Tag Archive for: REALTOR

A Home Is The Safest Place To Be

Coronavirus Q&A below. Over the course of the past three weeks, Northeastern Pennsylvania (NEPA) has undergone changes in lifestyle, business and just about everything else you can possibly imagine, including real estate. Governor Tom Wolf’s orders, as they pertain to our industry, remain non-life-sustaining. Yet, in a recent move by the Pennsylvania Association of REALTORS® (PAR), the association entered a brief in support of a lawsuit, which has been filed against Pennsylvania’s governor. The purpose of the suit? To designate real estate as a life-sustaining business.

PAR recognizes the importance of “[minimizing] in-person services wherever possible and [following] appropriate CDC guidelines” to keep the public safe and flatten the spread of COVID-19, but when deemed necessary, the association believes sellers and homebuyers should have the ability to attain shelter – one of life’s three essentials.

Coronavirus Q&A: How to approach selling your home or buying one during the coronavirus pandemic.

Nevertheless, it’s a confusing time for buyers and sellers and you can add real estate professionals to the list also! Some consumers are left wondering if obtaining a roof over their head is even an option right now. The world is changing, which is fairly evident. Real estate and how the industry will operate henceforth will be altered too. We look to keep you informed as this fluid situation constantly changes. In the meantime, we’ve addressed some of the common questions we’ve received from our clients/customers.

Can I sell my home in this current climate?

If you’re thinking about selling your home immediately, understand that the present terrain in real estate has numerous roadblocks, which you’ll encounter in some way, shape or form. Can a home be sold momentarily? Yes, it’s possible, but realize tremendous assistance from the seller would probably be required in conjunction with the agent, while attempting to procure a buyer. This is a discussion you need to have with your REALTOR®.

Are there things I can be doing now to prepare to sell my home?

There are absolutely things which can be done now to prep your home to sell in the months to come. “Clearing out the clutter” should definitely be on the top of your list. Other strategies like painting, reorganizing, attacking problem areas of the home and landscaping should strongly be considered as well. Check out this page on our site, which will give you a few more ideas to consider. As a homeowner, you should contact your REALTOR® to come up with a plan for proceeding, as many sellers find themselves on the sidelines during this outbreak.

Should I look for a home now or wait?

There are multiple phases to the home search process. Prospective buyers typically start their search online months before they even physically enter a home (which is practically impossible since the outbreak of COVID-19). For the consumer who doesn’t have to move – wait. In the state of Pennsylvania, there are no in-person showings until further notice. Only services that a REALTOR® could offer remotely are permitted at this time. Of course, you can look at homes virtually through our extensive online catalog of properties available for sale in NEPA.

As a buyer if I decide to wait, what steps would you suggest I take so that I’m prepared for a time when in-person showings resume?

First and foremost, we would recommend setting up a “virtual” homebuyer consultation. If you have an agent, get in touch with them and discuss your needs. If you don’t have one yet, start your search there. Choosing a real estate professional is more important than one might think. Select the perfect agent for you! Secondly, reach out to mortgage lenders. Have a firm grasp on what you can and can’t afford, find ways to improve your credit score, if necessary, and look at the lending options available to you. Lastly, begin examining the market and what’s available in your price range. Create a list of pros and cons. Having a better understanding of these three dimensions can only propel you toward making better decisions when the time is right.

As homebuyers and sellers, can we engage in executing an agreement of sale during this unprecedented time?

Yes, but there’s so much that goes into making these types of decisions: Can I place an offer on a property I haven’t stepped foot in? Are there certain reasons I might want to press pause for the time being whether I’m buying or selling? We strongly suggest you discuss your concerns with your REALTOR® as well as your real estate attorney.

 

We hope this Coronavirus Q&A was helpful. Should you need further assistance, please reach out to our network of real estate professionals.

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His Focus Remains The Same

Realty Network Group is pleased to announce that Justin Gerrity, a REALTOR® serving the Greater Scranton area, has joined their company. He’s been a licensed agent for several years and looks to his new “home” as providing him more opportunities for his clients. He has a passion for meeting them where they are and discovering their present needs. He understands that navigating them through the twists and turns of the transaction in an easy-going and informative manner can be critical toward building a partnership that will last. “My joy is getting to know my clientele and what they hope to achieve in the market,” emphasized Justin. “In the end, making it a satisfying experience: For homebuyers, finding them the perfect home, one of my favorite things to do. And for sellers, gaining maximum exposure for their home.”

Prior to real estate, Justin, a Northeast Pennsylvania native – born-and-raised, spent all of his time in the service industry caring for people’s needs, assisting them and providing the special attention they deserved. This was the primer he required, grooming him for the exciting and sometimes challenging world of real estate. Today, his focus remains the same – to achieve the best possible outcome for his clients. “I have an incredible drive to make their needs my priority, and deliver on the sale or purchase of their home,” reveals Justin. “I’m always there for my clients. I take my job very seriously!”

“Justin is an experienced professional, who is well-equipped to handle people’s real estate investments with the utmost care and attention to detail,” declares Dianne Montana, Managing Broker of Realty Network Group. “We’re looking forward to the relationships he’ll develop as he establishes his book of business.”

He’s happy to have made the move: “Realty Network Group provides me a supportive, collaborative environment whose marketing is second to none,” asserts Justin. “The main office, which is ultra-modern and in a prime location, is the perfect place to meet my buyers and sellers.

If you need someone who can offer new solutions, ideas and personal touches to assist you with your real estate needs, contact Justin Gerrity today at jgerrity@realtynetwork.net or 570.909.7160 (cell).

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A True Buyer’s Agent

Realty Network Group is pleased to announce the addition of Lynn H. Marino to their network of real estate professionals. She’s the type of agent that fits beautifully the company’s brand image: She’s an experienced agent, being licensed since 2008; she has a solid reputation in this industry; she has a track record for connecting buyers and sellers over the years. “I really enjoy catering to both homebuyers and sellers,” reveals Lynn. “Since my start in real estate over a decade ago, I have a passion for finding buyers the home of their dreams. I guess you could say, I have a knack for honing in and discovering the perfect fit for my clients.”

“I chose Realty Network Group because it has a portfolio of expertise at its disposal, built upon the experience of its Associate Brokers and sales professionals. The company emanates stability and maintains a ‘small-town’ feel. In my experience, I maintain that non-corporate/franchises are more supportive overall and place less emphasis on their bottom-lines.” 

Lynn grew up in the Valley area, being a native of Dickson City. She has a handle on the local Greater Scranton market with her finger on the pulse of trends in Northeastern Pennsylvania and how they might affect buyers and sellers. She savors the relationships she has established with her clientele and recognizes the important role commitment has played through them. “I pride myself in delivering results for my clients,” emphasizes Lynn. “I believe, my listening to their needs is paramount. It might seem strange to some, but I very often get a sense when I walk into a home, whether it’s an ideal match for my buyers or if it’s not the right fit for them.”

Lynn has been encouraged by her family, especially her supportive husband, to not only pursue her care for others through the nursing professional, working part-time as a registered nurse; but also to assist her buyers and sellers in making sound real estate investments toward their future.

“We’re excited Lynn has joined our family,” attests Dianne Montana, Managing Broker of Realty Network Group. “She’s a veteran in our business, who’s knowledgeable about the industry and how to invest in it. Her honesty and wonderful sense of humor also make her a magnificent REALTOR®.”

If you’re seeking an outstanding real estate professional, connect with Lynn Marino today at 570-499-3810 or via lmarino@realtynetwork.net.

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Buyers, Beware! 7 Mistakes Homebuyers Must Avoid

So you’ve finally convinced yourself now is the time to buy a home. Maybe this is your first rodeo, but perhaps you’ve purchased before. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or not, ending up with the property you love for a price you can live with is the goal. Achieving this goal can be grasped through knowledge (it’s power!) and a keen insight into your local market. Focus on your goals and the information at your fingertips, it can save you grief as well as nasty surprises down the road.

When it comes to real estate, very few like surprises. In fact, many don’t even like surprises to begin with (most of my friends despise surprise parties). In order to avoid these unpleasantries, we’ve devised a list of seven ways to make your homebuying experience more enjoyable.

Lenders & Mortgage Brokers

There are so many lending options available to you, but if you’re like a majority of prospective buyers you might settle for one option. This could be a fatal first step, causing you to lose thousands of dollars in the process. Instead, a great approach would be to talk to multiple lenders (at least three) in addition to consulting a mortgage broker. You’ll want to have a solid basis for a comparison. Am I getting a good deal? Is this the lowest possible rate for my present situation (where I find myself in life, credit score, etc.)?

Compare lender fees, customer service, loan terms, rates and response times. The more you shop around, the more you’ll improve your chances of achieving some financial freedom. Certainly tap the bank you do all or most of your business with, but don’t solely rely on them.

Before you begin actively searching for homes in the marketplace, make sure you get pre-approved by a reputable lender. Don’t make the mistake of looking at properties before taking this first step into a much larger world. In competitive niche markets, you could forfeit your chance of landing your choice home if you aren’t pre-approved. This will also prevent you from gushing over a home you simply cannot afford.

Affordability Can Be An Issue Too

Ah yes, you don’t want to bite off more than you can chew either. In many markets throughout the country, the supply is dwindling, but buyers are itching for more affordable homes. It’s in these markets where we discover rising home prices and the challenges that come along with them.

7 Mistakes Homebuyers Must Avoid

If there’s one thing to take away from this article, it’s this: Don’t be swept away by your emotions, don’t let them completely engulf you, making your decisions for you. Rather, create a budget and stick with it. It should contain a list of your monthly expenses: Automobile, student loans, credit cards, groceries, health insurance, child care, investments, etc. Examine your costs and be realistic about what you can actually afford. Be sure to give yourself some wiggle room too.

Remember, by overspending, you could be putting yourself at risk for losing your home in the future should you encounter financial trouble. Overspending can often be tied to emotional needs rather than logical, unhasty decisions. Don’t lust after something that’s outside your price range nor feel the need to borrow the full amount of your pre-approval. Make an offer if you’re serious about buying a home, but do it after much reflection and preparation.

Overpaying For A Home

As stated above, overextending on a home purchase is usually not in a buyer’s best interest. I speak from experience on this. The first home I purchased, I reached to get it and seven years later when I needed to sell it, I found myself in a less than ideal situation. Stay focused on purchasing a home for a good price rather than on what you can spend.

Though there’s no way to absolutely guarantee you’ll make the best choice – markets do change as time goes by – discover the market value of a property before you’re willing to make an offer on such a large investment. Don’t rely on what the rateable or government value of a home would be. These valuations often fail to reflect what the home is actually worth in today’s market. You’ll want to make sure your offer to purchase is based on comparable homes that have already sold in recent months.

REALTORS® & Other Professionals


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Don’t follow the path to home discovery alone! Each homebuyer should have buyer’s representation. This is important in order to protect your own interests or you could find other agents, who are actually working for the seller and not your interests, coaching you. REALTORS® educated buyers about the process. They are the “go to” person before and after a transaction even occurs. They can give you insights into who to consult, the surrounding communities/neighborhoods, if attorney representation is advisable and the like. Find a real estate professional who’s a good match for your personality and your schedule.

An experience REALTOR® can put you at ease. This can’t be overstated. They point many homebuyers in the right direction. They have connections, knowledge and course correction that’s needed in the present landscape. When it’s time to buy a property they link you with the right people as well. Your real estate professional can connect you with reputable inspectors and other service providers who can give you a clearer picture of what you’re facing ahead. What’s the condition of the home? What type of repairs are needed? A thorough inspection will help you avoid a money pit, so don’t neglect to inspect.

Credit Constraints

Before embarking on your quest for a new home, it’s important to give yourself maximum buying power, if time allows. Be patient, pay down some of your debt and save money. Believe it or not, boosting your credit score and/or saving enough for a significant down payment can take months or even years to accomplish. Here are some things to keep in mind prior to getting pre-approved with a bank:

  • Have three to six months of living expenses saved in an emergency fund
  • Don’t drain your savings to put a down payment on a home nor to pay the closing costs associated with settlement
  • Stay level-headed and stick to your budget – meet with a financial planner, if necessary

When the time’s right, get pre-approved and keep the status quo in your finances through settlement. Don’t make your next significant purchase until you’ve closed on your home. Refrain from opening new lines of credit, closing existing accounts or taking on new loans. These would potentially impact your credit score and jeopardize your purchasing power. Furthermore, a buyer’s actions could cause the deal to go south and as a result he/she might be in jeopardy of losing his/her earnest money deposit.

Location, Bones, Location

As you and your agent begin to search for a home that’s perfectly suited to your needs, it’s important to keep an open mind, while not be overly picky with your selections. It may seem like a part-time job, attaining the right fit for you and your family, after all it can be vital to your lifestyle and development. Seek a home you can add value to.

7 Mistakes Homebuyers Must Avoid

When your search is underway, it may be difficult to ignore some of the cosmetic details, but that’s exactly how you may want to approach it to maintain sanity. A homebuyer should grasp the difference between things that can be changed relatively easily (like simple remodeling) versus things which are very expensive or near impossible to correct. Don’t let the physical imperfections turn you off. On the other hand, it’s important to perceive those things like your home’s yard/lot size or location, which cannot be changed. If you fixate on the home over its neighborhood or school district, you could end up loving the home, but hating where you live.

Ground yourself and know your limits. If your funds are tight, you may need to be willing to reside on a busy road, deal with a dated home or put some sweat equity into it. Prospective homebuyers should also do their research. With the aid of your REALTORS®, investigate the crime statistics and school ratings of areas where you’re interest lies. Gauge your commuting time to and from work. Visit the neighborhood where you’re thinking about moving to at different times of the day to understand traffic patterns and its vibe. Don’t look for perfection in a home, it rarely exists. In fact, in doing so, it could lead you to overpay for one along with grossly limiting your search.

Ownership’s Hidden Costs

Before you embark on this exciting adventure toward homeownership, don’t overlook the hidden costs, especially if you’re a first-time homebuyer. Have you considered the other expenses? You may need to pay for property taxes, homeowners insurance, flood insurance, mortgage insurance (PMI), repairs and maintenance costs, utilities, homeowners association dues (HOA), etc.

Set aside 2% to 3% of the home’s value each year to cover costs associated with maintenance and repairs. Don’t underestimate this buffer. In order to maintain your home, you’ll need to have this set aside. For instance, if your home has a market value of $250,000 and wasn’t recently built, then each year you should have $5,000 to $7,500 set aside for upkeep and repairs.

 

I know this information can be a little overwhelming for some thinking about buying a home, but it’s paramount to keep these potential pitfalls in mind. Again, focus on your goals and discuss this further with your real estate professional. How important is it for you to be a homeowner now than continue to rent and be one in the future? This is a question you’ll inevitably need to ask yourself.

We hope you enjoyed this article. For more helpful homebuyer information as well as our FAQs, click here. We always welcome your feedback!

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Empowering Her Clients, One Transaction At A Time

Realty Network Group is pleased to announce the addition of Ann A. Sheroda, Associate Broker and multi-million dollar real estate producer who’s been in the business since 2005. “I have forty years of sales and sales management experience with some of the largest companies in the country,” declares Ann. “I’ve really enjoyed working for my real estate clients over the past fourteen years. It’s what I’m passionate about. It’s who I am. I find it both challenging and rewarding.”

Ann was born and raised in Northeastern Pennsylvania and has a great handle on the market in the Greater Scranton area. The majority of her experience, time and dedication has been poured into serving clients in NEPA, connecting buyers and sellers. She’s also knowledgeable of other regions as well. Not only is she licensed in Pennsylvania, but is also licensed in New Jersey, servicing those interested in investing in rentals and vacation homes at the NJ shore (Margate, NJ).

“Ann loves this business and she welcomes working incessantly for both homebuyers and sellers,” asserts Dianne Montana, Managing Broker of Realty Network Group. “She’s a tremendous asset to our brand and our network of agents!”

“I chose Realty Network Group because they offer the reputation and professionalism I need from a brand to service my clients,” responds Ann. “Working as a full-time professional, I pride myself on making sure buyers, sellers and cooperating agents have the proper information at their fingertips, and have it in a timely fashion.”

If you’re looking to work with a top-notch real estate professional, connect with Ann A. Sheroda today at 570-498-4990 or via homesanns@aol.com.

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