Diaz and Vincelli Join Better Homes and Garden Real Estate Wilkins & Associates

Stroudsburg – Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Wilkins & Associates hired two Salespersons for their Bushkill and Stroudsburg offices respectively. 

Christian Diaz joined the Bushkill sales team and will work from that office.  Diaz, an August 2014 graduate of the Pocono Real Estate Academy took all the required courses, passed the State exam and has been issued a Pennsylvania Salespersons’ license. 

Diaz lives in East Stroudsburg with his wife, Jesenia, who is currently attending real estate school and after completing the required course and passing the exam and both will work together as a team.  The Diaz’s are bilingual with their second language being Spanish.  Diaz is originally from Queens, New York, where he was successfully employed as a rental agent for an independent broker.  Earlier in his career, Diaz owned and managed delicatessens and small supermarkets prior to his working in the real estate industry.  In the past, Diaz has volunteered as a Cub Scout Leader.  Said Diaz, “I very much look forward to being part of our Pocono Community and was very much drawn to the Wilkins team because of their commitment to their neighborhoods.”

Said Thomas R. Wilkins, CEO, “Christian is definitely the kind of Realtor that we want.  When a gentleman dresses up in a suit and tie for a 7:00 p.m. interview, along with his wife who will work as his administrative assistant, you’ve got to know that we want those type persons representing us with buyers and sellers and that they’re serious about being successful.”  Diaz was recruited by Lynn Wilklow, Sales Manager of the Bushkill office.

Kelley Vincelli, Salesperson, has joined the company and will work as a fulltime Realtor in their Stroudsburg office.  Prior to joining Better Homes and Gardens, Vincelli was employed by Keller Williams.  Said Christine A. Wilkins, Exec V.P./GM, who recruited Vincelli, “This young lady wants a strong and dedicated management team to offer support, which the Better Homes and Gardens brand does.  Furthermore, Kelley is eager to form her career in an office environment that’s very conducive to offering one-on-one and online training and insight to move her up to the next level of service.”  The Wilkins organization prides themselves on offering in-depth training to new and seasoned Realtors and coaching to new recruits.

Prior to real estate, Vincelli worked six years at Staples where she dealt with the general public on a daily basis.  While always enjoying real estate, Kelley completed the required courses online in 2013-2014 and after passing the required examination, received her real estate license in early September 2014.   Kelley is a 2007 graduate of Freedom High School.  Vincelli then attended Northampton County Community College completing courses in General Studies, Criminal Justice, Journalism and Psychology.

Said Vincelli, “I love the Better Homes and Gardens’ Mission Statement where they say, ‘we love what we do and do what we love’; that’s me.  I love real estate and now can do what I love.”

Both Realtors will shadow and be mentored by other fulltime Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Wilkins & Associates agents.  Both Realtors will also be invited to attend the free of charge online classes offered by Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Corporate in the Greenhouse.

Said Thomas R. Wilkins, “You couldn’t pick a better time to get into the Real Estate business.  The market has definitely picked up.  Sales (rentals and sales) have no place to go but up.  The banks are beginning to loosen their credit requirements, the rental market remains extremely strong—and I must make note that today’s tenant will be tomorrow’s buyer—in my mind, there’s no better place to learn real estate than with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate.  The number of sales tools that we offer for buyers and sellers, and the support we give to agents to educate themselves in the latest technology, how to proactively list and sell real estate in this type of the market and to be young enough to make real estate your career for the next 20 years, just simply cannot be any better than with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Wilkins & Associates.  Today is the perfect time to mold your future.”

Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Wilkins & Associates employs over 50 Realtors and expect that number to grow to 90+ Realtors and Assoc Brokers over the next 18 - 24 months.  With 4 offices now in the Pocono Mountains including Milford, Bushkill, Stroudsburg and Mt. Pocono, the Wilkins organization is looking to further expand their offices to include upper Lehigh Valley, Wayne County area, Lake Wallenpaupack and Scranton areas. 

All offices are open 7 days a week and BHG can be viewed online at www.wilkins1.com.  In early December, Wilkins will launch their new website at www.BHGwilkins.com .  The new website is “the friendliest site in real estate featuring the friendliest search for real estate”.

Jennifer Amantea Receives Associate Broker's License

Mt. Pocono – Jennifer Lynn Amantea, Realtor with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Wilkins & Associates has been issued an Associate Broker’s license by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Amantea, successfully took all of the required real estate courses and passed the required Broker’s examination.  Said Amantea, “This has been a goal of mine for the past 2 years.  It makes me proud to say that I’m now an Associate Broker.”

Said Thomas R. Wilkins, CEO of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Wilkins & Associates, “On a personal note, I am very proud that Jen has her Associate Broker’s license.  She’s worked hard for this and she deserves it.  On a professional note, the success that Jen has seen as a Realtor is only going to sky-rocket as an Associate Broker.  You heard it here first!”.

Amantea has been with the Better Homes and Gardens brand for almost 3 years.  Throughout her career, she has been a Top Ten Salesperson with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Wilkins & Associates, a multi-award winning Realtor and a Top Producer of the Mt. Pocono office.

Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Wilkins & Associates have four offices in the Pocono Mountains.  All offices are open 7 days a week.  Visit them on line at www.wilkins1.com or on Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/BHGWilkins.

Lorie Lehman of PA 1st Completes Credential Verification for Settlement Services

Stroudsburg – Lorie Lehman, Executive Vice President of Pennsylvania First Settlement Services II, LP completed the required Risk Management Standards set forth by Secure Settlements, Inc.

Secure Settlements, Inc. is the first company to offer a standardized Risk Management process and information data base of fully vetted mortgage Closing Professionals that protect both consumers and lenders.

Lehman is a designated registered Closing Professional and is recognized by both PLTA and ALTA, American Land Title Association.

Lehman, with 27 years in the title business and thousands of closing, is responsible for the day-to-day operations of Pennsylvania First Settlement Services. In her position as Exec V.P., she handles a number of closings of both commercial and residential resales, re-fi’s and new construction sales. Pennsylvania First Settlement Services is celebrating 11 years in business and started as an affiliate business with First American Title Insurance company. It was purchased by Thomas R. Wilkins, CEO of the Wilkins organization. Pennsylvania First Settlement Services provides settlement and closing services throughout the greater northeast Pennsylvania region.

In addition, Pennsylvania First Settlement Services now offers “Updater”. Updater is a free online company that offers USPS change of address, scheduling of utility turn-offs and turn-ons and can update your account all in just a few clicks. Updater is an easy online tool to simplify your move. The service will be offered to buyers within the next several weeks.

Pennsylvania First Settlement Services II, LP is open Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and can be visited online at www.pafirstsettlement.comand on Facebook at www.facebook.com/bhgwilkins#1/pages/Pennsylvania-First-Settlement-Services/378031561801


Pictured: Lorie Lehman, Executive Vice President PA First Settlement Services

Wilkins & Associates Property Management adds new Lawn Mower

PHOTO L to R:

Joseph Zaborowski (Zabo), Cramer’s Cashway, Inc.; Thomas R. Wilkins, CEO, Wilkins & Associates; Scott Sebring, Cramer’s Powerhouse and Carrie Ridner, Director of Property Management, Wilkins & Associates

Stroudsburg - Wilkins & Associates—PROPERTY MANAGEMENT, also known as NEPA Management Assoc, is shown here with their new Bob-Cat Walk-behind Hydro Z-Control mower purchased from Cramer’s Powerhouse.  Wilkins has expanded their Management services adding a variety of maintenance services as well.  Recently, WA-PROPERTY MANAGEMENT was retained by The Glen at Tamiment to provide lawn care, pool service, road maintenance and snow-plowing for the Association.

Under the direction of Carrie A. Ridner, Director of Property Management, the maintenance division of the company is expanding.  Said Ridner, “While we are certainly not going let Tom drive our new Bob Cat, it is a first step in the direction of providing maintenance services to not only the 30+ associations we represent but also allows us to get into the “handy-man” business with such items as painting, power-washing, lawn care and snowplowing.”

Ridner, new to the company, has 20+ years in the Property Management business as a community property manager.  Prior to joining Wilkins, she was Community Manager at Penn Estates as well as active in the Pocono Ranchlands community and formerly employed by the Village at Camelback and Wild Acres throughout her career.

The Wilkins organization, under the name NEPA Management Associates and Wilkins & Associates—PROPERTY MANAGEMENT, provides management for short and long term rental properties, apartment complexes, condominium and townhome communities, property owners associations and commercial projects throughout the greater northeast Pennsylvania region.  What started over 20 years ago as one association, the Villas at Pine Hill in Mt. Pocono, today has grown into one of the largest Management companies in northeast Pennsylvania.  Thomas R. Wilkins, CEO stated, “We’re in the Property Management business to stay.  We see a tremendous opportunity in the Lehigh Valley, although it’s more competitive there (which we welcome), as well as expansion into the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre and Lake Wallenpaupack regions.  By adding in-house maintenance services to our menu, it opens more doors for us and we feel has a tremendous upside.”

Approximately, two years ago, Wilkins & Associates—PROPERTY MANAGEMENT offered a Bookkeeping and Fiscal Management Agreement to small and very large community associations which went over extremely well.  It’s a bookkeeping service that is very affordable and in their capacity, the Wilkins company bills and deposits the dues, accounts for the dues, pays the necessary bills for the association and reports on that activity monthly or quarterly to the Association’s Board of Directors.

Under the supervisions of Rosemarie Lobe-Waller, CFO, the program has been taking a very strong foothold in small associations.  Says Waller, “Now that same product has been redefined as a cost savings idea for the largest of associations where they can outsource the financial running of the community to a third party at a lesser cost than it may be to keep that particular part of their staff.”

The Management office at 404 Park Avenue, Stroudsburg is open 7 days a week.  They can be visited online at www.nepamgmt.com; or like them on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/WilkinsCommercialBrokers

Wilkins Distributes Commissions to Agents for Home Warranty Sales

Photo L to R:

Thomas R. Wilkins, CEO; David Haseney, Realtor; Lorie Lehman, Exec VP.

Not in photo are Debbie Matthews, Realtor and Ardelle Starnadori, Realtor.

Stroudsburg – Thomas R. Wilkins, CEO of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Wilkins & Associates presents checks to David Haseney, Realtor and Lorie Lehman, Executive Vice President of Pennsylvania First Settlement Services for sales of the Global USA Home Warranty in the month of June.

Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Wilkins & Associates offer Home Warranties as part of their Independent Family of Home Buying Services, a program started in 1998.  What the Independent Family of Home Buying Services provides is a “one stop shopping” for buyers that purchase their home through Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Wilkins & Associates.  The Family, since its inception, has included three preferred Mortgage providers, a preferred Title and Settlement company, home warranties, “Get-Connected”—an affordable utility hook-up service, and other customer service courtesies that are extended to the buyer.

Global USA Home Warranty is a Home Warranty that adds value to the home buying process making it attractive to buyers.  Plus with a Home Warranty, the new home buyer receives piece of mind that comes with knowing that they’re protected from unexpected, costly repairs. A buyer can cover (outside of their homeowners insurance) furnace units and boilers, heat pumps, air conditioners, humidifiers/dehumidifiers, water heaters, plumbing, sump pumps, whirlpools, dishwashers, range/ovens, microwaves and a whole laundry list of other important items when they purchase a home, at an extremely attractive price.

Said Thomas R. Wilkins, CEO, “To the best of my knowledge, we’re one of the only Pocono company offering the Global USA Home Warranty to sellers when they list their home for sale.  Pennsylvania First Settlement Services, our title company, offers it to those buyers purchasing foreclosures through another broker but may want to take advantage of this benefit.”

“In fact”, Wilkins continued, “Freddie Mac through their HomeSteps financing actually offers up to $500.00 for a home warranty, which we are happy to provide any buyer whether they purchase the home through us or not.”

Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate through The Carl Maurer Team, is the #1 real estate broker in the Poc Mt. Assoc. of Realtors that lists foreclosed homes through Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, national lenders, private investors and other local and regional banks.  Carl Maurer, Assoc Broker and leader of The Carl Maurer Team, is #1 in the Poc Mt. MLS with units sold for 2013 year to date (June 30, 2013).

Lorie Lehman, Exec V.P. for Pennsylvania First Settlement Services added, “You don’t have to be a Better Homes and Gardens Realtor to enjoy selling a Home Warranty!”  Lehman further explained that the Home Warranty can be purchased by a buyer at closing, even if that buyer is not represented by the Wilkins organization.  Over 40% of the settlement services provided by PA1st are for other brokers in the PMAR system.

Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Wilkins & Associates is celebrating 25 years in business—2013.  The Wilkins organization also includes Wilkins & Associates—PROPERTY MANAGEMENT, NEPA Management Associates, Inc. and Wilkins & Associates Commercial Brokers, Inc.  All offices are open 7 days a week.  Visit the Wilkins organization at www.wilkins1.com; www.nepamgmt.com or on Facebook at “LIKE” US ON FACEBOOK.

Wilkins & Associates announces Drozal as new Sales Agent

Stroudsburg – Keith R. Drozal join has joined Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Wilkins & Associates as a Salesperson in their Stroudsburg office.  Drozal, a native to the Pocono Mountains, took the required courses and passed the necessary exam to receive his Salesperson’s license.  Drozal is a graduate of the Pocono Real Estate Academy.

Drozal, who previously had been self-employed as a contractor and now works for the Buck Hill Community Association, will start with the company as a part-time Realtor.  In his capacity Drozal will focus on rentals and residential listings and sales.  Drozal will do his training online and at his pace through webinars in the Better Homes and Gardens Greenhouse.  Webinars include “Seeds of Success” an eight part series, Social Media and Technology training and LeadRouter, BHG’s online Customer Contact program to mention a few.

Said Thomas R. Wilkins, CEO, “Keith is just the type Agent we’re looking for.  He’s a prime example of the new Realtor that’s coming on board.  His online skills, coupled with his customer service skills from being self-employed, are a simple formula to success.”  Thomas R. Wilkins, Jr., also with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Wilkins & Associates recruited Drozal.

Said Drozal, “I’ve been involved with the real estate industry in various capacities for many years.  I’m really excited now to be a Salesperson.  The online tools that Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate has for use outshine any other company in the Poconos.  Now that’s exciting!”

Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Wilkins & Associates operates three offices throughout the Pocono Mountains and is celebrating their 25^th year in business—2013.  You can visit them online at www.wilkins1.com.  All offices are open 7 days a week.

Wilkins' Attend NAR Rethink the Future of Real Estate Seminar

Madison, NJ - Thomas R. Wilkins, CEO of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Wilkins & Associates and Thomas R. Wilkins, Jr., Central Processing, were invited attendees to the National Association of REALTORS (NAR)Strategic Plan titled “Rethink—The Future of Real Estate” hosted by Realogy located at their new headquarters in Madison, New Jersey.  The 1-day seminar was designed by NAR and was the last in a series of 100 seminars designed to review the changing world of real estate—visualizing a 5 year plan and 10 year plan.

One of the presenters, Summer Greene, Broker and past President of Florida Realtors®, stated, “This seminar, of which I’ve now given close to 100 of them, describes scenario planning and is designed to rethink the future as to, literally, what’s going to happen.  Will there be big shifts in the real estate value proposition, a collaborative effort driven by data opportunity, external threats and the need for more future-consumer centric models.”    The seminar focused on the Ostrich, meant to represent slower incremental changes at the local Realtor Association level; Beauty and the Beast, which represented getting key players to collaboratively reshape the real estate industry, defy conventional wisdom and look into a future where the real estate industry was successful in path breaking efforts to redefine the industry’s value proposition; and last, the Jungle which presented a 5 and 10 year future game changing shifts to the industry and business environment which was driven by new politics, shifting values and external forces beyond the control of the realtor or the general public.  The Jungle was a volatile, yet innovative world of game-changers and power shifts, new risks and opportunities, new winners and losers; for Real Estate, a technotic shift that reshapes the industry landscape, suddenly and decisively, as new players enter the market with new models for housing and homeownership.  The Jungle also focused on a previously unthinkable world just a few years ago--how and why did it happen.

Said Thomas R. Wilkins, CEO, “For the past 7 – 8 years all we thought about was next week.  We never thought about 5 and 10 year changes in the real estate market, only because we were focused on today and tomorrow at the latest.  To sit in a day-long seminar and talk about things 5 and 10 years out, honestly, was mind blowing.”

While the presenters offered no answer to the propositions they were presenting, the seminar was designed to make everyone think outside the box about what was happening with the real estate industry.  NAR’s Strategic Planning Committee took this new approach to encourage dialogue and open minds about thinking big for the future.  In the seminar, various videos portrayed Realtors of 2017 and 2023.  As you watched them, you listened to the challenges that they had and/or lived through for the past 5 to 10 years as the economy came out of the recession, the changing of the politics involving the real estate industry and how people alone lived in either extended families, possibly as co-ops, sharing one home with other families and specifically about the “new’ American dream.

Said Tommy Wilkins, Jr. “While I am only 20 year old now, I want to own my own home, but being young I’m not sure how I am going to do it.”  “Listening to where the market is going and what it might be like to be a Real Estate Agent in the 21^st century was extremely interesting to me.” Wilkins, Jr. added.

To learn more about Rethink—The Future of Real Estate, visit them online at www.rethinkfuture.com .  This interactive site will allow you to experience the events online.

Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Wilkins & Associates operates three offices throughout the Pocono Mountains and is celebrating their 25^th year in business—2013.  You can visit them online at www.wilkins1.com.  All offices are open 7 days a week.

PHOTOS:

TOP LEFT:

Thomas Wilkins Jr., Central Processing (L) & Amy Chorew, Vice Pres, Platform Development (R)

TOP RIGHT:

Summer Greene, Regional Mgr at Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Florida 1st (L) & Jason Pantana, Speaker, Realtor® (R).

BOTTOM LEFT:

Amy Chorew, Vice Pres, Platform Development, Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate

1st Ever Realogy FWD Innovation Summit attended by Wilkins'

Madison, NJ - Tom and Christine Wilkins, owners of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Wilkins & Associates, were invited guests to the 1^st Realogy FWD Innovation Summit at their new headquarters on Park Avenue in Madison, New Jersey.  The Innovation Summit, the first ever hosted by Realogy, a global leader in real estate franchising, was attended by 150 invited guests who included Brokers, real estate bloggers, nationally recognized real estate consultants and members of the Realogy Franchise Group. including Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate, Coldwell Banker, Century 21, ERA, and Sotheby’s International Realty.

The FWD Innovation Summit featured 15 of the top software companies, most of them start-ups that had an interest in displaying their products to such an audience.  It was an impressive field of 15 emerging companies that presented their innovative, new technology products and services at Realogy’s headquarters in Madison, New Jersey.  Said Sherry Chris, CEO of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate, LLC, “We received over 900 applications when we reached out.  The 15 companies you are seeing today are the result of our sifting through each of those applications.  Today you will truly see the best of the best.”  Chris chaired the committee that selected the final contestants.  The winner of the Summit received a $25,000 check from Realogy. 

The Innovation Summit was opened with remarks from Alex E. Perriello III, President and CEO of Realogy Franchise Group.  In attendance also was Richard Smith, Chairman of Realogy Holding Corp.  Perriello told the audience that what they were going to see was truly where the real estate market was nationally and for that fact, globally and that the products being offered were truly one of a kind.  Each presenter had a set period of time to present their product to the audience.  Then, a committee of 6 judges asked questions of the applicants as to how their product would interface with Agents and Brokers, where was the company in bringing their product to market, what was the cost to use the product and how did they feel their product would enhance the experience of buyers and sellers who obviously are the ones that make the market place.

Said Christine Wilkins, General Manager, “I was on the edge of my seat the entire day!  My favorite was an interactive 3-D model that allows you to see a building, house or apartment in 3-D.  It was absolutely amazing.”  Wilkins also said, “I’m happy to say that my favorite won 1^st Place.”  Floored, who you can visit at www.floored.com was one of the most visited booths during the lunch break and after the summit concluded.  Said Perriello, “Floored and its 3-D modeling capability truly stood out among today’s field of talented entrepreneurs.” 

Founded by Dave Isenberg in 2012, Isenberg entered the corporate world and soon joined Bonobos’s as their first hire.  Years later, he flew westward to build the next great retail data platform at TellApart.  Isenberg has a BA from Harvard.

Runners-up were HomeZada, a company whose software helps homeowners organize and manage their home, and the other finalist was BuyerMLS, a real-time buyer marketplace for Agents.

All the other companies were well received by the audience and included MyCityWay, a local search and discovery platform that provides a live view into more than 100 cities; Updater, a product that simplifies moving by handling change of address and utility hook-up from a single website; HomeLight, who match consumers with Agents based on skill, location and experience to mention a few.

Said Thomas R. Wilkins, CEO, “I get it.  Or rather let me say I want to get it.  To stay atop of new programs as they are coming on board is simply mind boggling.  I am so glad that 8 years ago when presented with the choice of either learning how to market online or retire, I took the challenge of embracing that real estate was moving its platform online and today proves that.”

The Wilkins organization prides itself on being one of the most adept real estate companies in the Pocono Mountains that utilizes the web for 95% of their buyers and sellers.  Wilkins also said, “Surrounding myself with young people like my son Tommy Wilkins, and Samantha Bonnett, who works with us handling our online contact management systems is really how you get the knowledge and understanding of marketing online.  Our sales are up 50% year-to-date for 2013, so I’m going to say that the online process is not only here to stay, but that it works.”

The FWD Innovation Summit was so well received by the audience, Realogy, at the end of the day, promised to have more of these type summits in the future.  To learn more about Realogy Holdings Corp (NYSE:RLGY)—The business of Real Estate, they can be found online at www.realogy.com.

PHOTO:

Left to Right:   Thomas R. Wilkins CEO Better Homes and Gardens Wilkins & Assoc;  Christine A. Wilkins Gen Mgr. Better Homes and Gardens Wilkins & Assocs and Alex Perriello, Pres & CEO Realogy Franchise Group 

Spina Recognized for 8 Years of Service with Wilkins

Stroudsburg – Wilkins & Associates—PROPERTY MANAGEMENT, also known as NEPA Management Assoc acknowledged Rossana Spina, Executive Secretary for 8 years’ service with the Company.  Spina, a native of New Jersey who resides in Mount Bethel, started as a Secretary with the company and today has the primary responsibilities of handling correspondence for Senior management, scheduling appointments, meetings, preparing agendas and business affairs of

Thomas R. Wilkins, CEO, Christine Wilkins and the “2^nd Floor” marketing team.

The Wilkins organization owns and operates Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Wilkins & Assoc, Wilkins & Associates—PROPERTY MANAGEMENT, Wilkins & Associates Commercial Brokers and Pennsylvania First Settlement Services.  Collectively, the corporate office is located at 404 Park Avenue in Stroudsburg. 

Said Wilkins, “The overall tenure of our staff within the Company shows our dedication to our employees.  We would not be where we are at today without our staff.”

Tenure of the staff includes Francine Scouten, Acctg Dept--12 years; Christina Serpico, Property Mgmt--12 years, Donna Sorrentino, The Carl Maurer Team--12 years; Rosemarie Lobe-Waller, CFO—12 years; Terry Sinagra, Acctg Dept.—12 years; Christine Wilkins, Owner—11 years; Patricia Blank-Toombs, Senior Mgmt/Rental Dept—11 years; Toni Jones, Central Processing/ Relo—11 years; Jody Martin, Acctg—8 years and Marilyn Lesoine, Office Admin—7 years.

The Wilkins organization in June of 2013 celebrates their 25^th year in business.  The company started with 3 people in Mt. Pocono and grew into the organization that it is today. 

Carrie Ridner, Director of Property Mgmt, laughed, “Even though I’ve been here going on a year, I feel like the “new kid on the block”, but seriously it’s such a pleasure working with the people that built the company.  They know how the company works, where to get whatever tool you need and of course, Tom’s ability to market everything as a whole is the final piece of the puzzle.”

Said Wilkins “It feels like the real estate market is now on solid ground.  It doesn’t feel like it’s “spiking”.  It feels like business is up and going to stay there.  It’s the Management and Maintenance services that are dramatically increasing our business.   We have added several products to our business and they have taken off like a rocket.  With the tenure of our staff on the 2^nd floor, we can easily handle 3 times the work we do now.  We are the largest Management Company in the Poconos and our sights are now set on adding the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre and the ABE areas.”

The Wilkins offices are open 7 days a week; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mon – Fri; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sundays.  You can visit them on line at www.wilkins1.com; or www.nepamgmt.com to learn more.

Skillman wins award at Mt. Airy Luncheon

Mt. Pocono – Katherine Skillman, Assoc Broker with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Wilkins & Associates was hosted to a lunch given by Thomas R. Wilkins, CEO and Dennis Mooney, Vice Pres/Sales Mgr at which time Skillman received from Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Corporate glass embossed 2012 Silver Certificate Awards.

Skillman was recognized by Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate, LLC for her 2012 Gross Commission Income as well as the number of units she sold in 2012.  The Silver Certificate is the 4^th level of recognition awarded nationally by the Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate brand.

Said Thomas R. Wilkins, CEO, “To present Kathy with both of these prestigious awards was truly an honor.  Kathy has been a member of the Top 10 with the Wilkins organization for a number of years, but when you are recognized nationally by professionals in your field, that’s something to celebrate.”

Presenting the awards along with Wilkins was Dennis Mooney, V.P./Sales Manager.

Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Wilkins & Associates’ corporate office is located at 404 Park Avenue in Stroudsburg.  Skillman, who works from the Mt. Pocono office, handles the entire Gouldsboro, Big Bass Lake, Sterling, New Foundland, Moosic and Moscow regions.  In addition to her national recognition, Skillman was awarded Salesperson of the Year 2012 at Skytop Lodge this past January at the Wilkins & Associates awards brunch.

Tom Wilkins scheduled to teach Accredited Property Management Course

Scranton - Vintage Real Estate Academy announced that Thomas R. Wilkins will teach Non-Residential Property Management, an accredited Property Management course beginning January 22^nd, 2013.  This 4 day, 30 hour accredited course will run for 4 consecutive Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.  The classes will be held at the Clarion Hotel, 300 Meadow Street, Scranton, PA. 

Wilkins, who is owner of Wilkins & Associates-PROPERTY MANAGEMENT and NEPA Management Associates, has been involved in the property management business for the past 20 years.  From the ground up, Wilkins successfully developed an all inclusive and diversified property management company that interfaces with his primary company Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Wilkins & Associates.

Starting in Mt. Pocono in 1989, Wilkins began his property management team with a small condominium complex in Mt. Pocono.  From that one account, he has grown the company into one of the largest and most respected management companies in Northeast Pennsylvania.

Wilkins is an accredited teacher licensed by the Pennsylvania Real Estate Commission as a Real Estate instructor.  This course will expose the student to the basic concepts of non-residential property management, Management Ethics, Management Agreements and income collection.  Wilkins has extensive knowledge and expertise in that field.  His blog and writings can be found in such real estate publications as RIS Media, the Pocono Record, Northeast Business Journal, Lehigh Valley Business Journal and other periodicals both on a regional and national level.  Online, Wilkins’ articles can be found on the following sites:

http://poconorealestatehappenings.blogspot.com; https://www.realtown.com/PoconoRealEstate/blog; http://www.biggerpockets.com/users/thomasrwilkins

For more information on the course, please call Robert Walker at Vintage Real Estate Academy at (888) 712-719.

Nittany Court hires Wilkins & Associates Property Management for finance and bookkeeping

Mount Pocono - Nittany Court hired Wilkins & Associates PROPERTY MANAGEMENT to provide finance and bookkeeping services for their community located in the Borough of Mount Pocono 

The Association consists of 24 townhomes and is primarily owner occupied.  The Community was developed in the mid-1990s by Richard Mears and subsequently sold by Robert Nahudil.  Wilkins & Associates was the listing and selling Broker.  Thomas R. Wilkins marketed the project as one of the first projects in which a Broker was a "partner". 

While not providing full property management services, Wilkins & Associates is contracted by the Board to collect the dues, late fees, interest charges and assessments, deposit that money into the bank, record the transaction to the proper owner and reconcile that income.  Wilkins then reports the income and expense to the Board of Directors and Treasurer on a monthly basis.

Said Thomas R. Wilkins, CEO, "In the old days the volunteer position of Treasurer was not hard to fill, but in today's market place, no one wants to spend the amount of time that it takes to provide financial services to the Association nor do they want the responsibility or liability of handling any sort of money.  We do it for a living which is why we have a sincere interest in providing these type bookkeeping and accounting services."

Wilkins & Associates PROPERTY MANAGEMENT is an off-shoot of NEPA Management Associates also owned by Wilkins.  WA PROPERTY MANAGEMENT oversees close to 30 associations including POAs, townhome communities and condo associations throughout the Pocono Mountains and handles a number of rental units which consist of single family homes, townhomes and condominiums.  In addition to management, Wilkins is also responsible for short-term rentals which are broken down into vacation or weekend rentals, weekly summer vacation rentals, seasonal and corporate accounts.  All of the bookkeeping and property management takes place at the 304 Park Avenue, Stroudsburg office, 2^nd floor.

Wilkins & Associates PROPERTY MANAGEMENT is open 7 days a week with Accounting available Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.  If you would like a free quote and see a 10 minute PowerPoint presentation for your Association, please feel free to either call or email twilkins@wilkins1.com.  The telephone number is (570) 421-5409.

                                               

Ron Parasole Partners with WACB and Better Homes and Gardens Wilkins and Associates

Scranton - Ron Parasole has joined the Wilkins organization as a Realtor with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Wilkins & Associates. Within a set period of time, Parasole will open his own business under the name Parasole Property Management & Assoc.'s (PPMA) of which Thomas R. Wilkins will serve as Broker of Record for the newly formed property management group.

Parasole, who has worked with Wilkins prior, has been a licensed Realtor since 2002. Earlier this year, Parasole, with the assistance of Wilkins began managing income producing properties in and around the Scranton-Wilkes Barre area. It was then that they decided Parasole would open his own management company under the direction and licensing of Wilkins.

Said Thomas R. Wilkins, CEO, "Ron simply loves property management. We have been in the Scranton area before with property management, and to have Ron handle the valley for us is really a slam dunk." In addition to that, by being licensed, he is able to buy and sell for our investors' portfolios which simply brings an added benefit to the management company."

In addition to becoming a member of the Pocono Mountains Association of REALTORS®, Parasole will also become a member of the Scranton and Wilkes-Barre MLS systems.

Parasole, who learned maintenance as well as master carpentry from his father, is also an accomplished custom glass and mirror contractor and is responsible for the designer glass in a number of commercial buildings in and around the New York City area. Always wanting to own his own business, and with his expertise in the maintenance area and his leadership type personality, becoming General Partner of the proposed management company was a natural.

Said Parasole, "I love what I do and now I'm doing what I love. With the assistance of Wilkins who's been in the business for over 25 years, and with today's software, it makes it a great partnership to get the business off the ground. I tell everyone that customer services is something I am very used to and will certainly set the bar higher than anyone would expect--that's just something my family has always been proud of."

The new company is scheduled to open within the next several months. In the interim time, Management accounts are being taken by calling the Pocono branch at (570) 421-5409 or Parasole direct at (570) 903-8969.

Get to Know the many Faces of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Wilkins & Associates

At Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Wilkins we feel it proud to introduce you to the many great people who make us who we are-

Click Here to view Video

Jeffery Serowick Realtor Joins Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate WIlkins and Assocs in the Pocono Mts

Stroudsburg - Jeffrey J. Serowick, Realtor has joined Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Wilkins & Associates as a full-time Realtor. Serowick will be working from the Stroudsburg office at 304 Park Avenue.

Serowick, who has been in the real estate field for the past 10 years, began his career with the Wilkins organization in 2002 as a newly licensed salesperson. During his term with the company, Serowick earned and received a number of awards including Outstanding Salesperson, a year-after-year member of the "Top 10", Rookie of the Year 2002, and many others. Serowick has also been the recipient of a "Helping Hands" award, an honor given to those Agents who help their fellow agents and the general public at large. Said Thomas R. Wilkins, Pres/CEO, "Jeff and I worked on a number of transactions together throughout his career. In fact, Jeffrey has handled a lot of my personal real estate transactions including the purchase of my town-home I still own at Northslope III."

Serowick will be selling under the brand "DISTINCTIVE COLLECTION by Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate". This facet of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate is a unique program designed for those successful Realtors marketing high-end real estate to attract high-end sellers and to market to high end-buyers. The marketing program is exclusive and promotes the uniqueness of property by using a distinctive branding and marketing tools.

Said Christine Scrofano, Sr V.P., "I'm excited to have a Realtor like Jeff that caters to the Distinctive Collection of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate. It's particularly important in the vacation home market where we're selling such communities as Big Bass Lake, Hemlock Farms, Lake Naomi, Buck Hill and of course, Sky Top. Jeffrey is a perfect candidate to handle that buyer (and seller) for us."

In addition to his distinguished home sales, Serowick is very skilled and talented in listing primary and vacation homes throughout the Pocono region. Serowick also caters to an extensive group of investors who have been purchasing from him exclusively over the last several years.

Serowick is married and has two children. He resides in the Village of Shawnee-on-the Delaware. Serowick can be reached at jserowick@wilkins1.com , by cell phone at

(917) 656-5940 or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Jeffrey.serowick

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MAURER WITH WILKINS & ASSOCS HITS BIG AS TOP SALES IN 2011 POC MT REALTORS MLS

Bushkill - Carl Maurer, Assoc Broker with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Wilkins & Associates not only was ranked #1 in sales with the Better Homes and Gardens group, a title which he has retained for the past 10+ years, Maurer also ranked as a #1 Salesperson for 2011 in the Pocono Mts Assoc of Realtors MLS system.

With 133 listings sold in 2011 and $12 million in sales, Maurer ranked as the #1 Realtor for units sold. Maurer's biggest book of business is the number of bank foreclosed properties that he handles which represent probably 40% of Maurer's overall business.

Maurer is also head of "The Carl Maurer Team" which includes Dennis Farrelly, and James Martin, Realtors as well as a Licensed Administrative Assistant. Together, The Carl Maurer Team handles a very large percentage of bank owned homes selling in the Pocono Mountain area. Their clients include Fannie Mae which the Wilkins organization has serviced for over 20 years, Freddie Mac, BAC, Wells Fargo and a host of regional and local banks.

In 2012, Maurer with Tom Wilkins, Broker and head of WACB Commercial Brokers along with Don Snyder, Director, plan on expanding the department to include commercial properties, that are bank owned as well as "going concerns" and court appointed assignments within the 7 county area.

Said Thomas R. Wilkins, Pres/CEO, "Carl and I have been together for a number of years. Prior to moving to the Poconos, he was a top selling REO agent doing what he is doing now, foreclosures, throughout the state of New Jersey. But that's not Carl's only source of business; Maurer and his team are a well oiled machine that, with him as a leader, moved a record number of units in 2011 which earned him #1 Realtor for 2011 in the PMAR Multiple Listing System."

Maurer can be reached by email at cmaurer@wilkins1.com or in the office at (570) 588-3440. All Wilkins offices are open 7 days a week.

Broker touts His Pocono Agents

Pocono Brokers Realtoras shine in 2011

WILKINS & ASSOCS REAL ESTATE HIRES NUCERO

Mount Pocono - Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Wilkins & Associates has hired Jay Nucero as a Real Estate Salesperson to be in their new Mt. Pocono office at 102 Pocono Blvd. Nucero is new to the real estate business having graduated online from RealEstateExpress.com and passing the required exam.

Nucero was recruited by Dennis Mooney, V.P./Assoc Broker. Said Mooney, "Jay is a very energetic young man and the face of today's new Realtor. He is very internet savvy and expects to do a lot of his marketing online."

Nucero who attended Penn State, Temple, ESU and Northampton County for the most part has been self employed. He is an entrepreneur and use to providing customer service.

Said Thomas R. Wilkins, President - CEO, "We've taken a special liking to Jay and want to ensure his success. He'll learn real estate under Christine A. Scrofano Sen. VP, who has taught many high producers in the company over the past 10 years. Scrofano also teaches Social Marketing on the Internet with FaceBook and other Internet sites.

Nucero is a full-time Realtor.

Selling homes since 1988, Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Wilkins & Associates services the entire Pocono Mountains, North Pocono/Moscow area, historic Milford and all towns in between. Better Homes and Gardens Realtors handle listing, rentals and sales of primary, vacation and starter homes, as well as estate and farm properties. Buyer services include first and second home buyers, relocation buyers and transferees. They have three offices in the Pocono Mountains. All offices are open 7 days a week. Visit Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Wilkins & Associates online at http://www.wilkins1.com/
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PRESTIGIOUS POCONO REAL ESTATE COMPANY HIRES MATTHEW RUBIN IN SALES DEPT

MATTHEW RUBIN REALTOR

Stroudsburg - Matthew J. Rubin, Realtor, has joined Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Wilkins & Associates as a Salesperson in their 304 Park Avenue office.

In 2010, Rubin took the required courses and passed the State examination to receive his Real Estate license. Prior to joining Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Wilkins & Associates, Rubin was employed at Keller Williams Real Estate.

Originally from Brooklyn, Rubin and his wife have lived in the Poconos for the past 12 years. Prior to real estate, Rubin spent 20+ years in the stage and theater district in New York City. Rubin worked on a number of productions, Broadway shows and television series before retiring and becoming a full-time Realtor.

Rubin's motto is to "always give back to the community where you live"; and to that end, he has been a part of "Help Family Promise", he volunteered for "Run for the Red", was a participant in Stroudsburg's "Clean the Town" and every Friday, donates his time to Pocono Medical Center.

Rubin has a unique perspective in that every sale he makes he gives a small portion of his commission to the charity of the buyer's or renters' choice.

Rubin will be located in the Stroudsburg office and will mentor with Christine A. Scrofano, Senior Vice Pres. who recruited Rubin. Rubin plans to take part in the new program by Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate corporate which hosts a "Welcome to the Greenhouse" series of classes online, Pod-casts and seminars to understand more about the marketing materials offered by Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate®. Rubin also is a candidate for “FAST TRACK” a newly set of classes designed by Wilkins that was designed for those agents that are hired that already have experience and a book of business.

Selling homes since 1988, Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Wilkins & Associates services the entire Pocono Mountains, North Pocono/Moscow area, historic Milford and all towns in between. Better Homes and Gardens Realtors handle listing, rentals and sales of primary, vacation and starter homes, as well as estate and farm properties. Buyer services include first and second home buyers, relocation buyers and transferees. They have two offices in the Pocono Mountains and is scheduled to open up a Mt. Pocono office in mid to late June at 102 Pocono Blvd. All offices are open 7 days a week. Visit Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Wilkins & Associates online at http://www.wilkins1.com/