my first home: Lancaster, PA rent is costing too much ! - 10/30/18 05:10 AM
 
  
 
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It looks like you are using an ad blocker in your browser.This may cause challenges with your Personalized Posts, and prevent the share buttons from appearing with each post. We recommend whitelisting the KCM website or changing your settings to prevent any potential issues. Copy Copied to Clipboard!Unable to Co Are You Spending TOO Much on Rent in Lancaster? Chances are if you are renting you are spending too much of your income on your monthly housing expense. There is a long-standing ‘rule’ that a household should not pay more than 28% of their income on their rent or … (2 comments)

my first home: Has Lancaster's housing been affected by Tax Changes ? - 05/29/18 05:57 AM
5 Ways Tax Reform Has Impacted Lancaster's Housing Market Starting late last year, some predicted that the 2018 tax changes would cripple the housing market. Headlines warned of the potential for double-digit price depreciation and suggested that buyer demand could drop like a rock. There was even sentiment that homeownership could lose its coveted status as a major component of the American Dream.
Now that the first quarter numbers are in, we can begin to decipher the actual impact that tax reform has had on the real estate market.
1. Has tax reform killed off home buyer demand? The answer is “NO.” … (3 comments)

my first home: How Low are Rates in Lancaster Co., PA ? - 05/09/18 04:53 AM
Be Thankful You Don’t Have to Pay Your Parents’ Interest Rate! Interest rates hovered around 4% for the majority of 2017, which gave many buyers relief from rising home prices and helped with affordability. In the first quarter of 2018, rates have increased from 3.95% up to 4.45% and experts predict that rates will increase even more by the end of the year.
The rate you secure greatly impacts your monthly mortgage payment and the amount you will ultimately pay for your home. Don’t let the prediction that rates will increase stop you from purchasing your dream home this year.
Let’s … (4 comments)

my first home: Are there Two Different Markets in Lancaster , PA ? - 05/09/18 04:49 AM
Both Seller's & Buyer's Markets in Lancaster , PA  ? Some Highlights: A trend that has been emerging for some time now is the contrast between inventory & demand in the Premium & Luxury Markets vs. the Starter & Trade-Up Home Markets and what that’s, in turn, doing to prices! Inventory continues to rise in the luxury & premium home markets which is causing prices to cool. Demand continues to rise with low inventory in the starter & trade-up home markets, causing prices to rise! Buyers - you will need Representation to navigate through a Very Competitive Market in most local … (3 comments)

my first home: Can Myths Stop me fromBuying a Home in Lancaster,PA ? - 05/09/18 04:46 AM
Home Buying Myths we Avoid in Lancaster, PA  Some Highlights: The average down payment for first-time homebuyers is only 6%! Despite mortgage interest rates being over 4%, rates are still below historic numbers. 88% of property managers raised their rents in the last 12 months! The credit score requirements for mortgage approval continue to fall. Buyers - your first step is obtaining Mortgage Pre-Approval ! Then you will need to hire a Buyers Agent to represent your interests through out the entire transaction ! The current Buyer's Market is Very Competitive ! TEXT ME to learn more !   … (2 comments)

my first home: How are House Sales doing in Lancaster Co., PA ? - 05/09/18 04:44 AM
    SELLERS - Now is the time to obtain TOP DOLLAR for your property BUYERS - You will need skilled Representation to navigate your way through this very competitive Sellers Market !  Text or email me to get started mikeperrykw@gmail.com  The PERRY PROPERTY GROUP is a PAID Vender Account on NextDoor.com  FOLLOW us on FB !  … (3 comments)

my first home: End the Rent Cycle in Lancaster, PA ! - 03/31/18 04:49 AM
The Cost of Renting vs. Buying Today in Lancaster Some Highlights: Historically, the choice between renting or buying a home has been a tough decision. Looking at the percentage of income needed to rent a median-priced home today (28.9%) vs. the percentage needed to buy a median-priced home (15.7%), the choice becomes obvious. Every market is different. Before you renew your lease again, find out if you can put your housing costs to work by buying this year!    Your first step to end the Rent Cycle is obtaining Mortgage Pre-Approval .    Email  mikeperrykw@gmail.com  to get started !
    … (6 comments)

my first home: How much will I need to Buy in Lancaster, PA ? - 03/13/18 08:26 AM
You Can Save for a Down Payment Faster Than You Think! Saving for a down payment is often the biggest hurdle for a first-time homebuyer. Depending on where you live, median income, median rents, and home prices all vary. So, we set out to find out how long it would take to save for a down payment in each state.
Using data from the United States Census Bureau and Zillow, we determined how long it would take, nationwide, for a first-time buyer to save enough money for a down payment on their dream home. There is a long-standing ‘rule’ that a … (2 comments)

my first home: Lancaster's Housing Market will Spring Forward - 03/09/18 07:47 AM
Housing Market Expected To “Spring Forward” This Year in Lancaster,PA Just like our clocks this weekend in the majority of the country, the housing market will soon “spring forward!” Similar to tension in a spring, the lack of inventory available for sale in the market right now is what is holding back the market.
Many potential sellers believe that waiting until Spring is in their best interest, and traditionally they would have been right.
Buyer demand has seasonality to it, which usually falls off in the winter months, especially in areas of the country impacted by arctic temperatures and conditions.
That hasn’t happened … (0 comments)

my first home: Should I Rent or Buy in Lancaster,PA ? - 03/02/18 08:44 AM
 
Is Now a Good Time to Rent in Lancaster ? People often ask if now is a good time to buy a home, but nobody ever asks when it’s a good time to rent. Regardless, we want to make certain that everyone understands that today is NOT a good time to rent.
The Census Bureau recently released their 2017 fourth quarter median rent numbers. Here is a graph showing rent increases from 1988 until today:

As you can see, rents have steadily increased and are showing no signs of slowing down. If you are faced with making the decision of whether or … (2 comments)

my first home: Can I Buy a Lancaster,PA Home with My Tax Refund ? - 03/02/18 08:43 AM
 
It’s Tax Season… Use Your Refund to Jump Start Your Down Payment Savings! According to data released by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Americans can expect an estimated average refund of $2,840 this year when filing their taxes. This is down slightly from the average refund of $2,895, last year.
Tax refunds are often thought of as ‘extra money’ that can be used toward larger goals; for anyone looking to buy a home in 2018, this can be a great jump start toward a down payment!
The map below shows the average tax refund Americans received last year by state. … (2 comments)

my first home: Home Ownership is Alive & Well in Lancaster, PA ! - 02/25/18 07:30 AM
80% of Lancaster Renters Believe Home Ownership is a Part of Their American Dream According to the latest Aspiring Home Buyers Profile by the National Association of Realtors (NAR), 82% of surveyed renters desire to own a home in the future, with 80% believing homeownership is a big part of achieving their American Dream.
The profile went on to state that 50% of millennials believe that their rent will increase, with 20% believing that an increase in rent will be the catalyst that pushes them to consider buying a home vs. renewing their lease.
So, what is holding renters back?
(2 comments)

my first home: Let The Perry Property Group Represent You in Lancaster,PA - 02/23/18 08:33 AM
Top 5 Reasons to Hire the Perry Property Group to Represent You ! Whether you are buying or selling a home it can be quite the adventure, which is why you need an experienced real estate professional to guide you on the path to achieving your ultimate goal. But in this world of instant gratification and internet searches, many sellers think that they can ‘For Sale by Owner’ or ‘FSBO.’
The 5 reasons you NEED a real estate professional in your corner haven’t changed but have rather been strengthened by the projections of higher mortgage interest rates & home prices as the market … (1 comments)

my first home: Buy Your Lancaster Co., PA Home Now ! - 02/18/18 08:45 AM
Should I Wait Until Next Year to Buy? Or Buy My Lancaster Home Now? Some Highlights: The Cost of Waiting to Buy is defined as the additional funds it would take to buy a home if prices & interest rates were to increase over a period of time. Freddie Mac predicts interest rates to rise to 5.1% by 2019. CoreLogic predicts home prices to appreciate by 4.3% over the next 12 months. If you are ready and willing to buy your dream home, find out if you are able to!  
Your first step is obtaining Mortgage Pre-Approval ! Email mikeperrykw@gmail.com … (3 comments)

my first home: Stock Market Not Affecting Lancaster,PA Real Estate - 02/18/18 08:38 AM
Calm Down! The Real Estate Market is NOT Falling Apart There has been tremendous volatility in certain markets over the last few weeks (for example, the stock and currency markets). When this happens, some tend to lump all of their investments together and create an almost ‘Armageddon’ scenario where everything loses value quickly and dramatically. Real estate is an investment that can get caught up in this hysteria. Does the concern about the current housing market have merit?
Financial advisors have been warning us for months that the stock market was ripe for a “correction.”
Experts have been questioning the value … (2 comments)

my first home: Who is Buying Homes in Lancaster, PA ? - 02/18/18 08:37 AM
Which Comes First… Marriage or Mortgage? According to the National Association of REALTORS most recent Profile of Home Buyers & Sellers, married couples once again dominated the first-time homebuyer statistics in 2017 at 57% of all buyers. It is no surprise that having two incomes to save for down payments and contribute to monthly housing costs makes buying a home more attainable.
But, many couples are also deciding to buy a home before spending what would be a down payment on a wedding, as unmarried couples made up 16% of all first-time buyers last year.
If you’re single, don’t fret! Single women made up 18% of … (4 comments)

my first home: Do Lancastrians Still Value Home Ownership ? - 02/13/18 05:39 AM
Homeownership: “The Reports of My Death Have Been Greatly Exaggerated” The famous quote by Mark Twain in the title of this article can be used to describe homeownership in America today. Last week, the Census revealed that the percentage of homeowners in the country increased for the first time in thirteen years.

A story in the Wall Street Journal gave these new homeownership numbers some context:
“The annual increase marks a crucial turning point because it comes after the federal government reined in bubble-era policies that encouraged banks to ease lending standards to boost homeownership. This time, what’s driving the … (1 comments)

my first home: Buy a Home Now says Millionaire ! Lancaster, PA - 02/06/18 08:25 AM
Millionaire to Millennials: Don’t Rent a Home… Buy! In a CNBC article, self-made millionaire David Bach explained that: “The biggest mistake millennials are making is not buying their first home.” He goes on to say that, “If you want to build real financial security, real wealth for your lifetime, then you need to buy a home.”
Bach went on to explain:
“Homeowners are worth 40 times more than renters. Now, that first home doesn’t need to be a dream home, it can be a very small home. You might literally have to buy a small studio apartment, but that’s how you get started.” 
Then … (2 comments)

my first home: Is Everyone in Lancaster Co.,PA Paying a Mortgage ? - 02/05/18 09:20 AM
Whether You Rent or Buy, Either Way You’re Paying a Mortgage! There are some people who have not purchased homes because they are uncomfortable taking on the obligation of a mortgage. Everyone should realize, however, that unless you are living with your parents rent-free, you are paying a mortgage – either yours or your landlord’s.
As Entrepreneur Magazine, a premier source for small business, explained in their article, “12 Practical Steps to Getting Rich”:
“While renting on a temporary basis isn’t terrible, you should most certainly own the roof over your head if you’re serious about your finances. It won’t make you rich overnight, but by … (1 comments)

my first home: FLY EAGLES FLY !!! - 02/04/18 05:21 AM
Can Homeowners Can Throw Better Super Bowl Parties ? Highlights: Watching the big game at home with your friends & family offers many advantages. There’s more room to entertain a large crowd and you don’t have to worry about complaints to your landlord if you cheer too loudly! The kitchen is big enough to make as many appetizers as you want, and if some of your guests are only there to watch the commercials, they can do so on a different TV in another room!       … (11 comments)

 
Michael J. Perry, Lancaster, PA   Relo Specialist (KW Elite )

Michael J. Perry

Lancaster, PA Relo Specialist

Lancaster, PA

More about me…

KW Elite

Address: 1280 Plaza Blvd., Lancaster, PA, 17601

Office: (717) 735-1145

Mobile: (717) 951-9933



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