Tag Archive for: Northeastern PA

Lean On Her Commitment To Excellence

Sheโ€™s a homeowner, sheโ€™s a lifelong Scranton resident and sheโ€™s Realty Network Groupโ€™s newest real estate professional, Maureen Langan. Her strong knowledge and deep experience of the area make her a compelling match for those looking to buy or sell real estate in the Greater Scranton area. โ€œWeโ€™re thrilled to welcome Maureen to our family of REALTORSยฎ at Realty Network Group,โ€ professes Dianne Montana, the Managing Broker of the company. โ€œMaureenโ€™s a Scranton native with a deep love for the city and its surrounding communities. This will be an asset not only to her clients but also to what she brings to the table for our firm.โ€ Furthermore, she has an intimate understanding of the city’s real estate market and its unique neighborhoods, which will continue to serve others seeking Scranton as a destination.

Maureen recently joined Realty Network Group with over two years experience in local real estate. โ€œI have a passion for helping others,โ€ asserts Maureen. โ€œFrom start to finish, I want my clients to know Iโ€™m wholly committed to them and their needs. Iโ€™m dedicated to listening to their concerns, helping them be at ease and guiding them through either the homebuying or selling process.โ€ Maureenโ€™s goal is providing exceptional service to her clients. She works hard, boosting her clientsโ€™ confidence, alleviating some of the stress that often enters into the real estate transaction.

One of the biggest frustrations we hear occasionally from consumers in this industry is a lack of communication from real estate agents. Maureen believes open communication with buyers and sellers is paramount. She understands that her clients desire an agent they can count on, someone they can trust, who will be available to them in what could be one of the largest sales theyโ€™re ever involved in. Her insight into interpersonal communication, being an employee of the Scranton School District for over nineteen years, has provided her a solid foundation in being able to work well with others from various walks of life. Itโ€™s through this experience in dealing daily with co-workers, families and students where sheโ€™s exercised the virtues of patience, understanding, kindness and empathy. These are traits, which are important to consumers seeking assistance in real estate as well.

Thereโ€™s a plethora of options for homebuyers or sellers to choose from in Northeastern Pennsylvania, so we asked Maureen why she chose our company? โ€œI joined Realty Network Group for many reasons, but one stands out for me โ€“ support,โ€ maintains Maureen. โ€œThe support they provide for their agents and clientele is unlike any available. From the very first time I walked through their door, I felt at home. I couldnโ€™t be happier making the transition to Realty Network Group.โ€ As a REALTORยฎ, sheโ€™s looking forward to spreading her wings, connecting buyers and sellers with brand.

Whether you’re looking to buy, sell, or invest in real estate, Maureenโ€™s here to assist you with all your real estate needs. Give her a call today at 570-575-3947 or via email at [email protected].

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Downtown Living In Northeastern Pennsylvania

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Downtown living is a different way of life, especially in Northeastern Pennsylvania (NEPA). Whether itโ€™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 โ€œthe big city.โ€ 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. Thereโ€™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 arenโ€™t the only features that make a downtown thrive, they should be on everyoneโ€™s radar. We believe Scranton is building towards something spectacular. Obviously thereโ€™s still work to be done, but economic revitalization efforts have been undertaken by the city and organizations, such as Scranton Tomorrow. We simply canโ€™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 cityโ€™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, weโ€™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 personโ€™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, itโ€™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 donโ€™t sprout up overnight. They take time, hard work, cooperation, great minds, forward-thinkers, patience and the like. To produce a โ€œlive-work-playโ€ 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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NEPA’s Most Walkable Communities

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Discover NEPAโ€™s Most Walkable Community

If youโ€™re dreaming of settling down in a walkable community, Northeastern Pennsylvania (NEPA) might not be the first place that comes to mindโ€”but it should be. While much of the region is known for its rural charm, pockets of walkability are growing. And in todayโ€™s worldโ€”where remote work, lifestyle balance, and convenience are top prioritiesโ€”walkable communities are becoming more desirable than ever.

Summer is a fantastic time to explore what NEPA has to offer. (Okay, maybe early autumn with cider donuts and crisp evenings is technically the best, but letโ€™s give summer some credit.) From scenic trails to revitalized downtowns, this region has more to discover than you might expectโ€”especially on foot.

Why A Walkable Community Matters More Than Ever

In recent years, homebuyers have started thinking differently about the spaces they live in. Remote work has made flexible home layouts more important. Privacy, quiet spaces, and room to focus have pushed many buyers to rethink the once-popular open floor plan. But beyond the homeโ€™s layout, where itโ€™s located matters just as much.

Thatโ€™s where the concept of the walkable community comes in. When you live somewhere that lets you walk to the coffee shop, grab a bite to eat, run errands, or hit a nearby trailโ€”life just feels a little easier. Less time in the car, more time outside, more time connected to your neighborhood.

While many NEPA towns are car-centric, there are a few gems where you can live, work, shop, and play without needing to drive everywhere. Below are four of the most walkable communities in Northeastern Pennsylvania, each with their own unique vibe.

Pittston: Revitalized River Town

  • Location: Northeast of Wilkes-Barre, southwest of Scranton, in Luzerne County
  • Access: Route 11, near I-81 and the northeast extension of the PA Turnpike
  • Walk Score: 76
  • Highlights: Campbellโ€™s Ledge for hikes, Lackawanna River Heritage Trail nearby
  • Parks: Riverfront Park, Sullivan Park, Jefferson Park, James Clark Park, Albert West Park
  • Amenities: Restaurants and shops throughout Main Street and across the bridge in West Pittston

With a strong focus on downtown revitalization, Pittston offers a vibrant small-town feel with the perks of a walkable community. Whether you’re grabbing brunch, enjoying river views, or strolling to a local event, itโ€™s easy to enjoy life on foot here.

Dunmore: Quiet Charm on Scrantonโ€™s Edge

  • Location: Directly east of Scranton
  • Access: Interstates 81, 84, 380/80 and the Casey Highway all accessible from town
  • Walk Score: 74
  • Highlights: Walkable neighborhoods near Marywood University and Dunmore Cemetery
  • Parks: McHale Park, Sherwood Park, Saint Anthonyโ€™s Memorial Park
  • Amenities: South Blakely and East Drinker Streets offer a variety of dining and retail options

Dunmore offers all the convenience of a walkable community without the hustle of a big city. You can enjoy peaceful neighborhoods, beautiful walking routes, and easy access to both Scranton and natural green space.

Tunkhannock: A Small-Town Walkable Community

  • Location: Northwest of Scranton in Wyoming County
  • Access: Route 6 and Route 29
  • Walk Score: 61
  • Highlights: Boutique shops, welcoming atmosphere, and a growing downtown district
  • Parks: Riverside Park, McCord Park, Lazybrook Park
  • Amenities: Tioga Street and Bridge Street offer great access to stores, eateries, and entertainment

Tunkhannockโ€™s walkable downtown has become a major draw for new residents and tourists alike. While itโ€™s a smaller borough, it packs a lot into just a few blocksโ€”and walkability is central to the townโ€™s charm.

Old Forge: Pizza, People, and Pedestrian Perks

  • Location: Southwest of Scranton
  • Access: Close to the PA Turnpike, I-81, and Route 11
  • Walk Score: 59
  • Highlights: Famous for pizza, easy walk to eateries and stores
  • Parks: Limited park space, though surrounding areas offer green space
  • Amenities: Great access to restaurants and shops on Main and Oak Streets

While some errands may still require a car, Old Forge offers a compact and convenient setting for day-to-day life. If youโ€™re looking for a walkable community with big flavor and small-town energy, this might be your spot.

Looking for a Walkable Lifestyle in NEPA?

Finding the perfect walkable community in NEPA takes local knowledge, market insight, and a deep understanding of what walkability means for your lifestyle. Whether youโ€™re relocating, downsizing, or searching for a place that lets you park the car and enjoy the fresh air, these four towns are worth exploring.

Letโ€™s talk about your goalsโ€”and find the walkable neighborhood that fits your next chapter.

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How To Find Your Next Home While Sheltering In Place

Finding Your Home During A Pandemic

It’s been a trying time for homebuyers and sellers since mid-March. They’ve had to put their plans on hold. Their real estate future has been met with uncertainty, but of course, sadly some have lost their jobs and are either in no position to purchase property or are afraid of losing their home. Thankfully, mortgage loan forbearance has rescued many in this post-COVID-19 society. In fact, loan forbearance won’t negatively affect your credit. (Learn more about it here.) There are others who have surprisingly found themselves in a better position than they did at the start of the year: People have realized how much they dislike their jobs by having time to reflect and/or working from their residences; some are “earning” more on unemployment compensation than they did when they were employed; and some, who have families, are working from home while saving money on daycare costs (though that’s coupled with homeschooling these days).

It is a crazy world we live in right now. It seems as if my third grader had written this tale – a contagious virus attacks our cities, school’s out (as well as our supply of toilet paper) and when we opened our pool in May, it began to snow.

Presently, real estate is opened for business in only twenty-four (yellow) counties in Pennsylvania, but it’s not “business as usual” yet. There are precautions taking place in those counties resuming in-person activities. Over the next few weeks, we could see real estate showings and in-person meetings resume in parts of Northeastern PA. Homebuyers, who are patiently waiting and believe they’ll be in a position to buy in the upcoming weeks, can take steps to be ready for action. We’ve outlined six ways you can find your next home while sheltering in place:

  • Use Google’s Street View option to explore areas of interest. This tool allows you to catch a view of a house or an entire neighborhood without even taking a step outside.
  • Time is a precious commodity. We value it and we know you do too! Therefore, when you discover areas of interest, estimate how long it will take you to commute to and from work.
  • Research area schools and learn how they stack up against other districts in your community. GreatSchools is one place to look, but there are others as well. Gain insight into our area school districts and properties available for sale within those districts.
  • Research local cities to find out all they have to offer. We’ve done a little research for you on some of the popular cities of NEPA, including Archbald, Carbondale, Clarks Summit, Dickson City, Dunmore, Factoryville, Moscow, Old Forge and Scranton.
  • Connecting with locals is a great way to gain insight into a neighborhood. Scour the web for resources from local communities as well as social media groups you can join.
  • Make sure to equip yourself with crime data for neighborhoods where you’re thinking about purchasing a home. This is one way to be informed about how safe or potentially dangerous an area might be.
  • Find a buyer’s agent you can trust, who has experience selling in various market conditions and who’s knowledgeable about the areas you’re interested in.

For more insight, check out 8 Ways To Test-Drive A Neighborhood While Sheltering In Place.

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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 Wolfโ€™s orders, as they pertain to our industry, remain non-life-sustaining. Yet, in a recent move by the Pennsylvania Association of REALTORSยฎ (PAR), the association entered a brief in support of a lawsuit, which has been filed against Pennsylvaniaโ€™s governor. The purpose of the suit? To designate real estate as a life-sustaining business.

PAR recognizes the importance of โ€œ[minimizing] in-person services wherever possible and [following] appropriate CDC guidelinesโ€ 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 lifeโ€™s three essentials.

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

Nevertheless, itโ€™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, weโ€™ve addressed some of the common questions weโ€™ve received from our clients/customers.

Can I sell my home in this current climate?

If youโ€™re thinking about selling your home immediately, understand that the present terrain in real estate has numerous roadblocks, which youโ€™ll encounter in some way, shape or form. Can a home be sold momentarily? Yes, itโ€™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 REALTORยฎ.

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. โ€œClearing out the clutterโ€ 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 REALTORยฎ 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 doesnโ€™t have to move – wait. In the state of Pennsylvania, there are no in-person showings until further notice. Only services that a REALTORยฎ 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 Iโ€™m prepared for a time when in-person showings resume?

First and foremost, we would recommend setting up a โ€œvirtualโ€ homebuyer consultation. If you have an agent, get in touch with them and discuss your needs. If you donโ€™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 canโ€™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 whatโ€™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 thereโ€™s so much that goes into making these types of decisions: Can I place an offer on a property I havenโ€™t stepped foot in? Are there certain reasons I might want to press pause for the time being whether Iโ€™m buying or selling? We strongly suggest you discuss your concerns with your REALTORยฎ 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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COVID-19 Impacts Buying & Selling In Northeastern PA

To say the Chinese Coronavirus (COVID-19) has affected our nation would be the understatement of the year, a year some wish would be over already. Unless you recently came out of a coma, you know the effects of this pandemic. Lately, Americans have grappled with a loss of certain freedoms caused from a seemingly invisible pathogen. It has impacted the way we work, how we travel (in some cases), how our households function and it certainly has affected our relationships in one way or another.

As a small business real estate firm, who supports the efforts of our clients and our REALTORSยฎ, we understand firsthand how work, travel, household dynamics and relationships have been impacted since COVID-19 was declared a pandemic only ten days ago. Real estate, like so many industries, has been making changes in recent days through a paradigm shift in modes of communication and how they get business done. Since the World Health Organization has declared this disease a pandemic, weโ€™ve taken more precautions, like so many businesses throughout our nation, including Pennsylvania, who have also done the same.

Honestly, real estate appears more trivial since weโ€™ve been asked to hunker down. There are nurses, doctors, emergency personnel, volunteers and scientists, just to name a few on the frontlines. Their health is at risk as well as their loved ones. They certainly didnโ€™t ask for this, but theyโ€™re compassion and sacrifice lead the way through this period of uncertainty. Having said that, real estate professionals are an essential link between homebuyers and sellers in their quest for finding a place theyโ€™ll call home. At Realty Network Group, connecting buyers and sellers, is our mission in four words. Yet we know through these challenging times, we need to safely operate within the confines of this contagion and administer the highest level of care and service we can reasonably provide to our clients and customers alike.

Guided by the Pennsylvania Association of REALTORSยฎ (PAR), weโ€™re proceeding with caution for the sake of our clients, their families in addition to our agents. For deals already under way, weโ€™re also seeking the advice of counsel – time is of the essence. And thatโ€™s why PAR created the COVID-19 Addendum to the Agreement of Sale. Some situations may require a timeout in order to proceed safely through the transaction. This addendum permits these steps to be taken.

Many concerns have risen within our industry in less than two weeks. As of Wednesday (3/25) evening we have more concise guidelines from PAR: REALTORSยฎ should “cease doing [all] in-person business” until Pennsylvania’s governor, Tom Wolf, informs otherwise. We know many sellers are left wondering how they might possibly assist their agents in selling their homes remotely. Prospective homeowners are skeptical about placing their property on the market right now. Buyers are looking at record-low mortgage rates, and depending on their situation, some are realizing there might never be a better time to buy – yes, even in a sellerโ€™s market. Though real estate sales have been robust amidst this outbreak, there has been increased caution as to how consumers should be proceeding through these unchartered waters. Our firm hopes to clarify some of these matters over the next few weeks as more information becomes available to us.

Above all, we would like to sincerely wish everyone in our community and in our world good health and safety as we move ahead in these unprecedented times. If you carry one thing with you, let it be hope. Should you need to contact any of our professionals, please do so here. We look forward to addressing more of your concerns as time goes by. Stay healthy!

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Are Millennials Missing Out On Homeownership?

Over a decade ago, the Great Recessionโ€™s impact lingered, and mortgage lenders tightened requirements, responding to a wave of foreclosures. Housing prices fell, yet millennialsโ€”aged 13 to 28 at the timeโ€”were largely absent from the market. Many were still in school and burdened by rising college debt. However, in the past decade, both home prices and millennial home ownership have steadily increased. What effect has this had on real estate?

In his recent article, Shawn Tully from Fortune discusses how the millennial generation, despite facing economic hurdles, has managed to shift the housing landscape. Although housing was more affordable compared to the previous decade, millennials were hindered by financial instability and, until 2017, were often dubbed the โ€œlost generationโ€ of homeownership. Tully notes, โ€œMillennials had loads of college debt, and many had bad credit,โ€ resulting in limited market participation until just a few years ago. However, by 2021, millennials made a substantial impact, accounting for almost half of all new home purchases. Despite this shift, under-construction rates, high prices, and rising interest rates now appear to be favoring more affluent buyers, such as Gen Xers and Baby Boomers, potentially leading to a decrease in millennial homeownership rates.

This trend raises concerns for housing markets across the U.S., particularly in high-cost states like California, New York, and Florida, where rising property prices continue to shut out first-time buyers, especially millennials. Fortunately, not all millennials are facing these challenges. In Northeastern Pennsylvania, this โ€œlost generationโ€ is establishing itself within the first-time homebuyer market, leveraging more affordable conditions and creating ripples in local real estate.

In Greater Scranton, where absorption ratesโ€”the measure of how fast homes sell in a marketโ€”stand at 6.34 year-to-date and 5.82 year-over-year, the area is slipping into a sellerโ€™s market. Rates of 6 to 9 months indicate balance, while 3 to 6 months reflect a sellerโ€™s market, suggesting that millennialsโ€™ increased purchasing activity has been a key driver in the areaโ€™s real estate shift. Now, millennials are securing homes, establishing roots, and boosting local growth.

As the largest generational group in the U.S., millennials are paving the way toward homeownership, with their stability and family formation aiding in their market participation, especially in areas like Northeastern PA. This trend may bring long-term economic growth to regions they are helping shape, proving that the โ€œlost generationโ€ may be foundโ€”one home at a time.

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