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Erie, PA Real Estate News

By Mary Yonkers, Erie/PA Real Estate Instructor
(Alan Kells School of Real Estate/Howard Hanna Real Estate)
I Can't Afford to Quit my other Job  Can I work Part-time as a Real Estate agent?  This is such a common dilemma for many people who are considering a career in Real Estate.  I can't afford to quit my other job  Then you can't afford to get into Real Estate. If you are considering Real Estate, you need a minimum of six months savings in the bank to cover expenses like classes, test, license, dues & other fees, and living expenses. It takes money to make money.  Part-Time Dilemma As a part-time agent a vicious cycle begins:   No time. . .  No money.Little or no support from partner. . .  Frustration and disappointments mount. . .  What's wrong? What's wrong?   Yes, there are a few agents who started as part time agents and rose to Top Producers in their market.  They are the exception an...
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By Mary Yonkers, Erie/PA Real Estate Instructor
(Alan Kells School of Real Estate/Howard Hanna Real Estate)
Today is National Poinsettia Day.  What a great way to add festive spirit if you are selling your home during the holidays! Fresh or silk poinsettias place throughout the home create a welcoming & homey atmosphere. (Mine are silk arrangements created by me.)Sometimes owners are hesitant to show their homes during the holiday season, but what better way to spark interest in the property than when it is decorated with Christmas tree, lights, candles and flowers such as poinsettias. If your property is vacant or you just don't have a 'green thumb' use silk arrangements to add the holiday sparkle. Let's Celebrate National Poinsettia Day. Even though we are looking forward to holidays, there are many homes for sale in Erie PA. Now is the time to earn your Pennsylvania Real Estate License by ...
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By Mary Yonkers, Erie/PA Real Estate Instructor
(Alan Kells School of Real Estate/Howard Hanna Real Estate)
One of my favorite songs growing up was, 'I am Dreaming of a White Christmas' by Bing Crosby.  Living in northwestern Pennsylvania we often have a white Christmas.  As kids our favorite holiday excursion was through the woods to find the perfect tree on my grandparents farm. This year may be an exception due to the effect of El Nino's warmer than normal temperatures in northeast so I am dreaming of a Magical Christmas instead.   Enjoy a few photos of Christmas past & present. Christmas at the Yonkers, 2014Tree at Curtze-Watson Mansion, now the Hagen History CenterToyland at Peek 'n Peak Resort, NY Up on the roof top **********************Even though we are looking forward to holiday season, there are homes for sale in Erie PA. Now is the time to earn your Pennsylvania Real Estate Licens...
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By Mary Yonkers, Erie/PA Real Estate Instructor
(Alan Kells School of Real Estate/Howard Hanna Real Estate)
Are you a 'fair weather' agent who waits for next prospect to walk through the door of your open house?  Are you waiting for a buyer to call about your new listing?How do you prospect for buyers/sellers? Do you keep in touch with past clients?  Are you involved in your community?  Do you use social media effectively?  Fall and the holiday season is traditionally a slower real estate market but keep in mind that no matter what time of year or what the weather is like, there will alway be sellers that need to sell and buyers that need to buy.  Will you be ready to assist them? Fishermen along Lake Erie on calm, but cloudy fall day with temps in mid-40's.Same group location with stormy waters and temps in mid-30's.   Tip:  Make sure your own neighbors know you are in real estate. As new ag...
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By Mary Yonkers, Erie/PA Real Estate Instructor
(Alan Kells School of Real Estate/Howard Hanna Real Estate)
Are you or someone you know studying to take the Pennsylvania Real Estate Exam?  Keep in mind that most real estate agents are better people-persons than brainy students.  Therefore tests can be a challenge, but not a deterent.  A few of my top producers had to take the test more than once.  (Try five or more re-takes at $54 each)  AND the people who strive to get 100% on every test don't usually do well in real estate sales.  Why? Real Estate is a people business.                                 Where to start? Start by setting your goal:  I will study and pass the real estate exam by ________________ (set date).  Open-ended goals are easliy pushed aside by the demands of everyday life.  A deadline adds urgency to working on reaching your goal.Next, set a daily time to study.  Yes, I k...
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By Mary Yonkers, Erie/PA Real Estate Instructor
(Alan Kells School of Real Estate/Howard Hanna Real Estate)
My iPad wallpaper, my Facebook background and life history of my very own 'Tin Can Sailor' David P. Yonkers, USN retired.United States Navy I was not married to Dave during his 27 year navy career but our lives are still infused in all things related to military.  Many of our vacations are on or near large body of water.  We live just one mile from Lake Erie.  Instead of 500 foot USN cruiser/destroyer we owned 32' power boat called US'N TWO (just the two of US).  Our family room is decorated with many mementos of Dave's career.  And of course navy is the accent color used throughout the room.  Dave began his navy career in 1962 serving aboard the USS Joseph P. Kennedy, Jr. during the Cuban Missile crisis.  He served three tours in Vietnam.  Later Dave had command of U.S.S. Caron for two...
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By Mary Yonkers, Erie/PA Real Estate Instructor
(Alan Kells School of Real Estate/Howard Hanna Real Estate)
Are you bored with your current career?  Do you feel that you are stuck in a dead-end job?  Let's talk about a career in Real Estate.    Are you goal-oriented? Are you self-motivated? Do you enjoy new challenges? Does unlimited earning power excite you?  Earn your Pennsylvania Real Estate License by taking pre-license classes with Alan Kells School of Real Estate in Erie, PAReal Estate classes are offered in Erie, PA by Alan Kells School of Real Estate. Upcoming Classes  Practice class December 12, 13, 19, 20, 2015Fundamentals class  January 16, 17, 23, 24, 2016Cost $178Time  9:00 -4:30Location:  3036 W. 12th Street Erie, PA 16505 (building behind Animal Ark Pet Hospital-use east driveway)      Are You Ready to Begin Your Real Estate Career in Erie PA? Register now 1-412-967-0240   Are ...
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By Mary Yonkers, Erie/PA Real Estate Instructor
(Alan Kells School of Real Estate/Howard Hanna Real Estate)
Yes, you can take Real Estate classes online or you can take live Pennsylvania Real Estate classes in Erie, PA with Alan Kells School of Real Estate.   Some people prefer to take their classes in comfort of their own home while others find taking the online real estate class means comprehending 700+ text book with no instructor explanation.  Ugh! Double UGH!  Every month I have former online students attend live classes in Erie, PA.   Pennsylvania Real Estate classes.    Real Estate classes are offered in Erie, PA by Alan Kells School of Real Estate.Fall Classes  Fundamentals class November 14, 15, 21, 22, 2015Practice class December 12, 13, 19, 20, 2015Cost $178Time  9:00 -4:30Location:  3036 W. 12th Street Erie, PA 16505 (building behind Animal Ark Pet Hospital-use east driveway)     ...
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By Mary Yonkers, Erie/PA Real Estate Instructor
(Alan Kells School of Real Estate/Howard Hanna Real Estate)
Will YOU be ready for busy 2016 spring market?  You will be if you take Pennsylvania Real Estate classes in November & December, pass Pennsylvania exam.  I look forward to see in you in class. Pennsylvania Real Estate classes.    Real Estate classes are offered in Erie, PA by Alan Kells School of Real Estate.Fall Classes  Fundamentals class November 14, 15, 21, 22, 2015Practice class December 12, 13, 19, 20, 2015Cost $178Time  9:00 -4:30Location:  3036 W. 12th Street Erie, PA 16505 (building behind Animal Ark Pet Hospital-use east driveway)      Are You Ready to Begin Your Real Estate Career in Erie PA? Register now 1-412-967-0240
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By Mary Yonkers, Erie/PA Real Estate Instructor
(Alan Kells School of Real Estate/Howard Hanna Real Estate)
Not so fast fall.  I found these hidden gems along the stream behind my house. Such beauty but fleeting too quickly.  Fortunately a photo will remind us to take time to enjoy its beauty. Yes, Erie PA buyers are looking for properties with stream or woods. Are you thinking about being a Real Estate agent?  Even though the retail world would like you to think about shopping for the holidays fall is great time to take Real Estate classes.  Take Pennsylvania Real Estate classes, pass PA exam and you will be ready for spring market. 2015 was a brisk Real Estate market for Erie PA.  No matter what time of year it is sellers need to sell and buyers are looking to buy.  Will you be ready to assist them? Pennsylvania Real Estate classes.    Real Estate classes are offered in Erie, PA by Alan Kel...
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By Mary Yonkers, Erie/PA Real Estate Instructor
(Alan Kells School of Real Estate/Howard Hanna Real Estate)
Yes, I am having a hard time letting go of my love for fall.  Many of the trees have lost their leaves but look down, see a beautiful carpet of colorful leaves.The brightly colored leaves are blanketing the ground.  And this path leads into the woods and along the stream behind our house. Many of our friends have downsized into care-free condos but Dave & I love our small house in the country.  Yes, we have leaves to rake but today I am going for walk in the woods.  Glad you could join me.   Perhaps you are considering earning a Pennsylvania Real Estate license so you can help others find their dream home.  Even though it is fall buyers are still looking for homes in Erie PA.  If you take classes in November & December you will be ready for the spring market. Live Pennsylvania Real Esta...
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By Mary Yonkers, Erie/PA Real Estate Instructor
(Alan Kells School of Real Estate/Howard Hanna Real Estate)
Just where do you think you are going?   These two trees are across the road from my house and simply drop their leaves.  Looks beautiful doesn't it?  Very neat, right?Well, where do you think these leaves end up when the wind blows across the road ???Those leaves simply blow across the road and right up my driveway into my yard!  Ugh! !  !  !  Lawn maintenance including raking leaves is part of home ownership. Now is the perfect time to prepare for spring Real Estate market.  The Erie Real Estate market has been very active in 2015 and this trend is expected to continue in 2016.  Homes for sale in Erie PA are selling quickly.  Are you ready to start your new career as Real Estate agent?If you take Fundamentals & Practice Pre-license classes now, pass Pennsylvania Real Estate exam and a...
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By Mary Yonkers, Erie/PA Real Estate Instructor
(Alan Kells School of Real Estate/Howard Hanna Real Estate)
Oh, dear me, don't LEAVE  me.  Please a few more days.  I just want to enjoy your beauty a few more days.Ugh, Mother Nature seems to have other plans for the northern hemisphere.She even called in Mr. Wind for extra back-up.Hang onto your hat & try to stay dry. I know you must leave, but before you go let me capture your beauty in my collage.   Till next year . . .   
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By Mary Yonkers, Erie/PA Real Estate Instructor
(Alan Kells School of Real Estate/Howard Hanna Real Estate)
Fear vs FearlessWhat is the scariest part of being a real estate agent?  For some of us it is no business on the horizon, for others it is knocking on the door of For Sale by Owners, or returning call from an unhappy client. If we admit it most of us have at least one thing the scares us a bit #*@%* !!! Now if you are 8 going on 18 there isn't much that stops you.  Just ask Jacob, age 8.  Yesterday Jacob & I attended TREC or Treat Fun at Tom Ridge Environmental Center, TREC, in Erie, PA.  For many kids the many reason for attending was free treats, but Jacob spent the bulk of four hours with the live animals on display provided by All Things Wild.     Yes, that is a tarantula climbing up Jacob's arm.  Per its handler only people who are allergic to bee stings need to fear this tarantula...
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By Mary Yonkers, Erie/PA Real Estate Instructor
(Alan Kells School of Real Estate/Howard Hanna Real Estate)
 2016 Fall BeautyI couldn't resist the urge to capture a few more fall scenes on my afternoon walk to Lake Erie.  It is just a mile from my home as the crow flies but one & half miles along Avonia Road.  Come walk with me in spirit as we review 2016 fall beauty in Erie, PA.Avonia ValleyClose to Lake ErieHeading down the hill toward Lake ErieLake Erie (this photo was taken a few days ago)And back home.Take time to enjoy the beauty of fall before it fades into the bleakness of winter. 
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By Mary Yonkers, Erie/PA Real Estate Instructor
(Alan Kells School of Real Estate/Howard Hanna Real Estate)
Are Ghosts Included with the House?What if the seller tells me, "My house might be haunted!"  How do I respond as the listing agent?Well, that depends.  Let's analyze this issue.     Some ghosts are friendly . . .  Remember Casper, the Friendly Ghost?But, of course as Debbie Laity said in recent comment, 'Maybe the ghost is screaming because it can't stand the current owner.' Which reminds me of joke I heard in CE class recently, 'Is the ghost included in the sale or does he leave with the family?'  Since Pennsylvania does not have Stimatized Property law like other states the seller is not required to disclose ghosts on the Seller Property Disclosure or in the Multiple Listing System. No, I have never listed or sold a haunted house, but there is a first time for everything.  Learn more...
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By Mary Yonkers, Erie/PA Real Estate Instructor
(Alan Kells School of Real Estate/Howard Hanna Real Estate)
Front Porch Just one more day to sit on the front porch, please.  Yes, I know fall is quickly drifting toward cooler temps, but Dave & I are still hoping for one more day to sit on our front porch.  Our favorite time to sit on the front porch is just after five o'clock with an adult beverage.   After reflecting on our day we just sit and watch the 'grass grow' as Dave says.Both Dave & I grew up in older homes with front porches, then lived in suburban areas before moving to our 'dream home' in the country.   Some days I laughing say that we should pose for a Norman Rockwell -style painting of two seniors sitting on the front porch.  Or, maybe just join the  Porch Sitters Union  or Porch Sitting Facebook page.Feel free to join us on the front porch.  
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By Mary Yonkers, Erie/PA Real Estate Instructor
(Alan Kells School of Real Estate/Howard Hanna Real Estate)
Winter OptionsJust in case you are not looking forward to winter there are options.  Of course you could just stay up north and complain all winter OR join the snow birds and enjoy the warmth of sun, sand and lazy days.Cruise the high seasMaybe Hawaii Or sandy beachIf you really want to go south, meaning 'south of the border' you need to contact my friend, Gary Coles.  Gary is very familiar with all aspects of international real estate.  Just mention my name and Gary will treat you like a friend. Gary Coles  Experienced Broker, consultant, coach and mentor.  Gary is ready to help with all your real estate needs in Latin America. Referral and relocation assistance specializing in Latin America. Gary can introduce you to the best professionals anywhere in the world.  Gary has been active ...
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By Mary Yonkers, Erie/PA Real Estate Instructor
(Alan Kells School of Real Estate/Howard Hanna Real Estate)
Hey, just in case you didn't flip the calendar fall has arrived, at least in the northeast. Flowers, pumpkins, apples  And more flowers Ghosts & goblins, too   Dave & I still enjoy sitting on our front porch  Fall is the perfect time to start Real Estate classes. Real Estate classes are offered in Erie, PA by Alan Kells School of Real Estate.Fall Classes  Fundamentals class November 14, 15, 21, 22, 2015Practice class December 12, 13, 19, 20, 2015Cost $178Time  9:00 -4:30Location:  3036 W. 12th Street Erie, PA 16505 (building behind Animal Ark Pet Hospital-use east driveway)      Are You Ready to Begin Your Real Estate Career in Erie PA? Register now 1-412-967-0249 
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By Mary Yonkers, Erie/PA Real Estate Instructor
(Alan Kells School of Real Estate/Howard Hanna Real Estate)
 'Private Beach'Hey!  Stay off my lakefront property!  Didn't you see the 'Private Beach' sign?  Lake Erie Posting 'No trespassing'  or 'Private Beach'  signage has been a controversial issue for private property owners along the Pennsylvania Lake Erie shoreline.   Presque Isle Peninsula Property owners are allowed post their beach areas adjacent to their private residence but they cannot impede pedestrian movement along the lakeshore.  The public can walk along the water's edge but not build a fire, have a picnic or enjoy a sunny afternoon on their blanket. 'Private Beach'  Technically, the public is allowed to walk between the US Army Corps of Engineers high and low water marks along the Lake Erie shoreline which represent elevations of 573.4 and 569.2 feet above sea level respectivel...
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Erie, PA Real Estate Professionals