There is a lot of talk online among real estate agents about “raising the bar” in real estate. While the discussions often involve some inspiration on how to improve the customer experience, it also involves agents complaining about “lowbrow” agents. Someone pointed out that it wasn’t very nice to be so critical of others in our industry, and I winced, because she was right.
Personally, I will admit to taking part in some conversations making fun of horrible photos on the MLS. I can’t help myself. Some of these groups set up to make fun of my industry are like crack cocaine…once you’re hooked, you’re hooked. It is as irresistible as looking at an accident scene as you drive by.
But how is that “raising the bar?”
I get annoyed when I see typos on MLS listings – doesn’t anyone proofread anymore? How can you be an intelligent adult and not know that it’s a “Koi pond,” not “coy pond?” (That is, unless the pond winks slyly at you as you walk by.)
But again..how is that “raising the bar?”
It’s not. I guess in some sort of twisted way, some real estate agents want to look good by joining in with those who make fun of the bad apples…essentially saying “Don’t lump me in with those characters – I’m with you! They are losers and that’s why I’m making fun of them! Ha ha ha! Do you see how much more professional I am?”
I can’t raise anyone else’s bar – I can only raise my own bar. I have my own set of faults and shortcomings to fix. Some of my bar-raising activities involve:
Putting systems in place to improve efficiency with client communication
Removing items from my agenda that are time-sucks rather than real benefits to my clients
Creating a more user-friendly website and blog
Improving marketing techniques for my clients’ homes
Creating an online resume for sharing with those I can’t meet in person
Collectively, we can try to raise the bar as an organized body of fellow professionals in certain ways. We can seek to improve our MLS system by reporting errors rather than just rolling our eyes at them. We can ask for enhancements to features that we need; we can send feedback to our association on things we like about our system, things we’d like to improve, and things we’d like to change or eliminate.
But that involves involvement, not cackling on the sidelines about how things need to change.
For me, right now – I’m working on my own yard. I’ll be happy to let everyone else worry about theirs.
Use the links below to learn more about real estate for sale and about my innovativemarketing plan for sellers in Pike and and Wayne County of Northeast PA.
Areas Served: Hawley, Honesdale, Lake Ariel, Lake Wallenpaupack, Lords Valley, Greeley, Greentown, Tafton, Waymart, and Lackawaxen. Planned Communities: The Hideout, Hemlock Farms, Wallenpaupack Lake Estates, Fawn Lake Forest, Pocono Springs, Masthope, Indian Rocks, Tink Wig, Woodland Hills, and other communities in NEPA.
This story below is an excellent illustration of a motivated vs. not-so-motivated seller! Many sellers think they are motivated but in fact they are only "in it" partway.
The thing is, unmotivated sellers - whether they are here in Northeast PA or Ohio or Washington or Flordia - cause a lot of wheel spinning on the part of their listing agent, their listing brokerage, the buyers, and the buyers agents. Listings that may or may not sell cost everyone money - whether it be gas money driving there, money for advertising, time and effort on the part of the listing agent...
In today's market, in the Lake Wallenpaupack area at least, buyers are looking for bacon...not eggs.
A pig and a chicken were walking by a church where a gala charity event was taking place. Getting caught up in the spirit, the pig suggested to the chicken that they each make a contribution.
“Great idea!” the chicken cried.
“Let’s offer them bacon and eggs?”
“Not so fast,” said the pig testily. “For you, that’s a contribution. For me, it’s a total commitment.”
As a seller, you are either eggs or bacon.
One is total commitment. Do or die. Not just trying it out. Total commitment.
If you are eggs, you are not committed to selling…but if you do sell, that is great.
Maybe you don’t “have to sell”.
Maybe you just want to see if you can get your price.
Maybe you just want to know what your house is really worth on the open market.
But you are eggs at this point. If it doesn’t work out, the sun will rise tomorrow and nothing will really change much.
You show the house if you feel like it, you don’t care about the broken countertop, and if your lawn is mowed, great, but it isn’t first priority – the house looks good to you.
But if you are bacon…you must sell.
You are relocating.
You don’t fit at your home anymore and there is no way you are building an addition.
You aren’t staying anymore! This is it.
You are totally committed to selling. You will price it right, be available for showings, work on your curb appeal, tell others about your house, fix items you can fix, etc.
Whenever a seller becomes “bacon” – it is the real deal! Their house will sell because they will make the necessary choices, regardless of pain, to get the desired results.
So ask yourself, if your house hasn’t sold…are you eggs…or bacon?
When You Go From Eggs To Bacon…
Dawn Maloney,
REALTOR®, CDPE, CDRS Elite
Member of The Institute for Luxury Home Marketing RE/MAX Haven Realty
"Distinguished by Service" Helping home buyers and sellers in Summit, Portage, Stark, Medina, Wayne, Lake, Geauga and Cuyahoga Counties since 2003. Dawn Maloney, REALTOR® | RE/MAX HAVEN| (330) 990-4236 |
Disclaimer: Information contained in this post is deemed reliable on the date of publication, but it is not guaranteed and it is subject to change without notice.
Use the links below to learn more about real estate for sale and about my innovativemarketing plan for sellers in Pike and and Wayne County of Northeast PA.
Areas Served: Hawley, Honesdale, Lake Ariel, Lake Wallenpaupack, Lords Valley, Greeley, Greentown, Tafton, Waymart, and Lackawaxen. Planned Communities: The Hideout, Hemlock Farms, Wallenpaupack Lake Estates, Fawn Lake Forest, Pocono Springs, Masthope, Indian Rocks, Tink Wig, Woodland Hills, and other communities in NEPA.
I was involved in a discussion regarding Fair Housing Law compliance and advertisements. The author amended her stand somewhat, but originally she stated that using comments such as "Walking distance to...." in advertising our listings is a violation of the Fair Housing Act and she found it distressing that agents were using this description time and time again.
But. It is NOT a violation of the federal Fair Housing Act. It may be a violation of a local ordinance or of an MLS rule - which to me is ridiculous - why do we need to make the law even more restrictive than the Federal law? Isn't the federal law enough?
Another issue brought up in the discussion involved the use of "in-law suite." That could be discriminating based on familial status. Really? Are ya kidding me? We are supposed to use "au pair quarters?" Seriously? I'll bet that's more discriminatory than in-law quarters...a lot of people have in-laws but can't afford an au pair or don't have children for an au pair to care for...and a lot of folks probably would have to look up au pair Let's be realistic here.
This has come up time and time again - phrases to avoid because they could be misconstrued as discriminatory. In my opinion, a lot of the hub-bub about this kind of stuff is the result of people over-thinking the intent of the law...and trying to make it even more restrictive than it really is - "just to be safe."
I do not rely on other people's opinions when it comes to the law - I go directly to the source. This document on the HUD.gov site - the official site for Fair Housing guidelines - clearly states that using terms such as "Walk to" or "Mother in law suite" is not a violation - yet some people advocate being hyper-cautious for "risk management" purposes. But HUD itself states that it is not a violation?
Should we stop advertising homes with libararies, because some people may be illiterate? Should we not advertise a fantastic view because someone may be blind? Should we not say the home has a rec room because some people may not be able to recreate?
Recently, Realtor.com rejected my property description that included the phrase "shoot some pool" in reference to the family room with an included pool table. "Shoot is a violent term and could be potentially offensive." Really? But that's what people say when they talk about playing pool... Another friend told me her MLS would not allow her to post something about the "white oak" woodwork in the house...because...of the word WHITE. Racist. So I suppose black granite counters would also be disallowed... this is going way way way beyond the intent of the law, don't you think?
Where does it end? We may end up using such innocuous verbiage that our advertisements will be reduced to: "This house has 14 rooms, 4 of which are designated as official bedrooms, 3 of which are bathrooms, and one kitchen."
Use the links below to learn more about real estate for sale and about my innovativemarketing plan for sellers in Pike and and Wayne County of Northeast PA.
Areas Served: Hawley, Honesdale, Lake Ariel, Lake Wallenpaupack, Lords Valley, Greeley, Greentown, Tafton, Waymart, and Lackawaxen. Planned Communities: The Hideout, Hemlock Farms, Wallenpaupack Lake Estates, Fawn Lake Forest, Pocono Springs, Masthope, Indian Rocks, Tink Wig, Woodland Hills, and other communities in NEPA.
I was prepared for a lot of things when I became a real estate agent. My years of working in a retail environment taught me that people can suck the life out of you…so hard-to-please clients was not a surprise. Having been turned down for a mortgage once, I wasn’t surprised when a buyer or two got a response of ”Financing Denied.” This is also a fickle business; it’s no surprise when people come into my life for a glimmer of an instant just to disappear.
What has surprised me about real estate is the emotions that tear me apart sometimes. I find myself irresistibly drawn to the stories these houses hold (whether real or imagined based on the clues left behind).
Some homes are very prim, cold, and impersonal, and I wonder: what are the people like who live here? Do they have any fun at all? Their home seems so sterile. It makes me somewhat sad. (Note: chances are they were watching HGTV and took the advice of the experts who say “Take out all your personal items so that buyers can feel themselves there and not you…” My opinion: people are buying a home; they want to feel warm and welcome. There should be a happy medium…buyers should walk into a home and be able to say “This is a positive place…happiness has been here.”)
Yesterday, I was near tears by the end of my showings. The rainy day certainly didn’t help. The first house was so overwhelmingly sad. The home itself was probably structurally sound but it had obviously been in a state of neglect for several years. Entering in by the basement garage, I first saw a huge old Lincoln Continental, sitting lonely in a dark corner. Not a speck of rust was visible…I could tell this was someone’s “baby.”
On the wall was a series of expired boat license stickers, starting in the early 1970s and ending in 1993. I smiled, as my dad did the same thing…saved and hung them up like little trophies. There were some musty golf bags, and a hand-crocheted little golf hat with a dusty pompom on top, hanging on a hook…I didn’t touch it for fear it would disintegrate beneath my fingers.
We headed upstairs. The entire main level was in a state of disarray – a life interrupted – half-hearted packing that stopped some time ago….a brand new fridge accompanied an ancient avocado green wall oven. Cabinets that once shone under the warm glow of Murphy’s Oil Soap were now covered with scuff marks– the dried out, peeling finish marred what once was a smooth shiny surface.
Funky carpets from the 1960s were all throughout and in remarkably good shape. I suspected shoes were left in the basement and not allowed upstairs. A broken toy, a Playskool something or other from my generation, lay in the middle of the dining room. Another bunch of toys from the 1980s were laying around as well. Stacks of old books piled here and there…a baby picture of a little girl dated 1953 hung on the wall with a military picture of a proud soldier (probably her daddy) who did a tour of duty during the Korean War…I think I saw his comfortable old slippers peeking out from under his bed.
Wild floral patterned bedspreads with vivid colors adorned the 1950s/60s era beds (white vinyl headboards)…the bathroom counters looked like they’d been kept in mint condition all these years. I saw a stack of papers carefully set aside, with a note “For Billy” on top.
Though sad now, I felt that this home held much laughter and good times. The basement had a fancy wet bar complete with a mirror and a rounded 1950′s or 60′s Westinghouse refrigerator… and once upon a time had a pool table (the table was gone but the cues still hung in their rack.) I fancied ladies upstairs drinking highballs on the patio and the men in the basement bar shooting pool & having a cold one after a tough day of fishing on the lake….I imagined the grandkids in the back yard playing badminton or pretending to be The Bionic Woman or The Incredible Hulk…
For some reason, thinking about this home made me feel misty, like the day…grey and sad. I felt bad for the life that was interrupted by whatever reason – illness, death…I don’t know. (Note: sometimes too much of the story is left behind by sellers. Gotta find that happy medium and be “warm” but not “overwhelming” and definitely not “depressing.”)
Later, my client and I saw a home occupied by an elderly widow. She was so happy to see us and began sharing countless details about her life. I soon learned that she was all alone, no children, no siblings left…she shared with us her stories about her beloved antiques and how her father was a big fan of Franklin D. Roosevelt.
I didn’t want to go, and my client was so politely interested in her stories – I wanted to sit down and have a cup of coffee and listen to all of her stories… of growing up during the Great Depression and coming of age during WW2 and … it was just too much for me. I hated to leave her, standing on the steps holding her cane… watching us exit into the winter air…wondering if maybe this time, her house would sell and she could move south, someplace warm with no stairs to climb and no lawn to mow.
Wherever she goes, I hope there are people around to listen to her stories.
Use the links below to learn more about real estate for sale and about my innovativemarketing plan for sellers in Pike and and Wayne County of Northeast PA.
Areas Served: Hawley, Honesdale, Lake Ariel, Lake Wallenpaupack, Lords Valley, Greeley, Greentown, Tafton, Waymart, and Lackawaxen. Planned Communities: The Hideout, Hemlock Farms, Wallenpaupack Lake Estates, Fawn Lake Forest, Pocono Springs, Masthope, Indian Rocks, Tink Wig, Woodland Hills, and other communities in NEPA.
Brrrrr! The air coming off Lake Wallenpaupack the other day felt as if it were coming directly from Antarctica! Even with no breeze to speak of, it was mighty cold! When I reluctantly crawled out of my warm nest of fleece and multiple quilts, the temperature outside was 3.4 degrees. The nip in the air INSIDE of my house hurt my nose!
I should not complain, for with the exception of our crazy October blizzard, we have had a pretty mild season so far. The children and I have also been longing for some more snow (the Mr. of the house, however, has enjoyed the lack of white fluff.) This is a great disappointment to the snow bunnies as well; but the good news for them is that Ski Big Bear at Masthope is in operation! (Update: Since I drafted this post, we got about 5 - 6 inches of powdery snow to make everything look perty!)
While real estate showings during the winter may not be as numerous as in the warmer months, I do still show (and sell) homes all winter long. Here are some things to keep in mind when searching forhomes in Northeast PA while in the grip of Old Man Winter.
DRESS WARMLY! This may seem like a "duh" or a statement from Captain Obvious, but it is NO JOKE that our air here can be quite a bit colder than it is where the buyers are from! Be sure to bring a hat, a scarf, and warm gloves. Many of the homes we see will be "winterized" and therefore will NOT have the heat on and, on a side note... the bathrooms will be inoperable.
WEAR WINTER FOOTWEAR! Right now we do not have much snow and no ice to speak of. That is NOT the norm. Please wear water resistant boots with GOOD TRACTION. Some of the homes we visit may not have plowed driveways or walkways. I usually have a shovel with me and some rock salt, but remember - even though the Poconos ain't exactly the Rockies (well, not even close), you are still coming to "the mountains." Landscaping is "natural" and "rough." :)
PACK A LUNCH! Depending on where we are, there may not be a convenient spot to grab a bite to eat. I usually bring my own lunch with me and nibble while driving in between houses. (Besides, McDonald's is really bad for you!) That said, I can get you a 10% discount for a delicious sit-down meal at Ehrhardt's Waterfront Restaurant on Lake Wallenpaupack!
BEWARE OF TOO MANY BEVERAGES! Remember my side note above - many of the homes are winterized and will not have operable bathrooms. Additionally, we may not be near a public restroom. That said, it might be a good idea to bring a thermos of hot coffee to warm you up between homes.
FILL YOUR TANK. Depending on the properties chosen, we may cover 200 miles or so in a day! While this isn't a barren wasteland by any stretch of the imagination, certain areas do not have service stations right around the corner. So make sure you have a full tank before we start out...we may be 15-20 minutes or so away from the nearest gas station!
Call me, Karen Rice, REALTOR, directly at 570-647-5170 and let's get started. If we look NOW, chances are good you will have your new vacation home by Memorial Day!
Use the links below to learn more about real estate for sale and about my innovativemarketing plan for sellers in Pike and and Wayne County of Northeast PA.
Areas Served: Hawley, Honesdale, Lake Ariel, Lake Wallenpaupack, Lords Valley, Greeley, Greentown, Tafton, Waymart, and Lackawaxen. Planned Communities: The Hideout, Hemlock Farms, Wallenpaupack Lake Estates, Fawn Lake Forest, Pocono Springs, Masthope, Indian Rocks, Tink Wig, Woodland Hills, and other communities in NEPA.
Tanglwood Lakes Offers a Cozy Cabin With Privacy, Lake Rights to Lake Wallenpaupack
Journey with me to this idyllic little rustic cabin near Lake Wallenpaupack. Uniquely private, this cabin needs just a bit of cosmetic work to make it sparkle like the stream that runs beside it.
Use the links below to learn more about real estate for sale and about my innovativemarketing plan for sellers in Pike and and Wayne County of Northeast PA.
Areas Served: Hawley, Honesdale, Lake Ariel, Lake Wallenpaupack, Lords Valley, Greeley, Greentown, Tafton, Waymart, and Lackawaxen. Planned Communities: The Hideout, Hemlock Farms, Wallenpaupack Lake Estates, Fawn Lake Forest, Pocono Springs, Masthope, Indian Rocks, Tink Wig, Woodland Hills, and other communities in NEPA.
This home on 135 Karl Hope Blvd in Masthope is truly one of the most beautiful I have ever seen. My favorite, favorite, favorite element is the floor to ceiling fireplace - it is a masterpiece. This contemporary prow-front chalet is in a great location - walk to the fitness center, and you are also quite close to the pool, lodge, ski slopes, market/deli, restaurant, playground...the location couldn't be better, the home couldn't be more beautiful, and the best part, it's READY for YOU!!!!
There is still time to get in for ski season - what a beautiful home to have for the holidays!
Use the links below to learn more about real estate for sale and about my innovativemarketing plan for sellers in Pike and and Wayne County of Northeast PA.
Areas Served: Hawley, Honesdale, Lake Ariel, Lake Wallenpaupack, Lords Valley, Greeley, Greentown, Tafton, Waymart, and Lackawaxen. Planned Communities: The Hideout, Hemlock Farms, Wallenpaupack Lake Estates, Fawn Lake Forest, Pocono Springs, Masthope, Indian Rocks, Tink Wig, Woodland Hills, and other communities in NEPA.
Lake Wallenpaupack Cottage with Wallenpaupack Lakefront Lot - HUGE PRICE DROP! Open House on Saturday May 28 2011 - 2pm - 5pm!
Country cottage on 1.59 acres, with a private back yard - sold with a .22 acre LAKEFRONT LOT on Lake Wallenpaupack! What could be better?
This Lake Wallenpaupack home for sale is located on 120 Burns Hill Road. Just a little bit away is the Wallenpaupack lakefront lot on Big Woods II Road - get the best of both worlds without the gigantic price tag that comes with a lakefront home.
The Wallenpaupack lakefront lot has a land use and dock permit in place - you can have your own private access to the most popular motorboat lake in the Poconos!
A Lake Wallenpaupack Lakefront Lot & A Country Cottage Too
Use the links below to learn more about real estate for sale and about my innovativemarketing plan for sellers in Pike and and Wayne County of Northeast PA.
Areas Served: Hawley, Honesdale, Lake Ariel, Lake Wallenpaupack, Lords Valley, Greeley, Greentown, Tafton, Waymart, and Lackawaxen. Planned Communities: The Hideout, Hemlock Farms, Wallenpaupack Lake Estates, Fawn Lake Forest, Pocono Springs, Masthope, Indian Rocks, Tink Wig, Woodland Hills, and other communities in NEPA.
When it comes to this Masthope luxury home, FANTASTIC is an UNDERSTATEMENT.
An opportunity like this does not come along every day. Masthope is known for beautiful custom built homes, but this contemporary masterpiece goes above and beyond.
Truly a one-of-a-kind home with custom touches and additions, there is not another like it in Masthope; this is the only one G Anderson Homes built. This award-winning builder has been long recognized as the leader in Masthope new construction. One look inside this showcase home and you'll see why.
Once inside you will find an inviting open floor plan with bright, light-filled spaces and accented by warm hardwoods and classic granite counter tops in the generous kitchen. The unique prow-front adds character and charm to the living room (and the family room downstairs).
Classic elements such as the floor to ceiling wall of windows and the cozy living room fireplace, the sun-filled dining room with easy access to two decks, and bathrooms on every level work together to create a stunning home fit for royalty. The elegant, tasteful furnishings are included if you wish!
This regal mountain house features several expansive decks for enjoyable outside living. The wired surround sound system enhances the experience of entertaining your guests, and the amazingly spacious family room downstairs and the comfortable bedrooms make this the perfect home for large gatherings of family and friends.
There are of course some technical elements that are often taken for granted, such as central air, clean, efficient, and convenient propane powered heat, and a wired security system as well.
Combine all of this with the perfect 4-season community of Masthope and you have a clear winner. Ski, ride horseback, swim, fish, go boating...all from within the Masthope Mountain oasis. (Learn more about Masthope in the Neighborhood Information tab. )
Location
137 Pebble Rock Road, Masthope Lackawaxen, PA 18435 USA
To get updates on open home dates and other property events, please click the "Like" button below:
Use the links below to learn more about real estate for sale and about my innovativemarketing plan for sellers in Pike and and Wayne County of Northeast PA.
Areas Served: Hawley, Honesdale, Lake Ariel, Lake Wallenpaupack, Lords Valley, Greeley, Greentown, Tafton, Waymart, and Lackawaxen. Planned Communities: The Hideout, Hemlock Farms, Wallenpaupack Lake Estates, Fawn Lake Forest, Pocono Springs, Masthope, Indian Rocks, Tink Wig, Woodland Hills, and other communities in NEPA.
Once again it is time for the annual Relay for Life benefit yard sale. This year our goal is to raise $2000 for Relay for Life. Please help us! The yard sale will be May 28, 2011 from 9 to 4 a.m. Rain date is Sunday May 29, 2011.
What a GREAT WAY to declutter your home for a good cause! If you have good stuff that you no longer use, bring it to us on May 27 and we'll find new homes for it!
100% of the proceeds goes to the local RELAY FOR LIFE chapter. Hope to see you there!
Use the links below to learn more about real estate for sale and about my innovativemarketing plan for sellers in Pike and and Wayne County of Northeast PA.
Areas Served: Hawley, Honesdale, Lake Ariel, Lake Wallenpaupack, Lords Valley, Greeley, Greentown, Tafton, Waymart, and Lackawaxen. Planned Communities: The Hideout, Hemlock Farms, Wallenpaupack Lake Estates, Fawn Lake Forest, Pocono Springs, Masthope, Indian Rocks, Tink Wig, Woodland Hills, and other communities in NEPA.
Info on Tanglwood Lakes, Wallenpaupack Lake Estates, The Hideout, Indian Rocks, Masthope, Fawn Lake, Tink Wig, and other communities in Pike & Wayne County.
Scroll & View Some Virtual Tours of Northeast PA Real Estate for Sale & Nearby Community Profile Tours
Please Note: Property Status and Prices Are Subject to Change. While every effort is made to ensure the information is up-to-date, it is possible that a price or property availability has changed since the original posting. Contact me directly to verify current property status.
Information contained on this site is deemed accurate but not guaranteed.
Disclaimer: ActiveRain Corp. does not necessarily endorse the real estate agents, loan officers and brokers listed on this site. These real estate profiles, blogs and blog entries are provided here as a courtesy to our visitors to help them make an informed decision when buying or selling a house. ActiveRain Corp. takes no responsibility for the content in these profiles, that are written by the members of this community.
But you are eggs at this point. If it doesn’t work out, the sun will rise tomorrow and nothing will really change much.
Wintering at Wallenpaupack!
;)
Listings;)
Links;)
Archives
