Skip to main content

Turning the Page

I've been working on a list of possible new real estate trends as a result of this situation our planet is in. I know I'd like a bigger pantry Send me your thoughts!
Yes, I am open for business. There are so many things buyers and sellers can do right now --- and waiting could be an unnecessary misstep. Reach out to me.
Adapting to new restrictions has kept me busy. It's true that (as of this writing) Realtors in Pennsylvania are not allowed to show homes or meet clients in person. I'm looking forward to a healthy USA and when things are more *normal*.
Still, this pandemic has allowed me to reevaluate how I conduct my business. I am optimistic about the future. Honest.
Motivation comes from all sorts of places.
- My parents, by example, showed me the value of working smart. My dad always told me he didn't care what I did, but just to make sure to do it well. Be great at it. My mom told me a thousand (a million?) times to "... make do with what you have ...". That didn't mean to settle for what you have - but take what you have and grow from it
- My wife will remind me not to burn out from overwork. Sage advice!
- New clients have been calling me, a reminder that there is a future
What seems like yesterday, but was a few years ago - clients sent me this photo. I remember some of the obstacles we had to cross to get to the point of that "Sold" rider being added to my sign.
What really stuck with me was knowing what this sale meant to their family. Saying goodbye to where they started, but moving on to the next exciting chapter.

Popular posts from this blog

Let's Go For A Walk: Meet the Wurbles

  When's the last time you opened your front door and walked down the street for a cup of joe or to hit the gym? A number of people, especially those in the "717", can't do that. We live in the suburbs. The country. We drive to work, shop, and play. Some stats and news reports the last two years would have you believe that everyone is moving to the sticks. The truth is, I've never had so many people tell me they want to live in a community where they can walk or bike for shopping, exercise, work, school, etc ... Some things to consider if you find it appealing to be using your car less. This goes for both buying a home or renting.   - Flirt with living in town . A novel idea! Take your pick, almost all of them have housing options that allow you to do a number of things on foot or two wheels. If sustainability is important to you, this is a homerun  - Live near public transportation . The "717" doesn't have a subway, but options include the CAT bus,

Trails and Parks: Do They "Upgrade" Your Home?

I have a vested interest in the community where I work and live . When hearing about plans for a park or trail, I listen. Not only do I use them, I have seen the positive impact public outdoor space can have  in local communities. Honest. Work experience influences how I think parks and walking trails affect a community. A deeper dive into the historical data complements my opinion.  Being in the real estate business, I'm often (almost always) thinking about home values . There are many items that affect market value. Negatives may include: Deferred or neglected maintenance Shoddy workmanship Outdated kitchens and bathrooms Crime rate Proven positives: Smart home improvements Updated kitchens and bathrooms Professional landscaping Parks and trails Speaking of crime , the National Association of Realtors reports: " ....recent studies have confirmed living near trails and greenways will likely raise your property value an average of 3-5% and sometimes even as high as 15%. There

Go Green and Feel Good About It

Do you have any green features in your house? If so, you are part of a trend. Having systems in place that are eco-friendly isn't anything new. But using these as a marketing tool is gaining popularity in Central Pennsyvlania. Case in point --- just today I noticed that there is a new section on the form I fill out when putting a home in the local Multi-List database that Realtors use. These items are added when there is a demand --- and people have been asking about solar panels, programmable thermostats, and rain barrels. The photo above is a snapshot of what I ran across today. Unfortunately I couldn't check any of those items off! On a side note, I'm not sure how a radon system or gutter guards are "green", though they are certainly important :-)