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Agent Spotlight Thomas Folino
A little about Tom…
From a young age, Tom combined his love for community and sports by coaching teams in Little League Baseball, the Youth Recreation Soccer program, and the Youth Basketball League. For the past 14 years, Tom has run a summer basketball camp. In addition, he was the founder and director of the Warwick AAU Basketball program. It is also no surprise that Tom chose to teach in the Warwick Valley Central School District, where he was highly respected as both a teacher and coach. He was the Boys Varsity Basketball Head Coach for 20 years, and the Boys Varsity Golf Head Coach.
Tom’s interest in real estate came from his own personal experiences. When buying and selling his own homes throughout the years, Tom found that he actually enjoyed the process – from obtaining financing to negotiating the best deals, and everything else involved! After retiring from teaching, Tom decided to pursue real estate full time, motivated by a desire to help people sell their houses and find homes they’d love within this community he knows so well. From his long and distinguished career in Education, he brings the same enthusiasm, dedication, and professionalism to his real estate career. His main goal is to place his clients’ needs and desires first. And his first-hand knowledge of the importance of a quality school system to a community, as well as his knowledge of Warwick and its many neighborhoods and villages, are definite assets.
Before entering the real estate profession, what did you do?
How and why did you become a real estate agent?
What do you like best about being a real estate agent?
What do you like least about being a real estate agent?
What was your most memorable/unusual real estate transaction?
What is it like being part of the Green Team?
How would family and friends describe you?
What is your proudest accomplishment?
What does “home” mean to you?
What advice would you give to someone thinking about selling their home?
What advice would you give to someone thinking about buying a home?
What advice would you give to your younger self?
2021 Summer Social
Green Team Summer Social – A Time to Celebrate
It’s been a while since our Green Team family has been able to be together. The 2020 Green Team Summer Social was canceled due to the pandemic. The annual Awards Ceremony took place on Zoom. COVID-19 has had the world adjusting to a new normal. In addition to the physical effects of COVID-19, many small businesses and industries have been impacted negatively. However, the impact on the real estate market was just the opposite. Sheltering-in-place led many to reconsider what their needs were in terms of home. Remote learning, remote working, and the need for privacy as well as communal space had many urban dwellers seeking homes that would accommodate their needs. Many decided to move to suburban and rural areas, including here in Orange and Sussex Counties. Despite all of the regulations and restrictions governing the real estate industry in New York and New Jersey, business was booming and our Green Team sales associates rose to the challenges.
Now, it is a time to come together once again as the Green Team Family. On July 24 at 4 p.m. we’re gathering at beautiful Spring Brook Farm in Warwick, NY. We’ll have a chance to reconnect with colleagues and meet new members of the Green Team family, as well as some of our sponsors. Of course, we’ll get to meet their family members, too! There will be lots of food, and games, as well as fun with a purpose.
Team Up for Hope with us!
For those of you not familiar with Team Up for Hope, it is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization created by Geoff Green and Amy Green. It is an all-volunteer organization with a team of Green Team Sales Associates and staff lending their time, efforts, ideas, and passion for its mission. TUH seeks to address the impact of mental illness, drug use, and suicide in our communities. We do that by raising funds for and awareness of the local non-profit organizations at the forefront of these crises. However, we also want to do our part in ending the stigma that goes along with mental health diagnoses, drug use, and suicide. We do this by collaborating with experts from organizations and private practice who share their knowledge and expertise through the webinars we produce.
The 2021 Summer Social is also a fundraiser for Team Up for Hope. There will be a 50/50 raffle – and the winner must take the cash! We’ll have t-shirts for sale. Perhaps best of all, there will be a dunk tank. And, Geoff Green has graciously volunteered to be dunked to raise money for Team Up for Hope. We’ll have representatives from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Orange and Sussex County affiliates, who will talk to us about the important work being done by their organizations. Daniel McQuade, local artist, sculptor, photographer, and mental health advocate will also be joining us. Donations to Team Up for Hope are distributed to NAMI Orange and NAMI Sussex, as well as to other local organizations. So, come prepared, cash in hand, to support Team Up for Hope.
Thanks to our Sponsors
We would not be able to do events like the Green Team Summer Social without the generous support of our sponsors. They are:
Diamond Sponsor ($1,000 level)
Platinum Sponsors ($500 level)
Gold Sponsors ($250 level)
- VHT Studios
- Iron Mountain Home Inspections LLC
- Road Trip RV Service LLC
- Law Office of Gary S. Goldstein, Esq.
- The Stage Law Firm
And thank you to the local vendors
It’s important to us to utilize the services of local businesses and vendors whenever possible. These are some of the vendors that we’re working with to make the Summer Social a big success:
- Country Courtesy Caterers
- A&T’s House of Bounce
- Orange County Party Rentals
- Warwick Press
- Peck’s Wine & Spirits
Check back with us for our Summer Social Recap
We’ll have photos, stories, and a grand total of the amount raised for Team Up for Hope.
We’ll see you on July 24th!
Terry Gavan Earns SRS Designation
Terry Gavan of Green Team New York Realty earns her SRS (Seller Representative Specialist) Designation.
The SRS Designation ensures that the agent understands and applies methods, tools, and techniques to provide support and services that sellers want and need. Essentially, the SRS Designation provides a comprehensive foundation of skill development, training, and resources. Therefore, real estate professionals can better represent the interests of sellers in today’s marketplace. In addition, understanding, and compliance with state license laws when representing sellers is part of the SRS Designation.
Years of Experience
While living in Manhattan, Terry studied real estate appraisal at New York University and managed an International real estate appraisal firm. Then, in 1986, Terry, her husband Roger, and her son Sean moved to Warwick. She started her own company and served as co-owner and principal broker for 18 years. After selling the firm’s office and property, Terry joined Green Team as an Associate Broker. She focuses most of her energy on real estate. Terry has extensive knowledge of Orange County, and particularly Warwick and the surrounding communities. This knowledge is an asset to her clients, both buyers, and sellers. Add to this the SRS Designation, along with GRI (Graduate of the Real Estate Institute), SRES (Senior Real Estate Specialist), and numerous other awards and certifications.
Terry Gavan has the winning combination of experience, continuing knowledge, and love for her community.
A Commitment to Community
Terry finds ways to give back to the community she loves. Over the years, she has served as Vice President, then President of the St. Anthony Community Hospital Auxiliary (SACHA). In addition, she is one of the founding Trustees of the St. Stephens-St. Edwards Educational Trust. She has played a key role in its advancement for over 25 years. Furthermore, she has served as a member of the Winslow Therapeutic Center Fundraiser Committee.
According to Geoff Green, President of Green Team Realty,
“Terry’s commitment to learning is on display with this newest designation she has earned. Very few Realtors who are in the business for over 30 years show such a commitment to learning. Great job Terry!”
Three GTNYR Realtors among Hudson Valley’s Best Real Estate Agents in 2021
HVMag publishes its list of the Hudson Valley’s Best Real Estate Agents in 2021
The title in Hudson Valley Magazine says it all. Meet the Hudson Valley’s Best Real Estate Agents in 2021. Included in the directory are Associate Brokers Jennifer DiCostanzo, Dean Diltz, and Nancy Sardo. With only seven Warwick real estate agents listed in the directory, this is quite an accomplishment.
Methodology
Last year, Hudson Valley Magazine published its first Real Estate All-Stars directory.
Now in the directory’s second year, Hudson Valley Magazine states:
“We’ve heard it time and time again: Demand is high and inventory is low. Buyers need help finding their dream home and sellers need advice on getting the most for their property. Enter real estate agents. To identify the top real estate agents in the Hudson Valley, we enlisted DataJoe Research, whose research is a robust process that factors in sales volume (Oct 1, 2019–Oct. 1, 2020), peer nomination, consumer nomination, license/discipline status, and other factors. Agents are listed alphabetically by county.”
About Jennifer DiCostanzo
Jennifer DiCostanzo is ranked #13 in Orange County, in the top 1% of real estate sales in the county. She has been the yearly Green Team New York Realty sales leader for the past 5 years. In addition, she was the first sales associate to receive the MVP Circle Award for over $10 Million in sales. In fact, this is her third time receiving this award. Jen has also been a three-time Citizen of the Year award winner. This is Jen’s second year as a Real Estate All-Star. She is an Accredited Buyer’s Representative, as well as Sales Representative Specialist, Pricing Strategy Advisor, and Seniors Real Estate Specialist.
About Dean Diltz
Dean Diltz is a Green Team President’s Club award-winner (sales between $5 and $10 Million) for the third straight year. In 2020, he was one of the Top 3 producing agents at Green Team New York Realty, as well as a Hudson Valley Magazine Real Estate All-Star selection for the second straight year (awarded to the Top 1% of all agents in this 8-county region).
About Nancy Sardo
Nancy Sardo is a two-time Green Team Realty Presidents Club Award Winner. In 2020 she achieved $10.4 Million in sales volume and joined Green Team’s MVP Circle. She is in the top 1.5% of all agents in Orange County for 2020. Nancy is a new construction specialist, as well as Accredited Buyer’s Representative and Seniors Real Estate Specialist.
Green Team Realty 2020 Sales Awards
Geoff Green, President, welcomed everyone to the Green Team Realty 2020 Sales Awards. Normally, the annual sales award event is held at the Warwick Valley Country Club, with a band or D.J., plenty of food and drink, and lots of good spirits and comradery. However, the pandemic has required creative alternatives. Therefore, Geoff and Green Team Marketing Director Andrew Clough decided to put together an event on Zoom. The Awards Ceremony was divided into three webinars, with Sales Awards being the first, on February 10. The following night celebrated the Team Player and CItizen of the Year Award Winners. Finally, on February 12, Geoff announced the recipient of the Momentum Builder Award.
Geoff shared his appreciation for Green Team sales associates, as well as one of his favorite quotes:
“Great salespeople are relationship builders who provide value and help their customers win.” Jeffrey Gitomer
2020 was a challenging year for all, but Green Team sales associates faced some unique situations. As independent contractors, they do not receive salaries or benefits, such as health insurance. Further, they have had to adapt to ever-changing state restrictions and regulations on the real estate industry. As the pandemic wore on, many city-dwellers decided to move to suburban and rural areas, including Orange and Sussex Counties. Sales associates had to adjust to different ways of helping clients buy or sell homes while making sure that everyone stayed safe. Many of our sales associates rose to the occasion, and we honor them here.
The MVP Circle Award
This year four sales associates became members of the MVP Circle, each achieving over $10+ Million in sales volume.
Keren Gonen is in the top 20 of all agents in Sussex County, with $17.8 Million in sales in 2020. She is a three-time Citizen of the Year award winner, as well as 2017 Team Player award winner.
Jennifer DiCostanzo is ranked #13 in Orange County. She has been the yearly sales leader for the past 5 years. In addition, she was the first sales associate to receive the MVP Circle Award. In fact, this is her third time receiving this award. Jen has also been a three-time Citizen of the Year award winner.
Kristi Anderson joined Green Team New Jersey Realty in 2019. She became a Captains Club award winner in 2019. Now, with $10.8 Million in sales, she is in the top 1.7% of all agents in Sussex County for 2020.
Nancy Sardo joined the Green Team in 2015. She is a two-time Presidents Club Award Winner. With $10.4 Million in sales volume for 2020, she is in the top 1.5% of all agents in Orange County for that year.
Presidents Club Awards
This award was given to those who had a sales volume of $5 to $10 Million in calendar year 2020.
The following sales associates from Green Team New York Realty achieved Presidents Club: Dean Diltz, Tammy Scotto, Vikki Garby, and Tiffany Megna. Nikki Grzegorzewski joined Green Team in 2020. With $6.2 Million in sales volume, she is in the top 4% of all agents in Orange County.
The following sales associates from Green Team New Jersey Realty achieved Presidents Club: Theodore Van Laar, Charles Nagy, Barbara Tesa, and Alison Miller.
Captains Club Awards
This award was given to those who had a sales volume of $3 to $5 Million in calendar year 2020.
The following sales associates from Green Team New York Realty achieved Captains Club: Carol Buchanan, Kristine “Krissy” Many, Terry Gavan, Tom Folino, Karen Gauvin, Kim Lesley, Lucyann Tinnirello, and Pip “Julie” Klein.
The following sales associates from Green Team New Jersey Realty achieved Captains Club: Kimberly Lasalandra, Pamela Zachowski, and Camilia “Cami” Cielo.
Honorable Mention Awards
This award was given to those who had a sales volume of $1.5 to $3 Million in calendar year 2020.
The following sales associates from Green Team New York Realty achieved Honorable Mention: Chris Kimiecik, Mary Pearsall, Angela Murphy, Guillermina “Gidget” Tavares, Dana Green, Toni Vogel, Kathleen Eubanks, Cara Dumond, and Toni Kreusch
The following sales associates from Green Team New Jersey Realty achieved Honorable Mention: Catherine L. Johnson-Witte, Heidi Hyland, and Yvette Saldana.
3rd Quarter 2020 Sales Leaders
Congratulations from Geoff Green, President of Green Team Realty, to our 3rd Quarter Sales Leaders
3rd Quarter 2020 Sales Leaders for Green Team Realty have been announced. They are Jennifer DiCostanco for Green Team New York Realty and Keren Gonen of Green Team New Jersey Realty.
“Jennifer and Keren – Two big names in the Orange & Sussex County Real Estate business. It’s not easy to be the third quarter sales leader because it’s the biggest production quarter of the year for Realtors. Those who place the highest in Q3 are usually the annual winners as well. Both Jennifer and Keren are perennial All Stars in this industry and for good reason. They both work extremely hard in and on their businesses, and they both have exceptional reputations with their clients. Congratulations to both ladies and I have to say that I won’t be one bit surprised to see both of them do it again year after year.”
Jennifer DiCostanzo, Green Team New York Realty
This is not the first Sales Leader Award for Jennifer DiCostanzo. She has been the Yearly Sales Leader since joining Green Team in 2015. In addition, she was 1st Quarter Sales Leader for 2020. Jen received the MVP Award in 2017 for more than $10 Million in sales. In 2019 she received that award for more than $12 Million in sales. She attributes her success to steadfast dedication to each of her clients. Furthermore, she has a plethora of knowledge and experience which is evident in each transaction and results in creating strategic approaches and facilitating solutions. Jen had this to say about achieving 3rd Quarter Sales Leader:
“Thank you to my clients and colleagues. We adapted to covid protocols and worked together safely during the strongest sales quarter of the year, during pandemic times.”
Keren Gonen, Green Team New Jersey Realty
This is not Keren Gonen‘s first time as a Sales Leader, either. This is her fourth time as Quarterly Sales Leader. Most recently, she was named Sales Leader for the 2nd Quarter of 2020. And in 2017, the year Keren started at Green Team New Jersey Realty, she was Yearly Sales Leader.
Keren said the following about her latest achievement:
“I was given this opportunity to say a few words about this achievement and although I am grateful for being in this place, at this time, I would like to say the following: I know how scary this time is for all of us. America is in turmoil, due to Corona, The Elections, The Economy, Our rights and Freedom and so much more. It is this uncertainty, now more than ever, that reminds us that our safe haven is our HOME. This is the reason for the spike in sales in Real Estate. We all want to feel SAFE. It is now, more than ever, that we look inside our homes and our hearts and decide what is important and what is not. It is now that we must all come together, not fall farther apart. To those who have chosen me as the one to accompany them on this journey, I am grateful. I hope that I have made, at least in part, your need to relocate a bit easier, a bit less stressful, and that I contributed some peace in these difficult times. For all of that, I am grateful.”
September 2020 Housing Market Update
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[et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text”]Geoff Green, President of Green Team Realty, welcomed everyone to the September 2020 Housing Market Update. The webinar, held on Tuesday, September 15 at 2 p.m., examined the housing market on both national and local levels. Discussion included the impact of various economic factors resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.
If you missed the webinar or would like to view it again, it is available here.
Meet the Panel
September Housing Market Update panelists were Kristi Anderson and Keren Gonen of Green Team New Jersey Realty. They shared their knowledge and expertise in the Vernon and Sussex County, New Jersey markets. Carol Buchanan, Green Team New York Realty, shared her experiences with the Warwick, Orange County, New York markets. In addition, our guest panelist was Michael Giannetto of Cross Country Mortgage. Michael shared his expertise on the
First, here are some stats on the national and local markets, presented by Geoff.
We’re Up, Up, and Away
July marked ten straight months of year-over-year gains in price. In addition, we have first time ever, national median home prices breaching the $300,000 level. With the easing of lock-down regulations, showing traffic is now way up, year over year. Mortgage applications, year-over-year, are also popping. Realtor.com’s chief economist says that inventory is down 38%.
Demand is way up, supply is way down
Builder confidence is also growing. It tied its highest reading in NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market index’s 35-year history. However, lumber prices have more than doubled since mid-April. The pricing of lumber should come back down, based on supply issues as opposed to supply and demand.
Housing affordability
The housing market is about affordability as opposed to just pricing. While prices continue to go up, mortgage rates have been going down. Thus, lower mortgage rates make buying a home more affordable.
Learn more, watch the webinar
Watch Geoff’s full presentation on national and local economic and real estate trends. In addition, hear our expert panel discuss their experiences in this market. Click here to view the webinar.
Furthermore, compare prior stats. Click here for the July 2020 Housing Market Update.
“Housekeeping” Items
Contact our Panelists
Join us on Tuesday, October 20 at 2 p.m.
Sign up for updates now at GreenTeamRealty.com/HMU
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