At a recent sales meeting, our director of operations introduced a new software program to our office, saying, "Well folks, it's here. Predictive analytics and AI have officially hit the real estate world."

Artificial Intelligence – basically using computer systems to make decisions that would normally require human intelligence – is entering our lives rapidly in many forms: Google searches, SIRI, selfdriving cars, and much more. This new access to information is giving me, as a realtor, a better understanding of our overall market with its needs and trends.

I'm led to ask some sweeping questions, like: in which Sun Country municipalities do people tend to stay in their homes longest? Who is most likely to pay off their home? Where is the highest percentage of million-dollar homes?

The answers may surprise you.

Data shows that in South Hanover Township around 43 percent of residents own mortgage-free homes. Congratulations, South Hanover! Why is this true? I went to the source.

"People here are hardworking, dedicated to their families, and they care about their homes," says Cheryl Hite, a longtime South Hanover Township resident who, with husband, Wayne, sits squarely among the 43 percent.

"Self-reliance and getting out of debt has always been very important to us. We tried hard to use our home as a place to teach our kids to work, both inside the house and in the yard. Living in a somewhat rural area allowed us to grow a garden which offset some grocery expenses and taught our children how to work hard. I'd say our neighbors feel much the same as we do.

"When our kids were in school, going to a school function meant fighting for a parking spot, there were so many parent's attending every event. We felt supported in our parenting efforts by the community and never really saw a reason or had a desire to move. Our home is modest but is a place where we could raise our kids in the right way, teaching them the most important things of life."

Each of the properties touching the Hites have a 20-plus year history with their residents and many are also mortgage free. But none of them have Cheryl's crazy cool "She Shed." It's a masterpiece.

Back to our data stalking. Derry Township has the highest percentage of million-dollar homes, coming in at .7 percent. Thankfully, "distressed deals" (lis pendens, defaults, foreclosures, trustee sales) in our area are quite low, amounting to only about .1 percent of homes in all of Sun Country.

Word to the wise: public data also shows over 2,000 Sun Country residents have a mortgage interest rate of over 6 percent. Current rates are hovering in the mid-3s; it's time to refinance!

Predictive analytics, SIRI, search engines and the likes will continue to impact our world. I'm glad; these tools benefit me as I serve my clients as a Realtor. But artificial intelligence will never replace the savvy human intelligence of people like Cheryl and Wayne, who know a paid-off home mortgage just feels smart.

NOTE: On Thursday, Nov. 21, 7-8 p.m., at 1129 W. Governor Road, Hershey, I will be hosting a free seminar titled "How to Destroy Debt & Pay Off Your Home." All are welcome. Light refreshments will be served. To reserve a seat, please call or email me at evoyles@homesale.com.

Eileen S. Voyles is a REALTOR® with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Homesale Realty. She can be reached at 717-508-4610 or evoyles@homesale.com.

https://news.thesunontheweb.com/articles/the-real-scene-8/