Probably the main culprit in making or breaking a real estate deal is the kitchen, followed by the bathrooms. Since it is generally the hub of the household, the kitchen must be an efficient and attractive workspace.

One kitchen feature gaining popularity is a Silestone® counter top. I've seen it listed on one or two new construction homes for sale in the Pike Wayne MLS and decided to do some research on it.

So, what is Silestone®?

Silestone® is a synthetic composite made mostly from quartz, pigment, and a binding agent (resin). Other industry buzz words for this kind of surface are "engineered stone" and "quartz surfacing." It is virtually indestructible; the surface is almost impossible to scratch, damage, or stain with normal use.

(BTW, who defines "normal use?" Isn't "normal" purely a subjective/relative term? What is "normal" in my household is probably considered bizarre in another...but hey...)

Because the surface remains unscuffed and smooth, it is more sanitary; bacteria and other nasties have no place to hide and breed.

Unlike granite, Silestone® does not need to be sealed - it is maintenance free. It does need to installed professionally.

It comes in a variety of colors and patterns. Some critics claim that it looks "fake" when placed next to granite - but who is going to do that? I don't know about you, but I never carry around a slab of granite with me to compare to the counters of homes I visit. But that's just me.

Here is a little article from Before and After magazine, comparing and contrasting Silestone® and granite.

What about the cost?

For the most part, Silestone®, at approximately $175 per linear foot installed, is in the same ball park as granite ($185/l.f. installed.) So if you're looking to save a few bucks, look into other surfacing options. But if you're looking to add value to your home's kitchen with a durable, attractive, and low-maintenance counter, Silestone® is an option to consider, especially if your home is going to go on the market in the higher price bracket.

Silestone® Website - read more from the manufacturer and find a dealer / installer near you.

For home owners in Pike and Wayne County, PA, The Kitchen and Bath Showroom on Route 6 just east of Hawley is the nearest dealer of Silestone®. 

Read some kitchen remodeling ideas from REALTOR.com.

More tips on getting your home ready for sale from HGTV.com. 

Right now, I'm not practicing what I preach, as my husband is building the Taj Mahal of sheds in our yard...the thing is nicer than the house. Everyone else has those $1500 kit sheds from Home Depot...we have a guest cottage. But hey...I'll save that for another blog.

Are you thinking of putting your home on the market here in Pike or Wayne County? Contact me and let's get started.

WEICHERT, REALTORS® - Paupack Group Independently Owned and Operated

 

Do you have a home in Pike or Wayne County PA to sell? Visit My Seller Website and learn about my innovative marketing plan which will be personalized specifically for your home. Are you interested in Pike or Wayne County PA homes for sale? Visit my real estate website to see all the property for sale in Hawley, Honesdale, Greentown, Lackawaxen, Hamlin, Lake Ariel, and the entire Lake Wallenpaupack region of Northeast PA's Pocono Mountains.

Please become a Fan of Wallenpaupack Real Estate on Facebook

Karen E. Rice is a real estate agent working in Pike & Wayne County of Northeastern PA in the Poconos. Lake Wallenpaupack is one of Pennsylvania's most popular destinations for vacations, retirement, and purchasing a home.

Pike & Wayne County PA Real Estate - Home Sales ©Copyright by Karen E. Rice. All rights reserved.

Lakefront Home For Sale in Lakeland Colony on Lake Wallenpaupack: an Open House will be on Sunday, Sept 30 from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.

This lakefront home has been reduced in price from $679,000 to $599,000. NOW UNDER CONTRACT!!!
If you've been waiting for real estate prices to come down, now is the time!

This is a really charming cottage with a rustic wood interior. My two favorite features are the screened porch, the view from the living room, and the fireplace!

Other folks will be turned on by the fairly level lot, the nice sunny deck, and the huge, new, maintenance free dock that is included.

Located in Lakeland Colony, this home is part of an exclusive community that offers a private wildlife preserve for use and enjoyment by members only! Imagine having a lakefront home on Lake Wallenpaupack AND over 300 acres of woods, paths, and trails to hike and/or ride your ATV?

Please make time to see it for yourself this Sunday - I'll be on the screen porch, ready to give you a tour.

Map It! (You may need to zoom in)


View Larger Map

WEICHERT, REALTORS® - Paupack Group "Independently Owned and Operated"

 

Do you have a home in Pike or Wayne County PA to sell? Visit My Seller Website and learn about my innovative marketing plan which will be personalized specifically for your home. Are you interested in Pike or Wayne County PA homes for sale? Visit my real estate website to see all the property for sale in Hawley, Honesdale, Greentown, Lackawaxen, Hamlin, Lake Ariel, and the entire Lake Wallenpaupack region of Northeast PA's Pocono Mountains.

Please become a Fan of Wallenpaupack Real Estate on Facebook

Karen E. Rice is a real estate agent working in Pike & Wayne County of Northeastern PA in the Poconos. Lake Wallenpaupack is one of Pennsylvania's most popular destinations for vacations, retirement, and purchasing a home.

Pike & Wayne County PA Real Estate - Home Sales ©Copyright by Karen E. Rice. All rights reserved.

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.

Be sure to take advantage of the LUXURY APPLIANCE & KITCHEN SALE going on in Honesdale, now though September 30, 2007.

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 two 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

All Addictions Anonymous

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.

WEICHERT, REALTORS® - Paupack Group "Independently Owned and Operated"

 

Do you have a home in Pike or Wayne County PA to sell? Visit My Seller Website and learn about my innovative marketing plan which will be personalized specifically for your home. Are you interested in Pike or Wayne County PA homes for sale? Visit my real estate website to see all the property for sale in Hawley, Honesdale, Greentown, Lackawaxen, Hamlin, Lake Ariel, and the entire Lake Wallenpaupack region of Northeast PA's Pocono Mountains.

Please become a Fan of Wallenpaupack Real Estate on Facebook

Karen E. Rice is a real estate agent working in Pike & Wayne County of Northeastern PA in the Poconos. Lake Wallenpaupack is one of Pennsylvania's most popular destinations for vacations, retirement, and purchasing a home.

Pike & Wayne County PA Real Estate - Home Sales ©Copyright by Karen E. Rice. All rights reserved.

Pike County PA has so many beautiful places - another of these is Bruce Lake Natural Area.

Part of Promised Land State Park, 2.5 mile Bruce Lake Natural Area is part of over 50 miles of hiking trails in the state forest.

Last Sunday afternoon, the husband, Mr. Rice, and I took our three unruly kids on this hike, hoping to hike the attitudes right out of them.

It worked!

They soon stopped bickering with each other, and even my couch potato son reluctantly had fun. This trail is relatively easy going - the only way it could be easier is if it were 100% flat and blacktopped. While the beginning of the trail is gravel, most of it is just a wide grassy road, decorated with some rocks here and there. A few little hills. Anyone in good health can easily conquer this trail.

The beauty is breathtaking. I stopped and saw some princess pine, which is a ground covering plant, commonly used in wreaths and other holiday decorations. I also noticed some elderberries, which brought back memories of making elderberry jam with my aunt. The views of Panther Swamp, Balsam Swamp, Egypt Meadow Lake, and finally, Bruce Lake were so beautiful - I was once again reminded of why I love Pike County PA.

Bruce Lake is accessible only by hiking in (there is another shorter trail that takes you directly to the lake, but the kids were so antsy we needed the entire 2.5 mile hike in to settle them down.) Supposedly the lake is good for fishing; I saw several breaking water when we got to the end of the trail. Bass, muskies, pan fish, and pickeral are said to be inhabitants of the clean waters of this glacial lake.

Maybe you'd like to move to Pike County PA, too, so that you can take advantage of this and other hiking trails in the state forest and in Promised Land State Park. If I can be of any assistance to you, be sure to contact me using the buttons below.

WEICHERT, REALTORS® - Paupack Group "Independently Owned and Operated"

 

Do you have a home in Pike or Wayne County PA to sell? Visit My Seller Website and learn about my innovative marketing plan which will be personalized specifically for your home. Are you interested in Pike or Wayne County PA homes for sale? Visit my real estate website to see all the property for sale in Hawley, Honesdale, Greentown, Lackawaxen, Hamlin, Lake Ariel, and the entire Lake Wallenpaupack region of Northeast PA's Pocono Mountains.

Please become a Fan of Wallenpaupack Real Estate on Facebook

Karen E. Rice is a real estate agent working in Pike & Wayne County of Northeastern PA in the Poconos. Lake Wallenpaupack is one of Pennsylvania's most popular destinations for vacations, retirement, and purchasing a home.

Pike & Wayne County PA Real Estate - Home Sales ©Copyright by Karen E. Rice. All rights reserved.

CABIN IS NOW UNDER CONTRACT.  I'll help you find another one!!!

. 

Okay, people - I created a real estate tour for the hunting / vacation cabin I have listed for sale in Pike County PA. That tour was focused 100% on the features of the cabin. You can read all the details about the cabin for sale here.

I have since created a similar, but different tour - this one with HUNTERS in mind! This tour shows the bear, turkey, and deer that the owner harvested within four miles of the cabin, on PA State Game lands.

Disclaimer: I know that a lot of folks do not like to see pictures of the animals that have been harvested by hunters. So, if you are one of those people, do not view the show.

Even though I grew up in a household where hunting was the main religion, I myself do not hunt. Frankly, I don't have time and I don't fancy being out in the cold. I prefer fishing, and in the summer, no less..my dad would roll over in his grave with shame to be reminded what a wuss I am. At least I'll get up before dawn to try and land that trophy perch, that counts for something, right?

Anyway, this great little cabin, which is a leased state forest campsite, is in an excellent spot. You can't see it from the road, you can't see anything around it but woods, yet, it's right off of Rt. 402 for easy access. It's only a mile from Peck's Pond, where I hear the fishing is pretty good.

Some people seem put off by the fact that the land is owned by the state.  While it is true that you do not own the land, the low taxes and low land lease fee make this an excellent opportunity. 

In most trailer parks and other leased land situations, you could end up paying $200 per month to lease the land - for this and other state cabins, you only pay $200 per YEAR.  The taxes are currently under $500 per year.  It's an excellent deal, and you're not tied into a 99 year lease as some seem to think.  The lease is for 10 year terms, and can be transferred. 

This cabin is only $64,900 - and you don't have to do a darn thing to it. It's got vinyl siding, the roof is only 10 years old, and it comes furnished.

The next time life at home gets a little stressful, you will have an excellent place to escape to for a few days. Since it has propane heat as well as the wood burning fireplace insert, you can stay in it whatever the weather.

Links of Interest from DCNR (Department of Conservation and Natural Resources):

White Tailed Deer Information 

Guidelines for Leased State Forest Campsites  

PA Game Commission 

 

Do you have a home in Pike or Wayne County PA to sell? Visit My Seller Website and learn about my innovative marketing plan which will be personalized specifically for your home. Are you interested in Pike or Wayne County PA homes for sale? Visit my real estate website to see all the property for sale in Hawley, Honesdale, Greentown, Lackawaxen, Hamlin, Lake Ariel, and the entire Lake Wallenpaupack region of Northeast PA's Pocono Mountains.

Please become a Fan of Wallenpaupack Real Estate on Facebook

Karen E. Rice is a real estate agent working in Pike & Wayne County of Northeastern PA in the Poconos. Lake Wallenpaupack is one of Pennsylvania's most popular destinations for vacations, retirement, and purchasing a home.

Pike & Wayne County PA Real Estate - Home Sales ©Copyright by Karen E. Rice. All rights reserved.

The Pike County PA Real Estate Market

I have news that may seem cold and unfeeling - but that's the way The Market is. The Market simply does not care.

The Market does not care how much blood, sweat, and tears you have poured into your home.

The Market here in Pike County, Wayne County, the Poconos - or anywhere, for that matter, does not care what your home appraised at last year (technically, an appraisal is really only good for the day it's written...did you know that? However, some lenders will acknowledge them for 60 to 90 days.) The Market doesn't care that appraisals are merely opinions - based on research, yes, but opinions just the same...opinions that are driven by different motivations (estate sale, mortgage approval, refinance.)

The Market simply does not care that you need to net $250,000 from the sale of your home. Nor does it care that you need a down-payment for your new home.

The Market could not care less about what you will have to pay in closing costs or real estate agent commissions.

The Market isn't concerned when builders construct six spec houses, which are then sold at or below cost in order to get out of "the hole."

Nor does The Market pay any mind to a home that is sold in haste at a very low price due to a nasty divorce or some other family emergency. The Market coldly collects the data and sets new trends based on the cold hard facts that someone bought that house for that price.

The Market's only concern is for The Market. Selfish bugger, isn't it?

Overall, The Market gives us a predictable trend - a real estate agent can look at recent sold property, currently listed homes for sale, and homes that didn't sell but expired and give you, the homeowner, a reasonable idea of what your home is likely to sell for.

Sometimes there are hiccups. Sometimes, a particular buyer will ignore The Market and pay a higher price for a home he or she has fallen in love with for various reasons: It's near an amenity he deems important; it's next door to Mom; it's in a certain location which she considers attractive and desirable. One "out of Market" sale does not a trend make.

The Market will clear its throat and continue on. My job is to partner with you and show you what The Market has recently done and what it is currently doing.

My job is to put your home on The Market at a price The Market says will sell as soon as possible and net the highest possible sales price. I do not list to expire. I list to sell.

The Market doesn't have emotions, so it can't care - but I do. I care about your time, your energy, your goals. I do not want to waste your time and sap your energy by chasing the wind. If your home is not priced according to The Market, it will more than likely expire - or if you do get an offer, it may very well not appraise. Sometimes, it may be best to wait until The Market shifts (it always does) to put your home on The Market.

If you'd like a complimentary CMA (Comparative Market Analysis) to see what The Market says about your home, please feel free to contact me. I won't feed you pipe dreams and paint an unrealistic picture - I will tell you the truth, which is what you deserve.

WEICHERT, REALTORS® - Paupack Group "Independently Owned and Operated"

 

Do you have a home in Pike or Wayne County PA to sell? Visit My Seller Website and learn about my innovative marketing plan which will be personalized specifically for your home. Are you interested in Pike or Wayne County PA homes for sale? Visit my real estate website to see all the property for sale in Hawley, Honesdale, Greentown, Lackawaxen, Hamlin, Lake Ariel, and the entire Lake Wallenpaupack region of Northeast PA's Pocono Mountains.

Please become a Fan of Wallenpaupack Real Estate on Facebook

Karen E. Rice is a real estate agent working in Pike & Wayne County of Northeastern PA in the Poconos. Lake Wallenpaupack is one of Pennsylvania's most popular destinations for vacations, retirement, and purchasing a home.

Pike & Wayne County PA Real Estate - Home Sales ©Copyright by Karen E. Rice. All rights reserved.

One of the most beautiful spots in Pike County, in northeastern Pennsylvania, is Childs Park.

Located in Dingmans Ferry, this scenic spot is part of the Delaware Water Gap National Recreational Area.

I spent a Sunday afternoon enjoying the waterfalls, hiking the relatively easy trail to the bottom - seeing more and more of the Pocono Mountains' natural beauty each step of the way.

Many other people were enjoying it along with me including a bunch of teenagers, who were breaking the no-swimming rule (but on such a hot day, I don't know who could resist the sparkling pools and cool misty showers!) The smell of barbecued hamburgers coming from one of the picnic shelters made me wish I had packed my own picnic lunch!

One gentleman was meditating on a large rock, with the flowing stream surrounding him. I paused to watch him for a while, thankful that we have such a beautiful place here in Pike County (indeed, it is but one of many) to renew our strength, to enjoy, to live...

Childs Park - Dingmans Ferry PA. Yours to enjoy.

If you're considering moving to Pike County because you want to discover all of this Pocono beauty more often and from your back yard, feel free to conact me. I'll be happy to help.

WEICHERT, REALTORS® - Paupack Group "Independently Owned and Operated"

 

Do you have a home in Pike or Wayne County PA to sell? Visit My Seller Website and learn about my innovative marketing plan which will be personalized specifically for your home. Are you interested in Pike or Wayne County PA homes for sale? Visit my real estate website to see all the property for sale in Hawley, Honesdale, Greentown, Lackawaxen, Hamlin, Lake Ariel, and the entire Lake Wallenpaupack region of Northeast PA's Pocono Mountains.

Please become a Fan of Wallenpaupack Real Estate on Facebook

Karen E. Rice is a real estate agent working in Pike & Wayne County of Northeastern PA in the Poconos. Lake Wallenpaupack is one of Pennsylvania's most popular destinations for vacations, retirement, and purchasing a home.

Pike & Wayne County PA Real Estate - Home Sales ©Copyright by Karen E. Rice. All rights reserved.

Lakefront property in Lakeland Colony on Lake Wallenpaupack is PRICED TO SELL!

OOPS, and it HAS SOLD!!!  (January 2008, $525,000) 

Never Fear - here are MORE WALLENPAUPACK LAKEFRONTS FOR SALE.

Imagine having a lake front home on Lake Wallenpaupack, over 350 acres of woods to hike & ride your ATV, and the Pocono Mountain lifestyle to relish and enjoy - at a new, low price!

One of the lake front homes for sale on Lake Wallenpaupack offers this--and more--for MUCH LESS! Originally listed at $679,000; the summer's-end clearance price of $599,000 means you need to make your move or miss the boat.

Lakeland Colony is unique among lakefront developments on Lake Wallenpaupack. Home owners have Lake Wallenpaupack, of course, but also exclusive use of a private nature preserve made up of acres of Pocono woods.

Heading down Lakeland Drive, it's like leaving one world in exchange for another. Houses along the road give way to trees and shrubs; you seem to be stepping back to an earlier point in time, when the landscape was dominated by the woods.

Awaiting you, on the shore of Wallenpaupack, is the cutest house, alive with the rustic character you'd expect in a Pocono Mtn. lodge home. Stepping onto the screen porch, imagine spending lazy summer evenings watching the lightning bugs and listenting to the crickets.

Once inside, your eyes are drawn into the warmth of wood walls, log-style railings - and a gorgeous floor-to-ceiling Pennsylvania bluestone fireplace. The cute kitchen is just the right size for fixing simple summer meals and late night snacks. Upstairs in the loft you find the master sleeping area, complete with a sunshine-bright master bath and a nook for viewing the lake.

Down at the lake is your own private dock - brand new and maintenance free.

With such an awesome place to park yourself and your boat, you'll never want to leave your lake house - and why should you?

Lakeland Colony Association

Map It! (You may need to zoom in)

View Larger Map

Thanks to Debbie Friese, listing agent for this property.

WEICHERT, REALTORS® - Paupack Group "Independently Owned and Operated"

 

Do you have a home in Pike or Wayne County PA to sell? Visit My Seller Website and learn about my innovative marketing plan which will be personalized specifically for your home. Are you interested in Pike or Wayne County PA homes for sale? Visit my real estate website to see all the property for sale in Hawley, Honesdale, Greentown, Lackawaxen, Hamlin, Lake Ariel, and the entire Lake Wallenpaupack region of Northeast PA's Pocono Mountains.

Please become a Fan of Wallenpaupack Real Estate on Facebook

Karen E. Rice is a real estate agent working in Pike & Wayne County of Northeastern PA in the Poconos. Lake Wallenpaupack is one of Pennsylvania's most popular destinations for vacations, retirement, and purchasing a home.

Pike & Wayne County PA Real Estate - Home Sales ©Copyright by Karen E. Rice. All rights reserved.

If You Don't Ask Questions, You Won't Sell

Last week, I went on a quest to find a clarinet for my daughter, a beginning band student. Because I am a REALTOR®, I know that renting is basically throwing your money away for little benefit. Sure, I don't have to fork over $250+ up front - but over the course of the school year, I'll have spent nearly that much in rental fees, giving the clarinet-lord money, and I will have what to show for it?

If my daughter decides to switch instruments or quit band, I'll have nothing but a bunch of canceled checks, instead of a nearly new instrument to resell and recoup some of my investment (unlike real estate, especially Wallenpaupack lakefront property, where you are likely to make a profit on your resale.)

Mr. Rice told me to forget the music store I had in mind---I would only find guitars, some drums, and guitar strings there. Nothing else. Bullheaded Irish-Swedish gal that I am, I said I'd give it a try anyway. There might be something used or on consignment.

He shrugs, and says "All right, it's your time..." I probably should have listened to him, as he's a musician (guitarist to be exact) and knows the music stores like the back of his hand. But I'm an Irish-Swede, I'm a woman, and I was on a mission. Get out of my way!

At the shop, I found exactly what my husband told me I would find: guitars. Lots of guitars. A few drums. And lots of guitar strings. I was soon greeted by the salesperson.

"Hi," I said. "Do you sell anything beside guitars?"

"Nope," he said firmly, without hesitation. Noting my disappointment, he added: "Well, a few drums, some bass, but that's about it."

"Rats," I said. I could have left the store then, grumbling that Mr. Rice was correct. A lot of people would have said "Oh, thanks, then..." and left. But I am actually compelled by an irresistible impulse to tell everyone what my point is. I feel as if they actually care what I'm doing or what I'm looking for.

"I was hoping you had some band instruments..."

He shrugged and said "Well, I do have a couple of clarinets."

I raised my eyebrows--I thought he didn't sell anything but guitars? And a few drums? And some bass? That's it?

He continued: "Also, I have a sax, and a couple of flutes, too."

I also spied some keyboards that he forgot to mention as well (unless the keyboards weren't for sale.) He got out the two clarinets, told me a little about them, and I thanked him for his time. I had to talk to my husband, blah blah blah.

Leaving the store, I thought: there has to be a real estate lesson in here somewhere.

Ask the right questions or lose customers.

The music shop salesperson really dropped the ball. When I asked about the guitars, he should have responded with "What are you looking for?" or "Yes, we mostly have guitars, but we have some other instruments as well. What is it you need?"

Sometimes, customers ask me if there are any Lake Wallenpaupack lakefront properties for sale within a price range of $250,000. I could simply say "Nope," and leave it at that.

The customer walks away dissatisfied, and I miss out on a potential sale. By asking the right questions, we may learn that Jane Buyer is actually looking for any lakefront, anywhere - she just asked about Lake Wallenpaupack because it seemed obvious. Maybe she would be just as happy to have a lakefront home on Paupackan Lake or Lake Westcolang. Or maybe, Jane doesn't really need a lakefront. Maybe Jane will be spending all of her time on the boat, and she really needs, simply, a home with a boat slip. Why let her think she needs to spend $500,000 on a lakefront when a 2nd or 3rd tier home with a boatslip will give her what she needs, at half the price?

There are many questions you could (and should) ask buyers, beyond spitting out a price quote and giving a simple "Yes" or "No" to their initial questions. When you hear other people gushing about how their real estate agent found them "just the right property", do you think he or she was psychic? Of course not--a savvy real estate agent will not only listen to what their buyers have to say, but know what questions to ask along the way.

Don't  be like the music shop salesperson - care what your customer's point is - discover how you can best help  find the home he or she wants to buy.

You won't know unless you ask.

Maybe you're a buyer looking for the right property in the Lake Wallenpaupack area - or perhaps you would like to sell your home and have questions about its value. Feel free to send an email - I promise to do my best to help you with your real estate needs.

WEICHERT, REALTORS® - Paupack Group "Independently Owned and Operated"

Guitars Photo from MorgueFile by DTCreations

 

Do you have a home in Pike or Wayne County PA to sell? Visit My Seller Website and learn about my innovative marketing plan which will be personalized specifically for your home. Are you interested in Pike or Wayne County PA homes for sale? Visit my real estate website to see all the property for sale in Hawley, Honesdale, Greentown, Lackawaxen, Hamlin, Lake Ariel, and the entire Lake Wallenpaupack region of Northeast PA's Pocono Mountains.

Please become a Fan of Wallenpaupack Real Estate on Facebook

Karen E. Rice is a real estate agent working in Pike & Wayne County of Northeastern PA in the Poconos. Lake Wallenpaupack is one of Pennsylvania's most popular destinations for vacations, retirement, and purchasing a home.

Pike & Wayne County PA Real Estate - Home Sales ©Copyright by Karen E. Rice. All rights reserved.

With a title like that, I suppose you were expecting me to be carrying on about 007.

Well, I will admit, ol' Sean does get me excited a bit; sorry for the confusion, but my headline is about none other than Google.

Yes, Google. Google Docs, Spreadsheets, and Calendar, to be exact.

I've been playing around with these awesome free tools.

Earlier today I my laptop froze and shut itself down in the middle of something. I was afraid of losing important documents saved on my hard drive - my expense & income spread sheets, blog drafts, letter samples, and real estate forms, to name a few.

The other day I was also frustrated at the office because I couldn't connect my laptop to the network. I could use the office computer, but none of my files were available to me. (turns out I just needed to reset the office router, but that's beside the point).

I hate not being able to do what I want, when I want to do it!

Google Docs, Spreadsheets, and Calendar solves my problem: it will help me be more productive and make my important files available to me from any computer, anywhere!

First, I created my calendar. The Google Calendar is set up much like a traditional paper planner / appointment book - only better.

You can view your Google Calendar as a monthly view, a weekly view, daily view...or even as an agenda (list). This is cool if you want to see your "year" at a glance! Unlike with a paper planner, you only enter your events once - and they will show up on any view you choose...

Of course, a lot of REALTORS use applications like Outlook for this same function - but the problem with Outlook is this: it's stuck on one computer. Or even if another computer has Outlook, your own personal stuff is still on YOUR computer and your computer only. Google Calendar is available from any computer.

Keep the calendar private, or share it with selected people. I will be sharing my calendar with my husband, so he can see at a glance what my appointments and commitments are from his computer - regardless of where I am at the moment.

This is merely the tip of the iceberg with Google Calendar...I'm sure that there are a million more things to do with this application...I'm not a geek (as my previous blog on RSS shows), but I seriously want to be one!

The next excellent offering from Google is the Docs & Spreadsheets.

Granted, the word processor is a little clumsy and not a good choice for formal professional documents like flyers/brochures - but it's excellent for working drafts and spreadsheets.

The other day at the office, while doing floor time, I could have been working on a blog...but my computer would not connect to the network, and I really wasn't eager to retype them on the office computer.

Tonight I uploaded my blog drafts and some other documents that I need to access, to Google Docs & Spreadsheets. One of the features of Google Docs & Spreadsheets is the unique & private Writely email address provided for you to upload multiple files at once, directly into your Docs & Spreadsheets - it's as simple as attaching your files to an email and sending it to your Google account!

Hauling the laptop around is no longer necessary - I can use the office computer and have access to all of my important drafts, spreadsheets, and files.

My final excitement is the personalized Google Home Page.

iGoogle allows me to save all of the blogs and other RSS subscriptions I've got on one page...and my handy dandy calendar is there too (days that I have appointments are in bold).

I love that Google makes all of this, plus Picasa, and Gmail, and a slew of other stuff available - FREE.

Here are some Google related blogs to help you make the most of what is available to you:

Official Gmail Blog

Official Google Blog

Unofficial Google Operating System Blog

Undocumented Google Tips & Tricks

Google Calendar Info from Undocumented Google

Google Add-Ons for Firefox

Naturally, I am not going to abandond my software completely. I need my address book for mail merging letters and printing out labels for my real estate mailings. I need Open Office (also free, previously blogged about here, and here, and here...and here!) for creating listings flyers, PDF files, and other presentations. But man - Google has cut the shackles keeping me tied to my own computer and opened up a whole new world to me - I can work my real estate job from any computer, anywhere, and always have access to most of my "stuff."

 

Do you have a home in Pike or Wayne County PA to sell? Visit My Seller Website and learn about my innovative marketing plan which will be personalized specifically for your home. Are you interested in Pike or Wayne County PA homes for sale? Visit my real estate website to see all the property for sale in Hawley, Honesdale, Greentown, Lackawaxen, Hamlin, Lake Ariel, and the entire Lake Wallenpaupack region of Northeast PA's Pocono Mountains.

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Karen E. Rice is a real estate agent working in Pike & Wayne County of Northeastern PA in the Poconos. Lake Wallenpaupack is one of Pennsylvania's most popular destinations for vacations, retirement, and purchasing a home.

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