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        <title>Real Estate Blog</title>
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        <description></description>
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    <guid>https://www.rosaagencyhomes.com/blog/january-2026.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.rosaagencyhomes.com/blog/january-2026.html</link>
        <author>slartiga@gmail.com (Steven Lartiga)</author>
        <title>January 2026-New Year, Same Market?</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
Hello everyone, hope you all had a wonderful holiday and new year. Its been a while since I last blogged. Figured I'd give some insight, market in our area seems to still be moving. Felt like it slowed for a month or so but looks like alot more deals are starting to come along. Interest rates hopefully are starting to come down a bit more. The market for multi-families in the area seem to have skyrocketed, a lot of multiple offer situations in our North Jersey area. Now as im writing this, we have been hit with a lot of snow so far, so it is going to be tricky to show homes in some areas, especially with parking, but you gotta do what you gotta do. Stay safe out there, Stay Warm If you're looking for a good place for take out, I've ordered from Mi Pueblito in Kearny NJ. Their food is always good and fresh and fast delivery and if you're looking for Mexican, this is it  Its a new year so Ill try to go to another local spot in the area once a month and let you guys know if its yummy and if you're in to food pages follow @journey2eats where we go to all different places and try the food and sights. Hope you all have a wonderful January, stay warm remember to take your time shoveling snow take a break every few times Well take care all
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    <pubDate>Wed, 21 Jan 2026 11:24:00 -0500</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.rosaagencyhomes.com/blog/october-market-update.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.rosaagencyhomes.com/blog/october-market-update.html</link>
        <author>slartiga@gmail.com (Steven Lartiga)</author>
        <title>October Market Update</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
Hey Guys, Its been a few months since I last updated. Hope everyone is doing well and having an Awesome Day Just wanted to keep you guys updated on the current market. As always any questions, Contact me anytime. 


 


North Jersey Real Estate Market Update – October 2025


If you're buying, selling, or just watching the market, it's hard to ignore the shifts happening across North Jersey this fall. From Bergen County to Hudson, and even across Essex and Passaic counties, the real estate landscape is showing signs of seasonal adjustment — but there’s more beneath the surface.


Inventory Remains Tight, But New Listings Are Rising


October brought a slight increase in listings across towns like Hoboken, Montclair, and Ridgewood, offering a breather for buyers. Still, housing inventory in North Jersey remains historically low, keeping competition relatively high.


Home Prices Hold Strong


While prices have leveled off in some areas, median home prices in Bergen County and Hudson County condos are holding strong due to limited supply and continued buyer demand, especially from NYC transplants.


 Hot Neighborhoods to Watch


These North Jersey towns are still experiencing strong demand:






Jersey City (especially The Heights and Journal Square)






West Orange (affordable + suburban appeal)






Hackensack (new developments &amp; commuter access)






Maplewood and South Orange (strong school districts + artsy vibe)






 What Buyers and Sellers Should Know






Buyers: Mortgage rates are hovering around 7.2 — locking in now may be a strategic move before potential hikes.






Sellers: Homes in move-in-ready condition are still moving quickly. Stage well and price competitively.




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    <pubDate>Tue, 14 Oct 2025 20:48:00 -0400</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.rosaagencyhomes.com/blog/hello-july.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.rosaagencyhomes.com/blog/hello-july.html</link>
        <author>slartiga@gmail.com (Steven Lartiga)</author>
        <title>Hello July</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
July is here and so is the heat atleast here in North Jersey, we have had a lot of heat and sometimes a lot of rain. But it is summer. So the real estate market has been strong still for sellers, and landlords Rents have been flying and getting higher. I feel most of the business I have been seeing is rental only. (not a bad thing) but it just goes to show how prices have reflected the rental market. We have a new &quot;mansion Tax&quot; going into effect on July 10. Basically:




&quot;The updated law applies to transfers of residential, commercial, certain farm properties, and cooperative units sold for more than $2 million. It also applies to non-deed transfers of controlling interests in entities that directly or indirectly own commercial property, provided the value exceeds $1 million. Under the new structure, the following tax rates will apply based on the sale price or consideration:






1 for transfers over $1 million but not more than $2 million (payed by seller now, previously payed by buyer)


2 for transfers over $2 million but not more than $2.5 million


2.5 for transfers over $2.5 million but not more than $3 million


3 for transfers over $3 million but not more than $3.5 million


3.5 for transfers over $3.5 million&quot;





So we can see a lot of changes taking effect in new jersey, but it means less spending for buyers a little more for sellers that had the buyer pay the one percent in the past, now the seller pays it. How do you feel about all the changes? 





Lets hope we all have a wonderful Month. And as always thanks for tuning in My Awesome Fans Hope you all have a wonderful 4th of July God Bless America


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    <pubDate>Wed, 02 Jul 2025 15:12:00 -0400</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.rosaagencyhomes.com/blog/welcome-june-summer-is-coming.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.rosaagencyhomes.com/blog/welcome-june-summer-is-coming.html</link>
        <author>slartiga@gmail.com (Steven Lartiga)</author>
        <title>Welcome June Summer is coming</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
Hey there my awesome supporters, 



Hope you're having a wonderful day And yes, you read that right Welcome June, Can you believe we are already half way through 2025?? Time really does fly as you get older. Well the market has been still pretty strong for sellers. I know many articles have been stating that there is a lot more inventory sitting on the market than ever before ( or the atleast the last 5 years). BUT not NJ, or atleast North Jersey, Our market I feel is still competitive in many parts, I just had a few offers get rejected in Lyndhurst and Saddlebrook. Its almost going on one year since the market has changed for buyers and realtors, I will give you my take on it. Real Estate although changed, many things really stayed the same, I think you just have to provide more value as a buyers agent and disclose commission from the start. Most buyers are ok with this, and like knowing the process. I feel I have better relationships with buyers, and only work with buyers willing to sign a buyers agency agreement with me. I know it has been difficult for some, but just keep pulling through. Rental market has also been pretty strong so If youre out looking for a tenant, give us a call, we can help you rent it With the amount of scams and fraud going on right now, its better to let us handle it than letting some fake into your home. Well thanks so much for reading, this was a quick little market update. Hope all you with family graduating, have a wonderful time and if you're looking to start your search for a smaller or larger home, please let us know. 
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Mon, 02 Jun 2025 22:57:00 -0400</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.rosaagencyhomes.com/blog/april-is-the-best-time-to-sell.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.rosaagencyhomes.com/blog/april-is-the-best-time-to-sell.html</link>
        <author>slartiga@gmail.com (Steven Lartiga)</author>
        <title>April is the best time to SELL</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
Welcome Guys, it has been a while since I last wrote, but the market has drastically changed over the las couple of years. I'm sure if you've been in the market to buy or sell, you know what I'm talking about. Rates have gone up and down, but lately have remained pretty high if we are to average out the last ten years. But as I have always said, fi you can afford to buy a house now, do it. We cant predict how the market will be a year from now, or how high rates will go, or if they will drop. Im sure you've noticed rents have gone up significantly over the last few years as well, so it makes buying a house that much more appealing, why pay high rent if you can pay a little more and own it. 


Now if you're in the market to sell your home, we all know spring time is always the best time, but it has been proven that in April, homes sell for a lot more than other months. A lot of people decide to sell now because their kids can be finishing school and will close in time for the summer. Maybe they want to upgrade to something bigger with a yard, or pool. Whatever the reason is, you are bound to get multiple offers on your home, should it be marketed and priced correctly. Have you thought about buying or selling a home this year? Don't forget its always good to speak with your preferred lender or realtor to get the inside scoop on the market and rates. The stock market recently dropped tremendously, i dont think this will affect real estate, but its worth keeping an eye out. Im pretty sure it will turn around as it always does. How are you guys doing in this market? Has any of what has been going on affected you? We can only hope things get better with time, but as for real estate, things seem to still be strong in our NJ market. (North Jersey to be exact.) Hopefully the next time Im writing, you will have made the decision to buy or sell at a great price. As always if you have any real estate questions, contact us, we'd love to chat. 



-My Awesome Realtor
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    <pubDate>Tue, 15 Apr 2025 22:40:00 -0400</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.rosaagencyhomes.com/blog/december-2023-real-estate-update.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.rosaagencyhomes.com/blog/december-2023-real-estate-update.html</link>
        <author>slartiga@gmail.com (Steven Lartiga)</author>
        <title>December 2023 Real Estate update</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
Hey Folks, 



Steven Lartiga-My Awesome Realtor here, with a new way to communicate to you all. I was going to wait until the new year but why wait when we can do it now. Well it's already December, and it feels like this year went by so fast. We have seen many phases of the market over the last 5 years, from not so much demand, to unrealistic levels. Homes have appreciated much faster and higher than ever before and they're only continuing to get higher. The real estate market has been great to those who have bought before 2020, as many got their homes with not only a great market price at the time, but also a low interest rate. We have seen interest rates go from 4 percent to 2.5 percent back in 2020, to now 7.5-8 in 2023. So when they say real estate has its ups and downs, they are totally right, as we have seen just the last five years.  So what do we think will happen to the New Jersey real estate market in 2024? I personally think the market will keep increasing slowly, but still increasing. If rates tend to drop that may make the demand even jump even more, if they go up though, I think that could possibly slow the market down. If you're still on the fence on buying, keep searching, because its still worth owning the home than renting and paying someone else's mortgage. Of course its not as easy as it sounds, but keep in touch with your favorite realtor because there are homes popping up on the market Perhaps a few overpriced, but we know who they are by week two on the market. Well I hope you enjoyed my first blog post, I could ramble on forever but maybe we can save that for a podcast ;-) 



Happy Holidays to Everyone and Happy New Year I will be back in January with a market update. and as always if you want more real estate info, subscribe to my youtube, or follow me on instagram/tiktok: @myaweseomerealtor

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    <pubDate>Mon, 11 Dec 2023 10:34:00 -0500</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.rosaagencyhomes.com/blog/should-i-wait-to-buy-my-home.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.rosaagencyhomes.com/blog/should-i-wait-to-buy-my-home.html</link>
        <author>jedebar@gmail.com (Jason DeBarberie)</author>
        <title>Should I wait to buy my home? </title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
If you are ready, waiting might cost you 


I am going to discuss this topic with a few assumptions.




       You want to buy a home  home buying guide


       You are ready to buy, meaning this is the next step


       Financially, you are ready to buy  get a pre-approval


       Again, you want to by a home




My answer to that question is “what are you waiting for?”, obviously you are asking because you are concerned about either interest rates or home values, most likely both.  


So, if it is interest rates that are you concern, this is where you would tell me that (insert number here) months/years ago the interest rates were (insert number here) and that is true. I could play the game and do the same and tell you what they were blank in said year and so on and try to remind you that historically, interest rates are still low yada yada yada.


Our conversation would pretty much track the same for home values. You would make an accurate statement about the increase over the last few years, and then I would point out that over time home values rise, as they do.


We are both right, but both of us being right does not help you.  You want Interest rates to drop You want home values to, maybe not drop a lot but drop a little. 


Even in our deadlock, I still ask “what are you waiting for?” If you want to buy a house and can AFFORD a house, that you want, then BUY it.  Not only are you purchasing and establishing a home to live in, presumably for the foreseeable future. You are also, just as importantly securing an asset.


Let’s say you purchase a home this year at X rate. What can happen after that




       The rates lower after a year or two, now you can refinance to the lower rate. You have your home and asset secured.  Life is good


       The rates do not lower, but stay more or less the same for the next few years. Ok, you already have your home and asset secured. You are no longer renting. Life is good


       The rates increase over the next few years. Lucky you, you believe you bought at the right time. You have your home and asset secured. Life is good




The same can happen with the home values over the next few years. They will either go up, go down or stay the same.  The difference is that even though home values can go down, historically they rise over time.  And don’t forget your loan is a SELF-AMORTIZIATION loan, as time passes your principle lowers and your equity increases.


Waiting is a gamble that can hurt you. You run the risk of higher rates or higher prices and more importantly time lost.  It could work out, maybe rates will lower along with values. But to be honest low inventory continues to be our problem, until we are flooded with houses to sell, I do not see values coming down anytime soon, and just like in 2020 with interest rates dropped, that could just pack the market with buyers again immediately causing prices to rise and creating another seller’s market.


https://www.nar.realtor/magazine/real-estate-news/study-homeowner-wealth-is-40-times-higher-than-renters


https://www.nar.realtor/newsroom/middle-income-homeowners-gained-more-than-120000-in-wealth-over-the-past-decade-from-home-appreciation
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    <pubDate>Tue, 18 Apr 2023 13:39:00 -0400</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.rosaagencyhomes.com/blog/what-i-like-about-living-in-kearny-nj.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.rosaagencyhomes.com/blog/what-i-like-about-living-in-kearny-nj.html</link>
        <author>jedebar@gmail.com (Jason DeBarberie)</author>
        <title>What I like about Living in Kearny, NJ</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
I really like my town


I moved to Kearny in 2006. Five years later, after getting married, we moved to Lyndhurst, NJ and stayed there till we bought our house in Kearny in 2018.


Here are some of the things that I really like about Kearny, NJ


Location: Kearny's location offers many benefits for travelers and commuters. The town is conveniently located near major transportation hubs, making it easy to get around the area and beyond. The airport is just a short 30-minute taxi ride away, making it a great option for those traveling by air. Additionally, the Harrison Path Station and NJ Transit train stop in nearby Lyndhurst( offers free parking), providing a quick and easy 20-30 minute train ride into New York City. Kearny is also conveniently located near major highways such as the NJ Turnpike and Garden State Parkway, making it easy to get to other parts of New Jersey and beyond. The close proximity to neighboring towns like North Arlington, Lyndhurst and Rutherford also provides access to even more dining, shopping, and entertainment options. Overall, Kearny's location offers many benefits for those who value convenience and easy access to transportation options.


https://www.njtransit.com/


https://www.panynj.gov/path/en/schedules-maps.html


Events: Kearny has variety of events and organizations that operate in the town. Throughout the year, there are many events organized by local organizations, such as parades, carnivals, and tricky trays. These events provide an opportunity for residents and visitors to come together, celebrate, and have fun. From the Fourth of July fireworks to the Kearny Christmas Tree Lighting, there is always something going on in Kearny. These events also serve as an excellent opportunity for local businesses and organizations to promote their products and services. They help to create a sense of community and bring people together. Whether you're a lifelong resident or just visiting, Kearny's many events and community organizations offer a fun and engaging way to experience the town and get to know its people.


https://www.kearnynj.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/2023-Calendar-FINAL.pdf


Parks: Kearny is also home to many parks, playgrounds, recreation fields and green spaces, making it an ideal place to enjoy the outdoors. For athletics, the recently reconstructed Gunnell Oval has Baseball, Football and Soccer fields along with Volley Ball, Tennis and Basketball courts in addition to a large playground. For dog owners, there is even a dedicated dog park where their furry friends can run and play off-leash. Even with all of these outdoor spaces, Kearny will possibly have more in the future. The Essex-Hudson Greenway Project will pass through Kearny, providing even more multi-use green space.


 https://www.essexhudsongreenway.org/


 https://www.kearnynj.org/recreation-department


Walking: Kearny was Incorporated in 1867, well before the invention of the automobile, and the size and design make it a great walking town. Kearny Ave runs North/South through the middle of the town providing easy access to the majority of local businesses.  Whether purely for exercise, running errands, getting ice cream or coffee all can easily be done on foot. In fact, I believe that most students along with some parents walk to school every day. Having grown up in both walking friendly and car dependent towns, it is nice to have the option to walk.  


Food:  Kearny is a town with a rich culinary scene. From cafes to bakeries to restaurants, there is no shortage of options for those seeking a delicious meal. One of the standout features is the variety of cuisines available, with offerings from Portuguese, Brazilian, Peruvian, Mexican, Italian, Japanese and more. Whether you're in the mood for a spicy Mexican dish or a delicate sushi roll, Kearny has it all. Additionally, the availability of high-quality bread at affordable prices is a real treat for anyone with a love for baked goods.  Some places that I frequently enjoy are


https://www.instagram.com/natasandbowls/?hl=en


https://www.firepitbbq.net/home


https://www.mipueblitokearny.com/


http://curiositybyintrinsic.com/index.html
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Tue, 21 Feb 2023 17:19:00 -0500</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.rosaagencyhomes.com/blog/avoid-common-home-buying-mistakes.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.rosaagencyhomes.com/blog/avoid-common-home-buying-mistakes.html</link>
        <author>jedebar@gmail.com (Jason DeBarberie)</author>
        <title>Avoid Common Home Buying Mistakes</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
The mistakes I have seen.


Home buying is a significant investment and a complex process that requires careful planning and preparation. To ensure a smooth and successful home buying experience, it's important to avoid common mistakes that can derail your plans. Here are Five common mistakes to avoid when buying a home and offer advice to help you make informed decisions and achieve your goals.



Not getting pre-approval: Before you start your house hunt, it's essential to get pre-approved for a mortgage. A pre-approval lets you know how much you can afford and helps you understand the mortgage options available to you. It also gives you a better idea of the additional costs you will incur, such as closing costs. This information is critical to help you avoid disappointment and ensure that you only look at homes that are within your budget.


 Involving too many people: While it may seem like a good idea to seek advice from friends, family, or other loved ones, having too many people involved in the process can be a mistake. Unless they have recent and relevant experience in the area you are buying in, their advice may be outdated or even confusing. Furthermore, if they don't have skin in the game, they may be dismissive or negative about homes that you like, leading to a cancelled contract.


Being too aggressive: When negotiating the purchase price or conditions of a home, it's essential to be reasonable and professional. Being too aggressive in your approach can lead to the contract being cancelled, which is the last thing you want. It's important to understand that the contract will only close if both parties are satisfied. Using the inspection report to renegotiate the purchase price can be risky and may cause the deal to fall through.


Working with multiple agents: While it may seem like a good idea to have multiple agents searching for properties on your behalf, this approach can be counter-productive. Finding a home is only part of the job, and successfully closing the deal with minimal stress requires an experienced agent who can handle any problems that arise. It's essential to work with an agent you trust and who can educate you about the entire process and answer any questions you have.


Bringing unqualified individuals to inspections: Unless your father or uncle (or any other family member or friend) is a certified home inspector, it's best not to bring them along to the inspection. Having too many people involved in the inspection process can be a distraction and may lead to confusion or conflicting opinions. It's important to work with a qualified home inspector to ensure that the inspection is thorough and accurate.



In conclusion, buying a home is a big decision, and avoiding these common mistakes will help you make informed decisions and achieve your goals. By getting pre-approval, limiting the number of people involved, being reasonable in negotiations, working with a trusted agent, and relying on qualified home inspectors, you can ensure a smooth and successful home buying experience.



  
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    <pubDate>Mon, 06 Feb 2023 16:32:00 -0500</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.rosaagencyhomes.com/blog/what-is-really-going-on-with-the-real-estate-market.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.rosaagencyhomes.com/blog/what-is-really-going-on-with-the-real-estate-market.html</link>
        <author>jedebar@gmail.com (Jason DeBarberie)</author>
        <title>What is really going on with the Real Estate Market?</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
In recent months, the media has been filled with stories of a struggling real estate market. Headlines blare about declining home sales and plummeting prices, painting a dire picture for anyone looking to buy or sell a home. But don't believe the hype. The reality is that the real estate market is thriving, and now is a great time to make a move.


Just this past Saturday I did an open house for a 2 family home.  The house had just come back on the market a few days earlier and since we did not have a lot of time to promote the open house my colleague and I were not sure about the turnout.  We were so busy that we had to extend the open house by 45 mins.  More than 30 sets of buyers came through and these were not the same buyers you would find during the pandemic.  These were mainly well qualified buyers that were also not 1st time buyers.  Even right now as I write this I am still receiving calls regarding the property. In fact I have a showing in 30 mins,  By the time we were collecting the the signs my colleague and I felt very positive, not only for the property we are selling but for the market in general.  


For Sellers 


The market is thirsty for homes, period.  If you are kicking your self for not listing 6 or 12 months ago, stop.  List now It is true that interests are higher and due to that there are less buyers out there, but since inventory is still critically low home prices have NOT plummeted like you were led to believe.  There still are plenty of buyers out there I would even dare to say that the average buyer in search of a home right now is a stronger buyer than during the pandemic.  Prepare your home accordingly and price it correctly and you should be able to find a buyer in no time.  Do not be tempted to set your &quot;town record&quot; with your price.  You will distract buyers and waste your time.  There have been some list prices out there that are just insane. 


For BUyers


Home prices have not fallen and unless the inventory jumps up 1000 in the next 6 months most likely they will not fall a whole lot.  This is actually good news for you.  If home prices are tumbling down would you feel very confident to buy? Stable values are a good thing.  Most importantly since there are less buyers out there looking you have less competition.  Technically it is still a seller's market but much more reasonable than the last 2 yrs.  You shouldn't have to promise the sellers your 1st born in you offer.  I do not know how long this will last.  I would encourage you to start or re-start your search soon.  Keep an eye on what is new to the market and price reductions. Stay ready to make a move.  You might be surprised to find yourself under contract before you know it.    



Who you work with matters


If you are looking to buy or sell in any market.  You want to work with an Agent that has the following. 






Market knowledge: A good agent will have extensive knowledge of the local real estate market and can provide valuable insights on current trends, pricing, and inventory. This knowledge can help buyers and sellers make more informed decisions.






Negotiating skills: A good agent will be able to negotiate effectively on behalf of their clients, whether it's helping a buyer secure the best deal or helping a seller get the highest price for their home.






Marketing expertise: A good agent will have the skills and resources to market a home effectively, which can help attract more buyers and ultimately lead to a faster sale.






Network and Connections: Good agents have a wide network of connections, including other agents, mortgage brokers, home inspectors, and other professionals involved in the buying and selling process. This can help streamline the process and ensure that everything runs smoothly.






Experience and Professionalism: Good agents have experience in the industry and will conduct themselves in a professional manner. They know the laws and regulations that must be followed and how to navigate through difficult situations, protecting their client's best interest.






Stress reduction: Buying or selling a home can be a stressful and time-consuming process. A good agent can take on much of the burden and handle the details, allowing their clients to focus on the bigger picture.




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    <pubDate>Mon, 23 Jan 2023 13:33:00 -0500</pubDate>
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