Frances Thorsen's Blog Posts

Welcome to the Sorting Hat for HomeownersIf Hogwarts had a campus in State College (and honestly, it should—those turrets would look spectacular against a football Saturday sky), the Sorting

In a move that could significantly alter the landscape of real estate transactions in the United States, the Department of Justice (DOJ) has recently filed a statement of interest in a major ongoing

Pippi Longstocking: "Good day! It's me, Pippi Longstocking, ready to embark on the grand adventure of selling my beloved Villa Villekulla. But, oh my stars, I hear things are changing in the

Get ready for some fun insights from Zillow's cool research in 2023. You won't believe what people have been typing into Zillow's search bar! 🏠✨Picture this: millions of Americans, just like

As a REALTOR and educator with decades of experience working with buyers and sellers in Pennsylvania I often find myself advising clients and students on a topic that's crucial yet frequently

In the ever-evolving landscape of Central Pennsylvania's real estate market, prospective homebuyers face a unique set of challenges, as highlighted in the National Association of REALTORS®;

The recent "Consumer Financial Literacy" report by the National Association of REALTORS® offers an enlightening yet concerning look into the state of financial literacy in the United States,

The latest "Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers" by the National Assn. of REALTORS® offers an in-depth look at the characteristics and behaviors of buyers and sellers in today's real estate.

Embarking on the quest for a new home in Centre County, PA, can feel like an odyssey in a market where the winds have shifted towards sellers. With the median home cost landing at a robust $350,000,

Nestled in the lush landscape of Central Pennsylvania, framed by the gentle slopes of the region's rolling hills, two sets of buyers are navigating a pivotal financial decision as they step closer

IntroductionWelcome to the first installment of our investigative series, "Golden State Blueprints: Translating California's Housing Initiatives to Pennsylvania." In this series, we delve into the

The landscape of multifamily housing development is experiencing a seismic shift, thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). For builders, developers, and stakeholders in Centre County, this

Centre County, PA, is on the cusp of transformation. The Biden-Harris Administration's recent announcement to convert underutilized commercial spaces into affordable housing has created a buzz that

Inspired by an analysis from Zillow and Haunted Real Estate BlogSo you've found your dream home, and you're about to sign the dotted line. But wait—what if your new home comes with, shall we

Automated Valuation Models (AVMs) have become an indispensable tool for anyone looking to get a quick property value estimate. But what exactly are they, and how reliable can they be? We dive deep

The recently released "CENTRE COUNTY, PA | 2023 HOUSING NEEDS ASSESSMENT" by the Centre County Board of County Commissioners, Centre County Planning & Community Development Office, and Centre

Imagine it. The pulse-quickening thrill of entering the real estate market, armed with a dream and a budget, ready to find your perfect sanctuary. As you step into this maze of opportunity, it's

Congratulations on your new property purchase and stepping into the exciting world of Airbnb hosting! As the proud owner of an Airbnb property, you may find yourself in the unique situation of

Get ready to hit the road, because it's all about the great American move! Following the pandemic, more Americans are embracing small-town charm and getting cozy with their kin, according to United

In the thrilling realm of real estate, a trend is emerging that pulses with excitement and potential: bidding wars are lighting up the property market like a fireworks display. As I reflect on my

If you're planning to sell a condominium, you want assurance that your listing agent is handling your transaction proficiently. This guide outlines the crucial steps your agent should be taking to

Picture this: You've decided it's time. It's time to say goodbye to the house you've called home, the house that has seen countless memories, heartwarming holidays, and quiet mornings sipping.

In a shocking turn of events, the Centre County Commissioners have passed an ordinance that is nothing short of a scandalous betrayal of the local non-union contractors and businesses. This,

The mortgage process can be a complex journey filled with potential obstacles. However, by avoiding certain actions and staying proactive, you can ensure a smoother path towards homeownership. In

If you've found yourself in the position of being a widowed home seller in beautiful central Pennsylvania I am here to lend a helping hand and guide you through the process. I understand that

It's a situation no homeowner wants to confront: facing foreclosure. But here's the silver lining - you still have options to save your home. With the right information and prompt action, you can

Have you ever sold a home for the first time and then wished you'd done something - anything - a little differently? You're not alone. According to a new Zillow survey conducted by The Harris

Local Centre County homebuyers echo fears about buying property in a declining market."I'm going to wait until prices come down before I make an offer on a house.""I don't want to overpay for a home

You might be ready to buy a home, but are you armed with the knowledge you need? Do you know about credit score requirements? Are you familiar with flexible standards on Federal Housing

Let me tell you about how FHA Kiddie Condo Loans can be a fantastic opportunity for parents of children in college towns. It is an underrated and overlooked mortgage financing solution in a town

Are you looking for a new place to call home and start your career or business? Look no further than these five cities, which are the hottest spots for job seekers and entrepreneurs, according to

Selling a home can be a daunting and emotional process, especially for reluctant home sellers. One of the most common concerns is not getting the best possible price for your property, leaving you

A new survey at Zillow has found that 72% of dog pawrents find it impawtant to live in a dog-furiendly city that has plenty of other fur-riends, dog parks, and pet-furiendly home rentals. About 61%

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the way we view and use our homes. With remote work becoming the norm and an increase in home equity and savings, more attention has been

When it comes to buying a home, everyone has their own unique style and preferences. These styles can be described as real estate buyer archetypes, which are general personality types that describe

Are you considering retiring in Arizona? With its warm climate, affordable cost of living, and abundance of recreational opportunities, it's no wonder that Arizona is a top destination for retirees.

Where are the most affordable places to live in the United States? Here's a list of metros where people spend the least amount of their income on housing...1. Scranton, Pennsylvania22% Mortgage-To

Are you looking for a home but struggling to find one that meets all of your needs and fits within your budget? Have you considered buying a house that needs work, but worry that the costs of

Exclusive real estate listings have been a staple in the real estate industry for decades. The premise is simple: the homeowner signs an agreement with a real estate agent, giving that agent the

It's important to be clear, consistent, and respectful when you are enforcing your house rules, and to communicate with your guests in a timely and professional manner. This will help you maintain a

Moving to a new home can often feel overwhelming and stressful, with endless tasks to complete and boxes to pack. However, it doesn't have to be all work and no play. By injecting a little bit of

Greetings, my dear reader, I am the celebrated detective Sherlock Homes, and I shall speak to you of the signals that a homeowner is preparing to sell their abode. I shall impart upon you some

Are you considering selling your home but fear that you won't get a fair price? If so, you may be tempted to overprice your property in hopes of making a larger profit. But beware, overpricing your

Once upon a time, in a town so fair, There was a real estate agent with a head of curly hair.He sold homes for years, day in and day out,But felt like he was always swimming about.He was tired of

Once there was a family in a home so fair,But trouble came knocking, they had mortgage to bear.With bills to pay and finances so tight,They feared their house would soon take flight.But a predatory

I love working with kids ... moving can be a stressful ... it should be FUN with kids! This one's for the kids! No stress allowed when you are moving with kids!I wrote this today (for Carra's)...

If you are having trouble making your mortgage payment you may be tempted to respond to real estate lead generation tactics designed to win your business (i.e. provide a listing for the real estate

Hans and Gitte were excited and exhilarated when they finally bought their first house in Centre County, Pennsylvania. Sure, their monthly loan payment was a stretch - but even though they had great

Homeowners should be able to use their property as they see fit, without heavy-handed government regulations getting in the way. Yet, increasingly, local governments are cracking down on short-term

📜O noble officials of our fair city, hear my pleaFor the sake of commerce and hospitalityLet not the rule of law be overly strictAnd hinder the growth of our economy's quick.📜Short-term

Oh fair and noble property owners, hear my plea,With open hearts and ears attend to me.For a home doth a weary traveler seek,And yours may be the one that makes him weak.In this market scarce and

State College enacted a new, highly restrictive ordinance regulating short-term rentals (STR) in the Borough. The new ordinance was executed on August 23, 2022 and will become effective in mid

These are can’t-miss, seriously-don’t-do-these mistakes that you can easily avoid when selling your home. Selling your home doesn’t have to be full of missteps and mistakes.

Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall: Which Season is Best to Buy a Home? Score your dream home with research, planning and preparation. The best time of year to buy a home depends on your goals

Buyers and sellers alike have the chance to negotiate the sale of a home. Get all the insight on how to pull this off in a way that's a win-win for everyone! Are you the kind of person who is

Tips for lighting, ergonomics and productivity! Enjoy the benefits of working from home in a functional (and fun!) workspace. Set yourself up for success with a home office that keeps you on

Construction of the first phase of Songbird Sanctuary, a passive park in Ferguson Township, can now begin after supervisors approved the master plan during Tuesday’s meeting. Phase 1 of the

Changes are coming to the state’s Medical Marijuana Program, according to the PA Department of Health. The department is banning the use of products in medical marijuana products that contain

The following are tips to help increase your home's value and get your home sold in the fastest time possible based on my experience working with home owners who have sold their home and feedback

For many people, buying a home is the biggest purchase you’ll ever make! But the expenses don’t end when you sign on the dotted line. Be prepared for these additional costs. Think

HUD Homes comprise one of the largest inventories of foreclosed properties in the United States. They are owned by the United States Dept. of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) . A HUD Home is a

It's big, it's bright, it's beautiful... a dream come true? Buying a new construction home has a ton of pros and a few cons. Get the full picture here. PROS IT'S BRAND NEW: It comes clean

Flipping fraudsters are finally paying the price. Real estate agents and investors who game the HUD Homes market are finally facing accountability.They are being arrested and charged.Two

Mitigate the cost risk of home ownership by spotting and taking care of minor repairs before they become major. These are the 10 highest cost problems you could encounter (and what to do about them)

What if…? When…? How…? You’ll have plenty of questions as you sell a house. Whether it’s your first home sale or you’ve sold before, each home seller's

Shared real estate presents multiple challenges when couples decide to part ways. Those facing life’s second most stressful event—divorce—may find themselves contending with

Setting the right list price is my specialty. There is a lot more to the home sale process than finding the right comparable properties and a price analysis. Ready to sell? A sky-high list

I've learned over the years that many home owners would love to take that next step to get on with their lives.  People have valid concerns...You're worried you may not be able to find the

"My offer was rejected. I just lost my chance to get the house I love!""I was just outbid for another house. I've placed 11 offers on houses, and still no deal!""If I didn't have to ask for seller

Pennsylvania HFA launches Two Purchase Assistance ProgramsIn mid-March, the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency launched two new DPA programs to helpbuyers pay closing costs and down payments. PHFA

I have never seen such a strong sellers market in 35 years.Buyers are bemoaning the shortgage of houses.Even fraternity homes (the proverbial white elephant in real estate) are selling

I am putting the final touches on my upcoming book, Home Seller Genius, Selling Your Home For Top Dollar.I'll be selling my book on Amazon, as I always do, but I am going to share free copies of the

“Some risks that are thought to be unknown, are not unknown. With some foresight and critical thought, some risks that at first glance may seem unforeseen, can in fact be foreseen. Armed with

Home Ownership has rewards.You enjoy six major benefits when you own your own home.1. HappinessThe feeling of owning your own home is unmtached. You can fix it up, make it your own, get a dog, or

Buyers must have their financing ducks in a row before placing an offer on a HUD Home. Selecting a good lender is an integral part of the loan process. A lender will take a careful look at your

Here is a list of pre-configured searches you can use to find the best real estate deals in central Pennsylvania.✔️ Income Properties✔️ Foreclosures & Short Sales✔️