Katelyn Mayer Realtor - Iron Valley Real Estate of Central PA

  By Katelyn Mayer, Realtor – Serving Pennsylvania & Maryland Deciding whether to rent or buy your next home is a big decision — and one that depends on your personal circumstances, financial goals, and lifestyle. As a trusted Realtor serving both Pennsylvania and Maryland, I’m here to help you weigh the pros and cons so you can make the best choice for your future. When Renting Makes Sense 1. Flexibility is Your Priority If your job requires you to move frequently, or you’re not ready to settle down in one area, renting provides the freedom to relocate without the burden of selling a home. 2. Lower Upfront Costs Renting typically requires a security deposit and maybe first and last month’s rent, but it avoids the hefty down payment, closing costs, and ongoing maintenance expenses that come with homeownership. 3. Maintenance and Repairs Are Covered When you rent, your landlord is generally responsible for maintenance and repairs — a big plus if you’d rather avoid unexp...

 Whether you're a landlord protecting your investment or a tenant settling into a new space, renter’s insurance plays a critical role in the world of residential leasing. It’s often misunderstood, underestimated, or simply overlooked—but having a basic understanding of how it works can save both parties time, money, and stress. 🔍 What Is Renter’s Insurance? Renter’s insurance is a policy purchased by a tenant to cover personal property , liability , and additional living expenses in the event of damage, theft, or certain disasters. Importantly, this insurance does not cover the structure of the home—that’s the landlord’s responsibility. 🏠 For Landlords: Why Require Renter’s Insurance? As a landlord, requiring renter’s insurance is a smart way to: Minimize liability if a tenant causes accidental damage (e.g., kitchen fire or plumbing backup). Reduce disputes over personal property damage after incidents. Encourage tenants to be financially responsible. 💼 What Do...

  By Katelyn Mayer, Licensed Realtor in PA & MD | Relocation Specialist When I travel, I always bring my real estate lens along for the ride. Whether I’m exploring a neighborhood’s livability, gauging rental potential, or simply observing how an area “feels,” each trip doubles as a little market research. Our October 2022 visit to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina was no different. We stayed at Hilton Grand Vacations Club Ocean Enclave Suites , and while it was a wonderful place to relax, it reaffirmed something important: not every beautiful stay equals a wise real estate investment . 🏨 Ocean Enclave: A Luxury Hotel, Not a Long-Term Option Let me be clear— Ocean Enclave is stunning . It’s modern, clean, oceanfront, and full of resort-style amenities. It was perfect for a short family getaway. But as a licensed Realtor in Pennsylvania and Maryland and a relocation specialist , I wouldn’t recommend it as a second-home or vacation property option. Why? Because Ocean Enclave fu...