With all the growth in the Bergen County Orthodox community, prospective homebuyers need somewhere to turn, and someone to assist them with this often-daunting process. By all counts, more and more people are seeking the guidance of two local real estate agents: Nina Eizikovitz and Esther Shayowitz.
Nina Eizikovitz, currently a top producing agent at Links Residential Brokered by eXp Realty got into the real estate business in 2014, after a short stint in marketing and 14 years at Yavneh as the student activities director.
“It happened naturally. I was the friend people called for advice when they were looking for houses. In March of 2014 Marc Stein, Owner of Links Residential, suggested that I get my real estate license and become a referral agent,” Eizikovitz said. “I took a class that summer, enjoyed it and decided it was something I wanted to do.� With Marc’s guidance and mentorship I was able to build a very successful business.”�
“I was able to make connections right away because of my many years working for NCSY throughout NJ and Yavneh Academy,” she continued. “It’s a lot of hard work. Being a Realtor is more than a 9-5 job, but rather a lifestyle that requires me to service my clients at all times of the day and night.��My family always comes first, and they have adjusted to my schedule.��I do have flexibility so that I can make sure to schedule my appointments around my kids’ games and other family commitments. My clients understand and respect my time, knowing that I will give them the best service possible.”
“Brand recognition is important, which is why I am very active on Facebook as well as Instagram where I share my days and nights with all of my followers so that they see who I am and all the services that I can do for them.” Nina added.����“It helps that my husband is very supportive,” she emphasized. ” My life as a Realtor has become a family thing and my kids love to hear about all that I do to help others finds a home for their families.”
Shayowitz, a transplant from Brooklyn, has been in the business for five years.�
She lived with her family in Brooklyn until her senior year in high school, at which time her parents began considering a move. Every week she would look at home sale ads in the local Jewish newspaper. Her parents brought her along to look at possible houses, and she was happy when they ultimately bought the one she favored, although it necessitated the family’s move to Monsey.
When she got married, that basically “sealed the deal” in terms of her future career. Her husband, Shmuel, is president and chief lending officer at Approved Funding, a privately held local mortgage banker and direct lender. Shmuel’s parents were also in the real estate business, so the push for her to join the family industry started early.�
“I married into a real estate family,” Esther said. “My inlaws were immigrants who started a bank and a real estate company. My mother in law really encouraged me, and my own parents did as well.”
Esther is currently a top agent at Teaneck’s V&N Realty Group.
“I work on Sundays, and will show a house in the evening, if needed,” Esther remarked. Although she knew she wanted to pursue her dream in the real estate business, “I knew it would be all-encompassing. I knew it had to be all or nothing for me to be successful.”�
�It certainly seems as if they have it all figured out, by anyone’s standards. Nina has made her mark on the industry as a Certified Residential Specialist and an Accredited Buyer’s Representative who received the NJAR® Circle of Excellence Sales Award® in 2015 at the gold level, in 2016, 2017, 2018, and in 2019 at the platinum level.��She also received the Local Realtor Board EBCBOR Rising Star Award in 2015, and each year has grown her client base.� She was named one of the BERGEN Magazine Top Agent for 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020.� In 2019 Nina’s success reached a new level of sucess, and was the number 3 residential agent in the NJMLS servicing Bergen County and the number 1 residential agent in Teaneck and Bergenfield. �
“I have had repeat business and many families that continually recommending me.� I work to build relationships with all of my clients to better understand their needs to make sure that I am able to over deliver every time. � I am flexible with my clients to service them when they are available,” Nina commented.�
“I’m not a pushy person, I am ethical and honest which is what all clients what in their Realtor and I think people appreciate that.��I’m not all about the deal; I want everyone to get what they need,” Nina added.
Esther, too, is a leading real estate agent in the Bergen County area. She was named one of the American Institute of Real Estate Professionals (AIOREP)’s 10 Best Real Estate Agents for 2018-2019, was the BERGEN Magazine Top Agent for 2018 and 2019, and received the NJAR® Circle of Excellence Sales Award® in 2016, 2017 and 2018, and achieved the platinum level in 2019.
In discussing her relationship with her clients, Nina shared, “I had an out of town buyer that came in for the day to see a bunch of houses. The builder had insisted that the door to the house would be open. Of course, when we got there the door was locked: no way in. I was determined to get the buyer in. I called a locksmith. He was amazing. He came within 15 minutes and we were in the house!”
Word on the street is that real estate is a competitive and cutthroat business, but Nina�has not found that to be the case. “Although we’re all competitors, we are all coworkers especially in Teaneck and Bergenfield,” she said. “I have a very good relationship with other agents throughout Bergen County.”
Esther agreed. “I am in competition with myself, not with other people. I set goals to achieve and work to meet them. I know I won’t be able to be successful if I’m always worried about other people,” she said, adding, “There is a nice camaraderie between the agents who work in my office.”
Nina offered a piece of advice to home buyers and sellers regarding real estate agents. “When you choose an agent, always be upfront and honest with them about what you need. �And for people looking to get into the business, she shared, “This is more than a full-time job, you need to be prepared for it and then work to build your network of professionals that help with your clients.� I have built my team: home inspectors, attorneys, lenders and other professionals.� Everything goes more smoothly with the right team in place.”
Esther added, “Just worry about yourself and you’ll do fine. Don’t change who you are to make a sale; don’t compromise your values.”
“When someone feels you’re their biggest advocate, it matters. Whether they are buying, selling or downsizing, they need you to be their biggest advocate,” she continued.
Both women work primarily within Bergen County, mostly within Teaneck, Bergenfield and New Milford, but not exclusively.
Nina said, “I work mostly with referrals from friends and family members of past clients.��Growing up in Bergen County has definitely helped, I have been part of many organizations and schools where people have gotten to know me and how I operate.��They have come to appreciate my hard work and dedication I have for what I do.��Being part of Links Residential and the high level of services they have to offer, has helped my business grow where I am able to truly focus on my client’s needs.��I appreciate knowing that that Marc Stein and his many years of local real estate experience is always there to step in and help to make sure we are delivering the best services to my clients.”
Esther shared, “I get most of my business through word-of-mouth referrals from past satisfied buyers and sellers. The other day this lovely Muslim woman called me. She said she had to meet me, and wanted me to come see her house. After a pleasant conversation, I asked her how she got to me. She said she had been at her hairdresser speaking loudly to her hairdresser about how she tried selling her house in the past year, unsuccessfully, with another agent. It was a horrible experience. As she was speaking, another patron getting her hair done interrupted their conversation and told this seller that if she wants to get her house sold, she needs to call Esther Shayowitz. The woman did her research and called me immediately. After we met, she and her husband hired me as their realtor at our first meeting. My seller never even asked this woman for her name. But I’m thankful for the recommendation.”
Now�that�is how connections are made!
Nina and Esther often find themselves working on the same deal, with one advocating for the buyer and the other for the seller, and that is fine with them. They say there is no real competition, as they are all there for the same purpose: to make sure their clients get what they want and need.
“We both try to do the right thing for our own clients. We are both focused on getting the deal done. That’s the right way to do business,” Esther said.
The women’s working relationship took center stage this year when they spoke together at RYNJ’s Career Day. They each shared vignettes about their jobs and answered questions from the students.
Both women discussed their trustworthiness and ethics as a main focus of their business model, noting that trusting relationships with clients are the only way to do business.
“I had parents call me to tell me that they were looking to move to the area but none of their kids knew that they were looking to move yet. Then one of their kids called a week or so later and told me they were looking to move but their parents didn’t know yet. I sort of nudged each one to tell the other one,” Nina remarked, adding, “I am the keeper of many secrets. I often tell my clients that I play therapist, marriage counselor and confidante. My clients know they can trust me.”
If someone hears you’re moving, it’s not from me,” Esther concluded. “I am ‘a vault.’ I won’t share anyone’s business with anyone else. If I’m asked a question, I’ll just smile.”
To reach Nina Eizikovitz, email�[email protected]�or call 201.280.5025. To contact Esther Shayowitz, email�[email protected]�or call 201-638-5858.
