John's Blog

Help Wanted advertisment in today's paper

John Franc ABR Smart Way America Realty (Smart Way America Realty) — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 11:04:50 -0700

I just wanted to share this ad that was listed in the "HELP WANTED" section of the classified ads:

TANKER DRIVERS NEEDED with experience. Immediate openings. Call xxx-xxx-4811. If you are an addict, alcoholic, or can't get out of bed in the morning don't respond. I already have some of those.

Now that's a funny ad or should I say scary! Don't ask why I was looking through the Help Wanted ads!

Roadkill in Monroe County

John Franc ABR Smart Way America Realty (Smart Way America Realty) — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 10:39:46 -0700

I just read an article in the Pocono Record that there are over 800 deer killed on Monroe County roads a year. This amount accounts for only the deer that are picked up as many more run off into the woods to die or recover. No wonder the car insurance industry wants to increase the limits on the amount of deer hunters can harvest during deer season. The other side of the coin is that it keeps our auto body shops busy and people working. I wish there was a way to save the meat, I love venison steaks!

Weather a boom to local tourist business!

John Franc ABR Smart Way America Realty (Smart Way America Realty) — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 18:15:49 -0700

The Poconos enjoyed one of the best 4th of July weekends weather wise ever! I can't wait to see the results that local businesses had, I'm sure they were all happy. The economy has negatively affected most of our local businesses and this weekend's influx of tourists really helped them all. I saw on the local news that they were turning away some visitors to our local parks & lakes! Our local water parks such as Camelbeach were packed with tourists looking to cool down. Yeah it's hot but so was the business!!!

Keep your pets cool!

John Franc ABR Smart Way America Realty (Smart Way America Realty) — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 17:30:56 -0700

Just a friendly reminder that we make sure that we keep our pets cool during this "heat"! I stopped at a diner today for lunch and saw a driver leave a Great Dane in his truck while he went in for lunch. As we were leaving I heard the truck running and the air conditioner was on full blast and the dog looked nice & cool! Here's a picture of my 3 springers that I took for a ride a while back! a

Smoke-Free Room opens at Mt. Airy Casino in the Poconos.

John Franc ABR Smart Way America Realty (Smart Way America Realty) — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 15:58:08 -0700

Mt. Airy Casino recently opened up a totally "smoke free" free that overlooks the lake. A recent contest determined that the new slots room will be called the "Lakeside Room". I haven't been to the Mt. Airy Casino for a few years but may test my luck this weekend since I (ex-smoker) cannot tolerate being in a smoke filled room. I also see that they are now offering free drinks, that's a win-win, no smoke & free drinks! Mt. Airy is presently only a slots parlor but will have all the table games in a couple of weeks. Visit their website at http://www.mountairycasino.com/!

Smallmouth Bass at Promised Land State Park

John Franc ABR Smart Way America Realty (Smart Way America Realty) — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 11:06:11 -0700

I took the afternoon off yesterday to do a little smallmouth bass fishing. I hadn't been to Promised Land State Park in a couple years & decided to go give it a try. Fishing was slow until about 7:00 pm and then it broke loose with a bunch of nice 15" smallies. We were using Yamamoto black 6" worms on the bottom. The kicker was that 3 American Bald eagles did a fly by as a prelude to the 4th of July weekend. Promised Land State Park is located in NE Pennsylvania. It is a beautiful place all year round! Here's a link for more information on this great park http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/parks/promisedland.aspx. By the way no fish were harmed as I only practice "Catch & Release"! This is why I love living where I work!!!

Smart Investor

John Franc ABR Smart Way America Realty (Smart Way America Realty) — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 16:47:29 -0700

I just had another closing with an investor that I work with. The sold price on this property was $41K and needed very little work. He plans on renting it for $1200.00 a month which is the going rental rate in that area. This is the same investor that closed on a property about a month ago for $28K. His tenant is moving in July 1st and is paying $650.00 a month. That totals $1850.00 a month income for a $69K investment. He paid cash for both properties, not a bad return!!!

Are low rates hurting the housing market?

John Franc ABR Smart Way America Realty (Smart Way America Realty) — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 15:23:29 -0700

I just wanted to kick this thought this around! Are the record low mortgage rates hurting the housing market recovery? On the surface it would seem that they should be helping but are they? Just think if the rates started to creep up ever so slowly. This could create a case of urgency to all those buyers that are just sitting on the fence. I believe that the "Fear of Loss' is one of the best motivators in this industry. Perhaps this could just stimulate sales to start! The negative is that higher rates will help decline prices even lower. Seems like it's a "Catch 22" situation to me!

Free dinner for 2

John Franc ABR Smart Way America Realty (Smart Way America Realty) — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 17:54:29 -0700

The Mt. Airy Casino is having a contest to name it's new totally smoke free slots room. Winner will receive dinner for 2 at either Mount Airy's "le Sorelle Cucina or the Red Steakhouse resturant and an overnight stay. Entrants must be over 21 or older & can send their suggestions to contest@mtairycasino.com. Deadline is noon on Friday!

Foreclosure Sellers make Money

John Franc ABR Smart Way America Realty (Smart Way America Realty) — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 12:39:04 -0700

I just heard an interesting story about some sellers in our foreclosure market. It takes about 18 months for a home to be foreclosed on in our area. A seller could stop paying his mortgage of let's say $1500.00 a month for 18 months. That would equate to about $27,000.00 in that period the seller could save by not making any payments on his mortgage. But here's more, the seller then moves out of the home and rents it out for $1500.00 a month thus producing another $27000.00 in income. Potential of $54,000.00 in 18 months, not bad huh............

Favorite Father's Day gifts - Aqua Velva?

John Franc ABR Smart Way America Realty (Smart Way America Realty) — Sat, 19 Jun 2010 11:26:56 -0700

I'm hoping to receive my favorite after shave, AQUA VELVA tomorrow! Only kidding, what do you think you'll receive for a gift tomorrow, Aqua Velva, Old Spice, Tie, socks, or a shirt? The best gift I can receive is seeing both my children and my beautiful grandaughter! Just want to wish all you DADS a fantastic FATHER"S DAY!

When will they stop the TAX increases?

John Franc ABR Smart Way America Realty (Smart Way America Realty) — Sat, 19 Jun 2010 08:20:33 -0700

I was just reading our local paper's Letter's to the Editors column. A retiree sent a letter in stating he had worked 31 years a factory and had a modest pension. He was quite upset that our Govenor would like to start taxing pensions in our state of PA. The reason is the budget shortfall from the teacher's union pension fund. Can you believe that we have to tax a pension in order to fund a pension??? Can the last retiree close the door after they have all left the state! This will do wonders for our already depressed RE market! Thanks Govenor Rendell!!!

Rental Scam

John Franc ABR Smart Way America Realty (Smart Way America Realty) — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 15:59:05 -0700

Some of our agents are having a problem with a rental scam! Seems like scammers are listing agents "FOR SALE" properties on Craigs List as "rentals" and getting deposit fees sent to them. One agent's seller had someone at the front door with their moving truck looking to move in!

Breakfast at the Franc's 6:30 AM in the Poconos!

John Franc ABR Smart Way America Realty (Smart Way America Realty) — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 09:35:29 -0700

Low Prices on my Foreclosure Sales

John Franc ABR Smart Way America Realty (Smart Way America Realty) — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 15:58:12 -0700

I closed on a foreclosure that sold for $28k and just pended a Foreclosure that was listed for $49K. Both homes need a little work but were in good condition! The buyer has the first one rented as of 7/1 for $650.00 a month. What a great return on an investment, you can't get a better return anywhere! I think I'm missing the boat!!!

Showing Cancelled, Seller upset!

John Franc ABR Smart Way America Realty (Smart Way America Realty) — Sat, 12 Jun 2010 11:51:54 -0700

I just received an email that a scheduled showing on one of my properties was cancelled due to a buyer's family emergency one hour before the showing time. Sad part is the same thing happened to my seller on the last showing. He leaves the house for the showing time and removes his dog to another location. I know he will not be a happy camper!!!

Statistical Days on Market helps sellers reduce sale prices.

John Franc ABR Smart Way America Realty (Smart Way America Realty) — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 13:42:32 -0700

We introduced a new stat on our MLS. We use "agent days on market", "cumulative days on market" and now "Statistical days on market". This kicks in when there is a price reduction and the property goes under contract. Agents can then use this stat to show their sellers how long it took to sell a property after a price reduction.

Pocono Mountain Association of Realtors buys Pocono Real Estate School

John Franc ABR Smart Way America Realty (Smart Way America Realty) — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 10:00:30 -0700

Members of the Pocono Mountain Association of Realtors voted to purchase a local real estate school. The Pocono Real Estate Academy purchase will provide our members with easy access to real estate classes at our local board office.

Things are changing for the better, I think!

John Franc ABR Smart Way America Realty (Smart Way America Realty) — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 09:28:14 -0700

I wrote an offer on a property with a buyer that I was working with for the past 18 months. They finally decide to pull the trigger and make a good offer on a vacation property. I received a call from the listing agent that the seller is requesting a highest & best offer by 5 pm yesterday. The other offer is an in-house offer, do I have a chance?

I-Phone vs. the Droid Incredible, your thoughts?

John Franc ABR Smart Way America Realty (Smart Way America Realty) — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 16:46:16 -0700

I use Verizon for my cell phone carrier because it is the best one in our area for reception. I was waiting for Verizon to introduce the I-Phone in June but that plan has been delayed. ATT service has improved in our area but I still want to use Verizon service. The Verizon rep told me the Verizon's plan to sell the I-Phone is put off until ATT's contract ends in 2012. Is the Droid as good as all the Hype it's receiving?

Unlicensed Agents still showing up as Activerain Members

John Franc ABR Smart Way America Realty (Smart Way America Realty) — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 15:44:20 -0700

Lots of unlicensed real estate agents in my area are showing up still active on ActiveRain. Is there a way that they could be notified that their profile is still active without having to personally email each of them. It's not fair for someone to contact them when they are no longer in business and most likely not get a reply.......

Expired Listing from 09/08 that I didn't get because they said my suggested price was too "low"!

John Franc ABR Smart Way America Realty (Smart Way America Realty) — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 10:32:20 -0700

I just came across an expired listing (showed up on the MLS today) that I didn't get almost 2 years ago. It's been listed with the same agent now for over a year but not the agent that got the listing the first time. I went into the listing appointment prepared and knew what the house should sell for but they opted to list with another agent that took it for the same price that it expired at??? There should be a "law" that you can't take an expired listing unless they drop the price.....

Buyers don't get that they took out their Equity with a "LOAN"

John Franc ABR Smart Way America Realty (Smart Way America Realty) — Sat, 05 Jun 2010 13:40:50 -0700

I just returned from a listing appointment where the seller's were $40k short to satisfy their mortgage. They couldn't seem to grasp the concept that their $40K Home Equity Loan represented the difference. Their logic is that the lender should not have lent them the money so why should they have to pay it back!!!

New Power Line Protest from 5 Groups Tomorrow

John Franc ABR Smart Way America Realty (Smart Way America Realty) — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 09:35:23 -0700

NJ Sierra Club, NJ Highlands Coalition, Delaware Riverkeeper, Save the Park & Stop the Lines are protesting the plans by PPL Electric Utilities in PA & PSE&G in NJ for a 2 state transmission project aimed at alleviating peak-demand electrict shortages. Meeting at 10:00 am Saturday (June 5) at the Millbrook Village on the NJ side of DWGNRA. RSVP e-mail Leona @pineypaddlers.com or call 609-259-3734. Organizers will discuss during the hike as to what can be done to stop the project of replacing 80 foot towers with 195 foot high towers.

Fishing on Peck's Pond

John Franc ABR Smart Way America Realty (Smart Way America Realty) — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 09:48:34 -0700

Fishing on Peck's Pond for Small Mouth Bass with my grandaughter & son.

Fishing on Peck's Pond on Rt. 402 is always a great time! Peck's Pond is a beautiful picturesque lake that is loaded with bass, pickerel, perch and other fish. It is a shallow lake that is good for small boats, canoes, and rafts. Be prepared to see an American Bald Eagle!