Schuylkill County Real Estate: July 2008

Luzerne County Up In Arms About Reassessment Process

http://www.timesleader.com/news/HORNS_OF_A_DILEMMA_07-28-2008.html

 

Go to the above news story at the Times Leader to read about Hazleton property owners up in arms about a reassessment going on in their county. It's not just Schuylkill County that's messed up with property assessments, with angry homeowners and taxation problems.

 

At least two anti-reassessment rallies are planned for August: • A Voice of the People rally is planned for 1 p.m. Aug. 16 at Public Square in Wilkes-Barre. • A rally led by Harveys Lake residents is set for 1 p.m. Aug. 18 during the commissioners work session at the county courthouse.

 

 

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Erica Ramus is Broker/Owner of Realty Executives in Pottsville, PA.

If you're looking for a PROFESSIONAL to represent you in all of your Schuylkill County real estate needs, call Realty Executives at 570-622-6006.

We can meet all your buying / selling needs ... and will exceed your expectations. That's what being an EXECUTIVE is all about

Serving all of Schuylkill County ... Pottsville, Orwigsburg, Schuylkill Haven, Auburn, Pine Grove, Frackville, Minersville, Ashland, Shenandoah, Port Carbon, Palo Alto, St. Clair, Barnesville real estate. Click on the link above to search Pottsville PA homes for sale or any Schuylkill County homes for sale. We have all properties listed for sale in the Schuylkill MLS on our website -- free search!

We also operate Schuylkill Appraisal Services, for all your appraisal needs.

 


9 comments • Erica Ramus - www.move2pennsylvania.com - Schuylkill County PA Real Estate • July 29 2008 11:44AM

Schuylkill County Fair Starts!

Schuylkill County Fair starts today, Sunday July 27

Sunday 5 - 10 p.m.;

Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 4 - 10 p.m.;

Tuesday & Saturday 1 - 10 p.m.

Schuylkill County Fair Grounds, 2270 Fair Road, Schuylkill Haven. Celebration of Agriculture! Enjoy rides, food, amusements, displays, games, and top notch entertainment for the entire family. Kathy Evanchalk 570-345-4048.

Visit their website: http://www.schuylkillfair.com/

Admission price includes entertainment + rides.

Mark Chestnutt will be there Friday night, and Davy Jones on Saturday

 

 

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Erica Ramus is Broker/Owner of Realty Executives in Pottsville, PA.

If you're looking for a PROFESSIONAL to represent you in all of your Schuylkill County real estate needs, call Realty Executives at 570-622-6006.

We can meet all your buying / selling needs ... and will exceed your expectations. That's what being an EXECUTIVE is all about

Serving all of Schuylkill County ... Pottsville, Orwigsburg, Schuylkill Haven, Auburn, Pine Grove, Frackville, Minersville, Ashland, Shenandoah, Port Carbon, Palo Alto, St. Clair, Barnesville real estate. Click on the link above to search Pottsville PA homes for sale or any Schuylkill County homes for sale. We have all properties listed for sale in the Schuylkill MLS on our website -- free search!

We also operate Schuylkill Appraisal Services, for all your appraisal needs.

 


1 comment • Erica Ramus - www.move2pennsylvania.com - Schuylkill County PA Real Estate • July 27 2008 03:14PM

Use your credit or debit card? WARNING!

For those of you who think using your ATM debit card is the same as using your credit card, be warned: you're wrong!

If you are setting up an automatic withdrawl every month (your car payment, phone bill, insurance payment...) use your credit card, not a debit card. How many times a month do you get notices in with your paper billings that ask you to automatically have the payment deducted from your bank account? Don't do it unless you (1) use a credit card or (2) get it in writing how you can cancel it.

It is much easier to dispute or cancel a charge if you use your credit card than if you allow them to electronically debit your ATM card.

I found this out the hard way! I had to close my bank account to stop a charge that I've been disputing for months. If I had used my credit card, it would have been simple to dispute the charge (and the card companies start with the premise that the consumer is RIGHT and make the business prove the charge). I believe (NOW!) that the banks have the opposite premise and make the consumer prove it's WRONG when it comes to atm cards.

I'll never allow debits from my ATM card again!

Oh, and I'll be closing all my accounts at that bank and moving to a local bank (not a huge conglomerate where it takes 14 phone calls and 2 months to solve a problem...).

 

 

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Erica Ramus is Broker/Owner of Realty Executives in Pottsville, PA.

If you're looking for a PROFESSIONAL to represent you in all of your Schuylkill County real estate needs, call Realty Executives at 570-622-6006.

We can meet all your buying / selling needs ... and will exceed your expectations. That's what being an EXECUTIVE is all about

Serving all of Schuylkill County ... Pottsville, Orwigsburg, Schuylkill Haven, Auburn, Pine Grove, Frackville, Minersville, Ashland, Shenandoah, Port Carbon, Palo Alto, St. Clair, Barnesville real estate. Click on the link above to search Pottsville PA homes for sale or any Schuylkill County homes for sale. We have all properties listed for sale in the Schuylkill MLS on our website -- free search!

We also operate Schuylkill Appraisal Services, for all your appraisal needs.

 


15 comments • Erica Ramus - www.move2pennsylvania.com - Schuylkill County PA Real Estate • July 26 2008 08:15AM

NYT Article: Radon/Radiation + Granite Countertops!

You have to check out this morning's New York Times piece on the connection between radon and radiation and granite countertops: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/24/garden/24granite.html?em&ex=1217217600&en=89f292cea74bbbc0&ei=5087%0A

After this, I see homeowners across America ripping up their countertops! I was with a buyer this week who was totally freaked out about radon in houses. Everywhere we went they wanted info on radon levels, and want a house with a mediation system even if the levels are low. They even quizzed me on the SCHOOL and if the school where their children will go has been tested for radon. I have never been quizzed on SCHOOL radon levels

Ironically, a house they liked has formica countertops and they stated they'll be changing that out for granite right away. After reading this article, maybe not!

 

 

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Erica Ramus is Broker/Owner of Realty Executives in Pottsville, PA.

If you're looking for a PROFESSIONAL to represent you in all of your Schuylkill County real estate needs, call Realty Executives at 570-622-6006.

We can meet all your buying / selling needs ... and will exceed your expectations. That's what being an EXECUTIVE is all about

Serving all of Schuylkill County ... Pottsville, Orwigsburg, Schuylkill Haven, Auburn, Pine Grove, Frackville, Minersville, Ashland, Shenandoah, Port Carbon, Palo Alto, St. Clair, Barnesville real estate. Click on the link above to search Pottsville PA homes for sale or any Schuylkill County homes for sale. We have all properties listed for sale in the Schuylkill MLS on our website -- free search!

We also operate Schuylkill Appraisal Services, for all your appraisal needs.

 


14 comments • Erica Ramus - www.move2pennsylvania.com - Schuylkill County PA Real Estate • July 26 2008 08:02AM

Free Concert Tonight in Reading

July 25 - American roots musicians ''the subdudes''

The Berks Arts Council is hosting its Bandshell Concert Series at 7 pm on Fridays in July Reading City Park Hill Road and Constitution Way Reading, PA 19602 This is the last free concert of the summer hosted by the Berks Arts Council. Looks like it's going to be fun.

 

 

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Erica Ramus is Broker/Owner of Realty Executives in Pottsville, PA.

If you're looking for a PROFESSIONAL to represent you in all of your Schuylkill County real estate needs, call Realty Executives at 570-622-6006.

We can meet all your buying / selling needs ... and will exceed your expectations. That's what being an EXECUTIVE is all about

Serving all of Schuylkill County ... Pottsville, Orwigsburg, Schuylkill Haven, Auburn, Pine Grove, Frackville, Minersville, Ashland, Shenandoah, Port Carbon, Palo Alto, St. Clair, Barnesville real estate. Click on the link above to search Pottsville PA homes for sale or any Schuylkill County homes for sale. We have all properties listed for sale in the Schuylkill MLS on our website -- free search!

We also operate Schuylkill Appraisal Services, for all your appraisal needs.

 


0 comments • Erica Ramus - www.move2pennsylvania.com - Schuylkill County PA Real Estate • July 25 2008 07:28AM

Who Have You Used for SEO?

As a follow up to my earlier blog, if you have hired someone to do SEO for your website, WHO did you choose? Would you choose that company again? All feedback good and bad would be appreciated.

Is there a list of SEO companies out there and ratings on the results?

 

 

 

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Erica Ramus is Broker/Owner of Realty Executives in Pottsville, PA.

If you're looking for a PROFESSIONAL to represent you in all of your Schuylkill County real estate needs, call Realty Executives at 570-622-6006.

We can meet all your buying / selling needs ... and will exceed your expectations. That's what being an EXECUTIVE is all about

Serving all of Schuylkill County ... Pottsville, Orwigsburg, Schuylkill Haven, Auburn, Pine Grove, Frackville, Minersville, Ashland, Shenandoah, Port Carbon, Palo Alto, St. Clair, Barnesville real estate. Click on the link above to search Pottsville PA homes for sale or any Schuylkill County homes for sale. We have all properties listed for sale in the Schuylkill MLS on our website -- free search!

We also operate Schuylkill Appraisal Services, for all your appraisal needs.

 


14 comments • Erica Ramus - www.move2pennsylvania.com - Schuylkill County PA Real Estate • July 20 2008 01:10PM

Irish Weekend: July 25-27

July 25 - 27, 2008 Irish Weekend Sponsored by Clover Fire Company of Heckscherville. Music, dance, history, genealogy, children's activities, Irish Mass, vendors, Irish and American food, games & more. 570-544-5753.

Check it out, even if you're not Irish!

 

Also, the Schuylkill Visitors Bureau has launched a better, easier to use website. They're online at www.schuylkill.org

 

 

 

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Erica Ramus is Broker/Owner of Realty Executives in Pottsville, PA.

If you're looking for a PROFESSIONAL to represent you in all of your Schuylkill County real estate needs, call Realty Executives at 570-622-6006.

We can meet all your buying / selling needs ... and will exceed your expectations. That's what being an EXECUTIVE is all about

Serving all of Schuylkill County ... Pottsville, Orwigsburg, Schuylkill Haven, Auburn, Pine Grove, Frackville, Minersville, Ashland, Shenandoah, Port Carbon, Palo Alto, St. Clair, Barnesville real estate. Click on the link above to search Pottsville PA homes for sale or any Schuylkill County homes for sale. We have all properties listed for sale in the Schuylkill MLS on our website -- free search!

We also operate Schuylkill Appraisal Services, for all your appraisal needs.

 


1 comment • Erica Ramus - www.move2pennsylvania.com - Schuylkill County PA Real Estate • July 20 2008 12:14PM

SEO... do it yourself or hire someone?

Has anyone hired a firm to do SEO for your website?

Who did you hire and how did it work out?

Is it worth paying someone to do this?

I keep getting bombarded with emails and phone calls and don't know if I should do it or not.

How hard is it to do it yourself?

 

 

 

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Erica Ramus is Broker/Owner of Realty Executives in Pottsville, PA.

If you're looking for a PROFESSIONAL to represent you in all of your Schuylkill County real estate needs, call Realty Executives at 570-622-6006.

We can meet all your buying / selling needs ... and will exceed your expectations. That's what being an EXECUTIVE is all about

Serving all of Schuylkill County ... Pottsville, Orwigsburg, Schuylkill Haven, Auburn, Pine Grove, Frackville, Minersville, Ashland, Shenandoah, Port Carbon, Palo Alto, St. Clair, Barnesville real estate. Click on the link above to search Pottsville PA homes for sale or any Schuylkill County homes for sale. We have all properties listed for sale in the Schuylkill MLS on our website -- free search!

We also operate Schuylkill Appraisal Services, for all your appraisal needs.

 


16 comments • Erica Ramus - www.move2pennsylvania.com - Schuylkill County PA Real Estate • July 20 2008 11:46AM

Marketing All Listings in A Development

I am going to be "farming" a particular development that has a LOT of homes for sale. The area is very difficult to sell houses in, and there are way too many unsold properties in there. I'm going to be sending direct mail to everyone in the development, every single month. I'm also planning on a development wide open house in the future.

Most of the properties for sale in there are with OTHER firms. The development's manager wants me to go in and try to market the area and get some of these houses sold. He's offered me exclusive use of an INFO box at the entrance of the place.

My idea is to put together a brochure of ALL for sale properties in there, and I'd like to list info about properties (price, #bedrooms, etc) in this little flyer. The idea is that if someone enters the development and picks up my flyer, they'll know all the properties, all the prices and won't have to call 10 agents for 10 appointments on the hosues.

Of course, my brochure, my printing... my idea... and my name/phone on the flyer.

Does anyone see any issues with the LISTING agents? If you had a listing in there, would YOU want to be on the flyer? I have a feeling if I contact each agent and ask permission to do this, a few will NOT grant me their blessing. But do I even NEED their permission to print this info?

I am not sure....

 

 

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Erica Ramus is Broker/Owner of Realty Executives in Pottsville, PA.

If you're looking for a PROFESSIONAL to represent you in all of your Schuylkill County real estate needs, call Realty Executives at 570-622-6006.

We can meet all your buying / selling needs ... and will exceed your expectations. That's what being an EXECUTIVE is all about

Serving all of Schuylkill County ... Pottsville, Orwigsburg, Schuylkill Haven, Auburn, Pine Grove, Frackville, Minersville, Ashland, Shenandoah, Port Carbon, Palo Alto, St. Clair, Barnesville real estate. Click on the link above to search Pottsville PA homes for sale or any Schuylkill County homes for sale. We have all properties listed for sale in the Schuylkill MLS on our website -- free search!

We also operate Schuylkill Appraisal Services, for all your appraisal needs.

 


8 comments • Erica Ramus - www.move2pennsylvania.com - Schuylkill County PA Real Estate • July 20 2008 11:44AM

Not Warm & Fuzzy... But Get the Job Done

I just got Jennifer Allan's SELL WITH SOUL this week (click here if you don't know who she is!) and I started it right away. This book is great! I can relate already to much of what she's said in the first few chapters alone.

One of her comments is early on, when she discusses the myth that you will be good at real estate sales because you love people. MYTH. She states that one of the highest compliments she got was a client who sent her a referral, and said that Jennifer is not warm and fuzzy, but gets the job done.

I can so relate to that statement. Most of my clients, buyers + sellers, are professionals. They're executives, business people--very busy people! I relate to them so well, I think, because I just get the job done. Sure we can chat when we have time or socialize when out at a public event. But when I'm in the middle of the deal I'm all business. I get the job done.

Conversely, I am NOT great with first time buyers or people who need lots of coddling and constant assurances. I know this. I refer all of that business out!

We all need to know our strengths... and weaknesses. We cannot be great at everything.

Great book. Buy it if you can!

 

 

 

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Erica Ramus is Broker/Owner of Realty Executives in Pottsville, PA.

If you're looking for a PROFESSIONAL to represent you in all of your Schuylkill County real estate needs, call Realty Executives at 570-622-6006.

We can meet all your buying / selling needs ... and will exceed your expectations. That's what being an EXECUTIVE is all about

Serving all of Schuylkill County ... Pottsville, Orwigsburg, Schuylkill Haven, Auburn, Pine Grove, Frackville, Minersville, Ashland, Shenandoah, Port Carbon, Palo Alto, St. Clair, Barnesville real estate. Click on the link above to search Pottsville PA homes for sale or any Schuylkill County homes for sale. We have all properties listed for sale in the Schuylkill MLS on our website -- free search!

We also operate Schuylkill Appraisal Services, for all your appraisal needs.

 


12 comments • Erica Ramus - www.move2pennsylvania.com - Schuylkill County PA Real Estate • July 19 2008 05:52PM