Did you know that Pennsylvanians currently pay state taxes of 32.3 cents a gallon for gasoline - a liquid fuels tax of 12 cents, an oil company franchise tax that is indexed to the wholesale price, and a storage tank fee of 1.1 cents. It is the nation's fourth-largest such tax, according to the Tax Foundation.

 

Still, that's not enough for Harrisburg. The budget is still anemic this year, and with Americans cutting back on driving *because of the high price of gas* it looks like PA will make even less on the "gas tax." That's one reason they're seriously considering tolling I-80 or leasing the turnpike. More money!

 

How are agents coping with high gas prices? I don't see too many downsizing into little cars or hybrids yet. We're in the mountains of PA and I think most of us still have SUV's!

I know I've been trying to consolodate my errands/running better. I'm more hesitant to put people in the car and drive around for hours. In fact, I rarely work with buyers now. I'm mostly working with sellers.

This is a tough business for saving gas! 

 

 

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Erica Ramus is Broker/Owner of Ramus Realty Group in Pottsville, PA.

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17 Comments on With Gas so high.... how to cope?

MAR
09
2008
1,738,909 Points 20 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master
The more business we do, the more money we make, and the more gas we can buy. Now gas tax is a whole other issue.
8:54am • #1
558,761 Points Localism Sponsor Outside Blog
Erica - I am not sure what we are going to do with the gas prices so high. Personnaly, I try to do more screening. We also have another problem with some people who are in the area on vacation and use us as a private free tour when they are visiting. We try to screen those type of people out, but it doesn't always work.
8:55am • #2

HMMMMM...      I always wondered how much tax I paid to Harrisburg on each gallon.        Now I know.

Check out my blog about INFLATION and how it affects the consumer's behavior if you get a chance.   

Thanks for the info
8:55am • #3
let th buyer drive
8:56am • #4
312,918 Points 2 Featured Posts Called Shot Master
I agree with better screening.  I have found it cheaper to mail things like feature sheets to my listings, rather than drive them there.   
9:02am • #5
1,005,619 Points 13 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog
Erica - One of the most important things I have found is to multi-task your travel.  What I mean is that when you are out buy what you need all at once and not make as many unnecessary trips.  I make a list of where I need to go each week and I try to do as much of it as I can.  I have always been big on having my clients meet me at my office for a time saving way to do business but at the same time this saves you traveling in your car which saves you fuel.  Another way to actually enhance your fuel economy is to make sure your vehicle tires are fully inflated, you have a clean air filter and if you want to increase mileage and power you can add a cold air kit to your vehicle.  A cold air kit allows your engine to pull more fresh colder air into your engine from outside the engine bay.  This helps because under your hood is hot and hurts power.
9:06am • #6
1,005,619 Points 13 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog
I forgot a big one...do more detailed virtual tours and shoot video of your real estate.  Use these features in your office with the buyer as a way to prescreen the homes you are going to show.  Using these technologies will help narrow down the homes the buyer actually wants to see.  If listings you are going to show are not your listings...use the MLS photos instead of the virtual tour or video.
9:08am • #7
315,522 Points 2 Featured Posts
Erica - It will be difficult to change the habit of people who insist on driving big gas guzzlers.  If you go in an affluent areas, all you see are SUVs and Mercedes and BMW.  They consume plenty of gas.  It is a status symbol for most people.  I don't drive those cars.  I have the safest car on the road - VOLVO.  
9:11am • #8
182,686 Points

 I do intend to buy a hybrid the next time I need a new car.  I try to consolidate my errands.  

 It is hard with some buyers. As prices go even higher still will give me a big push to only work with motivated buyers that sign a buyers agency.

9:12am • #9
139,351 Points 1 Featured Post Outside Blog

With today's prices it is wise to drive smarter. Fortunately for us here in SCC everything is close at hand and no Pa. hills to contend with.

It is difficult to downsize vehicles when our business calls for transporting our clients. The suggestions of the others that commented, eg. e-mailing feature sheets and virtual tours, etc. will aid the cost effectiveness we need, especially in the current market.
9:15am • #10
1,124,818 Points 90 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master
I have a video camera I bought a Triple Play Convention in December...intending to use it just for this purpose. Now I have to ask my teenage son to show me how to use it I guess! That's an excellent idea. We can video tape the neighborhood, outside, inside, and post it online for buyers! 
9:37am • #11
729,681 Points 15 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Erica: the price of gas is out of sight. I watched one of the real estate programs on TV a while back and the agent showed them over 50 houses before they purchased one. Is it time to start charging a retainer fee to help defray the cost of gasoline?

Good Post!
9:37am • #12
1,124,818 Points 90 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master
How about a retainer to take on a buyer? Flat fee to start the showing process, up front, not at closing? Weeds out the lookers. 
9:44am • #13
1,372,789 Points 151 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master
Being in Las Vegas, I weed out the tourists.  If you wanna look with me, you will be driving your own vehicle.  That's that.  Mostly in part does it not only save gas but I usually have piggybacked an appointment that I need to meet afterwards.  I am not pick up/drop off taxi service.
10:52am • #14
1,156,205 Points 29 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master
Erica - I carefully plan my trips now.  I also try to use certain tools available instead of showing up in person until it is absolutely necessary.
10:54am • #15
Erica - I also consolidate my trips, work from home one day a week, carefully screen buyers, keep an eye on gas prices as I'm out driving, etc.
7:27pm • #16
MAR
11
2008
  The price of gas is having a huge negative effect on a home owner's income/debit ratio!  A few years ago when a buyer did a loan application, it did not take into account the price of fuel and the effects that this price increase has on all consumer products across the board!  When I bought my home 3 years ago, I was spending about $50 a week, or about $250 month on gas.  I now spend about 4 times that amount, around $800 a month for the same amount of gas!  I don't know many home owner's who can absorb that kind of a price jump in the monthly budget!  The price of gas has now cost many a home owner their monthly house payment!  The big oil people in Washington are making more money than ever, and their personal stake in the economy is better than ever! I hope that the working class can all just hang on until the elections!  In other countries around the world, the citizens would rebel and would not stand for their government to allow this to happen! Why do we?  I remember when the oil companies attempted to reduce oil production when Clinton was in.  He threatened to tap into our huge oil reserves. OPEC quickly brought the price of oil back down. 
8:54am • #17

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Pottsville, PA

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