A New Yorker’s Guide to Bagels in Centre County

By: Sarah Boha

As a former resident of the Big Apple, I’m ruined when it comes to food.  New York City, and yes, I’m biased, is the epicurean epicenter of America; think about it, the city that never sleeps has the entire spectrum of authentic cuisine, Chinese, Jamaican, Pizza and of course a good ole’ bagel.  When I moved to State College, Pennsylvania in 2005, I needed to acclimate my New York stomach fast.  Over the years, I have dined at many concessions in the State College and surrounding area in hopes that I would find the closest taste to my former home within the five boroughs.  It has been a daunting search in my foodie pilgrimage but as a New Yorker, I’m resourceful and up for the adventure.  One of my favorite New York delicacies is a good bagel.  There’s nothing quite like a real New York bagel and it’s one of the foods I missed most when I left the city.  If you’re a fellow New Yorker in the Central Pennsylvania area, foodie, carb enthusiast, this guide is for you.  I narrowed my search down to four establishments in the State College area, some of which are national chains that you can patronize anywhere in the United States, but choices were limited.  Here is a New Yorker’s guide to bagels in Centre County, Pennsylvania

First, the Ground Rules

From each store, I selected their plain bagel to keep the playing field fair and balanced. 

Upon taste testing each, I did not toast the bagels, (real bagels stand on their own without the help of a thorough toasting).

I tried a sample of the bagels on their own (no condiment), one sample with a smear of Kerrygold butta (that’s butter, New York City pronunciation) and one sample with a dollop of Philadelphia cream cheese.

The Results

Bagel Crust

A self-proclaimed “NY Style Bagel Shop” located on 332 East Calder Way in Downtown State College, PA.

When I first heard about ‘Bagel Crust’, a New York style bagel shop right here in State College, I got excited.  When I took a bite into their plain bagel, I almost started singing “These vagabond shoes”; these bagels are the closest to the empire state for me.  Soft texture, delicious taste and the crust is the perfect balance of crustiness.  This should be your first resort in the area before you jump in your car and drive to concrete jungle to stock up on bagels.

                *Other great bagel flavors from Bagel Crust – Everything

 Wegmans

Along North Atherton, 345 Colonnade Boulevard, State College, PA

Wegmans, based out of Rochester New York, makes a darn good bagel.  With an amazing crust and soft texture inside, I can taste a New York influence. 

                *Other great bagel flavors from Wegmans – Jalapeño Cheddar and Pretzel   

Panera

Panera Bread on 1613 North Atherton Street, State College, PA

Panera Bread has a reasonably good bagel if you’re in the mood for bagels and you’re sitting in a Panera Bread.  Buttery crust, all around decent bagel. 

                *Other great bagel flavors from Panera Bread – Cinnamon Crunch (Amazing!)

Weis

Weis Markets on 1471 Martin Street, State College, PA

Your basic bagel.  A good attempt by Weis, it doesn’t quite have the texture or crust that I seek in a New York bagel, but it will do in a Pennsylvania pinch. 

                *Other great bagel flavors from Weis – Asiago Cheese

If you’re planning a trip to New York City and want to try a genuine New York bagel, hop in your car, it’s a 4.5 hour trip depending on how fast you drive, and visit the following,

Dyker Park Bagels, 713 86th Street, Brooklyn, NY

Black Seed Bagels, 170 Elizabeth Street, New York, NY

Hot Bialys & Bagels, 116-63 Queens Boulevard, Queens, NY

As a disclaimer, this is my opinion and experience coming from NYC.  I would love to hear thoughts of where you indulge in your favorite bagel in Centre County, PA and if I missed a good bagel spot, let me know in the comments section. 

“Who Are All of These Realtors?” A Quick Guide to Understanding Who is Who in a Real Estate Transaction

January 21st, 2015
By: Sarah Boha

“Who are all of these people”?  Buyer Agent, Seller Agent, Dual Agent – There are many roles one Realtor can play in a real estate transaction.  As a consumer, it may not seem clear who is who when you’re buying or selling your home.  As a Realtor, it is our job to make these business relationships apparent to the public.  In the state of Pennsylvania, a consumer notice disclosed by the State Real Estate Commission must be presented by your PA Licensed Realtor upon the first meeting.  The Pennsylvania real estate consumer notice is a two page, menu of services describing the agency relationships a consumer may enter into during the sale or purchase of real estate.

Here is a simple guide to understanding the business partnerships you may enter into as a consumer of real estate, inspired by the Pennsylvania Real Estate Commission’s Consumer Notice.

What is a Seller/Listing Agent?

A seller or listing agent works exclusively with a seller/landlord in the sale of real estate.

A business relationship should not be presumed until you have signed an agreement outlining the terms, commission structure and length of the partnership.  Note, you may interview many agents to sell your home prior to your final selection.

Once you have signed an agreement with your preferred Realtor, it is their duty to work exclusively to present a ready, willing and able buyer for your property. 

Your designated listing agent must keep all confidential information, confidential, with the exception of known material defects of the home.  Known material defects of a home must be disclosed to the consumer.

What is a Buyer Agent?

A buyer agent represents a buyer in the purchase of real estate. 

A business relationship should not be presumed until you have signed a buyer agency agreement.  In the buyer agency agreement, you may select the length of your partnership with your chosen Realtor.

As a consumer, you have a right to choose ANY licensed Realtor in your state to represent you in the purchase of real estate – (as per a signed buyer agency agreement).  Bear in mind, if the agent you wish to represent you is with “ABC Realty”, for example, and you want to see a house with “XYZ Realty”, the Realtor with ABC Realty CAN show you the house listed by XYZ Realty.  A licensed real estate agent in your state can show you any home listed in your area that you choose; it is one of many rights you have as a consumer of real estate.

Once a buyer agency agreement is signed, by you and your preferred Realtor, your Realtor is obligated to keep all information you disclose confidential.   Your Realtor is strictly bound to represent your best interest in a transaction, unless the agent you’ve selected has a listing in which they are representing the seller; as a consumer, you may opt for a Dual Agency relationship in this scenario. 

What is a Dual Agent?

A dual agent represents both the buyer and seller in a real estate transaction, with prior written consent from both parties. 

A dual agent must work equally for both the buyer and seller and may not “take any action that is adverse or detrimental to either party”. 

A dual agent must disclose known material defects about the property.

What is a Transaction Licensee?

A transaction licensee only provides real estate services and does not have an agency agreement with a consumer.  With no agency relationship, a transaction licensee is not obligated to keep consumer information confidential.

Although a transaction licensee does not provide you with representation, they are prohibited from disclosing the following:

·         The seller will accept a price less than the asking price.

·         The buyer will pay a price greater than the price submitted in the written offer.

·         The seller or buyer will agree to finance terms other than those offered.

A transaction licensee must disclose known material defects about the property.

Regardless of the business relationship entered into with a licensee, all agents must deal honestly and in good faith with all consumers of real estate.  If it isn’t clear who is representing who when other agents are introduced into your negotiation, it is your right as a consumer to stop and ensure that you are making an informed decision in the buying or selling of real estate.

Click Here to Review the PA Real Estate Consumer Notice  

Why Putting your Home on the Market During the Holidays is a Good Idea!

December 10th, 2014
By: Sarah Boha

“Isn’t this the slow season of real estate?”, Although the amount of residential real estate has remained constant, only 29 residential homes were listed in the first week of December in Central County PA; paltry compared to the 66 residential homes that hit the market in the first week of June 2014. Regardless, the Christmas season is a great time to put your house on the market. Understandably, the public has an idea of buyers staying at home instead of trudging through the icy cold temperatures and snowy streets to see your home for sale. This is a valid concern, however, the weather and holiday festivities can work in a seller’s favor.

This time of year, buyers face the challenge of extremely low inventory. To put your home on the market during the glittering holiday season gives buyers more options and with a lack of dwellings to choose from, the chance of your home standing out amongst comparable homes is greatly increased.

It is the trend that consumers are starting their real estate search online. Sitting with your iPad, flipping through pictures of your potential home, wrapped up in a blanket on a bitterly cold winter night is appealing, but think of the potential ready, willing and able buyer who sees your home and picks up the phone to schedule a showing. It’s more probable that buyers who brave the blistering chill and snow mounds are serious about making a real estate purchase. 

It’s hard to deny the whimsical charm of a decorated home and rooftops gleaming with snow as a house hunter. A warm and inviting holiday atmosphere will certainly add to a home’s presentation.

Rather than postponing the sale of your home for the springtime, why not take advantage of the Christmas lights, the warmth of a roaring fire radiating out of your fireplace and the festive feeling of the holidays to sell your home. Help your potential buyer’s imagine the holidays in their new home.