Lancaster County PA Realty Check

After 48 Years, Funk's Farm Market, Millersville, PA Closes

Saturday, July 31, 2010, Millersville, PA:

After 48 seasons of fresh home-baked pies, local produce and colorful flowers. Funk's Farm Market opened Saturday for the last time.  Many local patrons were on hand to see once more and reminisce about this local landmark familiar for almost half a century.

          Employees handed out the last remaining flowers and plants free to customers.

An auction of the remaining greenhouse equipment and vehicles will be held September 8.  The 66-acre property is slated for Funk's Farm Village, a mixed-use retirement community.  Owner Fred Funk and developer John Hogan indicate that the farm market should be back in some smaller form once the retirement community is built.

Bank of America is planning a new streamlined short sale program that is now in beta testing.  If you've heard about the hoops and delays that many banks put sellers through in order to approve a sale for less than is owed on the mortgage, you'll be encouraged to hear this!

Below is an article by the Harris Real Estate University:

Red Rose Singles of Lancaster PA at Clipper Stadium

Fifteen members of the Red Rose Singles met this week for an evening of baseball at Lancaster's Clipper Stadium. 

                                  Before the start of the game, the National Anthem is sung...

For $15 you can buy a ticket which not only gets you into the game, but entitles you to all the burgers, drinks, hot dogs and nachos you can eat at the Turkey Hill concession.  A great value!

Outfielder Michael Woods at bat...  The Lancaster Barnstormers beat the Newark Bears 12-11 in a tight  game which was a nail-biter right through the ninth inning!

Lancaster Barnstormers Beat Newark Bears at Clipper Stadium

                     A beautiful July evening in Lancaster, PA!  The Lancaster Barnstormers are playing the Newark Bears.

 Starting pitcher Ben Fritz, #36.

We go into the ninth inning with Lancaster ahead 11-7.  Suddenly the Bears hit a home run with the bases loaded.  It's a tie game, 11-11.  Will Lancaster give up this hard-fought game?  Finally, in the bottom of the ninth, the Barnstormers pull it out at the last minute, 12-11!

Affordable Air-Conditioned Lancaster PA Townhouse

The price of this Lancaster town home has been once again reduced.  At this price it's a great value for an investor or an owner-occupant - and it's not going to last long at the bottom-line price of $65,000!

Take a look at the surprisingly nice interior at such a low price!

Here's a link to a video tour:

http://www.realestateshows.com/show.php?id=507345&traffic=0

Central air conditioning

Refinished Hardwood floors

Large rooms

Open floor plan

Three bedrooms

1.5 baths

Eat-in kitchen plus dining room

Expandable attic could make fourth bedroom

1766 Trinity Lutheran Church, Lancaster, PA

The Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Holy Trinity, located at 31 S. Duke Street, Lancaster, PA, is a beautiful example of 18th century brick Georgian architecture.

The congregation first formed in a small stone church in 1730.  The present church, started in 1761, was completed in 1766.

Trinity Church has one of the most complete archives in the United States.  The archives include church records of marriages, baptisms, and burials.

Records earlier than 1825 are recorded in old German script.  Many have since been translated into English.

 Many fine stained glass windows grace the church.  One was created by Louis Comfort Tiffany himself in 1913!  It was restored in 1990.  The photos of the spire were taken from an upper story of the Duke Street municipal parking garage.

Price Reduced on Lancaster PA Townhouse:

Now only $67,000! Central air conditioning, refinished hardwood floors, three bedrooms plus an expandable attic, and 1.5 baths.

                                                                      Large eat-in kitchen

For your own showing of this home, email brian@cbselectpros.com or call (717) 951-5552.

Home Buyer Tax Credit Count-Down to April 30, 2010:

Lancaster, PA:  Time is running out to take advantage of the First-Time Home Buyers Tax Credit and the Long-Term Home Sellers Tax Credit!  By the end of April, this amazing government program will run out.  Contracts which have been written no later than April 30, 2010 are eligible for the credit - even if the settlement is as late as June 30, 2010.

First time home buyers may be eligible for up to $8,000 cash tax credit.  BUT - there is no indication at this time that Congress is in a mood to extend the tax credits.  If you are considering purchasing a home, now would be an excellent time to do it - at low interest rates, moderate prices, and the tax credit still in effect.

For more details about how to take advantage of this one-time opportunity, please feel free to contact me.

There's Still Time to Get a Home Buyers Tax Credit in Lancaster PA

If you missed the deadline last year to get a First Time Home Buyers' Tax Credit, don't despair!  The tax credit has been extended - and widened.  Not only can first time home buyers get up to $8,000. back - there is also a tax credit for homeowners who have lived in their homes for five consecutive years, or five out the last eight years.

However, there's not much time left to take advantage of these tax credits.  Agreements must be written up no later than April 30, 2010.  Settlements must take place no later than June 30, 2010. There are maximum income limits on the tax credits, but the limits are fairly high.  Discuss your particular situation with your tax preparer.

A recent TV news report from WGAL in Lancaster, PA gives some good imformation about the tax credits for both first time home buyers and trade-up (or trade-down) home owners.

Uncle Sam is still willing to put money in your pocket for buying a house!  If you would like more information about how to go about getting the tax credit for purchasing a home, please feel free to contact me.

Expired Listing Ephrata PA Home Sold in 13 Days!

I had spoken with the owner of this Ephrata, PA home last year.  I felt we had a good rapport,  but they chose another agent to list their home the first time around.  When the listing expired, the owner called me in for a consultation.

With my multi-faceted marketing program, and professional photos by Jeff Geoghan, this great home in Conestoga Valley schools, near Brownstown, PA went under agreement in thirteen days!

While I can't guarantee the same results for you, I'd be happy to discuss the marketing programs that made this sale possible!