home sales: How Do I Buy a HUD Repossessed Home in Lancaster County PA? - 08/06/08 03:32 PM
The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) insures mortgage lenders who make FHA loans. The FHA is part of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
What happens when a homeowner defaults on an FHA mortgage? The home, after going through a foreclosure procedure, reverts to HUD, where it will eventually be resold.
How do … (9 comments)
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home sales: Brian Schulman Joins a New Office - All Due to Blogging! - 07/25/08 11:41 AM
Over a year ago, I started noticing some excellent photographs being posted on localism.com for various towns and boroughs in Lancaster County, PA. Since I was posting numerous photos myself, I soon became familiar with the professional quality photography of Jeff Geoghan.
It turned out that Jeff had taken notice of … (19 comments)
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home sales: "Dear Brian, Thanks For Your Great Service, BUT..." - 07/03/08 07:01 PM
It makes me think of the old "Peanuts" comic strip where Lucy tells Charley Brown to kick the football. then pulls it away at the last second, causing poor Charley Brown to kick nothing but air and fall on his back!
We spend weeks or months showing properties to a prospective … (79 comments)
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home sales: Should I Sign a Buyer Agency Agreement? - 07/03/08 02:53 PM
If you are a real estate buyer in Pennsylvania, eventually you will probably come face to face with a REALTOR. You may be confused by the papers that are put in front of you and that you are asked to sign.
Many buyers that I speak with have been to see … (8 comments)
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home sales: Sellers - Disclose Everything! - 06/24/08 06:11 PM
In Pennsylvania there is a Seller Disclosure law that requires sellers to provide prospective buyers with fairly extensive information about the home they are selling. Among the types of information required:
How long you have owned the properrty
Whether you live in the property
Whether pets have lived in the property
… (7 comments)
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home sales: What Really Motivates Buyers? - 06/22/08 01:09 PM
In a previous post, I wrote about sellers who inadvertently blew their chances for a sale by following showing agents and their buyers around the home. In this post I want to discuss what really motivates buyers, and how you as a seller can make the most of it.
Too many sellers, … (22 comments)
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home sales: How One Seller Blew a Sale - 06/19/08 07:27 PM
Here's a true story of how a "helpful" seller lost a serious buyer because they didn't leave me alone to do my job!
I was showing a nice 1950s vintage ranch house to my buyers. The house was in good condition, with an average size rear yard. However, behind the house, … (23 comments)
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home sales: Open House "Tire Kickers" - 06/08/08 10:00 AM
I haven't been a big proponent of open houses for a long time. It seems to me that open houses have become less and less effective as a marketing tool.
However, when I did do open houses - and for a while I used to hold open houses fifty Sundays a … (23 comments)
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home sales: Sellers: Please Keep Your Utilities On! - 06/04/08 06:25 PM
Have you ever looked at a home for sale that was unbearably hot because it had been locked up over the summer with no ventilation or air conditionng?
Have you ever tried to go into the basement of an investment property only to find that it was pitch black and no … (13 comments)
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home sales: Is Carpeting Investment Properties a Good Idea? - 06/03/08 09:56 AM
Is carpeting your investment properties a good idea? There really isn't one answer that covers all situations. There's no question, though, that tenant abuse and damage to carpets exceeds all other costs to landlords, and is a major factor in whether landlords realize a profit or a loss over the years. … (10 comments)
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home sales: Serving as "Dutch Uncle" for First Time Home Buyers - 06/02/08 07:54 PM
Years ago when I was a young sales engineer for an energy corporation, there was an older engineer who had a great "bedside manner" with both our corporate customers and the newer sales people. When problems arose, he would come out from the regional office to our areas, and counsel us as to … (6 comments)
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home sales: Lancaster County, PA Home Sales Price Update - 05/30/08 04:28 PM
For a long time Lancaster County, PA home sales had been slowing, but with increased median prices. However, for the latest available report from the Lancaster County Association of REALTORS, the average sales price in April was $181,510, down 8.9% from the average price of $199,250 in April 2007.
In addition … (4 comments)
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home sales: Mortgage Insurance Underwriting Change - 05/30/08 02:38 PM
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 … (0 comments)
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home sales: Be Aware of "Buyers Remorse" - 05/22/08 06:27 PM
Purchasing a home, especially for the first time, is an exciting experience - but it can be stressful, too! Buyers often worry that they will make the wrong choice of houses, or that they will pay too much, or that something will be wrong with the house that they don't … (11 comments)
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home sales: I Don't "Sell" Houses - 05/20/08 04:47 PM
Don't misunderstand me! I come from a sales background, and I believe that honest sales is a noble, useful and necessary profession.
Having said that, buying or selling a home is one of the most complex transactions that most individuals get involved with. It's not comparable to a barker selling the … (12 comments)
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home sales: "How Much Will the Sellers Take?" - 05/19/08 06:17 PM
Periodically I get this question from buyers: "How much do you think the sellers will take for this house?"
It's a legitimate question, but not one that necessarily can be answered precisely by a REALTOR.
The short, flip answer is: "Well, the seller has already made public that they will accept the … (6 comments)
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home sales: Why You Need a LOCAL Real Estate Agent - 05/01/08 09:31 PM
There are several country-wide internet sources that purport to give you a long-distance estimate of what your home is worth. Many of these sources rely on public records and owners' estimates of what their homes are worth.
I'd like to give you a glaring example of why many of these estimates … (17 comments)
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home sales: Why Doesn't the National Association of Realtors Promote BUYERS' Agency? - 04/17/08 08:06 PM
Did you know that the NAR (National Association of Realtors) is the largest trade association in the US? With 1.3 million members, the NAR is a major proponent for home ownership and property rights.
NAR's national publicity campaigns have promoted a more professional image of Realtors(R) helping buyers find just the … (82 comments)
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home sales: "Subprime" Need Won't Go Away - 04/13/08 12:54 PM
There has been a great deal of negative publicity about the subprime mortgage industry. High interest rates and the adjustable rates that are now resetting have been a major cause of foreclosures and the unrest in the housing market.
Don't misunderstand me. There's plenty of blame to go around. Many borderline … (8 comments)
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home sales: Misleading Real Estate Statistics - 04/04/08 04:12 PM
Every month new statistics are published regarding the state of the housing industry. Recently these statistics seem quite depressing! While not discounting the fact that the real estate market has been soft in most areas of the country, several factors combine to make these statistics somewhat sensational and rather misleading.
In … (17 comments)
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home sales: Refinancing Cheap Investment Properties - 04/03/08 06:08 PM
Let's say that you bought an inexpensive investment property for cash. Let's say that the property needed some work, and you fixed it up so that it is now ready to be rented. Now you'd like to get some of your money out of the property, so that you can either pay back … (4 comments)
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home sales: Why Buy an Historic Home? - 03/14/08 03:29 PM
I know, I know - I've heard all the practical arguments. Old Houses are drafty. They need constant maintainance. They don't have up-to-date conveniences.
I can't argue with the people who bring up reasons why living in a modern house has many advantages. Yet, there is a mysterious attraction in historic … (15 comments)
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home sales: Lancaster City Living - 03/10/08 06:50 PM
The City of Lancaster, PA has been undergoing a renaissance for the past several years. I have written about the Lancaster County Convention Center, the Lancaster Fall Art Walk, the Eastern Market, First Friday in Lancaster, PA, Musser Park, and many other aspects of the County Seat of Lancaster County.
Last Fall, … (6 comments)
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home sales: Wonderful Testimonial - 03/06/08 02:33 PM
Yesterday I received this testimonial from a client. Their sale of an investment property was complicated by the poor housing market, yet we were able to bring the transaction to a successful conclusion.
"Brian, I just want to thank you for all that you have done for my husband and myself. … (14 comments)
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home sales: Lease-Purchase This Fixer-Upper! - 02/11/08 01:38 PM
SOLDThe present owner saw the potential in this great house and started a rehab, but isn't able to continue - so the opportunity to own a reasonably priced future pride-and-joy home can be yours! The price has been reduced to only $39,900, and the seller will consider a short-term Lease/Purchase to a qualified … (9 comments)
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home sales: Landlords - Prevent Water Bill Surprises! - 02/06/08 09:54 AM
In a post today, "QuiQui" Lopez writes about a landlord who found that a tenant had left owing a huge water bill! In Pennsylvania, water companies can put a lien on a property if the water bill is not paid. This means that the building cannot be sold without the lien … (4 comments)
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home sales: Lancaster, PA Starter Townhouse Priced Below Others! - 02/04/08 07:18 PM
This 2-bedroom starter townhouse has some features you wouldn't necessarily expect at the low price of $124,900!
Central air conditioning and economical gas heat provide effective heating and cooling.
In the kitchen all the appliances stay. There is a pass-through from the kitchen to the dining area. The powder room downstairs and the … (0 comments)
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home sales: Restoring Old Houses - 02/04/08 12:08 PM
Buying and restoring old houses is indeed a labor of love! You still need to be cognizant of costs, and probably everything you estimate for renovations will turn out to cost more because of unknown factors you will discover during the course of the renovation.
The Victorian house in the photograph is … (13 comments)
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home sales: What Future For This Historic Farm House - 01/14/08 07:40 PM
For years I have passed this vacant and boarded up stone farm house on Charlestown Road, Lancaster, PA.
When I first saw it, there was farm land on both sides of the road.
Now there are commercial property and municipal projects nearby.
This is the old barn on the property.
There is … (39 comments)
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home sales: The Architecture of Historic Marietta, PA - 01/09/08 07:22 PM
I have written a number of posts about Historic Marietta, PA, including the Christmas Candlelight Tour and the scenic Breezy View Overlook. One of the reasons Marietta is such a treasure is its remarkably diverse historic architecture.
This is a log and stone home I restored in the early 1980s. The … (11 comments)
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home sales: Lancaster 2-Unit Price Reduced - 12/05/07 06:29 PM
This Lancaster City duplex has just been reduced to only $89,900! It is actually both sides of a double house. Originally it was priced at $109,900. for the total property. Here are some of the features of this 2-unit:
Brick construction, 3 bedrooms on one side, 2 bedrooms on … (12 comments)
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home sales: Marietta, PA Candlelight Tour of Homes - 12/03/07 02:55 PM
On Sunday, December 2, 2007, the 42nd Annual Marietta Candlelight Tour of Homes took place. All week the Borough of Marietta held its breath for the weather report, which had for the previous four or five days been predicting a wintry mix of snow, sleet, ice and and rain.
The advance purchase tickets … (9 comments)
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home sales: SRES Candidate - Seniors Real Estate Specialist - 11/13/07 08:33 AM
I have recently completed training for the SRES designation of Seniors Real Estate Specialist(R), and am now a candidate for the designation, pending the results of the final examination and acceptance by NAR. I had the privilege of taking this 14-hour course as part of the very first class ever held … (28 comments)
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home sales: How to Qualify Prospective Tenants - 10/03/07 09:32 AM
It's absolutely critical to get thorough information on prospective tenants before accepting an application and signing a lease. The wrong tenant can cost you dearly in lost rent, property damage and legal fees.
There are three major categories of information that are critical.
1) Credit - past behavior is the best … (2 comments)
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home sales: Landlording: Don't Take it Personally - 10/02/07 08:12 AM
Landlording is a business. It can be a very profitable business, but it must be remembered that it is a business. Don't let emotions get in your way. It's extremely easy to lose money if you're not prepared to deal dispassionately with problems as they come up.
Being a landlord is … (9 comments)
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home sales: Sellers - Don't Let Your Buyer Move In Before Settlement - 09/28/07 08:18 AM
Every so often, when a vacant house is for sale, a buyer will have a situation where they need to leave their current home before their settlement on the new house. They may be renters whose current home is being sold to someone else and they are being forced to leave. … (8 comments)
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home sales: Are You The Windshield or the Bug? - 09/26/07 04:57 PM
Some days you're the windshield; other days you're the bug... I was reminded of this old saying recently as I read all the hand-wringing stories of how bad the housing market has become.
If you don't have a long term perspective, I'm sure it looks like the worst of times. Sub-prime … (6 comments)
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home sales: No "Blood in the Streets" - 09/23/07 08:06 AM
Meyer Rothschild, 1744-1812, the founder of the Rothschild banking dynasty, was famously quoted for saying, "Buy when there is blood flowing in the streets!" He meant, buy when no one thinks there will ever be a market for real estate again.
Many buyers is today's soft housing market seem to have … (10 comments)
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home sales: Fed Comes Through With A Meaningful Cut - 09/18/07 04:38 PM
Both the stock market and mortgage rates reacted positively to the Federal Reserve's rate cut announcement today. A federal funds rate reduction of 1/2% was announced after the Federal Reserve Open Markets Committee meeting. Many pundits had speculated that a rate cut of only 1/4% was more likely, since the Fed is primarily … (6 comments)
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home sales: Tips For Flippers - 09/07/07 04:48 PM
I remember the real estate market in 1981 and 1982, when adjustable rates soared to 18% and more. I was caught with some of those terrible mortgages on investments, and I learned some valuable lessons.
I found out that the limit of your profit, if you are planning to fix and … (10 comments)
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home sales: Subprime Problems Only Affect Lower Priced Homes, Right? - 08/31/07 08:34 AM
The turmoil that the subprime mortgage markets are in right now only affects the 10% or so of borrowers that are mostly in starter-priced housing, right? WRONG. This is going to, and already has, affected the market for higher priced homes as well. It's like a ripple effect. The economy is … (5 comments)
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home sales: Flipping: Not as Easy as it Sounds - 08/26/07 02:14 PM
For the past several years "flipping" properties has seemed to to be the path to quick wealth, much like the "dotcoms" were in the previous decade. Having attempted a few of these in the past, I can tell you that making money on a flip was never as easy as it … (6 comments)
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home sales: Sales Down But Prices Hit Record: Lancaster County Market Report - 08/19/07 09:06 PM
The July figures are in from the Lancaster County Association of Realtors(R) - LCAR - and once again the same dichotomy is in evidence: slower sales, but record prices. July showed a decline of 2.4% from the 552 home sales in July of 2006, to 539 homes sold in the county … (8 comments)
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home sales: Desirable Lancaster Townhouse Rental - 08/10/07 05:51 PM
Located in Gable Park Woods, an excellent and popular neighborhood in Lancaster Township close to shopping and the city, yet totally suburban, this 3-bedroom, 1.5 bath modern town home boasts many upgrades. A level lot and driveway lead to an ample garage with overhead remote door opener.
An entrance hall with beautiful hardwood floors … (2 comments)
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home sales: Restored 1760 Log Home - 08/08/07 06:55 PM
SOLDThis is your opportunity to live in a piece of Lancaster history! Restored 1760 log home is available at a fantastically affordable price!
Exposed log walls grace the great room, which boasts new wood floor, carpet and a corner wood stove.
The modern kitchen has a new wood floor.
There are three bedrooms, … (6 comments)
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home sales: What Should I Test My Water For? - 07/30/07 05:15 PM
If you're buying a home that doesn't have public water, certain types of loans (FHA, VA) may require that the well water be tested. However, ther may be times when home buyers or home owners have concerns about their water, even if publicly provided.
What kinds of contaminants are most commonly … (2 comments)
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home sales: Coming Soon - 1760s Log Home! - 07/27/07 04:59 PM
Back in May I posted a blog about an historic log house in Lancaster that was about to be restored by my client. I'm pleased to be able to report to you that the work is proceeding well, and that it won't be too long before the home will be available … (4 comments)
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home sales: Asbestos - 07/20/07 06:32 PM
Asbestos is a naturally occurring material which was widely used because of its ability to withstand high heat without breaking down or burning. Unfortunately, it was eventually discovered that it breaks down into small fibers which can become lodged in the lungs, destroying tissue and causing serious health problems, including mesothelioma, … (4 comments)
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home sales: Lancaster City and County Argue Over Sunnyside - 07/20/07 05:46 PM
Sunnyside is the largest tract of undeveloped land in the city of Lancaster. Plans have been discussed since 1999 to develop three hundred townhouses, single family homes and apartments on the peninsula of the Conestoga River.
That proposal was temporarily dropped when the county proposed moving county offices to Sunnyside, where they … (4 comments)
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home sales: Lancaster County Sales Down, Prices Still Up - 07/10/07 05:28 PM
The second quarter sales figures are in, and once again, prices continue to rise even while sales volume is down. The Lancaster County Association of Realtors (LCAR) reports that 1,526 homes sold in the second quarter of 2007. This represents a 9.6% decline from the second quarter sales of 2006.However, the … (0 comments)
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home sales: Saving on your Home Purchase - 06/29/07 06:11 PM
Everyone wants to make the best deal they can on a home purchase! But there's more to saving money than just the price of the house. Many buyers overlook the potential savings they could get on the financing of their new home.
There are two major types of costs when … (2 comments)
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home sales: Northgate in Lancaster - 06/25/07 09:53 PM
An exciting new project is taking place at the corner of North Queen and East Lemon Streets. The complex of buildings formerly owned by J. F. Wilde is being partially demolished and partially restored and converted. The new gated community of Northgate in Lancaster will consist of upscale condominiums, office and … (0 comments)
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home sales: Six Steps for Success in Buying a Home - 06/22/07 07:12 PM
Buying a home can seem like an intimidating prospect. So much is at stake - your credit rating, your savings - it can be difficult to work up the nerve to sign a contract. How do you determine whether or not the purchase of a home is a good investment? Here … (0 comments)
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home sales: Property Tax Reform Act 1 Defeated - 06/18/07 07:26 AM
The latest attempt at property tax reform was soundly defeated in the May 15 primary. Pennsylvania lawmakers are busy trying to figure out what the voters were trying to tell them. Apparently the voters had little trust that Act 1 would fix the problems with the present tax system.
Since the property … (0 comments)
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home sales: Southern Lancaster City Townhouse - 06/12/07 04:21 PM
SOLDHere's a low-cost four-bedroon townhouse that would make a great starter home, or an excellent investment property! The house has new wiring throughout. The gas furnace is only two years old.
Priced at only $34,900, the house has a remodeled kitchen and 2-year-old Pergo flooring! For more information on this and other city homes, … (0 comments)
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home sales: Is Inflation Returning? - 06/10/07 08:08 AM
As of May 31, the national average mortgage commitment rate for a 30-year fixed-rate loan was 6.42%. The 15-year fixed-rate mortgage was 6.12%, and the one-year adjustable rate averaged 5.57%.
A poll of local Lancaster County lenders, conducted by the Lancaster County Association of Realtors(R) on June 6 showed an average … (0 comments)
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home sales: The Linden House, Marietta, PA - 06/08/07 05:54 PM
In 1983 I purchased the Linden House in Marietta, PA. Built ca. 1805 by lumber magnate Henry Cassel, the 6,000 SF mansion had fallen on hard times. After being unceremoniously chopped up into ten low rent apartments, the roof had been burned off and the house condemned. The mansion had 606 window panes (yes, … (10 comments)
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home sales: Question: Just What Does an Agent Do? - 06/06/07 08:05 PM
Many members of the public seem to have a negative perception about agents when this question is asked. They say things like "Real estate agents sleep until 10 a.m., drink coffee until noon, and do very little except the Four P's: Put up a sign, Put it in the MLS, Put … (12 comments)
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home sales: Eleven Questions to Ask Your Realtor Before You List Your Property - 06/05/07 05:18 PM
Not all real estate agents are the same! The best Realtors(R) will have good answers to these questions:
1) How familiar are you with my neighborhood?
2) What real estate designations have you earned?
3) How many real estate transactions have you been involved in over your career?
4) Do you have a personal assistant … (2 comments)
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home sales: Why Do Lenders' Requirements Seem So Stringent? - 06/05/07 04:21 PM
With the recent collapse of the sub-prime market, waves are being felt throughout the lending industry. For years, lenders had been getting more and more lenient, with lower down payments, lower credit scores, and higher debt rations being allowed. Unfortunately, the risk of such loans was largely ignored by some lenders. … (0 comments)
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home sales: Buyers: Is Your Agent Representing YOU? - 06/03/07 08:12 PM
About a dozen years ago, the Federal Trade Commission conducted a survey among home buyers. They were asked, "Who is the agent you are working with representing?" Almost all buyers assumed that the agent they were working with represented them. Almost all those buyers were wrong. The agents they were working … (0 comments)
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home sales: Renters - Are You Adequately Insured? - 06/03/07 12:55 PM
Recently I read a sad post by Steve Conklin. A family of renters lost everything they had, to a devastating fire. Fortunately, they were out of the house at the time of the fire, and are not physically hurt. However, they are now homeless, and have lost every photograph, keepsake, and … (2 comments)
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home sales: Preparing Your Home For Sale - 05/29/07 07:08 PM
You all know the old maxim: "You only get one chance to make a first impression." Not surprisingly, the same goes for your house! Whether you want to get the best best price for your home, or want to sell in the least amount of time, it's important to prepare your … (0 comments)
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home sales: Nine Deadly Mistakes to Avoid When Purchasing Your Next Home - 05/28/07 09:26 PM
Here are nine mistakes that can cost you time, money and stress!
1) Purchasing contingent before your own home is listed or sold. Contingency contracts often don't settle. This will cause you undue stress and may lead you to take a lower offer on your property as an act of desperation. … (0 comments)
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home sales: Things to Ask About BEFORE You Sign That Purchase Agreement! - 05/28/07 12:00 PM
A good Realtor(R) will answer your questions, and even give you information you may not have thought to ask about. However, you should be aware of some good questions to ask, and know the answers to, BEFORE you sign that purchase agreement. You don't want to find out things you didn't … (0 comments)
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home sales: "Lancaster City Living" Makes Its Debut! - 05/22/07 09:10 PM
A new non-profit group is making its presence known in Lancaster! The goal of Lancaster City Living is to boost homeownership in Lancaster City, and to encourage the recent trend of suburbanites to move back into the city.
A new website has been launched in cooperation with the Lancaster County Association of … (0 comments)
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home sales: Hampton Chase in Penn Manor - 05/16/07 08:17 PM
Hampton Chase is a pleasant neighborhood of townhouses located west of Lancaster off Columbia Avenue. Close to shopping at the Wheatland Shopping Center plus the restaurants and services of Columbia Avenue, Hampton Chase is a quiet and private enclave away from the main road.
Just a few blocks up Temple Avenue from … (0 comments)
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home sales: HUD Homes Are Different! - 05/14/07 07:14 PM
When a homeowner with an FHA mortgage defaults on a loan and it becomes foreclosed, it goes through a different system of being re-sold to the public than does a conventional mortgage. Conventional mortgages (those that are not backed by government guarantees or insurance) go back to their lenders' Real Estate … (0 comments)
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home sales: Lancaster 1950 Townhouse - 05/10/07 05:22 PM
SOLDThis 1120-square foot brick townhouse has 3 bedroons and 2 full baths. Although built in 1950, it has some updates. In a quiet part of Lancaster just south of the city, on an all-residential street, with woods across the street. Call Brian Schulman at 717-951-5552 for details on why this town … (0 comments)
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home sales: Brookwood Estates, Lititz, PA - 05/09/07 04:33 PM
Just outside the Boro of Lititz, you will find the wonderful community of Brookfield Estates. Nestled between Newport Road and Market Street, Brookfield boasts a nice mix of townhouses, semi-detached and detached homes.
What makes this community outstanding is that it is bordered on one side by farm land, and on the … (0 comments)
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home sales: Crossgates Golf Community in Millersville, PA - 05/09/07 06:39 AM
You don't have to be a golfer to live in Crossgates Community in Millersville - but it doesn't hurt! Built by William Murry & Sons, Crossgates is nestled among rolling hills surrounding the Crossgates Golf Club. Crossgates Golf club is open to the public. The clubhouse overlooks the eighteenth hole, manicured … (2 comments)
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home sales: Replacement Value vs. Market Value - 05/08/07 03:47 PM
For years I was a rental property manager. One of the things my leases specified was that the tenants must have insurance on their personal possessions, as the landlord's insurance only covers the buildings and not their personal property. I used to make a point of advising renters to get replacement … (4 comments)
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home sales: Lancaster County Average Home Prices Top $200k! - 05/08/07 02:52 PM
In a report for April, The Lancaster County Association of Realtors(R) noted a $200,996 average sale price in Lancaster County, an 8.9% increase over April 2006! This was despite a 3.4% decrease in the number of homes sold during the month (457 in April 2007 versus 473 in the same month … (0 comments)
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home sales: Makeover of a Historic Lancaster Log Home - 05/07/07 05:22 PM
I have always been enthusiastic about historic architectural styles and American history. In my career, I have personally restored 12 historic homes in Lancaster County, saving two from demolition. So it was was with great excitement that I showed this eighteenth-century Lancaster log home to one of my best clients, whom … (2 comments)
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home sales: Make Sure You Get a Decent Deposit! - 05/06/07 09:11 AM
The Question: We have a house on the market for $19O,000. What can we ask for money down for a deposit of good faith? The agent said only 1,000.00 is typical and the broker will get half if the buyer cancels. The buyers decided they did not want the house. This … (10 comments)
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home sales: Remodeled City Townhome Available For Lease-Purchase! - 05/04/07 09:16 PM
This Lancaster City 3-bedroom townhome has been totally remodeled and is now available for lease-purchase! Brand new kitchen and bath, new carpet and flooring, replacement windows, new high efficiency gas furnace - and all for only $59,900!
For more information or your own personal showing, call Brian Schulman at 717-951-5552 or … (0 comments)
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home sales: Beautiful Lancaster Township Bilevel End-of-Row Townhouse - 05/04/07 04:05 PM
SOLD
Check out this most attractive end-of-row bilevel in Lancaster Township! It has two bedrooms and two full baths, central air conditioning and a built-in garage. You can see how nice tne landscaping is! Only $129,900.
There is a very reasonably priced homeowners association that mows the grass and shovels … (0 comments)
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home sales: Tax-Deferred Real Estate Exchanges - 05/03/07 08:04 AM
Many real estate investors hold onto income properties that are no longer a good fit for them, because they don't want to have to pay a big capital gains tax. Perhaps most of the depreciation has already been taken. Perhaps they have moved to a different area. Perhaps the property is … (2 comments)
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home sales: Lancaster County Housing Market Still Healthy, Strong, Stable - 05/01/07 04:51 PM
The Lancaster County Association of Realtors(R) has released their housing market report for the first quarter of 2007. While the 1,164 homes sold and settled in January, February and March is a 3.2% decrease from the first quarter of 2006, the average price of $186,754 is an increase of 3.6% over … (0 comments)
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home sales: What Would YOU Do With This Property? - 05/01/07 11:34 AM
SOLDImmediately available: a great building for professional offices, day care center, church use, medical/dental, or could be converted into apartments! Central air conditioning, security system, cheery interior with skylights, possibility for 2-bedroom apartments on the second floor which already have individual heat and hot water. There's a large storage area in … (0 comments)
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home sales: Live in one side, rent the other! - 04/29/07 07:31 PM
A great way to get started in real estate investment is to purchase a two-unit property, live in one side, and rent the other side to offset your expenses. Here is just such a property! This Lancaster city duplex is actually both sides of a double house. Only $109,900. for the … (0 comments)
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home sales: Home Warranties Can Reduce Your Risk! - 04/28/07 12:05 PM
Buying or selling a home is one of the biggest financial transactions most people will ever make, and there can be a fear of the unknown on the part of either party. For a seller, the thought is: "What if my buyer finds some epensive problem that I have to fix?" … (4 comments)
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home sales: Zillow.com challenged in AZ - 04/25/07 09:47 AM
Zillow.com, a psuedo-appraisal website operating nationally, has been challenged by the state of Arizona on the grounds that Zillow does not have a state-licensed appraisal license. While unsuccessful at trying to get the website taken down, Arizona is apparently now going to try to challenge them in court. While I know … (1 comments)
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