help us raise awareness and get closer to our $300,000 goal.
As many other towns and cities before us have experienced, building a playground can also build a greater sense of community. How empowering for the children to see what a great thing can be created if everyone works together, and that this playground is being created out of love for them by their parents, grandparents and neighbors. Through our very close collaboration over the last year, many of our committee members have already experienced how strong bonds can be created all across the town between families who might not otherwise have crossed paths due to geography and different school districts.”
You Can Be Part of this Wonderful Project
Light Up the Holidays Sponsors are helping to purchase materials and equipment needed to build the playground. There will be challenging equipment for older kids, and equipment accessible and useful to children of different abilities. The organization will soon be entering their second phase of fundraising efforts. Local groups, businesses and families will be able to sponsor specific playground components. This will range from individual swings and slides to a proposed dual zip line and a wheelchair accessible merry-go-round.
For more information on the Green Team’s Light Up the Holidays event, visit https://www.greenteamhq.com/luh2017. For more information on Warwick Playground Dreams, visit their website at http://warwickplaygrounddreams.com/.
Tom Folino Joins the Green Team
The Green Team Home Selling System is pleased to announce that Tom Folino has joined our organization. Tom, a true Warwick native, was born and raised here. His father, the owner of Folino’s Shoe Repair, was a fixture in the Village of Warwick, and his mother remains active to this day, now involved in the senior citizens’ retirement group.
Tom grew up loving his hometown and sports. He combined his love of both by coaching teams in Little League Baseball, the Youth Recreation Soccer Program, and the Youth Basketball League. Tom received his B.S. in Physical Education and Health from Slippery Rock University and his M.S. in Sports Administration from Montclair University. He taught in the Warwick Valley Central School District for 34 years, where he was also the Boys Varsity Basketball Head Coach and the Boys Varsity Golf Head Coach. Tom and his beautiful wife of 29 years, Nancy, raised their two sons here in Warwick. Thomas, the eldest, is a 4th-year medical student at NYCOM and younger son, Tyler is pursuing his Master’s Degree in Real Estate Development at Columbia. Nancy is a Director of Nursing at White Plains Hospital in Westchester.
Even when buying and selling his own homes throughout the years, Tom found that he really enjoyed the process – from obtaining financing to negotiating the best deals, and everything else involved. After retiring from teaching, Tom decided to turn his attention to real estate full time, motivated by a desire to help people sell their houses and find homes they’ll love in this community he knows so well. Tom, a well-respected teacher, and coach brings the same enthusiasm, dedication, and professionalism to his real estate career. His clients’ needs and desires come first, and his familiarity with Warwick and its many neighborhoods and villages is a real asset.
When asked why he chose to join the Green Team, Tom said that was easily answered in two words: “Geoff Green.” It seems that Tom coached Geoff some years ago and even then was impressed by the young man’s work ethic, perseverance, and leadership skills.
And, according to Geoff, “There might not be a better person to get into Real Estate in the Warwick NY market than Tom Folino. A true example of someone who has a huge network is extremely likable and always acts with integrity. What people might not know about him is that he is extremely diligent in his follow up and a very smart guy to boot. We are extremely blessed that Tom has decided to join our company.”
So, here we have it! The former coach and former player… together on the same winning team again.
Nancy Sardo wins Third Quarter Sales Leader Award
WARWICK – (November 1) The Green Team Home Selling System is located at 7 Main Street in the Village of Warwick.
Nancy Sardo is on a roll! The Green Team Home Selling System in Warwick, NY has announced that Nancy recently won the Third Quarter Sales Leader Award, after having won the award for the Second Quarter. When asked about her recent successes, Nancy makes it clear that she doesn’t want to talk about herself. “It’s not about me,” she says. “It’s about the support the Green Team offers. It’s about the most up-to-date marketing tools, resources and training sessions available to us. It’s about co-workers that form a very real team, always having your back and always being there to offer advice and support. But most of all, I am grateful to work with a Broker who does everything he can to help everyone, from newcomers to seasoned agents, build their businesses and achieve their goals. Geoff Green works tirelessly to provide us with the latest educational, technical and marketing tools we need to succeed. And he always makes himself available to answer questions, brainstorm problems, and encourage us to be the best we can in this business.”
According to Geoff Green, “Nancy Sardo is a true superstar. That pretty much says it all. Nancy has won her second (in a row) Quarterly Sales Leader Award. Nancy’s business is truly flying and quite frankly she is going to be hard to catch. I have never seen Nancy so focused and confident in her Real Estate Sales business. It’s fun to watch and to do all that we can to help her along.”
Nancy is an Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR), and has earned her Associate Broker’s License as well as Seniors Real Estate (SRES) designation. In addition to listing and selling homes throughout Orange County, Nancy is passionate about new construction and has helped many clients build their dream homes. Nancy, husband Denis and their two children make Warwick their home. For more information, visit the Green Team website for Nancy’s biography and current listings.
