Introducing and reminding you of your local REALTORS! Meet the experts to call when you want to buy or sell a home in Luzerne, Lackawanna, Wyoming ...
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Get to Know
LOCAL your
REALTOR
Thursday, February 25, 2021
Introducing and reminding you of your local REALTORS! Meet the
experts to call when you want to buy or sell a home in Luzerne,
Lackawanna, Wyoming and surrounding counties.
2 Thursday, February 25, 2021 Get to Know your Local REALTOR Times Leader
Tips for First-Time Sellers
F irst-time home buyers are
granted numerous perks
when house hunting. Benefits
like specialized loans, tax breaks
and community programs make
buying a more manageable pro-
cess with exciting advantages.
But, when those purchasers are ready to move
on to another property, as first-time sellers they
must make multiple decisions.
A significant resource in your home-selling
experience is a real estate agent. Their exper-
tise can streamline the process by pricing the
property based on local trends, finding moti-
vated buyers and ensuring the legal aspects are
covered. When choosing a real estate agent, ask
your friends and loved ones who have recently
sold their homes for a referral.
Here are some other factors to consider before
rushing to place your home to the market.
Complete Repairs
While major renovations may not make fi-
nancial sense, it’s crucial to ensure the home is
move-in ready before going to market. Rather
than focusing on removing walls or extending
the living space, spend time inspecting your ap-
pliances. Try to make sure that all water equip-
ment is free from leaks, the floors are sturdy
and your HVAC system is up to date. It can be a
dealbreaker when a homebuyer visits the prop-
erty and notices that they must make significant
investments in updating their appliances.
Timing Matters winter. Of course, the weather can vary dramati- egy. The visual of how space is used can entice
If you aren’t in a rush to sell your home, wait- cally, depending on your region. Timing the prospective buyers who can imagine how the
ing for a summer selling season can help get the market right is another benefit you gain when property will work for their daily lives. Even if
most value and quickest turnaround. According working with an experienced agent. the house is already vacant, it’s beneficial to fill
to the Nationals Association of Realtors, warmer Should You Stage? it with furniture, bedding and lights to give it an
months show to have the most aggressive house Hiring an expert to stage your home before attractive ambiance.
hunters, while sales significantly slow during the an open house or showing is an excellent strat-
Tracy Goryeb Zarola
570-574-6465
tracy@lewith-freeman.com
Full-time Real Estate Professional
committed to FiRst-RatE sERViCE
1755 Memorial Highway, Shavertown • 570-696-3801
DALLAS
EXCEPTIONAL finishes and desirable location for this NEW CONSTRUCTION
townhome with FIRST FLOOR MASTER BEDROOM. The home features open
floor plan, stunning kitchen, beautiful wood floors, crown moldings and tiled
baths. The two second floor bedrooms and loft area offer ample space for guests
or office. The large unfinished basement has high ceilings.
MLS# 20-5328 $369,000
Qualified Buyers
Are Out Looking NOW!
NOW is the perfect time to get your home on the market.
Selling your home is serious business. Hire a full-time real
estate professional with a reputation for success. 80981149
4 Thursday, February 25, 2021 Get to Know your Local REALTOR Times Leader
Should you Buy a Foreclosure?
M any buyers consider foreclosed homes when looking for their next house. While
an attractive option because of price, this may not be a good fit for every buyer.
A home foreclosure is like the repossession allowing the lender to recover some of their hire an inspector and receive bids from contrac-
of a vehicle or other valuable possession. If a financial loss. tors if repairs are necessary. Use the recondition-
previous owner failed to make their payments on • Real estate owned. If a property fails to sell ing costs to build your negotiating power before
time, the loan holder moves to take the property at auction, the home is generally listed tradition- making an offer. If you know of a homeowner
back. ally. A specialized agent will show the house to facing foreclosure, you can sometimes score
Foreclosure laws vary from state to state, so interested shoppers and can result in a great deal a great deal while helping them alleviate their
it’s imperative to do your research before making after not selling initially. financial struggles.
an offer or waiting for the property to become Get the Most Value Read the Fine Print
available. Depending on your location, the pro- Investing in a foreclosed home comes with Some states institute a law called the “right to
cess can take months to years. unique risks over a traditional home purchase. redemption,” which means property owners who
There are two categories of foreclosed homes For instance, the property has likely been va- have been foreclosed have a period to buy back
and knowing the difference can help improve cant for a considerable period as the bank tries their home. Ensure the process is completed
your negotiating power. to settle their legal issues. Empty buildings are before attempting to buy a house at an auction
• Bank owned. Once a bank has finalized the prone to vandalism, theft and dangerous condi- or from a bank. You may find yourself moving in
foreclosure, they typically put the home up for tions like the development of mold or mildew. and fixing up your new purchase as the previous
auction. Potential buyers will make their bids, When researching a property, it’s crucial to owner strives to earn it back.
dIVersIFIed...
For all oF your real estate needs
Residential, CommeRCial, leasing and land
Judy Rice is one of the very motivation to the very people she
best Realtors in Northeastern represents: “Helping people – it’s
Pennsylvania. the one-on-one interaction. Problem
solving, listening: it all makes for a
Some of Judy’s many accolades
very fun and engaging career.”
include being Lewith & Freeman’s
number one Top Producing agent Judy is an Associate Broker, a
for 2011 while far surpassing those Certified Residential Specialist
sales figures in 2019. She also (CRS), an Accredited Buyer’s
serves as the Commercial Division Representative (ABR), and also
Head and Residential Specialist for possesses the Graduate, REALTOR
Lewith & Freeman. Institute (GRI) designation. Her
love for the business and her
While the role of the real estate is
desire to grow and continually
always changing due to the unique
learn have helped to define her
needs of the individuals involved,
success. A resident of Dallas, Judy
Judy’s experience has provided her
represents buyers and sellers of both
with the skill to successfully adapt to those needs.
residential and commercial properties throughout
In fact, it is one of the things she enjoys most about
the Back Mountain, Kingston, West Pittston,
her profession:
Pittston, Mountain top as well as the surrounding
“Every day is a new adventure and learning communities throughout Luzerne County.
experience.” When she isn’t busy working, Judy enjoys yoga,
One thing remains constant, though, and that golf, racquetball, and actively volunteers and
is Judy’s success. Judy attributes her continual participates in many clubs and boards.
leWItH & FreeMan ProVIdInG ProMPt, ProFessIonal serVICe
WItH attentIon to detaIl
real estate For More tHan 30 years
L o: (570) 288-9371
JUDY RICE
F d: (570) 714-9230 ASSOCIATE BROKER
80980479
eMaIl: judyrICe@ePIx.net GRI, ABR, CRS
6 Thursday, February 25, 2021 Get to Know your Local REALTOR Times Leader Judging a Home’s Resale Value E ven if you plan to purchase your for- ever home, it’s essential to think of the future. Life may take you in an unexpected direction. Before buying a property, you should know how to understand it’s resale potential. Ensuring it will appeal to others if you must make a move is necessary to make the purchase a positive investment. One way to stay on top of your home’s value after the purchase is by hiring an appraiser to estimate its worth. They will analyze fac- tors like the structure’s quality, the square footage, a home’s rooms and the neighborhood’s characteristics. Their expertise is beneficial to gain before putting in an offer on a prop- erty, even if the seller has already hired their own professional. As you navigate open houses and private showings, know what to look for when judging the resale value of your potential home. Research the Location The location of a home directly a home. When you live in an area a listing or drive by to view it in • It’s been on the market for an impacts the value and demand of without nearby educational institu- person. Even if it lacks appeal right extended period. the property. Do your research to tions, your buyers’ pool is limited to now, consider how you can improve • It’s the highest-priced listing in find out about its school systems, a specific collection of purchasers it. Sometimes, a fresh coat of paint the neighborhood. economy and nearby entertain- by mostly excluding families. and an investment in landscaping • The home requires significant ment. Finding a property developed Curb Appeal can improve the appearance dra- renovations before it is suitable for in an up-and-coming neighborhood The home’s interior may have matically. living. can turn your initial purchase into a been the main selling point, but Red Flags Research crime rates, the police sizable return in the future. make sure the exterior shows off Besides looking for the best fea- presence and the types of business- Even if you don’t have or plan plenty of curb appeal. The outside tures of a home, consider these red es that thrive to ensure the commu- to have children, local schools are of your property is the first thing flags before committing to making nity is safe. essential to increase the value of others notice as they pull in for an offer.
WITH RAE: MORE ADVERTISING - EXCELLENT SERVICE - MORE SALES!
80980292
8 Thursday, February 25, 2021 Get to Know your Local REALTOR Times Leader
Attract More Buyers
I f you’re planning to sell your home, you should understand what
helps properties sell and how to get more eyes on your listing.
To further comprehend how a buyer’s mind tion. A professional real estate agent can high- mind who is looking for your property’s features.
works during a real estate transaction, check light its robust features based on what is selling When there isn’t an already potential purchaser
out this list of the essential factors of a house, as in the local area. Here are some other tips to in mind, their skills for drafting an attractive
reported by the National Association of Realtors. boost your showing and invite more buyers for a listing and reaching a broad audience will be an
• Most were looking to avoid renovations and showing. asset during the sale.
problems with plumbing or electricity. Choose a Qualified Real Estate Take Professional Pictures
• Most newly purchased homes were about Since many homebuyers do their research on-
1,850 square feet, had three bedrooms and two Agent
The guidance of a professional real estate line first, painting your property in its best light
bathrooms and were built after 1990. is imperative. Hire a real estate photographer
• Heating and cooling costs were the most agent can impact many factors in a real estate
transaction. When the goal is to attract more to document all four corners of your home and
important environmental features in buying deci- yard. Make sure to highlight bathrooms, bed-
sions. buyers, it’s essential to choose a proven expert
who excels in marketing and has significant con- rooms, entertainment spaces and the landscap-
• For 44% of recent buyers, the first step they ing. An appealing listing can entice buyers to
took in the buying process was viewing the prop- nections.
Real estate agents who are prominent in their schedule a visit. You should also consider offer-
erties online. ing a virtual tour with your agent. The ability to
Because home buyers are doing their research areas work with their peers and communicate
about their client’s needs regarding a home. In view the home digitally is an excellent starting
online before even visiting a property in person, point for buyers, especially in the age of social
it’s critical to craft an attractive listing descrip- some cases, they may already have a buyer in
distancing.
Jerry Busch Jr.
Makes Selling SO
L D
Your Home Easy 570-288-2514
• Jerry will handle ALL the details: Advertising,
Appointments, Negotiations, Financing and Closing.
• Ready List of Qualified Buyers • Your home will receive
constant exposure through the Internet,
Newspaper, Direct Mail and more.
Gerald L Busch Real Estate Inc.
Serving You Since 1968
570-288-2514 • Cell 570-709-7798
www.jerrybuschrealestate.com 80981134
10 Thursday, February 25, 2021 Get to Know your Local REALTOR Times Leader
Moving to the Suburbs
T he ongoing CO-
VID-19 pandemic
has changed how many
Americans think of where
they live.
According to data from a recent
Harris Poll, nearly a third of U.S.
citizens are considering moving to
less densely populated areas. Trad-
ing in city living for many close-knit
suburb communities provides lower
crime rates, more affordable costs
and larger living spaces.
If you’re a parent, more desolate
areas have access to highly rated
schools. The education opportuni-
ties are often a significant factor
that families make before investing
in a property. A smaller student
body also means that your children
will get more one-on-one time while
learning and build stronger bonds
with their peers.
More Convenience
One of the most significant rea-
sons people escape the city for sub-
urban homes is the slower pace and
convenience. Major metropolitan
areas can be challenging to navigate
considering public transportation,
dense crowds and immense traf-
fic. Sometimes, a quick visit to the and quiet are not high on the list. home purchase, suburban living children enjoy their own rooms,
grocery store can lead to a stressful, With the heavy traffic, hustle or ur- offers beautiful properties with sig- a spacious backyard and several
all-day event. In smaller communi- ban life and consistent traffic activ- nificant amenities. While the asking bathrooms. If you are ready to make
ties, Americans gain quick access ity, it can be challenging to find the price for these buildings may be a move, reach out to real estate
to places like shops, restaurants and silence to relax fully. While many considerable, families can find great agents in the prospective area to get
entertainment venues without trav- suburbs offer exciting social scenes, deals on a home that provides larger the ball moving.
eling into a hectic city environment. the more spacious footprint tends living space in terms of square foot- Most of the deal can be per-
Peace and Quiet to be more laid-back and peaceful. age and features. formed virtually while they research
Living in the heart of a city comes More Value in Purchasing Because the living quarters potential properties that work with
with some advantages, but peace When looking for value in your are more sizable in the suburbs, your budget.JEANNIE BRADY • CoNNIE LEARN CINDY PICKETT • MELISSA SWICK • GAIL KINTNER • DAVE KINTNER • SALLY GEARY • KATHY DoDGE • JESSICA CooLBAuGH
HOURS
Monday-Friday
10:00 - 4:00
Weekends by
appointment
Melissa swick cindy Pickett sally Geary dave kintner
Associate Broker Associate Broker Associate Broker Realtor
#1 REAL ESTATE AGENCY
IN WYoMING CouNTY
THINKING oF BuYING oR SELLING?
CoNTACT oNE oF ouR PRoFESSIoNALS.
Jeannie Brady *PER MLS DATA FROM GREATER SCRANTON BOARD OF REALTORS 1/1/20 THROUGH 12/31/20
Broker, Owner
Gail kintner kathy dodGe connie learn Jessica coolBauGh
80981513
Realtor Realtor Realtor Realtor
listings wanted, call for a free market analysis80980428
14 Thursday, February 25, 2021 Get to Know your Local REALTOR Times Leader
Manage Emotional Stress
S elling your home can be stressful, especially if you have
an emotional connection to a property.
When the process begins to affect your mental where they will lay their roots. Showcase the active and being intrusive to your agent. While
well-being, it’s critical to take a step back and house in its best light while avoiding the feelings you shouldn’t get in the way while they work, it’s
manage your feelings. Rushing through a trans- that may arise. If you painted your walls with beneficial to respond to feedback, keep the home
action to get it over with can lead to negative fi- bright and vibrant colors, consider repainting tidy between showings and ask your expert for
nancial results or regret. Before hiring an expert them with more neutral tones that speak to a updates.
to list your home, make sure you’re emotionally broader audience. It’s also an excellent idea to Turn to Friends and Family
ready, and the decision is right. hire a professional cleaning service before going Sometimes taking a step back from the sale
If you’re hesitant, draft a list of the reasons you to market. They can remove unnecessary clutter, can provide stress relief. Rather than worry
plan to sell and the advantages you may acquire clean the carpets and polish parts of your home yourself about the transaction, try to find time
by staying. If you find more things you like about that are often forgotten. to connect with friends and family. Discuss your
living in the property, consider forgetting the Involve Yourself in the Process concerns with them about the home sale for a
idea and re-evaluating it in a few months. How- The stress of being left out of the loop during different perspective. Perhaps they have gone
ever, if you’re committed to selling, consider a real estate transaction can be challenging to through the same emotional struggles that come
these tips to control your emotions. manage. with selling your property and will provide you
Your Home is a Product Be honest with your real estate agent and ex- with honest advice.
Regardless of the memories you created within plain that you wish to be involved in the process.
the property, to a potential buyer, it’s a home It’s essential to find a balance between remainingOffice: 570.696.1195
CENTURY 21 ®
Direct Line: 570.696.5406
Cell: 570.690.2579
Smith Hourigan Group donna.klug@century21.com
DONNA KLUG 655 Memorial Highway
Shavertown, PA 18708
Realtor www.Century21SHGroup.com
Donna Klug, CENTURY 21
Century 21 Smith Hourigan Group Sales Affiliate,
Earns Masters Ruby Award for 2020 Sales Production
CENTURY 21 Century 21 Smith Hourigan Group, Shavertown is pleased to announce that
Century 21 Real Estate LLC recently recognized Donna Klug, sales affiliate with the office, as a
top-producer nationwide when it honored her with the coveted 2020 CENTURY 21® Masters Ruby
Award.
Ruby level status is awarded to a C21® sales affiliate who has met minimum sales production of
$146,000 or 32 closed transaction sides within a calendar year. The sales affiliate also receives a
trophy and a personal invitation to attend the annual CENTURY 21 Top Agent Retreat.
“Donna places her real estate wisdom and passion for life into her everyday business, helping
to make clients more comfortable with the real estate transaction as they make what may be the
most significant purchase of their lives,” said Century 21 Smith Hourigan Group, broker/owner of
CENTURY 21 Century 21 Smith Hourigan Group.
Donna has been a reoccurring top producer at Century 21 Smith Hourigan since starting her career in
2009. She has also been the recipient of the Quality Service Pennicle Award,which is received due to
customer satisfaction.
It is truly an honor to receive the Masters Ruby Award and Pennicle Quality Service Award and to be
recognized among such talented and dedicated group of real estate sales professionals,” said Klug.
80980994
Please call me if I can assist you in selling or purchasing a home, 570-696-5406.913 Wyoming Ave., Wyoming | 570-814-4183
www.susquehannamodularhomes.com
Susquehanna Modular Homes is located in Wyoming PA, Owners Stephen Han- bathrooms, tiled laundry room with cabinets and shelfing, etc., all built to State
non and Jack Casper have the flexibility to offer Home Packages and or Lot/ Home and Local code. We have over 40 floor plans to choose from consisting of Ranch,
Packages at affordable prices. Stephen joined Susquehanna Modular Homes in Raised Ranch, Bi-Level, Two-Story, Cape Cod, Etc., with or without an attached
2016 to meet the increased demand for new home construction in Luzerne County garage.
and surrounding areas. Stephen is also a Licensed Real Estate Agent for JJ Man- In addition to the advantage of a home constructed under cover with no expo-
tione Appraisal and Realty Group Inc., in Wyoming PA. sure to the harsh Northeast elements we are able to provide high end finished
Susquehanna recently built two homes with “Custom Features”. We started products in a timely manner. We use the same material used for stick-built homes
with a Centre Avenue Series/ T – Ranch and a Crown Manor Series/ Two – Story; but our homes are completed in 6 months verses 1 year. Let us help you design a
we ordered the Homes incomplete, or in shell form and finished them on site with home to your specifications and save time and money.
Aristokraft Kitchen Cabinets, Granite Counter Tops, Hardwood Flooring, tiled Please Contact Stephen @ 570-814-4183
80981292Mike Pinko
570-501-7575 570-899-3865
michael.pinko@lewith-freeman.com
LOOKING FOR RESULTS, CALL MIKE!
Vote For Me For...
Best RealtoR!
Vote at: timesleader.com/bestofthebest
LD LD L D L D
SO SO S O S O
183 St. Johns Road 167 Sand Springs Drive 21 Teaberry Drive 46 E. Tuscarora Drive
Drums Drums Drums Hazle Township
$450,000 $380,000 $310,000 $280,000
LD LD LD L D
SO SO SO S O
121 Wilson Drive 149 Cremard Boulevard 264 Refuge Circle 25 Conyngham Drive
Hazleton Duryea Drums Hazleton
$275,000 $232,900 $231,000 $227,000
80980294WE WORK FOR YOU!
COMMITTED TO PROVIDING
THE VERY BEST SERVICE TO
OUR CLIENTS.
WHETHER YOU ARE BUYING
OR SELLING WE WILL
GET THE JOB DONE!
Kristin Gordon
570-760-6690
Richard H. Long Ken Williams George Maculloch
Broker/Owner Associate Broker 570-690-8655
570-406-2438 570-542-2141 Patrick O’Brien
570-417-0286
We would like to market your property.
Call us for a FREE Evaluation!
SELLING?
Call Us! We Get the Job Done!
3138 Memorial Hwy., Dallas • (570) 675-4400 80981472welcominG
Diane anD eD mccaBe
foUr Star mccaBe realtY
“we are pleased to have Diane and ed mccabe bring their exceptional
experience and loyal clients to the firm. Their reputation for service and
professionalism is well known. Four Star
McCabe served the residence and business
owners in our community for 29 years.”
Virginia S rose
Prior to their real estate careers, Diane
was in nursing and Ed owned 2 dinner
house restaurants, one in Mountain Top
and one in the Back Mountain.
contact ed and Diane at 570-899-1990.
CHARLIE
Shavertown: 570.696.3801
www.lewith-freeman.com 8098066280980926
ONE SOURCE
REALTY
570-587-9999 | 570-489-8080
Bringing 570-457-7355 | 570-698-0700
570-403-3000 | 570-424-0404
You era1.com
Home
Sunita
Owner/Broker
Direct: 570.510.5840
Arora Office: 570.587.9999
Sunita.Arora@era.com
ABR, CRB, e-PRO, Grad. RI, CRS, SRES, AHWD, CDPE, CLHMS, SFR
Sunita Arora Barbara Beggs Kalen Birth Ilona Bruns Kimberly Coffee Joel Davis Leah Giannacopulos Lisa Hutchins Anne Marie Olexa Theresa Plisko George Semian Jason Thomas Janeen Westfield Jennifer Winn Eric Yashinski 80980995
Broker/Owner
570.510.5840 570.407.1236 570.550.4128 570.239.7644 570.634.5943 570.971.6571 570.947.9250 570.704.9710 570.899.6836 570.851.8511 570.313.9299 570.273.9652 570.704.8858 570.760.1622 570.237.6217Amanda Kim
Pienkowski Gale
Frani Patrick Caines
Lou Lewis
Tom Mancuso Devaney Debbie
Strazzeri
Pavlowski Kohut
Paul
Mackrell Amanda Phoebe Dan Connie
Rudis Keating Callahan Seagraves
Stacey
Liz Granza
Vaquero Sam
Scelta
Mary Kim
Vanston Kristen
Barone Pisanti
Aaron
Pierce
James
Karen Hazen
Kashuba Kristi
Tim Cheryl Shannon
Vanston Szynal
“Relentless Realtors Delivering Remarkable Results”
“Making a Difference”
Jruddy.com 111 W. Drinker St. Jackie Ruddy
570-344-6724 Dunmore, PA Broker/Owner 80981150Whitney Lopuhovsky
Joseph A. Moore Associate Broker
Mobile: (570) 881-4627 Cell: 570-417-1216
Email: JMooreRE@aol.com whitney@whitneyL.com
We have Moore...
‘Moore’ Experience =
‘Moore’ Satisfied Clients!
Serving NEPA since 1898
Meet the agents:
Whitney Lopuhovsky Karen Crispell
Denise Ogurkis Patricia Gruber
570-417-1216 570-606-7452
570-357-1348 570-991-0857 whitney@whitneyL.com WhitneyLTeam@aol.com
FB @whitneylrealtor
Contact us and get MOORE!
570-288-1401 8098043280981810
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