Justina Howell, Realtor

09/15/2026

These small tweaks can help you keep a cleaner home all week long.

Cleaning doesn’t have to be a hassle if you keep on top of it. Here are some small daily steps...

09/08/2026

How out-of-date is your kitchen? These seven trends are yesterday's news.

Most of us spend a lot of time in the kitchen, preparing meals and cleaning up. In many cases, we sp...

09/05/2026

09/01/2026

You have to be on the same page.

Compromise is an important part of marriage. From deciding how much to spend on a new living room se...

08/28/2026

All the feels and a HUGE congratulations to this amazing woman! 🏡❤️

It has surely been a bumpy ride, but I am confident that you are going to absolutely love your new house and, before long, make it truly feel like home.

Thank you for entrusting me to represent you through one of life’s biggest milestones. It was truly an honor to be by your side throughout this journey, and I am so excited to see all that’s ahead for you!

Wishing you nothing but happiness, new memories, and so many wonderful moments in your new home. 🥂🏡

And I cannot wait to see it once you’ve added all of your own special touches! ❤️

08/26/2026

“Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” — Matthew 7:12

Sometimes real estate transactions happen without difficulty, but unfortunately, it seems like those are few and far between anymore.

This has been one of the most tedious and emotional roller coasters of a transaction I’ve experienced, and more than anything, I hate that my client—a first-time homebuyer—has had to experience it. It has taken away so much from the whole process…

Real estate transactions should never be taken personally. There will be negotiations, disagreements, unexpected issues, and difficult moments. That is exactly why having a good agent in your corner matters. Your agent should be there to support you, advocate for you, and guide you through the process—especially when things get difficult.

But that responsibility doesn’t fall solely on buyer’s agent. A seller’s agent also has a responsibility to educate, communicate with, and guide their sellers through the transaction. Our clients rely on us to explain not only their rights and responsibilities, but also what is reasonable, customary, and expected throughout the process. Sometimes, being a good agent means having the difficult conversations with your client and helping them understand when cooperation and good faith can make a transaction smoother for everyone involved.

So, what do you do as a buyer’s agent when they will not mow one final time before closing and the forecast is calling for rain the next two days?

You solve the problem.

You show up. You take care of your client. You do what needs to be done—even when it isn’t technically your responsibility.

Because at the end of the day, I believe in treating people the way I would want to be treated.

And sometimes, doing the right thing simply means rolling up your sleeves and getting the job done. ❤️

08/25/2026

🍻 Happy Closing Day to my Miller Lite-loving client! 🍻

I couldn’t resist dressing up her favorite celebratory beverage for the occasion! 😂

It was such a pleasure getting to know these ladies even more throughout the home-buying process. I’m so excited to see them move on to their next chapter and make new memories in their beautiful, newly built townhome. 🏡✨

Cheers to new beginnings, new memories, and a very happy closing day! 🥂🍻

So grateful I got to be a part of it! ❤️

08/25/2026

Set it and forget it!

Saving for a home, retirement, a vacation or anything else can be difficult. The median retirement s...

08/24/2026

🏠 JUST BUILT A NEW HOME IN WASHINGTON COUNTY? OR PURCHASED ONE RECENTLY? READ THIS!

If you’ve recently built a home or purchased a property in Washington County, be sure to review your assessed value—you may be surprised to find that your assessment shouldn’t necessarily be based solely on your purchase price.

Pennsylvania uses a county-specific Common Level Ratio (CLR) as part of the assessment appeal process. The CLR reflects the relationship between assessed values and current market values in the county. (PA DCED)

For Washington County, the current CLR factor is 1.48 for the applicable 2025–2026 period. (Pennsylvania.gov)

That means it may be worth taking a closer look at your new assessment—especially if the county has assessed your home at or near 100% of what you paid.

💡 If you recently built or purchased a new home, check your assessment! You may have the right to appeal if the assessment does not reflect the proper relationship between market value and assessed value.

If you’re unsure whether your assessment is correct, I’d be happy to help you take a closer look.

08/22/2026

There are some homes that are more than just houses - they hold a lifetime of memories, milestones, love and stories.

It was such an honor to help my friend and her family sell their childhood home. Being trusted to guide them through such an emotional transition meant more than I can put into words. While saying goodbye to a home filled with so many memories can be bittersweet, there is something so special about meeting the wonderful new family who will now have the opportunity to create their own memories within those same walls.

I'm so grateful for the trust placed in me and truly honored to have been such a small part in an important new chapter of their lives. Wishing the new family a lifetime of happiness, laughter and beautiful memories in their new home.