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Libertyinspectiongroup.com 610.717.3082 December 2017
worked and fell short in the past year. It’s the kind of high-level marketing and business stuff that I go all-in for. I think it’s vital to take some time to breathe, pull our collective head out of the sand, and see where we’re going as a company. It’s important to me that we do everything we can to really shine in the field. I’ve been running this business for over 10 years, but I’m still always surprised to see how much we’ve grown every time I spend a moment reflecting on our progress. I’m thrilled to be able to say that we’re growing faster than ever, yet still maintaining the high level of service that we’ve offered for as long as we’ve been around. –Chris Earley Overall, it’s a fun tradition, and the kids love it. The whole orchard gets completely decked out with every possible holiday decoration you can imagine. “ and Getting Ready for 2018 CHOPPING DOWN TREES
Every year, after Thanksgiving, my wife and I gather up the kids and head out to Linvilla Orchards to get the family Christmas tree with a few members of the extended family. They’ve got an awesome operation out there. First, everybody piles into a wagon in the back of a tractor, and we enjoy the hay ride through the orchard. All the while, keeping an eye out for the perfect pine tree for our home. Once we've reached the middle of the trees, we are dropped off and venture out to locate the ideal specimen — a beautiful tree with full branches, but not so tall that it won’t fit in our house. When we've found our tree, we are handed a big saw we use to cut the tree down ourselves. As you can imagine, this isn’t the easiest process in the world, but everybody chips in, and it’s incredibly satisfying when the thing finally topples over. The employees grab it, haul it back, shake off the loose needles, wrap it up, and secure it to the top of your car. It’s a little cheesy and commercialized — and I’m pretty sure we overpay for the trees this way — but the kids love it. And this doesn’t even include the sense of satisfaction and ownership you get every time you glance at the tree in the living room, knowing the effort you went through to get it into the house. Overall, it’s a fun tradition, and the kids love it. The whole orchard gets completely decked out with every possible holiday decoration you can imagine. Besides getting in the holiday spirit, I always spend December doing one of my favorite things: formulating a business game plan for the coming year. Every November, I get together at a big national meet-and-greet with a bunch of like-minded people in the industry, and we discuss the processes that
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Successful networking benefits all business owners, whether they’re just getting started or trying to grow their business. These face-to-face meetings with other entrepreneurs, however, can be awkward and difficult for some people. Interfacing with industry leaders, experts, and like-minded CEOs doesn’t have to be anxiety-inducing, even if you’re naturally shy. Here are some tips to help you network more effectively at your next industry seminar or small- business conference. 1. Prepare Beforehand There are a few great ways to get yourself into the networking mindset before an event. You should have a few talking points ready. It shouldn’t sound like a formal presentation with bullet points. A few words about who you are, what you do, and why you do it will suffice. And you don’t want every word drilled down. Remember, networking is not the same thing as a sales pitch. 2. Don’t Forget to Listen Networking works best when it’s a two-way street. You can’t expect somebody to listen to you for five minutes, only for you to head to the snack table as soon as they start telling you about their company in return. The mutually beneficial nature of networking allows for a conversation about business to become a platform for building a relationship. Odds are everyone at your conference is trying to network just as much as you are. 5 NETWORKING TIPS FOR SMALL- BUSINESS OWNERS
3. Have a Card, Seriously Imagine this scenario: You’re at a conference and you just finish up a fruitful, engaging conversation. The person you’re talking to hands over their business card, and you realize you don’t have one to provide in return. Nobody wants to end up scribbling their contact information on a napkin. 4. Network From Home LinkedIn isn’t just for finding a job or screening employees. It can be a powerful networking tool for business owners. Because you can see the connections of your connections, it’s not hard to reach out to people in similar roles or industries. 5. Be Yourself Your personality and values should be an integral part of your business, and networking should be an honest conversation, even when the end goal is developing a business relationship. Be confident in who you are, and you’ll find that people will believe in your vision.
ARE YOU GETTING THE MOST BANG FOR YOUR HOME INSPECTION BUCK?
Before checking out a home, agents, buyers, and sellers often ask how they can get the most out of the upcoming inspection. Nobody wants to be stuck with a lemon — least of all the person who’s setting up the buyer with the house. Here are a few tips to maximize the value of your home inspection fee.
Attend the Home Inspection This one may seem like a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised how many buyers don’t attend the inspection, even though they’re about to make one of the largest purchases of their lives. It’s also important that the real estate agent tag along in order to minimize their liability and represent the client’s interests if any questions arise. Ask Questions When representing a buyer or seller, it’s important to speak openly and honestly about potential concerns with the property prior to the inspection. After it’s over, ensure that any questions you may have are answered clearly, for both your sake and your clients’. Read the Report Too many agents match up their clients with a potentially problematic property without ever reading the inspection report. We’re not in the business of shooting holes in a perfectly good piece of property, but it’s important for an agent to know whether the property really is the best match for their client. This way, any potential issues can be addressed long before any liability falls in the agent’s lap. Negotiate Following the inspection, it’s in the interest of both the agent and the buyer to negotiate repairs. A home inspection report can be a valuable tool to reach an equitable solution, make sure everybody’s happy, and keep your reputation as an agent intact. And, if worst comes to worst, you can always use the home inspection to back out of a shaky deal.
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When you’re helping a client buy or sell a home, the last thing you or your clients want is a nasty surprise. That’s why it’s so important to hire a reputable home inspector — one who will honestly and reasonably explain any potential problems with the property. Here are a few of the biggest problems that real estate agents tend to miss. Faulty Wiring It’s easy to spot a mess of dangling wires sticking out from a ramshackle, DIY electrical box, but other electrical issues can be much less obvious. When a professional inspector investigates your electrical system, they’ll check everything, from the panel to the outside wires supplying power to the house. As you might expect, this is a highly technical, and sometimes dangerous, process. Problems With the Foundation Over time, pretty much every house will experience a little settling as it shifts further into the ground under its own weight. This can cause hairline cracks that, depending on their location and size, may or may not be dangerous. But there’s a reason that nobody wants to see “foundation instability” on their inspection. It’s often one of the most hazardous and expensive problems to fix. THE 4 PROBLEMS AGENTS MIGHT MISS THAT HOME INSPECTORS CATCH
Noxious Gases There’s a reason the EPA recommends that all homes be tested for the presence of radon. It’s an invisible, odorless, tasteless gas that occurs in houses all across the country, making it almost impossible for laymen to detect. And, unfortunately, it can cause cancer. Damage to the Roof According to the National Roof Certification and Inspection Association, structural damage to roofs are responsible for 39 percent of all homeowners’ insurance claims. There’s a reason for this. Roof damage happens gradually and can be notoriously difficult to spot. If you’ve been in the real estate industry long enough, you may feel like you’ve seen it all. You may think, by a simple cursory check around the home, you’ll detect any potential issues before they become huge problems. But there are many technical aspects and minute details that the average person can easily miss. Call Liberty Inspection at 610-717-3940, and give your client the peace of mind brought on by a professional inspection, backed by our signature guarantee.
HAVE A LAUGH ON US!
Scrambling to find something for the holiday potluck? This fondue is sure to impress! EASY HOLIDAY PARTY CHEESE FONDUE
Recipe inspired by PinchofYum.com
INGREDIENTS
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1 clove garlic
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3/4 cup dry white wine
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Salt to taste
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1 tablespoon cornstarch
Ingredients:
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Foods to dip (apple slices, bread cubes, roasted vegetables, etc.)
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1 (8-ounce) package sliced Swiss cheese
DIRECTIONS
nearly smooth, add more cheese and whisk gently. Repeat until all cheese is melted. If mixture seems too tight, add 1 tablespoon wine. Season with salt and serve immediately. Keep pot on low heat to keep the fondue dippable.
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In a large bowl, whisk together wine and cornstarch. Chop cheese slices into small, uniform pieces. Rub clove of garlic all over the sides and bottom of a heavy-bottomed pot, then discard. Heat wine mixture over medium- low heat in the pot until thick and bubbling. Add some cheese and slowly whisk. When
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5.
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Directions:
4.
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE: PAGE 1 We’re Growing Faster Than Ever! PAGE 2 5 Networking Tips for Small-Business Owners PAGE 2 The Most Bang for Your Home Inspection Buck PAGE 3 4 Home Issues You Might Miss PAGE 4 What to Do in Philly This December
What to Do in Philly This December CALENDARS! MARK YOUR
out the website for specific events happening during the festival.
Fireworks on the Riverfront Where: The Delaware River Waterfront When: December 31 at 6 p.m. and midnight Admission: Free Website: visitphilly.com/events/philadelphia/new-years-eve-fireworks
Christmas Village Where: LOVE Park, across the street from City Hall When: November 23–December 24 Admission: Free Website: philachristmas.com
There’s no better way to ring in the new year than with an extravagant fireworks display. Show up early to find the perfect spot along the waterfront, and get ready for one of the best pyrotechnic experiences of the year.
Cut Your Own Christmas Tree / Christmas Around the Farm Where: Linvilla Orchards in Media, Pennsylvania
Winner of the 2017 Philly.com Reader’s Choice Award for Best Outdoor Amusement, the Christmas Village is a bona fide Philadelphia tradition. Every year, the charm of an authentic German Christmas market makes its way to the center of the city, with over 80 vendors selling traditional European food, sweets, drinks, and gifts. Decorated with thousands of lights, there’s no better way to get your family in the Christmas mood. Check
When: November 19 - December 23 Admission: Free ($69.99 + tax for tree) Website: linvilla.com/family-fun/christmas-around-the-farm
Head just 15 minutes out of town to the beautiful Linvilla Orchards and pick out the perfect Christmas tree for your home! After a fun hayride, the whole family can work together to select and cut down one of over 40,000 Christmas trees planted around the farm. The employees will take care of the rest! Or, show up any Saturday at 5 p.m. to join in a caroling hayride around the orchard, complete with hot chocolate, apple cider, and a campfire for roasting marshmallows.
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