In this fast moving competitive 2021 Northern Bergen County Real Estate market, now is the time to hire an experienced real estate agent who will seamlessly guide you through the process and make it a wonderful experience for you and your family. Here are some tips to put you ahead of he competition so you can have a very successful real estate buying experience.
Meet With Your Lender Early
You should always get pre-approved before you begin your home search. This can help you determine your budget so you can act quickly when you’re ready to make an offer. Obtaining a pre-approval letter beforehand may also give you a leg up if it comes a to bidding war. It will show the seller that you are fully qualified for the loan and that your documents have been reviewed entirely and you are ready to proceed with the purchase.
Right now rates are at historic lows, hovering around 2.8 – 3% for a 30 year fixed rate! If you would like to get pre-approved for a mortgage online, please click the link below. Emi is highly qualified and will be able to answer all your financing questions! https://www.grarate.com/loan-officer/emikalic

Know Your Must-Haves vs. Nice-To-Haves
You are going to have to make your big decision fast! The market is HOT and there may not be time to mull over a decision. Before you start the search, make a list of what you MUST have vs. what you prefer to have, and consider price points you would be willing to pay for each criteria. Think about: the neighborhood, school systems, home size (square footage and number of beds/baths), age of home / renovations, home features, proximity to work, proximity to restaurants/shopping, and move-in dates. Every buyer has different values – a family with young children may value excellent school systems highly, while and elderly couple may value a ranch-style home without stairs. Only look at homes that have your “must-haves” to save yourself both time and stress!
Prepare For a Bidding War
The market is highly competitive right now, and it’s important to put your best foot forward from the start or you may not have a second chance. There is a big misconception that it is best to start with the lowest offer – but that probably won’t stack up against the competition. If you’re trying to win a house with multiple bids, send in your best and final offer up front! Consult with your realtor about what she believes is the best offer for the home’s value. It’s also good idea to consider homes below your budget, especially if you have your heart set on a popular neighborhood. This gives you some flexibility to increase your offer in the event of a bidding war.

Trust Your Agent
Don’t let your emotions get the best of you! We know moving can be an overwhelming process – that’s why it’s best to let your realtor take the reins. She can be the voice of reason in a stressful situation and guide you to make the best decision – financially, personally, and emotionally!
It’s important to find an agent who is experienced, trustworthy, and knowledgeable of your area and the current market. She will be able to assist you with professional photography, home staging, and marketing to sell your home for top dollar! Make sure to seek out an agent who is skilled in multi-media marketing, including: high-end home photography, video marketing, social media marketing, and traditional print exposure. The more eyes that see your property, the quicker your home will sell, and the more competitive your offers will be!
Consider asking your realtor the following questions:
- How many years experience do you have?
- How many sales did you close last year?
- How will you determine my home’s asking price?
- What steps will you take to increase my home’s appeal to potential buyers?
- What avenues will you take to effectively market my home?
- During what hours will you be responsive to my calls/texts?
- Can you provide references from your previous clients?
Learn more about my experience, personality, and capability by reading real client testimonials! Click below to see a compilation of my reviews, in which actual clients voice their opinion about my local knowledge, process expertise, responsiveness, and negotiation skills.
Ana Moniz’s Testimonials
Ready to Buy?
Click here to see all available properties for sale in Bergen County. You can use the toolbars at the top of the page to fine tune the search to meet your personal preferences – preferred towns, price range, number of bedrooms, and more!
And, check out my Guide to Buying 101 to learn all the steps I take to make your move a seamless process!

Ana Moniz, ABR – “I’ll Lead You Home”
Broker Associate Lifetime Member of the NJAR™ Distinguished Sales Club Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage 50 Broadway, Hillsdale, NJ 07642
cell- 201-247-6341 | office – (201) 930-8820 Ext. 441 | e-fax- 201-781-6712
www.AnaMonizRealEstate.com | https://www.anamonizrealestate.net/ | AnaMonizRealEstate@gmail.com