Image
Image

Your Guide to

Home Ownership

Amy Paternite Presents to Michail

Knowledge, Experience, Professionalism

Dear

Michail


Buying a home is a rewarding adventure and we're so happy to have the opportunity to bring your real estate dreams to life! In doing so, we aim to instill knowledge and confidence in all our buyers while helping them successfully navigate through every step of the process.

In the following presentation, you’ll be provided an outline of everything you need to know from consultation to handing over the keys. Our mission is to deliver world-class customer service and a winning experience.
Sincerely,

Amy Paternite

- you're in great hands -

Meet

Amy Paternite

Partner, Realtor® Sales Associate
917-442-5130
amy@thegoodlifegroupnj.com
Amy Paternite is a Partner and Global Luxury Certified Agent at The Good Life Group at Coldwell Banker, the #1 ranked real estate team in Maplewood in 2025 by Real Trends Verified and the #1 top-producing team at Coldwell Banker Maplewood since the team's founding in November 2022. With 20 years as a licensed REALTOR® and a 5 Star Professional award winner for over a decade, the Good Life Group serves Maplewood, South Orange, West Orange, Bloomfield, Montclair, Glen Ridge, Summit, Millburn, Short Hills, Livingston, and Morristown—primarily NYC suburbs along the NJ Transit Midtown Direct line with a commute under an hour to NY Penn Station.

Amy and her partner, Ben Garrison, also Global Luxury Certified, along with teammate Sara Brown, close 40+ transactions annually and achieved $42M in sales volume in 2025. While the average home in the South Orange/Maplewood (SOMA) market sold at 111% of asking price, The Good Life Group averaged 123% of asking price, outperforming the SOMA market by 12%, a performance unmatched by any other team.

A recipient of the NCJAR Circle of Excellence every year since 2009, Amy has built a reputation for unbeatable local wisdom, innovative marketing, and tough negotiation in New Jersey's competitive residential market. With 101 five-star Google reviews and 151 five-star Zillow reviews, Amy and The Good Life Group deliver a boutique, concierge-level experience for clients buying and selling homes and first-time properties, with an average price point exceeding $1M. Amy's extensive network of contractors, tradespeople, and fellow agents, combined with her detail-obsessed team, ensures seamless logistics and full-suite marketing at every stage of the transaction.

Before discovering her passion for real estate in 2006, Amy spent a decade as the owner of a boutique music industry public relations firm, honing the problem-solving and negotiating skills that now benefit her clients daily. A South Orange resident since 2003, Amy is deeply involved in her community, volunteering weekly at The Interfaith Food Pantry of The Oranges, serving on the JCRC of Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest, and supporting the Achieve Foundation for the SOMA School District. Amy lives in the Newstead neighborhood of South Orange with her husband Ryan, two children, and their dog Cheech.
Image

Proven Track Record

Service

Provide great customer service by building bonds with clients that lead tolong-term relationships where we truly care about their needs.

Knowledge

By pursuing excellence in our expertise as agents we can better service our clients and lead them to home ownership in a smooth and easy process.

Integrity

Be ethical in all you do and communicate with honesty while paying attention to the details of each and every client, agent, and transaction.
Image

Market Trends in Maplewood, NJ

Market data as of:
The Market Action Index (MAI) is a literal temperature gauge that shows whether the market favors buyers or sellers.
An MAI of 30 is typically balanced; over 30 is a seller's market, under 30 is a buyer's market.

Buyer markets

Buyers get better deals and more choices when MAI is low.

Seller markets

Sellers can list for higher prices and quicker sales when MAI is high
Market data as of:

View current market trends

Scan the QR code to see the current Market Trends report

Unique Value I Provide My Clients

Image
★
Customized listing search to find the perfect home.

I Found

Properties For Sale in Maplewood

Scan the QR code to see all listings
See all Listings
★
Professional Network to help your purchase go smoothly

Professional Network

★
Market insights as a result of my recent sales in your area

My sales activity in your desired search area will directly benefit you due to my market knowledge, negotiating prowess, and insights into local activity!
★
Exceptional reviews that reflect a pattern of excellence with my past clients.

Raving Reviews

Amy is, in a word, tenacious. She helped us navigate the home buying process when homes were on the market for five minutes before being snatched up and we were dizzy from how fast things moved. We felt that we always had someone on our team who was working in our best interest; from leveraging her professional contacts, to negotiating a deal back from the dead, and even to loose threads that cropped on closing day. This was not our first home purchase but the first time we're writing a recommendation. We were connected to Amy via a friend's referral and please let this be our referral to you.
[Read More]
Amy Paternite is a fantastic agent. She went above and beyond to find us the perfect home for our family in an incredibly competitive market. As first time buyers, she guided us through this process seamlessly and was honest, forthcoming, and responsive to all of our needs and questions along the way. We feel very lucky that we were connected to Amy through a friend.
[Read More]
Amy Paternite was wonderful. She smoothly navigated us through the buying process. She knows Essex County like the back of her hand and her deep knowledge and insights were so helpful at every step.
[Read More]
We worked with Amy Paternite for over six months to find our home, and we truly can’t imagine going through this process with anyone else, especially as first-time home buyers. We relocated from California to New Jersey for work and spent six months living with family while house-hunting. Amy showed up every single weekend and sometimes during the week -- we saw over 30 houses with her. She was patient, hardworking, and fully committed from day one.What really sets Amy apart is her experience, knowledge of the market, and incredible taste. She helped us think through each decision carefully and always made us feel informed and confident. Amy also brings an all-star team who were just as responsive and supportive as she was. We always felt like we had a full team in our corner.On top of all that, Amy is genuine and fun to be around, which made even the most stressful and overwhelming parts of the process feel manageable. After months of searching, she helped us find the home of our dreams, and we’re so grateful to have had her by our side.If you’re looking for a smart, reliable, and an overall wonderful person to work with, Amy is it. Thank you Amy!!
[Read More]
If you are looking for a house in Maplewood/South Orange and aren’t working with Amy, what are you doing? We could not recommend her more. Amy knows SOMA inside and out. She can give you the full rundown on any house you are seeing. She is great about helping you understand all the pros and cons of any house you look at. We were first time home buyers and she guided us through the process masterfully. She is personally invested in finding you a home and will go above and beyond to get you in the house of your dreams. She is also a lot of fun to hang out with, major plus when you are spending your weekends looking for a house.
[Read More]
Our experience was amazing with Ben and Amy. I cannot say enough good things about them. They answered all of our questions and returned our phone calls, emails and texts within minutes of us getting in touch with them.We were in our home for 31 years and lived in Maplewood for 38 years. They both were so knowledgeable about the homes in our area that were sold and were on the market. They guided us through every step of the process.They understood our own connection and love for the details of our home and they themselves truly appreciated it. The entire process was seamless.Any obstacles we came across, they had a solution or names of contractors that could help us. For us everything moved very fast. We signed the contract with Ben and Amy, had the stagers come, put our home up for sale, had an open house, received offers and closed within 12 weeks. All we can say is, WOW, we could not have done this without their direction.They know the Maplewood and South Orange area so well. The best part is, they are part of the community.The stress and emotion that goes with selling your home is very difficult. Having Ben and Amy there made it much less stressful.As I stated the experience could not have been any better or smother.Joan and Chris Brady
[Read More]
We already have recommended Amy to some of our closest friends. We can’t thank her enough for guiding us through the process of buying our first home in NJ during the challenging times of COVID. Amy was always available and responsive, very acknowledgeable, with great resources and recommendations. She took precious time on understanding our needs, concerns, and taste, as well as narrowing down our choices to ensure that we make a good investment, and with such a grace that felt that we had the space to make the best decision having in consideration her experience, and professionalism. We found that visiting houses with her was a treat for us since she generously shared her acknowledgment of the area. We can’t recommend her higher.
[Read More]
Amy and her team were totally amazing from the first conversation. She knows the area very well, and got me the best price when I sold my house. She has an amazing network of partners and contractors that made things easy at every turn. Don't settle for anyone else!
[Read More]
Selling a home lived in for 34 years is quite the project! Fortunately, my husband and I had the experience and commitment of the Good Life Group, helmed by Amy Paternite and Ben Garrison, to guide us to a successful conclusion. We received excellent advice on every aspect of the process and hands-on assistance whenever needed. Selling a home is inevitably stressful, but Ben and Amy have not only professional acumen, but also personal warmth and humor that go a long way toward easing any concerns. This team is the perfect choice for your real estate needs.
[Read More]
As a first-time homebuyer, I couldn’t have asked for a better relator than Amy Paternite. From start to finish, Amy was an incredible resource—walking me through every step of the process with knowledge, patience when answering all my questions, and professionalism. Her expertise was invaluable, from helping me find the right home to navigating the financial details, handling paperwork, coordinating the inspection, and ultimately, going into the closing with confidence. I highly recommend Amy and her team to anyone looking to purchase a home.
[Read More]

Review has been shortened using AI, click the review to read the full review.

Review has been shortened using AI.

Loyalty

This custom presentation that I’ve shared with you is an example of the care and effort I put into each of my best clients. I recognize that real estate transactions are one of the largest financial transactions of your life and it deserves careful consideration and wise planning. In light of this, you should feel strongly that mutual respect and understanding are key components of hiring me to help you accomplish real results starting right away.

Reviewing each other’s roles and responsibilities as we embark on the next steps together is how we can decide if we are ready to move forward together.

Processes

1

Consultation

We’ll sit down together and help you determine your needs wants and goals while offering my personal industry expertise and strategies for bringing your vision to life.
Image

2

Pre-Approval

Getting pre-approved will help you know exactly what you can afford so you can confidently focus on the right homes. Plus, it shows sellers you’re serious, giving you an edge when making an offer.
Image

3

Property tours

After you have reviewed and selected which homes you want to tour, we get to go shopping! This is where you can start figuring out what you really want in your new home.
Image

4

Write offer

Once we find the home of your dreams, we'll submit an official offer - including but not limited to sale price, inspection contingencies, and closing costs. The seller then has time to accept, reject, or counter your offer.
Image

5

Under Contract or Escrow

With your offer accepted, we enter a 30-day Escrow period. This involves a neutral third party company that holds funds while conducting a thorough underwriting process to ensure all aspects of the contract are upheld properly
Image

6

Appraisal

The appraisal is ordered by your lender to protect their investment. They have their own checklist of things they look at for the final approval to move forward. The appraiser can demand repairs completed by the seller before they will give their approval.
Image

7

Inspections

Now that you've found your home we need to order the inspection. The inspection will let you know what repairs are needed, some are minor and some may be safety issues. Don't worry, you are still protected.
Image

8

Closing

Congratulations! You now own a home and can get moved in. It's time to celebrate and have your housewarming and show off your home. We will be standing by to answer any questions you may have about home-ownership and have a list of contractors if the need arises.
Image
Image

105 More Ways

Agents Who Are Realtors ® Are Worth Every Penny Of Their Compensation.

Here’s a look at all the things – big and small – that a REALTOR ® may do to help clients when buying a home.

Counseling Session Activities

  • Prepare the buyer for executing a buyer representation agreement
  • Explain agency relationships to the buyer and get state required legal consent to represent, if needed
  • Inform the buyer of working relationship based on state law, the REALTORS® Code of Ethics, and the broker’s business policies

Building a Relationship

  • Learn the buyer’s wants and non-negotiable needs
  • Understand the buyer’s budget and what will be needed financially
  • Help the buyer understand what property their chosen budget will buy
  • Consider having the buyer fill out a homebuyer’s checklist
  • Assist the buyer in examining how much they can afford to spend
  • Provide quality lender resources
  • Partner with the buyer to locate suitable properties for consideration
  • Match the buyer’s needs with available property
  • Constantly re-evaluate buyer’s needs and refocus property showings to fit those needs
  • After ensuring the buyer understands what is done for them, how it is done,and the benefit to them, obtain signatures on the buyer representation agreement
  • Explain how compensation is paid, who pays it, and what the buyer’s options are for paying it

Educating the Buyer

  • Communicate the working relationship based on state law, the REALTORS® Code of Ethics, and the broker’s business policies
  • Explain Federal and State Fair Housing laws
  • Explain what to look for in applicable property disclosures
  • Reassure the buyer that their personal information will remain confidential
  • Inform the buyer that you will always disclose all known material defects
  • In accordance with state law, provide information on checking the sex-offender registry and crime statistics for the neighborhood
  • Discuss available resources that the buyer can check to learn more about prospective neighborhoods
Image
REALTORS® are members of the National Association of REALTORS®

Preparing the Buyer

  • Explain the timeline for house hunting, mortgage approval, and closing
  • Explain the local market and how it impacts the buyer
  • Show statistics on what percentage of list price sellers in the area are currentlyreceiving
  • Inform the buyer on what home features are popular
  • Identify current average days on market
  • Share the dangers of using the price per square foot to figure home values
  • Explain the concept of absorption rate and how it impacts the buying process
  • Indicate current listing months of market inventory
  • Share estimated potential out-of-pocket costs to complete the transaction
  • Assist the buyer in analyzing the loan estimates
  • Qualify the buyer for financial ability to purchase
  • Help the buyer account for the complete costs of homeownership
  • Prepare lender for listing agent calls
  • Assist in comparing different financing options
  • Help the buyer select for viewing only those homes that fit their needs
  • Proceed in showing homes that fit the buyer’s must-haves
  • Caution the buyer on posting information to social media
  • Review the sample sales contract so the buyer is prepared when it comes time to make an offer

Showing Properties

  • Schedule showings and provide access to all listed properties as soon as they become available in their local MLS broker marketplaces
  • Educate the buyer on the immediacy of new listings appearing in their local MLS broker marketplaces and the lag time for them to appear on some websites
  • Collaborate with the buyer on properties they may have learned about through their sphere contacts
  • Research and assist on all unlisted properties the buyer wishes to see
  • Preview properties prior to showing if needed
  • Network with other agents to source properties not yet in their local MLS broker marketplaces
  • Contact homeowners in focus areas to see if they are considering selling
  • Set up an automated email alert system through their local MLS broker marketplaces that immediately notifies the buyer of properties that fit discussed requirements
  • Arrange a tour of areas, schools, and key points of interest
  • Provide resources containing neighborhood information on municipal services,schools, etc.
  • Inform the buyer of negative aspects like nearby venues or operations that may result in issues that could impact value
  • Collect and share any other vital information on available homes, remembering to follow all fair housing laws at all times
  • Check applicable zoning and building restrictions
  • Help the buyer decipher public property and tax information
  • Collect and share pertinent data on values, taxes, utility costs, etc.
  • Compare each property shown to the buyer’s wants and needs list and remind them of what they were looking for
  • Help the buyer narrow the search until the buyer identifies top choices

Negotiating Offers

  • Assist the buyer in getting the best property at the best price
  • Suggest that the buyer learn more about the neighborhood prior to makingan offer
  • Prepare a comparative market analysis (CMA) in advance of making an offer
  • Prepare the buyer to have the most attractive offer in the current marketplace
  • Explain common contract contingencies and include approved protective clauses in the purchase offer
  • Ensure that the buyer receives and understands all state and federally-required disclosure forms
  • Prioritize contract negotiation goals with the buyer
  • Help create a negotiating strategy
  • Use strategies such as an escalation clause to maintain a competitive offer
  • Prepare the buyer for a multiple offer situation and develop negotiation strategies
  • Write an offer that has a reasonable chance of being accepted
  • Recommend optional contingencies and explain the pros and cons of using them
  • Provide information on purchasing incentives that may be available
  • Discuss financing alternatives
  • Negotiate the buyer’s offers to arrive at the best price and terms
  • Utilize hyperlocal expertise and strong communication skills to assist the buyer in being the successful offer

Advocating for the Buyer and Facilitating the Close (Part 1/2)

  • Advocate for the buyer throughout the entire process
  • Encourage the buyer to fully investigate their options in terms of a home inspector, title company, appraiser, mortgage lender, and other services
  • Present a list of the types of required and optional inspections such as environmental, roofing, and mold
  • Review and discuss home inspection concerns
  • Negotiate repair requests from home inspection
  • Guide the buyer on meeting all contract deadlines
  • Assist in coordinating communications
  • Advise the buyer to review the settlement statement
  • Inform clients that they need to transfer utilities to the new residence
  • Schedule final walkthrough
  • Accompany the buyer on the walkthrough
  • Assist the buyer in questioning the appraisal report if it affects the financing
  • Confirm clear-to-close with the lender
  • Ensure all parties have all forms and information needed to close the sale
  • Remind the buyer of the location where the closing will be held
  • Confirm the closing date and time, and notify parties if there are changes
  • Gather all required forms and documents for closing
  • Explain flood insurance to the buyer
  • Explain title insurance to the buyer and refer to qualified insurance broker
  • Order any surveys needed

Advocating for the Buyer and Facilitating the Close (Part 2/2)

  • Order the appraisal
  • Order the title search
  • Confirm the status of the loan funding
  • Check addendums and alterations for agreed terms
  • Review the buyer’s closing statement to ensure accuracy
  • Explain wire fraud risks and remind clients to verify all wiring instructions before transferring funds
  • Double-check all tax, homeowners’ association dues, utility, and applicable prorations, if relevant
  • Request final closing figures from the closing agent (often an attorney ortitle company)
  • Receive and carefully review closing figures to ensure accuracy
  • Receive and carefully review title insurance commitment with the buyer
  • Advise the buyer to re-key their locks and to consider a one-time cleaning service or landscaping before moving day
  • Review documents with the closing agent (attorney)
  • Support the buyer in any final closing activities
Image
Actual services provided will depend on the needs of the buyer and the transaction –not all 105 things will need to be done in every transaction.

Featured content from the Center for REALTOR® Development’s Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR®) Designation Course. Visit crd.realtor to learn more.
Image

What buyers need to know about the
National Association of Realtors (NAR) changes.

Image

Starting August 17th, 2024

It is required to complete and sign a written agreement before showing a home. This applies to buyers requiring the services of any licensed agent in the U.S. to visit a property.
Image

By Signing the Agreement to Partner with an Agent

Our agent is dedicated to you and committed to finding a home that meets your needs.
Image

With a proven track record

We have the knowledge and experience to be the BEST asset in your real estate endeavors.

Signing a Buyers Broker Agreement or BBA

  • This is an agreement to engage with a professional real estate agent to consult, show homes, negotiate contracts, and advocate.
  • It will establish the length of the agreement
  • It shows the agent/broker's services and responsibilities
  • It explains the agreement's exclusivity between Broker and client, what fees are owed for services rendered, and how to terminate the agreement. It mentions additional fees if the buyer signs with more than one agent.
  • It provides a clear explanation of the various ways an agent can be compensated for their services to the Buyer.
Image

Real Estate Expert

Amy Paternite

Partner, Realtor® Sales Associate | NJ 0678631

amy@thegoodlifegroupnj.com | 917-442-5130

Let's Chat.

I'm sure you have questions and thoughts about the real estate process. I'd love to talk with you about what you've read here and help you along this path.
Image
thegoodlifegroupnj.com/team/amy-paternite-licensed-real-estate-agent
Image
Image

Thank you!

In everything we do, we are driven to help others, because behind every transaction there is a vision, a goal, a dream waiting to come to life. In doing so, we bring our expertise, our instincts from years of experience, and our complete dedication to you.

This is only the beginning of an exciting journey to a bright and shining new future. And it's only the beginning of our commitment to servicing your every real estate need. Thank you for the opportunity to help you!
We'll be right there with you, every step of the way.
true