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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 Circle. Also, 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.”
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.
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!
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
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:
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
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.
Housing Market Update January 2021
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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
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
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.
We’ll see you on Tuesday, February 16, 2021, at 12 p.m.
Click here to register.
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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 Realty, Toni 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.
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
Contact our Panelists
We’ll see you on Tuesday, January 29, 2021, at 12 p.m.
Click here to register.
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.
Krissy Many Receives Military Relocation Professional Certification
Krissy Many of Green Team New York Realty has achieved Military Relocation Professional (MRP) Designation. This certification prepares real estate professionals to work with current and former military service members. Importantly, the course addresses finding the right housing solutions and taking full advantage of military benefits and support.
NAR’s Military Relocation Professional Certification
When military staff and their families relocate, the services of a real estate professional who understands their needs and timetables makes the transfer easier, faster, and less stressful. This certification focuses on educating real estate professionals about working with current and former military service members to find the housing solutions that best suit their needs and take full advantage of military benefits and support. Course participants learn to provide the real estate services, at any stage in the service member’s military career, that meet the needs of this niche market and win future referrals. In addition, participants hone their knowledge and skills to work with active-duty military buyers and sellers, as well as veterans with the NAR’s Military Relocation Professional Certification.
When asked why she decided to obtain this certification, Krissy replied:
“Veterans and their families do what they do so we can do what we do in comfort and safety. I sought this designation so that in some small way I can show my support for our military. Maybe, just maybe, I can make their relocation and home selection a little easier and smoother. The benefit of this training and designation is that I will speak and understand their language as well as their time frames. Military personnel speak a language all their own and it is full acronyms! Their needs, timing and challenges are unique to them. I understand these factors and can be a source of information, guidance and support to our military families in their real estate needs.”
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.
