"The man will be most successful who confers the greatest service on the world.""Giving is the secret to a healthy life. Not necessarily money, but whatever a person has to give of encouragement, sympathy, and understanding."- John D. RockefellerToday is Memorial Day - and as I ponder the concept of 'giving' - I pause to consider the ultimate sacrifice of those that have given all for the cause of protecting the life, the liberty, and the pursuit of happiness of others.The words 'service' and 'giving' have many connotations and can be applied to many areas of life and today as I remember those that have given and served our country, I also dig deep within to ask myself how I may continue to spark my inner desire to serve and give to those around me.Photo by Stephanie McCabe on Unsplash 05/28/2018

I recently had a meeting with a successful professional that practices in an area of expertise that I know little about.  I thoroughly enjoyed the privilege of getting to know this person better, to gain a stronger understanding of their particular field of work.  I was honored to listen and learn.  As they shared, I was further intrigued and very quickly realized that had I prepared questions to bring to the discussion rather than my listening ears, I would have missed the opportunity to hear the insight that was shared.The key takeaway for me was (and is) that sometimes we simply 'don't know what we don't know' and listening to learn is quite different than hearing to reply.When we listen to learn, we put ego aside and our sole commitment is to better understand.  When we hear to repl... 05/27/2018

The pre-listing stage is the season of time when a homeowner has decided to sell their home.  Perhaps they want to sell immediately or perhaps this is a long-term plan to sell in 1-3 months or even 6 months from now.  The big question is when do I contact a Real Estate Agent?  My recommendation is, immediately!You may wish to meet with two or three agents to find the one that you feel is the best fit for you.  It is in your best interest to align yourself with the one that will walk with you through this process with care and understanding.    The pre-listing phase is a crucial time to assure a smoother transition for the 'soon-to-be-seller' -During the pre-listing season your agent may:1.) Keep an eye on the 'pulse of the market'  - they may start pulling up comparable properties that ... 05/22/2018

My first phone call of the day was a client that was experiencing some 'moving anxiety' -I listened and offered some words of encouragement.  She thanked me profusely as she explained that they had spent the majority of the weekend preparing for the move and she was just simply tired.The day continued with a game of telephone tag between me and an agent that I've been trying to track down.  After finally catching her, my final text to her ended with "I appreciate your response and have a great day!  I sent an email to another client to explain some behind the scenes work I had done and surprised them with some exciting news.  They exuberantly replied, "Perfect!  Thank you SO MUCH Maria!"I popped into a store to grab some freshly grilled veggies but  I didn't realize that the container I... 05/21/2018

 One year ago today was the sale of this family's home. The sweet couple in the middle of this photo had made the decision to move from the home they had lived in for many years and had raised their family. It was a difficult and emotional decision for them and I was honored to be hired as their listing agent. I had no way of knowing that I would grow to love this couple like they are my own parents. I now call her 'mom' and she calls me her 'sweet daughter'...I love the way life blooms and I shall be forever grateful...!! 04/28/2018

A few years ago I was sitting in a real estate marketing training session that had promised to share some 'new and exciting' ways to start a real estate conversation.  I sat in the front row with my pad and pen in hand, anxious to gather each and every word of wisdom.  Well, I confess that my expectations were met with some disappointment when one of the suggestions was to go to a local festival or summer music in the park event and "toss a handful of business cards into the air."  What???  Did I hear that correctly???  Is this a joke???  I was horrified but the speaker was smiling and dead serious!I am not a fan of what I call 'confetti marketing.'Confetti marketing is like tossing ideas willy-nilly everywhere and hoping something lands in the right spot.  Shouldn't marketing be powerf... 04/27/2018

Around this time, almost two years ago, I was contacted by a sweet young couple that wanted to purchase their first home.  As soon as we met, I felt like I had known them for years as we embarked upon the journey together to find a home.  Due to the lack of inventory and specific price parameter that has been set, the search is still underway and the journey continues.As their Realtor® I have specifically marketed the area of interest to them and even walked door-to-door to introduce myself and ask homeowners if they are considering selling.  I search for newly listed homes daily and whenever a home of potential interest hits the market, we are the first ones on the showing schedule.  Within the two year time frame, I have been honored to be the very first person with whom they shared t... 04/26/2018

I was recently the guest at a hotel and during my stay, I stopped by the front desk to ask a a specific question regarding the rewards program.  Apparently my question wasn't a common one and the welcoming confidence that greeted me on the other side of the desk quickly morphed into a frantic, unknowing look.  The gentleman then scrambled around opening drawers and flipping through papers trying to locate an answer to my question.  It was certainly not my intention to frazzle this kind man, so I looked him in the eye and with a comforting smile, I said, "Relax, I'm not from the corporate office here to test you."  Immediately his demeanor calmed and he told me "I don't know, but I'll do my best to find out and I'll email you shortly."  Perfect!"I don't know" are words that bring us face... 04/25/2018

Growing up in an Italian family, I learned very early in life the tremendous value of the '3F's'  - Family, Friends and Food.My mother beamed with delight when the dining room table was crowded with family and friends.  Her generous heart was always willing to invite and as a young girl, I have vivid memories of first time guests being overwhelmed by my mother's tremendous gift of hospitality.  If company was expected, my mom would usually visit our local grocer and carefully hand select the produce, meats and cheeses and then cook for days and create an abundance of mouth watering delicacies that could have competed with world renowned chefs.I am thankful that my mother's was a true example of the truth that:When You Truly Care For Others, You Live It.My mother never took a formal cook... 04/24/2018

Dennie is feeling anxious.  She and her husband were married for 47 years and lived in the same home for most of their marriage.  They raised three children there and now have 2 grandchildren.  Dennie's husband passed away 3 years ago and the family home has become a bit overwhelming for Dennie.  She has known deep inside that it is 'time' for her to move but as she meanders around, every nook and cranny holds sacred memories.  She glances into the living room and fondly remembers the day she gleefully announced that she was pregnant with their first born.  She turns her gaze to the kitchen and reminisces about the holiday dinners and hours and hours of cookie baking.  She lifts her eyes to the window and can remember years ago when her children giggled and tumbled in the yard.Life is a... 04/23/2018

This morning I wrote an article that took me about two hours.  I was feeling really good about it when I hit the 'publish' key and boom, the site went down!Whaaaaattt???!!!Okay, I took a deep breath, went to refill my coffee, took a brief stroll around my office and then asked myself - do I want this silly set back to throw off my day?  Of course not!Do you ever feel frustrated?  If you have a pulse, and you're honest, you probably occasionally get bit by the frustration bug.Well, the good news is that this is not a post with the intention of tossing our frustrations into a big pot of boiling frenzy...Nope, this is intended to be an upbeat post that explores the powerful ways we each respond to the bite of the frustration bug!For me the four main ingredients necessary to overcome the bi... 04/09/2018

Carlisle Christmas Parade - Light Up The Night 2017Carlisle, PA.Sponsored by F&M Trust, the parade will include marching units, marching bands, floats, auto units and fire trucks parading through Historic Downtown Carlisle on Hanover Street. Santa will conclude the parade and join the public on the town square for the annual Christmas Tree Lighting, Caroling and Pictures with Santa. Presented By: Downtown Carlisle Association (DCA) Dates: December 1, 2017 Location: Downtown Carlisle Association (DCA) Address: 53 West South Street, Carlisle, PA 17013 Phone: (717) 245-2648 Time: 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM Price: Free Click Here To: Read More  11/28/2017

Active Rain is a highly respected site where Real Estate professionals gather to share expertise and showcase a taste of the market(s) they represent.I joined the Active Rain community in June 2016 and on June 26, 2016 I ventured to write and post my very first blog.  I really had not fully considered the depths of the waters, and certainly I wasn't the best swimmer in the crowd, but I took the plunge.At that time, the number of Real Estate professionals that had been registered on Active Rain from the state of Pennsylvania was over 7000...talk about feeling like a wee little fishy in a HUGE Ocean!!I'm not an Olympic swimming contender by any stretch of the imagination, but I know the value of a "no-quit-attitude."  Post #1 led me to post #2 and on and on it went.  Slowly I moved up the... 11/19/2017

I am so thankful for the open air markets that are scattered throughout the countryside of South Central Pennsylvania. Some sit directly in front of a home and resemble the size of a small lemonade stand and offer a few homegrown options, while others may be held in enclosed 'greenhouse style' buildings and offer seasonal vegetables and fruits along with homemade pies, breads, jams, sweet local honey, fresh eggs and milk (in glass containers).During the Autumn season, apples and all kinds of Fall squash are displayed and the warm shades of festive reds, fiery oranges, and golden yellows all beckon for a buyers attention.A visit to a fresh air market is a delight for the senses!!Thank you for reading my blog post.  If you would like to discuss this post further or have a real estate ques... 11/19/2017

Today, I am thankful that I awoke to the delightful pitter-patter of rainfall instead of the musical medley of my alarm clock.My 'to-do' list is fairly short today and I already have family home for the holidays, so the day will include attending to some needful things, mingled with some relaxation and conversation!The soothing rhythm of the rain is heavy and steady.  The delicious aroma of coffee is also heavy and steady.  Such exquisite simplicity, to me, are a source of joy and contentment.This is my submission to: 12 Days of Thanks Giving 2017- ActiveRain ChallengePhoto by Harli Marten on UnsplashPhoto by Tyler Nix on Unsplash 11/18/2017

I am so thankful for the beauty of the back roads of South Central Pennsylvania.  During the Autumn season, pumpkin patches and corn fields abound.  It is always a fun adventure to go for a drive with no agenda, and let the cares of life melt away...Harvest Fairs are abundant and are fun for children of all ages.Taste the fresh pressed apple cider while overlooking the farmlands on a hay ride, or perhaps purchase a homemade pumpkin pie from a local Farmer's Market...Autumn in Pennsylvania is lovely!If you would like to share your thoughts on this post, or if you would like to discuss your specific real estate needs, please feel free to contact me by clicking here.Photo by Maddy Baker on UnsplashPhoto by Bonnie Kittle on UnsplashPhoto by Marius Ciocirlan on UnsplashThis is My Submission ... 11/17/2017

Simplicity is a word that is subject to our own interpretation.  To some, simplicity may be viewed as 'life on a diet' - it conjures up thoughts of deprivation and scarcity.To others, simplicity may be viewed as a 'life of freedom' - unleashed from the burden of unnecessary stuff.No matter how one views simplicity, the willingness to at least ponder its meaning brings one face-to-face with their own definition of what's truly important in life...I am thankful for the privilege of living in South Central Pennsylvania where simplicity abides and is a continual source of inspiration.  Thank you for reading my blog. If you would like to discuss this post further, or if I may assist you with your real estate needs, please feel free to visit my website by clicking here.Submission To: 12 Days ... 11/16/2017

I am thankful for curiosity.For me, curiosity, in its rawest sense is: a child like, unfiltered, unbiased, exuberance of inquisitiveness to discover, uncover, and know, without judgment, preconceived notions, or expectation of outcome. True curiosity can be likened to a young child exploring the world around them... I recently enjoyed observing a man with a baby.  Tiny fingers traveled across the man's face, touching his cheeks and even poking at his eyes and brows.  The hands ventured further without restraint, and even stumbled into the man's ears.  A smile erupted as eyes widened and the squeal of delight revealed the pleasure of such adventure.It is tragic to become an adult and lose such a quest of curiosity.We are each surrounded by magnificent places, people, cultures and thought... 11/15/2017

                        “Some old-fashioned things like fresh                                  air and sunshine are hard to beat.”                                      - Laura Ingalls WilderI am so overwhelmed with thankfulness for nature.For me, being outdoors with the sun on my face and beauty surrounding me energizes me.  I am so very grateful to live in Cumberland County, PA., surrounded by majestic mountains, awed by magnificent creeks and lakes, and having the incredible privilege to meet hikers weaving the path along the Appalachian Trail.The busyness of life tugs and pulls us in many directions and often scatters our thoughts like papers in the wind.  For me, the calmness of being in nature inspires me and grants me the space to be encouraged and renewed.  11/14/2017

Today, and every day, I give thanks for my mom.  She passed away in July 2016, yet the lessons she imparted shall never die.Some of her life expressions:"It doesn't matter what you're eating, as long as you're with good company"She strongly believed that food shared with special people, always tastes sweeter!"Experiences and special moments are intended to be shared with others"In addition to sharing food with others (after all, we are Italian), mom always loved inviting others over to our home or sharing vacations and other meaningful times with others.  "Trust in the Lord"Mom always held a strong faith and no matter what challenges were faced, she always remained humble, gracious, and thankful."Be quick to forgive"She honored this commitment in her own life and therefore the excess ba... 11/13/2017