3rd Quarter 2021 Sales Leaders
Green Team Realty has announced its 3rd Quarter Sales Leaders. Jennifer DiCostanzo is the 3rd Quarter 2021 sales leader for Green Team New York Realty. Kim Lasalandra was in second place, followed by Nikki Grzegorzewski. Keren Gonen is the 3rd Quarter Sales Leader for Green Team New Jersey Realty. Kristi Anderson was in second place, followed by Alison Miller.
Jennifer DiCostanzo and Keren Gonen are no strangers to achieving quarterly and yearly sales leader status.
Jennifer DiCostanzo
Jen has been the yearly sales leader every year since joining Green Team New York Realty in 2016. In addition, she became the first Green Team Agent to receive the MVP award. In fact, Jen has achieved MVP status 3 times to date. However, she surpassed even these achievements, with a sales volume for the 3rd Quarter with over 10 Million dollars Therefore, It’s not surprising that Jen was among the top 1% of selling agents in Orange County for 2020.
“The ability to provide a targeted approach, with strategic planning and pricing in this pandemic-driven market, was essential. To best serve my clients, customizing a comprehensive and intuitive approach yields extraordinary results. While there have been many challenges due to the pandemic, being astute at providing solutions and transparency is a vital key factor, Facilitating a seamless transaction is part of what I love about this business.”
Jen is a Sales Representative Specialist and Accredited Buyer’s Representative. In addition, she has achieved Pricing Strategy Advisor and Seniors Real Estate Specialist designations. Further, Jen has been named a Real Estate All-Star by Hudson Valley Magazine for 2 consecutive years.
According to Geoff Green, President of Green Team Realty,
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.
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.”
Are NYC residents moving to the suburbs?
Are people really leaving NYC for the suburbs?
Are NYC residents moving to the suburbs? Statistics show how Covid-19 has devastated New York City. The number of people with COVID-19 and the number of deaths is staggering. Social distancing is difficult. There is no doubt that crowded streets, elevators, and often apartments are not conducive to sheltering-in-place. So, are people really leaving NYC for the suburbs?
According to both local and national news sources, the answer is a resounding “YES!” The headlines tell the story.
National Media
USA Today‘s headline screams, “Get me out of here! Americans flee crowded cities amid Covid-19, consider permanent moves.” According to that article, nearly one-third of Americans are considering moving to less densely populated areas because of Covid-19. On May 8 the New York Times described this phenomenon in “Coronavirus Escape: To the Suburbs.” Then, on May 16 they published “Where New Yorkers Moved to Escape Coronavirus.” According to CNBC, Wealthy New Yorkers flee Manhattan for suburbs and beyond.
Local Media
Locally, radio station 101.5 WPDH posted two blogs on this subject. The first, “NYC Residents Expected to Move to Hudson Valley in Droves.” And “Sellers market driving Hudson Valley Home Prices Way Up.” Additionally, Straus News just published the following story in all its local papers for Orange County NY, and Sussex County NJ: “Pandemic-driven house frenzy hits local towns.”
Green Team Realty Sales Associates: Are they seeing NYC residents moving to the suburbs?
Current real estate market conditions and economic trends were major points of discussion during Green Team Realty’s monthly Housing Market Update. We asked several sales associates if they are seeing NYC residents moving to the suburbs as a result of COVID-19.
Green Team New York Realty – Warwick and Orange County, New York
Angela Murphy, Real Estate Salesperson, and Business Development Associate,
I have seen a rise of new buyers coming from all 5 boroughs of the city. Most of my clients want municipals verses septic, well or oil tanks, which has opened up many areas to view in Orange County. The pandemic has definitely pushed them to head north quicker than they might have, otherwise.
Nancy Sardo, Associate Real Estate Broker
I am seeing an influx of highly qualified tenants as well as an above-average amount of new buyers ready to move quicker than before. We are seeing many more cash buyers, many more full-price offers with less negotiation from a smart buyer. Experienced buyers to the area are more willing to do some elbow grease in order not to hiccup on the deal. Otherwise, they risk the seller moving onto the backup offer. Buyers and people, in general, are serious about the betterment of their surroundings. And, with what we are currently going through, they are now more apt to pay for it. We are in a seller’s market and here in Warwick NY and Orange County on a whole, there is an exaggerated upswing of interest in our beautiful Hudson Valley.
Jennifer DiCostanzo, Associate Broker
Interest is trending with buyers looking for a home that meets their needs both for lifestyle and working from home. They like the idea of self-sufficient living. Being just 60 miles from NYC makes the lower Hudson Valley, with its pricepoint, very attractive for primary and secondary homes. Everyone is coming to a realization that home has to meet both work and leisure needs. Also desired are adaptable living spaces. Living through this pandemic has redefined the concept of home for many people. Outdoor space has become a luxury, particularly for City dwellers. However, it’s not just City dwellers who are redefining what “home” means. There are local buyers who are also looking for that change in lifestyle, space and function.
Green Team New Jersey Realty – Vernon and Sussex County, New Jersey
Kristi Anderson, Realtor
I think that many buyers are coming to the Sussex area because we have had much fewer cases of COVID-19 up here. Most of my clients are buying second homes.
Keren Gonen, Real Estate Salesperson
I am seeing a LOT of NYC buyers. They are CASH mostly and looking to run away. Some are buying a second home, but plenty are moving in this direction to get away from the City completely and realizing the advantages of living in “The Country.” Those buyers have a much larger budget than our “usual” buyers and are looking for updated houses mostly. They are ready, willing, able and QUALIFIED buyers. They are all mesmerized by our charm here in Sussex county.
After months of sheltering in place, many people are reexamining their concept of the ideal home. This pandemic has shown us that we can’t take for granted life as usual. New York City has undergone a drastic transformation. That ideal City life is on pause. Broadway shows, restaurants, boutiques, department stores, museums, vibrant nightlife, closed, Families living in cramped apartments, worried about catching the virus, long for privacy, more room, areas to work, and space for the kids. Furthermore, they’re looking for outdoor living space. And approximately 60 miles away is the beautiful countryside of Orange and Sussex Counties.
NYC residents are looking for homes that provide lots of room for their family’s needs, including work from home space. Covid-19 has shown us the possibilities that exist in telecommuting. People and businesses are realizing that it may not be necessary for people to go to the office every day. As noted above, there are also people looking for second homes, so that they have someplace to “escape” to, should another shelter-in-place be required. Even in a seller’s market, they know they can get more house for their money here. Finally, there are unique hamlets, villages, and towns that offer lifestyles and qualities that people have decided are just what they need in this day and age.
Green Team Realty Third Quarter 2019 Sales Leaders
Congratulations from Geoff Green, President of Green Team Realty, to our Third Quarter 2019 Sales Leaders
Congratulations to Jennifer DiCostanzo of Green Team New York Realty and the dynamic team of Charlie Nagy and Ted Van Laar of Green Team New Jersey Realty for taking first prize as our third quarter sales leaders. It’s no secret that Q3 is the biggest quarter of the year in our industry. Therefore, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that we’re seeing these three names at the top once again. The truth is, behind the accolades there is a lot of hard work. All three of these individuals work tirelessly to yield the results they do. So, keep up the great work everyone!
Jennifer DiCostanzo, Warwick
For this hard working Associate Broker, success is not measured by sales numbers alone. Rather, Jen views true success by the clients she’s helped and the satisfaction she gets from doing her best at something she loves. She is constantly striving to enhance her knowledge and skills so that she can provide her clients with an edge in this competitive market.. Jen has earned her Seller Representative Specialist (“SRS”) and Accredited Buyer’s Representation (“ABR”) Designations. In 2016, 2017 and 2018, she received the annual Sales Leader Award as well as the Citizenship award. Further, in 2017 she became the first recipient of the Green Team MVP Award for over $10 Million in sales. Jen is a member of the NYS Association of Realtors, the Hudson Gateway Association of Realtors, the National Association of Realtors, and the Warwick Chamber of Commerce. In addition, as a Warwick resident married to a NYC firefighter, she understands the needs of commuters and has helped many buyers relocate to Orange County.
Charles Nagy and Theodore Van Laar, Vernon
In addition to this Q3 Award, the team of Charles Nagy and Theodore Van Laar earned Green Team New Jersey Realty’s 1st Quarter Sales Leader Award for 2019. That follows their 4th Quarter and Yearly Sales Leader Awards for 2018. The Dynamic Duo, as Geoff Green affectionately calls them, are equity partners in the brokerage. And they are committed to leading by example. They are strong believers in the Green Team’s unique system of training and support which gives sales associates the tools to provide the best possible customer service and experience. Charlie and Ted come from diverse backgrounds in real estate. Yet together they form a productive, successful team. One bond that unites them is their love of resort properties and living. They have been recipients of the Circle of Excellence Award multiple times between 2014 and 2018. That Award requires minimum sales of $2.5 Million and 15 transactions to qualify. In addition, they were Second Quarter Sales Leaders at Green Team New Jersey Realty for both 2017 and 2018.. And in 2018 they became part of the Green Team’s President’s Club, which honors those associates with $5 to $10 Million in sales volume.
Charlie and Ted are proud of Green Team New Jersey Realty’s growth and achievements. After only two years in business, GTNJR owns their own office building and ended 2018 as the #1 firm in sales volume and transactions in all of Vernon, NJ. They also take pride in the team they are building.
Congratulations to our 2nd and 3rd Place Winners
Green Team New York Realty: Toni Vogel is our second place Q3 Sales Leader, with Nancy Sardo in third place.
Green Team New Jersey Realty: Kristi Anderson is second place Q3 Leader, with Alison Miller in third place.
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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Staging Your Home to Sell
The prospect of staging their home for sale gives some clients “stage fright.” They don’t want to take down their family photos and collectibles. Moreover, they feel their home looks great the way it is and that will help the sale!
How Staging Can Help Sell Your Home
Home staging is a vital step that should not be overlooked or dismissed in the preliminary discussions of getting ready to sell. However, there are different “Stages” of Staging that will ultimately give your home “High Octane” power when entering the market. Showcasing targeted areas, giving attention to WOW factors, are key components. Your realtor will strategically guide you for your grand debut to the market.
A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words
Staging has become the new norm that will warrant interest and offers from buyers in short time. Remember, the goal in selling your home is to get the highest value the market will support in the least amount of time. Buyers expect to see their lifestyle fit in your home. It’s no longer just for high-end custom properties. Its purpose is to capture positive attention and leave an impression on the market. Buyers see first with their eyes. Then their heart, followed by an offer. You only get one chance at a first impression- make it worthwhile for you!
The Importance of De-Cluttering
Your home, once entered into the MLS, will be seen on the largest of online platforms. A “Show ready” home is well worth a few revisions. Enhance your home by painting to balance tones and freshen. Then put away any and all personal collections and the family photos. De-clutter, de-clutter, and de-clutter are the simplest things to do, yet among the most important, and will have a big impact when your home is professionally photographed.
Keep in mind, putting these items away is just temporary and also provides added privacy when opening your home to buyers and viewers, both online and in person. Focus all your attention on the house .. and NOT what’s in it! You want prospective buyers to leave your home excited and envisioning their needs and lifestyle, not wondering if they know you or your family from the photos displayed or distracted by the elaborate collection of vintage dolls or sports memorabilia.
So no need for stage fright. Put away those photos and priceless collectibles. If you follow these simple steps you’ll be looking forward to a great opening of your very own show-ing!
Keren Gonen has been working hard, and it shows. She has been the quarterly sales leader for Green Team New Jersey Realty for the first, second, and third quarters of 2021. Keren joined Green Team in 2017 and became Yearly Sales Leader for that year. Subsequently, she earned that title again for 2020. In addition, Keren received the NJ Realtors® Gold Circle of Excellence Award, a Green Team MVP Award, and was in the top 20 of all agents in Sussex County.
According to Geoff Green,