What a Joyous Time of Year - And Fattening Too.Sugar Cookies Wrapped in Icing - Yule Logs Filled with...well, you know!So to those of us that are trying to avoid the 'naughty' and be oh so 'nice' this holiday season, I've penned my own version of the Perfect Delicious Treat to enjoy this time of year (or any time for that matter)...A heaping measure of ForgivenessExtra measure of Gratitude Wrap fully in Compassion and KindnessSprinkle with SmilesKeep in a warm heart and avoid drafts of Negativity 12/07/2016

Apple Crisp is a perfect easy treat to make for a holiday get-together!5 Granny Smith Apples (Peeled and sliced)1 Box Yellow Cake Mix1 Teaspoon Cinnamon1/4 Cup Melted ButterWalnuts Lay the apple slices on the bottom of a baking dishCover with yellow cake mix Drizzle with melted butter Sprinkle cinnamon and walnuts on topBake at 350 Degrees for approximately 35 Minutes.Best when served hot.Optional: Serve with a dollop of whipped cream and/or ice cream.    12/07/2016

Remember the days when a calendar hung on your kitchen wall, and suddenly, without forewarning, a smart phone came along and replaced it...?? (I know, I am positively aging myself...!!)And now, every time you want to view the calendar, you are scrambling, looking for your cell phone...??Relax...My 2017 Retro Magnet Calendars are Here, and they are the perfect size to hang on the fridge!If you live in the Carlisle, PA area, Be On The Lookout - One just may arrive at your door or contact me today for your FREE Calendar!!Maria Sapio - Berkshire Hathaway HomeSale Realty(717) 226-6857Msapio@homesale.com 11/29/2016

This morning while driving into the office, my thoughts drifted and the road became my checklist as I started sorting through my agenda-for-the-day in my mind.  I was pumped and ready to face the 'To-Do' list with stamina when I was jolted by a row of vibrant red bushes in front of a home I was passing.  I turned my gaze to the startling beauty surrounding me and realized that my drive had been so consumed with my thoughts of things I needed to accomplish when I arrived AT the office that I completely forgot to be present and enjoy the moments on my way TO the office.I wonder how often I miss the 'Now'...As I pause for a moment to write this blog, I am reminded that -during this season of Thanksgiving, and always, I have the choice to grasp the golden fibers of gratitude and drape them ... 11/15/2016

Growing up, my dad always enjoyed sharing the stories of his days serving in the U.S.Army/Air Force Force during WWII - He retold the story many times of the day he had left his tent to go to the latrine, and when he returned, his bed was smoldering. Shrapnel had landed and who knows what the outcome may have been if he hadn't left for those few moments...Today I remember my dad - a man that loved the USA with all his heart and soul...It is heartbreaking to me that wars exist - but unfortunately, my child-like heart desires are not a reality ... And so today, and every day, we remember our Veterans that have served sacrificially with dignity and perhaps the greatest way we can honor them is to honor each other by extending respect, care, courtesy and peace... (Photo taken Father's Day 2... 11/10/2016

OPEN HOUSE  Sunday - November 6, 2016     1:00-3:00PM67 Chelsea Lane Carlisle, PA 17015   Dickinson Twp. Kings Gap Estates1.21 Acres Luxurious first floor master bedroom with the fine detail of a tray ceiling, walk in closet, and en suite bath.Relax in your family room in the warmth of a gas fireplace, majestic vaulted ceiling, and wall of windows. Breathtaking views of the split rail fenced yard and above ground pool. Patio space perfect for outdoor entertaining. Newly finished basement boasts a full bath and exterior access door. 2 car attached garage and 2 car detached.$379,900.00  #CarlislePA#OpenHouseCarlislePA#MariaSapio 11/04/2016

The following email blast was just sent out -It's Friday afternoon - I want to give potential buyers something to think about while they're planning weekend activities... 10/28/2016

I was contacted a few weeks ago by lady to discuss the possible listing of her parent's home.  We arranged a meeting time and I met the daughter and parents at the home.  I had done my needful homework since I prefer to be as prepared as possible for a potential listing and then let the conversation lead the way. Trust is a fragile gift that must be handled with the utmost care - and I always want to do what is best for my seller so each potential listing appointment requires a careful listening ear and attention to what is openly said and perhaps some extra digging to better understand the unspoken concerns. During our meeting I only pulled a few papers from my briefcase since it was clear that they were not ready to make a decision.  I listened - and enjoyed the privilege of getting ... 10/27/2016

What A Happy Day for a super sweet couple purchasing their first home in Carlisle, PA.Congratulations to Karli and Kyle!!   Thank you for the privilege of being your Realtor.  The best compliment was when you shared that you have already given my business card to your friend and told him to call me...What a Huge Compliment... !!#MariaSapio#CarlislePA#FirstTimeHomeBuyerMaria Sapio Realtor with Berkshire Hathaway Homesale Realty - Carlisle, PA(717) 226-6857  Msapio@homesale.com  10/21/2016

I was showing a buyer-client a home I have listed for sale and they offered me a great compliment - "I feel like I already know this home since the photos you posted online are so fantastic!"How did I get such great photos...??  I hire a professional photographer.Why do I think it's worth the extra expense...??  In the wise words of Barbara Todaro - "The Eye Buys" ... Great photography is no longer an 'nice touch' - it is a 'necessity' in my strong opinion.   Being a listing agent is a privilege.  The seller had the option to choose ANY Realtor, and they picked ME, and I said YES. My listing is like my newborn baby - I am proud of my listing and want to 'show-it-off' to the world.  I want the photos to be crisp, clear and powerful!Professional quality photos pull buyers in the direction... 10/19/2016

I received a call recently from a friend - and when I asked how she was doing, she responded..."The Same"... We chatted a bit more and I pressed a little deeper. I discovered that much had happened in her life since the last time we had spoken.  Actually, very few things were "The Same"...Life is all about Change - Whether we like to admit it or not...Our bodies understand the significance of Change and a healthy body is in constant motion to reproduce, replenish and repair...So when we have the mindset that things are "The Same" we are actually denying reality...Some might resist Change -Some might invite Change -Ultimately Change happens regardless of our acceptance or not ...Each moment is a spectacular invitation -An opportunity to see things from a different angle - and if we look ... 10/16/2016

Monday I attended a real estate seminar and found myself acutely aware of the numerous 'Real Estate Lingo Terms' that Realtors® toss around like confetti...We become so accustomed to our 'own terminology' that we can often carry on for hours in discussions that would require an interpreter for most Non-Realtors to begin to comprehend.This made me think ...I recently purchased a new vehicle.  It has a lot of whistles and bells.  My sales consultant was great!  He was extremely knowledgeable and could have easily made my head spin spouting off the detailed specs about the in-depth technical components...But He Took The Time To Get To Know ME - and Understand What Was Important To ME ... And Explained to ME the details of the vehicle in an easy to understand manner.Sales is All About Liste... 10/13/2016

New Listing - 67 Chelsea Lane Carlisle, PA 17015Video Tourhttp://Tours.360tourdesigns.com/idx/888915Going Above and Beyond For Every Client - Every Time - !!#HomeForSale#Carlisle, PA#JustListed 10/11/2016

#MariaSapio#CarlislePA#HomeForSale#NewListing 10/11/2016

Welcome to the tranquil beauty of Kings Gap Estates. Extraordinary mountain vistas on 1.21 acres in Dickinson Twp. Luxurious First Floor Master Bedroom w/fine detail -Tray ceiling, walk in closet, and en suite. Plus 3 additional 2nd floor bedrooms.Relax in your family room in the warmth of a gas fireplace, majestic vaulted ceiling, and wall of windows. Breathtaking views of the split rail fenced yard and above ground pool. Patio space perfect for outdoor entertaining. Newly finished basement boasts full bath, and exterior access door.3 Full Baths 1 Half Bath2 car attached garage and 2 car detached garage.$379,900.Call Listing Agent, Maria Sapio for further details or to schedule a FREE market analysis of your home. (717) 226-6857Msapio@homesale.com#HomeForSale#CarlislePA#JustListed     10/11/2016

A knife in the hands of a  master chef is likened unto an artist's brush. Accuracy and precision guide the the skilled hand as it chops, dices and shreds with simplistic magnificence...A dynamic speaker delivers words with eloquence, grace, and charisma that burst forth with the fragrance of wisdom...  A dancers steps are immaculately choreographed and the body moves with an energy of scandalizing motion...The common theme is that an EXPERT makes WHATEVER they are doing appear EFFORTLESS - and EASY...A Realtor® that cares deeply will work tirelessly behind-the-scenes to facilitate a smooth and seamless purchase and/or sale...Hours of contract negotiations -Mingled with... Countless drafts and re-drafts - Agreements and disagreements - Contemplating contingencies -Dizzying disclosures - ... 10/05/2016

I live in Central PA surrounded by the beauty of farmlands.  During this season, the landscape looks like a painting with vibrant hues of a flourishing, bountiful harvest. Farm stands are erected and fresh picked vegetables and fruits are enjoyed by all.  Yet, I confess that it is so easy to forget about the outrageous number of hours a farmer toiled so I could enjoy the benefits of such labor.I often think about this analogy as I am busy planting my own seeds within the farmland of my business.  Days may come and go and although the seed has been carefully placed within the soil, watered, and nurtured, the soil may not immediately spring forth a sprout.  What faith it takes for the farmer to wait. Yet the methods of farming are tried and true - sow generously and the harvest shall be a... 10/03/2016

It's been raining for the past four days - So tonight, when the rain finally subsided to a light mist, I put on my boots and headed out for an evening walk...For me, a walk is an opportunity to step into my thoughts and enjoy the abundance of beauty that surrounds me...While out walking, I was amazed at the new shoots of mushrooms that had emerged due to the recent rainfall.  They towered so high above the grass-line that I bent down to take a closer look.They weren't there a few days ago...Isn't it amazing how quickly Mother Nature can send a surprise our way ... ??I smiled since real estate is much like Mother Nature...While walking I reflected and celebrated some of the surprises of this past week:*An unexpected phone call asking me to be their Realtor® -*A random conversation with a... 10/02/2016

Friends of Kings Gap Garden Harvest Day October 2, 201612:00 - 5:00PMKings Gap Environmental Center 500 Kings Gap Road Carlisle, PA 17015Come to celebrate Autumn with the Friends of Kings Gap, Cumberland County Master Gardeners, and the Kings Gap Staff. Admission is FREE with nominal fees for all “make and take” itemsFUN For ALL Ages...- Apple Cider Pressing- Leaf Printing- Children's Crafts- Pumpkin Painting- Honeybee Keeper- Live Alpacas- Free Hay Rides- Food Stands- Bird Feeder Building- Craft Vendors- Children's Games- Face Painting- Apple Butter Making- Silent Auction- Corn Shelling- Corn Cracking- Pumpkin and Mum Walk- Kettle Cooked Chicken Corn Soup- Self Guided Garden and Mansion Tours- Alpaca Wool Carding, Spinning and Weaving- Fall Photo Opportunities- Concert from 3 - 5 pm: I... 10/01/2016

I clearly remember my 4th grade teacher, Mrs. Hawkins.  She was one of those teachers that put a thumbprint on my heart.  She was encouraging and affirmative.  One of her well known sayings was:Good - Better - Best ...Never Let It Rest ...Until The Good Becomes Better -And the Better - Becomes The BEST...!!Her sing-song words have bounced around in my head since I sat at that little wooden desk at James A. Dever Elementary School.Life has reinforced the value of those words and I have been left to unravel and unpack exactly how does one move position from 'good' to 'better' to 'BEST'...??For me, I have found the unspeakable treasure of seeking out those that I personally believe are the BEST at what they do and learn, learn, learn from them - then build, build, build my own unique path.... 10/01/2016