Pike/Wayne Real Estate

This is the first Saturday in a LONG time that I don't have something real estate realted going on.  Last Saturday I was holding an Open House (gorgeous neo-French colonial style home on 3 acres...vividly and tastefully decorated...) and then I went to Indian Rocks to look at a home for a CMA (comparative market analysis - comparing the home against others to see where it should be priced).  

The previous weekend, I was taking buyers out to look at Lake Wallenpaupack lakefront homes for sale.  We drove all around the lake, and then even headed out to Fawn Lake Forest to look at a tear-down lake front on Westcolang Lake.

The weekends before - same dance, different song.  Open Houses, property showings, going to the office.  This is what I do, and I enjoy it!  I love introducing people to Lake Wallenpaupack.  I also love showing them the more quiet places, off the beaten path, so to speak.

But today - ahhh, today!  I'm relaxing and enjoying my morning coffee while my son watches Pokemon. When I was a kid, Saturday mornings meant Scooby Doo and Underdog.  At noon I could watch Land of the Lost, and later, Isis.  Yes, I did say  "OH MIGHTY ISIS" when playing, along with hundreds of other girls...here is a nice review/commentary on Isis with some elegant drawings of the feminine super hero.

Interjectory Thought:  Is it a sign that you're getting old when you write stuff like "When I was a kid..."? 

Later today, the kids and I are invited to a bowling alley birthday party.  I'm eager for this because I need to practice for the big match this Wednesday night - our Weichert Realtors Paupack Group office has been part of a bowling league for the past several weeks (we make up 2 and a half teams!)  Thank heavens, we SELL REAL ESTATE much better than we bowl, though we have a couple of hot shots at the office.   I am not one of them.  My average score is 60.

But I have fun.  I don't take myself - or the game - seriously.  Some people at the Gravity Alley where we bowl are startled, maybe even mystified, by us.  We cheer each other for anything - if you hit one pin, that's worth a high - five.  A gutter ball brings encouragement and cries of "You were robbed! Call 911!"   We even cheer for the opposing team when they get a strike or conquer a split.  We just want to have fun.

An older guy approached me last week and he said "You know, I used to bowl in leagues for years.  But we never had as much fun as you guys do."

Amen!  Life is too short, and there are too many things to REALLY worry about.  So what if more than half my balls end up in the gutter?  I know one of my buddies is gonna high-five me anyway.

Now, even though I'm still in my fluffy terry robe as I type this, and even though I'll be bowling (or trying to) later today, I can still show you some of the stuff that is for sale around Lake Wallenpaupack or in Pike or Wayne County - it's easy!  Just click the links below!  If you need more choices, visit my real estate website and search all the property listings.  Find something you like & send me an email - or give me a call on my cell.  I may be playing hooky today, but I'm still here for you! 

All Lakefront Property

Wallenpaupack Lakefronts

Masthope Homes

Fawn Lake Forest Homes

Indian Rocks Homes

Wallenpaupack Lake Estates

Or, the heck with it - just go choose your own real estate search here.

Happy Saturday! 

 

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.

This Wallenpaupack Lakefront Friday Five was originally posted on PikeWaynePAblog.com and is being syndicated here.

I am having a blast showing the lake front homes for sale on Lake Wallenpaupack.

I like to put my customers at ease so they can enjoy themselves and not feel pressured. Sometimes I take this casual air a bit too far...I still can't believe I compared someone's couch to my late golden retriever (it was the same color.) Poor Tawny, she was actually much prettier!

Anyway. There are some things that you need to know if you are interested in lakefront homes on Lake Wallenpaupack. I thought I'd some here...welcome to the first Friday Five post.

1. You will not find a level, grassy, perfect lakefront turn-key condition home with six bedrooms and three baths on an acre for under $500,000. It just isn't going to happen.

Aside: I do know a really cute lakefront cottage though, listed at $435,000. It's on a quiet cove and has a great loft, a new kitchen, and a good sized deck.

Like many lake front homes, you will have several steps to get to the water...but hey. The level lots are a "lot" more money! This affordable home is in nice condition and has a lot of potential. Email me about it!)

2. Phrases like "What a bargain" or "Hurry, won't last long" can be true....or they can mean "This place needs to be completely gutted..." and "It'll sit on the market for a year..." (but what a great investment! Sometimes, it takes vision and imagination to turn a sad little place into a Pocono Paradise!)

3. "Deeded boat slip" is really misleading. PPL approves permits for docks on Lake Wallenpaupack - regardless of what the deed says. No permit...no dock.

4. Lake Wallenpaupack is the most popular powerboat lake in the area. It is a huge draw for visitors. While some of the coves are more quiet than others, there will be motor boat traffic on the lake. Sometimes, a lot of traffic. PPL has posted rules and regulations regarding water skiing, no-wake zones, etc.

5. The Lake Wallenpaupack real estate market is steady. The market is not in crisis - though sales have slowed down a bit. Lakefront homes still sell, and there are buyers looking for them. Some sellers may be more anxious to sell than others, but very very few are "desperate." Are you interested in the market conditions? Email me for a market report!

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.

Today is the first Wild Card Wednesday post. The blog may be about anything - whether it's relevant to real estate in Pike or Wayne County (or anywhere, for that matter) or not.

I'm asking for READER PARTICIPATION. Please send pictures for Wild Card Wednesday - maybe a picture of local wildlife, or a "wild time" splashing in Lake Wallenpaupack, or anything fun and interesting from the area.

It does not have to be a "spectacular" picture, as this isn't a contest. It's just a chance to share a bit of Northeast PA with others.

A couple simple rules:

#1. No pictures from forwarded emails or taken from websites. The idea is fresh unique content.

#2. You must either own the rights to the photo or have express permission to share it. No stealing!

#3. Tell me a little about the story behind it.

Everyone who shares a photo will be entered in a drawing to win a $5 gift card - winner's choice of Dunkin' Donuts or Starbucks! So what are you waiting for?? Email those photos today! Deadline for the drawing is April 26, 2008.

Now, for the first wild card entry...what could be wilder than my 13th wedding anniversary?  Most Wild Card Posts won't be this long, I promise.

Hmmm.

Yesterday, March 25, was our special day. My best friend since grade school and her hubby watched our three hoodlums wildebeasts children while we went to The Boathouse on Lake Wallenpaupack, one of my favorite places.

We almost didn't get out the door on time, because I was trying to schedule showings for lakefront property - for today.

One of the homes I wanted to show was expired since I first showed it...my first reaction was, "DANG!" but then I smelled opportunity!

So I battled with my slow computer, trying to pull up info on the owner.

I called the number, only to get a recording: "We're sorry, all circuits are busy. Please try again later." Huh?

Come on, gotta go...grab cell phone and out the door we go. A howl of frustration escapes me two seconds down the road; the owner's number is at home! Glenn smirks.

I call 411.  With pen poised, I prepare to jot the number down, when AT&T did me a favor and just connect me, without revealing the number.

"We're sorry! All circuits are busy....." Glenn chuckles.

I call 411 back - and this time say "blah blah blah", so the operator has to answer. I get the number, write it down, and... we're at my friend's house.

Drop the kids off, get back in the car...dial the number. It's RINGING!

And ringing...and ringing....and ringing. Hubby laughs.

We arrive at The Boathouse, I purposely leave my phone in the car. We have a lovely dinner (I had chicken margherita or however cultured folks spell it...and I meant to ask what the heck "drawn butter" was but I forgot.)

I was too busy getting lost in my hubby's handsome face, remembering how attracted to him I was when we met 21 years ago...and how attractive he STILL is...my coffee's getting cold.

After dinner, we get back in the car and I try the number once again.

"We're sorry......." I'll bet you're sorry! You're not! don't lie to me!

I don't think I'm going to land that lakefront listing, unless I can send the owner a letter before one of the other 500 real estate agents in Pike and Wayne county does.

Doesn't matter - the best catch of my life is beside me - and how blessed I am to call him my husband.

This article was originally published by the author on PikeWaynePAblog.com 

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 thing I try to avoid is mimicking what other bloggers write about. But I was reading Maureen McCabe's blog today and she mentioned a blog by Ann Arbor real estate agent Karen Moorehead that explains why Easter was so early this year.

My kids asked me about this today...and interestingly enough, right after I read Maureen's, and then Karen's blogs, I got an email from my friend in Georgia that also explained the date for Easter 2008.

Evidently, it has to do with math, and full moons. In a nutshell, Easter has always been tied closely to the Jewish Passover - the events that led our Savior to the cross all occurred during the Passover. (This part I knew.)

The time for Easter and Passover are determined by the date of the first full moon after the Spring equinox. This year's early Easter has not happened since 1913, and won't happen again for more than 100 years. Read Karen's blog for a better explanation. Here is another blog, Experimental Theology by Richard Beck, that goes into a bit more detail about the astronomy AND church history behind the timing of Easter. And if that's not enough, here's more info for math geeks.

Other Easter Ramblings...

One thing that irritates me about Easter: Easter dresses for little girls. Go to any store here in Northeast PA and you'll see racks of beautiful dresses - for girls living in the Deep South. Here in the Poconos, we're still wearing wool socks and thick sweaters, and will continue to do so for at least another few weeks. My friends in Michigan have been blessed with 8 inches or more of snow...So why are the Easter frocks sold in the North sleeveless and gauzy? Can't they make pretty spring dresses with long sleeves, and maybe slightly heavier fabric? Can't we have a version for those of us with Klondike Klimates, and a version for those in California and other spots closer to the Equator?

I'm slightly--no, very jealous of my friends who live in warmer climates, who don't have to wear gloves when hiding (and hunting) Easter eggs...one year my girlfriend and I noticed that the kids would have no problem finding the eggs we hid - they only needed to follow our footprints through the snow.

As a Christian of the more conservative type, I've been exposed to the various teachings that Easter isn't about eggs and bunnies, and that those practices are pagan in origin and have no place in the Christian tradition - but I disagree. Bunnies and eggs are GOD's creations, and are signs of hope and life - even when the ground is frozen and snow covered and the trees are still bare.

Good News About the Resurrection - this article by Carol Kent is excellent. I had the privilege of hearing Carol's story not once, but twice as she shared her heart (and heartbreak) at the last two Women of Faith conferences I attended. I am not one to broadcast my faith on my blog, as I generally steer clear of online discussions of religion and politics. Carol's story touched my heart, however - and I wanted to share it with my readers.

I give thanks to God for the Resurrection which gives me hope - and for bunnies (especially the chocolate ones).

May the Joy of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ Fill Your Life with Hope

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.

Are there homes for sale in Wayne & Pike County that are overpriced? Yes. There are homes around Lake Wallenpaupack that are listed a good $20,000 to $30,000 (or more) above the prices of similar comparable homes that sold. There are homes that are priced properly, as well. But the properly priced homes are not the focus of this article.

A while back, I wrote an article titled "The Market Doesn't Care." My point was to try and help you, my readers, understand that The Market is not emotionally attached to your home, it doesn't care about the things that YOU think add to the home's value. The Market only cares about the cold hard facts - what buyers paid for homes similar to yours.

I met with a potential seller previous to writing that blog. He had a beautiful home with a nicely landscaped yard, custom tile and hardwood...but no garage and no basement and only 1.5 bathrooms. Because he had poured so much of himself into his home, he believed that it should be worth at least $425,000.

It was difficult to tell him that the homes selling for that price had two car garages and full, finished basements, with another bathroom and more bedrooms beside. Homes similar to his were selling for about $319,000 or even less. I showed him the comps - I printed them all out for him to see in black and white. I suggested that if he didn't have to sell right now, he should wait for some of his competition to come off the market. If he wanted to sell in the current market, then the price would have to reflect what The Market was telling us.

He thanked me for my time, and said he would probably wait until next year to put it on the market then.

Imagine my surprise a week later to see that very house come on the MLS, listed at $425,000.

As I predicted, the home just sat.

Some agents will tell sellers what they want to hear just to get the listing. Sometimes the agent is really ignorant about the market and has no idea, but usually they take the listing hoping to get the seller to agree to a price reduction later. Some agents are up front about this - they will say "I'll take your listing at the price you want, as long as you agree to adjust the price in 45 days if we get no interest..."

Unfortunately, pricing your home high to begin with and coming down later really ends up working against you. Buyers who are looking in the area keep an eye on new listings and they also keep an eye on MLS numbers and are pretty savvy at guessing how long a home has been on the market. A huge price reduction may stir up some interest, or it may raise red flags: "What's wrong with this home? Why has it been on the market so long? Why is it now $50,000 less than it was two months ago?"

Interest in your home is at its highest level when it first comes on the market. This is the time to nab the buyers who will most likely buy your home. Pricing your home too high will bring in buyers who are expecting MORE from your home than it can deliver, and by the time you price it for your target buyers, they know it's been on the market for months and your home is "stale." They may think you are desperate, and offer a very low price, or they may say "Well, let's wait a little longer and see if it comes down more."

Some sellers think that agents who price homes within the market are just trying to low-ball it so they can get a quick sale. Well, that's just silly. If I know I could sell your house for $250,000, I'd be an idiot to tell you to list it at $199,000 so I can get my money quicker - I stand to make MORE money if your home sells for more...don't you think it would be in my best interest as well to get you the highest price?

I shoot straight - I'll tell it like it is. I don't make things up and spout off flowery speeches to tickle your ears and tell you what you want to hear. I back up my statements with the data from the MLS - the market does not lie.

So before you accept someone's suggested list price for your home ask for facts that will support it, unless you want your home to expire unsold, and sit on the market for months and months...if you want to sell your home, price it according to what The Market is telling you.

I'll close with a success story. My buyers just put a home under contract in Wallenpaupack Lake Estates. I've been looking for the perfect home for them for some time - it didn't appear to be possible to find exactly what they were looking for in their price range. Then a new listing came on the market - incredibly, it was a great price.

Was it a steal? No...it wasn't a steal. It was priced at fair market value.

The listing agent was smart and obviously had a really smart seller - because two weeks after it went on the market, we had it under contract.

So while other sellers are waiting for someone to "make an offer" on their overpriced homes, this seller is making plans to move closer to her family in the time frame she wanted.

Pricing according to The Market works. If you want to wait six months, a year, two years - go ahead and overprice it. But if you want to get it sold, then price it right to begin with!

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.

In a previous blog, I highlighted some interesting facts about mold. Mold seems to be on the top of the list of the most terrifying things to find in a home these days. There is a LOT of talk about toxic mold, black mold, and all the health issues surrounding mold.

Please note: this blog is not intended to replace professional advice nor should it be considered professional advice on mold. This is my personal experience, and is rather lengthy. At the bottom of this article I have linked some government resources on mold, so if you have no patience to read my story, just skip to the bottom!

Here is my point, in case you're too impatient to read the whole thing (sorry, I can't help it, it's in my blood to ramble):

Mold, in most forms, usually does not have to be the end of the world. Mold is everywhere; and chances are it's in YOUR house. At least, the mold spores are probably there, waiting for the perfect combination of moisture and temperature to germinate.

In 1996, to make a long boring story a little shorter and hopefully less boring, Mr. Rice and I bought a $50,000 fixer upper in Pike County. Thankfully, Mr. Rice is a skilled professional carpenter and fix-it guy, and we weren't worried about the "issues." We didn't even have a home inspection. (gasp. Here is where I must say "Do as I say, not as I do." Get a home inspection!)

Our REALTOR® told us that the house had a new septic and a new roof! Hooray- two of the worst projects were out of the way! So, for $50,000, we got our dream home, in the Wallenpaupack School district, and close to my parents who lived just outside of Hawley. (TIP: Beware of a new roof! Be sure to mention this to your home inspector so he will see if there is any hidden damage not addressed when the roof was replaced!)

Naturally, we cleaned everything before moving in, not really paying attention to the blackish "stuff" on bedroom walls & in the closets.  We hadn't looked in the closets previous to purchasing the home. I was more worried by the avocado & burnt orange shag carpets.

We had no Internet (heck, I didn't get my first computer until 1998, and then, I only had email from Juno!) to find out about all the horrors of mold. To me, the recurring mildew /mold on the walls around the windows was just a minor annoyance.

At some point, our baby daughter developed chronic sinus infections, which kept her from sleeping well. I thought this was crazy - she had so many ear and sinus infections; I couldn't imagine what was making her so sick all the time. The doctor told me to keep giving her antibiotics, and keep a vaporizer going in her bedroom.

After her fourth round of antibiotics, I began to wonder if there was something else causing her issues. I also noticed that within minutes of putting her down for a nap or at bedtime, her symptoms got so much worse...gagging, difficulty breathing, coughing, lots of mucus. Doctor said it was because she was laying down. "Just elevate the crib mattress, Mrs. Rice. That will help keep her passage ways clear."

But when she was lying on the sofa in the living room, she was fine. Hmm.

We had lived here several months, and while I kept the walls clean, it never occurred to me to look in the closet. It wasn't until I noticed that several of Heather's outfits had gotten mildewed. Not always being the brightest bulb in the circuit, I first assumed it was my fault for not getting clothes from the washer to the dryer in time. Hey, I was young. Sometimes I would forget about a load of laundry and have to rewash it.

Then I noticed clothes in the spare bedroom closet were mildewed too - including my wedding dress! Then the light came on and I realized that there was a mold problem in the house (duh.) I was really angry with the doctor when I suggested that my daughter's problems were because of mold. He laughed at me.

Condescendingly he stated: "You just let me be the doctor, Mrs. Rice."

Yes, he was a respected pediatrician, practicing for longer than I was alive (maybe not that long, but close enough), and he laughed at me. He said she was too young to have developed any allergies yet, and that I should give her a NEW antibiotic, and continue running the vaporizer. Put more moisture in a room with an existing mold problem? Give a poor little body more antibiotics when they're obviously not helping? He prescribed a new, stronger antibiotic, which I filled but never gave her.

When I took her to her room for her nap, she struggled against me. Previously I thought it was just because she didn't want to go to sleep. Then I realized...she was trying to tell me she didn't want to go in her room. So, instead of putting her in her crib, I took her upstairs into our bedroom and put her to sleep - and she slept like the proverbial baby. No congestion, no gagging, no coughing.

At first I was triumphant. What did that doctor know? How dare he laugh at me! Once we moved her out of that room, she was fine. Her symptoms disappeared when we moved her out of that awful bedroom. That feeling of triumphant glee was replaced with dread at cleaning up the mess!

This long story does have a happy ending. Yes, the north end of the house was infested with mold. It truly was. When my husband gutted that little bedroom, we were disgusted with the mold we found in the walls. When the roof had been replaced by the previous owner, no thought had been given to the water damage. Being on the north side of the house, in the shadow of the neighbor's large house, it never got direct sunlight. It never had a chance to dry out - so mold took root.

Hubby did everything right though; sealed off the room, wore his respirator, and all that...just so you know, we didn't tear the room apart willy-nilly spreading more mold spores all around the house. His clothes went into the dumpster along with everything else. (Anyone who is married to a carpenter knows how happy it makes a wife to throw some of their clothes in the dumpster!)

We didn't fight with our homeowner insurance provider to try and make them pay for it. We didn't spend waste time trying to make the previous owner of the house pay for it. We didn't sue our real estate agent; how in the world would HE know there was mold in the insulation?

We didn't even sue the doctor (though I did give him an earful, informing him that the mold was indeed the problem and that we would be looking for a new doctor who wouldn't laugh at mother's intuition.) Hopefully, by this time, he has read Indoor Air Pollution: An Introduction for Health Professionals

We just took the bull by the horns and fixed the problem before it got worse. I've read stories online about people with chronic mold in their homes - and a lot of time was spent wasted trying to force someone else to pay for it. Mold + time = disaster.

All that to say - the mold is gone, and our daughter is fine. In fact, she's probably the healthiest one in the house; she rarely, if ever, gets sick.

I realize that not all mold stories have happy endings. My point is this - when you discover you have a mold problem, don't waste time trying to place blame; just get the problem fixed before it gets worse. When it comes to mold, your worst enemy next to moisture is time. While many people have allergic reactions to mold, only a small percentage of the mold found in homes is actually toxic "black mold." And most often, the toxic mold shows up where there has been serious and severe moisture, such as a flood and/or a leak that has not been fixed.

Here's something by Ninah Hunter here on Active Rain that you may not have thought of: Mold in New Construction. 

Important - Please Read More On Mold - EPA Guide To Mold & Moisture in your Home

And Even More Fungus Amongus Info:
Moisture Control in Your Home
Conditions that Promote Mold Growth
Indoor Mold Characteristics

This blog is not intended to present myself as an expert on mold, nor should it take the place of the advice of a mold professional. Always have a home inspection before purchasing a home.

WEICHERT, REALTORS® - Paupack Group Independently Owned and Operated

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.

 

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.

I've noticed an increased amount of inquiries from consumers, looking for something to rent long - term, or rent - to - own.

Personally, I do not get involved in rental property; Debbie Friese, one of the top agents in my office at Weichert Realtors Paupack Group, handles vacation rentals for lake houses on Lake Wallenpaupack. She is one of the top agents in the area and the best one to contact for vacation rentals.

A small handful of real estate agents in the area try to find tenants for landlords, but it's sometimes rather difficult, since the Pike / Wayne MLS does not allow agents to post rental properties on the database. We rely, mostly, on word of mouth or MLS Member emails that come through occasionally, to see if there are any would-be tenants or possible rental properties in the area.

My advice for folks who are searching for a rental home or a rent-to-own situation is to keep an eye on newspaper classifieds, Craigslist, or The Paper Shop. Post an ad on Craigslist yourself, stating what you're looking for and what you're able to pay.

Here are some links that may be helpful.

Scranton Craigs List - this is not limited to only Scranton - the surrounding areas are also included.

Poconos Craigs List - this covers a broad area, from Monroe County up to Wayne County and other areas.

The Wayne Independent - newspaper headquartered in Honesdale, the County Seat for Wayne County.

The News Eagle - from Hawley, PA - but covers both Wayne & Pike County. Now in a much nicer, user friendly format than in the past.

The Weekly Almanac - a nice hometown paper, from Honesdale, but covers all of Wayne County and even Pike.

The Scranton Times - Tribune - Scranton, some of Wayne County sneaks in too.

The Paper Shop - this is a classified magazine with both a print and online version.

The River Reporter - Upper Delaware River area newspaper - Sullivan County NY...not far from Honesdale and Wayne County, so expect to see some crossover.

Hopefully this will help someone - even if it's just saving them from searching all over the Internet for local newspapers!

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.

I've not been in the rain for many weeks.

I'm sorry to have not been in touch with all of my friends - I'm going to be making the rounds over the next few days, visiting your blogs and saying "Hi! I haven't forgotten you!"

I've been very busy in my physical world - I have listed two new properties, put three properties under contract, and have been taking buyers out - all while trying to deal with three weeks of sickness (everyone in my house got sick, not just once...but it seemed that everyone had to have a relapse!!) and home schooling my daughter!

I've got a pile of laundry on the love seat, piles of books on the dining room table - and lots of real estate!  :)

Two things I was working one while "out of the rain" are a new website for my company, and my own personal website.

WEICHERT, REALTORS - Paupack Group was launched a couple of weeks ago and has required some more tweaking, almost on a daily basis.  I worked many hours on this website and expect to spend more hours as I continually upgrade it and make adjustments.

Wallenpaupack Lake Property - still not sure where I'm going with my own website.  I've opted for a more simple clean look and am not sure I like it.   

Looking forward to catching up, and believe me, I've missed The Rain! 

 

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.