Lancaster County PA Realty Check

Expanded Home Buyer Tax Credit is About to Become Law!

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 08:31:33 -0600

Expanded Home Buyer Tax Credit is About to Become Law!

The Senate has overwhelmingly passed an expanded home buyer tax credit, 98-0. Yesterday the House passed the new bill as well!

It now goes to the President, who has supported it and is expected to sign it into law.

The new tax credit bill does several things. First, it will preserve the tax credit for last-minute buyers who are having difficulty getting mortgage approval early enough for settlements before December 1, 2009.

Second, it extends the expiration of the $8,000 First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit for contracts on a principal residence written before May 1, 2010, with settlement taking place before July 1, 2010.

Third, the new bill expands to include a $6,500 tax credit to homeowners trading up who have lived in their homes for 5 out of the last 8 years!

Lancaster County PA first time home buyers who were afraid of missing the previous home buyer tax credit deadline can now relax a bit - and present home owners considering trading up can now get in on the action!

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/

Lancaster PA Singles at Halloween Dance!

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 18:55:37 -0500

Lancaster PA Singles at Halloween Dance!

New Singles, run by Pat O'Connor and Sid Miller, has organized singles dances in South Central PA for 20 years - in fact, New Singles just celebrated its twentieth anniversary!

This year's Halloween dance was held at the Valencia Ballroom in York, PA. Close to 300 singles attended, with over 60 arriving in costume! Judges in the costume contest gave 34 costumes honorable mention, while four received cash prizes.

A number of Red Rose Singles from Lancaster County PA took part in both the dancing and the costumes.

(Photos courtesy of New Singles)

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/

First Time Buyer so you like to live dangerously ? - Well now you are on the edge.

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 14:31:33 -0500

Time is quickly running out for the $8,000 First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit. Homes must be settled before December 1, 2009 in order to qualify for the credit. A recent post by Jennifer Fivelsdal spelled out the situation.

This can be cash in your pocket from Uncle Sam! If you live in Lancaster County PA and want to take advantage of the tax credit, email brian@cbselectpros.com or call (717) 951-5552.

Via Jennifer Fivelsdal, Fishkill NY (Keller Williams Realty Team - Real Estate Agent):

Ms. First time buyer you spent the last several months looking at homes, actually you pretty much went through the entire inventory within your price range; foreclosures, single family homes, and townhouses yet you never pulled the trigger.

The $8000 tax credit for first time buyers was something you hoped to get; yes who doesn't like free money. News flash for you , it is now mid September and based on how long it is taking to close on a home I would say you are right on the edge.

No more opportunity to delay, you have come to the end of road; so make it a top priority to pick out that property this week and just maybe you can close by November 30Th and benefit from the tax credit.

Jennifer Fivelsdal- Associate Broker- Keller Williams Realty Team - 845-758-6842- jennifer@jfivehomes.com and www.jfivehomes.com

I would love to assist you with your real estate needs.

SEARCH FOR HOMES IN THE HUDSON VALLEY

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/

Elegant Oak Knoll Condo Millersville PA Open House

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 17:40:36 -0500

Elegant Oak Knoll Condo Millersville PA Open House

Sunday October 21, 2009 1:00-3:00 PM Light Refreshments served

Take advantage of this opportunity to preview a beautiful Oak Knoll Condo, with its custom kitchen, fireplace and full master suite!

All appliances are included in this second-floor condominium home at elegant Oak Knoll, for a maintenance-free lifestyle. The price of $138,953 includes an oversized one-car garage on a separate deed.

Within a short drive of Lancaster, Millersville and Route 30, Oak Knoll combines both privacy and convenience to shopping, schools, Millersville University, and Funk's Farm Market.

(Photos by Jeff Geoghan, Heritage Photography)

Directions: Rte 741 South past Millersville Pike, Left on Oak Knoll, Right at ''T''-building is directly in front of you.

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/

Lancaster PA Fall Fest

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 18:24:46 -0500

Lancaster PA Fall Fest

Are you a fan of country music? Here in Lancaster County, PA, country music is hugely popular - and 40,000 people proved it at the Big WIOV 18th Annual Fall Fest! Held at the Overlook Community Campus in Lancaster, PA, a spacious complex which includes a driving range, a restaurant, roller skating rink and a golf course.

The weather was perfect for a concert - partly sunny with mild temperatures and and a mild breeze...

Trailer Choir, Sarah Buxton, Chris Young, Darryl Worley headlined the concert, with Little Big Town as the final act.

Chris Young captured on the Jumbotron monitor, singing "The Man I Want To Be".

If it's in you, it's in you! An enthusiastic young cowgirl shows off her dance moves...

Does it get any better than this?

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/

Are Lancaster County PA Home Mortgages Harder to Get These Days?

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 19:12:18 -0500

Are Lancaster County PA Home Mortgages harder to get these days? If so, it's not because the Lancaster County housing market is slower than other areas of the country - in fact, Lancaster County is up 30% over last year for real estate sales!

See the press release below published by the Lancaster County Association of Realtors:

Local Home Sales Continue to Rebound August 2009 pending home sales up 30 percent

Lancaster, PA (September 22, 2009)-Lancaster County's real estate market continues to show signs of recovery, according to a recent report released by the Lancaster County Association of Realtors® (LCAR). In August 2009, pending home sales were up 30 percent over August 2008 with most price ranges seeing double- digit growth in pending sales.

The $100,000 to $200,000 price range has proven to be 2009's strongest performing market with pending home sales up 45 percent in August 2009 versus August 2008. Growth in other price ranges is an indication that the first-time homebuyer tax credit has had a "trickle up" effect that has reenergized the real estate market as a whole, LCAR members say. In August 2009, pending home sales were up in the $0 to $100,000 price range (26.5 percent), $200,000 to $300,000 price range (13.7 percent) and $400,000+ price range (36.4 percent) over August 2008.

"We've seen a tremendous number of first-time buyers realize the dream of owning their first home. We're also seeing buyers and sellers in general regain confidence and move ahead with their homeownership goals," commented Scott Ulrich, president of LCAR.

A September 2009 article in BusinessWeek magazine recognizing Lancaster as the 19th strongest housingmarket in the U.S. further affirms that the local real estate market is fundamentally sound. With mortgage rates continuing to hold steady at historically-low rates, ample inventory available at all price ranges and a seeming boost in consumer confidence, LCAR looks for sustained market improvement.

As I discussed in Lancaster PA mortgage rate analysis, government overspending and overborrowing is robbing the credit markets of private money that could have been lent to private investors who would have restarted the recovery.

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/

Stunning Elizabethtown PA Contemporary Home For Sale

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 17:45:16 -0500

Stunning Elizabethtown PA Contemporary Home For Sale

Take a look at this lovely Elizabethtown PA contemporary home with its stone trim and beautiful open floor plan! The soaring Palladian windows frame a cozy gas fireplace in the 2-story great room.

You'll love the custom cherry den with its built-in cherry desk, shelves, cabinets and entertainment center.

The first floor master bedroom suite and first floor laundry add to the easy living style.

Entertain in the formal dining room with its tray ceiling, chair rail and wainscoting. Professionally lighted landscaping surrounds the house.

P.S. - THIS HOME QUALIFIES FOR ZERO-DOWN USDA FINANCING!

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/

How Should We Be Commemorating 9/11?

Fri, 11 Sep 2009 17:35:15 -0500

How should we be commemorating 9/11? There seems to be some dilution of the poignant memories of what happened to this nation on September 11, 2001. I watched the morning news today, and on most networks there was hardly any footage of the terrible things perpetrated on our country eight years ago.

OUr President in Washington DC, and the Mayor of New York at the site of the World Trade Center both mentioned something similar - that this day should be spent in community service in honor of those who gave their lives that day. Kathleen Sebelius, the Secretary of Health wrote a letter to her employees expressing a similar theme.

But should community service be foremost on the anniversary of the deadliest day in our nation's history on American soil at the hands of a foreign enemy? (Yes, I realize that there were days of greater losses during the Civil War).

The attacks on the Trade Center, the Pentagon, and Shanksville, PA were acts of war by a foreign enemy, not crimes to be dealt with by a judiciary. September 11 is a day in which we should remember what happened on that terrible morning, remember and honor the men and women who lost their lives, and those heroes who put themselves at risk, sacrificing in many cases their own lives and health.

We also should honor the brave men and women of our military - as we vow not to allow such an attack on our country to occur ever again.

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/

Lancaster PA Singles Have a Blast at a Regional Dance

Wed, 09 Sep 2009 17:10:41 -0500

Lancaster PA Singles Have a Blast at a Regional Dance:

New Singles sponsored one of the biggest dances in the south central PA region Saturday night. The dance was held at the Wisehaven Banquet and Expo Center, York, PA.

The dance featured The Hubcaps Band, one of the finest rock'n'roll bands in the area.

Singles came from all over Lancaster County, York County, Adams County, Dauphin County and even Maryland, as far south as Baltimore!

The banquet hall was beautiful, with seating on the main floor plus tables on the second floor balcony as well.

A number of members of the Red Rose Singles of Lancaster PA were in attendance, as well as many friends and acquaintances from other dances in adjoining counties.

I estimated that over 500 singles came to the dance - and you wouldn't believe the energy in the room once The Hubcaps started their music...

I had only my cell phone with me, but no separate camera, so the photos I took in the dimmed light do not really do justice to the atmosphere or to the size of the crowd - but you can decide for yourself if they looked like they were having a great time!

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/

Veranda Community, East Hempfield Township, Lancaster PA is Beautiful in Summer

Sat, 15 Aug 2009 14:49:37 -0500

Veranda is one of the most desirable communities in East Hempfield Township, Lancaster, PA. With its miles of walking trails, scenic views and landscaping, it provides a peaceful ambience - yet it is ideally located near shopping, health services and major roads.

A picturesque barn seen nearby...

1465 Drake Lane is a fine home currently available in Veranda.

Green grass cuttings from a fresh mowing along the pond...

Waterfall at the pond...

1465 Drake Lane in the background...

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/

Pets Are Underreported Victims of Foreclosure

Fri, 14 Aug 2009 19:37:22 -0500

Pets seem to be an underreported side effect of foreclosures of the ongoing recession.

Most foreclosed families don't have any choice but to rent. And many landlords won't accept pets.

I have seen unfortunate pets abandoned or left behind during tenant rental evictions for years. I have discovered abandoned pets locked in a vacated apartment without food or water!

Now, with the addition of mounting foreclosures, the phenominon has become even more widespread.

Humane shelters are overrun with surplus pets, and many people are reluctant to take unwanted animals there because the pets may be euthanized if not adopted within a relatively short period of time.

Organizations like ORCA (Organization for the Respect and Care for Animals) do not euthanize - but they are chronically short of money to care for the animals they treat, and often are only able to accept distressed animals.

What can be done to alleviate the situation?

Donate money, food or time to your local animal shelter.

Make a donation to ORCA so that they can continue their mission of mercy.

Find a willing home for a pet you can't keep.

PLEASE, PLEASE, NEVER abandon a pet either inside or outside! They are living creatures who have a right to food, water and shelter!

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/

Woodstock Turns 40

Wed, 12 Aug 2009 18:38:19 -0500

Ex hippies, yuppies and college students of a certain age may remember, in the summer of 1969, seeing ads for "3 Days of Peace and Music" posted around Greenwich Village in New York City, college campuses, and other places where the young and hip were likely to find it.

I almost got to the Woodstock Festival myself - entirely by accident! My fiancee and I had planned to go for the weekend upstate to the Concord Hotel & Resort in Monticello, NY, where I had previously worked.

We were surprised to find heavy traffic on route 9W that seemed more like weekday rush hour traffic than that of a typical Saturday. As the traffic became stop-and-go and finally ground to a halt, I began to be concerned that there might be a serious accident ahead.

Finally, after waiting at a standstill for quite a long time, i decided that it might be better to turn around and go back home rather than possibly be stuck on the road all night.

It was only after we were home that we found out the real reason for the delays: a little noticed rock festival had become a seminal event, with so many youths unexpectedly arriving that they finally crashed the fences and got past the promoters, who then wisely decided to make the rest of the festival free.

Jimi Hendrix, Joan Baez, Joe Cocker, Richie Havens, Roger Daltry, Country Joe & the Fish and other stars of the day attained iconic status after Woodstock. Other festivals tried to copy the success of Woodstock afterward, but none ever achieved the popularity or the peaceful behavior of the original.

Update: one of the four original Woodstock promoters tried to create a 40th Anniversary festival for August of 2009, but was forced to call it off after being unable to raise the necessary $8-10 million from sponsors to finance and promote it...

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/

Big Band Blast at Nissley Vineyards, Bainbridge PA

Mon, 10 Aug 2009 16:25:21 -0500

The Blue Moon Big Band makes an appearance on the beautiful grounds of the Nissley Vineyards in Bainbridge, PA Sunday evening.

Entering the grounds of the vineyard - an eighteenth century stone mill.

The original farmhouse of the vineyard.

A storage barn on the premises.

In spite of rain predicted for the evening, lots of folks bring their picnic tables and chairs in preparation for the concert under the stars.

Some regular attendees go all out: tablecloths, gourmet food and even candelabras!

The band starts out well protected from the rain under a tent!

Some enthusiasts get up and start dancing the jitterbug to "Little Brown Jug" by Glenn Miller.

Soon the dance pavillion fills up as everyone gets "In The Mood"...

Darkness falls as the rain cools things down and the band heats things up...

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/

Good Sign for the Economy but Watch Out for Interest Rates

Fri, 07 Aug 2009 17:00:30 -0500

Economists expected today's jobs report to reflect a loss of 328,000 jobs. Unexpectedly, the job loss was "only" 247,000. Some are interpreting this as a stabilization of the economy. The unemployment number ostensibly declined from 9.5% to 9.4% - although this figure doesn't reflect the underemployed, or those discouraged people who have stopped looking for jobs.

Although this is a good sign for the economy, it also brings with it the prospect of future inflation and its companion, higher interest rates.

First time home buyers should note also that the $8,000 First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit only extends through the end of November.

With the prospect of higher interest rates and the end of the tax credit program nearing, Lancaster County buyers should consider taking advantage of the still plentiful inventory of homes and current low mortgage rates.

©BrianSchulman2009

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

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/

Special Financing for East Hempfield Luxury Home, Lancaster PA

Wed, 05 Aug 2009 18:24:02 -0500

I have previously posted information on this great Lancaster PA luxury home for sale in the desirable community of Veranda in East Hempfield Township.

With an acceptable offer, this home is now available to qualified buyers with a lower than normal down payment (95% Loan to Value).

Special Financing Offer to Qualified Buyers:

Purchase price of $549,900.

$417,000 Conventional Loan at 5.375%*

$2,335.08 Principal and Interest

$77,910 Second Mortgage through Union National Bank at 6.0%

$467.11 Principal and Interest

$27,495 Interest Only Owner Financing (terms to be negotiated)

$91.65 per month

Total Monthly Principal and Interest - $2893.84

(Compared to a normal Jumbo Loan of $522,405

Total monthly principal and interest - $3563.72)

Total Savings** - 669.88 per month, 8038 per year, 241,156.8 over the course of the loan

*Interest rates subject to change.

**Plus $1000 off your closing and/or title costs if you finance through Ray Smith of Home National Mortgage.

Because the first mortgage is for 80% loan to value, it also avoids the cost of mortgage insurance.

On a premium lot, this stately Georgian style brick home with its gables, overlooking a pond and farmland, has every upgrade imaginable. Period characteristics such as wainscoting, chair rail and crown molding throughout blend with the most modern of conveniences. Among its' many fine features are a sunken grand family room with a lovely fireplace and tray ceiling, master bedroom suite with gas fireplace, and a gourmet kitchen that includes a sunny English garden room. With a three car garage, 3-1/2 baths and over 4,000 SF, this lovely home is now offered at the reduced price of $549,900.

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

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/

Installment Sale Offered on Lancaster PA Home

Fri, 31 Jul 2009 13:36:13 -0500

1465 Drake Lane, a showplace in the desirable Veranda subdivision, is now being offered as either an installment sale, or as a conventional purchase. With your good credit and 10% down payment, the owners may approve a structured sale in which you make monthly payments directly to the seller for a period of time, rather than immediately needing to obtain a mortgage.

The Installment Sale option can be very useful for buyers who may need to transfer quickly, but who have their own home to sell in a slow market,. It also helps buyers who may not yet have worked enough time on a new job to qualify immediately for a loan.

Veranda is a beautiful community in East Hempfield Township, close to shopping centers, the Lancaster Health Campus and hospitals - yet in a historic setting overlooking a pond and picturesque barns and farmhouses. Miles of walking trails and sidewalks meander through this well-planned community

The location is ideal. If you would like additional details, or you would like your own private showing of this fine home, please call (717) 951-5552.

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/

Coldwell Banker Select Professionals Picnic

Thu, 23 Jul 2009 14:06:50 -0500

Coldwell Banker Select Professionals of Lancaster, York, Hershey and Lebanon, PA holds its annual company get-together.

The festivities take place on CEO Ryan Hess's grounds near East Petersburg.

The swimming pool keeps the kids (and some of the adults) happily occupied.

A custom red, white and blue cake puts us in a patriotic mood. Nearby is an announcement of the upcoming "dunk the partners" contest...

Down goes partner Quentin Miller... "Good shot, Honey!"

Some of these guys take the contest seriously! Do we have some major pitching talent here?

A freshly soaked partner Ron Felpel...

Teammate Jeff Geoghan with his family.

©BrianSchulman2009

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

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/

Lancaster PA Buchanan Park Historic Restoration

Wed, 22 Jul 2009 15:27:21 -0500

If you've passed Lancaster PA's Buchanan Park, located on Lancaster's West End at Buchanan and Race Avenue, you may have wondered why the small historic building, of almost doll house proportions, is located close to the middle of the park. I had originally guessed that it might have once been a small schoolhouse.

In fact, the building is a miniature reproduction of the old Lancaster Courthouse. During World War I, war bonds were sold from this small edifice, at the time located on Penn Square.

In recent years, the building has sat unused, its paint peeling and and its cupola leaning unsteadily.

Now Lancaster City Parks and Recreation plans to straighten up the cupola, paint and make other repairs with the help of students from the Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology.

Lancaster City Parks & Recreation will conduct a study toassess whether additional structural repairs may be needed to restore the building.

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

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/

Lancaster PA First Time Home Buyers Should Avoid This Settlement Date!

Tue, 21 Jul 2009 16:28:50 -0500

By now, many first time home buyers are aware of the $8,000 First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit. A first time home buyer is defined as a buyer who has not had an interest in a primary residence within the past three years. The tax credit provides a credit of 10% of the purchase price of a home to the buyer, up to a sale price of $80,000; hence, first time home buyers are eligible to receive checks from the IRS in amounts up to $8,000!

The tax credit is only in effect for settlements which take place BEFORE December 1, 2009 - i.e., the settlement must take place no later than November 30, 2009. The tax form with which to apply for the tax credit is IRS Form 5405.

Bear in mind that in today's credit atmosphere, it can take a minimum of 45 days to get a mortgage approved. Therefore, it would be desirable for first time home buyers to have a home selected and under agreement no later than early October 2009.

What's going to happen as we get closer to the deadline fot the $8,000 tax credit? All the first time buyers who haven't yet bought a house are going to be in a rush to get their purchase on the books in time to be eligible for the credit.

When is the latest allowable settlement date? November 30, 2009, which happens to fall on a Monday. That date is going to be the craziest date for settlements that anyone has ever seen! It will be hard to reserve a time with a title company to hold the settlements, and there will be delays with financing packages from lenders due to the rush.

Some settlements will be delayed for one reason or another until the following day - and there goes $8,000 out the window.

My suggestion? If you're a Lancaster County, PA first time home buyer, don't wait for the last minute to look for a home. Leave plenty of time for your settlement - and don't schedule your settlement for the last day in November.

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

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/

Lancaster PA Fireworks!

Mon, 06 Jul 2009 19:42:41 -0500

Cannons, a marching band and fireworks capped off the Fourth of July weekend in Lancaster, PA this year!

Long's Park was the focal point for an estimated 35,000 Lancastrians to celebrate our country's birthday!

The festivities were scheduled to officially start at 7:30 pm. Knowing that the crowds would be large, we arrived an hour and a half early - only to be turned away at the lower entrance to the park, which was alread full.

We were guided into an upper meadow, where the overflow cars were parked. Those who came too late to park inside Long's Park at all had to cross over into Park City Center. There is a pedestrian tunnel which runs from Park City's parking lot, under Route 30 into Long's Park.

We brought a picnic dinner with us, along with folding chairs and a blanket, and set up our little space near the top of the hill overlooking the band shell.

There were food concessions, from hot dogs and burgers to ice cream, funnel cakes and one stand with beautiful large blooming onions. of course, if you wanted food from the concessions, you had to put up with the long lines...

The music was provided by the 257th Army Band - the same one that played at the inaugeration of Barack Obama. They started out with a medley of Beatles tunes, then some WWII big band numbers, including "American Patrol".

Then it was time for Lancaster ex-Mayor Charlie Smithgall's cannons, accompanied by the Army Band's rousing rendition of the 1812 Overture.

As night fell, the fireworks started, to the accompaniment of patriotic marches...

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

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/

Nissley Vineyards Lawn Concerts, Bainbridge PA

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 17:29:52 -0500

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 buying and selling homes in Lancaster County, PA. To learn more, visit http://www.FindLancasterHomes.com/

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/

Some Updated Photos in Veranda, Lancaster PA

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 17:10:38 -0500

With the warm weather upon us, the farmland around Veranda in East Hempfield, Lancaster County, PA has come to life...

Historic barns and farmhouses surrounding Veranda, a lovely community, have been preserved and maintained...

Miles of walking trails run through the community. There's also a wonderful square where community events take place throughout the year.

A pond, stocked with fish, supplies a peaceful, traditional way to pass the time on a summer weekend...

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

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/

Beware This Scam That Almost Befell a Lancaster County PA Listing!

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 19:43:47 -0500

We recently got a call from an upset seller requesting that the lockbox be removed from her listing, which had just gone under agreement for sale. Of course, we did so immediately. But why was she so concerned? Because - someone had put an ad on Craig's List advertising her home for rent!

Potential renters called us requesting information on the ad, and one young woman actually stopped by the house, asking about the rental. This young woman was thoughtful enough to provide our seller with an email she had received when she responded to the Craig's List rental ad. It had awkward syntax (i.e., "Dearest, I am Pastor Joseph Ebo", etc.), reminiscent of the ubiquitous Nigerian email scams.

It appears that with the ballooning number of vacant homes, rip-off artists have taken to advertising homes for rent which they have no ownership in. Innocent tenants have sent money to spoof addresses that look like the landlord's, moved into these vacant homes, and paid rent until they became evicted when the homes were foreclosed or sold at sheriff sale.

If you are selling a vacant property, make sure someone checks regularly that no unauathorized persons are in the home! It might not even be a bad idea to google for rentals in your area, just to make sure there are no unauthorized ads attempting to rent YOUR property.

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

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/

First Time Open in Washington Boro, PA

Sat, 13 Jun 2009 16:04:43 -0500

Just in time for summer entertaining, this great bilevel has an exceptionally nice pool and rear deck.

Located in the Penn Manor School District, Manor Township, not many homes come up for sale in the Letort Manor community. Close to the Ann Letort Elementary School, this home offers suburban comfort bordering on scenic farmland.

Open this Sunday , 135 Spring Meadow Lane - 1:00-3:00 pm hosted by Brian Schulman of the Jeff Geoghan Realty Group. Directions: Letort Rd west from Millersville, right on Velma, right on Spring Meadow Lane, home on right.

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

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/

Price Reduction on Magnificent Lancaster PA home

Mon, 08 Jun 2009 18:52:44 -0500

If You See This Magnificent Home In the Heart of Lancaster County...

...you will appreciate what an incredible value it is at the reduced price of $549,900.

On a premium lot, this stately Georgian style brick home with its gables, overlooking a pond and farmland, has both superior size and superlative upgrades. 1465 Drake Lane is one of the finest homes in the desirable Veranda community.

The home is based on the largest model available in Veranda, the Creswood - but with even more square footage due to a huge game room addition on the second level, which could also be used as a fifth bedroom.

Other features that set this home apart from the competition: gorgeous cherry finished oak floors - a $40,000 custom upgrade -complement the cherry kitchen cabinetry, and continue throughout the house. Period characteristics such as wainscoting, chair rail and crown molding throughout blend with the most modern of conveniences, including wiring for Surround Sound and Internet throughout. Custom wood interior shutters (over $20,000) add to the classic interior. Rounded drywall corners are on all vertical wall corners and the arches.

Lovingly built by Charter Homes, among its' many fine features are a sunken grand family room with an elegant fireplace and 10' tray ceiling, master bedroom suite with gas fireplace, and a gourmet kitchen that includes a new $5,000. stainless steel double oven and a sunny English garden room. With a three car garage, 3-1/2 baths and 4,055 square feet, this lovely home is now offered at $549,900.

Veranda is a beautiful community in East Hempfield Township, close to shopping centers, the Lancaster Health Campus and Women and Babies Hospital - yet in a historic setting overlooking a pond and picturesque barns and farmhouses. Family and cultural events are held throughout the year. Miles of walking trails and sidewalks meander through this well-planned community.

Directions: Rte 30 to Harrisburg Ave W approx 1.5 mi, L at Veranda, L on Banner Dr, L on Grassy Way, R on Carroll La, R on Drake La.

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

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/