East Essex Realtor Gets Statewide Award

Bloomfield resident Dennis DeCarlo received his Christmas present a bit early this year:  he was named the New Jersey Association of Realtors' 2010 Realtor of the Year.  Recipients of the award are recognized for their contributions to the real estate industry, as well as their efforts for the community they belong to.  DeCarlo is also involved in many activities in Bloomfield, including serving as the executive vice-president of the Glendale Cemetery.

DeCarlo began his career in real estate when he returned from service in the United States Navy  in 1969 (he served two years active duty,  and four years in the reserves and was  honorably discharged in 1971).  His mother, Ann DeCarlo, had her own real estate agency, the Ann DeCarlo Agency, and she encouraged him to work for her.  

"I got my real estate license and joined her in the business," DeCarlo said.  "We became partners and then my brother, David, joined us several years later.  We had that business for 25 years until I bought my brother out in 1991.  In 1997, I sold some of the company, and started working for Weichert, where I managed their Oradell/Paramus office, and then I took over the West Caldwell office.  Then, I started working for Remax Park Square in Nutley in 2007."  Now, DeCarlo lives in Bloomfield with his wife, Pat, and four children, Alfred, David, Dennis and Mary Ann.

DeCarlo sells homes in several towns in the Essex County area.  "I sell in Bloomfield, Nutley, Belleville, Glen Ridge, Montclair, and all the way up into the Caldwells," DeCarlo said.  

When asked why he felt he was chosen for the award, DeCarlo discussed his civic involvement  and his work on behalf of the industry.  

"What they [NJAR] look for are people that are involved in their profession and in their community," DeCarlo said.  "I didn't get the award based on sales -- I just finished the presidency of the United Association of Realtors.  I served as a trustee of the Job Haines Home in Bloomfield.  I was chair of the board of the Essex County Red Cross.  I have also been active with Little Leagues, and elected to the town council in Bloomfield from 1997-2000.  Currently, I am the Executive Vice President of Glendale Cemetery in Bloomfield."

Not only has DeCarlo been involved in these various associations, he has been the president of his local chapter for the New Jersey Association of Realtors twice.  His first time as president was in 1980, and he just finished his second term this past year.  "Right now, I am the current treasurer," DeCarlo said.  
DeCarlo also spoke about being in the real estate industry at a time when demand shriveled following the 2008 economic crash.

"When the first-time buyer tax credit for $8,000 was created in 2008, there was a spurt of buying then," DeCarlo said.  "The market has declined a bit, but in the past month it is starting to look better."