Melissa Stahl, Realtor Exit Realty Capital Area

The Trust Factor Is Why I Got My Real Estate License!

What is trust? By definition it is:

reliance on the integrity, strength, ability, surety, etc., of a person or thing; confidence.

Every day each of us sit in a chair. How many of us actually test that chair, inspect it, look at the legs and the back, making sure it really can support us. We "trust" that it will hold us based on the last experience we had with that chair.

I want to share the story that led me to my desire to get licensed.

I once purchased a home and asked some very specific questions of the seller. The inspection did not reveal any material defects in the area of concern as it was covered up with vinyl siding. The seller commented they were tired of painting and maintaining the wood so they just covered it up with vinyl, the wood was still in perfect condition. I "trusted" them. After settlement, we removed the vinyl and discovered the wood was in very serious disrepair. Squirrels had almost eaten through the roof. My neighbors on both sides came to me and told me that the seller had been aware of the destroyed wood and the listing agent had told them if they covered that wood, they would yield a higher price. I was quite upset to say the least. I contacted my agent who put me in touch with the right people to start mediation, but my husband informed me he wished not to pursue. That repair cost us just over $30,000. I decided at that moment to get my real estate license and ensure there was a real estate agent in the area that people could trust.

I have turned down listings due to the seller not willing to disclose material defects. I have refused to work with buyers that were not honest concerning their employment or wages. It is imperative we have trust when doing business with one another. I believe the basis of trust is honesty. I will not work with clients that I cannot trust and consumers should not expect to have to work with an agent that they do not trust.

Now, it's difficult to achieve 100% trust in any person, we have our weakness and we fail or make mistakes. But it is important you have a basic trust, reliance on the integrity, strength, ability, surety, etc., of a person or thing; confidence. Can you be "Trusted"?

This post is a submission to the ActiveRain / Adobe EchoSign Trust Contest. I could possibly win a prize. You can find out about the contest by clicking here

Christmas Tree LIghting Ceremony In Elizabethville, PA

The Elizabethville Volunteer Association is hosting a Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony tonight starting at 6pm in the Elizabethville Borough Park. The Upper Dauphin Area Trojanaires and the Greater Elizabethville Community Choir will be there to entertain you. They will be providing free refreshments and Santa will hand out goody bags to all children 12 years of age and younger. They also will be taking donations for the local food banks. The weather looks like it will be perfect for this event so come out and join us!

I'd love for you to stop by my Facebook Fan Page for a visit. Melissa Stahl - Exit Realty

Have questions about buying or selling a home in Northern Dauphin County? I'll be glad to help. Check out MelissaStahlRealtor.com.

One Way To Be A Leader Is To Go 10 Miles An Hour Slower Then The Speed Limit Down A Winding Road!

It's all a matter of perspective. Today is a very wet, chilly November day and I was beginning to get a little iritated riding behind this truck on my way to the office. I was in a bit of a hurry because

there was a lot on my plate to do today. I had an offer to present, an escrow check to drop off to another agent since my buyer's offer was accepted. Photos to upload for a new listing taken, follow up phone calls to make on a showing of one of my listings from yesterday and paperwork to turn in from a settlement that took place.

So I was stressing and all of a sudden it hit me.....it's all about perspective......

1. The sun is shining! The clouds are just blocking my view. Look above the clouds!

2. I have a lot of business going on!

3. I am dry in my car!

4. I have a lot of friends who care a great deal about me!

And the list goes on and on!!!!

I slowed my pace and enjoyed the scenery a bit and reflected on the good things that have happened over the past year.

Why don't you take a few minutes this week and reflect on your perspective?

I'd love for you to stop by my Facebook Fan Page for a visit. Melissa Stahl - Exit Realty

Have questions about buying or selling a home in Northern Dauphin County? I'll be glad to help. Check out MelissaStahlRealtor.com.

Happy Dance: They Sold Their Home In Elizabethville, PA

When I first got my license I called my first FSBO (For Sale By Owner) because it was in the town I lived in. The lady answered was very nice. Hard to believe that was 4 years ago! I explained I had just gotten my Real Estate License and I would be glad to help her get her home sold since I live in her neighborhood. She told me she appreciated my call but she already had an interested buyer. Well, time passed, and the deal never closed. I stayed in touch with them, and they contacted me this past August to list the house after the deal fell completely apart. We got their home sold in 65 days, at 97% of asking price and we settled yesterday!

We went to breakfast after settlement and Marcia wanted to do a HAPPY DANCE in celebration of the sale of their home. So we had a little fun in the parking lot. I have the greatest clients!

I'd love for you to stop by my Facebook Fan Page for a visit. Melissa Stahl - Exit Realty

Have questions about buying or selling a home in Northern Dauphin County? I'll be glad to help. Check out MelissaStahlRealtor.com.

A Short Facebook Success Story - I Promise

It's been a crazy summer, heck it's been a crazy year. Since I promised to keep this short, I'll only hit the highlights....

I sold nearly all of my listings this summer and I been working on building my inventory and in the meantime I decided to highlight a couple of "Great Buys" in my market area on my Facebook Fan Page and see if I could help a few buyers along the way.

First, I had to establish a Facebook Fan Page and invite a few friends...still working on getting that number up. But on Thursday I posted a great little home I found in a small community, it was brand new on the market and definately priced to sell. On Monday a new person "Liked" my page at 830 am and then my phone rang at 845 am with a request to go see the home. Move forward a few hours and we are under contract!!!

So I met my annual goal in August, I've closed 5 above that since then and I have 5 under contract right now. I'm having fun this fall looking for business, I will find more. :-)

I'd love for you to stop by my Facebook Fan Page for a visit. Melissa Stahl - Exit Realty

Have questions about buying or selling a home in Northern Dauphin County? I'll be glad to help. Check out MelissaStahlRealtor.com.