Christian Saunders  

Lewith & Freeman

239 Northern Boulevard
Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania 18411

www.nepafreemls.com

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How to Pick the Right Location for Your Home

When you drive up to your dream home it's difficult to imagine a substitute residence, especially if you are a first-time buyer. Its curb appeal is unbeatable, you think to yourself.
 
But there are a number of things to consider before you take the plunge.
 
Location is one of the big factors.
 
Even in a down market people are willing to pay more for a home when the conveniences and other features indicate a favorable property.
 
Check out the conveniences and ask yourself some questions. Is the neighborhood safe? How about the schools? Are they among the best?
 
Real estate agents used to provide buyers with information about crime and whether the home was in a safe neighborhood, but that may now be more difficult to come by as the National Association of Realtors warned in a recent issue of Realtor magazine that agents should not disclose crime statistics, state that a neighborhood is a safe place to live or mention anything about the quality of the schools.
 
Why?
 
Agents must not violate Fair Housing Act steering guidelines. Agents are now suggesting that clients contact police for crime data and set up personal visits to schools for their quality performance data.
 
Some other things to think about include:
 
Noises and Smells: Are sounds from trains audible at bedtime? What about fire truck and ambulance sirens? Is freeway or factory noise constant? Are odors from a landfill obvious?
 
Construction: The city will know if planned roads and open land developments are acceptable.
 
Be Observant: Is the street a main thoroughfare for kids and teens, especially after school? Chat with neighbors if possible. A walk up and down the street will reveal barking dogs, and too many cars parked in driveways may indicate renters who don't take pride in maintaining their properties. At night, watch out for drag racers and/or band rehearsals.

Meet and Mingle Without the Stress

Many people are uncomfortable walking into a big room full of people they don't know. That's why business and social networking events tend to be viewed as little more than a necessary evil.
 
Unfortunately, networking events can be vital to the development of personal and professional goals.
 
Learn the art of stress-free mingling with these tips:
 
Stand and Smile: Not only does standing up and smiling when first meeting someone put the other person at ease, but it establishes an egalitarian position right from the start.
 
Practice: It might sound counterintuitive to practice a spontaneous introduction - but it actually works. Avoid an unpleasant pause and social uneasiness by using a simple but effective introduction such as "I'd like to introduce ...," then include the name of the most important person first. Add a small tidbit or fact to make it memorable. Use the same protocol when introducing yourself to others.
 
Purpose: Always have a specific purpose in mind when networking, and then stick to it. Having a clear agenda in mind provides the focus needed to stay on track.

People: Pay attention to the individual. Be yourself and take an active interest in others. It won't take long before you actually enjoy the opportunity to meet and greet.

At some point in your life, you'll probably face a situation that breeds fear, anxiety or worry. The key is learning how to conquer the negative emotions associated with such situations. Experts note that emotional health is associated with better physical well-being as well as financial and social success. The following tips may help you cope:
 
1. Plan Ahead
 
Procrastination not only adds stress to a situation, but it often creates a sense of dread, which can lead to fear and anxiety. By planning ahead it's easy to work on the issue in small steps while allowing plenty of time to problem-solve when needed.
 
2. Have a Contingency Plan in Place
 
Brainstorm ways to address major problems that might arise from a worst-case scenario. Not only will it provide peace of mind in knowing you are prepared for any situation, but it will lead to less worry.
 
3. Put It Into Perspective
 
Despite the best planning and preparation, unexpected events still take place. Take time to put them into perspective by looking at the big picture. Many people find solace in family, friends or religious affiliations during difficult times. Whatever your source of strength, allow it to form the foundation needed during tough periods in your life.
 
4. Seek Professional Help
 
Sometimes an emotional crisis or financial decision is bigger than what any individual is able to handle. In such situations it is a good idea to seek professional help from a social support network, professional counselor or expert in the relevant field related to the issue at hand.

Picture credit.