Someone You Can Count On

A real estate career is truly unique, unlike any profession you’ll discover. Those who have been connecting buyers and sellers for some time will tell you no two transactions are alike and there are hurdles along the way – many! Realty Network Group’s newest agent, Florence Avvisato, is eagerly awaiting the challenges that will inevitably appear for her seller and buyer clients in 2023. This industry is always changing, in fact there’s never been a time which has mimicked the past three years in real estate. Florence recognizes present opportunities not only for her clients, but also for her personal growth.

We recently sat down with her to find out where she sees herself in five years. Furthermore, we were impressed with her ability, in the first place, to anticipate the skills needed to be successful. “On the surface, real estate is a challenging space, and that appeals to me,” remarks Florence. “Because this industry grants flexibility for originality and possibilities for those willing to pull in the time, there are a variety of ways individuals can thrive. I believe this gives people the ability to excel creatively, and for that reason, real estate will always be stimulating.” Her forward-thinking approach will be an asset to her clients, who can count on her integrity and ambition, as she seeks to go above and beyond to meet their needs.

Years from now, Florence envisions many of her strengths, which she learned or fine-tuned in the hospitality and medical fields, creating advantages for her homebuyers and sellers. Her experience in hospitality taught her how to be humble. She learned the importance of punctuality, accommodation, thriving under pressure and attention to detail. Each of these traits are often sorely missed in our business. For instance, her ability to “read the room” and meet people in their present situation in order to effectively communicate is an exceptional quality for a REALTOR® to possess today. Moreover, similar to how customers notice the details of their surroundings (such as a restaurant), buyers notice how a property shows or if their agent is someone they can relate to and trust. If people don’t like what they see, they’re not coming back!

As someone starting a new career in real estate, she believes it’s critical for people to know they can count on her. “I truly care about buyers and sellers, and being their trusted guide through one of life’s most monumental moments,” reveals Florence. “I don’t take a purchase or sale of this size lightly. I knew I wanted to team up with a Brokerage, who supports their REALTORS®, one who provides ample training. Realty Network Group is what I perceive as an incredibly safe space for learning, and learning is my key objective at this point.” She sees the value in a firm that provides excellent training, understanding that the more she knows, the better service she can provide to her clientele. She saw a great reputation in Realty Network Group, one with a strong foundation of integrity and ethical practice.  “The way people perceive you is greatly attributed to how you treat and carry out business with them,” asserts Florence.

She’s lived in Northeastern Pennsylvania, specifically the Wyoming Valley, for over the past two decades, but she’s very familiar with the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre area. She loves that NEPA allows for a variety of lifestyles and provides so many places to explore. She’s a devoted wife and mother of three and resides in the Back Mountain. She’s an avid outdoorswoman and enjoys doing anything outside, especially gardening or hiking through national parks. She’s currently training to run her second half marathon race in March.

If you’re in need of the services of a real estate professional, someone who has a positive demeanor, who’s highly motivated and energetic, and who tries to see things from other people’s perspectives, then Florence Avvisato is the agent for you! You can reach her directly via 272-446-0407 or [email protected].

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A REALTOR® With An Entrepreneurial Spirit

Real estate is more than a transaction, it alters lives and creates memories. It’s about helping homebuyers and sellers make the right move at the right time. One REALTOR® who ascribes to this mantra is Halle Stevens. Born and raised in Northeastern Pennsylvania, this passionate, bright and enthusiastic agent is excited for what the future holds. Recently, she made the move to Realty Network Group, a company that embraces many of the ideals she also holds to be true.

“Meeting people and communicating is critical for helping buyers and sellers make the right move,” indicates Halle. “I enjoy learning what my clients need, their wants, then developing a custom plan for the individual or their family, if they’re shopping for a home or investment, or for the property, if they’re looking to sell.” When sitting down with Halle, you understand why she’s successful in this business. What makes her stand out from other agents is her drive, her commitment to her clients in addition to how she’s wired to communicate. Furthermore, she has a strong background in marketing, which is never wasted in our industry.

In her past life, Halle displayed her entrepreneurial mind set when she launched an Instagram page, which quickly became a success. The page focused on the promotion of (national and international) real estate houses for sale. It was during this venture when she discovered how to get the most eyeballs on the listings she was featuring. Now, as she gains more experience dealing with buyers and sellers, homeowners reap the benefits of having an agent who knows how to market their home. And effective marketing is crucial with 51% of buyers now finding the home they eventually purchase online.

Besides her passion and motivation for connecting buyers and sellers, her relationship-forming abilities are a strength too. “My philosophy is simple,” reveals Halle. “My clients come first!” She’s dedicated to providing excellent service, while keeping her clients informed every step of the way. She’s a real estate professional who’s in constant communication with them, available 24/7. Her attention to the transaction, from beginning to end, aids her goal of making it a positive experience for her buyers or sellers.

“Realty Network Group is centered around their agents,” points out Halle. “This allows them to have more tools and knowledge at their fingertips for their clients’ benefit. This firm is a great fit for me, because of the support they provide, their office atmosphere and the positive reputation they have throughout our area. They’re also very involved in giving back to the community, something I’m always striving to do. I’m extremely eager to get started at Realty Network Group. 2023 is my year!”

From a very young age, Halle has always wanted to be a real estate agent. She loves every aspect of the business and couldn’t imagine doing anything else. Her family has been a positive influence in her life as well. Her grandparents instilled in her a strong work ethic and the idea that with hard work anything can be accomplished. They taught her that dreams are only goals you can attain and to never give up.

Are you looking for a fresh start in real estate and need the services of an agent who is locally-connected, who loves what she does, who is always available and who is dedicated to providing you timely, accurate information? Then experience the difference the RIGHT AGENT can make, someone who puts you FIRST. Connect with Halle today at 570-909-6018 (direct) or via [email protected].

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Downtown Living Done Right

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Downtown living is a different way of life, especially in Northeastern Pennsylvania (NEPA). Whether it’s Scranton or Wilkes-Barre, there are arguably more amenities at your fingertips and a different mode of going about your daily activities compared to other areas in the region. Downtown living provides residents options for how they conduct their affairs and how they interact with their community.

Downtown living in NEPA is often perceived as being in sharp contrast to the more rural lifestyle so many from our region experience regularly. Most of our school districts cater to children from bucolic areas. Heck, even some from our communities will joke about how traveling into downtown Scranton is like entering “the big city.” Yet, there are those who migrated in from major metropolitan cities. To them, Scranton is as miniature as you get for downtown living!

The Electric City, as Scranton is also known, once built upon the shoulders of coal-mining families, has evolved into something of legend. On November 30, 1886, the first streetcar system run entirely by electricity, made its debut in America in downtown Scranton. Where there were once strong ethnic concentrated centers of Irish, Italians, Polish, Germans, Jews throughout parts of the city, a melting pot has sprung up giving unique spins on the culture. This is evident in restaurants like Thai Rak Thai or even two in the north side: Casa Bella and Ipanema Grille. There’s a new-found sense of hope for a rebirth movement in this city.

The rebirth of a city plays a role in downtown living done right. Some of the essential features that make for great downtown living are walkable sections of town; commercial space that is of the mixed-used category; gathering spaces for recreation, education and entertainment; a successful residential component; and accessible/affordable parking. While these aren’t the only features that make a downtown thrive, they should be on everyone’s radar. We believe Scranton is building towards something spectacular. Obviously there’s still work to be done, but economic revitalization efforts have been undertaken by the city and organizations, such as Scranton Tomorrow. We simply can’t overstate how vital this volunteer-based organization has been in transforming downtown Scranton, especially in recent years.

Being a walkable community makes for great downtown living. Wide sidewalks, decorative courts/side-streets, greenspaces and removing graffiti/litter are ways to create pleasant spaces for pedestrians. Having a mixed-use mindset is also necessary for any new development and construction that takes place in the downtown area. Pedestrians want to be able to connect to the larger community, which surrounds them, and they want to feel welcomed as they venture around town. Community connection goes beyond commercial businesses. Connecting at events, drinking establishments, performing arts centers, fairs, movie theaters, parks, artisan markets, just to name a few is important for the creation of downtown living, which is a step above the rest. People want downtown living to be their city’s family room, especially in the later hours of the evening. Having affordable and convenient housing as well as parking are also what makes downtown living click.

Since COVID, we’ve experienced a trend in NEPA whenever possible where restaurants and pubs have provided more opportunities for patrons to enjoy food, drink and entertainment outside, in larger upgraded/converted spaces or in semi-covered areas, usually a back patio space or front of a building. Other accommodations have been made at hotels, convention centers, etc., but restaurants seem to have been the most creative to date.

A recent positive trend with respect to downtown living has been a decrease in vacant commercial space. When more businesses are leasing space or renting larger spaces, or when developers start thinking about catering to a person’s balanced lifestyle rather than only one of their aspects, everyone wins. In Scranton, one great example of a business who has done exactly this and has doubled-down on investing in the downtown area is Noteology. For downtown living to be done right, it’s all about a lived experience which is optimized and shared by residents and visitors to the city. Create a story and memories, then some of the first steps toward building a flourishing downtown are realized.

Successful downtowns don’t sprout up overnight. They take time, hard work, cooperation, great minds, forward-thinkers, patience and the like. To produce a “live-work-play” community in Scranton, or anywhere for that matter, takes these things in addition to the attributes described above.

 

* Image courtesy of Discover NEPA

 

Real Estate and Houses for Sale in Scranton, PA

Commercial Properties for Sale Near Scranton, PA

Lake Houses for Sale Near Scranton, PA

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Prepping Your Home For Winter, In The Fall

Alright, maybe summer is beginning to disappear. It’s never too early to prepare for the colder months ahead. On second thought, we suppose it could be, but autumn is the perfect time to tackle those jobs you’ve been putting off. Procrastination is never the solution, but everyone gets busy, especially once the school year ramps up again. A fall home checklist can appear bottomless and anything that’s overwhelming is often ignored. To prevent that from happening, we’ll keep these home hotspots short and sweet, so you can get back to watching football with family and friends!

There are two essential areas you’ll want to concentrate on this fall:

Heat

You need heat to cook those burgers and dogs at a tailgate party, as you watch linebackers bring it on opposing quarterbacks, but attention should likewise be directed toward your heating systems as cold weather approaches. You’ll want to have your fireplace(s) serviced, particularly if it’s wood-burning. Have a certified chimney inspector evaluate and clean your fireplace/stove(s) and chimney(s) throughout your entire home. According to the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA), each year in the home, there are close to 18,000 fires caused by wood-burning appliances in addition to almost 1,500 injuries and multiple casualties due to home heating equipment fires. These are preventable. It’s important to hire a reliable chimney service to assure there are no defects such as a cracked flue liner nor a build-up of creosote and soot.

Gas fireplaces and furnaces should be evaluated yearly to ensure there’s proper venting and they’re operating well. One of the biggest mistakes a homeowner can make is failing to run their heating system until it’s so cold that it’s needed to keep everyone warm. Be proactive, so you’re not at the mercy of an HVAC repair person when the temperatures drop, your furnace is in need of rehabilitation and they have a long list of customers to attend to prior to your appointment.

If time permits, the homeowner should check the exterior seals around window frames and doors to make certain heat isn’t escaping from inside their home.

Water

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again, water is the root of all evil when it comes to your dwelling or housing investments. Water has the potential to wreak havoc in your home and if you’re not cautious seemingly smaller issues can become big ones overnight. The two main areas you’ll want to give attention to are the roof and the foundation. Snow, rain and ice can penetrate your home through any vulnerable surface on the roof (i.e. missing or compromised shingles) or cracks in the foundation. Ice-wedging might too become a headache for some, but generally speaking looking for visible signs of damage is a critical first step. If you find any troublesome spots after you perform a site survey, make sure to contact a qualified professional who can mend the roof or foundation. If there’s extra time, you can inspect the grading around the premises to confirm water isn’t collecting near its foundation.

Downspouts and gutters should still be examined to ensure debris isn’t collecting, impeding water from the roof in any way. As previously mentioned, it’s imperative that water flows away from the house. Debris may or may not be found in the property’s gutters and this varies widely on the number and size of deciduous trees surrounding the home. Obviously, you or a professional gutter cleaner should patiently wait until a majority of the leaves have fallen from the trees.

Close any shut-off valves from inside the home, which attend to outside plumbing. Drain those lines. Turn off exterior spigots, drain/store all hoses that were being used and winterize piping exposed to the winter elements.

Check for any gaps about the home, notably those around pipes, where water may enter the property causing structural damage or the potential for mold.

 

There are numerous other things you can accomplish as you prep for the changing seasons, such as changing or cleaning your furnace filter, replacing the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, reviewing with your family your emergency procedures, clearing your home of clutter, giving your hardwoods and carpeting a thorough, deep clean… the list goes on and on. Again, we wanted to keep it concise, focusing on heat and water.

Winter is coming! It’s not a stretch to say these tips are a Song of Ice and Fire. We have faith you can address these areas for the chillier months ahead. Sooner than later it will be time to bundle up and get your house in order – at least we hope in more order than King Viserys’ house is.

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Summer Hasn’t Made An Exit Yet

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Black-eyed Susans are in full bloom, raging across gardens and hillsides in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Chatter has begun about picking apples, not blueberries, from an orchard near you. Ritters, anyone? Sure, Dunkin Donuts is now showcasing its Blood Orange Refresher, claiming it’s their seasonal drink. Schools are reopening for the new academic year. Football has begun again! Did you catch yesterday’s Backyard Brawl thriller? The unofficial end to summer happens this Labor Day weekend. And yes, this morning was a little chilly, I must say, but I’m holding onto summer this year!

We lack the four seasons in our region, we really do. Spring, in recent years, is a mixture of winter slop and daffodils and crocuses refusing to make up their minds whether it’s time to sprout or not. Autumn seems hidden behind the winter breeze that kidnaps the summer heat. When summer finally gets into motion, department stores are cramming Halloween decor and Christmas lights into our shopping carts. Don’t get me wrong, fall is my favorite, absolute favorite season of the year. [I even purchased a case of Founders’ Oktoberfest a few days ago – shhhh!] I’m just not willing to surrender to autumn this year. I don’t care how many times you shout pumpkin spice!

Summer hasn’t made an exit yet. In fact, I had sand between my toes only days ago and a sunburn on my right arm.

Real estate may likewise side with my position. It appears, like me, it could be summer dreaming. Some of its optics exude traditional summer responses. More properties have gone under contract in August of this year as opposed to August of 2021 and the housing supply remains dismal, 1.65 months supply, last time I checked. Keep in mind, a balanced market with normal inventory levels produces a month’s supply between five and seven. Nevertheless, as much as I hate to admit it, our market’s leaves are changing color. Sold listings through last month, year-to-date, are down 6.4%. New listings, likewise, are down month-over-month, when compared to last August, by over 23%. Perhaps this market has had enough of the surge it experienced over the previous twenty-six months (give or take).

Could it be that homebuyers, much like blueberry-pickers of July and August, have had their fill? They’ve looked at the entire inventory (which hasn’t been much), they’re fatigued by record-setting inflation and mortgage rates that don’t look as appealing as they did this past January. Although there’s certainly an element of truth to these pressures, the strain has been on buyers for some time now, our market remains rather healthy. When will inventory increase and the market become more balanced? That’s really anyone’s guess at this point – industry experts have yet to nail that down. In spite of that, year-to-date, there’s been a 19.9% increase in homes sold this year opposed to only five years ago in 2017.

We’re looking forward to a change in season in real estate, after all buyers need reprieve too! But summer wants to stick around this year (it told me so). We hope you can enjoy the few remaining weeks of the season.

* statistics from the Greater Scranton Board of REALTORS® (August 2017 – August 2022)

 

Whatever season you find yourself in, make sure to use our “search by city” feature and discover all our area has to offer.

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What’s A Real Estate Broker? And What Do I Do When I Find One?

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The search for a home begins online. It has for some time. In fact, consumers are surveying the terrain and pouncing on anything that hits the market like a school of piranha, unsure of when their next opportunity to eat will surface. You can’t blame homebuyers either. Today, the ones that remain, still looking to purchase, have repeatedly struck out in their attempts for homeownership. Now, feeling the pressures of inflation, higher mortgage rates and rising home prices, they’re looking to get in before the door closes on their “must-haves” and what they can afford.

The winds of a housing shortage have shifted, new listings with a slowdown in purchases have given way to more selection – finally some welcomed news for prospective shoppers. Yet the search becomes very real for them as they exit the digital environment, previewing actual houses, and doing so in a more urgent manner than buyers did only three years ago. Buyers should rely on the services of a real estate professional whenever possible, because representation is critical for protecting the interest of buyer-clients, especially in this market. And you probably have questions.

What type of real estate professionals exist today and what do they look like? There are four main distinctions homebuyers should be aware of, and they are: real estate agents, REALTORS®, REALTORS® with an ABR® designation and Brokers.

  • Real estate agents – Independent contractors who are connecting buyers and sellers and are licensed to help others rent, buy or sell real estate. Licensure requirements vary from state to state. These professionals should not be confused with REALTORS®, but regularly are.
  • REALTORS® – Licensed real estate agents who are also members of the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) and must likewise adhere to this organization’s code of ethics. These professionals can include real estate appraisers, salespeople, Brokers and more.
  • REALTORS® with ABR® designation – Members of NAR who have a particular skill set and frequently work with homebuyers in their day-to-day business. These professionals are usually more in accord with the trends affecting buyers and are equipped with knowledge to help their buyer-clients succeed.
  • Brokers – Licensed professionals who further their education, and if they so desire, can open their own real estate firm, hiring independently contracted agents to work under them. They perform many of the same tasks as the agents they hire, but there’s a distinction between the two.

A handful of real estate agents become Brokers after a period of time in the business. Often those pursuing licensure as a Broker are ready to dedicate more study to this field. They’ve firmly planted themselves within the real estate turf surrounding them. Having said that, real estate agents who aren’t Brokers can and are certainly encouraged to dedicate more time and study to the business as well.

What is it like to be a Broker? “The dynamics of real estate have changed significantly over the past five years, but the standards of practice remain the same,” emphasizes Dianne Montana, Principal Broker for Realty Network Group. “I enjoy working with a talented group of professionals, helping them thrive, ultimately paving the way for our clients to buy and sell successfully.” Being a Broker allows for additional independence (more than solely being an independent contractor), but with that comes greater responsibility. Brokers are responsible for supervising the agents in their Brokerage and ensuring the office/company is in compliance with national and state real estate laws and regulations. Real estate Brokers face their fair share of liability as well, and as such, it’s important for Brokers to possess an advanced skill set in order to be both distinguished and ethical.

As a homebuyer, which of these four types should you seek when actively looking to acquire property? There’s no clear cut choice, but a REALTOR® is definitely a great starting point. Those specializing in servicing buyers generally provide the best opportunity. Furthermore, a REALTOR® with an ABR® designation could be a perfect match, especially for first-time homebuyers. Can you go wrong with a Broker? Usually not, but it’s imperative that those pursuing real estate do their due diligence in finding a professional they can work well with, one who actively listens and has a tract record for success.

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NEPA’s Most Walkable Communities

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Summer is the best time of the year to explore Northeastern Pennsylvania (NEPA)! Alright, I lied, my favorite time of the year in our region is early autumn with cider donut runs, changing foliage and high school football back on the menu, but summer is easy on the eyes too. There’s plenty to see and do in the Greater Scranton area and we hope you can set aside some time to get busy and explore.

NEPA has diverse environments with everything from hiking trails to city streets and commercial businesses in the downtown areas of Scranton, Wilkes-Barre, Dickson City, to name a few. You can explore much of this region from our “search by city” page.

Over the past two years, homebuyers have looked at their purchase slightly differently. Now, some buyers desire spaces where they can work-from-home. They want living spaces without open floor plans to allow for remote work in addition to having areas for their children to complete their homework and other ways to escape. Are open floor plans going out of style? Maybe, but the pandemic brought us here and we’ve taken notice of this trend in recent months. A modification in purchasing habits certainly happens from time-to-time. That’s why there are trends in the first place, but this one came on rapidly. Solitude in the home is welcomed and some buyers need walls for crying out loud. But if you can’t break from an open-concept home, perhaps living in a walkable community will help ground you and alleviate some of that stress.

In Northeastern Pennsylvania, walkable communities are slightly harder to discover, because after all, we have many rural areas. On the other hand, you can get just about everywhere in Scranton. While various parts of the city are certainly walkable and unique to the area (Green Ridge, North Scranton or the Hill Section immediately come to mind), car traffic has its day too. Is Scranton walkable? Yes, but it didn’t make our list. 

The tiny town of Jessup is nestled between Mount Cobb and the Lower Valley (Blakely) with a good mix of dwellings. There’s a rich heritage here, especially from those of Italian-American descent. The town is laid out well with the Casey Highway (Route 6) cutting through/above town, yet not obtrusive in any way. Jessup has a few parks for its residents to frequent, including Jessup Memorial Field Park & Kids Korner and Eales Preserve (a nature conservancy). Another bonus for inhabitants is the ease of access to the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail, in the north section of town. Shops and restaurants are within walking distance and most sit on Church Street or Hill Street. One drawback is walking access to grocery stores. For instance, the nearest one is approximately 1 to 2.5 miles depending on where you live. While some errands require car use in Jessup, the town does feature tourists at various times of the year and has access to public transit. Is Jessup walkable? Yes, but it didn’t make our list either.

Nonetheless, here are NEPA’s four most walkable communities:

Pittston

Location – Northeast of Wilkes-Barre, southwest of Scranton, in Luzerne County
Access – Route 11 and within close proximity to Interstate 81 and the northeast extension of the Pennsylvania Turnpike
Walk Score – 76 
Highlights – Campbell’s Ledge is close to Pittston and for those who love to walk/bike, hop on the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail
Parks – Riverfront Park, Sullivan Park, Jefferson Park, James Clark Park, Albert West Park
Amenities – Restaurants and shops fill in Main Street as well as across the bridge in West Pittston (on/off Route 11)

Dunmore

Location – Neighboring Scranton on its east side
Access – Ranks very high with the ability to connect to Interstates 81, 84, 380/80 and the Casey Highway, all directly from town
Walk Score – 74
Highlights – Walking and biking around town is relatively easy with the wonderful sights of the Dunmore Cemetery and Marywood University. Scranton is relatively close too.
Parks – McHale Park (Dunmore Community Center), Sherwood Park, Saint Anthony’s Memorial Park
Amenities – Restaurants and shops along South Blakely and East Drinker Streets

Tunkhannock

Location – Northwest of Scranton in Wyoming County
Access – Route 6 and Route 29
Walk Score – 61
Highlights – Some of the cutest shops you’ll find outside of Clarks Summit and Honesdale, businesses are coming back into town and if you visit, you’ll see why
Parks – Riverside Park, McCord Park, Lazybrook Park
Amenities – Wonderful access to stores, restaurants and more on Tioga Street or Bridge Street; the Bypass has also helped keep much of the business/commuter traffic away from town

Old Forge

Location – Southwest of Scranton
Access – Quick ability to connect to the northeast extension of the Pennsylvania Turnpike, Interstate 81 and Route 11
Walk Score – 59
Highlights – Pizza is a favorite here, but you probably already knew that
Parks – There are nearby parks, which are worth the trip, but other than softball and little league fields, there are no parks in this borough
Amenities – Superb access to restaurants, stores along Main and Oak Streets, grocery stores would need to be accessed by car

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10 Pizza Places In NEPA That Are Worth The Wait

One of the great traditions in Northeastern Pennsylvania is to enjoy a “tray” of pizza from one of numerous establishments up and down the valley. I simply love NEPA with the number of choices available for the palate! Whether you like more cheese than sauce, more sauce than cheese, a more balanced approach, a thick crust, a thin one or a crunchy one, there’s something for everyone. The sky’s the limit (or close to it) with options that are either available for purchase or a new flavor yet to be unearthed. Understand it’s not as simple as it sounds – cheese, sauce, crust and toppings. There are a range of variables, and while a majority are covered within the region, award-winning flavors beyond NEPA prove there’s more pizza to be discovered.

I write this post from the focal point of our pizza region, Old Forge. In fact, I crave a slice, even though my belly is full. I contend the pizza industry in NEPA has never been as strong as it is today. Hopefully ingenuity and passion will continue to boost fame for pizza locally.

Just in the last few years, some notorious people, including Dr. Mehmet Oz and former President Donald J. Trump, have stopped by for a slice or more. And while there’s a rivalry between Scranton and Old Forge as to who’s the best – Dave Portnoy, the founder of Barstool Sports and pizza aficionado, made this clear when he visited pizza businesses in our area in 2019 and 2020 – some of the best pizza in NEPA goes well beyond these two towns.

Top Pizza

While it’s exceptionally difficult to say who’s the best pizza in our region, we’ve identified the ten finalists for that honor. We’d love to know your thoughts. Who does your favorite pizza restaurant happen to be? Did we miss anyone on our list? Please let us know by commenting below.

 

Top 10 Pizza Parlors (listed in no particular order):

Mary Lou's Pizza
Mary Lou’s Pizza (the best pizza in Old Forge? the new Revello’s Pizza?)

 

Pizza L'Oven
Pizza L’Oven (crunchy crust and make sure to get it with onions)

 

Colarusso's Coal Fire Pizza
Colarusso’s Coal Fire Pizza (if you relish pizza from the Campania region of Italia, you won’t be disappointed)

 

Angelo's Pizzeria
Angelo’s Pizza (this sweet sauce pizza ranks high)

 

Pizza Perfect
Pizza Perfect (a baked and fried Sicilian – yummy)

 

Maroni's Pizza
Maroni’s Pizza (new owner, same great taste)

 

Sabatini's Pizza
Sabatini’s Pizza (thin crust, outstanding sweet sauce)

 

Germana's Pizza
Germana’s Pizzeria (top destination in the northern tier counties?)

 

Rosario's
Rosario’s (the best vodka pizza in the area)

 

A Little Pizza Heaven
A Little Pizza Heaven (the Italian Stallion is quite savory)

 

Our favorite local pizza street/destination isn’t Main Avenue, Old Forge (though we have a satellite office there), but “pizza row” on Wyoming Avenue in Exeter. We challenge anyone to find three pizza restaurants on the same street within close proximity that are this good – Mariano’s La Puccia, Pizza L’Oven and Sabatini’s Pizza.

 

Honorable Mentions:

Shelley’s Pizza

Arcaro & Genell

Mariano’s La Puccia

Cebula’s Pizza

Andy’s Pizza

 

For more pizza reviews, make sure to check out NEPA Pizza Review.

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Frozen Wilderness: Explore The Area’s Best Ice Festival

Make sure to dress warm this year because the Festival of Ice 2022 will be a cold one. But we’re game, because nothing says “ice festival” like dripping sculptures! As of Friday morning, temperatures for this weekend’s festival in the Abingtons will hit highs of 28°, 13° and 24° F respectively, Friday (January 28th) through Sunday (January 30th).

This year’s theme may not be as captivating as some of the previous festivals in recent years, including Ice Wars (Star Wars) or Icetendo, but you have to admit there’s something majestic about the wilderness, even when it’s cold. The 17th Annual Clarks Summit Festival of Ice [though it should be the 18th Annual, 2021’s festival was also the 17th for some reason], titled “Frozen Wilderness,” will have a fierce display of sculptures this weekend. No, there won’t be an Elsa, but you’ll find a wolf, a wolverine, a reindeer, birds, bears and so much more.

Check this out, there’s even an elk outside our business!

Frozen Wilderness

We hope you can stop by Realty Network Group and catch a glimpse of this beauty. There’s also so much to do in and around downtown Clarks Summit. Support small business and shop State Street! Enjoy a hot chocolate, walk around and take in all the sights of the “Frozen Wilderness” compliments of Sculpted Ice Works and Darlene Sarcevic Milas (whose paintings you’ll find on storefronts).

The festival begins on Friday with a parade at 6 PM on State Street. Also, be sure not to miss Fire & Ice at the Waverly Community House [1115 North Abington Road in Waverly] happening from 1-3 PM on Saturday, January 29th, with a live carving demo at 1:30 PM on the front lawn – a polar bear and penguins. We’re sponsoring that event as well so be sure not to miss it.

It should be a memorable weekend and thankfully a cold one too! We hope to see you there.

 

Mark your calendars: The winter celebrations continue next weekend. February 4th-6th is the Scranton Ice Festival.

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Best Practices For Downsizing Your Home When You Have A Pet

Downsizing your home is always a bit tricky. If you have a pet, it can become a hair more challenging. Luckily, with the right approach, you can downsize successfully. Here are some best practices that can help.

Plan For Your Home Showings

If you’re selling your current house, you’ll need to take some extra steps because you have a pet. Along with cleaning extra thoroughly to ensure there are no pet odors or errant fur, you’ll need to find a place for your pet to go during showings.

Leaving your pet roaming in your house during showings is never a good idea. It could put both your pet and visitors at risk. Plus, some prospective buyers might view your property as riskier, worrying about pet-related damage that could be present.

If you can’t keep your pet with you during showings, speak with family, friends or neighbors to see if they can help. Otherwise, consider a doggy daycare.

Pare Down Your Stuff Properly

As you downsize your stuff to prepare for a smaller property, don’t forget your pet’s needs. While taking a ratty pet bed or old toy with you might not seem necessary, bringing familiar, well-loved objects into the new house can make your pet more comfortable during the transition. So, make sure to keep a few older things that your pet adores. That way, they’ll be something familiar waiting for them in your new home.

Prepare For The Home Purchase

Before you start searching for a new home, you need to get your financial life in order. When you’re taking out a mortgage, the lender will examine your financial situation from several angles. Along with checking your income, credit score and financial assets, lenders will calculate your debt-to-income ratio to determine what you can afford.

You can check your own debt-to-income ratio by taking your monthly debt payment total and dividing that by your gross monthly income. Generally speaking, below 36 percent (0.36 for the calculation) is best. However, some lenders may go forward with a 43 percent, though that isn’t broadly the case.

Finding The Right New Home

Once it’s time to locate the right house for you and your pet, you want to be strategic. If you find a property that might meet your needs, take a moment to research animal-related regulations in that area. Some places have exotic animal and urban livestock restrictions. There can also be breed-specific legislation for dogs in some cities.

After determining that your pet is welcome in the city, examine the property with your pet’s needs in mind. Figure out if the property meets your cumulative requirements, as is, or if modifications might be necessary.

For example, you may need to add pet doors to allow your pet to freely enter and exit the house. Ramps might be a good addition if you have an aging or smaller pet and stairs could be a challenge. If a particular plant in the yard could harm your pet, you might need to remove it.

Another modification you might need to make is adding or replacing a fence. While this may seem like a simple undertaking, it’s actually incredibly cumbersome, especially if you’re working on it solo. As a result, connecting with local contractors in your area is usually a better bet.

Before you meet with a fencing contractor, discuss your needs and request quotes from several in your area. Read online reviews about Angi fencing professionals to learn more about the companies and make sure that they are licensed, bonded and insured and that they check for local utility lines before starting. On average, homeowners spend around $4,500 on a new fence (though the price does vary depending on materials, size and location). As a result, you want to make sure you get the best contractor for the job, ensuring it’s money well spent.

Downsizing and moving are difficult on their own, let alone when you have a pet involved. So, take some time to strategize the move, make sure your pet is well taken care of and be ready to embark on the next chapter of your life.

Whether you’re buying or selling a home, work with the experienced real estate professionals at Realty Network Group.

 

[This content is compliments of Furever Friend. Image for this post – Unsplash]

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