I’ve only been to a Whole Foods store a few times in my life: One in Manhattan (NYC) and one in Charles River Plaza (Boston) that I can recall, but it was enough of an experience to get a better grasp of this brick-and-mortar establishment, the products it served (a healthier food option), the emotional joy of browsing (quite different than 99% of the grocers I have visited during my lifetime) and the effect it had on the wallet (but it was so worth it).  Now, I’m a sucker for natural, organic and even locally-grown foods and if didn’t have such a wonderful wife (aka cook), I’d even favor the pre-prepared dinners which are also available.  Quite frankly Whole Foods is a no-brainer for me.

With that being said, unfortunately Northeastern Pennsylvanians haven’t been blessed with this Texas-based retailer yet.  The nearest store is over 120 miles away.  I am hopeful that will change and for good reason: When Whole Foods invades, real estate property values increase.  Though the franchise might not directly be responsible for property values increasing in a local real estate market, they are the catalyst for a series of events that make areas flourish.  When you probe into it further you’ll see that it isn’t just a store, it’s an idea.  It’s a space that creates a gravitational force, attracting people to the neighborhood, who also buy into this idea and thus the cycle continues.  After it appears on the scene, the length of the day grows; businesses stay open later (including Whole Foods).

Many people want to move closer to activity, having the option of a better “night on the town.”  They enjoy having other choices available, including where to eat, shop and play.  This is particularly appealing to the Gen X & Gen Y consumer.  These things spell doom for the property buyer/investor who is sitting on the fence – demand goes up and as data has also shown, so to do the property values in these areas that spawn the birth of a Whole Foods.

With roughly fifty of these stores in the pipeline, has your area recently seen the birth of a Whole Foods store?  And if so, what have you experienced with your local real estate economy as a result?

If you’re interested in reading more about the “Whole Foods Effect,” Will Doig, who writes for Salon, delves into this concept much deeper (http://goo.gl/Jkcik).

Greg Solfanelli
Marketing / Director of Consumer Experience
Realty Network Group
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In a majority of cases, despite what many may think, wet basements are generally inexpensive and easy to fix.  Don’t panic (unless your house is sinking), stop and take a deep breath.  Most leaks/seepage can be traced to an issue with drainage condition around the perimeter of the home.  Therefore, if you improve the drainage around the outside, then there’s a good chance you’ll have the solution you’ve been searching for.

Roof drainage is one of the top contributors of a wet basement.  Two proactive measures you can take to prevent leakage is to install the proper number of downspouts and clean your gutters twice a year.  Other factors can effect how often they would need to be cleaned, such as trees’ proximity to your home.  It’s important to understand dirty gutters will cause an overflow, and when this happens, water will end up in the last place you desire – near the foundation.  The downspouts should also be at least four to six feet from the foundation.

Check the lay of the land around the foundation: Soil should slope away from the house.  You never want water running toward the house.  Clean, fill soil (not topsoil) should be used to create the slope and top soil/seed to prevent erosion.  Be mindful of any landscaping treatments, which can keep water close to the home for extended periods of time.  These should be substituted for others, which are more dry-basement friendly.

Please note: Each and every case is different and when seeking advice regarding waterproofing your home, you should consult a professional home inspector and/or waterproofing contractor.

Stay dry my friends! Greg Solfanelli, Marketing & Office Coordinator, Realty Network Group, www.realtynetwork.net, www.facebook.com/RealtyNetworkG, www.twitter.com/RealtyNetworkG

Today is International Star Wars Day (May the 4^th be with you!).  Sometimes renovations can make all the difference to the owner, but perhaps offer little to be desired to a potential buyer.  The following photo of a remodeled shower features the likes of C-3PO, R2-D2 and our favorite wookiee, Chewbacca.  Star Trek fans beware!

[Photo courtesy of Emily Jagoda

You need to keep in mind a few things here.  If you’re doing the work yourself, that’s wonderful, but realize you might take a hit if your DIY project isn’t up to professional standards.  Even if you’re hiring someone to complete the job, you should consider if you could add another bedroom to the lower-level, especially if there are only two bedrooms throughout the rest of the house.  I do caution a renovation on a basement if that space is used for storage and you don’t have room for those displaced items in your attic or garage.  Of course, if your spouse has been hounding you for years to trash that huge collection of VHS tapes in the basement… there’s your answer!

Keep in mind each situation is unique, therefore, connect with us today to find out how to best showcase your home to that pool of potential buyers.

Good luck!  Greg Solfanelli, Marketing & Office Coordinator - Realty Network Group, www.realtynetwork.net