A For-Sale-By-Owner reached out to me.  They are a distant acquaintance of mine and they are dead set on trying to sell their home without a Realtor® but they have their first showing scheduled for Saturday (after trying to sell for a month+) and they were looking to me for advice.  I am happy to help whomever I can - So of course I  asked the 'seller' if this "potential buyer" was pre-qualified for a mortgage? HMMM...     Silence - - - - -"Ummm gonna have to check on that..."Why would a seller want to use a Realtor®...??There are a thousand reasons - but to keep this blog simple, I will focus on one...A Realtor® Will ONLY bring a Ready - Willing - Able Buyer into Your Home!A Realtor® is NOT a 'Tour-Guide-Barbie' - OR a 'Tour-Guide-Ken'...Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices HomeSale Realty ... 09/30/2016

Thinking about selling your home can lead to an eruption of a variety of emotions...The pendulum may swing from the sentimental -"I remember when little Johnny took his first step in that hallway..."And then the pendulum may swing drastically in the other direction into what I call - 'Freak-Out-Mode'...Freak-Out-Mode will be different based on your particular personality style but it may sound something like this...I am so wildly excited about moving!This will be GREAT!OH NO, How will I manage to clean the house and make everything perfect?OH NO, Where do I start?What am I DOING?AAAH...What Do I DO FIRST...??My recommendation is simple - First and foremost, take a deep breath...You're not the first person that has ever decided to move so statistically speaking, you WILL survive - Surviv... 09/28/2016

How does one identify an 'extraordinary' moment...??An extraordinary moment doesn't send out an invitation to prepare one for its grand entrance...An extraordinary moment doesn't arrive with shouts and a parade demanding our full attention...Quite the contrary, extraordinary moments show up unannounced, with no fanfare...In fact, I wonder how many extraordinary moments I have sauntered past without any consideration of its inherent value until I looked back upon it from afar...Thankfully life has a rear view mirror - so I can reflect back and re-index such moments and recognize that they indeed were extraordinary.Perhaps extraordinary moments arrive unexpectedly so we can learn to value each moment - Perhaps the only difference between an 'average' moment and an 'extraordinary' moment i... 09/25/2016

Have you ever noticed that there is a strong correlation between wanting to be successful and asking numerous questions...??Perhaps I'm being a bit facetious but hear me out - Have you ever sat in a classroom/meeting room/conference and not understood something - and were too shy/embarrassed/ashamed to ask a question...??(Yup, me too...)How easy is it for you to raise your hand or blurt out: "I don't get it - can you clarify ...??""What did you mean when you said...??""How do you...??"(Yup, me too...)It is my opinion that -Success is built on the mountain of Confidence - And sustainable confidence is formed on the foundation of Knowledge -And a strength of knowledge is established from asking Questions... And bold questions extract raw Answers -Raw Answers provide the blueprint that is ... 09/23/2016

It is 8:30 a.m. on Thursday - September 22, 2016.  Time is like the grains of sand upon the beach.  Time seems abundant when we view it from a distance but once we get up close and grasp a handful, we watch as the grains begin to slip away.  I've never seen a juggler attempt to juggle sand since just like time, it cannot be contained or fully grasped.Keep Time...Take Time...Save Time...Spend TimeSavor Time...Value Time...Time is precious -Time is priceless -It is now 8:42 a.m. and I am off to meet with a client.  Today is the first day of Autumn -A day to celebrate and enjoy the moments...!!How will you choose to spend your day...??Image from: clipartpanda.com  09/21/2016

Today is the last day of summer.  Tomorrow we shall greet the first day of autumn.The memories of summer 2016 live on forever in the snapshots I have stored away in the albums of my heart and I await with childlike expectancy to see what surprises autumn intends to share.   I can only imagine the grandeur of the vibrant colors that shall soon decorate our trees and the blustery days that shall shake those trees bare.  Autumn is a time of turbulence.  To the onlooker, it can appear to be a time of utter confusion and disarray.  Yet autumn is not alarmed.  It has passed this way before and it is familiar with the rhythm of this season.  It is not caught off guard by the upheaval.  Autumn understands that value of gracefully accepting what is and appreciating the ride.  Autumn knows that t... 09/20/2016

While driving through the town square in the center of Carlisle, PA, I can get to my home by going straight (South), by making a right turn (West) or by making a left turn (East).  All options will get me home in approximately the same amount of time under normal traffic conditions.  However, since I've lived in the area for almost seventeen years I have learned that one may want to avoid going near Dickinson College or Carlisle High School (East) after a sport event has just ended since traffic tends to be extra heavy.  It might be best to also avoid going straight (south) around 2:30pm on weekdays since Lamberton Middle School will be dismissing students and congestion should be expected as the crossing guards are diligently trying to keep students safe at the crosswalk between the mi... 09/19/2016

This morning I was involved in several group texts with people located in many different states.  We are organizing our Thanksgiving plans and are working on important details like: Who's coming? And- Who's bringing what?  I know that Thanksgiving is over two months away but life has taught me that months fly by quickly - and days move like a blink of an eye... So, I prefer to plan ahead.  It helps to have a plan in place and be able to make adjustments if needed along the way.                                                                                            What about you...??  Are you thinking of listing your home for sale now or in the next few months...??Perhaps it would be in your best interest to discuss the details.Call me, and let's talk about your specific situation an... 09/18/2016

How does one sell something...??Why does one buy something...?? The answers vary based on the perspective of each individual coupled with their personal experience.  The pendulum swings from the 'strong arm' to the passive 'puppy dog' approach and to a wide array of 'techniques' in-between.Books have been written, seminars are conducted, and huge marketing firms are forever trying to unravel the thought process behind a sale.Most purchases are a mixture of NEED - marinated in DESIRE - and seasoned well with EMOTION - And A Secret Sauce Ingredient...It is my personal opinion that I may truly NEED something, DESIRE it and be EMOTIONALLY invested in the purchase - YET - WALK AWAY when my internal alarm bells are ringing due to MISTRUST...Have you ever watched a TV commercial that tugged on... 09/14/2016

Above and Beyond is a phrase that sets the passionate professionals apart from those that simply perform a task for an income...So, what does Above and Beyond mean to you?Is it offering experience, wisdom or helpful guidance when needful? Is it being thorough?Is it being willing to work hard for your client?Is it listening well?Is it taking excellent notes, and following up to answer specific questions?Is it finding needful resources to address particular concerns?Is it offering calm perspective?For me, Above and Beyond is an attitude of the heart.  Above and Beyond is treating each client with the utmost respect and with tremendous gratitude... Above and Beyond is rooted in a sincere desire to have your client's best interest in mind from introduction, to settlement, and beyond... Abov... 09/13/2016

The other day I was painting a piece of furniture.  I was down on the floor with my paint brush in hand looking at the piece from every angle to be sure I had painted each nook and cranny.  As I was laying there twisted like a pretzel, I wondered ..."How often do I simply look at a particular piece of information from only one angle and miss so much more...??"Real Estate is a listening business...Yet does listening go beyond the simplicity of paying attention...??I think good listening --Starts with the ability to be quiet -Hear the words and voice inflection -Repeat and sum up what was heard-Await further clarification-Ask intentional, thought provoking questions that lead to further depth of understandingTo Sum Up: Be Quiet/Hear/Sum Up/Await/AskTruly Listening takes time, requires pat... 09/13/2016

** OPEN HOUSE - SUNDAY, SEPT. 11, 2016 /1:00-3:00PM **          418 A Street Carlisle, PA 17013 - $174,900 Ranch Home3 bedroom 1 1/2 bath  2250 SF2 car detached garageWithin walking distance of downtown and the high school. Home offers more than meets the eye with a living room, dining room, kitchen, family room and den. Wide plank hardwood floors throughout home and partially finished basement too. Enjoy relaxing on the back patio with pond and a fenced in back yard. 30 x 50 two story, 2 car garage is great for a workshop, or additional storage space.Email me - msapio@homesale.com or call me today 717-226-6857 for more information, or to schedule a private showing Remember - Maria Sapio, For All Your Real Estate Needs (717)-226-6857 09/06/2016

One day a friend of mine showed up for an important interview.  When she drove up for the appointment, a man was sweeping the front walkway outside the building. As she approached, they greeted each other and exchanged morning pleasantries.  She then excused herself so she would not be late for her scheduled interview.  She walked inside and was welcomed by the secretary and was then escorted through double doors to a large, well appointed, very impressive office.  She sat in nervous anticipation with butterflies in her stomach awaiting the grand entrance of her interviewer, the president/CEO.  A few moments later the solid mahogany doors opened and in walked the President/CEO of the company, the man who had been sweeping outside.  My friend has shared that she did get the interviewed p... 09/04/2016

One day I was chatting with a neighbor and standing in front of her garage.  As I glanced inside, I noticed that it was so orderly.  I commented to her that her garage was 'quite impressive' especially since she had three young children and she shared some very wise words that have resonated with me for a long time...she said, "I Live Like I Am Moving" ...What a simple, yet deeply profound way to live.Clutter, and excessive unnecessary 'stuff' is an encroachment if it is not needed, yet it can be such a useful item for someone else...So, if it is in good shape, donate it, give it away to someone you know that can actually use it, or have a yard sale.As autumn beckons at our door and the cooler days are upon us, let us be encouraged to venture into those areas that have accumulated 'extr... 09/02/2016

November of 2000, I moved from Nassau County, New York to Cumberland County, Pennsylvania.  At the time, I didn't know anyone in Carlisle, PA.  I simply made the decision that I was ready for a new adventure.  Carlisle, PA is an area flourishing with extraordinary beauty.  If you enjoy being outdoors, you will appreciate the hiking trails, bird watching, abundant wildflowers, fresh picked produce at roadside farm stands, the art of observing fly-fishing, and simply savor the delicious aromas that whift through the air from the baked treats at the local farmer's markets.As autumn approaches, you will enjoy the cool morning chill and the vibrant colors of the fall foliage.  Out-of-town visitors can stay at a bed-and-breakfast for a weekend outing that might include a visit to a pumpkin pa... 09/01/2016

The Real Estate World turns FAST...Only those that are proactive and prepared can handle the SPIN without getting their client DIZZY...The Key is to be Proactive and Prepared...Proactive - Each client deserves to be heard and as an excellent agent, we must offer our best listening ears to understand the specific needs, expectations, wants, and individual time frame.  Prepared -  By the conclusion of our initial interview, after we have listened well to our client, the goal is to establish a general time line of 'What's Next' events as well as 'Who does What'. This helps to create a master plan of what should be happening next in the sequence of expected events as well as offering the client a 'To Do' list of what they are responsible for.The World of Real Estate can seem confusing and d... 08/25/2016

You might think you're simply buying or selling a home... You're NOT...!! When you think about a visit to a restaurant, yes you'll remember details about the food, but I dare say that over time, we ALL remember our personal experience the MOST.  The flavor of the food may fade from our memory, but perhaps you'll remember the gracious hostess with the friendly smile or the excellent waiter that was so attentive and even recommended the perfect entree choice...People make our experience memorable...I look forward to hearing from you to discuss your real estate needs.Maria Sapio, Berkshire Hathaway Homesale Realty - Carlisle, PA(717) 245-2100 Office (717) 226-6857 Cell  Msapio@homesale.com                      08/22/2016

Buyer finds the home of their dreams...Offer is made...Offer is accepted...And suddenly, 'COLD FEET SYNDROME' sets in...The questions start to swirl in the buyer's head:Am I making the right decision?Can I afford this?What if...??The most experienced and seasoned buyer agents report that 'Cold Feet Syndrome' is common.This is a CRUCIAL TIME...The buyer agent is faced with asking their buyer significant and needful questions as well as helping them decipher between fear and fact...The truth is that Cold Feet Syndrome can cause one to make a devastating decision that they may regret...Ultimately the buyer agent must be there to sort through the fog and confusion so the best decision can be made that is in the best interest of the buyer...                          Looking for a Realtor in ... 08/21/2016

"I have never seen successful people stall out because of some feared, anticipated, or hypothetical outcome. They just do not think that way. They do what they can and then deal with the outcome."- Dr Henry Cloud                                                            Are you looking for a Realtor in the Carlisle, PA area?I look forward to hearing from you to discuss your specific real estate needs.Maria Sapio, Realtor with Berkshire Hathaway HomeSale Realty Carlisle, PA (717) 245-2100 Office(717) 226-6857 CellMsapio@homesale.com 07/28/2016

This morning, while on my way to an appointment, I pulled over at one of my favorite spots and took this photo of the Yellow Breeches Creek.Enjoy the view!Are you looking for a Realtor in the Carlisle, PA area?I look forward to hearing from you to discuss your specific real estate needs.Maria Sapio, Realtor with Berkshire Hathaway HomeSale Realty Carlisle, PA (717) 245-2100 Office(717) 226-6857 CellMsapio@homesale.com 07/21/2016