Get Moving with Melissa

10/29/2026

🌟 MEET THE MENTOR: MELISSA MASCIOTTI 🌟

United Real Estate Strive 212 Mentorship Program

A strong start begins with supportive guidance and Melissa Masciotti brings more than 20 years of professional training and leadership experience to our mentorship team!

Before entering real estate two years ago, Melissa built a career in 911 emergency communications, training new call takers and dispatchers, supervising telecommunicators, and guiding new hires from the classroom through hands-on training. That experience taught her how to help others communicate clearly, solve problems, and build confidence under pressure.

In real estate, Melissa has helped seven buyers purchase homes and managed two listings. She understands what it feels like to be a new agent and brings that perspective to every mentoring relationship.

🏡 Mentees can turn to Melissa for:
• Support through their first transactions
• Guidance with the buying and listing process
• Practical advice for client conversations
• Encouragement as they build their skills and business

Her mentorship philosophy is simple: provide clear guidance, create opportunities to learn, and help new agents become confident, trusted professionals.

We’re excited to have Melissa helping our newest agents grow one conversation, one transaction, and one success at a time! 💙

10/26/2026

🎃 Monday Minute with Melissa | Fall Fun in Berks County! 🍂

Hey everyone! Happy Monday! It’s Melissa Newkirk with United Real Estate Strive 212, and it’s officially Halloween week!

If there’s one thing I love about living in the Berks County area, it’s that there’s always something to explore, something to experience, and something that brings our community together.

Whether you’re looking for a little spooky fun, family activities, or just an excuse to get outside and enjoy this beautiful fall weather, there’s still plenty happening around our area!

Here are a few ideas for this week: You can check out the Ghost Lantern Tour at Crystal Cave in Kutztown on Friday, enjoy Halloween festivities throughout the county, or take a fall walk and enjoy the beautiful scenery this weekend.

And here’s your friendly reminder: as we’re enjoying these cooler fall days, it’s also a great time to start preparing your home for winter. Check those outdoor faucets, clean out your gutters, and make sure your heating system is ready for the colder weather!

Now I want to hear from you! 🎃 What’s your favorite fall tradition here in Berks County? Are you all about the pumpkins, the haunted attractions, the fall festivals, or staying cozy at home?

Drop your favorite in the comments!

I’m Melissa Newkirk with United Real Estate Strive 212. Whether you’re buying, selling, investing, or just looking for your next adventure, remember…

Let’s get you moving!

See you next Monday! 🧡

10/18/2026

🍂🏡 WATCH THE WEBINAR: UAD 3.6 APPRAISAL UPDATES 🏡🍂

The latest UAD 3.6 webinar covered important changes that may affect buyers, sellers, and real estate professionals. Here are answers to a few questions that came up repeatedly:

✨ Where can I see a sample report?
Fannie Mae provides example UAD 3.6 reports, without photos, in Appendix D of the UAD 3.6 Documentation section of its Uniform Appraisal Dataset page. Freddie Mac also offers UAD 3.6 sample scenarios.

📅 When does UAD 3.6 take effect?
Lenders can order UAD 3.6 reports voluntarily now. Beginning November 2, any appraisal submitted to Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac for the first time must use the UAD 3.6 format.

⏱️ How long will appraisals take?
Turn times will depend on the local market. Areas with plenty of appraisers may see faster service, while areas with limited appraiser availability could experience somewhat longer wait times. As appraisal software becomes more efficient, the process may speed up over time.

🏡 What about unpermitted work?
Unpermitted additions and improvements may still be included in an appraisal report. Appraisers generally consider local practices and market expectations. However, unpermitted work can become a concern if it creates a zoning violation or other significant issue.

🏠 Will appraisers go on the roof?
Typically, no. Appraisers will note obvious concerns, such as missing shingles or visible signs of leaks. If there is a potential roofing issue, a professional roofer’s inspection may be recommended or required.

⬇️ How is a finished basement valued?
There is no single formula. Value depends on how the local market views finished below-grade space, including factors such as ceiling height, access, windows, and walkout features. Finished below-grade area is now reported separately from above-grade living area.

📄 Who receives a copy of the appraisal?
The appraisal report belongs to the lender, which is the party that ordered it. Please check with me regarding what may be shared in your specific transaction.

Understanding appraisal updates can help you feel more prepared throughout the buying or selling process. If you have questions about how UAD 3.6 may affect your transaction, I’m here to help explain what I can and connect you with the right professionals when needed.

📲 Reach out today! Let’s talk about your next move.

https://us06web.zoom.us/rec/play/yzZHKU2e3Ea1XHbJu-ACH8YnblOOEbNQbQfEsA5GePyfRU-E6Y9x0jH7onyw7bhw6fNrUDSYstde5JqP.1HqJdD3xxLUm3K4D?accessLevel=meeting&canPlayFromShare=true&from=share_recording_detail&continueMode=true&oldStyle=true&componentName=rec-play&originRequestUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fus06web.zoom.us%2Frec%2Fshare%2F9SlY4fo4Tw5uKjz64mpWrjIigPo3owQaWxrEj4ZqvnRW_0gOc6vYbJRrSY18txA5.R1yry97ZtZ2F3Z_y

Melissa Newkirk | United Real Estate Strive 212
🏡
🍂 Let’s Get You Moving!
📍 Proudly serving Berks County and surrounding areas.

Check out this Presentation designed by Brittney Trimmer.

10/17/2026

🍂🏡 FALL INTO YOUR NEXT REAL ESTATE ADVENTURE! 🏡🍂

Thinking about buying, selling, renting, or investing in real estate? 🍁 Fall is the perfect time to start planning your next move!

Whether you’re ready to make a move now or just considering your options for the near future, it’s never too early to get started! 🔑

✨ Not sure where to begin?
🏡 Need help preparing to buy your first home?
🍂 Wondering what your home could sell for?
🔑 Looking to explore rental properties or investment opportunities?

That’s where I come in! I’m here to walk you through the process, answer your questions, help you understand your options, and create a plan that fits your goals and timeline. The best part? We can start planning now, even if you’re not quite ready to make a move!

Let’s turn those real estate goals into a plan and get you moving in the right direction! 🍁

📲 Reach out today! Let’s talk about your next adventure.

Melissa Newkirk | United Real Estate Strive 212
🏡
🍂 Let’s Get You Moving!
📍 Proudly serving Berks County and surrounding areas.

10/16/2026

🍂🎃 FALL FUN IN BERKS COUNTY! 🎃🍁

Happy Fall, everyone! 🍎🍂 If you’re looking for something fun to do this weekend, Berks County has plenty of opportunities to get outside, enjoy the beautiful fall season, and make some memories! 🧡

From hayrides and apple picking to trunk-or-treat events and haunted hikes, there’s a little something for everyone!

Here are a few fall activities to check out this weekend, October 16–18:

🎃 Fall Festival & Hayride
🍎 Fall Festival at Weaver’s Orchard
👻 Trunk or Treat & Fall Family Fun Fest
🍁 Heritage Day Fall Festival at Daniel Boone Homestead
💀 Oley Valley FFA Alumni Haunted Hike

Whether you’re looking for family-friendly fun, a little Halloween excitement, or simply an excuse to enjoy the beautiful fall scenery, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy the season! 🍂

🏡 One of my favorite things about real estate is getting to explore the communities I serve and discovering all the wonderful things that make our area special. Berks County truly has so much to offer!

👇 NOW IT’S YOUR TURN! 👇

🍁 What are YOU planning on doing this weekend? Are you visiting a pumpkin patch, checking out a fall festival, getting spooked at a haunted attraction, or just enjoying a cozy weekend at home?

Drop your plans in the comments! ⬇️ And if you know of another great local event, share it with us so everyone can join in on the fun!

Let’s support our local communities and make the most of this beautiful fall season! 🧡

— Melissa Newkirk, Realtor® 🏡
United Real Estate Strive 212
📲 484-824-8184

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10/14/2026

Let us help get your career moving in the right direction!

🎯 WHY OUR BROKERAGE WEDNESDAY!

Your real estate business should reflect YOUR goals, YOUR strengths, and YOUR vision.

At United Real Estate STRIVE 212, we provide the resources and support you need while giving you the flexibility to build the business you want.

🏡 Want to grow your sphere?
📱 Want to focus on social media?
📈 Want to build a strong referral business?
💼 Want to expand your client base?

Whatever direction you choose, we're here to provide tools, training, technology, and support along the way.

✨ Your business. Your goals. Your STRIVE.

📲 Call 610-372-0212 to learn more about joining our team!

10/07/2026

Let us help get your career moving!

🚀 WHY OUR BROKERAGE WEDNESDAY!

Wherever you are in your real estate career, STRIVE 212 is here to help you move forward. 🏡

🌱 New Agent? Get the training, mentorship, and support to help you build your foundation.

📈 Experienced Agent? Access tools, technology, resources, and a supportive environment to continue growing your business.

🔄 Looking for a Change? Sometimes the right brokerage can give you a fresh start and a new perspective.

At United Real Estate STRIVE 212, we're ready to help you STRIVE for more.

💙 What's Your WHY?

📲 Call 610-372-0212 to learn more about joining our team!

09/28/2026

Congratulations to Vicky Muñoz on graduating from the United Real Estate Strive 212 Mentorship Program! 🎓🏡

In less than nine months, Vicky learned the skills and completed the milestones needed to graduate. From learning the business to celebrating her first closing, she has worked hard for this moment. I’m so proud of you, Vicky, and excited to see what comes next! 💛

Considering a career in real estate? If you’d like to learn about a brokerage with a 100% commission model and a mentorship program to help you build your business, send me a message. I’d love to tell you about United Real Estate Strive 212!

09/28/2026

🍷 Monday Minute with Melissa: Folino Estate Winery

What a beautiful afternoon at Folino Estate Winery in Kutztown! I enjoyed spending time with coworkers from our Wyomissing and Lehigh offices, taking in the scenery, and even getting to witness a wedding. 💍

A special thank you to our brokers, Frank Ramos in Wyomissing and Salena Darraugh in Lehigh, for bringing us together.

Kutztown has so many wonderful places to explore. If you’re thinking about moving to the area, I’d love to show you around and help get you moving!

I’m Melissa Newkirk with United Real Estate Strive 212, and I’ll see you next Monday! 🏡