Agency News and Awards December 20, 2023

Jimmy Cosenza is now a Licensed Real Estate Broker

Congratulations to James “Jimmy” Cosenza on becoming a Licensed Real Estate Broker.

Embarking on the journey to becoming a licensed real estate broker is no small feat—it demands extensive knowledge and unwavering hard work, an accomplishment achieved by a select few. For Jimmy Cosenza, an agent dedicated to becoming one of the best in the business, the path to becoming a broker was not just a professional milestone but a personal commitment to excellence.

Elevating Client Experiences

Jimmy Cosenza has long harbored a genuine interest in real estate. His passion and intricate local market knowledge uniquely position him to provide clients with a competitive edge. Whether assisting first-time homebuyers, helping sellers maximize property value, or guiding investors toward profitable opportunities, Jimmy’s dedication to excellence is unwavering.

Jimmy has previously earned certifications as a Real Estate Negotiator and obtained his Commercial and Investment Real Estate designation. Now, with the added responsibilities and capabilities of a broker’s license, he offers an even more comprehensive and strategic approach to real estate transactions. Clients can expect expert guidance, innovative solutions, and a level of service that reflects Jimmy’s continuous pursuit of excellence.

Looking to the Future

As Jimmy embraces this new chapter, his focus remains on the future. His commitment to self-improvement and genuine passion for real estate ensure that clients will continue to benefit from the highest service standards. Whether stepping into your first home, navigating the market as a seller, or seeking opportunities as an investor, Jimmy Cosenza is ready to help you navigate every aspect of the ever-changing real estate market.

Congratulations, Jimmy! Your unwavering dedication and hard work have led you to this well-deserved achievement as a licensed broker. All of us here at BHGRE Green Team wish you continued success as you embark on this new chapter of your real estate journey.

 

Agency News and Awards May 4, 2023

Jacqueline Kraszewski Celebrates 10 years with BHGRE Green Team!

Congratulations to Jacqueline (Jacque) Kraszewski on her 10-year anniversary with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Green Team!

Jacque is an amazing and hardworking realtor who is loved dearly by our team. Her dedication, passion, and tireless efforts have not only contributed to her success but to the success of BHGRE Green Team as a whole.

Over the past decade, Jacque has established herself as a trusted and respected real estate professional in the community. Her commitment to excellence, attention to detail, and outstanding customer service have helped countless clients find their dream homes.

We are truly grateful for Jacque’s contributions to BHGRE Green Team and the real estate industry. Her contagious enthusiasm and unwavering work ethic are truly inspiring.

Here’s to many more years of success, growth, and achievements for Jacque and BHGRE Green Team! Congratulations, Jacqueline!

Agency News and Awards May 1, 2023

Rick Harrison joins Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Green Team

Rick Harrison brings his Real Estate Experience, Competitiveness, and Humor to BHGRE Green Team

Richard “Rick” Harrison attended the University of Arkansas with a major in Business Administration. For eighteen years, before becoming a real estate agent, Rick was a professional tennis coach. 

About Rick

Rick has lived in Vernon since 2003.  He spends his weekdays doing real estate, working out, playing golf, and being Adam’s dad; he pretty much spends his weekends doing the same. Rick is a huge sports fan and loves the Razorbacks. An athlete his whole life, Rick still plays golf, tennis, basketball, and baseball; you’ll often see him working out at Minerals or running at Maple Grange Park. 

Rick Harrison in Real Estate

Rick decided to pivot his career, four years ago, when he entered into Real Estate. When asked why he decided to switch paths?  he said, “I knew I would be good at it and I didn’t want to have a real job anymore.”  Joking aside, the real estate world is extremely competitive, yet in the four years he has been in business, Rick’s numbers prove how devoted he is to his clients. 

Rick Harrison is happy to help with any of your real estate needs; when it comes to golf, he’s good to have in your foursome and he usually picks up the check.

It is no doubt that a realtor with Rick’s innate competitive sportsmanship and experience will be an unbeatable asset to every client that he meets. 

Agency News and Awards April 17, 2023

Kimberly Lasalandra is now a Certified Real Estate Negotiator!

Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Green Team proudly announces that Kimberly Lasalandra has received her CREN designation!

Kim has always strived to make meaningful connections with every client she encounters. Understanding her client’s wants and needs guarantees that their experience with her is productive and successful. She is described by many clients and coworkers as an expert in her field. Additionally, Kim is known to be thorough in all of her deals and is dedicated to ensuring that she never misses the important details. These traits have been a huge part of her continued success as a Realtor.

According to NAR®, 83% of buyers and sellers consider negotiation skills very important. As an agent who is always looking for ways to expand her skills, Kim decided this designation would be an amazing asset to her clients. Furthermore, as a Certified Real Estate Negotiator she is prepared to tailor a specific negotiation strategy for both her buyers and sellers. With this knowledge, Kim is ready to negotiate the highest price for her sellers and the lowest price for her buyers. 

If you are looking for an Expert Realtor who is prepared to get you the best price for your current or future home, Kimberly Lasalandra is ready to help. 

 

Selling a Home June 30, 2022

If You’re Selling Your House This Summer, Hiring a Pro Is Critical

It can be tempting, especially with how hot the housing market has been over the past two years, to consider selling your home on your own. But today’s market is at a turning point, making it more essential than ever to work with a real estate professional.

Not only will a trusted real estate advisor keep you updated and help you make the best decisions based on current market trends, but they’re also experts in managing the many aspects of selling your house.

Here are five key reasons why working with a real estate professional makes sense today.

1. A Professional Follows the Latest Market Trends

With higher mortgage rates, rising home prices, and a growing number of homes for sale, today’s housing market is showing signs of a shift back toward more pre-pandemic levels. When conditions change, following the trends and staying on top of new information is crucial when you sell.

That makes working with an expert real estate advisor critical today. They know your local area and follow national trends too. More importantly, they’ll know what this data means for you, and as the market shifts, they’ll be able to help you navigate it and make your best decision.

2. A Professional Helps Maximize Your Pool of Buyers

Your agent’s role in bringing in buyers is important. Real estate professionals have a large variety of tools at their disposal, such as social media followers, agency resources, and the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) to ensure your house is viewed by the most buyers. Investopedia explains why it’s risky to sell on your own without the network an agent provides:

“You don’t have relationships with clients, other agents, or a real estate agency to bring the largest pool of potential buyers to your home. A smaller pool of potential buyers means less demand for your property, which can translate into waiting longer to sell your home and possibly not getting as much money as your house is worth.”

3. A Professional Understands the Fine Print

Today, more disclosures and regulations are mandatory when selling a house. That means the number of legal documents you’ll need to juggle is growing. The National Association of Realtors (NAR) explains it best, saying:

“Selling a home typically requires a variety of forms, reports, disclosures, and other legal and financial documents. . . . Also, there’s a lot of jargon involved in a real estate transaction; you want to work with a professional who can speak the language.”

A real estate professional knows exactly what needs to happen, what all the paperwork means, and how to work through it efficiently. They’ll help you review the documents and avoid any costly missteps that could occur if you try to handle them on your own.

4. A Professional Is a Trained Negotiator

If you sell without a professional, you’ll also be solely responsible for all the negotiations. That means you’ll have to coordinate with:

  • The buyer, who wants the best deal possible
  • The buyer’s agent, who will use their expertise to advocate for the buyer
  • The inspection company, which works for the buyer and will almost always find concerns with the house
  • The appraiser, who assesses the property’s value to protect the lender

Instead of going toe-to-toe with all these parties alone, lean on an expert. They’ll know what levers to pull, how to address everyone’s concerns, and when you may want to get a second opinion.

5. A Professional Knows How To Set the Right Price for Your House

If you sell your house on your own, you may over or undershoot your asking price. That could mean you’ll leave money on the table because you priced it too low or your house will sit on the market because you priced it too high. Pricing a house requires expertise. NAR explains it like this:

“A great real estate agent will look at your home with an unbiased eye, providing you with the information you need to enhance marketability and maximize price.”

Real estate professionals know the ins and outs of how to price your house accurately and competitively. To do so, they compare your house to recently sold homes in your area and factor in the current condition of your home. These steps are key to making sure it’s set to move quickly while still getting you the highest possible final sale price.

If You’re Selling Your House This Summer, Hiring a Pro Is Critical | MyKCM

Bottom Line

Whether it’s following local and national trends and guiding you through a shifting market or pricing your house right, a real estate agent has essential insights you’ll want to rely on throughout the transaction. Don’t go at it alone. If you plan to sell, let’s connect so you have an expert on your side.

Selling a Home June 15, 2022

A Majority of Consumers Say It’s a Good Time To Sell Your House

If you’re a homeowner thinking about selling your house, you’re probably looking for the best time to make your move. That means you’re likely balancing a number of factors, like your changing needs, where you’ll go when you sell, and today’s mortgage rates in order to time it just right.

According to recent data, that sweet spot could already be here. The latest Home Purchase Sentiment Index (HPSI) by Fannie Mae finds that 76% of consumers believe now is a good time to sell.

The graph below shows the percentage of survey respondents who say it’s a good time to sell a house. The big dip in March and April of 2020 reflects how consumer sentiment dropped at the beginning of the pandemic as uncertainty about the health crisis grew. Since then, the percentage has grown consistently as more people feel confident it’s a good time to sell.

In fact, survey respondents think it’s an even better time to sell a house today than they did in 2019, which was a strong year for the housing market. The latest survey results indicate one of the strongest peaks in seller sentiment in nearly three years (see graph below):

A Majority of Consumers Say It’s a Good Time To Sell Your House | MyKCM

What Makes Today a Good Time To Sell?

One reason so many people think it’s a good time to sell is because there are still more buyers in today’s market than there are homes for sale. That’s driving home prices up, making it a good time to sell your house.

And if you’re on the fence about whether or not to sell because you don’t know where you’ll go once you do, know that you might have more options today than in previous months. That’s because the number of homes coming onto the market has grown each month since the start of the year. When more homes come onto the market, it gives you more opportunities to find one that meets your changing needs.

A Majority of Consumers Say It’s a Good Time To Sell Your House | MyKCM

Bottom Line

While the number of homes available for sale is growing and giving you more options for your move, inventory is still low overall. That could mean it’s a great time for you to sell. If you’re ready to address your changing needs and take advantage of today’s favorable conditions, let’s connect.

Housing Market NewsSelling a Home June 9, 2022

Why You Need an Expert To Determine the Right Price for Your House

If your lifestyle has changed recently and you’re ready to make a move, taking advantage of today’s sellers’ market might be just the answer for your summer plans. With homes continuing to get multiple offers, this could be your moment to get the contract you’re looking for on your house if you’re ready to sell.

And here’s the thing – you need an expert on your side to ensure you make all the right moves when you do, especially when it comes to pricing your house. Even in this competitive market, you can’t stick just any price tag on your home and get the deal you want. A key piece of the puzzle is setting the right asking price so you can help buyers notice your home (and get excited about it) from the very first time they view the listing. That’s where a real estate professional comes in.

Why You Need an Expert To Determine the Right Price for Your House | MyKCM

Why Pricing Your House Right Is Important

The price you set for your house sends a message to potential buyers. Price it too low and you might raise questions about your home’s condition or lead buyers to assume something is wrong with the property. Not to mention, if you undervalue your house, you could leave money on the table which decreases your future buying power.

On the other hand, price it too high, and you run the risk of deterring buyers. When that happens, you may have to do a price drop to try to re-ignite interest in your house when it sits on the market for a while. But be aware that a price drop can be seen as a red flag for some buyers who will wonder why the price was reduced and what that means about the home.

In other words, think of pricing your home as a target. Your goal is to aim directly for the center – not too high, not too low, but right at market value. Pricing your house fairly based on market conditions increases the chance you’ll have more buyers who are interested in purchasing it. That makes it more likely you’ll see multiple offers, too. And if a bidding war happens, you’ll likely get an even higher final sale price. Plus, when homes are priced right, they tend to sell quickly.

To get a look into the potential downsides of over or underpricing your house and the perks that come with pricing it at market value, see the chart below:

Why You Need an Expert To Determine the Right Price for Your House | MyKCM

Lean on a Professional’s Expertise

There are several factors that go into pricing your house, and balancing them is the key. That’s why it’s important to lean on an expert real estate advisor when you’re ready to move. A local real estate advisor is knowledgeable about:

  • The value of homes in your neighborhood
  • The current demand for houses in today’s market
  • The condition of your house and how it affects the value

A real estate professional will balance these factors to make sure the price of your house makes the best first impression and gives you the greatest return on your investment in the end.

Bottom Line

If you’re thinking about selling, pricing your house appropriately is key. Let’s connect to make sure your house is priced right for the local market, for your home’s condition, and to stand out from the competition.

Housing Market NewsSelling a Home May 29, 2022

Sellers Have an Opportunity with Today’s Home Prices

As mortgage rates started to rise this year, many homeowners began to wonder if the value of their homes would fall. Here’s the good news. Historically, when mortgage rates rise by a percentage point or more, home values continue to appreciate. The latest data on home prices seems to confirm that trend.

According to data from CoreLogic, home price appreciation has been re-accelerating since November. The graph below shows this increase in home price appreciation in green:

Sellers Have an Opportunity as Home Prices Re-Accelerate | MyKCMThis is largely due to an ongoing imbalance in supply and demand. Specifically, housing supply is still low, and demand is high. As mortgage rates started to rise this year, many homebuyers rushed to make their purchases before those rates could climb higher. The increased competition drove home prices up even more. Selma Hepp, Deputy Chief Economist at CoreLogicexplains:

“Home price growth continued to gain speed in early spring, as eager buyers tried to get in front of the mortgage rate surge.”

And experts say prices are forecast to continue appreciating, just at a more moderate pace moving forward. A recent article from Fortune says:

“. . . the swift move up in mortgage rates . . . doesn’t mean home prices are about to crash. In fact, every major real estate firm with a publicly released forecast model . . . still predicts home prices will climb further this year.”

Sellers Have an Opportunity with Today's Home Prices | MyKCM

What This Means for You

If you’re thinking about selling your house, you should know you have a great opportunity to list your home and capitalize on today’s home price appreciation. As prices rise, so does the value of your home, which gives your equity a big boost.

When you sell, you can use that equity toward the purchase of your next home. And at today’s record-level of appreciation, that equity may be enough to cover some (if not all) of your down payment.

Bottom Line

History shows rising mortgage rates have not had a negative impact on home prices. Now is still a great time to sell your house thanks to ongoing price appreciation. When you’re ready to find out how much equity you have in your current home and what’s happening with home prices in your local area, let’s connect.

Agency News and Awards May 23, 2022

Lucyann Tinnirello steps down as Broker Manager of GTNYR

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Lucyann Tinnirello may be stepping down as Broker Manager of GTNYR, but that is by no means the end of her Green Team story. In fact, that story began in 1984, when Lucyann started her career with Geoff Green’s father at ERA Joseph Green Real Estate. From there, Lucyann worked at several other agencies, including co-owning her own firm. When she joined Green Team in 2008, she felt as though she had come full circle. In 2018, Lucyann was elected broker manager of [what was formerly known as] Green Team Home Selling  System. Now, she is looking forward to working full-time with her clients.

 

 

A message from Geoff Green…

“LucyAnn has been an asset to our office as Broker Manager since she stepped into the role in 2018. Her experience in real estate made her the perfect candidate to not only handle the details of management but also to solve problems and help agents succeed.  Additionally, Lucyann always exceeded our expectations in terms of caring for everyone in our Agency. Lucyann will always take the shirt off her back to help those around her, and she did just that for many of our Agents through the years.  And, now that Lucyann has decided to step down as Broker Manager she will be re-focusing her time and energy on her own real estate sales, remaining as one of our beloved Agents.”

 

 

Lucyann’s Words of Wisdom

Lucyann lives by her credo,  “It’s nice to be important but it’s more important to be nice.”  It’s no surprise, then, that she is much-loved by fellow agents. When Lucyann comes across a quote that inspires her, she embraces and shares it.  For instance, Lucyann has another quote, with a story behind it. She considers herself lucky to have attended a motivational workshop by the legendary former Notre Dame Football Coach, Lou Holtz. And, Lucyann took to heart his words: ‘WIN – What’s Important Now!”  She’ll tell you the importance of staying in the moment,

 

 

Jennifer DiCostanzo

 “Kindness and compassion are Lucyann’s trademarks. She supports agents with both personal and professional growth.”

 

  

Tiffany Megna

Tiffany Megna shared some of Lucyann’s quotes. For instance, instead of saying goodbye, Lucyann says, “Be safe!”  The agents have trust in LucyAnn: if someone came to her with a problem, they knew their conversation would be kept confidential. She would always conclude the discussions with ” It’s your story to tell” letting them know that it would be safe in the Lucyann vault.  Tiffany and Lucyann also created their own saying, by shortening “Hello, Lucyann,” to “HiLu!” This is now a regular greeting.

 

 

Krissy Many

“When I reflect back on the time she served; I am most appreciative for her making herself available and her undying support of her agents. She always had our backs ( and if needed; told us privately what we did wrong). Lucyann was a defender!  She was “Switzerland.”  I appreciated her wisdom and sense of humor, and look forward to enjoying her company in the office as she has an abundance of both!!  She is thoughtful and often surprised us at our breakfast meetings with tokens of love and kindness. That is just who she is…. Thoughtful, kind, funny, and supportive. I will never hear the phrases “Be Safe” and “It is nice to be important but more important to be nice!” and not think of Lucyann. Thanks to Lucyann her for her support and service. I wish her the very best in the next chapter of her business”.

 

 

Nancy Sardo

“Lucyann has a genuine, unconditional love for people. She can be defined by her ability to do her very best to make things go as smoothly as possible in this crazy world of real estate, she will be missed as our Broker Manager. However, I am sure she is going to welcome the extra time with her beautiful family and grandchildren. Be Safe Lou–Love”

 

 

Morgan Beattie

 

“Ever since starting at Green Team, Lucyann has welcomed me with open arms. She is the person you can go to for anything. It can be a real estate question or even life advice, Lu will always be there for you no matter what.”

 

 

 

A celebration to say Thank You, Lucyann!

And what better way to celebrate than Happy Hour at Warwick Thai!  A group of Green Team Sales Associates gathered to say thank you on Lucyann’s last day as broker manager. Stepping up to that position is Carol Buchanan, who will be featured in an upcoming post. Lucyann proudly held up a card, which reads:  “I’m not old – I’m Vintage!” 

https://youtu.be/bt9yradu3IQ

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Housing Market NewsSelling a Home May 16, 2022

If You’re a Homeowner, You Have Incredible Leverage When You Sell Today

In today’s housing market, homeowners have a great opportunity to sell their house and receive the best terms for their personal situation. That’s because there’s a limited number of homes for sale, which is creating competition among buyers. Right now, homebuyers want three things:

These buyer needs give you an amazing advantage – also known as leverage – when you sell.

If You’re a Homeowner, You Have Incredible Leverage When You Sell Today | MyKCM

What Does This Mean for Sellers Today?

You might already realize this enables you to sell at a good price, but you’re also in a great position to get the best terms to suit your needs.

According to the latest Realtors Confidence Index from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the average home sold is receiving 4.8 offers. That’s why there’s a good chance you’ll get offers from multiple buyers who are willing to compete for your house. When you do, you should look closely at the terms of each offer to find out which one has the best options for you.

And if you have questions at any point in the process, remember your trusted real estate advisor can help. They’re experts who understand the fine print, know how to compare the terms of various offers, and will help you select the best one for your situation.

Bottom Line

If you’re thinking of selling your home, know buyer demand in today’s market gives you a great opportunity to get the best terms and price when you sell your house. Let’s connect today to discuss how much leverage you have as a seller in today’s market.