Thank you Brian England for extending the October Challenge to the Active Rain community.  The purpose of this challenge is to show our 'personal side' to each other.Living in Central PA is a perfect fit for me.  I love being surrounded by the magnificent natural beauty and I particularly enjoy the abundance of fresh fruit and vegetables that are available at local farm stands and the farmer's market.The photo below was captured one day when I hiked to the top of Pole Steeple - Gardners, PA.  What a view!  This sacred spot is in Dickinson Township - Carlisle, PAThe Yellow Breeches Creek - Stuart Park at Barnitz Mill. On nice days, you may wish to pause and relax on a bench, and you're sure to be mesmerized by those that are fly-fishing in the creek.The Sunset over the cornfield is alway... 10/03/2018

In response to Paul S. Henderson, REALTOR®,CRS, October 2018 Active Rain Challenge, I have updated my profile photo.My original profile photo (posted here) was taken by a professional photographer in June of 2016.  It has been the photo that has been utilized in the majority of my marketing material and has helped to create immediate recognition.  I love when when I am out, and about, and someone walks up to me out of the blue to say, "Hey, I recognize you.  You're in real estate, right?" This photo was was captured recently with my phone camera.  It was taken while I was seated at my desk in my office.  My office has windows on three sides so I love the saturation of sun that pours in.I agree with Paul Henderson that the photos we use, whether we are marketing a property or sharing a p... 10/01/2018

09/14/2018

It is always a treat to receive a 5 Star Review from a client, but what a humbling surprise to have this delivered to my Director of Operations today from a real estate agent at another brokerage. 09/05/2018

The Life of A Realtor... It's downing 2-3 cups of coffee before a full day of showing homes and then realizing 15 minutes into the first showing appointment that your bladder is going to explode. It's trying to carry on an important phone conversation while simultaneously listening to the GPS directions during a thunderstorm and noticing that you're surrounded by cornfields with no civilization in sight and your gas gauge is on Empty   It's opening the front door to that home that was priced unbelievably low and being knocked out by the stench of god-knows-what.    It's wearing those cute new heels and wondering if by the end of the day, they'll need to amputate your feet.   It's walking into a potential listing appointment and the homeowner's dog is so excited to see you, that he jumps... 08/30/2018

So you've decided to sell your home and you've chosen me to be the listing agent.  Thank you.  I am honored for the opportunity to work together with you to achieve the goal you've set of selling your home.   This is a team effort and we both need to be 100% committed to the process and excellent communication is the key!What is your preferred method of communication?Phone Call ___Text ___Email ____I was recently involved in a transaction and I represented the buyer.  The listing agent was having extreme difficulty tracking down the seller to sign needful documents and to discuss matters of importance.   During one particular 'season of silence' as the buyer and I were awaiting a response, my buyer started to get very nervous and suspicious.  It created unnecessary drama that could have... 07/27/2018

Every spare moment you have is consumed with viewing home sites on your phone.  You have imagined the fire pit you'd love to have in the yard and the s'mores you would consume surrounded by friends and family.   One day while scrolling through the newest listings, you see the home you've envisioned in your mind.  It's perfect.  It has the grand kitchen island that you've wanted, the family room even has the exact color carpet that you love and of course, the yard space is like a fairytale!  Oh my!!  Your heart is overjoyed.  You immediately contact a real estate agent.What should you expect next?Does that seem like a bizarre question?  Of course, you expect to see the home, fall madly in love, buy it, and live happily ever after.Yes, I want that for you too - but first things first.Firs... 07/20/2018

5 Star ReviewDear Maria, Honestly you have been with us since we began our house buying journey since we moved back down to south central PA. Needless to say it’s been two years since we were referred to you by another realtor, and only two years because so much life changing events have occurred in that time as well as on and off again decision making on our part. I am amazed how you have just stuck with us through it all! Seriously, thank you so much for your patience, kindness,and responsiveness to our family’s ever changing needs and wants in a home. I appreciate so much how the “mama bear” in you was always looking out for our best interest. You were always there to help us when we were ready and needed you. So the quote you always left us with in your emails says so much about you... 07/17/2018

I recently received an email from a distant acquaintance.  I had not heard from this person in many years and as I opened the email, my thoughts wandered back to some long-ago-memories that brought a smile to my face.  My smile and my sweet thoughts were abruptly interrupted when the email lacked any personal care and was simply a cold solicitation for my business.  Have you ever encountered a similar experience?I felt like this person had put together a list of people that they had ever known and blasted out a marketing email with the hopes of gaining some customers.   I understand that having a business demands that we extend needful attention to our marketing campaigns.  I also understand that this person was simply trying to expand and grow his customer base.  Yet, I find myself pon... 07/13/2018

205 W. Springville Road Boiling Springs, PA 17007 Is Pending Sale!4 Bedrooms2 Full BathSF 1120Lot: .44 AcresSouth Middleton School DistrictList Price: $166,500Maria Sapio, Berkshire Hathaway HomeSale RealtyFor All Your Real Estate Needs.(717) 226-6857Msapio@homesale.com  07/12/2018

32 Texaco Road Mechanicsburg, PA 17050 Is Under Contract.MLS Number 1001641330Presented By: Maria SapioBerkshire Hathaway HomeSale Realty 32 Texaco Road Mechanicsburg, PA 17050Listed: $299,500. Silver Spring TownshipSquare Footage 2296Cumberland Valley School DistrictBedrooms: 4 TotalBathrooms: 3 Total  Main house offers 3 bedrooms/2 full baths. Separate entry first floor in-law suite with 1 bedroom, 1 bath, full kitchen, living room and laundry area. Listing agent:  Maria Sapio(717) 226-6857Berkshire Hathaway HomeSale Realty www.mariasapio.com 07/08/2018

The Annual Fourth of July Carlisle, PA Fireworks display will be held: July 3, 2018 At the Carlisle Fairgrounds 1000 Bryn Mawr Road Carlisle, PA 17013 Starting around 9:45 pm.  The rain date will be July 4, 2018 at around 9:45 pm.Any cancellations will be announced by 5pm the day of the fireworks.For Further Info:  Click Here 07/03/2018

You've chosen a Realtor and entrusted the sale of your home into his or her hands.  The 'For Sale' sign has been erected in your front yard and you await with anticipation for the initial showing requests.  The phone rings and your agent is on the line..."Can you accommodate a 1:15 p.m. showing today?"  You glance at the clock and it's 10:23 a.m. "Of course I can, you've prepared me very well for this moment" are the words that confidently roll off your tongue! Here is a brief list of some of the points that I discuss with every seller to prepare them for this big day:  -Vacate for all showings - I request that my homeowners and everyone living in the home, including pets (when practical) leave the home 15 minutes prior to a showing. This offers the potential buyer the opportunity to vi... 06/20/2018

Every day the life we live is like planting a seed...Perhaps you've planted a seed of 'hope' today...Perhaps you've planted a seed of encouragement...Perhaps you've planted a seed of appreciation....You may never know the harvest that seed may bring to fruition...You may never know the impact your care has upon another....Keep planting... 06/15/2018

32 Texaco Road Mechanicsburg PA 17050MLS Number 1001641330Presented By: Maria Sapio, Berkshire Hathaway HomeSale Realty 32 Texaco Road Mechanicsburg, PA 17050New Price: $289,500. Original Price: $299,500. Silver Spring TownshipSquare Footage 2296Cumberland Valley School DistrictBedrooms: 4 TotalBathrooms: 3 Total  Main house offers 3 bedrooms/2 full baths. Separate entry first floor in-law suite with 1 bedroom, 1 bath, full kitchen, living room and laundry area. To arrange a showing -Call listing agent:  Maria Sapio (717) 226-6857Berkshire Hathaway HomeSale Realty www.mariasapio.comListing Details   06/12/2018

This has been a week of celebration.  The Carlisle High School Commencement Ceremony was held Thursday, May 31, 2018 at the Kline Center at Dickinson College.Smiles mingled with tears as families reminisced and stories were shared about yesteryear as well as big plans unveiled for the future of these outstanding youth.I would like to extend my congratulations to my son and the the entire 2018 class.  May your dreams continue to propel you with hope and unquenchable desire!  06/03/2018

The seller has carefully selected the agent to list the home for sale - What happens next?For me, I treat each listing like a newborn baby.1.) TLC - Each home deserves the utmost level of tender, loving, care (TLC).  Does the home need a fresh coat of paint on the front door?  Perhaps the bathroom needs to have the scatter rugs removed?  Maybe the kitchen counter is cluttered?I will guide you through each step.We want this 'baby' to be bright eyed and looking happy and ready to be seen by potential buyers!2.)  Photos - Only the Best will do!  A professional photographer is called upon to do the job.  Exterior and interior photos showing off every nook and cranny of this beautiful 'baby.'3.)  Marketing - I am so proud of this 'baby' and can't wait to show everyone - so when it comes to m... 06/03/2018

To the clients that have worked with me, they have all become familiar with the phrase:Onward & UpwardStagnation leads to deterioration and as Miley Cyrus sang so well in her song 'The Climb' -"There's always gonna be another mountainI'm always gonna wanna make it moveAlways gonna be an uphill battleSometimes I'm gonna have to loseAin't about how fast I get thereAin't about what's waiting on the other sideIt's the climbKeep on movingKeep climbingKeep the faith babyIt's all aboutIt's all aboutThe climbKeep the faithKeep your faith"Perspective sets the course - and it's within our power to determine our mindset.For me, and my clients - It's always Onward & Upward - Together, with laser focus we are aligned, determined, and unstoppable!Photo by Samantha Sophia on Unsplash 06/02/2018

Today I spoke with a client that is preparing her home for listing.  The home was custom built and each detail was carefully selected with the utmost care.  This is more than just a compilation of stone and wood, this is a special place that she has called home for a very long time.  As I have walked beside her during this pre-listing stage, I have been honored to be invited into the memories that shall forever be held in her heart.  We have discussed the depersonalization phase with gentleness and the utmost tenderness.  I have encouraged her to take the needful time to lovingly remove the family photos and awards from the walls.  I have recommended that she embrace the process of reminiscing about the wonderful events and celebrations that are beautifully displayed in each precious ph... 05/30/2018

 Just like a doctor 'practices' medicine - I like to think of myself as one that 'practices' Real Estate. I cringe when I think of being called an 'expert' at anything.  I prefer to consider myself as Always a student, Always continuing to learn, Always growing in knowledge.  Back to my analogy - so, why do I think being a Realtor® is like learning to swim?The only way to learn how to swim is to get in the water.We may practice arm strokes on land and even have a plan for what to do after jumping into the water but ultimately the only way to swim is to get wet!Real Estate is an incredible teacher.  Each day I learn new things Each day I am faced with new situationsEach day requires that I build upon what I have already learnedEach day growth happens Each day I 'practice' with gratitude.... 05/29/2018