Nice to Know: What is Galantine's Day?

Galentine’s Day is a fun, unofficial holiday celebrated on February 13th, the day before Valentine’s Day. It’s all about celebrating female friendships and empowerment. The term was popularized by Leslie Knope, the character played by Amy Poehler on the TV show Parks and Recreation, in a 2010 episode.

On Galentine’s Day, women typically gather for brunches, dinners, or fun outings to appreciate each other and show love beyond romantic relationships. It’s lighthearted, filled with gifts, wine, laughter, and often a chance to unwind with close friends. Even though it’s rooted in pop culture, it’s become widely recognized in real life as a great reason to connect with friends.

REMINDER STORY: Success doesn’t have to be linear—just ask Colonel Sanders.

At 65 years old, Harland David Sanders was broke, living on a small pension, and had been rejected countless times. But he had a fried chicken recipe he believed in.

Armed with that recipe, he traveled door to door, facing over 1,000 rejections before someone finally gave him a chance. That persistence led to the creation of Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC), one of the world’s most successful fast-food chains.

He didn’t start young. He didn’t have immediate success. But he started late, failed many times, and still succeeded—turning his passion into a global empire.

The lesson: It’s never too late to pursue your dreams, and failure is just a step along the way. Keep going! 

Buying Real Estate is Like Dating—Here's Why: 

Think of your home search like dating. First, you meet online, scrolling through endless "profiles" of homes. But just like dating, photos can be deceiving—so a visit is essential to see if it’s a true match! Once you’re hooked, the financial commitment comes into play. Then, inspections happen—LOL baggage and red flags. 🙃

Imagine walking into a courtroom without a lawyer—no preparation, no understanding of the legal system, and no one to represent you when the stakes are high. Just as you wouldn’t represent yourself in court, why would you approach one of the biggest financial decisions of your life without a professional on your side?

Buying or selling a home is much more than a transaction; it’s an investment in your future, your finances, and your dreams. A real estate agent is your advocate, skilled in navigating the complexities of the housing market and safeguarding your interests every step of the way. Here’s why you should have a professional by your side:

1. Knowledge of the Market: Your Expert Guide

A real estate agent is like a local guide with insider knowledge. They understand market trends, neighborhood values, and pricing strategies that make sure you’re not leaving money on the table—or overpaying for your next home. Without this expertise, you could miss red flags or undervalue hidden opportunities.

2. Negotiating the Biggest Investment of Your Life

Negotiation isn’t just about haggling over price—it’s about protecting your interests. Whether you're buying or selling, having a skilled negotiator on your team can be the difference between securing favorable terms and feeling overwhelmed. An agent knows when to push, when to step back, and how to handle multiple offers, inspections, or contingencies.

3. Handling the Details, Paperwork, and Deadlines

The process involves contracts, disclosures, inspections, appraisals, and financing—each step requiring precision and attention to detail. Just as a lawyer ensures you don’t miss a critical legal document, a real estate agent ensures nothing falls through the cracks, giving you peace of mind throughout the transaction.

4. Someone Who Has Your Back

When emotions run high—whether you’re negotiating a deal or navigating unexpected setbacks—an agent is your steady partner. They offer objective advice, handle tough conversations, and keep you focused on your long-term goals.

In short, hiring a real estate agent is about making sure you have a professional ally to manage the market, negotiate confidently, and handle one of the most important investments you’ll ever make. With an expert like this on your side, you can navigate the process with clarity, security, and success. Why take the risk of going it alone?

5. How Real Estate Agents Are Paid: Typically by the Seller
In most transactions, the seller covers the real estate commission, which is then split between the buyer’s and seller’s agents. This means buyers often benefit from having professional representation without directly paying for it. However, if the seller isn’t covering the commission in a particular situation, this can be discussed and negotiated. Options like rolling the fee into closing costs or adjusting the purchase price can help make it manageable, ensuring both sides benefit from expert representation without extra financial strain.

Sandra Burkholder

EXP Realty – Licensed Real Estate Agent since 2000

Serving Lancaster, Chester, Berks and York County PA

www.sandraburkholder.com www.wayfaringlanaster.com [email protected] [email protected]

Not intended to solicit any properties already listed for sale with another real estate agent. If your home is already for sale, then please disregard this message.