Tag Archive for: Northeastern Pennsylvania

Forward-Thinking: The Key To Real Estate

Realty Network Group’s newest REALTOR®, Lisa Armetta, looks forward to the demands of today’s real estate market. Lisa has lived in Northeastern Pennsylvania her whole life. She understands the region, the culture, but most especially its inhabitants. “Our community is loaded with hidden treasures, including its people,” attests Lisa. “Locals need an advocate who will act (when need be) and guide them through the real estate search, transaction and beyond.”

With over thirty years experience in all facets of the restaurant and bar industry, Lisa understands firsthand how to treat clients well. Repeat business has always been extremely important to her! When customers come back, time and time again, it says something about your business: your product and your personal brand. Leaning upon her achievements in managing thriving area businesses, her focus now has shifted. Running a successful real estate business is her goal.

It’s important to work with professionals who understand how daunting the purchase of a home or business can be — it’s a large investment, to say the least. Lisa recognizes how vital it is for those involved to be comfortable with their purchase. Her wish is for her clients to not only see the property for what it is, but also be able to experience it for what it could be, its potential, a reflection of them.

“I chose Realty Network Group because it’s a small business, who’s very involved in our community,” asserts Lisa. “They have a wonderful reputation for supporting their agents and their clients. I’ve spent most of my career building small businesses, where people are family. I desired a company who was inline with that philosophy. My hope is to help prospective buyers find the right property to build their ‘family,’ even if it’s a business one, and help sellers find the right buyer.”

Being involved in real estate over the years, Lisa has a good understanding of potential setbacks for buyers and sellers. Forward-thinking is essential in this business. When Lisa sees opportunity for her and her clients, she acts. She’s an achiever, who will work tirelessly for her clients’ needs. She’s ready for the challenges that lie ahead in this market as well as the next one.

Seeking the services of a professional, but you’re hesitant because of a prior bad experience? If you’re thinking about making a move in 2021, call Lisa Armetta today at 570-840-1793 or via email at larmetta@realtynetwork.net.

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The Same Principles Apply

Realty Network Group’s newest REALTOR® is a native of the Scranton area and currently resides in Eynon. “I understand that where you live and who you represent are most important,” describes Michael Turlip. “These values have been instrumental in my life and continue to guide my endeavors.” Mike Turlip graduated from the University of Scranton in 2000 with a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice. From there he served in the U.S. Army for four years as a Military Policeman. In January of 2002, he was deployed to Afghanistan following the events that occurred on September 11, 2001. Upon returning, he completed an overseas tour in Europe, serving as a member of NATO at the Supreme Allied Headquarters in Belgium. His experience in the military has instilled in him what it means to sacrifice and serve others. In 2005, he was accepted to the Pennsylvania State Police Academy in Hershey, Pennsylvania. For the past sixteen years, Mike has continued to serve the public as a Pennsylvania State Trooper.

“My experience in public service has embodied the principles that we as Americans should strive for every opportunity we can,” emphasizes Mike. “I’m thankful for my experience and wish to utilize this drive, which has developed from my military background, in order to be successful. My success will translate to success for my clients and that’s my priority.” Mike understands how central buyers and sellers are to real estate in 2021. He grasps the connection between homeowners, investors and tenants far greater than most real estate professionals who are beginning to grow their business.

Mike has always had an affinity for real estate. Eight years ago, he purchased his first investment property. “I think real estate has always offered me a challenge that intrigues me,” asserts Mike. Whether it’s buying a fixer-upper and transforming it back to a neighborhood treasure or investing in rental properties that provide affordable, well-maintained housing to those in the community, the growth of his portfolio has meant more to him than sheer assets. Investing in our community is foremost, and coupled with his passion to serve others. As a real estate professional, Mike fully intends to provide his clients with knowledgeable service, based on his experience, while taking into consideration their real estate goals.

For the past two decades, Mike has served in some of the most prestigious organizations in the country. The principles conveyed through them, led him to Realty Network Group. This company takes pride in serving its clients well and adheres to the highest standards in the real estate community. Loyalty and service to those we represent coincide with his values as a veteran and a State Trooper. He looks forward to applying these same principles to assist and meet all of his clients’ real estate needs.

If you’re seeking the services of a real estate professional who is dedicated to finding your forever home or selling your current one, contact Michael Turlip today directly at 570-290-4421 or via email at mturlip@realtynetwork.net.

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NEPA Pizza Tour 2021

More than five years ago, we featured our top five pizza destinations in Northeastern Pennsylvania. And while much has changed since then, many of the same staples remain within our region. (Sauce, cheese and crust… It’s not that complicated, right?!) Actually, there are many styles and flavors of pizza in our area. If you don’t believe us, ask locals what their favorite pizza is and you’ll be amazed by the responses you’ll receive.

Northeastern Pennsylvania is home to some of the best pizza. Is there better pizza in America than what you’ll discover in the Pizza Capital of Pennsylvania? Absolutely (maybe New Haven, Connecticut?), but NEPA has a distinctly unique taste and variation to their pie (or trays as some may describe them) that you’d be hard-pressed to find anywhere else. Barstool Sports founder and notorious pizza aficionado, David Portnoy, even made the trip into NEPA last year to give his opinion on Old Forge style pizza in addition to some well-known pizza spots in Wilkes-Barre, Exeter and Scranton.

Tour some of our favorites, especially during Lent, and let us know which ones we missed.

NEPA Pizza Hotspots (in no particular order):

Pizza L’Oven – Exeter
Colarusso’s Coal Fire Pizza – Dickson City
Arcaro & Genell – Old Forge
Angelo’s Pizza – Wilkes-Barre
Pizza Perfect – Trucksville
Maroni’s Pizza – West Scranton
Sabatini’s Pizza – Exeter
Gerry’s Pizzeria – Wilkes-Barre
Cebula’s Pizza – Dupont
Senape’s Tavern – Hazleton
Andy’s Pizza – Peckville
A Little Pizza Heaven – Scranton
Shelley’s Pizza – Luzerne
Rosario’s – Clarks Summit
Mariano’s La Puccia – Exeter

Check out NEPA Pizza Review. They do a fantastic job of reviewing some of the best and new pizza our region has to offer.

Honorable mentions:

Cali’s Don Tomaso – Dunmore
Two Guys From Italy – Factoryville
Cusumano – Old Forge
Pizza By Pappas – Scranton
Duke’s Pizza – Dunmore
Colarusso’s Cafe – Clarks Summit
Brick Oven Pizzeria – Scranton
Calabria Pizza – Dunmore
Germana’s Pizzeria – Nicholson
Amadeo’s – Moosic
Mary Lou’s Pizza – Old Forge

 

[Updated June 10, 2022]

 

See out latest pizza post here.

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Selling Beyond Home

Alice Manley is the newest agent to join forces with Realty Network Group. She infuses thirty years of sales expertise with an interest and passion for matching up buyers and sellers. Connecting both parties in a real estate transaction is more than a science. There’s an art to marketing homes or leading buyers in pursuit of theirs. Alice’s vast experience in media and hospitality are added advantages for her and her clients.

Alice will be a valuable asset to the firm as she brings a strong work ethic and a motivation to succeed into the field. She has a desire to work hard for her clients understanding that sometimes you don’t get a second chance to sell for the best price, terms and conditions as trends change. She’s also committed to homebuyers as they begin what will be a remarkable journey toward homeownership! She’s driven to succeed, realizing her successes will be victories for her clients too. Another strength for Alice is her problem-solving abilities. She has an uncanny sense for stopping issues in their tracks and moving toward a resolution that’s acceptable to everyone involved, especially her buyers/sellers.

“If it doesn’t feel right, we’ll search until it does,” expresses Alice. Her words to buyers never ring truer than they do now in a seller’s market. “Your ‘forever home’ wraps you in comfort like an old blanket, gives you refuge during difficult days and is always waiting for you after a long journey. Everyone deserves this and I look forward to bringing this experience to others.”

Alice has lived her entire life in Northeastern Pennsylvania. She loves all the area has to offer, including its seasons, natural landscapes and close-knit communities. She hopes those moving into the region or growing into it can have these experiences as well. “It’s an exciting time in real estate in NEPA,” underscores Alice. “I chose Realty Network Group because of a working relationship I had with one of its owners. It was knowing this person that attracted me to the company. I was certain of the value, integrity and respect I would find there. Furthermore, they train each new REALTOR®, like myself, which was incredibly important to me.”

Are you seeking the services of a real estate professional who’s extremely motivated and will work hard for your interests? Contact Alice Manley now at 570-954-3701 or via email at amanley@realtynetwork.net.

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ADA Compliance Debuts In NEPA

It’s another first for our firm: RealtyNetwork.net is now the first real estate website in the Greater Scranton area to meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance standards.

Making Home Searches Easier for Everyone

Our company is making it even easier for people to find their next home. Those with visual, auditory, mobility, or cognitive impairments will benefit from our website’s new accessibility menu, designed to simplify the experience. You can find this menu on every page, located along the right edge of our site (see image below).

RealtyNetwork.net is ADA compliant

“While technology has the potential to create a more inclusive future, it has also created further barriers. With technology so embedded in our lives, digital accessibility isn’t something that would be nice to have, but is a right for everyone.”

Breaking Down Barriers in Real Estate

Many homebuyers experience barriers when they can’t access information in real-time. These barriers are exactly what Realty Network Group is working to eliminate for every person who visits our site. The ADA accessibility menu isn’t just for users with impairments either. Anyone can use it to improve their experience on our platform.

“This new tool on our website affirms we’re committed to easing concerns for buyers and sellers who are actively pursuing real estate,” says Greg Solfanelli, Director of Marketing & Consumer Experience at Realty Network Group. “It’s another reason why I believe our clients continue to trust us. We understand how important compliance is in our business—not only for our professionals but also for our clients and their assets.”

A Continued Commitment to Innovation

Realty Network Group’s website continues to set the standard in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Adding ADA compliance is just another step in the right direction.

“The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) became law in 1990. It was created to prohibit discrimination against people with disabilities and ensure accessibility for all individuals, regardless of their physical limitations. Now, thirty years later, our world has changed tremendously—especially in regard to technology. Today, ADA compliance extends far beyond a simple handrail or parking space. It encompasses all public-facing entities, including most websites.”

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Is Thanksgiving The Best Time To Buy & Sell?

What if we told you we were coming up on the sweet spot for buying and selling in real estate? Would you believe us? Real estate has a long tradition of being a seasonal market, especially in Northeastern Pennsylvania where we undergo four seasons. Alright, perhaps we only have three – late summer, long winter and rainy spring! Nevertheless, if and when spring sets in, motivated sellers have their sights set on unloading their home for top dollar. Over the past few years, there’s been a slight shift in the data in how consumers have responded. And of course, COVID-19 has severely affected traditional real estate trends in our Greater Scranton market.

The trends over the past nine months show some of those glaring differences:

Month Sold Listings Year-Over-Year % Active Listings Year-Over-Year %
October 388 68.7 665 -51.5
September 335 46.9 667 -50.8
August 361 36.2 692 -50.9
July 350 29.6 811 -41.5
June 141 -41.2 856 -36.3
May 107 -57.2 888 -30.6
April 156 -23.2 968 -19.0
March 167 -7.2 1046 -8.5
February 156 -1.9 1026 -11.6
January 173 16.1 1079 -8.9

* Greater Scranton Board of REALTORS® statistics

The sold listings from this past May, June, September and October clearly point to disruptions the pandemic has imposed on real estate in Northeastern Pennsylvania all while housing inventory continues to fall. Regardless, if we’re trending back to some sense of normalcy in real estate, Thanksgiving time might be the sweet spot for buying or selling real estate.

If you’re seriously considering purchasing a home, November and December certainly can make their case as to why you should make a move into their corner. Generally, autumn has been an excellent time to buy a property. In fact, according to real estate information company Attom Data Solutions, some of the best days to buy are November 9, December 4, 7, 26 and 29. Boxing Day, December 26, a monster shopping day on the calendar, is actually the single best day to purchase a home!

As we approach the heart of winter, buyers notice some of the lowest prices of the year. In fact, low mortgage rates continue to provide many with the opportunity to purchase, while having more buying power. Though experts believe the rates will stay low for the start of 2021, a change in leadership, bond prices and the state of the economy could certainly change that.

Believe it or not, November and December likewise present a good situation for some who are looking at selling. At the end of the year, buyers typically have less choice and homeowners seeking to sell may take advantage of these circumstances. The fact of the matter is this: There’s generally less competition for sellers, whereas there’s more motivation and perhaps the lure of year-end tax benefits for buyers. If buyers are seriously considering homeownership, this creates ideal conditions for sellers, who are typically competing with lower inventory by year’s end. Today, in the Greater Scranton area, our housing inventory is incredibly low! Furthermore in recent years, more homebuyers are less fixated on “summer buying” as well as school schedules (some don’t even have children) and if they have time constraints, their motivation can play right into the hands of sellers.

“Traditionally November has always been a really terrific month for sales because you’ve got people who have been out there looking saying, look, another year is about to pass. Let’s focus”

Depending on your specific situation right now, this time of the year might be the sweet spot for buyers and sellers alike. Yes, you’ll find highly motivated sellers in the market, but there won’t be a shortage of motivated buyers either. Given the right mix, it might be perfect timing to buy and sell!

 

If you’re a buyer or seller and have more questions, see our (buyer/seller) FAQs or contact us today.

 

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Our Award-Winning Website Strikes Again

Looking Back at the Scranton PA Real Estate Market in 2020

It’s hard to imagine the real estate terrain we found ourselves in during 2020, but looking back, it was a pivotal year for the Scranton PA real estate market. Many parts of the Northeast that had struggled before the pandemic began reporting record growth, including the largest increase in home sales since the end of 2006. Unlike many surrounding regions, Northeastern Pennsylvania entered the pandemic with a strong housing market already in place.

When the economy derailed in March, real estate activity entered stealth mode for more than two months. However, the market quickly regained momentum. Home sales increased, and home prices continued to rise. Though homes sold for 11.6% more in August compared to the previous year, year-to-date home prices experienced a more moderate 2.2% increase year over year.*

Challenges and Opportunities in Scranton PA Real Estate

The Scranton PA real estate market faced its share of challenges during 2020. Housing inventory remained low, more homes were going under contract than were being listed, and commercial space availability was beginning to increase. At the same time, lower-priced homes were in short supply, creating additional competition among buyers.

New construction offered some potential relief, but rising lumber costs added obstacles for builders. Many homeowners also chose to stay put in their current homes, further limiting available inventory. Despite these challenges, Northeastern Pennsylvania remained one of the nation’s most affordable housing markets, providing opportunities for first-time buyers.

Buying a Home in a Fast-Moving Market

Strong demand created a competitive (and frustrating) environment for homebuyers throughout the region. Properties often sold quickly, making it difficult for buyers who relied solely on print advertising or delayed their searches. Staying informed about new listings and working closely with a knowledgeable real estate professional became increasingly important.

For buyers navigating the Scranton PA real estate market, access to accurate, up-to-date listing information was often the difference between finding the right property and missing an opportunity.

Scranton PA Real Estate Listings and Local Expertise

Where buyers searched online also mattered. In 2020, Realty Network Group was awarded the Best Real Estate Website in Northeastern Pennsylvania for the third year in a row by local newspaper readers.

Our award-winning website provides access to Scranton PA real estate listings and homes for sale throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania, helping buyers explore available properties, research communities, and stay informed about local market trends. Combined with the guidance of our experienced REALTORS®, these tools helped clients make confident real estate decisions during one of the most unique housing markets in recent history.

* Greater Scranton Board of REALTORS® stats

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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 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.

COVID 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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Are Millennials Missing Out On Homeownership?

Over a decade ago, the Great Recession’s impact lingered, and mortgage lenders tightened requirements, responding to a wave of foreclosures. Housing prices fell, yet millennials—aged 13 to 28 at the time—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 “lost generation” of homeownership. Tully notes, “Millennials had loads of college debt, and many had bad credit,” 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 “lost generation” 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 rates—the measure of how fast homes sell in a market—stand at 6.34 year-to-date and 5.82 year-over-year, the area is slipping into a seller’s market. Rates of 6 to 9 months indicate balance, while 3 to 6 months reflect a seller’s market, suggesting that millennials’ increased purchasing activity has been a key driver in the area’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 “lost generation” may be found—one home at a time.

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