Kenn Kuren-Real Estate of Central Pa. The Brokers Realty Group

03/17/2026

07/15/2025

If recent home price headlines have you feeling worried, here’s some perspective.

Home values almost always go up in the long run. And the long-term gains offset any short-term dips. Basically, if you plan to live there for 5 or more years, you should be able to buffer yourself against any short-term declines.

Let’s have a conversation about what’s happening with prices in our market, and we’ll look at the bigger picture together.

06/17/2025

There’s a misconception going around that you have to put 20% of the purchase price down when you buy a home. But the truth is, many people don’t put down that much unless they’re trying to make their offer more competitive.

And if you want to give your savings a boost, look into down payment assistance. Most first-time buyers qualify and the typical benefit is $17,000.

To learn more about your loan options or down payment assistance programs, connect with a trusted lender and check out downpaymentresource.com.

03/23/2025

In Pennsylvania, a VA (Veterans Affairs) loan buyer is not required by the VA to put down an escrow deposit, but in practice, most sellers and listing agents will still expect one as part of a competitive offer — just like with any other type of financing.

HERE'S HOW IT WORKS:

• Escrow Deposit (aka Earnest Money) is not a VA loan requirement — it's a negotiated part of the sales contract.

• In Pennsylvania, it's very common to see escrow deposits ranging from 1% to 2% of the purchase price, but it can vary based on the market and what the buyer and seller agree on.

• The deposit shows good faith and signals that the buyer is serious, which is especially important in competitive markets like parts of the Poconos or Harrisburg suburbs.

• The deposit is credited back to the buyer at closing, either toward their closing costs or refunded if costs are fully covered (such as with seller concessions).

A FEW TIPS FOR VA BUYERS:

• If funds are tight, they can negotiate a lower escrow amount and explain their situation through their Realtor.

• Some sellers may be understanding if they know the buyer is using a VA loan, especially if they're a fellow veteran.

• A strong preapproval letter and a clean offer can sometimes offset a lower deposit.

02/27/2025

COMING SOON! Your own slice of heaven on 32.5 acres with new home built in 2022! Stay tuned!

01/30/2025

Are you thinking about selling your home? Partnering with an experienced agent can make a real difference.

From getting your home on the MLS to creating a buzz with tools like yard signs, open houses, videos, social media, and more, a great agent knows how to get more eyes on your house and grab the attention of buyers.

Let’s talk to go over how we’ll use these strategies — plus many more — to get your house sold.

01/22/2025

There’s one big mistake you need to avoid when you sell your house – and that’s setting your asking price too high.

A house that’s overpriced is going to turn away buyers and that'll make it sit on the market for longer. Put simply: if the price isn’t compelling, it’s not selling.

To avoid this costly headache, DM me. I’ll help you price it right from the start and get it sold.

12/20/2024

There’s a misconception going around that you have to put 20% of the purchase price down when you buy a home. But the truth is, many people don’t put down that much unless they’re trying to make their offer more competitive. And if you want to give your savings a boost, look into down payment assistance. There are thousands of programs that offer an average benefit of nearly $17,000. To learn more about loan options or down payment assistance programs, connect with a trusted lender and check out downpaymentresource.com.

12/09/2024

More homeowners are choosing real estate agents to sell their houses – and it’s no surprise why.

This market is complex to navigate, so you don’t want to try to go it alone.

From pricing your home right to handling the paperwork, having a pro by your side is key.

I’m here to make the process as smooth as possible. DM me if you want to learn more about what I can do for you.

11/23/2024

Selling your "older" home? Think solid preventive maintenance! The biggest killer of a home’s value is no maintenance.Tackle anything that can danger your health or the house’s future.Leaky roof?,faulty wiring?,bad plumbing? Deal with it sooner than later.Another is to have a home inspection BEFORE you decide to sell,You can identify the problems that can hold up the sale and save yourself a bunch of headaches later!

11/22/2024

If you’re planning to list your house in 2025, it’s already time to start working on any repairs. But where do you start? Your local agent will be able to help you prioritize projects that will help you get the best return on your investment and appeal to what today’s buyers really want. If your goal is to sell your house next year, let’s connect so you know what to start working on now.