Lancaster County PA Realty Check

A Few Bright Spots in Local Lancaster County PA Real Estate Market

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 18:37:51 -0500

A Few Bright Spots in Local Lancaster County PA Real Estate Market

LANCASTER—According to a report released by the Lancaster County Association of Realtors® (LCAR), the 309 homes sold in November is a 1.9 percent decrease from the November 2010 mark of 315. For January through November of 2011, there have been 3,600 sales, a 4.6 percent decrease from 3,773 units during the same period in 2010.

The average sale price for November 2011 is $171,523, a decrease of 4.2 percent from the November 2010 price tag of $178,997. The five-year average sale price for the month of November is $178,175. The median sale price for November of 2011 is $157,000 compared to $164,900 in November 2010 (half of the properties sold during this period sold above the number, and half sold below).

For November, there were 555 new listings in 2011, a 32.5 percent decrease from the November 2010 new listings of 822. The five-year average of new listings for November is 609.

Pending sales, homes that went under contract in the month of November, increased 16.0 percent from 307 in 2010 to 356 in 2011. Over 43 percent of homes that sold in November were on the market 60 days or less.

“The bright light is that pending sales continue to trend upward (six of the last seven months). A drop over the last four months in the number of new listings is also an encouraging sign that the market is improving,” said LCAR president, Glenn Yoder. “Although 2012 will not be a record-breaking year, we do anticipate a steady return to a healthier local housing market.”

Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, said improved contract activity is a hopeful sign. “Home sales have been plodding along at a sub-par level while interest rates are hovering at record lows,and there is a pent-up demand from buyers who normally would have entered the market in recent years. We hope this indicates more buyers are taking advantage of the excellent affordability conditions,” he said. “Many consumers are recognizing that home buyers in the past two years have had one of the lowest default rates in history. Moreover, continued inventory declines are another healthy sign for the housing market.”

LCAR, representing over 1,400 members involved in all aspects of the real estate industry, is one of more than 1,800 local associations nationwide which comprise the National Association of Realtors®.

Brian Schulman offers expert real estate representation for buyers and sellers of homes in Lancaster County, PA. To learn more, visit http://www.FindLancasterHomes.com/

Interested in Receiving Information on Local Lancaster County Events?

Red Rose Singles of Lancaster PA January 2012 Newsletter

Mon, 02 Jan 2012 17:40:19 -0500

Red Rose Singles of Lancaster PA January 2012 Newsletter

We had 41 singles members & guests at our December 6 Holiday Party! We sang carols and shared some wonderful food. We hope you all had a safe and merry holiday season. Happy New Year!

There are great singles activities in January, including several double-header weekends!

Monday, January 2 - Singles Dance at the Valencia Ballroom, 142 N. George Street, York, 7:30-11:00 pm. Live music by Kerry & Dee. Admission $10.

Tuesday, January 3 – Red Rose Singles meeting – Farm & Home Center, 1383 Arcadia Rd, Lancaster. Sign-in starts at 7:00 pm; meeting starts at 7:30 pm.

Saturday, January 7 - Singles Dance at the Wisehaven Ballroom, 2985 E. Prospect Rd. (PA 124), York, 7:30-11:00 pm. BYOB. Entertainment to be determined. Admission $10.

Sunday, January 8 - Singles Dance at the Valencia Ballroom, 142 N. George Street, York, 7:30-11:00 pm. Live music by Rumor Has It. Admission $10.

Saturday, January 15 - Singles Dance at the Valencia Ballroom, 142 N. George Street, York, 7:30-11:00 pm. Band to be announced. Admission $10.

Tuesday January 17 – Dine-out at Park City Diner, 884 Plaza Blvd. across from Park City, 6:15 pm.

Saturday January 21 – Singles Dance at the Wisehaven Ballroom, 2985 E. Prospect Rd. (PA 124), York, 7:30-11:00 pm. BYOB. Live music by The Dave Winter Group. Admission $10.

Sunday, January 22 - Singles Dance at the Valencia Ballroom, 142 N. George Street, York, 7:30-11:00 pm. Band to be announced. Admission $10.

Saturday January 28 – Singles Dance at the Wisehaven Ballroom, 2985 E. Prospect Rd. (PA 124), York, 7:30-11:00 pm. BYOB. Band to be announced. Admission $10.

Sunday, January 29 - Singles Dance at the Valencia Ballroom, 142 N. George Street, York, 7:30-11:00 pm. Band to be announced. Admission $10.

Please bear in mind that the dances are not sponsored by Red Rose Singles, and are only provided as information.

Brian Schulman offers expert real estate representation for buyers and sellers of homes in Lancaster County, PA. To learn more, visit http://www.FindLancasterHomes.com/

Interested in Receiving Information on Local Lancaster County Events?

Is Your Agent Prepared When He/She Shows You Homes?

Sat, 10 Dec 2011 08:18:46 -0500

Is Your Agent Prepared When He/She Shows You Homes?

Many agents are all too willing to jump into their car and show listings to a prospect without any delay. But is that the way to provide the optimum value to a potential Lancaster County home buyer? In many cases, the best agents will take the time to preview the homes for themselves before they take buyers there.

Previewing a listing definitely gives both the agent and the buyer several advantages.

1) Your agent knows exactly where the properties are relative to each other, so there's no hunting around when you are seeing several properties in an unfamiliar area. The most efficient route can be chosen, saving time and fuel.

2) Your agent can answer questions with more depth than if he/she had just reviewed it on the MLS - such as what else is surrounding the immediate property.

3) There won't be any embarassing moments trying to find lockboxes in odd places, or fighting with unfamiliar door locks.

4) You may be able to cross off a property from the tour altogether due to the condition it is in (some homes have overly "optimistic" descriptions posted; some homes have deteriorated since the original listing date) or a location that makes it inappropriate for the particular search.

Previewing properties before a showing is just one of the little things that a good agent can do behind the scenes that make the home buying process go more smoothly.

Brian Schulman offers expert real estate representation for buyers and sellers of homes in Lancaster County, PA. To learn more, visit http://www.FindLancasterHomes.com/

Interested in Receiving Information on Local Lancaster County Events?

Red Rose Singles of Lancaster PA December Newsletter

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 16:47:20 -0500

Red Rose Singles of Lancaster PA December Newsletter

November 8 the gang dined out at the Kingdom Buffet. We had a great turn-out at Chancey’s Pub in East Petersburg November 15. Join us at the December 6 meeting for a holiday party!

There’s a full holiday line-up of activities for December 2011!

Sunday, December 4 - Singles dance at the Valencia Ballroom, 142 N. George Street, York, 7:30-11:00 pm. Live music by Solid Gold. Admission $10.

Tuesday, December 6 – Red Rose Singles meeting - Farm & Home Center, 1383 Arcadia Rd, Lancaster. Sign-in starts at 7:00 pm; meeting starts at 7:30 pm. Holiday party - bring a refreshment to share!

Sunday, December 11 - Singles dance at the Wisehaven Ballroom, 2985 E. Prospect Rd (PA 124), York, 7:30-11:00 pm. BYOB. Live music by The Headliners. Admission $10.

Tuesday, December 13 - Longwood Gardens day trip - meet at the Giant, Lancaster Shopping Center at 4:00 pm. Cost will be about $18.

Friday, December 16 - Dawn - holiday party - 6:00 pm. Call 717-201-0715 for directions.

Saturday, December 17 - Singles dance at the Lancaster Host, 2300 Lincoln Highway East, 6:30-10:00 pm. admission $10. with coupon. Santa will be making an appearance!

Sunday, December 18 - Singles dance at the Valencia Ballroom, 142 N. George Street, York, 7:30-11:00 pm. Annual Christmas Dance. Great door prizes, including a giant 51" plasma TV! Music by D.J.Ray. Admission $10.

Tuesday, December 20 - Dine-out at Infinito's Pizza, 874 Plaza Blvd, across from Park City, 6:15 pm.

Sunday, December 26 - "I Survived Christmas" Dance at the Valencia Ballroom, 142 N. George Street, York, 7:30-11:00 pm. Entertainment to be announced. Admission $10.

Sunday, December 30 - Annual "New Year's Eve Eve" Dance - New Year's Eve one night early - at the Valencia Ballroom, 142 N. George Street, York, 7:30-11:00 pm. Live music by The Headliners. Admission $10.

Please bear in mind that the dances are not sponsored by Red Rose Singles, and are only provided as information.

Brian Schulman offers expert real estate representation for buyers and sellers of homes in Lancaster County, PA. To learn more, visit http://www.FindLancasterHomes.com/

Interested in Receiving Information on Local Lancaster County Events?

For Numerology Fans - 11-11-11 - Happy Veterans Day!

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 10:43:24 -0500

For Numerology Fans - 11-11-11 - Happy Veterans Day!

At 11:11:11 AM this morning we will have the unusual numerological event of 11:11:11 AM on 11/11/11! After a repeat of the phenomenon at 11:11:11 PM, this will not repeat in our lifetimes.

Veterans Day was originally called Armistice Day, when an end was finally officially declared to World War I on the eleventh minute of the eleventh hour of the eleventh month of 1918.

For all veterans, and all you brave men and women currently protecting our country - thank you for your service!

Brian Schulman offers expert real estate representation for buyers and sellers of homes in Lancaster County, PA. To learn more, visit http://www.FindLancasterHomes.com/

Interested in Receiving Information on Local Lancaster County Events?

Red Rose Singles of Lancaster PA November Newsletter

Tue, 01 Nov 2011 11:47:05 -0400

Red Rose Singles of Lancaster PA November Newsletter

Twenty singles dined out at D & S Brasserie in Lancaster October 18 – great atmosphere. There was a large crowd of singles and some wonderful costumes at the Wisehaven dance October 30. Join us at our November 1 meeting for a free line dance lesson!

Here are some great singles activities for November 2011!

Tuesday, November 1 – Red Rose Singles meeting - Farm & Home Center, 1383 Arcadia Rd, Lancaster. Sign-in starts at 7:00 pm; meeting starts at 7:30 pm.

Sunday November 6 - Singles dance at the Valencia Ballroom, 142 N. George St, York, 7:30-11:00 pm. Live music by the Citations Duo. Admission $10.

Sunday November 13 - Singles dance at the Valencia Ballroom, 142 N. George St, York, 7:30-11:00 pm. Live music by Rumor Has It (tentative). Admission $10.

Tuesday November 15 - Dine-out at Chancey's Pub, 6049 Main Street, East Petersburg, 6:15 pm.

Sunday November 20 - Singles Dance at theWisehaven Ballroom, 2985 E. Prospect Rd (PA 124), York, 7:30-11:00 pm. Live entertainment by The Headliners. BYOB. Admission $10.

Sunday November 27 - Singles Dance at the Valencia Ballroom, 142 N. George St, York, 7:30-11:00. Entertainment to be announced. Admission $10.

Please bear in mind that the dances are not sponsored by Red Rose Singles, and are only provided as information.

Brian Schulman offers expert real estate representation for buyers and sellers of homes in Lancaster County, PA. To learn more, visit http://www.FindLancasterHomes.com/

Interested in Receiving Information on Local Lancaster County Events?

Ephrata PA Fair

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 17:34:31 -0400

The ninetieth Ephrata PA Fair is now history. The weather threatened to rain on several days' worth of events, but in the final analysis, everything turned out all right.

The younger children were excited to ride on an old fashioned merry-go round!

Forget healthy eating! County and state fair season only comes once a year!

Neon from the rides lights up the night.

Friday night we were treated to a trip down memory lane. Flamin' Dick and the Hot Rods rocked the town with Rock & Roll hits from the '50s and '60s.

©BrianSchulman2008

Brian Schulman offers expert real estate representation for buyers and sellers of homes in Lancaster County, PA. To learn more, visit http://www.FindLancasterHomes.com/

Interested in Receiving Information on Local Lancaster County Events?

Nissley Vineyards Lawn Concerts, Bainbridge PA

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 17:29:52 -0400

Visitors to Lancaster County, PA are aware of the popular Amish and tourist areas of the eastern part of the county. Less well known is that there is some beautiful countryside up the Susquehanna River in the northwest corner of the county.

One point of interest that shouldn't be missed is the Nissley Vineyards and Winery Estate in Bainbridge, PA. This is an operating vineyard and winery in a particularly scenic setting, with a stone barn and farmhouse surrounded by the rows of grapes clustered on their vines, shielding the estate from any sign of modern civilization.

The grounds are beautiful in the summer. Every Saturday night through the summer, lawn concerts are held. People bring their own picnic baskets, or gourmet sandwiches, wine and food are available from the concessions onsite.

Some folks bring small folding tables, tablecloths and even candelabras as they eat and await the start of the lawn concerts. Programs run the gamut from soft rock to big band to oldies. There is even an area where couples can get up and dance to the music if they wish!

Dancing under the stars to a big band or more modern music is a special experience not to be missed.

Brian Schulman offers expert real estate representation for buyers and sellers of homes in Lancaster County, PA. To learn more, visit http://www.FindLancasterHomes.com/

Interested in Receiving Information on Local Lancaster County Events?

Mortgage Insurance Underwriting Change

Fri, 30 May 2008 14:38:59 -0400

Mortgage insurance will be harder to get after June 1, 2008, now that MGIC, the Mortgage Guarantee Insurance Corporation, will stop insuring certain classes of loans.

Underwriting changes mean that the following classes of applications will no longer be eligible for mortgage insurance after June 1:

Reduced Documentation/No Documentation loans

Investment properties

Cash-out refinances

3- to 4-unit properties

Loans with potential negative amortization

What is the likely result of this underwriting change?

Home loans for owner occupants with good credit and documented income will not be affected.

Since MGIC is the most influential mortgage insurance institution, other mortgage insurance companies are likely to be affected by this ruling. Loans without mortgage insurance will still be available, but rates or fees may be somewhat higher on such loans.

Self-employed persons will have to provide more documentation of their incomes.

FHA, which has an independent mortgage insurance system, will become a more popular source of mortgages.

Refinancing to pull cash out of a property will become more difficult.

Interest rates and/or fees on 3- and 4-unit properties will likely increase.

The good news on loans with negative amortization: they were a very risky idea in the first place. It's probably just as well that loans with monthly payments so low that the principal balance owed actually increases, may no longer be easy to get.

Brian Schulman offers expert real estate representation for buyers and sellers of homes in Lancaster County, PA. To learn more, visit http://www.FindLancasterHomes.com/

Interested in Receiving Information on Local Lancaster County Events?

Weis Market Grand Re-Opening

Thu, 05 Jun 2008 20:05:21 -0400

On October 15, 2007 I posted an article about the major expansion of the Weis Market at the Manor Shopping Center, Route 999, Lancaster, PA. Construction had just begun.

Now, finally, the supermarket is ready for a grand re-opening this weekend!

The supermarket has been expanded to 52,000 square feet from its former 46,000 square feet. There has been a major upgrading inside, too, with an exceptionately nice salad bar, and expanded meat market, seafood department and bakery.

This weekend (June 7 & 8) there will be 48-hour sales, and some free giveaways. Check it out - you'll appreciate how nice this store has become!

Brian Schulman offers expert real estate representation for buyers and sellers of homes in Lancaster County, PA. To learn more, visit http://www.FindLancasterHomes.com/

Interested in Receiving Information on Local Lancaster County Events?

Lancaster County PA Housing Market Report 7-13-08

Sun, 13 Jul 2008 15:06:34 -0400

The figured compiled by the Lancaster County Association of REALTORS show a mixed picture for the local housing market. On one hand, for the month of May, 2008, only 462 homes settled, down 13% from the 531 homes which sold in the same month of 2007.

On the other hand, the average sale price of $193,741 in May is actually slightly up (0.1%) from the $193,633 average of the previous May. This may or may not signal a stabilizing of prices. New residential listings are down to 795, from 912 at the same time last year. That should be good news, indicating that our local inventory of houses is being absorbed. Non-serious sellers are delaying putting their homes on the market, which should keep a floor under home prices.

The median sale price, which is the price at which half the homes sold above and half below, was $172,000 versus $179,000 for May the year before. The number of sales for the first five months of the year is still 20.1% lower than the five months year-to-date of last year.

Our Lancaster County local lenders continue to be more competitive than the national averages, which makes our area a great opportunity for buyers right now! Nationally, the 30-year fixed average rate was 6.45, and the 15-year fixed rate was 6.04%. Locally, 30-year fixed rate mortgages averaged 6.02%, and 15-year rates averaged 5.66%.

It's still an excellent opportunity for anyone planning to trade up to save money on the home they're planning to trade up to.

Brian Schulman offers expert real estate representation for buyers and sellers of homes in Lancaster County, PA. To learn more, visit http://www.FindLancasterHomes.com/

Interested in Receiving Information on Local Lancaster County Events?

First ActiveRain Member in PA to Reach 200,000 Points!

Mon, 14 Jul 2008 08:23:11 -0400

Last night when I went to bed after blogging, my cumulative points on ActiveRain totalled 199,993. Close, but no cigar. This morning when I logged on, your comments had put me over the top! At a milestone like 200,000 blogging points, it seems like a good time to reflect on the journey with this great real estate community that has taken me so far.

This is my 281st post. Three of them have been featured on ActiveRain, and five have been featured in Localism.com . Over 7,500 comments have been made and received. According to the statistics, my profile has been viewed over 8,000 times. I am honored that 111 members have chosen to be my associates.

Along the way I have been privileged to have met and become friends with many of you. I have had the pleasure of meeting several of you personally. And there may be a move coming up in my future that could not have occurred were it not for our networking here.

At this moment I have managed to hold on to the #1 position in Pennsylvania. It won't last long. Position is a moving target. Fran "The TitleMan" Gaspari is close behind me, and Don Bradbury is coming up fast enough to pass us both. Gita Bantwal isn't far behind. You're all consistent bloggers and I wish you the best.

As I join the ranks of the Gold Star Hall of Fame group, I look forward to continuing to provide you all with information on the real estate news, history, architectural and cultural heritage of beautiful Lancaster County, PA!

Brian Schulman offers expert real estate representation for buyers and sellers of homes in Lancaster County, PA. To learn more, visit http://www.FindLancasterHomes.com/

Interested in Receiving Information on Local Lancaster County Events?

Second Lancaster Real Estate Bloggers Summit Ties Attendance Record!

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 19:38:46 -0400

Yup, that's right - the Second Lancaster, PA Real Estate Bloggers Summit tied its previous attendance record. That is to say, all three of the Charter Members were there - myself, Jeff Geoghan, and Jeannie Kontis!

We met on April 29 at Senorita Burrita, a trendy cafe in the heart of downtown Lancaster. Jeff had eaten there a number of times before, but for me it was the first time. I was amazed at the size of the customizable burritos - truly a two-handed affair! Makes the Whopper look like an appetizer...

There have been a couple of major real estate franchise changes in Lancaster County recently. Homesale Services Group has switched from Coldwell Banker to Prudential, and Realty Select has acquired the Coldwell franchise. That really spurred the conversations as we talked about personnel changes, office politics and business strategies.

Of course, no meeting would be complete without comparing the latest blogging techniques and technology. New improvements are arriving at such a fast pace these days that it's nice to bounce ideas around with fellow agents to see what seems to be working effectively, and what may not be worth the investment.

We all agree that these lunches have become both pleasant and useful, and we plan to get together again for future networking.

Brian Schulman offers expert real estate representation for buyers and sellers of homes in Lancaster County, PA. To learn more, visit http://www.FindLancasterHomes.com/

Interested in Receiving Information on Local Lancaster County Events?

Cherry Blossoms

Fri, 02 May 2008 16:13:34 -0400

This spring has produced a magnificent crop of cherry blossoms! I have always been fond of cherry blossoms ever since as a small child I played under the canopy of pink trees in front of my parents' home.

The problem with cherry blossoms is how fragile they are. They bloom in late April and early May for only a few weeks, and then are blown away by the wind and rain.

As I walked in Musser Park in Lancaster, PA today, I saw a beautiful tree with many of its blossoms still intact. The wind and storms of the last few days have made many of Lancaster's streets and sidewalks a lovely pink with a carpet of petals - but only for a day or two.

The sidewalk beneath this tree was a carpet of pink, and I decided to try to preserve the moment...

Brian Schulman offers expert real estate representation for buyers and sellers of homes in Lancaster County, PA. To learn more, visit http://www.FindLancasterHomes.com/

Interested in Receiving Information on Local Lancaster County Events?

Fall Hershey Eastern Automobile Show

Sat, 13 Oct 2007 07:41:47 -0400

Every autumn, people from all over the globe flock to a world-class event held within an hour of Lancaster County! Fall Hershey is one of the largest antique automobile shows in the world, and the grandfather of all the other shows. The photograph below is just one section of one of the fields - you have to actually be there to appreciate the vast size of this event.

The Antique Automobile Club of America, or AACA, is the sponsor of the meet. The AACA has been in existence since 1935, when it was formed for the appreciation and preservation of pioneering era automobiles.

Above, an auction is being held in the Giant Arena. Jaguars, Corvettes, and Ferraris were among the high-end cars on the auction block.

A hand-crafted hearse was on display waiting for the judges in the commercial vehicle category.

The Car Corral, above, features automobiles actually for sale. Prices ranged from $4,500 for a 1972 Lincoln Continental Mark III in average condition, to a 1931 Duesenberg priced at $1,250,000!

Everything relating to automobiles can be found at this show. Antique gasoline pumps, tires, car parts both old and reproduced for restoring autos, automotive toys from all vintages - are all on display for sale.

Believe it or not, there are over 9,000 dealers and concessions set up at this meet!

As you walk through the "fields", you can hear people speaking languages from all over the world - French, Italian, Russian, Spanish - as well as English spoken in dialects from Brooklynese to Southern!

Brian Schulman offers expert real estate representation for buyers and sellers of homes in Lancaster County, PA. To learn more, visit http://www.FindLancasterHomes.com/

Interested in Receiving Information on Local Lancaster County Events?