Here is a recap of last year's 12 Days of Listing.                 Day #3 of The 12 Days of Listing (Your Lancaster Home for Sale) Day 3Do you have a Home for Sale in Lancaster County, or one that you are thinking of Listing for sale within the next few weeks? I've been getting into a holiday mood, and thought it might be helpful if I shared my rendition of The 12 Days of Christmas as The 12 Days of Listing -- or -- How to Prepare Your Lancaster Home for Sale in 12 days!  3.  On the 3rd Day of Listing (your Lancaster home): Clean out the attic!  Yes, the buyer will want to take a look in the attic, even though you are scared out of your wits of going up there!  And no, it's not because of any ghosts or other parallel universe beings (unless you live in one of those haunted Lancaster ho... 12/22/2008

WATERFORD A premier family neighborhood in Manheim township. Located in the best school district in Lancaster, Reidenbaugh elementary exemplifies this perfectly. Built in late 80s' featuring large lots, colonial style homes, with mostly 4 bedrooms, 8 foot ceilings and 2 car garages. Straight colonial, modeled after williamsburg, these homes run between 350 and 550 thousand.                 __________________________________________ Interested to list with us? See what Castellum Realty has to Offer Want to Relocate to Lancaster PA? See our Lancaster PA Relocation tips Want to Downsize? Check out our Lancaster PA Downsizing offers Based in Lancaster, PA. Selling Worldwide! - Contact Us Toll Free: (866)980-8700 ( Active Castellum Castellum Realty llc - Lancaster PA Real Estate - Hershey PA... 12/21/2008

Here is a re-cap of last year's "12 Days of Listing" your home for sale. You can read about Day 1 here.   Homes in Lancaster PA - The Twelve Days of Listing your Lancaster Home (Day 2) The 12 Days of Listing (Your Home for Sale in Lancaster)           Do you have a Home for Sale in Lancaster County, or one that you are thinking of Listing for sale within the next few weeks? I've been getting into a holiday mood, and thought it might be helpful if I shared my rendition of The 12 Days of Christmas as The 12 Days of Listing -- or -- How to Prepare Your Lancaster Home for Sale in 12 days!  Click Here to See Day 1 of the First Day of Listing Your Lancaster Home. 2.  On the 2nd Day of Listing (your Lancaster home): Clean out your cabinets!  Yes, you know those dark, scary corners under the b... 12/20/2008

While we were painting pottery at The Pottery Works yesterday, my daughter and I wanted a snack.  We went next door to Muffin Street, (18 West Orange St).  We each picked a delicious home made muffin; I got pineapple coconut and she got blueberry.    I spoke with the new owner of Muffin Street, Eric Morales.  He took over the quaint shop about 5 months ago. It's cozy inside with plenty of tables and chairs, and two picture windows overlooking Orange St.  A great place to sit and have coffee with a friend or take a lunch break during your downtown shopping.   They now have breakfast and lunch options, rice and beans, coffee, cappuccino, smoothies, juices, and home made soups.  I know I will be stopping by for some lunch soon!   Hours are Monday - Wednesday 7-4,   Thursday and Friday 7-7,... 12/20/2008

Located in the historic downtown Lancaster City area, 16 West Orange St, is The Pottery Works.  This creative place has been owned by Marcie Natale for the past 5 and a half years. They have over 250 pieces of pottery and 150 glazes, plus: stencils, stamps, and other tools for you to make your unique creation. Connected to this shop is the Bead Studio, where you can make jewelry of all kinds, but we will try that another day.  Today my daughter and I visited the shop to make a Christmas present for her grandmother.  First, you select an item you like; they have mugs, plates, teapots, vases, Christmas ornaments, and even puppies.  My daughter chose a puppy that she thought would be the perfect gift. Next you select paint colors.  There are lots of colors and even colors with specks or sw... 12/19/2008

    To Contact NathanOffice: 717-390-8706Cell : 717-572-7423Nathanmountain@aol.comView Nathan's ListingsView Open House Listings Castellum Realty LLC. 2938 Columbia Ave. Suite 602Lancaster, PA 17603Office:(717) 390-8701Fax:(717) 390-8707Toll Free: (866) 980-8700Castellumrealty@verizon.net View Castellum's listings To Contact Everard Office: 717-390-8704 Cell: 717-816-4685 Everardk@yahoo.com View Evert's listings View Open House Listings       ___________________________________________________ Based in Lancaster, PA. Selling Worldwide! - Contact Us: (866)980-8700 Lancaster PA Real Estate - Hershey PA Real Estate - Lititz PA Real Estate Let us help you buy or sell your homes for sale in Lancaster County, PA Content & All photography is © VkDesigns LLC - Castellum Realty LLC. 2005-2009 A... 12/19/2008

There is a huge building project smack dab in the downtown area of Lancaster City. The Lancaster Convention Center / Mariott at Penn Square will be the biggest building in town. The neat part about this hotel is that they kept the 100 year old facade of the original building, the Watt and Shand store. The project is scheduled to be complete in Spring of 2009. The new hotel / convention center has 21 feet high ceilings in the lobby, a restaurant that seats 110, a pool and fitness center, and the Commonwealth Ballroom (9100 square feet). There are also several rooms that can be combined to create a 46,000 square foot room, perfect for any function. The picture on the right is what it will look like when finished. The Mariott at Penn Square has been a controversial project from the beginni... 12/19/2008

Are they the only ones in Lancaster County doing so? Lancaster City Council just announced their budget for 2009, and stated that there will be a 5% increase in property taxes.  Ouch!  I think just about every other municipality is keeping a reign on property taxes and are not increasing them.  In an already declining economy, I just can't see how even higher city property taxes will help real estate sales and current property owners. From the Lancaster Newspaper:  Lancaster City Council approved a 2009 budget Tuesday that includes a 5 percent tax hike for city property owners. The increase takes the current 9.18-mill tax to 9.64 mills and means an additional $39 in taxes for the owner of a home valued at $75,000. Did I miss something ~ are there any other Lancaster County taxes that ar... 12/17/2008

Here are some things going on this weekend in Lancaster, PA: December 10 - January 18 at The North Museum, 400 College Ave, Lancaster  Challenge a friend to Raven Games, have a seat in the Raven Nest, search for "bling" in the scavenger hunt, and find out what's a raven's favorite snack food. Raucous! Explore the natural history of the Raven with Raucous! Everything Raven, roosting at the North Museum. Time: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Admission: Adults $7 agest 3-7 $6   Debember 16-18 Reindeer Round Up at Hands-on House, Childrens Museum of Lancaster, 721 Landis Valley Rd, Lancaster   No elf experience necessary to be part of the team that takes care of Santa's (pretend) reindeer as you learn about Rudolph and his relatives. For ages 2-10 with an adult. Time: 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM Admission: Free ... 12/16/2008

Well we just got back from the 3 day event and have lots to mention: The Real Estate Coach gave 14 hot Trends for 2009.  Terry Watson gave some funny slide presenations (see below) Joe Meyer helped inspire professionals get back on track Zillow and homes.com had lots of informational flyers. _____________________________ According to Joe Meyer:  Realtors weren't prepared for this downfall in the housing market Self motivation is key to survival Prospecting is only hope for recovery You should Manage your career Joe Meyer can be reached at 1-888-863-5951 15 time presenter at NAR Annual conventions. 24 years as speaker/trainer 30 years in real estate _____________________________ Why be normal By Terry Watson: The new world of real estate expects buyers & sellers to be: More demanding Fe... 12/16/2008

LANCASTER PA DOWNSIZING SERVICES Castellum Realty LLC offers a new service. In addition: Our relocating partners will arrange the entire move whether that's regarding making arrangements with recommended experienced movers or by contacting their own.  During preparation of your move, they will also do all the packing & unpacking for those that require special handling and protection. Any items that are designated for storage or shipment to friends , charities, auctioneers or relatives will be carefully identified and brokered by them. When unpacking, all kitchen items, accessories and personal items will be in their proper place. This includes the making of your bed if necessary.  This service is especially enjoyed by our Senior clients looking to move to an Active Adult Community. We l... 12/15/2008

This Amazing villa in prestiguous Stonehenge exemplifies STonehenge to a T. Upon entering in this stunning home, you'll feel overwhelmed by the romantic environment, artistic expression and quality workmanship that this estate presents. Not only is this a showcase builder home, but it's also a perfect place to entertain a large group of guests, friends or family members in style and comfort due to the ample space and layout of the property. Make use of this fantastic opportunity to buy a multi-family estate with long term profitability for investment return at half the reconstruction cost. No cost has been spared to build, decorate and maintain this home and it's 2 acres of professionally landscaped grounds. The house features 6100 Square Ft. above ground, 4 bedrooms & 4 full bathrooms... 12/15/2008

LANCASTER PA EVENTS DURING THE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS   Reindeer Round-upDecember 16-18th, 21stHands-on House, Children's Museum of LancasterLancaster, PA Meet Rudolph and his relatives who call the top of the world home. No elf experience is necessary to become part of the team that takes care of Santa's (pretend) reindeer. Drop-in anytime. Ages 2-10 with an adult. Time: 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM Admission:  Free with regular $7 museum admission Address: 721 Landis Valley Rd, Lancaster, PA 17601Phone: 717-569-KIDSWebsite: http://www.handsonhouse.org ____________________________ The Ice ParkDecember 18-21,23,26-28Clipper Magazine StadiumLancaster, PA Skate under the stars in Lancaster's only outdoor ice skating rink! Open Thursdays through Sundays through February 28, plus special holiday week ho... 12/15/2008

Copper and other Metal thefts from homes have gone up significantly over the past year.  With copper prices around 3-4 dollars a pound, thieves are stealing all kinds of crazy things from houses from plumbing to outside air conditioner units.  They then take them to a scrap yard and get paid cash for their loot.   We bought two investment properties last year in Lancaster City that were bank owned and vacant. Both houses had all the copper plumbing stolen from the basement.  This helped us get thousands off of the price of the houses, but it can be a mess to fix.  We then replaced the plumbing with PVC plumbing because it is much cheaper (copper is around $1 a foot and PVC is around 25 cents a foot) and we don't want to run the risk of getting robbed again.   One day this fall when we c... 12/15/2008

Here is what happened last week in Lancaster Township PA real estate according to the MLS for the week ending 12/6: Sold - 1 house sold last week for an average price of $137,500 with an average time on the market of 27 days. Pending - 3 houses went under agreement Expired and Extended - 2 listings expired and  1 of those listings extended their contracts with their agents. Active - 103 houses are currently for sale with an average time on the market of 139 days. And here is the Lititz  PA real estate update according to the MLS for the week ending 12/6: Sold - 2 houses sold last week for an average price of $220,833 with an average time on the market of 92 days. Pending - 5 houses went under agreement Expired and Extended - 8 listings expired and  6 of those listings extended their co... 12/14/2008

Lancaster Pennsylvania has some great Historic Architecture and coupled with that some great fine dining. Case in point, El Serrano a Latin-American restaurant which has been designed based on 150 year old peruvian architecture ideals.  Additional information can be found on the Official El Serrano Website One of the features of El Serrano is Clementinas. This private room on the 2nd floor of El Serrano allows people to spend an evening in comfortable conversation while eating a course of the finest peruvian food.  This meal will consist of especiales (specials) designed especially for you. With fine dining comes fine wine as a variety of Latin American wines will be available to complement your experience. Clementinas is available to refined people from Thursday to Saturday evenings. ... 12/14/2008

We decided several months back to start advertising our Active Rain blog locally in print. Our google analytics shows it's helped raise awareness. It's the little we can do to give back to this great community despite the recent setbacks by dreaded Mr. Proxy. This advertisement campaign is currently running in the Real Estate book and in Homes and Land. We are the first in our area to do so and we hope it spurs our competitors nationally and locally to do the same. This will give everyone on this network more breadth in readers and give us all a larger opportunity to attain clients. Real Estate Book Active Rain Advertisement shown from past issues. ___________________________ STAY POSITIVE AND SHOW ACTIVE RAIN YOU'RE STILL SUPPORTING THEM THROUGH THESE TOUGH TIMES ECONOMICALLY AND PROX... 12/13/2008

Here is the Lancaster City PA market review for last week, ending 12/6.  The current inventory activity of Lancaster City PA homes for sale according to MLS: Sold: 3 properties sold for an average price of $89,800 these homes were on the market an average of 44 days. New: 12 houses were listed last week. Pending: 8 houses went under agreement last week. Expired and Extended: 12 listings expired last week and 2 listings extended their contracts with their listing agent. Active: 301 homes are active with an average days on market of 103. 12/10/2008

According to the MLS today there are 20 active Foreclosures listed.  Here are some sample listings, feel free to contact me for a complete listing or to schedule your showing. Manheim Township School District - 2 properties listed as foreclosures New Holland Pike listed at $99,900           Lancaster School District - 3 properties listed as foreclosures Marietta Ave listed at $53,000 Penn Manor School District - 1 property listed as foreclosure Bradford St listed at $149,900 Warwick School District - 1 property listed as foreclosure Loop Road listed at $199,900 this one has an in ground pool Hempfield School District - 2 properties listed as foreclosure Pine Street listed at $155,000     12/09/2008

Right in downtown Lancaster City is an area known as Gallery Row.  Dozens of galleries, museums, and shops filled with fine art, folk art, jewelry, sculptures, furniture, home decorations, and art studios are contained in this area.  The biggest concentration is along Prince Street between Walnut and King Streets.  First Friday is a great opportunity to experience these studios and shops.  Most are open late and you can often meet the artists and partake of some appetizers. Red Raven Art Company, Living Light Gallery, The Irish Gypsy, Gallery 141, Christiane David, and City Folk are a few places you can visit in this area.       There are plenty of places to eat within walking distance of Gallery Row. The Prince St Cafe is a great place to have a hot drink.  Then head upstairs to the J... 12/08/2008