In response to Paul Henderson's challenge, I am compelled to share about my life in the midst of beautiful and unique Carlisle, Pennsylvania.I have only lived in two geographic locations.  I lived most of my life on Long Island, NY.  I enjoyed the diversity of being able to stand beside a skyscraper or nestle my toes into the beach sand all in under an hour drive from my home. I shall always hold a special place in my heart for New York, my first love. However, seventeen years ago, I was on a quest to find a quieter life pace. One day I was passing through Pennsylvania and suddenly, I made a life altering decision that I would relocate to this beautiful region.  A few years later after the dust had settled from my whirlwind move, while driving upon a country road and I was contemplating... 03/23/2017

Thank you to Debbie Laity for offering the 'Spring Cleaning' Challenge.  I appreciate that Debbie's first sentence of introduction to to this contest says, "When I first started blogging, I didn't have any idea what I was doing."  Last night I went to a Swing Dance Club.  I do not have any dance experience and when I arrived, a seasoned dancer walked over to me and he said, "You've done the hardest part, you've walked in the door...Now it's time to have FUN!" Like a dancer, each blogger has their own unique style and flavor. Practice helps to smooth out the edges and hopefully provide an elegant flow.I wrote my first blog post on Active Rain June 26, 2016.  I literally signed up and took the immediate plunge.  So, in response to Debbie's challenge, I have taken some time throughout the ... 03/22/2017

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103 Sycamore Drive - Mount Holly Springs, PA. 17065Listed for Sale on Monday March 6, 2017 Under Contract by Thursday March 9, 2017Thinking of planting a 'For Sale' sign in the yard?  Let's Talk.Maria Sapio, Realtor -Berkshire Hathaway, HomeSale Realty801 Belvedere Street - Suite 100Carlisle, PA 17013(717) 245-2100 Office(717) 226-6857 CellMsapio@homesale.com 03/10/2017

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Deciding to sell your home is like jumping into a pool...It can't be done 'half-way'...But to take the plunge, there's only one way to do it:Get Ready, Arms Extended - Jump, then Swim...Get Ready (For Showings):You already know to clean every nook and cranny and you've been told that the counter tops must be cleared and shined.But in addition to sprucing up your home to look its best, are you ready...to accommodate showings?  Don't even think about setting showings from 10-12 on Friday and Saturday only.  Buyers want to see your home when they're ready to come - and a buyer that can't see the home, won't buy...it's that simple.  Arms Extended (Be Flexible):An offer has been received and it's time to sit down and discuss it with your Realtor.  Be willing to negotiate.  Keep the ultimate ... 02/24/2017

“Despite the forecast, live like it's spring.”  - Lilly Pulitzer 02/21/2017

Every new business needs a certain degree of energy, excitement, and enthusiasm to get started.  Yet anyone that has started a business understands that challenges are inevitable.  No business lasts very long without encountering some degree of difficulties, and each problem that arises requires a new batch of ingenuity to overcome.Yet once the initial kinks have been unraveled and the course has been set, perseverance must take center stage and lead the way.   The greatest danger lurking on the sidelines is the arrow of complacency.  Once one has been struck with complacency, it settles into the fibers of ones being, like a host that feeds upon dreams.  One may be busy, perhaps very busy, yet complacency may still be at the core. Business owners, check your pulse often.  Guard against ... 02/18/2017

Have you ever bought a box of cereal, storage bags, tissues or cake mix, and wondered what is the purpose of the Box Top For Education coupon stamped on top?Box Tops For Education was birthed in 1996 when General Mills wanted to provide a program to assist America's schools.  The program was such a success that other companies joined in and today both food and non-food companies offer the clip coupons.  According to http://www.boxtops4education.com/about/history, as of today, America's schools have earned over $719 Million Dollars, thanks to the Box Tops For Education Program!In Carlisle, Pennsylvania the students of North Dickinson Elementary School may not know about the many benefits of such a program, but they are scrambling to gather as many as possible!  The school principal, Bria... 02/17/2017

I recently had a conversation with a friend that had been conducting interviews to hire for a particular position with his company.  He shared that every applicant that had been invited for an interview had a very strong resume and on the surface, each was well qualified for the job.  He shared that each one made a great 'first impression' upon arrival.  Each one was dressed appropriately, had done their homework and was well versed on the company as well as the purpose of the role being filled.  I asked him if it was difficult to make a decision on which applicant to hire?  He responded, "First impressions are important but lasting impressions make the difference.  I hired the one that lingered in my mind long after the interviews had concluded."  His words resonated with me.  We all e... 02/16/2017

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When searching for a restaurant to dine in or a new car to purchase - where do you begin?Most people would opt to open their laptop and do a quick search.  Even more people will simply forego walking over to the laptop and will simply pick up their smart phone and the needful information is at their fingertips.Would you simply hop in the car and drive around looking for a restaurant that catches your eye or would you stop by car dealerships to walk around to view vehicles up close?In an age of quick access information, is it inconceivable that some prefer to still drive around to see what catches their eye?This brings me to my question: Are Real Estate Lawn Signs A Waste of Time?Most Realtors continue to go through the effort of erecting a For Sale sign in a front yard.  What are your t... 02/12/2017

Thank you Century Link for sponsoring the Ice Art Fest in downtown Carlisle, PA.  I had the opportunity to stroll through the Ice Art Fest today for a few hours and it was fantastic.  The streets were filled with visitors enjoying the incredible carved ice sculptures and the children especially liked climbing onto the life size Harley Davidson sculpture. Events continue until 9PM this evening and continue Sunday, Feb. 12 from 10AM-5PM.  For Further Information and for details about event times, please visit:http://activerain.com/blogsview/5013265/century-link-ice-art-fest-carlisle--pa- 02/11/2017

I was showing a buyer-client a home I have listed for sale and they offered me a great compliment - "I feel like I already know this home since the photos you posted online are so fantastic!"How did I get such great photos...??  I hire a professional photographer.Why do I think it's worth the extra expense...??  In the wise words of Barbara Todaro - "The Eye Buys" ... Great photography is no longer an 'nice touch' - it is a 'necessity' in my strong opinion.   Being a listing agent is a privilege.  The seller had the option to choose ANY Realtor, and they picked ME, and I said YES. My listing is like my newborn baby - I am proud of my listing and want to 'show-it-off' to the world.  I want the photos to be crisp, clear and powerful!Professional quality photos pull buyers in the direction... 02/11/2017

There's Certainly Something Magical About Such Beauty...Photo Taken At: Stuart Park at Barnitz MillDickinson Township, Carlisle, Cumberland County, PA.Are you considering a move to this lovely area?Are you thinking of selling your Carlisle area home?I love this town and would be honored to help you with your specific real estate needs.Maria Sapio  (717) 226-6857  msapio@homesale.com 02/09/2017

You've tossed around the concept and now you've made the decision to move to a small town about 30 minutes away from your current rental home. The small town is the spot of your favorite restaurant and the romantic hiking trail that leads to the top of a breathtaking overlook.  The homes in your 'dream town' are pricey, older, with less interior square footage, and significantly smaller yard space than your current home.  Your romantic notions take your imagination soaring to new heights and you can picture the 'perfect' home. In your daydreams.  The home has a bright white kitchen with an over-sized marble top island, and an open, spacious floor plan throughout that would be perfect for the gala entertaining that occurs in your dream-like state.  You're jolted awake from your far away ... 02/04/2017