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Introducing Nicole Albert
Meet Nicole Albert, Your Dedicated Real Estate Professional
Allow us to introduce Nicole Albert, a licensed real estate professional with a wealth of industry experience. She brings over two years of expertise as a real estate associate, complemented by an impressive 16+ years as a real estate investor.
A Journey Rooted in Real Estate
Nicole’s journey to becoming a real estate sales associate is both unique and inspirational. Before entering the real estate realm, she forged a successful path as a licensed Property and Casualty insurance agent, specializing in commercial insurance for businesses—a role she continues to excel in. Yet, despite her achievements in insurance, her true calling emerged through years of experience in real estate, including investing, purchasing, and selling properties.
She was inspired to channel her wealth of real estate knowledge and her eye for interior design into helping others fulfill their homeownership dreams. Nicole has a genuine passion for finding families their perfect homes, especially first-time buyers.
The Heart of a Rescuer
Nicole exemplifies a strong dedication to helping others in both her professional and personal life. Beyond the real estate arena, she is a passionate animal lover and actively involved in animal rescue efforts. Nicole volunteers with Ramapo Bergen Animal Refuge in Oakland, NJ, and supports Hounds in Pounds in Allendale, NJ. Showcasing her commitment to making a difference in the lives of animals in need.
Local Roots and a Vision for Success
Nicole has called Vernon her home for the past six years, embracing the serene beauty of Sussex County. Originally from Clifton, she spent almost 15 years in Fort Lee with her husband before deciding to move to this idyllic part of the state.
Why BHGRE Green Team?
What made Nicole decide to become a member of BHGRE Green Team? For Nicole, the choice was clear. She was drawn to the idea of having a strong support team by her side. The Green Team’s local presence and its welcoming and “homey” atmosphere were particularly appealing to her. Nicole was impressed by the passion she observed in the people she met here. Their dedication to real estate resonated with her, and she believed she could learn a great deal from their experience and expertise.
Bringing Dreams to Life, One Home at a Time
Nicole’s unique blend of experience, skills in interior design, and genuine love for helping people make her the ideal partner on your real estate journey. She sees potential in every home and is committed to finding your perfect match. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or an experienced investor, Nicole’s dedication and enthusiasm will guide you through the process. Ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience from start to finish.
Ready to turn your real estate dreams into reality? Contact Nicole Albert today and let her expertise and passion guide you to your dream home!
Charles Nagy and Ted Van Laar Have Reached the Cap!
Congratulations From Vikki Garby, President Of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Green Team, to Ted Van Laar and Charles Nagy for reaching the commission cap for Company Dollar Contribution in 2023!
“Ted & Charlie are the dynamic duo of the Green Team. They are truly a force to be reconned with. Their success this year is astounding and proof that their clients love them as much as we do. All we hear about is how the market is turning, yet these two have had one of their best years. Keep up the excellent work, Ted and Charlie. We’re so lucky to have you on our Green Team.”
-Vikki Garby
Ted and Charlie’s dedication to their clients and hard work have allowed them to reach the cap on their commission with BHGRE Green Team. This is an outstanding accomplishment and means they will now receive a 100% commission split on any deal they close during 2023.
“Hard work always gets the job done. The old expression “when the going gets tough, the tough get going” is the best way we can describe the reason for the success we have had. This year, the market has been a difficult one, but we were fortunate to overcome the obstacles it presented by sheer force and effort. There’s no magic, just hard work and tenacity to get the job done. ”
Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Green Team’s commission structure is undoubtedly one of the finest in the industry, but it doesn’t end there. Our lead generation platform, certified sales assistant program, and dynamic training systems are just a few other things worth mentioning.
Click here to learn more about Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Green Team and why you should join our team.
Congratulations, Ted and Charlie!
Jacqueline Kraszewski Celebrates 10 years with BHGRE Green Team!
Congratulations to Jacqueline (Jacque) Kraszewski on her 10-year anniversary with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Green Team!
Jacque is an amazing and hardworking realtor who is loved dearly by our team. Her dedication, passion, and tireless efforts have not only contributed to her success but to the success of BHGRE Green Team as a whole.
Over the past decade, Jacque has established herself as a trusted and respected real estate professional in the community. Her commitment to excellence, attention to detail, and outstanding customer service have helped countless clients find their dream homes.
We are truly grateful for Jacque’s contributions to BHGRE Green Team and the real estate industry. Her contagious enthusiasm and unwavering work ethic are truly inspiring.
Here’s to many more years of success, growth, and achievements for Jacque and BHGRE Green Team! Congratulations, Jacqueline!
A Majority of Consumers Say It’s a Good Time To Sell Your House
If you’re a homeowner thinking about selling your house, you’re probably looking for the best time to make your move. That means you’re likely balancing a number of factors, like your changing needs, where you’ll go when you sell, and today’s mortgage rates in order to time it just right.
According to recent data, that sweet spot could already be here. The latest Home Purchase Sentiment Index (HPSI) by Fannie Mae finds that 76% of consumers believe now is a good time to sell.
The graph below shows the percentage of survey respondents who say it’s a good time to sell a house. The big dip in March and April of 2020 reflects how consumer sentiment dropped at the beginning of the pandemic as uncertainty about the health crisis grew. Since then, the percentage has grown consistently as more people feel confident it’s a good time to sell.
In fact, survey respondents think it’s an even better time to sell a house today than they did in 2019, which was a strong year for the housing market. The latest survey results indicate one of the strongest peaks in seller sentiment in nearly three years (see graph below):
What Makes Today a Good Time To Sell?
One reason so many people think it’s a good time to sell is because there are still more buyers in today’s market than there are homes for sale. That’s driving home prices up, making it a good time to sell your house.
And if you’re on the fence about whether or not to sell because you don’t know where you’ll go once you do, know that you might have more options today than in previous months. That’s because the number of homes coming onto the market has grown each month since the start of the year. When more homes come onto the market, it gives you more opportunities to find one that meets your changing needs.
Bottom Line
While the number of homes available for sale is growing and giving you more options for your move, inventory is still low overall. That could mean it’s a great time for you to sell. If you’re ready to address your changing needs and take advantage of today’s favorable conditions, let’s connect.
Why You Need an Expert To Determine the Right Price for Your House
If your lifestyle has changed recently and you’re ready to make a move, taking advantage of today’s sellers’ market might be just the answer for your summer plans. With homes continuing to get multiple offers, this could be your moment to get the contract you’re looking for on your house if you’re ready to sell.
And here’s the thing – you need an expert on your side to ensure you make all the right moves when you do, especially when it comes to pricing your house. Even in this competitive market, you can’t stick just any price tag on your home and get the deal you want. A key piece of the puzzle is setting the right asking price so you can help buyers notice your home (and get excited about it) from the very first time they view the listing. That’s where a real estate professional comes in.
Why Pricing Your House Right Is Important
The price you set for your house sends a message to potential buyers. Price it too low and you might raise questions about your home’s condition or lead buyers to assume something is wrong with the property. Not to mention, if you undervalue your house, you could leave money on the table which decreases your future buying power.
On the other hand, price it too high, and you run the risk of deterring buyers. When that happens, you may have to do a price drop to try to re-ignite interest in your house when it sits on the market for a while. But be aware that a price drop can be seen as a red flag for some buyers who will wonder why the price was reduced and what that means about the home.
In other words, think of pricing your home as a target. Your goal is to aim directly for the center – not too high, not too low, but right at market value. Pricing your house fairly based on market conditions increases the chance you’ll have more buyers who are interested in purchasing it. That makes it more likely you’ll see multiple offers, too. And if a bidding war happens, you’ll likely get an even higher final sale price. Plus, when homes are priced right, they tend to sell quickly.
To get a look into the potential downsides of over or underpricing your house and the perks that come with pricing it at market value, see the chart below:
Lean on a Professional’s Expertise
There are several factors that go into pricing your house, and balancing them is the key. That’s why it’s important to lean on an expert real estate advisor when you’re ready to move. A local real estate advisor is knowledgeable about:
- The value of homes in your neighborhood
- The current demand for houses in today’s market
- The condition of your house and how it affects the value
A real estate professional will balance these factors to make sure the price of your house makes the best first impression and gives you the greatest return on your investment in the end.
Bottom Line
If you’re thinking about selling, pricing your house appropriately is key. Let’s connect to make sure your house is priced right for the local market, for your home’s condition, and to stand out from the competition.
Why Summer Is a Great Time To Buy a Vacation Home
You may be someone who looks forward to summer each year because it gives you an opportunity to rest, unwind, and enjoy more quality time with your loved ones. Now that summer is just around the corner, it’s worthwhile to start thinking about your plans and where you want to spend your vacations this year. Here are a few reasons a vacation home could be right for you.
Why You May Want To Consider a Vacation Home Today
Over the past two years, a lot has changed. You may be one of many people who now work from home and have added flexibility in where you live. You may also be someone who delayed trips for personal or health reasons. If either is true for you, there could be a unique opportunity to use the flexibility that comes with remote work or the money saved while not traveling to invest in your future by buying a vacation home.
Bankrate explains why a second home, or a vacation home, may be something worth considering:
“For those who are able, buying a second home is suddenly more appealing, as remote working became the norm for many professionals during the pandemic. Why not work from the place where you like to vacation — the place where you want to live?
If you don’t work remotely, a vacation home could still be at the top of your wish list if you have a favorite getaway spot that you visit often. It beats staying in a tiny hotel room or worrying about rental rates each time you want to take a trip.”
How a Professional Can Help You Find the Right One
So, if you’re looking for an oasis, you may be able to make it a second home rather than just the destination for a trip. If you could see yourself soaking up the sun in a vacation home, you may want to start your search. Summer is a popular time to buy vacation homes. By beginning the process now, you could get ahead of the competition.
The first step is working with a local real estate advisor who can help you find a home in your desired location. A professional has the knowledge and resources to help you understand the market, what homes are available and at what price points, and more. They can also walk you through all the perks of owning a second home and how it can benefit you.
A recent article from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), mentions some of the top reasons buyers today are looking into purchasing a second, or a vacation, home:
“According to Google’s data, the top reasons that homeowners cited for purchasing a second home were to diversify their investments, earn money renting, and use as a vacation home.”
If any of the reasons covered here resonate with you, connect with a real estate professional to learn more. They can give you expert advice based on what you need, your goals, and what you’re hoping to get out of your second home.
Bottom Line
Owning a vacation home is an investment in your future and your lifestyle. If this is one of your goals this year, you still have time to buy and enjoy spending the summer in your vacation home. When you’re ready to get started, let’s connect.
If You’re a Homeowner, You Have Incredible Leverage When You Sell Today
In today’s housing market, homeowners have a great opportunity to sell their house and receive the best terms for their personal situation. That’s because there’s a limited number of homes for sale, which is creating competition among buyers. Right now, homebuyers want three things:
- To be the winning bid on their dream home
- To buy before mortgage rates rise more
- To buy before home prices go even higher
These buyer needs give you an amazing advantage – also known as leverage – when you sell.
What Does This Mean for Sellers Today?
You might already realize this enables you to sell at a good price, but you’re also in a great position to get the best terms to suit your needs.
According to the latest Realtors Confidence Index from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the average home sold is receiving 4.8 offers. That’s why there’s a good chance you’ll get offers from multiple buyers who are willing to compete for your house. When you do, you should look closely at the terms of each offer to find out which one has the best options for you.
And if you have questions at any point in the process, remember your trusted real estate advisor can help. They’re experts who understand the fine print, know how to compare the terms of various offers, and will help you select the best one for your situation.
Bottom Line
If you’re thinking of selling your home, know buyer demand in today’s market gives you a great opportunity to get the best terms and price when you sell your house. Let’s connect today to discuss how much leverage you have as a seller in today’s market.
Should You Update Your House Before Selling? Ask a Real Estate Professional. [INFOGRAPHIC]
![Should You Update Your House Before Selling? Ask a Real Estate Professional. [INFOGRAPHIC] | MyKCM](https://files.mykcm.com/2022/05/11144408/20220513-MEM-1046x2120.png)
Some Highlights
- If you’re deciding whether you should make updates before you sell your house, lean on your trusted real estate advisor to be your guide.
- In today’s sellers’ market, buyers have limited options and may be more willing to take on repairs themselves.
- If you’re thinking about selling your house, let’s connect so you have expert advice that’s customized to your home and our local area.
Give Your Curb Appeal a Boost Before You Sell [INFOGRAPHIC]
![Give Your Curb Appeal a Boost Before You Sell [INFOGRAPHIC] | MyKCM](https://files.mykcm.com/2022/04/26113243/20220429-MEM-1046x2160.png)
Some Highlights
- If you’re thinking about selling your house this season, focusing on a few quick and easy updates outside can help your home look its best.
- 78% of real estate agents polled say poor landscaping affects property values. As a seller, that means your yard could impact your bottom line.
- When getting your house ready to sell, let’s connect to discuss what you should do to make sure your house shows well and catches the eyes of more potential buyers.
How Homeownership Can Help Shield You from Inflation
If you’re following along with the news today, you’ve likely heard about rising inflation. You’re also likely feeling the impact in your day-to-day life as prices go up for gas, groceries, and more. These rising consumer costs can put a pinch on your wallet and make you re-evaluate any big purchases you have planned to ensure they’re still worthwhile.
If you’ve been thinking about purchasing a home this year, you’re probably wondering if you should continue down that path or if it makes more sense to wait. While the answer depends on your situation, here’s how homeownership can help you combat the rising costs that come with inflation.
Homeownership Offers Stability and Security
Investopedia explains that during a period of high inflation, prices rise across the board. That’s true for things like food, entertainment, and other goods and services, even housing. Both rental prices and home prices are on the rise. So, as a buyer, how can you protect yourself from increasing costs? The answer lies in homeownership.
Buying a home allows you to stabilize what’s typically your biggest monthly expense: your housing cost. If you get a fixed-rate mortgage on your home, you lock in your monthly payment for the duration of your loan, often 15 to 30 years. James Royal, Senior Wealth Management Reporter at Bankrate, says:
“A fixed-rate mortgage allows you to maintain the biggest portion of housing expenses at the same payment. Sure, property taxes will rise and other expenses may creep up, but your monthly housing payment remains the same.”
So even if other prices rise, your housing payment will be a reliable amount that can help keep your budget in check. If you rent, you don’t have that same benefit, and you won’t be protected from rising housing costs.
Use Home Price Appreciation to Your Benefit
While it’s true rising mortgage rates and home prices mean buying a house today costs more than it did a year ago, you still have an opportunity to set yourself up for a long-term win. Buying now lets you lock in at today’s rates and prices before both climb higher.
In inflationary times, it’s especially important to invest your money in an asset that traditionally holds or grows in value. The graph below shows how home price appreciation outperformed inflation in most decades going all the way back to the seventies – making homeownership a historically strong hedge against inflation (see graph below):
So, what does that mean for you? Today, experts say home prices will only go up from here thanks to the ongoing imbalance in supply and demand. Once you buy a house, any home price appreciation that does occur will be good for your equity and your net worth. And since homes are typically assets that grow in value (even in inflationary times), you have peace of mind that history shows your investment is a strong one.
Bottom Line
If you’re ready to buy a home, it may make sense to move forward with your plans despite rising inflation. If you want expert advice on your specific situation and how to time your purchase, let’s connect.
