Five Local Poconos Better Homes and Gardens Realtors Receive National Awards

Stroudsburg - Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Corporate, located in Madison, NJ, announced that 4 Realtors and The Carl Maurer Team have been honored and received national recognition for their 2013 volume in listings and sales.

Receiving the coveted Silver Award based on 21 – 37 closed units with a gross commission of $88K – $175K were Nicole Murray, Sonia Kern, Jennifer Amantea and Caryn Centini.

The Carl Maurer Team won the Emerald Elite aware, highest award possible with over 115 closed units and $475K+ in gross commission income.

The Carl Maurer Team in 2012 not only received the Emerald Elite award for their category, but was the highest grossing team in the United States.  In 2013, their total units were 331.

Murray, who works from the Bushkill office, is also President of the Pocono Mountains Association of REALTORS; Kern is a full-time Realtor working from the Stroudsburg office; Amantea, waiting to receive her Assoc Broker’s license, works from the Mount Pocono office and Centini, a member of The Carl Maurer Team, is from the Bushkill office.

Carl Maurer, Assoc Broker, directing The Carl Maurer Team, is also the highest grossing Realtor in the Pocono Mountains Association of REALTORS.

The Sales Associate and Team recognition levels for individuals and teams are Silver, Gold, Platinum and the highest recognition, Emerald Elite.

Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Wilkins & Associates was the first Broker to join the Realogy/Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate brand in 2007.  Said Thomas R. Wilkins, CEO, “To be the first in the brand was an honor in itself; but now to be recognized nationally for our efforts is even more rewarding.”

Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Wilkins & Associates have offices in Stroudsburg, Bushkill and Mt. Pocono.  In mid-March, they are scheduled to open their Milford office at The Upper Mill Complex, a highly regarded tourist destination in Milford, PA.  All offices are open 7 days a week.

Court Ordered Sale Townhomes Sell Out in 2 Weeks!

Shawnee on Delaware – Thomas R. Wilkins, CEO of the Wilkins organization announced the court ordered sale of 49 timeshare townhomes at Northslope II sold out in two weeks, one week ahead of the projected time schedule.  The sale was deemed a huge success by all involved.   Wilkins & Associates Commercial Brokers, the company who handled the sale, announced earlier this week that all the units sold at the asking price or above.

Said Thomas R. Wilkins, Broker who handled the auction-style sale, “We, as well as our clients (referring to the 196 interval owners) are very pleased with the proceeds that were collected.”

Wilkins, with Attorney Joseph S. Wiesmeth and Craig Roberts led the consolidation team in conjunction with Attorney Michael V. Gazza who represented the Association.  Said Wiesmeth, “We began this project in mid-2011 by giving a presentation to select members of the Board of Directors.  We then, through a detailed procedure, filed suit in the Monroe County Court of Common Pleas; after which, with a final decision by the Honorable Judge Arthur Zulick, got us to where we are today.  This is one of those win-win-win cases.”

The Shawnee interval owners can expect a check in the amount of $13,000 – $18,000 in mid-April.  Roberts, who developed the distribution plan stated, “The distribution of net funds to the interval owners will be overseen by the Association’s attorney, Michael V. Gazza, as well as Scott A. Miller, CPA from the firm Riley and Company, Inc.”

Northslope II was a timeshare project developed by Shawnee Development, Inc. (SDI) in the mid-80s.  Over time, and through attrition (most of the interval owners had owned since the beginning of the Association), delinquencies, collections and non-paying members, as well as other mitigating forces earmarked the development as not being able to continue as a timeshare.  The possibilities were filing for bankruptcy—the Association owed $790,000 in delinquent real estate taxes–and liquidating the units as timeshare (which each interval had a market value of between $100 – $300) or successfully selling the townhomes as fee simple ownership and delivering to each of the owners proceeds that were well above their estimated market value if sold as timeshare.

The concept of a consolidation team was one that was developed by Wiesmeth, Wilkins and Roberts.  Said Wilkins, “The model that we used for the conversion of NSII is one that can be used anywhere in the continental United States.  This is the third project that I’ve been involved with by selling units in bulk and the second project whereby we converted timeshare into whole ownership.”  The net amount estimated to be shared by the interval owners is close to $1 million.

When asked, the consolidation team is excitedly exploring new projects in and around the Pocono region, as well as timeshare properties in Ocean City, Maryland; Florida and Upstate New York.

For timeshare associations having questions or wanting to learn more about the process, they can contact the law offices of Joseph S. Wiesmeth, Esquire, Stroudsburg or Thomas R. Wilkins, Broker of Wilkins & Associates Commercial Brokers, also located in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania.

Monroe County Republican Committee Endorses Senate Bill 76

Stroudsburg – On February 20, 2014 during the monthly meeting at Peppe’s Bistro and Ristorante, the Monroe County Republican Committee unanimously endorsed Senate Bill 76.  Monroe County has both the highest property tax to income ratio and the highest foreclosure rate in Pennsylvania.

Senate Bill 76, Property Tax Independence Act, would eliminate all school property taxes and replace these taxes with a combination of funding from personal tax, sales tax, and use tax.  This would remove the burden from the individual property owner.

This bill was sponsored by Monroe County State Senator David Argall and is strongly supported by Senators Lisa Baker and Pat Browne, as well, as our State Representatives Mario Scavello and Rosemary Brown.

For additional information, please contact Tom Geffers at 570-424-1175.

Wilkins OK’d for Fourth Real Estate Office in Milford

Stroudsburg – Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Corporate in Madison, NJ gave the “green light” to Thomas R. Wilkins to open a Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate office in Milford, PA.  Scheduled opening, contingent upon the Real Estate Commission approving the office, is slated for early March 2014.

Said Thomas R. Wilkins, CEO, “We operated in Dingmans Ferry and Milford during the height of the housing market and did quite well.  Only because of the downturn in the Pocono real estate market did we have to vacate those offices.  To be going back into the Milford/Lake Wallenpaupack and Pike County arena is extremely exciting for all of us.”

The office, located at The Upper Mill complex, a popular and historic landmark, will be boutique in nature offering our Realtors the best in internet marketing, online advertising and the latest in lead generating software–LeadRouter.

Said Wilkins, “The Historic Water Wheel property is an ideal location for an office.  Currently the suite is under renovation and when completed will have an Adirondack style theme.  The Agents will have the latest in technology to assist them in helping buyers and sellers.”

In addition to the Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate office, this space will also be shared by Pennsylvania First Settlement Services and NEPA Management Associates as well as their sister company, Wilkins & Associates—PROPERTY MANAGEMENT.  It is Wilkins’ intent to offer his complete menu of services from The Upper Mill complex.  Wilkins will handle vacation rentals including weekend, weekly, seasonal and Corporate rentals.

Wilkins further stated, “By offering other professional services that our company excels in, such as title/settlement services, property or community management and maintenance, it will make our Milford location a true success.  We didn’t offer our other services previously, but this time we will accent those accessory services.”

The Wilkins organization is best known for their Independent Family of Home Buying Services which offers buyers, sellers and renters “one stop shopping” when they need to rent, buy or sell their home.  On the Management side, Wilkins offers a full array of professional services from collecting rent or past dues, depositing those funds and monthly reporting of the Income and Expense to the Owner, partners or Board of Directors.  On the Administrative side, they use the best and latest software for the specific purpose they are hired for.  In Community Management, they useTOPS and for residential and commercial investment properties, Rent Manager.

The office is expected to be open Thursday through Sunday in the springtime and open 7 days a week beginning the summer season.

The Wilkins organization’s corporate office is at 404 Park Avenue in Stroudsburg. Visit them online at www.wilkins1.com ; www.nepamgmt.com or on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/BHGWilkins.

Better Homes and Gardens Hires Realtor Camaerei

 

Stroudsburg - Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Wilkins & Associates announced the hiring of Alex V. Camaerei as a Realtor.  Camaerei was hired by Thomas R. Wilkins, CEO and Dennis Mooney, Company Recruiter.

Camaerei is a December graduate of the Pocono Real Estate Academy and currently attends East Stroudsburg University where he majors in Business Management while concentrating on Finance.

Said Wilkins, “We are extremely excited to have a person of Alex’s caliber to be the newest member of our Sales staff.  Young people are the new wave of the Real Estate industry and again Better Homes and Gardens is on the cutting edge.”

Camaerei, a life-long resident of the Pocono Mountains, graduated from Northampton County Community College with an Associate Degree in Arts and Communications Studies.

Camaerei describes himself as an entrepreneurial person who values clients’ needs and holds the highest ethical standards.  Camaerei is a communicator with knowledge of economics, finance and possesses strong computer knowledge.  Camaerei is a team player driven by reaching goals while demonstrating strong organizational skills and good phone skills.

Alex also interned with State Representative Mike Carroll as a District Office Intern.

Said Mooney, “This is exactly the type of Realtor that is changing the face of our industry.  Alex’s ability to communicate online with a buyer or seller and remain in touch with that customer or client via social media, email and other mediums is a proven formula for success.”

Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Wilkins & Associates is a leader in the Pocono Real Estate industry.  Other associated businesses with the Wilkins organization include NEPA Management Associates, Wilkins & Associates Commercial Brokers, Wilkins & Associates—PROPERTY MANAGEMENT and Pennsylvania First Settlement Services.

You can learn more about the company by visiting them online at www.wilkins1.comor www.nepamgmt.com.

Wilkins “Family” Accepts Applause

PHOTO:  L to R

Dennis Mooney, VP/Sales Manager, Marilyn R. Lesoine, Admin Assistant; Morgan Wilkins, Tommy Wilkins, Admin Assistant, Thomas R. Wilkins, CEO; Benny Wilkins, Christine Wilkins, General Manager; Lorie Lehman, Exec VP; Patricia Blank-Toombs, VP/Sales & Rental Manager; Rosemarie Lobe-Waller, CFO; Carrie A. Ridner, Director of Property Mgmt.

Swiftwater -  The Wilkins organization which includes Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Wilkins & Associates, Wilkins & Associates—PROPERTY MANAGEMENT, NEPA Management Associates, Pennsylvania First Settlement Services and Wilkins & Associates Commercial Brokers celebrated at The Garden at Desaki on June 20, 2013.  The party was to commemorate 25 years in business—2013 of the real estate and management companies.  Pennsylvania First Settlement Services was an addition to the Wilkins organization approximately 12 years ago.

The gala was attended by not only the Wilkins family, but senior management, Realtors, staff, selected guests including Rosemary Brown, State Representative, Mario Scavello, State Representative, Board of Director members of the approximately 30 associations managed by the Wilkins organization and other select guests.  Total attendance exceeded 100 persons.

The party, hosted by Desaki, featured a 10 minute video produced by George Roberts Productions which accented the beginning roots of Wilkins where Tom Wilkins bought the company from family members, the transition of the company throughout two (2) downturns in the Pocono market place, to where they are today as a leader in the northeast Pennsylvania real estate industry that includes sales, rentals, property management, maintenance and handyman services and other professional courtesies for the real estate industry that they perform on a daily basis.

Thomas R. Wilkins, CEO, was presented a plaque honoring the event given to him by Christine A. Wilkins, wife and General Manager.  In addition, Wilkins, with his family and Managers on stage, received applause from those in attendance acknowledging the celebration and being a part of it.

Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Wilkins & Associates are located at 404 Park Avenue in Stroudsburg.  They operate three offices, the other offices located in Bushkill and Mt. Pocono.  Wilkins & Associates—PROPERTY MANAGEMENT located at 404 Park Ave, services an array of customers and clients throughout northeast Pennsylvania.  Pennsylvania First owned by the Wilkins organization is also located at the Park Ave address and provides settlement and title services for real estate transactions to a variety of customers and clients.

All offices are open 7 days per week.  Visit them online at www.wilkins1.com ;  www.nepamgmt.com ; http://www.facebook.com/WilkinsCommercialBrokers;    http://www.facebook.com/BHGWilkins

Pomeroy hired as new Sales Agent at Wilkins & Associates

Stroudsburg -  Stephen J. Pomeroy, Realtor has been hired by Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Wilkins & Associates as a Sales Associate in their Park Avenue office.  Pomeroy, prior to joining Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Wilkins & Associates, was employed by Weichert Acclaim.

While this is Pomeroy’s first job in real estate, Pomeroy boasts 20+ years in Sales and Management with such publicly traded companies as GNC, where he oversaw 13 satellite stores in the Allentown area and Office Max, where he held the position of Assistant Store Manager/Store Manager earning “Top 20 Office Max Success Stories” in 2005.

Pomeroy graduated from the State of New York at Purchase with a Bachelor of Science in Economics.

Pomeroy took the required real estate courses from an Allentown School, passed the required PA State exam and was recruited by Tom Wilkins, CEO and Dennis Mooney after Wilkins viewed Pomeroy’s profile on LinkedIn, V.P./Sales Manager.  Originally from Bronx, New York, Pomeroy and his family have lived in the Poconos (Tannersville) since 1997.

Said Dennis Mooney, “You can’t ask for a better time to get started in real estate.  Steve was smart enough to see that, took the necessary steps and is now ready to start his new career.”  In addition to his online real estate marketing, Pomeroy is owner of Pocono Computer Guru which he’s owned since 1995.  As such, Pocono Computer Guru creates and designs websites, print advertising, and logo work.

Pomeroy will learn the Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate system through their customized webinars titled “Seeds for Success” which walks the Agents through the extensive online marketing being done by the company’s individual owners, in this case the Wilkins organization, to their national relationship with Meredith Publishing, owner of the Better Homes and Gardens magazine.  Collectively, each contributes to the success of the individual Realtor.

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.   All offices are open 7 days a week.   You can visit them online at www.wilkins1.com; our Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/BHGWilkins; or at LinkedIn http://www.linkedin.com/in/thomasrwilkins.

BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS 2010 COMMERCIAL