New Jersey REALTOR®—May/June 2019

NEW JERSEY

REALTOR

®

May/June 2019: VOLUME 5 ISSUE 3

THE STYLE GUIDE

NJREALTOR.COM

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NEW JERSEY REALTOR® A publication of New Jersey Realtors®

10 Hamilton Avenue Trenton, NJ 08611 Phone: 609-341-7100 njrealtor.com

22

Jarrod C. Grasso, RCE Chief Executive Officer

PUBLIC RELATIONS AND MARKETING DEPARTMENT Colleen King Oliver Director of Public Relations &

Marketing | editor@njrealtor.com

Erin McFeeters

Dana Fiori

Communications Coordinator

Content Coordinator

CONTENTS May/June 2019

2

President's View: New Resources for Realtors®

3

CEO's Desk: Are You a Secret Agent?

2019 OFFICERS Ilene Horowitz

President

Angela Sicoli

President-Elect

Jeffrey Jones

First Vice President

Nick Manis

Treasurer

ADVERTISING SALES Laura Lemos | 973-822-9274

5

Important Dates & Deadlines

6

Legislative Update: Buyer's Agents Have to Be Aware of Possible Consumer Fraud Act Liability

8

Style Guide: Tips for Better Listing Photos

laura@boja.com DESIGN Rebecca McQuigg | Encompass Media Group rebecca@encompasspubs.com

New Jersey Realtors® provides legal and legislative updates as well as information on a variety of real estate related topics solely for the use of its members.

Due to the wide range of issues affecting its members, NJ Realtors® publishes information concerning those issues that NJ Realtors®, in its sole discretion, deems the most important for its members.

The content and accuracy of all articles and/or advertisements by persons not employed by or

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agents of NJ Realtor® are the sole responsibility of their author. NJ Realtors disclaims any liability or ®

Design Trends Through the Decades

12

Town Spotlight: Long Branch

14

New Member Perks Partners

16

Fair Housing

18

Resource Library

20

How to Help Fixer Upper Clients

22

A Tour of Popular Housing Architecture

26

Your Guide to D.I.Y.

28

Local Board/Association News

responsibility for their content or accuracy. Where such articles and/or advertisements contain legal

Sudoku puzzle solution:

advice or standards, NJ Realtors® recommends that NJ Realtors® seek legal counsel with regard to any specific situation to which they may seek to apply the article.

New

Jersey

Realtor ® ,

publication

number

13260. Published bi-monthly each year. Member subscriptions allocated annually from annual dues: $3. Non-member annual subscription: $10. Known office of publication: 10 Hamilton Avenue, Trenton, NJ 08611. Periodicals postage paid at Trenton, NJ 08611 and at additional mailing offices.

POSTMASTER: Send address change to Editor, 10 Hamilton Avenue, Trenton, NJ 08611.

NJRealtors

@NJ_Realtors

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editor@njrealtor.com

NEW JERSEY REALTOR® | May/June 2019 | 1

PRESIDENT'S VIEW

New Resources for Realtors®

BY ILENE HOROWITZ

A

s Realtors®, we often hear the word relevance and how it pertains to our business. We tend to recognize this term through a lens of market trends, consumer behavioral shifts, technology, marketing, and how we work in each of these ever-changing spaces, across generational and demographic lines.

Having these tools sets us apart. According to the Pew Research Center, 68 percent of American adults report that they are Facebook users, with about three-quarters of those users accessing the platform on a daily basis. That is a huge audience to be missing out on. Get started at njrealtor.com/resources.

We pride ourselves on our interpersonal skills, customer service, and client focus. We have learned to farm our sphere of influence, cold calls, FSBOs, and send some of the best just listed, sold, and recipe cards around town.

Realtors® have all of this down to a science, but many of us are missing one crucial thing—the comfort and ease of adding social media and digital marketing to our daily routines.

Since we’re traveling down the digital marketing highway already, let’s talk about another piece that often gives us gridlock—videos. At New Jersey Realtors®, we’ve watched the explosive growth of videos over the past few years and we see their value. I am proud to announce we recently finished construction of our new state-of-the-art video production studio. This will allow us to disseminate association information, legislative updates, and industry issues to our membership and consumers in a dynamic way.

Take a look at the studio on our Facebook page.

If you’re like me, you find the initial steps intimidating, or worry you don’t have enough creative ideas to post.

The experts will tell you it only takes 12 minutes a day, but you and I know that means an hour or more. So, what do we do? We throw in the towel out of frustration. It’s understandable. But, before you give up, let me offer you a solution.

I am so excited to announce that this month we launched a new Resource Library on our website. It’s chock full of digital resources that are specifically tailored to New Jersey Realtors® such as infographics, social media graphics, guides, logos, flyers, and more. For the infographics, you’ll be able to download them as is or customize them with your company logo to then repost on social media, in a newsletter, or across the web.

2 | NEW JERSEY REALTOR® | May/June 2019

These revolutionary steps will continue to move our association forward. The needs of our consumer may not have changed, but their expectations of us certainly have.

As Realtors®, we need to adapt and embrace change in order to thrive and stay—you guessed it—relevant. Let’s take this journey together.

FROM THE CEO'S DESK

Are You a Secret Agent?

B

etween New Jersey Realtors® and the National Association of Realtors®, there are endless member perks, marketing resources, educational opportunities, and more you might not realize you’re missing out on. You’re an advocate for your clients, a market expert, a voice of reason, and so much more. But how do you convey your high ethical business practices to your clients? The answer is simple: use resources real estate licensees do not have access to.

Start small. Visit the National Association of Realtors® website and begin to fill out your national profile. Having this filled out with accurate information will make you more accessible to consumers looking to find a Realtor®. You can list any certifications and designations you have received, plus your contact information so potential clients can contact you directly.

Don’t stop there. NAR has a new program for Realtors®, Commitment to Excellence—head to www.C2EX.realtor to get started. Their goal with the program is to empower Realtors® to demonstrate professionalism and commitment to conducting business at the highest standards. The program will measure your skill set and recommend mini courses to take in order to enhance what you know, and they’ll provide new tools and resources for you to utilize.

On the state level, there are awards you can apply for that, if awarded, will build your credibility as a real estate expert.

They include: NJ Realtors® Circle of Excellence Sales Award® and the NJ Realtors® Distinguished Sales Club; the New Jersey Realtors® Good Neighbor Award; New Jersey Realtors® Realtor® and Realtor-Associate® of the Year awards; and the Quarter Century Club.

We currently partner with 25 companies to bring you savings on everything from online marketing to office supplies to computers. You can also find direct access to our library of contracts and forms through Ziplogix, which are all standardized and created to reduce your risk.

Our education tab is your one-stop-shop to find everything you need to know when it comes to continuing education. We outline the requirements and direct you to the NJ Realtors® Academy of Continuing Education where you can find upcoming classes to complete your CE requirements.

Stay up to date on local, state, and federal issues relating to the real estate industry on our government affairs page. We give overviews of all of the latest legislative matters, large and small, and you can find information about the Realtors® Political Action Committee, RPAC savings calculators, and detailed information about advocacy.

As a member, you have access to monthly housing market statistics through our research tab. It is the best data available about the NJ housing market so take advantage of it and stay in the know.

Our consumer page is the portion of our website dedicated to explaining why a Realtor® is the best person to work with when buying or selling a home. We have numerous resources we hope you’ll share with current and potential clients— resources such as affordability and mortgage calculators, a blog dedicated to consumer topics, and a Find a Realtor® function that lets potential buyers or sellers find the right Realtor® for them.

Head to njrealtor.com for more resources tailored specifically for you.

NEW JERSEY REALTOR® | May/June 2019 | 3

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I M P O R TA N T D AT E S & D E A D L I N E S

MAY

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REALTORS® Legislative Meetings and Trade Expo Washington, D.C. legislative.realtor

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Meeting: 11 a.m.

JULY Realtors 4 NJ Closed

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Office

Independence Day

of Directors 11 Board Meeting: 1 p.m.

Financial 14 National Awareness Day

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L E G I S L AT I V E U P D AT E

Buyers’ Agents Have to Be Aware of Possible Consumer Fraud Act Liability We've recently become aware of an important judicial decision that affects the Consumer Fraud Act. Please see below for an important update from NJ Realtors® General Counsel Barry Goodman on this issue. NJ Realtors® are currently working on a legislative fix to the problem, but anticipate it taking some time.

BY BARRY S. GOODMAN, ESQ.

A

s a result of a recent unpublished Appellate Division decision in McCarthy v. Prudential Fox & Roach, buyers’ agents need to be aware that there is potential Consumer Fraud Act (“CFA”) liability for buyers’ agents who obtain information on behalf of buyers that proves to be false or misleading. As explained below, buyers’ agents therefore need to exercise caution whenever obtaining any information on behalf of their buyers.

By way of background, in 1997, the New Jersey Supreme Court held that a real estate broker can be liable under the CFA for innocently passing along misinformation from the seller to a buyer. This means that the broker would liable even if neither the broker nor the seller knew that the information was false or misleading. Of course, under the CFA, a broker is liable automatically for treble damages and attorneys’ fees.

In response, the New Jersey Realtors® lobbied for an exception to the CFA where the listing agent innocently passes along such information. Legislation then was enacted limiting the liability under the CFA for real estate licensees under certain circumstances. This provision, which has become known as the “Safe Harbor Provision,” became effective in 1999. It provides that “there shall be no right of recovery of punitive damages, attorneys fees, or both” under the CFA if the real estate licensee communicates “any false, misleading or deceptive 6 | NEW JERSEY REALTOR® | May/June 2019

information provided to the real estate broker, brokersalesperson or salesperson, by or on behalf of the seller of real estate located in New Jersey” as long as the real estate licensee satisfies two conditions.

First, the licensee must not have any “actual knowledge of the false, misleading or deceptive character of the information.” Second, the licensee must have made “a reasonable and diligent inquiry to ascertain whether the information is of a false misleading or deceptive character.” Such a reasonable and diligent inquiry can include but is not limited to information from (1) a person licensed or certified by New Jersey; (2) a government official or employee; or (3) a properly used seller property condition disclosure statement.

In the McCarthy case, the buyers’ agent obtained information from a municipal zoning officer concerning the square footage of a house that the buyers could build on the property they were considering buying. However, the information provided by the zoning officer was wrong.

After the closing, the buyers learned that they could not build the house as planned and sued the broker under the CFA for treble damages and attorneys’ fees. The Appellate Division held that the Safe Harbor Provision was unavailable to the buyers’ agent because that provision only protects information obtained by a real estate licensee “by or on behalf of the seller.”

L E G I S L AT I V E U P D AT E

As a result, the New Jersey Realtors® already is actively engaged in seeking an amendment to the Safe Harbor Provision to clarify that it covers all brokers, whether or not they represent buyers and/or sellers. In the meantime, buyers’ agents should be very careful about obtaining information on behalf of buyers and may want to suggest that buyers obtain information from the municipality or from other sources rather than obtaining that information for the buyers. For example, if a buyers’ agent previously submitted requests to a municipality for a buyer under the Open Public Records Act for information about a property, the buyers’ agent may want to have the buyers submit that

RPAC OF NEW JERSEY

request. Similarly, if buyers want zoning information about a property, the buyers’ agent may want to provide the buyers with contact information for the zoning officer rather than getting the information for the buyers. The bottom line is, if you obtain any information on behalf of a buyer, be very careful to ensure that it is accurate.

Barry S. Goodman, Esq., a partner in the law firm of Greenbaum, Rowe, Smith & Davis LLP, is General Counsel for the New Jersey Realtors®. He focuses his practice on real estate brokerage and other real estate-related matters, as well as business matters, corporate shareholders and partnership disputes, and municipal practice.

$920,000

[$344,406.88] raised as of April 16

N E W J E R S E Y L E G I S L AT I V E B I L L S A2804 – McKeon (D27), DeAngelo (D14) Establishes financial incentives for certain energy provides to conduct energy audits.

New Jersey Realtors® Position:

SUPPORT We support this bill as it provides incentives for homeowners to conduct energy audits on their homes as opposed to mandates for energy audits at the time of sale.

Bill History: 2/1/2018 – Introduced in Assembly and referred to Assembly Telecommunications and Utilities Committee

A2914 – McKeon (D27), DeAngelo (D14) Requires installation of operational automatic rain sensor on lawn sprinklers as condition of sale and on lawn sprinklers on commercial, retail or industrial property and in common interest communities within specified timeframes.

New Jersey Realtors® Position:

OPPOSE We oppose this bill that provides another mandate at time of sale and will make it more expensive and difficult to sell homes in New Jersey.

S2364 – Bucco (R25) Prohibits residential development fees on reconstruction after natural disasters.

New Jersey Realtors® Position:

SUPPORT We support this bill to ensure homeowners do not have to pay additional fees to their town to rebuild their homes after a natural disaster occurs.

Bill History: 4/5/2018 – Introduced in Senate and referred to Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee

Bill History: 2/1/2018 – Introduced in Assembly and referred to Assembly Environment and Solid Waste Committee

NEW JERSEY REALTOR® | May/June 2019 | 7

STYLE GUIDE

Tips for Better Listing Photos

BY PAMELA BABCOCK

H

ow important is real estate photography? There are myriad websites devoted to bad listing photos by agents who won’t take the time to get out of their car to snap the exterior, show unmade beds littered with underwear—or worse.

A Houston Realtor® came under fire late last year after she used under clothed fitness models to promote a listing.

And a recent suburban Pennsylvania listing became a viral sensation when the agent included photos of a basement full of bondage equipment, which is part of the sale.

Property photography and virtual tours are a big part of the home-selling toolkit. According to the 2018 National Association of Realtors® Profile of Home Buyers & Sellers, 87 percent of homebuyers who searched for a home on the Internet found photos to be among the most useful features of Realtor® websites.

D’Annunzio takes photos with an iPhone XR or a Ricoh Theta, which he places in the middle of a room to capture 360 degree photos and videos. In some cases, he hires a professional: “It all depends on the property and the project,” D’Annunzio says. “We have different service offerings depending on the property price and commission they pay.”

Real estate photographs can make or break a deal by enticing people to see a home or driving them away with bad lighting, clutter, or a finger in the corner of the image.

According to a Realtor.com story, the agent selling the “bondage house” in Maple Glen, Pa., decided it was “simply practical” to show the setup since the owner was planning to leave the equipment and the agent didn’t want to surprise potential buyers. The local multiple listing service decided to remove the basement shots, reportedly because they violated MLS policy, but the agent says she has been inundated with calls from people interested in the property, which is on the market for $750,000.

“What I noticed when I first started selling properties in 2012 is how much a photograph can really affect the number of people coming to see a home,” says Adam D'Annunzio, a Realtor® with Keller Williams Realty Jersey Shore in Ocean City. “You can really see a direct correlation between the quality of your photographs and the number of showings you get.”

8 | NEW JERSEY REALTOR® | May/June 2019

Ready to capture shots to make your listings shine? We asked D’Annunzio and Ash Patino, an experienced real estate photographer with Generic Brand Human, a Stanhope video production and photography studio, for tips: Let there be light. Turn on all the lights and open window blinds. “Lighting is the most important thing when photographing,” D’Annunzio says. If using an iPhone, make sure you know how to tap the screen to lock the focus and how to adjust the exposure and lighting.

STYLE GUIDE

Remove clutter and unsightly items. You don’t have to go all Marie Kondo, but remove knickknacks, put trash cans in the closet and make sure toilet seats are down. You’ll also want to remove evidence of pets, since some people are allergic.

Banish holiday, religious, and political artifacts. Make the house as neutral as possible. Buyers should feel “at home and comfortable in the space,” Patino says. That’s not easy when surrounded by potentially offensive political or religious memorabilia.

Don’t neglect the great outdoors. Open umbrellas, remove grill covers, replace cushions on outdoor furniture, and haul trash cans and clutter to the garage or side of the house.

Try a wide-angle lens. “Take the picture from a corner of the room that you think will photograph best,” Patino says. But don’t go too wide, since it can cause distortion.

Keep things horizontal. If using a cell phone, hold it horizontally, not vertically. It helps to kneel and take the picture from just above waist height — or better yet, use a tripod. “You want the lines on the walls, doors, paintings, and everything else to be perfectly [straight],” Patino explains.

Use external services. Services like BoxBrownie.com can help edit images. For less than $2 BoxBrownie can enhance photographs and help you sell your properties faster. They can add fire to fireplaces, replace dull skies, sharpen the image, and more. As a membership perk, NJ Realtors® offers a discount for iStaging, which lets Realtors® turn smartphones into virtual reality cameras that can create 720-degree tours.

Be careful when editing. Don’t Photoshop a bad view or add grass where there’s none. “We want to make things as true to life as possible and certainly don’t want somebody disappointed with then actually see the house,” D’Annunzio says.

Considering Hiring a Pro Check out their work. Is it appealing? If they can’t show a portfolio of real estate work, move on. “Like many other industries, just because someone is a photographer does not mean they are qualified to capture residential photography,” Patino says.

Meet your photographer before you put them in front of a client. Most are pleasant and accommodating, but once in a while you’ll find someone who is potentially arrogant or illequipped to deal with people.

Straightening up is not your photographer’s job, but you do want a photographer willing to make suggestions and move items from time to time, Patino says. Ask about rates, how quickly they can turn around an edited image, and how many images they deliver. For quick jobs on the average home in the Garden State, expect to pay $200 to $400. Try to find someone who turns images around in 48 hours and who delivers 25 to 30 images, Patino says.

There are pros and cons to using a single real estate photographer over volume services such as HomeJab. When using a single real estate photographer, you know who’ll show up, but the artist is just one person. If they’re booked for the week or on vacation, you’ll have to wait or hunt for another photographer. “A single artist is often more expensive than a large company that sources freelancers, too,” Patino adds.

Volume companies often instruct their photographers to not move any items in the home. “As an agent, you will need to have the house 100 percent ready prior to the photographer arriving,” Patino says.

Photos courtesy of Ash Patino.

NEW JERSEY REALTOR® | May/June 2019 | 9

Design Trends Through the Decades

BY DANA FIORI

S

o much can change in 100 years, especially the way we design our homes. Style and trends are constantly evolving, and interior décor is no exception to this. There is often a substantial shift in architectural and interior design trends every ten years, always making way for new ideas as well as holding on to some old ones.

“In New Jersey, we’re seeing a lot of renovations,” explains Deborah Leamann, owner and Interior Designer at Deborah

1900s The early 1900s was the height of the Arts and Craft movement, as well as the woodwork era. All furniture was handmade, complete with romantic folk styles and fabrics. Since there wasn’t mass production or modern technology, many people made their interior décor by hand. Many homes were built with exposed beams on the ceiling and large windows to let in natural light.

1910s Styles and designs slowly became more lavish in this decade. Upscale homes showed off their wealth by displaying artwork or intricate woodworking pieces. Art Nouveau is what influenced design during this time. Most houses were adorned with wallpaper and had hardwood floors that complimented rich, deep colors which remained popular because they evoked luxury.

10 | NEW JERSEY REALTOR® | May/June 2019

Leamann Interior Design, LLC. “It is such a historical housing area, and homeowners are wanting to obtain the open concept trend.”

No matter the decade, home designs are tremendously affected by historical, economic, and global issues of the era. Dating all the way back to the 1900s, here are some of the most influential design trends of the last 100 plus years.

1920s Welcome to the roaring twenties where everything, including home décor, was flashy. The style of this era included metallic fabrics, shiny materials, and glossy floors. Many people were inspired by Hollywood glam—mirrors and splashes of bold color throughout the home added to the particular glamorous vibe.

1930s With the stock market crash in 1929, thirties design trends became more minimalistic and represented the loss the country was going through. Homes were redone with simple décor and muted neutrals, opposed to the bold and bright colors of the previous decade. In the Golden Age of the radio, many families had theirs as focal points of living rooms and were treated as beautiful pieces of furniture.

1940s World War II had a significant influence on interior design, as well as the size of homes. Because there was a supply shortage, the forties continued with minimalistic design. Homes were known to be particularly clean because polio and other diseases posed as a threat. This led to the trend of white kitchens so spills and dirt could be spotted easier.

1980s

1950s The fifties brought the era of ranch style homes and the introduction to open concept living. This is the time the television was introduced, so families incorporated informal living spaces where they could gather and watch television or listen to the radio together.

The pastel color scheme, long, low sofas, and vinyl floors were quintessential.

1960s The sixties were an exciting and revolutionary time in history. With rich culture and addressing racism and sexism head on, ideas and experimentation were explored not only in lifestyles, but in design.

Progression in electronics, technology, and manufacturing brought this era of furniture made out of molded plastic and organic shapes. Self-expression led to high personalization. There were bold colors, fun patterns, interesting furniture layouts, and new design ideas.

The eighties were the age of prospering technology. With the birth of the cell phone, Internet coming into homes, and large stereo systems, many people had help staying connected to the latest trends. Geometric shapes and pastels were key components.

Pastels were a much lighter color palette compared to the bold colors of the seventies. Extravagant window curtains and glossy hardwood floors were staples in most homes. There was another side to eighties designs other than the in-your-face abstract patterns— preppy/country chic was also significant, with Ralph Lauren playing a major influencer role with his preppy-Americana style.

2000s More and more houseplants made appearances, as well as the introduction to sunrooms with large windows allowing for lots of natural light were key to this turn-of-the-century style. Tuscan style décor such as aged finishes, intricate patterns, and terracotta tiles were also used in bedrooms, bathrooms, and kitchens the most.

2010s 1990s When you think of the nineties home the first two places that probably pop into mind are the ones from "Full House" and "Friends"—both perfect representations of design in this decade. Mixing patterns, pine wood, shabby chic, and white wicker ruled the mainstream, while floral and gingham pattern was popular for furniture.

Neutral colors like grays and tans can be found in most homes today, creating a clean look and a cozy atmosphere.

Open concept living is trendy among the layout of homes, as well as open shelving. These open design trends are particularly popular because they allow for flow and movement and the rooms feel larger. Bohemian touches such as soft pinks, D.I.Y., and greenery remain popular.

1970s Radical experimentation from the sixties overflowed into the seventies in design and historical trends. Heavy florals, patterns, animal print, and bohemian vibes made the seventies one of the most fun decades. Influenced by the back-tonature movement, which arose both from hippie rejection of consumers and materialism, as well as the 1973 oil crisis. Sunken living rooms were one of the most memorable design trends, as well as "avocado green" as the staple color.

Skylights and exposed brick created a natural feel so many were after.

NEW JERSEY REALTOR® | May/June 2019 | 11

TOWN SPOTLIGHT

Long Branch

BY ERIN McFEETERS

S

ince Superstorm Sandy hit in 2012, major revitalization and rebuilding have been underway in the City of Long Branch. The oceanfront area, one of Long Branch’s biggest draws, was damaged in the storm, but is back and better than ever. With five miles of beach and a newly built oceanfront boardwalk area—Pier Village—Long Branch is bustling throughout the year.

The oceanfront area of the city has many new construction projects underway. Recently, a development company, Kushner, purchased beach front properties and have already begun breaking ground. These properties include the Wave Resort an oceanfront hotel, continued development of Pier Village and the Bungalow Hotel, the Onada Surf Club, a 102-room beachside hotel, and The Shops at Long Branch which will provide more commercial opportunities and rental properties.

“Life in Long Branch combines the excitement and activity of the Jersey Shore with the quaint and nostalgic ambiance of a classic beach town,” said Kushner Creative Director Karen Zabarsky. “Everyone knows each other and is very neighborly.”

U.S. Presidents favored spending time off in this ever-changing city and in 1869 Long Branch was deemed

12 | NEW JERSEY REALTOR® | May/June 2019

the nation’s “Summer Capital” after President Ulysses S. Grant set up a satellite White House as a haven from Washington D.C., according to An Explorer’s Guide to New Jersey

by Andi Marie Cantele and Mitch Kaplan.

However, President Grant was not the only U.S. President that spent time in the city. Seven other Presidents spent downtime in Long Branch including William McKinley, Rutherford B. Hayes, and James Garfield. Later an oceanfront beach park was named Seven Presidents Park in honor of the U.S. Presidents who vacationed in the area. It’s now a popular destination for beach day-trippers.

TOWN SPOTLIGHT

Unlike President Grant’s era, the City of Long Branch is now often described as being five different towns all crammed into about five square miles. “Long Branch is a very diverse city which experienced a large influx of Irish, Italian, and Jewish immigrants in the early 20th Century as well as the arrival of African Americans from the South,” said Chief Administrative Officer of Long Branch George S. Jackson.

“These groups are still represented in the community, as well as a more recent significant presence of Hispanics from Puerto Rico and Mexico, Brazilian and Portuguese residents. All races and ethnicities are represented in the city's population,” he said.

Areas like the West End are highly influenced by college students from Monmouth University, and other neighborhoods with historical and new-build million-dollar homes. In a matter of blocks, the city goes from apartment complexes to row homes to sprawling properties to oceanfront.

"Although the oceanfront and beach are no doubt an unbeatable attraction, the town is also filled with interesting pops of culture and innovation," said Zabarsky.

"Long Branch has a vibrant and diverse economy that allows it to thrive."

According to U.S. Census data between 2013-2017, 57 percent of homeowners rented out their homes in Long Branch. Jackson said the university owns an oceanfront complex for student housing, while some students rent units in Pier Village, and other students rent out homes during the off-peak winter months. Even though the university is located in West Long Branch, the proximity allows many students to call Long Branch their home.

The community is highly diverse, however, the city still comes together for various events throughout the year.

“The city's signature event is Oceanfest, a Fourth of July happening that is the largest on the Jersey Shore, often draws crowds in by the hundreds of thousands,” said Jackson.

The event includes fireworks, crafters, sand-sculpting competitions, stilt walkers, and live entertainment.

The city is continuing to grow and in the coming years there will be more hotel options, rental properties, places of worship, and business opportunities.

NEW JERSEY REALTOR® | May/June 2019 | 13

New Member Perks Partners Visit njrealtor.com/membership/member-perks to activate your savings.

tours, offering prospective buyers the opportunity to experience the home without stepping foot in the door.

The real estate industry is changing rapidly. Traditional ways of marketing are in the past, and new technology is at the forefront. iStaging helps Realtors® stay ahead of the rest of the industry. Their technology helps you to create virtual reality tours. This member perk provides New Jersey Realtor® members an exclusive discount on iStaging’s subscription plans. Their equipment turns smartphones into a powerful virtual reality camera to produce immersive walk through

You can buy iStaging’s Annual Ultra Plan at a 36 percent discount. The plan comes with up to 15 tours that can be hosted on their server, access to a virtual reality editor, and access to a virtual reality maker. Plus, the plan comes with a high-quality image camera, a free 32 gigabyte memory card, and a free tripod.

Our newest member perk to date!

Dreaming of a new kitchen? NJ Realtors® is pleased to offer you an exclusive 5 percent discount on Home Depot gift card orders.

Spruce up your landscaping or redo a room—the renovation possibilities are endless with this new offer for Realtors®.

njrealtor.com/alexa

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Step 1

Open the Alexa app.

Click in the upper left hand corner.

Click “Settings.”

14 | NEW JERSEY REALTOR® | May/June 2019

You can have NJ Realtors® Weekly newsletter read to you on your Alexa-enabled device.

Step 2

Under Alexa Preferences, tap Flash Briefing.

Then, tap Add Content.

Search for “NJ Realtors”

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Tap Enable to Use once you see NJ Realtors® Weekly Flash Briefing.

To listen, say “Alexa, what’s my flash briefing?” or “Alexa, what’s the news?”

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Whether your clients need a mortgage, down payment assistance or housing counseling, NJHMFA can help.

Our staff of housing professionals and approved lending partners are dedicated to pairing your clients with the programs and resources that will help them achieve their dreams of owning a home and making it their own.

Learn more at TheRoadHomeNJ.com. njhousing.gov NJHMFA is a self-sufficient agency of state government dedicated to offering New Jersey residents affordable and accessible housing.

I Never Violate the Fair Housing Act! Do I?

BY BARRY S. GOODMAN, ESQ.

Y

ou would never intentionally discriminate against anybody. However, is that enough? You represent a landlord who refuses to allow Section 8 tenants. You use credit reports and background checks to screen tenants. A seller in what many consider to be an orthodox Jewish community indicates that the best buyer would be somebody who is orthodox Jewish.

Q

Maybe we should start with the basics.

What groups are actually protected under the FHA?

A

That’s fairly straight forward. The FHA provides that it is unlawful to discriminate in the sale or leasing of dwellings based on race, color, religion, sex, familial status, national origin or handicap. It does not apply to commercial transactions.

Q

Aren’t there other exceptions to the FHA?

A

There are. The FHA generally does not apply to single-family houses that are sold or rented by an owner who does not own more than three-single family houses, does not reside in the house and was not the most recent resident prior to the sale.

However, it applies if such an owner retains a real estate broker.

There also is the “Mrs. Murphy” exception if the owner lives in the building and there are no more than four families living there. In addition, private clubs and religious organizations typically are exempt, as are governmental maximum occupancy requirements.

One final exception is for housing for older persons, which is an exception from “familial status” protection and applies to housing developments for persons who are 55 years of age or older where

16 | NEW JERSEY REALTOR® | May/June 2019

Discrimination, whether intentional or unintentional, comes in many forms. Let’s figure out through what might be a common discussion I would have with a real estate salesperson about who is protected and who is not protected and what can be done under the federal Fair Housing Act (“FHA”) and the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (“LAD”).

80 percent of the occupied units are occupied by at least one person who is 55 or older and for developments solely occupied by persons 62 years of age or older.

Q

Since I would never intentionally discriminate against anybody, let alone someone who is from a protected class, I am okay. Right?

A

Not really. The United States Supreme Court recently decided that the FHA not only can be violated if there is intentional discrimination but also if there is a “disparate impact” on one of the protected groups.

Q

What does disparate impact mean?

A

Let me give you an example. If a landlord directs you not to rent to anyone who has been convicted of a crime, that may seem to be an evenhanded approach to avoid any discrimination. However, since African Americans are jailed at a rate nearly three times the general population, there would be a disproportionate impact on African Americans if all people who had a criminal record were excluded from consideration. You therefore have to be very careful not to rely upon any one issue when you are deciding who is a viable tenant and should rely upon as many different criteria as you can.

Q

Now that I am overwhelmed by the FHA, I am afraid to ask but aren’t there New Jersey laws that I have to consider?

A

There certainly are. LAD prohibits owners and real estate licensees from discrimination against any person or group because of a much broader list of protected classes. These include race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, marital status, civil union status, domestic partnership status, familial status, pregnancy or breastfeeding, sex, gender identity or expression, affectional or sexual orientation, disability, liability for service in Armed Forces of the United States, nationality or source of lawful income used for a rental or mortgage payment.

Q

That last one, source of lawful income, can you give me an example?

A

Sure. Many landlords do not want to rent to Section 8 tenants. However, since the source of income for a Section 8 tenant is lawful, a landlord cannot refuse to rent to a person solely because the person is a Section 8 tenant.

Q

Do you have any suggestions about how I can cope with all of this?

A

My primary suggestion is that you should be very careful what you say and do. Your words and conduct have an impact on people, many of whom have suffered discrimination in their lives and may take your comments or what you do in the wrong way. Of course, any time a landlord or seller indicates a preference to deal with any protected group different than other groups, immediately get advice about how to handle the situation. Finally, if you are representing a landlord, always try to use a diverse base of information to decide who the best tenant would be or, preferably, provide all the information to the landlord and let the landlord decide.

Barry S. Goodman, Esq., a partner in the law firm of Greenbaum, Rowe, Smith & Davis LLP, is General Counsel for the New Jersey REALTORS®. He focuses his practice on real estate brokerage and other real estate-related matters, as well as business matters, corporate shareholders and partnership disputes, and municipal practice.

The History of Fair Housing Rights

1789 V

Private Property Rights Fifth Amendment to the Constitution protects property rights. Slavery, court cases, and legislation denied these rights to African Americans, Latinos, Asian Americans and other minorities.

1866

The Civil Rights Act of 1866 Provides that all citizens have the same rights to real property as white citizens.

Court cases, immigration laws, and racially defined zoning deny those rights.

1917

Racial Zoning Outlawed The Supreme Court voids zoning based on race. Property owners, real estate interests, and local governments employ deed restrictions based on race and religion. Laws and practices continue to deny property rights based on race.

1948

Restrictive Covenants Not Enforceable The Supreme Court ends federal court enforcement of racially restrictive covenants. A growing fair housing movement passes first fair housing laws in New York City and Colorado in the 1950s.

1968 ACT

FAIR HOUSING

*Information brought to you by the National Association of Realtors®

NEW JERSEY REALTOR® | May/June 2019 | 17

INTRODUCING THE NJ REALTORS® RESOURCES LIBRARY Free, customizable digital content created just for you

Download & Customize When it comes to digital marketing, sometimes getting started is the hardest part. Now you can download free content made specifically for New Jersey Realtors®. Visit the new Resources Library to find infographics, social media graphics, guides, logos, and more. There’s curated content for buyers, sellers, renters and your fellow colleagues.

The infographics can be downloaded as is or customized with a company logo for an extra touch of personalization.

The collateral will be updated and added to throughout the year so keep checking back for more.

INFOGRAPHICS

GUIDES

LOGOS

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18 | NEW JERSEY REALTOR® | May/June 2019

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NEW JERSEY REALTOR® | May/June 2019 | 19

How to Help Fixer Upper Clients

BY LAUREN WELLBANK

F

aced with a limited inventory of affordable housing in desirable communities, you may find that some of your clients are interested in exploring alternative methods to purchase their dream home. Thanks in part to the overwhelming success of shows like Fixer Upper—many buyers may be falsely under the impression that knocking down a few walls and adding on a bathroom are projects they can over a long weekend. Still, some of your clients may be excited about the prospect of pushing up their sleeves and getting their hands dirty. However, most properties in need of renovations or repairs to be livable will not qualify for traditional financing. Fortunately, there are other options designed precisely with these types of borrowers in mind.

There are a variety of renovation-style loan programs to help your clients finance their fixer-upper without the need to rely on large upfront payments, or have significant repairs completed by the sellers before closing.

Understanding the inner workings of these types of loans will help you manage expectations and make the process easier for both you and your clients.

Laura Brandao, President of American Financial Resources, Inc, says when it comes to a fixer-upper, you should advise your clients to think more about where the property is located and less about its appearance.

“People need to pick a location that works for their family, be it close to work or within a certain school district, and not

20 | NEW JERSEY REALTOR® | May/June 2019

rule out great homes simply because they may need a new roof, a kitchen or bathroom,” says Brandao.

If your clients found a house they love with a kitchen they hate, a renovation loan can allow them to finance a remodel into their mortgage when they purchase the property. Many financing programs such as a 203(k) or renovation loan are designed with construction changes in mind and can be used to borrow future equity from the property. These financing programs could be the perfect option for a borrower who cannot qualify for a move-in ready property in their price range, but who could afford a house in need of extensive repairs as long as they can finance in those costs.

There are several different renovation programs, Brandao says, that can fit a variety of needs. “The FHA 203(k) program is available for as little as 3.5 percent down, and if you are a conventional borrower, you can use the Fannie Mae HomeStyle program.”

She adds that there are also Veterans Affairs renovation loans available for active duty, reservists, veterans, and surviving spouses. “There are even United States Department of Agriculture renovation loans, which are government-backed loans for buyers in designated rural areas,” says Brandao. USDA loans can provide additional benefits for prospective buyers who are looking to purchase their home by putting forward a smaller down payment.

While many of these programs are for primary residences, Jeff Onofrio, Managing Director of Renovation, Construction, and National Production in Marlton, says there are programs available for your clients that may be looking to buy their home away from home.

“The FHA 203(k) and the VA renovation loan[s] are only for primary residences, but the Fannie Mae Homestyle loan allows for both primary and secondary homes, such as a shore house or investment properties,” says Onofrio.

“The key is finding a local mortgage expert who has experience with the variety of renovation loan programs available,” Brandao says. “Not every mortgage originator is an expert in renovation loans, even if they offer them.” Try and find both a lender who is an expert and a contractor who understands the in’s and out’s of renovation programs.

There are so many moving parts in renovation loans that your clients may find a benefit from using a contractor who has experience doing work with this particular type of financing. Having prior experience will ensure the contractor is more aware of program specifics. “For example, FHA 203(k) properties need to meet United States Department of Housing and Urban Development requirements, so working with both a lender and a contractor familiar with those will help streamline inspections,” Brandao says.

Onofrio says in addition to having a contractor who knows the program requirements, clients will want to make sure they can complete the work in the timeframe stipulated by the lender. For example, a 203(k) loan may require the work to begin within 30 days of closing, and completed within six months. Keeping this timeframe in mind is critical when choosing a contractor, as well.

When it comes to qualifying for renovation financing, there are not many additional factors to consider. Debt-to-income guidelines and credit requirements can vary by lender, but for the most part, the conditions are mostly the same for renovation financing as they are for their more traditional FHA and conventional counterparts. This goes for both qualifying for a pre-approval and obtaining final approval.

It is never too early to start looking into renovation lenders.

Onofrio says the earlier you can get a consultant in on the process, the faster the turnaround since you have a second set of knowledgeable eyes reviewing the transaction. The second set of eyes can do everything from troubleshooting an issue to catching potential problems before they have the chance to stall the purchase.

When considering lenders, Brandao advises looking for originators that service their loans. He suggests this because not all lenders follow agency guidelines when it comes to renovation loans, allowing for different overlays from one lender to another. Lenders that service their products will be able to pursue their agency guidelines, which can be less restrictive than working with a correspondent lender or broker that is dealing with other investor guidelines.

“Interest rates are far better than for revolving credit, and the expense of things like painting, new floors, insulation or new windows can be spread out over 15 or 30 years as part of your mortgage,” says Brandao. Of course, this means your clients will need to qualify for a more substantial loan amount, one that includes both the purchase price and the total cost of the renovations.

Fixer-uppers allow them to build equity in their home before they even move in, a benefit your clients should consider.

Many repairs and renovations will increase the home’s value from the original purchase price, and necessary maintenance or substantial work influence the property listing price.

Brandao says, “Part of helping your clients pursue these options is letting them know that buying a fixer-upper does not have to be out of reach.”

“Remaining positive throughout the process can help keep the experience from being any more difficult or more cumbersome than pursuing traditional financing. Your clients should love where they live and know renovation loans are available to help make their house their home,” he adds.

Although Onofrio says the final approval does differ from a traditional loan due to the additional parties that are involved, the overall timeline should only vary slightly.

These variations on the schedule are just one more reason why Onofrio recommends choosing an experienced renovation loan originator.

NEW JERSEY REALTOR® | May/June 2019 | 21

A Tour of Popular Housing Architecture

BY LEE NELSON

N

o matter which street or countryside you cruise through in New Jersey, dozens of architectural styles pop out with distinct and diverse characteristics. The homes can be ornate or simple, historic or contemporary, mansionlike or tiny.

As your clients search for that dream home, their wants can include a mixture of many elements that come from a variety of classical and modern styles.

“To be honest, much of the time, buyers don’t know what they want. But it’s about the feeling that they get when they find it,” says Virginia “Beth” Harpell, certified historic property specialist and fulltime Realtor® at RE/MAX House Values in Landing.

She believes when someone is looking for a historic home, that it is “a love or a heart buy, rather than a logical or a head purchase.” It’s much more emotional and psychological than new construction, which is all about square footage, storage and the quality of finishes.

22 | NEW JERSEY REALTOR® | May/June 2019

But New Jersey buyers also like their modern homes with clean lines.

“We believe that great architecture is an intelligent blend of historic and contemporary sources,” said Michael Moritz, principal architect at Stonewater Architecture LLC in Colonia. “Sometimes, I get to design a modern house with sleek lines and all glass. And some projects, I get to design a brand new Tudor home with all that mill work but with all the modern amenities inside.”

What styles do the experts live in? Both Moritz and Harpell do see many of their clients choosing certain popular architectural styles. The two housing experts have their own preferences, especially the homes they live in with their families.

Harpell and her husband have restored three of their own homes including their recent save of a 1753 stone house that was going to be demolished. They currently are restoring it. But her very favorite architectural style is Dutch Colonial, and the earlier the better, she says.

“I’ve always liked the very early history of the country best.

The architecture is primitive and shows the struggles they were going through in order to build a home and life for their families,” she adds.

Moritz and his family live in a 1,200-square-foot Cape Cod home even though he could design a much bigger, modern house.

“What it came down to was we lived in a big house before, and it was so expensive. We’d rather travel. We travel to see architecture in different areas of the country,” he says.

What are some of the popular housing architecture in the state and why they are popular? Although there are many types of architecture found in New Jersey homes, some do stand out as popular choices among homeowners. Here are some of the ones Moritz and Harpell see as reigning supreme:

Modern and Mid-Century Modern – Clients like clean and simple. “But simple details are not that easy as you cannot hide any mistakes,” Moritz said. “Everything can be white inside or have bold colors. It can go either way.” The big move in modern homes these days are the accents such as polished granite floors or honed granite, and woodwork with dark stains or bold tile in the back of a sink. “The furniture and lighting make the modern house cozy,” he says.

Cape Cod – They are simple structures and great for starter homes for families, Moritz says. “They have a cute feeling to them. They are very expandable, too. You can add on to them very easily. They are usually one story, but you can go up, or make it longer in the back.”

Federal Colonial – It is more structured and ornate, incorporating some Roman architectural elements like rounded or arched windows and elaborate moldings, plus columns, Harpell explains. It was a classic architecture the home builders of the newly-founded United States used to display their patriotism. Now, many homes built in the past 20 years, the so-called “McMansions,” have incorporated a lot of Federal style to bring sophistication and elegance to their design.

Clockwise from top left: Interior of Mid-Century home in New Jersey; Colonial home – photo courtesy of Virginia "Beth" Harpell; Cape Cod home – photo courtesy of Michael Moritz.

Opposite page: Mid-Century home – photo courtesy of Virginia "Beth" Harpell.

NEW JERSEY REALTOR® | May/June 2019 | 23

Craftsman – These homes became popular at the turn of the 20th Century, according to the Guide to Residential Styles by the National Association of Realtors®. It usually offers owners a big front porch with columns and a low gabled roof. It doesn’t have much ornamentation, and it grew out of the Arts and Crafts movement that started in England in the late 19th century, states Harpell. Bungalows were a small, low-style form of Craftsman architecture and have been very popular for their charm and low cost ever since the beginning of the style.

Farmhouse – These don’t have to be out in the country.

Moritz finds people in the city like this look, too. Many enjoy the shingle style home. One of his clients bought a 1732 farmhouse that they completely restored and brought everything up to date while maintaining the 18th Century feel. It has a simple white and black traditional look. The former one-room house now includes many additions with wide plan boards and brick floors and free-standing tubs.

“This house tells a story,” he says.

Queen Ann Victorian – They are more prominent in the more populated areas, Moritz said. They offer features such as brackets, ornamental chimneys, bay windows and broad porches. Harpell adds that the style incorporates asymmetrical design, elaborate and ornate exteriors with a lot of embellishments along with many porches such as wraparound front porches. You can see many downtown areas of smaller towns dotted with this style of home.

24 | NEW JERSEY REALTOR® | March/April 2019

Stone – These homes can be very cozy with the low ceilings and wide 12-14 inch plank wood floors with nail patterns in it, Moritz says. Everything is compact, and the stone from the outside walls are exposed inside. He just completed a renovation of a stone home. “The stone can be 18 to 24 inches thick. It’s tough to put light switches in and air conditioning in. So you have to do it in the floorboards.”

Tudor – These homes give you a “Gatsby” feeling, Moritz adds. “There are high ceilings, stone limestone fireplaces, and wood elements. There’s something about these homes when the sun is bright. They have a very expensive feel to them.” Inside, it’s all about the millwork, hidden doors, heavy beams and limestone fireplace surrounds.

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Same Day Funding From top right: Lakestyle home – photo courtesy of Virginia "Beth" Harpell; Farmhouse – photo courtesy of Michael Moritz.

Opposite page, clockwise from top right: Craftsman – photo courtesy of Virginia "Beth" Harpell; Modern Farmhouse – photo courtesy of Michael Moritz; Stone farmhouse – photo courtesy of Virginia "Beth" Harpell; Stone house – photo courtesy of Michael Moritz.

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NEW JERSEY REALTOR® | May/June 2019 | 25

Your Guide to D.I.Y.

BY ERIN McFEETERS

D

o your clients spend hours scrolling through Pinterest?

Or wish they could be the next contestant on NBC’s Making It? Do it yourself home projects are more prevalent then ever before. It's one of the only ways to individualize a home to specific wants and needs without breaking the bank.

According to the National Association of Realtors® 2019 Remodeling Impact Report: D.I.Y., “Projects that reflected adding the consumer’s personality to their home were twice as popular to D.I.Y. than hiring a professional.”

The Craze HGTV is largely credited with inspiring average joe’s across the country to work on their own home projects. Shows like "Room by Room," "Decorating Cents," and "Trading Spaces" started the D.I.Y. craze in the ‘90s. "Room by Room" specifically was the very first show to air on HGTV and the show was so successful it ran for 14 years.

The Internet changed the game for D.I.Y. and it’s never been the same. Since Etsy’s establishment in 2005, people from across the globe can connect and sell their custom projects. However, it’s more than just an e-commerce site, it’s a community of unique D.I.Y.-ers and creative people. 2010 brought Pinterest to the world and changed the way people would search, plan, and organize projects forever.

Why D.I.Y.?

Saving money is one small piece of the puzzle. The joy a project can bring is often the impactful part. Remodeling experts measure the emotional gain a project or remodel brings to the homeowner and call it the Joy Score. According to NAR’s 2019 Remodeling Impact Report, “The reported 26 | NEW JERSEY REALTOR® | May/June 2019

Joy Score is higher when someone does the project themselves rather than hiring a professional.”

D.I.Y. projects also provide a sense of accomplishment after the work is complete. NAR reported 81 percent of those who did the project work felt accomplished compared to 73 percent of those who hired a professional to do the job for them.

Do your clients dream of doing D.I.Y. projects but lack space and equipment? The DIY Joint in Hoboken offers unique woodworking classes and open studio time. They have all the equipment and tools needed for the next home project plus master craftsmen on hand ready to help any project idea become a reality.

“My purpose for starting the DIY Joint was to bring a positive and empowering social experience to people in my community,” said Priscilla Van Houten, founder and owner of The DIY Joint. “Being able to create something tangible has given me incredible confidence in myself, and it has taught me that I am capable of doing more than I think.”

Van Houten’s favorite projects to D.I.Y. are ones she can make at a fraction of the cost, compared to buying the item from a big box store. These include side tables, bathroom vanities, and headboards. To find inspiration for these projects Van Houten’s go-to resource is Pinterest.

“I love that Pinterest recommends photos with similar features, so you can see the same project done in many different ways,” said Van Houten. “I also take to Etsy for inspiration because it’s made up of creative DIY-ers who are always on top of new trends.”

Ready to D.I.Y. a project? Van Houten recommends starting out with an easy project using cheap materials because no matter how long you’ve been D.I.Y.ing mistakes will happen.

Then, once you’re comfortable with the process, take up something more challenging.

Try some from Pinterest 100: The top trends for 2019. Find these projects and more on Pinterest.com.

1. Wall Art: Freshen up any room with drip-and-pour acrylic painting. This fun and trendy craft uses acrylic paint, plastic cups, all-purpose glue, and a canvas to create eye-catching wall art. Do this project just in time for summer.

2. Outdoor Fire Pit: Want to be the happening house this summer? Build a fire pit out of bricks or slabs of stone.

Project inspiration for this D.I.Y. varies extensively. Some can be finished in a few hours while others are a bit more lengthy.

3. Adding Yellow to Your Living Room: Yellow sofas made Pinterest’s 2019 trends. Thrifting is an inexpensive way to find pieces of furniture to refurbish or give new life. Reupholster with a soft yellow fabric and be the trendy home in your neighborhood. Sounds complicated?

Go to Pinterest.com to find similar projects to bring yellow into your living room.

4. Textile Art: People are wrapping up their walls according to Pinterest. Homeowners are using quilts or yarn tapestries to adorn their walls, and some are selling them for more than $200. If you’re ready to get out the sewing machine, make a quilt. Or try making a tapestry using yarn, a wooden rod, and some fabric dye. Find step-by-step tutorials for this trend on Pinterest, or if you’re a visual person, YouTube is the perfect place for video tutorials.

5. Wall Refresh with Geometric Shapes: This painting method adds a new twist on an accent wall. Rather than painting your accent wall one singular color use painters tape to create color blocks in different shapes. Try using different angles, different patterns, and more.

6. Pressed Tin Tiles: These fun textured tiles are guaranteed to make a statement. D.I.Y.-ers do everything

from leaving them natural to painting them a wild color, the possibilities are limitless.

7. Vertical Gardens: Many of these vertical gardeners staple Tuf-Felt to create pockets to place plants in and line them along their fences. Remember to take into account the plants will have to be replanted each year unless perennials are used.

8. Tile Stencils: Pick out one of these tile stencils and go to town on walls and floors. A popular stencil website, cuttingedgestencils.com, sells a variety of different stencils, plus they have all sorts of resources to guide D.I.Y.-ers through the stenciling process. There’s a stencil pattern for every taste, and their guides make stenciling easy for beginners.

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NEW JERSEY REALTOR® | May/June 2019 | 27

4/5/19 9:03 AM

B O A R D / A S S O C I AT I O N N E W S

Bergen County YPN Hosts Bowling Event

Realtors® Help those with Developmental Disabilities

The Greater Bergen Association of Realtors® Young Professionals Network hosted their first event in 2019 at the Bowlero Alley and Sports Bar in Fairlawn. Over 100 members were in attendance to network and raise funds for the CTC Academy. The CTC Academy is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to enhance the lives of children and young adults with special needs, and their families, by providing an enriched educational, therapeutic and supportive environment. Over $2,000 was raised to support their cause.

In February, the Warren County Board of Realtors® Outreach Committee collected items from their members and the public to benefit Sam’s Hope Inc. Sam’s Hope Inc. is a nonprofit organization serving individuals with developmental disabilities located in Warren County.

Donated items included: paper plates, napkins, plastic cups, paper/foam coffee cups, plastic forks/spoons/knifes, coffee, tea, and cookies.

Linda Simpson, RE/MAX Town & Valley; Jeannie Luongo, Executive Officer, WCBR; and Sondra Romano, Burgdorff/ERA

Greater Bergen Association of Realtors® presents their raised funds to the CTC Academy.

Liberty Board Launches Consumer Website

Want to be featured in NJ Realtor® Magazine?

Email editor@njrealtor.com with your local board/ association news.

The Liberty Board of Realtors® has developed a consumer information website —NJRealEstateTaxes.com. The purpose of this website is to help the residents of New Jersey understand the real estate taxes they pay and why their taxes may change over time. The information provided will assist property owners in determining if they can be eligible for a tax appeal.

The website also provides annual ranking for every municipality in New Jersey on the average taxes paid, the actual dollar amounts of taxes collected, and the true value of real estate for the selected city or county.

Visit NJRealEstateTaxes.com to learn more.

28 | NEW JERSEY REALTOR® | May/June 2019

Questions? Comments?

Email editor@njrealtor.com

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