Agency News and Awards June 7, 2021

Krissy Many Receives Broker’s License

Why pursue a broker’s license?

The exam to become a broker is lengthy and requires in-depth knowledge about real estate. It is undoubtedly more difficult than the exam needed to become a real estate agent. So, why did Krissy Many pursue this achievement?  Her answer in a word is “Knowledge.”
She goes on to explain, “Covid-19 brought many changes and uncertainties. I felt this was the perfect time to expand my knowledge and increase my education by pursuing a broker license.  Although I prefer an “in classroom” experience, I had no choice but to attend class “online.”.  The additional 45 hours of training took more commitment and determination on my part in the virtual learning method. However, it was important to me and it made me carve out time to dedicate to obtaining this goal of mine.    This achievement was a personal goal I had set for myself when I became a full-time realtor in 2015. As a top producer, ranking in the top 10 the last few years, I felt it was my responsibility to always be learning and improving my craft to better serve my clients.  So, knowledge and experience are the benefits that I will be able to offer my clients.  I never considered myself a salesperson, but identified more as a consultant.  This new achievement was a natural progression in my business.  I love what I do and I look forward to helping families and investors achieve their real estate goals.
Krissy also has the following designations:
  • Commercial & Investment Real Estate (CIREC) Certification’
  • Military Relocation Professional (MRP) Certification; and
  • Pricing Strategy Advisor (PSA) Certification

Becoming a Real Estate Broker

The New York State Division of Licensing Services states that certain qualifications must be met. First, an applicant must have at least two years of experience as a licensed real estate salesperson. In addition, the applicant must have successfully completed the 75-hour qualifying salesperson course. The final step is completion of the addition 45-hour real estate broker course, as approved by the Secretary of State. According to Geoff Green, President of Green Team Realty,

“This is a step in the right direction for Krissy as she is a leader in this industry.  Her continued desire to advance her career in the Real Estate Industry is commendable”

Agency News and Awards June 5, 2021

Edward Sattler Earns NAR’s Green Designation

Photo: Edward Sattler displays his NAR GREEN certificate with Lucyann Tinnirello, Green Team Associate Broker/Manager
Edward Sattler was awarded an NYS Real Estate Education Foundation (NYSREEF) Scholarship at the end of 2020. The program’s goal is to enhance clients’ real estate transaction experience. Accordingly, scholarships for high-level, national designation courses foster greater knowledge and professionalism among REALTORS®.

 

Ed used the scholarship to earn NAR’s GREEN Designation. It is designed for agents who want to learn about issues of energy efficiency and sustainability in real estate. Therefore, the course provides a comprehensive understanding of homes with green features.

 

A lifetime of environmental study – as both student and teacher

This designation is a continuation of Ed’s interest in and study of environmental issues. He graduated magna cum laude with a B.S. in biology from Iona College. Ed then went on to earn his MS in zoology from Rutgers University.  He taught sciences for 30 years at Warwick Valley High School. For one year, Ed was a grant-funded district-wide teacher on special assignment for Environment, Conservation, and Energy Education. In addition, he has been honored twice by STANYS, first as Outstanding Science Teacher of the Year, and then as Outstanding Environmental Science Teacher of the Year. He’s also been named Orange County Conservation Teacher of the Year and NYS Conservation Teacher of the Year.

The Green designation combines his love of real estate and green living

Ed’s love of real estate is a passion first recognized by his parents when he was in fourth grade. By age 12, junior working papers in hand, he was saving for a down payment. As a 22-year-old, his wife’s navigation brought them to the Warwick Valley. Within eight months they had purchased land and completed construction of their first home. Ten years later, they welcomed two sons, were employed locally, completed a minor subdivision, and built 2 more houses.  Practicing what he teaches, they relocated from the Warwick countryside into the Village of Warwick and completed an energy-saving renovation of a 1971 ranch. This was mentioned in the January 2016 Edition of Realtor Magazine.

 

Agency News and Awards April 15, 2021

1st Quarter 2021 Sales Leaders

Green Team New York Realty announced that Tammy Scotto is the 1st Quarter Sales Leader of 2021. Rounding out the top three in sales were Carol Buchanan and Nancy Sardo

Green Team New Jersey Realty announced that Keren Gonen is once again the Quarterly Sales Leader. Keren was Sales Leader for Quarters 2, 3, and 4 of 2020, as well as Yearly Sales Leader. Rounding out the three top three in sales were Kristi Anderson, and the team of Charles Nagy and Ted Van Laar.

Tammy Scotto, Green Team New York Realty

Tammy finished 2020 as a member of the Green Team Realty Presidents Club, for sales between $5 and $10 million. Geoff Green had this to say about Tammy:

We are very excited to announce that Tammy Scotto has won the Quarterly Sales Leader award for Q1 of 2021.  Tammy is a very consistent top producer who remarkably has never won this award. That said, Tammy is always near the top of our production charts. So it comes as no surprise that she ultimately finished in first place this quarter.   What makes Tammy such a great producer is the fact that her clients truly love her.  Why do they love her?  It’s quite simple.  She just doesn’t give up.  Tammy truly goes above and beyond the call of duty for her clients.  She never takes on more than she can handle, and takes every client’s situation very seriously.  Big congrats Tammy!  We are all very happy that you have won this award!”

According to Tammy, 

” Last year was challenging on many levels. The Pandemic left us housebound for many weeks. That made our business even more challenging. The floodgates opened around May/June and I took off running. Clients from NYC, Long Island, and New Jersey were looking to relocate to the beautiful Hudson Valley. I can’t say thank you enough to all my clients who trusted in me through those difficult times to find them a new home. Last year’s business has trickled over to the start of 2021 and for that I am grateful. Looking to keep the momentum going for the remainder of the year.”

Keren Gonen, Green Team New Jersey Realty

It is not surprising that Keren Gonen is in the top 20 of all agents in Sussex County, With $17.8 Million in sales in 2020, she was Yearly Sales Leader for 2020 and joined the MVP CircleAlso, she was the 2020 recipient of the special Momentum Builder Award. .According to Geoff,

“Keren Gonen’s roll seems to have no end.  Keren finished 2020 in grand fashion producing more sales volume than 99% of her peers in Sussex County.    She has now officially won our Q1 2021 Sales Leader award, and I can say with certainty that she is not taking her foot off the pedal anytime soon.  It’s truly remarkable to watch Keren’s business soar higher and higher.  But what is truly most remarkable about this Lady is that she is one of the nicest people you will ever meet.  It’s hard to find such a great producer who truly respects all people she comes in contact with.  Great job Keren!  Here is to many, many more such awards.”

Keren had this to say about being 1st Quarter Sales Leader:

“In true fashion of the times, 2021 continues to surprise us all. The Market is still strong and plenty of people are still selling and buying. Thank you to all my Buyers, Sellers, and investors for choosing me as your Realtor of Choice. I am grateful to all of you. Stay safe.”

Housing Market News March 25, 2021

March 2021 Housing Market Update

The Green Team Realty March 2021 Housing Market Update was held on March 16 at 12:00 p.m. If you missed the live webinar or would like to watch it again, it’s available here:

Overview of the real estate market on the national level

Geoff Green, President of Green Team Realty, began the update with a quote from Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist at NAR:

“Home sales could possibly reach 8 million if we had more inventory… Mortgage rates should remain very low throughout 2021, although we may have seen the lowest already.”

As shown in this graphic, foreclosure activity is minimal.

Chart showing activity through Feb 2021

Geoff pointed out that with the job loss and economic woes resulting from the pandemic, you would expect the number of foreclosures to be much higher. According to DS News,

“About 325,000 people will exit the forbearance program over the next six to nine months without a plan in place. Some – but probably not all – of those loans will likely default.”

The continuing saga of low inventory – and the Sellers Market

Year-over-year changes indicate that this is a great time to sell. Inventory is so low, if you are thinking about getting your house on the market, now is the time to do it!

Green Team Realty Housing Market Update

Home Price Appreciation

For an in-depth discussion on home price appreciation, watch the housing market update here.

National and Local Housing Market Stats (Orange County NY and Sussex County NJ) are then discussed.

“Housekeeping” Items

Green Team Realty Housing Market Update

Meet our Panel

Geoff was joined by Keren Gonen of Green Team New Jersey Realty and Carol Buchanan of Green Team New York Realty. In addition, Ken Aulicino of Family First Funding added his expertise as a Mortgage Specialist.

The discussion began with the topic of buyers and possible issues in obtaining mortgages. In addition, whether appraisals were coming in, even with rising home prices. Geoff asked Ken Aulicino about whether rates were coming up. Even with rates coming up, historically they are still very low. Click here to watch the full panel discussion, including a question and answer session.

If you would like to get in touch with any of our panelists, their contact information is below:

Green Team Realty March 2021 Housing Market Update

We’ll see you on Tuesday, April 20 at 12 p.m. for our next Housing Market Update.

You can sign up for Housing Market Updates at GreenTeamRealty.com/HMU

 

Agency News and Awards March 19, 2021

Green Team 2020 Awards Ceremony Recap

It was a night to remember. Actually, it was three nights to remember!  In a “normal” year, Green Team sales associates and staff would gather for a festive evening of awards, photos, food, drink, and dancing to live music. However, 2020 was not a normal year. In case you missed any of it or would like to see it again, here is the 2020 Awards Ceremony Recap. Below you’ll find a list of the awards and recipients in each category.

Night One – Sales Awards

For more details, click here:

Category:  MVP Circle – Sales of over $10 Million

Green Team New York Realty:

Green Team New Jersey Realty

Category: Presidents Club – Sales of $5 to $10 Million

Green Team New York Realty:

Green Team New Jersey Realty:

Category: Captains Club – Sales of $3 to $5 Million

Green Team New York Realty:

Green Team New Jersey Realty:

Category: Honorable Mention – Sales of $1.5 to $3 Million

Green Team New York Realty:

Green Team New Jersey Realty

Night Two – Team Players and Citizens of the Year

For more details, click here:

The team player award honors the sales associate deemed the most reliable, positive, and dependable. Furthermore, that person works well with others and has great problem-solving skills.

Recipients of the Citizen of the Year Award have made outstanding contributions to our local communities. Here are the award recipients for 2020.

Green Team New York Realty

Green Team New Jersey Realty

Night Three – The Momentum Builder Award

Every year Geoff Green selects a sales associate who has demonstrated hard work and determination while overcoming obstacles. That someone has come through a tough spot in life and turned challenges into success. Furthermore, that person has shown success in not only real estate, but in life. For 2020, the Momentum Builder Award recipient was Keren Gonen.

To learn more about Keren’s inspiring story and attitude, click here.

We congratulate all of our 2020 Award Recipients!

Agency News and Awards February 24, 2021

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.

Green Team 2020 MVP Award Winners

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 VogelKathleen 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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Housing Market News January 26, 2021

Housing Market Update January 2021

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.0.47″][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.0.48″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.0.47″ parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.18.2″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”]

Geoff Green, President of Green Team Realty, welcomed everyone to the first Housing Market Update of 2021. Held on January 19 at 12 p.m., the webinar examined the housing market on both national and local levels.

If you missed the webinar or would like to view it again, it is available here.

Meet the Panel

Geoff was joined by Jennifer DiCostanzo and Tiffany Megna of Green Team New York Realty. Keren Gonen and Kristi Anderson of Green Team New Jersey Realty shared their knowledge of the Sussex County, NJ market.  Finally, Kenneth Aulicino, Senior Loan Officer at Family First Funding LLC shared his expertise.

Where we were and where we are

Green Team Realty Jan 2021 Housing Market Update

The above image shows the contrast between the years leading up to the housing market crash of the Great Recession, compared to the past 6 years. Geoff pointed out that, even though we are in a recession, it doesn’t necessarily mean that home prices will come down. In fact, in four out of six recessions, home prices actually increased. That is true for 2020. Furthermore, it is anticipated that home prices will continue to rise.

In fact, the impact of Covid-19 has impacted the real estate market in many ways. According to David Mele, President at Homes.com

“The surge in the work-from-home population has rewritten the playbook for many homebuying and rental decisions, from when and where to relocate, to what people are looking for in their next residence…”

A survey by Redfin shows that 34% of homebuyers have already moved to a different city or area since the pandemic began. Furthermore, another 33% would consider moving if given the opportunity to work remotely on a permanent basis.

Unemployment, interest rates, and more

Discussion ensued on unemployment projections and how long it might take for unemployment rates to return to near pre-crisis level. Job loss and its impact on renters may make it difficult for them to become future homeowners.

Housing Market Stats – National and Local

National existing home sales have increased, accompanied by a major increase in home price and major decrease in supply of inventory. These trends reflect what is happening on the local level, too.

“Housekeeping” Items

Housekeeping Items from Green Team Realty Jan 2021 HMU

 

Contact our Panelists

The panelists discussed the impact of the pandemic on the local Orange and Sussex County real estate markets. Covid-19 and the necessity of (and possibility for) many people to work from home has changed priorities, needs, and wants of many perspective home buyers, particularly those from New York City. To view the panel discussion, click here.

Green Team Realty Housing Market Update Panelists for Jan 2021

We’ll see you on Tuesday, February 16, 2021, at 12 p.m.

Click here to register.

 

 

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

Housing Market News January 3, 2021

Housing Market Update December 2020

Geoff Green, President of Green Team Realty, welcomed everyone to the December 2020 Housing Market Update. This webinar, held on Tuesday, December 15, at 2 p.m., examined the housing market on both national and local levels.

If you missed the webinar or would like to view it again, it is available here.

Meet the Panel

Panelists included Keren Gonen and Pam Zachowski of Green Team New Jersey RealtyToni Kreusch, and Karen Gauvin of Green Team New York Realty. Michael Giannetto of CrossCountry Mortgage LLC joined them.

2020 – The Year in Review

What a year it has been! The real estate industry has had a strong year. The housing market has experienced a “V-shaped” recovery. Furthermore, according to Realtor.com, it continues to ascend based on demand, supply, price, and time on market.

There are no signs of an impending foreclosure increase.  In fact, the number of mortgages in forbearance is decreasing.

Are prices going up too fast?

Geoff Green addresses this question, using actual and historic appreciation factors. However, it all comes back to supply and demand, as shown below. The less inventory you have, the more demand and prices go up.

Green Team Realty Housing Market Update

Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist at NAR, explained why there is no comparison between today’s market and the frenzy of activity seen in 2006, which led to the recession. You can view his full quote in the December 2020 HMU video. Also, the good news is mortgage affordability based on household debt service as a percentage of disposable personal income. Furthermore, mortgage rates are projected to remain low in 2021, and home prices continue to increase.

The new Winter 2021 Buyer and Seller Guides are now available on the Green Team Realty website.

Click here and scroll halfway down the screen to request your guide.

Housing Market Stats – Nationwide and Local

Existing home sales have risen, and home prices continue to soar. Of course, inventory continues to plummet. Locally, average prices have soared. The panelists discussed the impact of current market conditions on both buyers and sellers, and what they are seeing in their businesses. You can see the panel discussion here.

“Housekeeping” Items

Housing Market Update December 2020 "Housekeeping" details

Contact our Panelists

Panelist Contact Info for Dec 2020 HMU

We’ll see you on Tuesday, January 29, 2021, at 12 p.m.

Click here to register.

Agency News and Awards August 28, 2020

Meet Ryan Fisher

Chapter One: How Ryan met Geoff

Ryan Fisher comes to the Green Team with a distinction that no other sales associate can claim. Ryan and Geoff Green went to the University of New Hampshire together. After college, they worked together in the mall industry. That’s when Geoff recruited Ryan to Pyramid Management Group. Ryan was a top-performing specialty leasing representative at Palisades Shopping Mall. Within two years he grew to be in the top four producers in the company. During his time with Pyramid, Ryan honed skills and techniques that he uses to this day. He learned how to canvas and generate leads. He also learned the art of follow-up and setting appointments. Most importantly, he learned how to close. Ryan also developed the habit of setting goals and acquiring the positive mindset it takes to accomplish them.

Chapter Two: New England, Taxis, then Real Estate

Ryan decided to return to New England. For 12 years he owned and operated a taxi company on Martha’s Vineyard. It was here he learned to run a business from start to finish. Using connections from his university days, he hired students to work each summer. Furthermore, many of them returned to work for multiple summers. He grew the business acquiring a second medallion. This allowed him to operate in two towns with a fleet of 12 vehicles.

Somehow, during this time, he also managed to get his real estate license in Massachusetts. When it came time to buy, Ryan was able to negotiate a seller-financed deal to buy the mixed-use property he ran his business out of. After the purchase, Ryan developed the property by replacing the not-to code garage with a commercial garage with an apartment on top. He eventually sold the taxi medallions, but still owns the property and rents both the commercial and residential units out.

Chapter Three: Ryan and Geoff, Together Again!

Once again, Geoff and Ryan began collaborating on a business idea. Geoff pitched the idea of REALLY – The Business Referral Exchange™. Referrals within real estate are fragmented. REALLY offers Business professionals the chance to network and grow their business. Ryan was intrigued. He had always thought real estate would be a good fit. Ryan loves working with people and enjoys the challenges that come in this field. He was also eager to play a part in helping REALLY grow. Furthermore, It seemed a natural fit to join the Green Team.

Ryan is currently licensed in both Massachusetts and New York. He is happily married with two children and a dog named Mona. Ryan and family moved from New England to Warwick. Ryan brings to his real estate business a unique and extremely relevant skillset. He also brings his love of music, drumming in particular. Of course, Ryan and Mona the dog enjoy hiking and outdoor activities.

Buying a home August 20, 2020

Home Insurance Myths and Misconceptions

Geoff Green, President of Green Team Realty, and Garret Durland of Seely & Durland Insurance presented a webinar on myths and misconceptions people have about Home Insurance.  Also joining the conversation were Michelle Dixon and Brianna Smith of Seely & Durland. This local insurance agency has been an important part of Warwick since 1934. Presented live on Facebook Thursday, August 13, the information they shared is important to all homeowners. If you were unable to catch it on Facebook Live, you can view the webinar here. In addition, below you’ll find a summary of some of the topics discussed.

Home Insurance.  Can’t Live with it. Can’t live without it!

Three out of five homes are underinsured. There is a misconception between market value and insurable replacement cost. A difference exists between what the home sells for versus what it costs to rebuild a home. Thus, replacement cost often exceeds market value.

Common Home Insurance Exclusions

Learn what the most common exclusions are. Also, learn about specific coverage available for some of these exclusions. It’s interesting to note that flood losses can include damage from a broken water main (surface water entering a home).

Home Insurance to cover Home Businesses

With more and more people operating a business at home many lack coverage, leaving them financially exposed. There are options available to provide needed coverage. There is also coverage available for “businesses” by kids. For instance, snow shoveling, landscaping or lawn mowing for neighbors.

High-Value Items

The standard homeowner’s insurance policy provides coverage up to a set amount for lost or stolen valuables. However, high-value items can be covered on a floater based on their appraised value. This includes jewelry, furs, guns, coins, watches, etc.

Fallen Trees Coverage

A tree falling on your property is only covered if it does damage to a structure or blocks your driveway.  There have been many storms impacting our area. Therefore, it’s important to understand the limits of your Home Insurance coverage.

Personal LIability

Did you know that if your child slanders someone on social media, that may become a situation requiring personal injury coverage? A reminder that people must be careful about what they are posting online. Personal injury coverage can be added to your Home Insurance policy An umbrella policy is an excess liability policy. It provides coverage over the limit on your home, auto, etc.

Answers to often-asked questions/Ending on a positive note.

Something most homeowners wonder about is the effect of filing multiple claims. Also of interest, what if you do Airbnb, HomeAway, or VRBO. How are these being covered by insurance companies?  In addition, what impact does your credit score have on premium rates? Find the answers in the webinar. Most importantly, there are ways to save on Home Insurance. Check out the tips discussed to see if you qualify for savings. Finally, view the informative follow-up discussion with Geoff Green and Garrett Durland,

Contact Information

Seely & Durland Insurance is located at 13 Oakland Avenue, Warwick NY. Their direct line is 845-986-1177. You can also visit their website at seely-durland.com.