Tunkhannock Pa Affordable Lot In Saddle Lake - 03/30/12 07:41 PM
Nestled in the rich and lush farmlands of north east Pa you will find a hidden gem - Saddle Lake.
This picturesque lake is located close to the historic town of Tunkhannock Pa, and a short drive from Scranton Pa.
If you are looking for a quieter life style consider this prime building lot. One of the few remaining on this popular lake.
Beautiful rolling farm land, quaint barns, mountain views and woodland surround Saddle Lake.Saddle Lake is perfect for boating (non-motor), fishing and swimming. Spend lazy days trolling around the lake or just … (2 comments)
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Sellers In Clarks Summit Pa - Be Careful Talking To Buyers Without Your Realtor - 03/30/12 05:59 PM
When it comes time to market your home sellers should consider that being there when the home is shown is not a good idea.
In my experience I've seen sellers try to get friendly with prospective buyers. Perhaps they feel if they appear to be friendly people it might prompt an offer on their home.
Often the seller lets their guard down and begins to blab personal things. They inadvertently reveal things which could put them at a disadvantage during negotiations.
Buyers will look for "desperation". A sick parent and you are relocating. A job change and you … (2 comments)
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Giant Retailer BEST BUY Announces Store Closings - 03/30/12 03:21 PM
Mega Electronics retailer Best Buy has just announced they will be closing 50 store nationwide. They plan to cut 400 jobs in an effort to stem the flow of losses. 2011 Best Buy posted $1.2 Billion in annual loss.
The company plans on scaling down retail locations to compete with monster internet retailers like Amazon.com. If you have any doubt about the power of the internet this drastic change in business models should be enlightening. Best Buy plans on opening 100 petite Connected Stores, where they will sell e-readers, tablet computers, cellphones, and service plans. There are currently 305 such stores … (4 comments)
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Moscow Pa Homes For Sale - Interest Rates Moving Up - 03/30/12 01:50 PM
The Scranton Times reported this week that interest rates for 30 year fixed loans have risen. The mortgage interest rates can rise and fall driven by our economy and other economic indicators. For several weeks we saw interest rates below 4%. That is a record low in our country. In 2005 a mortgage for $100,000.00 at 6.5% would cost $6,500.00 per year in interest. The same loan last month at 3.92% would cost $3,920,00 per year. The interest rate has a direct bearing on how much home you can afford to buy. Currently it is reported the average 30 year fixed … (0 comments)
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Clarks Summit Pa Homes Important Maintenance Tips - 03/29/12 10:03 AM
Homeowners in Clarks Summit Pa should pay special attention to gutters, downspouts and chimneys. Poorly maintained any one of these areas could cause significant water damage to your home.
Protect your most important investment by annually inspecting these items around your home.
The following article was written by professional home inspector David Selman. You may find the examples useful around your home.
Via David Selman (Selman Home Inspections):
Home Maintenance Tip - Chimneys, Rain Gutters, Grading
David SelmanAdvanced Professional Inspector Lic.# 10299FHA/HUD # F537 Septic Cert #113423
Phone: 469-371-3228
Email: david@SelmanHomeInspections.com
"Accurate Investment Protection You Can Trust"
Websites:
… (0 comments)
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Clarks Summit Pa Homes - How To Keep Hardwood Floors Gleaming For Years - 03/27/12 06:02 PM
So many of our lovely homes in Clarks Summit Pa have gleaming hardwood floors.
How do you keep them looking their best for years to come?
Flooring specialist Debbie Gartner has written a very informative article with useless tips to help you keep those floors in pristine condition.
Via Debbie Gartner - Westchester Flooring -Hardwood Floors Carpet Tile Refinish - (Floor Coverings International Westchester NY & Stamford CT):
Many of my customers ask me how to prevent scratching in hardwood floors, so I thought these tips would be helpful.
First, let me preface this by saying that … (1 comments)
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It's Your License - Don't Light A Match Under It - 03/27/12 02:11 AM
Much has been written about the need for disclosure in real estate transactions. In this instance I'm addressing the need for a seller to disclose property condition.
Some agents inadvertently allow a seller to skirt their responsibility. I'm not suggesting that agents are culpable or assist non-compliance.
I am suggesting they don't fully understand the law, or that a sellers disclosure might have to be amended during the listing contract. In Pa a Sellers Disclosure is required on all residential real estate transactions. Pa law exempts certain classifications of individuals from the disclosure responsibility. There are 9 … (60 comments)
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Murder In Sanford Florida - No One Has Mentioned This - 03/25/12 07:37 PM
Since the shooting of Trayvon Martin the "Stand Your ground Law" has come under extreme criticism.
Earlier this week I wrote another blog about this before it gathered nationwide steam.
http://activerain.com/blogsview/3076805/murder-in-sanford-florida-speak-up-and-speak-out- There is a movement a foot to have George Zimmermans concealed gun permit revoked.
There are other voices demanding that Stand Your Ground be repealed. CBS NEWS REPORT CASTLE LAW Most states have a version of the Castle Law. Basically it says your home is your castle. If an intruder forces you into a position in your own home where you have no place to flee, and you … (34 comments)
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Cat Owners - A Deadly Threat May Be Crawling In Your Yard - 03/23/12 03:52 AM
Many of us have one or more kitties in our homes. We become very attached to these affectionate felines and share our lives with them. The list of horrendous disases which can be fatal to them has grown over the years. The latest disease to catch my attention is Cytauxzoonosis or Bob Cat Fever. The disease is caused by a parasite which infects the Bob Cat. The Bob Cat does not die from it but becomes a host.
Ticks suck the blood of the Bob Cat, fall off and perhaps next attach to the family cat. The tick is the … (17 comments)
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Murder In Sanford Florida - Speak Up And Speak Out! - 03/22/12 06:17 AM
Have you been following the case of Trayvon Martin? This is the young black 17 year old boy who was unarmed and shot down by a self appointed neighborhood watch captain. The community was a gated community in Sanford Florida. The young man was visiting his father. He walked to a local 7-11 and was coming back through the parking lot, when accosted by George Zimmerman a self appointed community watch dog.
Trayvon was armed with a cell phone, bag of Skittles and a can of soda. Zimmerman was armed with a 9 mm. 911 recordings show the police dispatcher … (28 comments)
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Attn New Home Buyers!! Please Call Me BEFORE You Visit New Home Builders, Not After!! Things The Builder's Sales Person Won't Tell You!! - 03/21/12 04:44 PM
Our local Homes Magazine had an unusual number of new home communities springing up around Lackawanna County.
The homes advertised seemed attractively priced and very competitive. Builders do their best to attract prospective buyers to visit their new communities and buy a home.
Lots of couples pack up the kids on the weekend and go out to tour model homes. In some communities its a weekend pass time.
Once there it becomes apparent that the model home is decked out and contains every imaginable feature. The cost of the model home finished is much higher than the $225,000.00 … (4 comments)
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Have You Iced Your Cell Phone Yet? - 03/21/12 02:58 AM
Every day we venture out of our safety net into the world of the unknown. You might be a Realtor, Home Inspector, Stager, Mortgage Broker, Title Agent, Attorney or Property Manager. Your spouse sets off for his or her job, and the kids are safely tucked on the bus for their day at school.
You perform your morning ritual which might include breakfast, checking your email or returning some phone calls. Getting ready to run out the door - remember to grab your keys, files, lap top, Ipad, and by all means don't forget your cell phone.
Before … (15 comments)
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Sunoco Oil Refineries Shut Down In Pennsylvania - 03/19/12 06:29 AM
We are in the throws of one of the worst gas crunches this country has ever seen. Gas is over $4.00 per gallon in parts of the U.S. and rapidly headed there every where else. Some experts are convinced we will see $5.00 gas or more.
Gasoline - like it or not - is intertwined with almost every facet of our daily lives and existence. Mom - Apple Pie and Gasoline. We depend on it to get to work, shop, and for essential errands we all must run. Many homes in America still use oil to heat their homes. Our … (14 comments)
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Scranton Pa Homes For Sale - Selling Your Home Without A Realtor - 03/17/12 01:41 PM
This time of the year many homeowners are thinking about selling their homes. Many are toying with the idea of trying to sell it without the benefit of a Realtor.
A recent blog by Larry and Sheila professionals from Long Island New York illustrates some of the pros and cons of this undertaking.
Via Larry & Sheila Nassau/Suffolk LongIsland Relocation Certified~631-805-4400 (Charles Rutenberg Realty 255 Executive Dr,Plainview NY 11803):
What If I Want To Sell My Home Without Hiring A Professional Realtor? Larry And Sheila's Top 10 Reasons Why You Might Want To Consider Hiring A Professional Realtor And NOT Sell Your … (2 comments)
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Scranton Pa Homes For Sale - Mold And What Causes It - 03/17/12 01:23 PM
Much misunderstanding exists about the presence of mold. Mold is not a spontaneous condition. Mold is caused by moisture, which may be present due to any number of reasons. A leaking roof, a window sash not properly sealed, accumulated water in a basement etc.
Unless you eliminate the underlying cause you will never get rid of mold. A great article was written by Jay Markanich a seasoned home inspector. Read his article with an illustrated example of a long term mold issue.
Via Jay Markanich - Northern VA Home Inspector (Jay Markanich Real Estate Inspections, LLC):
Inspecting a seven-year-old condo a … (2 comments)
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Tiny And Extremely Deadly - 03/14/12 04:26 AM
As Spring gets into full swing many folks will begin a Spring Cleaning ritual. In the home it might be time to clean out the attic, basement or garage. Straighten up the wood pile that became disheveled after the heating season. Rake up fallen branches and dead leaves.
One of the most deadly and dangerous creatures you can encounter is a brown Recluse Spider. Tiny and hardly noticeable. They can be deadly to children and the elderly. Their bite is as venomous as a rattle snake. The amount of damage they can do to body tissue through necrosis is truly … (8 comments)
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Scranton Pa Homes - When You Need A Little Extra Heat - 03/12/12 03:03 PM
In Scranton Pa your home may feel warm, but one or more areas just don't heat to a comfortable level.
Fellow Realtor Amy Mullen wrote a terrific article packed with valuable information on the latest space heaters available.
The proper space heater can solve those chilly spots in your home and only used when they are needed.
Via Amy Mullen, Realtor CPA CDPE MBA (RE/MAX Professional Associates):
Space heaters used to be clunky plugins that squatted on the floor and scared the fluff off your cat. No more — these 5 space heaters are totally cool.
1. Radiant heating … (2 comments)
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Clarks Summit Pa - Buyers Tour Homes With The Agent Who Will Write Your Offer - 03/12/12 02:34 PM
In this day and age many buyers want access to information and homes IMMEDIATELY. They are so accustomed to instant gratification that bending the rules seems to justify their quest for satisfaction.
In real estate we have very specific responsibilities as agents. We ALL represent the seller UNTIL a buyer formally selects us to represent their interests exclusively. That's known as a BUYERS AGENT.
Buyers think nothing of calling a listing agent or another agent in the same office and telling a little white lie to get access to a home on THEIR schedule. What the buyer fails to … (0 comments)
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Clarks Summit Pa Homes - Update A Bathroom Without Spending A Fortune - 03/11/12 06:58 PM
If you are contemplating selling your home in Clarks Summit Pa, the two of the most important rooms a buyer considers is the kitchen and the bathroom. Fiberglass tubs and showers are very popular and used for years to update a bathroom.
Over time they get "tired" looking with stains that are impossible to remove. Before undertaking a huge re-fit in your bathroom consider having your tub or shower refinished.
Fellow Realtor Joanne Crum wrote this interesting article with before and after pictures of fiberglass refinishing.
This can be a cost effective way to spruce up your … (1 comments)
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Scranton Pa Homes For Sale - What Happens If A Seller Does Not Disclose A Home Defect? - 03/11/12 05:34 PM
In Pennsylvania seller disclosure is the law. A seller is required to put in writing everything they know about the home during their occupancy.
When a roof was replaced. If water issues have been present. If there are known hazards on the property.
The form is extensive and often homeowners would prefer not to "tattle" on their house.
Fellow Realtor Doug Rogers, in a recent article reminds sellers failure to disclose is a potential lawsuit. The disclosure requirement is not unique to Pennsylvania.
Sellers are reminded to be honest and truthful when completing a Sellers … (4 comments)
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Scranton Pa St Patricks Day Parade - 2nd Largest In US - 03/11/12 05:20 PM
Scranton Pa St Patricks Day parade is toted to be the 1st or 2nd largest in the country depending on who you talk to. On Saturday March 10 ,2012 Scranton Pa was decked out totally in green. Every body had one day to be Irish. The 51 st annual parade began promptly at the conclusion of mass held at St Peters Cathedral. The bells pealing at 11:45 am signals the kick off to the festivities. This years crowd was estimated at between 140,000 and 150,000 people. The parade route extends through the city for a mile. An estimated 12,000 people march, … (0 comments)
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Clarks Summit Pa Homes For Sale - Don't Worry We'll Handle It - 03/09/12 05:37 PM
As Realtors we are called upon every day to handle difficult situations. It's what we do best for our buyers and sellers.
Our job is to make the buying or selling process stress free for our clients. We are experienced with every aspect of the transaction. There is really nothing in a transaction we can't handle.
RELAX we'll handle it.
Here is a great article from Real Estate professional Karen Fiddler about how we as Realtors take care of all your needs.
Via Karen Fiddler, Broker/Realtor, Mission Viejo ((949)510-2395,The Fiddler Realty Team/eVantage Real Estate):
Most consumers realize that … (6 comments)
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Clarks Summit Pa Homes For Sale - Short Sale Facts - 03/09/12 05:22 PM
Thousands of home owners have used a process called a Short Sale to sell their homes for less than they owe. If you have contemplated selling your home and taking advantage of the debt relief program don't hesitate too long.
Read this timely article by Real Estate professional Rocky Dole.
A Realtor experienced in Short Sales can help you through the process. It is a solution for homeowners who owe more than their home is worth.
Via Rocky Dole (West USA Realty Revelation):
Short Sale Your Home Before Its Too Late/Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act!!!
Are you like many … (2 comments)
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Scranton Pa Homes For Sale - Sellers Attend To Those Little Details - 03/09/12 05:13 PM
Here is an interesting article posted by Real Estate professional Gene Mundt with some great advice. When preparing your home for sale in Scranton Pa staging is critical before your first showing.
Pay attention to little details. One area most sellers over look is odor. Cooking, pets, smoking, and some room deodorizers create an unpleasant atmosphere.
If a buyer is turned off by an unusual odor it could be the difference between sale and NO SALE.
Via Gene Mundt Mortgage Lender Chicagoland Mortgage Lending (815.277.4036 www.genemundt.com):
Is that the smell of sweet success in your home … (0 comments)
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Scranton Pa Homes - Savvy Buyers Are Represented By A Buyers Real Estate Agent - 03/09/12 01:52 AM
When looking for a home in Pa entering into a Buyers Agency with a real estate agent gives a buyer a huge advantage.
The Buyers Agent works exclusively for the interest and in the best interest of the buyer. A Buyers Agent owes no allegiance to the seller. It is their job to get the very best price and terms for their buyer and to negotiate aggressively.
Without a Buyers Agency the prospective buyer has no representation in the transaction.
Fellow Pa Realtors Trudy and Nick wrote a great article discussing the advantages of Buyers Agency.
… (0 comments)
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Scranton Pa Homes For Sale - Rent To Own - 03/08/12 03:11 AM
Every week we are asked by buyers to contact a seller to see if they would consider rent to own. There are several terms which apply to this type of transaction. Rent to own, lease to own, option to buy, contract for deed.
As a Real Estate professional I caution buyers to be extremely careful before entering into any agreement with a home owner.
Get competent professional help from both a Realtor and an attorney. Allowing the home owner to write the agreement can result in your "giving away" certain legal rights you may be entitled to.
… (5 comments)
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Scranton Pa Homes For Sale - Sellers Be Sure You Indicate "I'm Taking That Light Fixture" - 03/08/12 02:50 AM
When you prepare your home for sale take an inventory of the items you intend to remove. Often times sellers are so caught up in cleaning and sprucing up their home, they forget to attend to this very important detail.
We always ask you at the time we complete your listing - "Is there anything attached to the property you are going to keep"? "Is there anything like the hot tub or statue in the yard you intend to take with you?"
Buyers are often attracted to small details in or about a home. As hard as it is … (0 comments)
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Scranton Pa Home Affordability At Record High - 03/07/12 01:31 PM
The latest home affordability numbers are out. These are national averages. Home prices have reached an all time affordability level for buyers.
If you are looking to buy a home in the Scranton Pa area this is certainly an excellent time to be shopping.
Use the same MLS search used by Realtors in Scranton Pa.
scranton-pa-homes-for-sale.com
Via Carl Rizzuto (Keller Williams Realty):
Home Affordability Reaches An All-Time High Home affordability moved higher last quarter, boosted by the lowest mortgage rates in history, a rise in median income, and slow-to-recover home prices throughout New York and the country.
According to the National … (0 comments)
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Do you have to be delinquent or past due to short sale your home? - 03/06/12 05:16 PM
Many Homeowners who find themselves in financial straights are asking about Short Sales. There still are myths connected with this process.
A recent article from Ryan Jennings clarifies the process and answers many lingering questions.
Via Ryan Jennings (Keller Williams Realty-Wellington):
Do you have to be delinquent or past due to short sale your home? The answer to that question is NO, but you better be able to prove your hardship in a very clear way to your lender.
Allow me to expand on this topic by giving you a recent experience I had with a client. First, I am proud … (1 comments)
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Clarks Summit Pa - Sellers Don't Blow A Potential Sale - 03/04/12 02:42 PM
It takes a lot of planning to set up a tour of 7, 8 or 9 homes for a buyer. As agents we structure our showings in a logical pattern. Starting at the furthest point and coming back to our starting point.
Lo and behold the homeowner in the middle of our tour cannot accommodate the showing because of a baby's nap or some other known scheduling issue.
It's impossible to rearrange 7 other homeowners to suit just one. You may find your home is eliminated from the tour and possibly from a potential sale.
Via Tom Branch | … (1 comments)
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Clarks Summit Pa Is Rent To Own A Good Idea? - 03/04/12 02:31 PM
Here is a comprehensive article discussing the pros and cons of rent to own, or lease to own, compliments of fellow Realtor Jerry Newman
We are often asked by buyers to help them find properties they can rent and purchase later.
For some the option is perfect. For others it can be a nightmare. There is no guarantee the purchaser will still want own the home several years in the future.
Via Jerry Newman,REALTOR®,Texas Agent San Antonio Real Estate & Military Reloc (Keller Williams Realty):
Rent to Own! Is This a Good Choice for Renters?With the higher standards and qualifications … (14 comments)
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Scranton Pa Homes - Water In Your Basement? - 03/04/12 05:55 AM
In North East Pa water in basements is not an uncommon occurence.
One of the greatest sources of this aggravating nuisance can be remedied very easily by redirecting downspouts.
Via Jay Markanich - Northern VA Home Inspector (Jay Markanich Real Estate Inspections, LLC):
All downspouts MUST discharge water away from the foundation wall. As they say, denial isn't just a river in Egypt.
Anything else simply sets the house up for disaster over time.
This is the downspout on the front corner of the house.
This house is situated on a hill, with the front foundation wall completely buried.
This … (2 comments)
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How did you know I had a tree root problem? - 03/04/12 05:39 AM
In North East Pa broken walk ways and cracked concrete patios are a common occurrence.
Look to the surrounding area to see if a tree root might actually be the cause of the problem.
Via Tom Arstingstall - Dry Rot, Water Damage General Contractor in Sacramento (Dry Rot and Water Damage in Sacramento ):
How did you know I had a tree root problem?
Trees that grow roots near the top layer of the soil can be a problem for concrete sidewalks and patios. This is especially true in areas where the soil is not conducive to deep … (0 comments)
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