Stop Poaching My Buyers - A Series on the NAR Code of Ethics (Part One) - 03/31/12 01:58 PM

From time to time, I have chimed in when someone has written about having a buyer poached. Persons have challenged me about a post I have written or when I have challenged folks to be precise about the use of this terminology, “poaching my buyers.”I have decided to write a rather detailed series on the National Association of Realtors Code of Ethics. The purpose of this series is to help me and you learn. I believe that learning comes from reading, exchanging ideas and thoughts, and yes, even, through civil disagreements. It is with this intent that I write this … (7 comments)

Homes for Sale in Lancaster, PA - Manheim Central School District - March 2012 - 03/31/12 11:42 AM
Are you considering buying or selling a home in Lancaster, PA in the Manheim Central School District? There are seveal steps to consider.
If buying:
Will you qualify for a mortgage? If so, how much. It is important to consult with a qualified mortgage professional. How will you conduct your search? Hiring a professional real estate agent will greatly benefit you as you conduct your search. Determine the factors which are important to you in the home you will buy, e.g. bedrooms, bathrooms, other amenities. If selling: Preparing your home to sell. Determining a fair asking price. Understanding the dynamics of … (0 comments)

Seeing the Trees in the Forest - the Benefit of Working with Good Agents - 03/31/12 09:15 AM
I love working with other great agents. A successful agent, an agent who has considerably more production than I do, does not intimidate me, but helps me learn every time I negotiate a contract with him or her. This agent has helped me discover the trees among the forest.One agent, in particular, has helped me learn some great scripts to use with other agents. When I submit an offer to him for his seller’s consideration, he will often call me before presenting it. He begins by graciously thanking me for the offer. He will ask some good questions like, “As I … (6 comments)

Pigs Get Fat, Hogs Get Slaughtered! - 03/31/12 07:42 AM
Pigs Get Fat, Hogs Get SlaughterThis idiom, as defined by usingenglish.com, is used to express being satisfied with enough, in contrast to be greedy and having it become your undoing. This is a lesson which many sellers and buyers of real estate in Lancaster, PA have had to learn.I have looked back over two deals which have gone south because the seller was a hog (metaphorically, not actually). I represented the buyer in both situations.In the first deal, I had been working with my buyers for a period of time and this home was everything they wanted. Our offer was accepted … (88 comments)

Preparing Your Home for Sale in Lancaster, PA - Spring 2012 - 03/30/12 05:34 PM
Are you thinking about selling your home in Lancaster, PA this spring of 2012? Preparing your yard, shrubs and beds is an important part of creating great curb appeal. Take some time to do some basic yard work and enhance the sale of your home:
Fertilize your yard Treat the weeds Clean the beds of leaves and debris Edge the beds and create a clean edge between yard and bed Trim your shrubs Pull the weeds Mulch the beds Plant some flowers For a free Comparative Market Analysis and more helpful tips to prepare your home for sale in Lancaster, PA, … (4 comments)

Does the Design of your Kitchen Cause You to Gain Weight? - 03/29/12 06:58 PM

HouseLogic has an interesting article and video regarding the design of your kitchen and how it may lead to a larger consumption of food. The article notes the following designs which seem to lead to a higher consumption of food:
Large great room/kitchen combinations tend to draw people into this area and therefore lead them to eat more. The work triangle in kitchens - The smaller the triangle leads cooks to eat more while preparing. Type of refrigerators. Convenient storage. Cabinets which have open shelves. These ideas were very intriguing to me and intuitively seem correct. The more time I … (12 comments)

How do you handle conflict? - 03/27/12 07:16 PM
An inevitable fact of life is that conflict will arise between human beings. It cannot be avoided? It is not immoral or wrong. It simply is. The question then arises, “How do you handle conflict?”This is a personal question which requires some reflection. One’s style of handling conflict is patterned over generations and most likely a coping strategy developed for dealing with the personal relationships in the immediate family. Having said that, I have made some commitments to myself on how I will behave in the midst of conflict.I grew up in a religious family and tradition which espoused peacemaking. This … (61 comments)

Do you have a reinspection after repairs are made by the seller? - 03/27/12 02:44 AM
Do you have a reinspection after repairs are made by the seller?I was asked by a fellow agent whether I suggest to my buyer to have a reinspection when repairs are completed by the seller. I have not done this, but it did get me thinking.Invoices, proof of payment for the work and looking at the work during the final walk through have been the means I have used to verify the repairs. I have not suggested asking the inspector to return and inspect the completed work.What means have you employed to verify the repair work a seller has completed before … (20 comments)

Preparing to Sell Your Home in Lancaster, PA - 03/25/12 10:48 AM
Selling your homes requires preparation. You need to clean out closets, take care of repairs, help your curb appeal, and stage it to sell. These physical acts do not replace the emotional preparation needed to sell your home in Lancaster, PA.
Your home probably has many memories, hopefully many good ones and this may create a bit of ambivalence about selling your home. However, if you prepare yourself emotionally as well as physically, the sell of your home will go more smootly.
Brenda Mullen from Texas offers some great insight to help you determine if you are a ready, willing and … (1 comments)

Choosing the Right Agent for your Homes for Sale in Lancaster, PA - 03/25/12 09:59 AM
When you consider selling your home in Lancaster, PA, "How will you choose your real estate agent?" Will the agent who tells you what you want to hear or gives you the highest possible list price be the one you choose?
Maureen writes about what I have known for a long time. The agent who can wisely discern what the market is telling you through comps is one you most seriously need to consider hiring.
Homes for sale in Lancaster, PA need an agent who can best tell you a great list price. Need a free Comparative Market Analysis, contact me.
… (1 comments)

Lancaster PA Homes for Sale - Manheim Township School District - 03/25/12 04:21 AM
There are currently almost 400 homes of sale in Lancaster, PA within the Manheim Township School District. Manheim Township is a single municipality government in Lancaster County, PA. There are over 13,000 residential units and 31,300 residents within Manheim Township.
Manheim Township School District is made up of 6 elementary schools, 1 grade six building, 1 middle school and 1 high school. The school has over 5000 students, kindergarten to 12th grade.
Learn more about Manheim Township School District as you consider buying or selling your home in Lancaster, PA.  There are many opportunities to find great homes within the school … (3 comments)

Homes for Sale in Lancaster PA - Hempfield School District - 03/25/12 03:48 AM
Currently, there are over 300 homes for sale in Hempfield School District in Lancaster, PA. Are you considering moving within or into Hempfield School District?
There are 7 elementary schools, 2 middle schools and 1 high school with the district. Hempfield Schools covers 2 townships (West Hempfield, East Hempfield) and 2 boroughs (East Petersburg, Mountville). If you would like to learn more about Hempfield School District in Lancaster County, PA, I invite you to check out Market Insider.
The perceptions people hold concerning the school district will impact the sell of your home in Lancaster, PA. Good schools create a greater … (0 comments)

Spring is here in Lititz, PA - 03/24/12 04:12 AM

Spring is here and in full force.
Now is the time to make your home look its best. Mow your lawn. Fertilize. Edge your beds. Clean your beds of the debris, leaves and winter blahs and add some mulch. Trim your shrubs. Make your place the envy of your neighbors.
Enjoy the weather, do some work and have some fun.
Need any real estate advice, give me a call.
… (7 comments)

Lancaster PA 17603 Homes for Sale Market Report February 2012 - 03/22/12 08:18 PM
The Lancaster PA 17603 Homes for Sale does not show great strength in February 2012, however there are 92 homes which are under contract. There were 26 homes sold during February. Properties priced well and in good condition are in demand.
My listing located at 319 Perry Avenue went under contract in 10 days with multiple offers. Another one of my listings in 17603 Lancaster PA went under contract. This was 603 W Chestnut Street and was another great property. Both of these properties were priced at $205,000.
There are currently 319 active listings in Lancaster School Districts. Even though there … (1 comments)

Traditional 2 Story Gap, PA Home for Sale - 898 Skyline Drive - 03/22/12 06:28 PM
Traditional 2 Story Gap, PA Home for Sale - 898 Skyline Drive
This traditional 2 story home located in Gap, PA is available for sale. 848 Skyline is priced at $349,900 with 5 bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms and located on a cul-de-sac. With over 2700 square feet above ground and 1400 below grade this home will provide ample space for you.
The basement is a walk out which leads to one of the decks providing wonderful outdoor living space. A first floor Master Bedroom and bathroom will enable one floor living space if desired.
To view this 2 story home for … (1 comments)

I Now Know Why Some Realtors Do Not Want to Do Business with Friends! - 03/21/12 09:20 PM
I Now Know Why Some Realtors Do Not Want to Do Business with Friends!A friend and fellow agent helped me understand why experienced agents will not do business with friends or close family members. This story is painful, but happened very recently.My friend, the agent, was new to the business and her friend was trying to sell her home on her own. Eager to gain new business she solicited her friend and finally was able to secure the listing. An early sign of trouble was the friend would only agree to a 3 month listing. A second bad sign was the … (10 comments)

Just Do It! You do not need to love it or even like it. - 03/20/12 05:47 PM
Just Do It! You do not need to love it or even like it.Did you ever have your parents tell you that? Like when it was time to eat your vegetables or clean your room? Some things need to simply be done regularly and consistently. Have you ever considered how many activities in your life fall into this category.
Taking out the trash. Cleaning the toilet. Shaving. Do laundry. Exercising. Lead Generating. Brushing your teeth. Washing the dishes. And the list goes on.I have found myself feeling this way about blogging. I have hit a dry spell and yes, I know, … (14 comments)

Great Day for Walking in Lititz PA - Warwick Trails - 03/18/12 05:04 PM
Today we walked over 3 miles on the Warwick Trails into Lititz Borough. A beautiful day needed to be experienced with a brisk walk. Seeing children playing and families enjoying Lititz Springs Park and seeing many of the downtown businesses, which were quiet today made it a fun time. The Warwick Trail system was definitely appreciated by many folks today.



… (7 comments)

Elizabethtown School District Homes For Sale in Lancaster County - 03/18/12 11:44 AM
Currently there are 236 properties for sale within Elizabethtown School District in Lancaster County. Discover market conditions and learn more about the schools of the Elizabethtown District. Located conventiently in the northwest part of Lancaster County and within commuting distance of Harrisburg, PA, you will want to discover what is available for purchase. You will also want to discover what competition you will face as you try to market and sell your home.

Elizabethtown area has much to offer her residents. Schools, a library, shops and services. Contact me to receive a free market analysis on your current home.

… (1 comments)

Homes for Sale in Lititz, PA 17543 - Feb 2012 Market Report - 03/18/12 09:54 AM
The number of closed homes for sale in Lititz, PA 17543 during February 2012 was down with only 15 properties closing during the month. However there is good news with 51 properties currently under contract. In working with a client who is very interested in the Lititz area, the amount of "good inventory" is at a premium.
There are currently 229 homes for sale in Lititz, PA. Average sales price for February 2012 was $235,992.90.
Main factors in selling your home are:
Pricing Strategy with homes selling at 96% of the list price. 11 of the 15 homes sold within 94 … (4 comments)

Lancaster PA Homes for Sale - 319 Perry Avenue in Hamilton Park - 03/17/12 05:48 PM
319 Perry Avenue was a Lancaster Home for Sale which went under contract in less than 10 days. This well cared for home located in Hamilton Park boasts 3 bedrooms, 1.5 baths. Painted in warm colors and lovingly decorated this house will become a great home for the new buyer.
This home went under contract so quickly that I did not have time to get my video recorded to show you what a wonderful home this actually is. There were multiple offers on this property and my homeowners are quite pleased.
If you are looking for similar results and want to … (8 comments)

How do you use the term client? Are you guilty of an ethics violation? - 03/17/12 12:31 PM
Do you understand the difference between a client and a customer? This seems like a fairly simple question and it is quite understandable, but I realize how loosely many real estate agents use the term client. Below is the actual quote from the NAR Code of Ethics:
As used in this Code of Ethics, “client” means the person(s) or entity(ies) with whom a Realtor® or a Realtor®’s firm has an agency or legally recognized non-agency relationship; “customer” means a party to a real estate transaction who receives information, services, or benefits but has no contractual relationship with the Realtor® or the … (7 comments)

Are Rich People More Likely to Act Unethically? - 03/01/12 08:19 PM
Are Rich People More Likely to Act Unethically?I read with interest the recent news report on the findings of a University of California at Berkley on whether rich people are more likely to act unethically. There were 3 different studies included in the study performed by a group of students at Berkley.Read more about the various research findings included in this report.This study caused me to pause and consider my own life. Has success and more financial freedom impacted me in a way similar to the findings of this study? Am I more likely to think of myself first and have … (33 comments)

119 W Bethesda Church Road Holtwood PA Open House - Sunday, March 4 - 03/01/12 07:50 PM
Plan now to attend the open house at 119 W Bethesda Church Road, Holtwood, PA on Sunday, March 4, 2012 1-3 p.m. This 3 bedroom, 1 bath ranch style home is located on 1 acre of land. Priced at 179,900 with a finished basement is awaiting you. If you are looking for southern Lancaster County living in Penn Manor School District, come see if this property might be beckoning you home.
Contact me for more information.


… (8 comments)

 
Calyoder2 Rainmaker_large

Homes For Sale in Lancaster PA - Cal Yoder 717.413.0744

Lititz, PA

More about me…

Keller Williams Realty Lancaster

Address: 1630 Manheim Pike, Lancaster, PA, 17601

Office Phone: (717) 735-1145

Cell Phone: (717) 723-9014

Email Me

Author Bio: Specialities of Cal include listing properties and successfully selling them. He does this well through fantastic marketing and an exceptional ability to price a property correctly. He has a thorough knowledge of the marketplace because he produces market reports monthly. He represents first time home buyers very well because of his patience and communicaton skills. First time buyers rely upon his steady demeanor and tough resolve. Because of Cal's success in investment property he possesses the ability to assess real estate as an investment. This includes rentals and flips in Lancaster City and Lititz, PA area.



Listings

Links

Archives

RSS 2.0 Feed for this blog

Find PA real estate agents and Lititz real estate on ActiveRain.