Sorry for any inconvenience or annoyance. Because I prefer the Wordpress platform, I've moved my Northeast PA / Pike & Wayne County real estate blog to
http://pikewaynepablog.com
Please visit me there - that blog covers all of Pike and Wayne County.
Thank you!
Friday, March 28, 2008
Moved To Wordpress
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Wayne County PA: A Home in the Country For You
Wayne County: A Pennsylvania Home in the Country
If you are looking for "off the beaten path", this is just the home for you. If you are looking for quiet surroundings, pastoral scenery, and the soothing sound of rushing water nearby, you can stop your search.
This is God's Country. It's secluded - without leaving you isolated. Believe it or not, it's within a 15 to 20 minute drive of everything you could need (to some of you city dwellers, with a Walgreen's and Wal*Mart around every corner, 15 to 20 minutes seems long, but it really is not. You are in the country now!)
For fishing enthusiasts, nearby you will find White Oak Pond, a 175 acre lake, which, according to the PA Fish Commission, is home to several species of fish: largemouth bass, chain pickerel, bluegill, pumpkinseed, black crappie, brown and yellow bullhead, and yellow perch.
Another nearby pond is Long Pond (also known as Alden Pond) - which has traditionally been stocked for winter fishing.
15 minutes or so will take you to Honesdale (the county seat for Wayne County, and the biggest town in the county as well), where you will find shopping, Home Depot, movies, fine dining and fast food, a full service hospital, dentists, family doctors, specialized health care, and lots of small town charm.
Go 15 minutes in the other direction and you can hit the slopes at Elk Mountain Ski Resort, one of the leading ski facilities in the area. In the Waymart Boro, you will find more health care services and some other necessities. Scranton & Dickson City PA is just a little further out (roughly 40 minutes or less) and has absolutely everything you could want - there are two malls (Steamtown and Viewmont) with stores like Macy's and Old Navy...in Dickson City you will find Target, Home Depot, and Lowes...tons of national chain restaurants. My favorite movie house is the Cinemark by Montage..(and of course, there's Montage Mountain for skiing as well..)
Many of my clients who initially are looking for a home in the Lake Wallenpaupack area are sometimes surprised at how close together many of the homes are. This very well maintained bi-level home on Creek Drive in Waymart (Mount Pleasant Township, just past Prompton & Aldenville) is perfect for those who are looking for an affordable home with a large yard and lots of space. With about 2 acres of land, you can do a lot of things - plant a garden, do some decorative landscaping, swim in the pool, romp in the grass with kids or pets...or just sit on the deck and enjoy the view.
Across the street, the Lackawaxen River (West Branch) babbles on toward its terminus nearly 40 miles away in Lackawaxen, PA - the last time I was at this property I stood for about ten minutes listening to nothing but the sound of the river. No distracting traffic, no "city sounds." It was almost like a mini-vacation.
The virtual tour of this home speaks for itself. The house is clean and turn-key - ready for you to make it your home. Call me to set up an appointment - it's a slice of heaven, waiting to bring you home.
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Sunday, December 23, 2007
New Construction Homes Have Issues Too
New construction homes seem to draw buyers in like ants to a picnic. Many folks seem to think that by purchasing a new construction home that they will be free from headaches and hassles typically associated with home ownership. That may be true - but let's not forget that new construction homes have problems too.
One couple I know have a new construction home, and while they didn't expect everything to be perfect, they certainly didn't expect the builder to take several months to fix a leaky faucet in the bathroom. Settling cracks can appear and will need to be repaired; there may be other hidden issues with less than stellar workmanship that may crop up.
Let's face it: owning your own home, buying new or pre-existing, means you will need to have repairs done, sometimes sooner, sometimes later....but it's going to happen.
This unique contemporary home in Wallenpaupack Lake Estates is not new - but it is in very good condition.
It is bright and interesting; lovely fireplace, efficient heating system; large living room and large master bedroom; 2000+ square feet (including the full, unfinished walk-out basement.)
On a cul-de-sac, it is within walking distance to Beaver Lake (a very pretty community lake, perfect for quiet enjoyment) and not far from the community pool. Naturally, it has lake rights to Lake Wallenpaupack. The price is very attractive at $169,900 - and on top of that, the seller is offering a 1 Year Home Warranty.
The Weichert Home Protection Plan provides repair or replacement coverage for the operating systems (air conditioning, heating, electric, plumbing) and appliances in the home. It's easy to use the Home Protection Plan. When you experience a problem with a covered item due to normal wear and tear, call the warranty company directly using a toll-free number, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
A local, authorized service contractor will perform the service and you schedule the appointment directly with the service contractor. You pay a minimal trade service call fee directly to the service contractor (usually about $75) and the balance of the cost to repair or replace a covered item is paid directly by the warranty company. That's a great deal - especially if you're looking at an expensive replacement or repair.
Yes, new construction homes are nice, but they're not necessarily easier to own nor are they always the best deal. Don't let this fantastic home get by you because it's not "new."
View the virtual tour below - don't take my word for it. This home is unique and deserves a look!
NOTE: THIS HOME IS CURRENTLY UNDER CONTRACT. Contact me for more homes in WLE or in Wayne or Pike County!
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Sleigh Bells Ring...Are Ya Listenin'?
I know that not everyone rejoices at the sight of the cold, white, fluff blanketing everything terrestrial. Some cringe, considering it a four-letter word most foul, while hunkering down woolen-clad, with a comforting supply of hot chocolate and chicken soup in the pantry. There are those with no desire to ski, sled, skate, make impressions of heavenly beings or build rotund snow-people.
Thankfully, lyricist Dick Smith (a Honesdale PA native) found it wonderful, and his fond thoughts on the matter are forever preserved in the song Winter Wonderland. Local legend, bolstered by the opinion of the late Mr. Smith's sister, has it that Mr. Smith wrote this seasonal standard while remembering Honesdale's snow-covered Central Park.
Incidentally, someone with a very overactive imagination and a curious thought process feels that Winter Wonderland is not about light-hearted young people frolicking around making snow-parsons and holding hands; no. No, this song is about teen age rebellion and illicit behavior. What can I say? It takes all kinds...and we're all entitled to our own opinion.
Regardless of what story Mr. Smith was telling with his song, the fact remains that Wayne County truly is a Wonderland, whatever the season. When looking for a Norman Rockwell experience, Honesdale will fit the bill perfectly. The county seat for Wayne County, Honesdale offers everything you expect from a small country town...with the amenities the contemporary world has come to depend on. Step back in time while keeping your feet firmly planted in the present.
Stroll up and down both Church and Main Streets and you will be delighted with the Victorian character. Find all sorts of locally owned and operated shops, diners, and restaurants offering unique gifts, wares, and delicious food;
take a break from Wal*Mart & McDonald's. You'll be glad you did.
Perhaps, that while this small town is a great place to visit and shop, it is still too busy for you to take up permanent residence. Maybe you are looking for a more rural Utopia - farms and woodlands are more your style. Well, this can be had only minutes from town!
One such area is Mt. Pleasant Township - a paradise of rolling hills, breathtaking views, and friendly cows by the roadside, welcoming you to the country life. If you're looking for a couple of acres to plant your roots and revel in privacy and quietness without going to Timbuktu, have I got the place for you:
A Lovely Home in Rural Waymart - Close to Town & Elk Mountain Ski Area - Yet Secluded and Serene!
Situated on two level acres, you will have plenty of room for all sorts of things - plant a garden, romp with kids or pets, or take quiet strolls and listen to the comforting sounds of the Lackawaxen River as it ambles on through the countryside.
Only 15 minutes or so from Honesdale, you won't be far from everything you need; Honesdale offers Wal*mart, Home Depot, movies, food, shopping, health care - if you need it, Honesdale probably has it. If not, Scranton is only about a half hour away.
On top of that, ski enthusiasts will love the fact that Elk Mountain is approximately 20 minutes away - say "goodbye" to winter doldrums and hello to rosy cheeks and frosty air!
There's also the Memorial Links Golf Course, only minutes from the house, for the duffers out there...and let's not forget the streams and lakes for fishing. What more could you want?
Click here to view the virtual tour of this 3 bedroom, 1 bath home on 2 beautiful acres. It's a perfect home for those who long for the country.
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Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Paupackan Lake Estates, Wayne County PA
One of the area's sometimes overlooked developments / homeowner communities is 
Paupackan Lake Estates, in Lakeville, PA (Wayne County.) It is not very big, and does not offer a ton of amenities like The Hideout in Lake Ariel or Wallenpaupack Lake Estates, also in Lake Ariel.
It does offer one of the cleanest lakes in Northeast PA - and Paupackan Lake has a reputation of being a great lake for fishing. This is the place to come for peace and quiet.
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Thursday, October 4, 2007
Home Depot + Salvation Army = Green Demolitions
Go Green! Recycled Home Improvement Center in Honesdale PA
Slightly off the beaten path, on Brown Street in Honesdale PA, is a humble building with a simple sign, declaring it to be a GREEN DEMOLITIONS store.
This is where homeless kitchens, appliances, doors, windows, bathroom fixtures, mirrors, and other home products go - not to die, but to be reincarnated and placed in a new home.
No two trips to Green Demolitions will yield the same results - each time is like a new treasure hunt; you never know what you will find. Perhaps a complete cherry kitchen with Corian counters for $5700. Or maybe a pedestal sink and new shower stall. There may be 50 interior doors to choose from, or a unique Oriental rug. If you are looking to do some home improvements, this is the place to start.
Since 2001, Green Demolitions, headquartered in Greenwich, CT, has been recycling donated luxury kitchens, baths, architectural artifacts, and other home decor articles, providing homeowners & businesses with tax deductions while offering an affordable remodeling alternative to others. In addition, this charity has been helping protect the environment through reuse of materials and supporting an addiction recovery program along the way with the proceeds of the sales.
Because Green Demolitions is a charity, donating your "old" kitchen (as long as it's in good condition), or for businesses - donating your showroom & warehouse pieces, office equipment, & display materials will mean a nice tax deduction. The charity supports All Addictions Anonymous, an addiction recovery program similar to the Alcoholics Anonymous 12 Step Plan, but helps those bound by any addiction - including drugs, alcohol, food, and emotional issues.
In addition to the Honesdale store, Green Demolitions has three other locations: one in Bethel, NY
and the other in Black Rock, CT. There will be a Grand Opening for a new location in Norwalk, CT on October 13, 2007.
Links of Interest:
Green Demolitions Company Website
Green Demolitions Store & Product Info
So what does this have to do with REAL ESTATE, you ask? A LOT!
If you are thinking about selling your home, but worry that your outdated kitchen, or ugly bathroom fixtures may hinder the sale or cause you to get a lower price than you'd like, take a drive to Honesdale and see what Green Demolitions has to offer. You may be able to replace those dated, ailing fixtures for a fraction of the cost of new, and your home will look as if you spent a fortune - maximize your return on your investment with these quality recycled materials.
Or maybe you've just purchased your dream home - but the dark cabinets or ancient appliances have kept the dream from coming 100% true, and there's no room in the budget for brand new "Stuff." Enter Green Demolitions and you just might find what you need to make it home SWEET home.
Just like going to Salvation Army, though, some trips may be more successful than others. Patience is the key...just like searching for your new home.
Maybe you're still looking and haven't found what you want. If you are in need of a real estate agent, or if you'd like to search the MLS and see what homes are available, I invite you to visit my website below. No obligations, no registration - just links to homes for sale in Pike and Wayne County PA.
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Karen E. Rice is a real estate agent working in Pike & Wayne County of Northeastern PA in the Pocono Mountains. Lake Wallenpaupack is one of Pennsylvania's most popular destinations for vacations, retirement, and purchasing a home.
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Tips for Smokers Selling Their Homes
Smoking does more than kill your lungs - it can kill the sale of your home.
I grew up in the home of not one, but two chain smokers. I was so used to the smell of cigarette smoke, that I had no idea why kids on the school bus told me I smelled - I could not smell it. I never understood until I went to college, and the RA demanded to know who was smoking in my room!
Smokers, and the people who live with them, can't smell it anymore. My daughter brought home a cupcake from a birthday party at school - she said "I don't want to eat it..." even though it was all pretty, pink frosted with sprinkles. I could smell why - it smelled like an ash tray. But the birthday child and her mom probably had no clue how disgusting their "treats" were to the outside world.
Sure, it's your home, your life, you can do what you want. HOWEVER - when you are putting your home on the market, while it is technically still YOUR home, you are trying to convince someone else to make it THEIRS. And chances are, a great deal of your potential buyers will be non-smokers who stop at the door and refuse to enter once they catch a whiff of your Marlboro's. Nothing will kill a deal faster on a home sale than a stench that makes you want to cover your face upon opening the door. Smokers may think non-smokers are overreacting - after all, the smell doesn't bother you! That's because you're used to it.
I imagine that even prolonged exposure to skunk smell would make it less offensive over time to the point that you don't notice it anymore either.
Apart from having only buyers who smoke express interest in your home, or handing out respirator masks at the door, there is hope.
Some fixes are easy, but most will require a lot of elbow grease and dedication, especially if there is years of buildup:
1. Stop smoking in the house once you put it on the market. Yes, it's a pain to go outside, but you want to sell
your house, right? Get rid of all traces of smoking inside - no ash trays sitting around!
2. Professionally clean carpets & upholstery. I suggest using a company that cleans homes after fires - and have everything cleaned, including all upholstered furniture. All the cleaning and staging in the world is not going to help if the couch still stinks. Here is a list of cleaning services near Hawley, PA.
3. Clean everything else - and I mean everything, from the ceiling down to the floors. Nicotine gets EVERYWHERE. When I brought an oak dining room set from my parent's home to mine, my husband wouldn't let me bring it in the house until it had been thoroughly cleaned - it took at least 4 good cleanings before the rinse water stopped turning YELLOW.
4. Repaint - after scrubbing the walls, apply a good primer, such as KILZ, to help block odors and repaint your walls and trim in neutral shades.
5. Declutter and remove extra knick knacks which are collecting nicotine and smoke odors...especially items such as books and magazines which can not be cleaned.
6. Get an air purifier or filtration unit. I took an Alpine Air purifier to my parent's home when my mom was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Within a day or two, the air smelled noticeably cleaner and fresher. I am unsure if it actually removed the odor, or merely masked it, but it did make the house smell clean, like the outdoors after a rain. (By the way, my dad died of congestive heart failure...wonder how much smoking had to do with their diseases?)
Sure, this is a lot of work and costs money, - but you want to get top dollar for your home, don't you?
All the marketing in the world by the best real estate agent on the planet will not sell your home if buyers won't go inside.
I previewed a nice home for sale the other day. Just cute as cute can be. Fresh paint outside. Nicely situated on a large, landscaped lot. Tons of curb appeal. Price seemed reasonable, perhaps a tad high, but not out of the ball park...why has this house been on the market for over a year?
Could it be that the home reeked of cigarettes once I went inside? Ya think, maybe?
There were overflowing ash trays on every table. Even I was grossed out - in spite of the fact that I grew up with two smokers. I've been out of a smoky environment for 12+ years and man, I can't handle it!
I expect that any buyers who DO get past the front door will make their offer much lower, when they consider all the cleaning that will have to be done after the closing.
Why not beat them to the punch, and get that cleaning done NOW - and get a better offer on your home? And perhaps - sell it?
Additional Reading on Selling a Smoker's Home:
Smoke Gets in Homebuyer's Eyes - by Douglas Brown, Denver Post
On Tobacco Road, it's A Tougher Sell by Antoinette Martin, New York Times
Getting Rid of Smoke Odors - Active Rain blog by Rick Bunzel
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 WEICHERT, REALTORS® - Paupack Group | |||
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