House Smarts

If you are in the market for a new home, please join us this Sunday at Millwood Homes at Bennett Run! Realtor Patti Nadu and builder Jeff Nadu of Millwood Homes are presenting their newest home designs in Bennett Run on Sundays, from 1-4 pm. The model home is located at 135 Andrew Drive in York.

Millwood Homes is the exclusive builder in the latest phase of Bennett Run, a development conveniently located between East and West York just minutes from I83.

Bennett Run offers the best of both worlds...a quiet, rural setting that is easily accessible to York and Harrisburg as well as shopping, restaurants and schools. Offering numerous designs that radiate a fresh style, quality construction and affordable prices, Patti and Jeff will be displaying plans starting at $169,000. You can click here for a brochure, but don't forget to stop by any Sunday or call us at 717-291-1041 to set up a time to see the model home when it suits your schedule!

Together for 30 years, married for 25 and business partners for more than 20, Jeff builds homes and Patti sells them as an agent for Weichert, Realtors-Engle & Hambright. Their attention to detail and keen sense of style is obvious in their newest single family homes and duplex villas in Bennett Run.

We look forward to seeing you at Bennett Run!

Millwood Homes at Bennett Run
Open every Sunday from 1:00 - 4:00 pm
135 Andrew Drive
York, PA 17404

By: Carrie Cassidy, Realtor®

It's the same story renters have heard for the past four years - the money they hand landlords each month is going up. Next year that wad of cash will increase by 4.6 percent on average.

The bad news is: the trend is expected to continue over the next two years.

What may be bad news for one segment of the population could be great news for another - the investor.

According to a recent story in the Lancaster Newspaper, only 5.62 percent of all residences, whether they be condos, houses or apartments, were empty in 2011. That's according to data collected by the U.S. Census bureau. That data ranked Lancaster County among the fewest areas with the lowest vacancies in the country - the second lowest in fact.

That's why more investors are looking to apartment buildings as profitable investment properties. Demand is high but supply is low. The math works on these types of properties.

Take the apartment building I just listed in Lancaster city's northeast section, for example (see below). It has six apartments - one 1-bedroom, four 2-bedroom and one 3-bedroom. Each has appliances included and in-unit washers and dryers.

My sellers bought this property more than 20 years ago and have earned quite a bit of money from it - and that was before the big demand for apartments. The reasons these apartments at 613/615 N. Plum St., Lancaster, have been so easy to rent are the affordable rents and the building's location. The North Plum St. apartments are very close to public transportation, shopping, restaurants, major highways and Lancaster General Hospital, which is one of the area's largest employers, if not the largest.

And that's all great marketing points to rent the apartments, but here's the great think for investors like my clients who own the building. The total amount my sellers pay annually for this property is a fraction of what they earn in rent from the six apartments.

The 1-bedroom and 3-bedroom apartments rent for $650 and $850 a month, respectively. The four 2-bedroom apartments rent for $750 a month. In all, the apartments generate $54,000 a year.

Property taxes are the biggest expense for 613/615 N. Plum St., which is also known as 408 Hand Ave. City, county and school district taxes total $6,482.72. Another $5,085 is spent on utilities, and advertising, legal and other costs.

Net income on this property would be about $42,432. Not a bad return.

In the end, investments come down to making the numbers work. Work with your Realtor to make sure the numbers meet your financial goals.

With the market flooded with renters, there's not a better time to explore your options. You'll be catching the market at just the right time.

About Carrie Cassidy. I'm a wife, mother of two and a Realtor® who loves her job, and it shows. My clients and those who have worked with me have voted me a Top Realtor® in Lancaster County. I was featured in Lancaster County Magazine's "Best of Lancaster" edition in November 2011. I would love if you'd share this post with your friends and family if you like what you read. And, of course, you can always call or text me at (717) 575-5598 or email me at CCassidy@WeichertEH.com should you want to talk about buying or selling a home.

For more on Carrie, visit her blog.

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Americans love a good comeback story. It's why the Rocky movies are so popular and why people root for the underdogs. They love a come-from-behind story even more when they're living it.

Not so long ago, the economy turned suddenly and many Americans found themselves without jobs and, ultimately, without homes. Millions of Americans were foreclosed on when they couldn't make their mortgage payments.

The good news is: most economists agree that the economy is on the rise, though admittedly it's still a bit fragile. But that didn't stop The Economist magazine to publish in its July 14, 2012, edition a story dubbing the American economy a "comeback kid." The edition's cover shows off a bare-chested Uncle Sam showing off his biceps.

Along with the number of sales and the increase in sale prices, the other good news is that these people who have been foreclosed on may be able to buy a home much sooner than expected.

Folks who lost their homes had to wait seven years before they could even think about buying another home but that is not the case for all people today. Some people have been fortunate to buy another home in as little as three years, according to a recent report by NPR.

Homebuyers who can show they have good credit and able to afford the loan for which they are applying may qualify for a mortgage insured by the Federal Housing Administration. Guidelines for these loans say the homebuyer also must show that the foreclosure was due to a circumstance beyond his or her control, such as the death of serious illness of a spouse. Such circumstances would not include a divorce or not being able to sell a home due to relocating for a job, according to the guidelines.

FHA loans have long been a popular mortgage program because of its low down payments and flexible income requirements. With so many people having gone through a foreclosure because of the economic downturn, FHA may become even more popular with these new guidelines.
This may be a boost that could turn the Comeback Kid into a real-life Rocky.

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It's always great to hear kind words about your company. At Weichert, Realtors® - Engle & Hambright, we're most proud when we hear rave reviews about professional, friendly and knowledgeable agents. With nearly 100 of them, we figure you probably haven't met them all. So we're dedicating a blog post series to introduce you to these extraordinary agents and friends.

Ann Marie Cancro
Ann Marie Cancro has 23 years experience in helping Lancaster County homeowners achieve their dreams. She's certified relocation specialist and has served on the Lancaster County Association of Realtors Governmental Affairs Committee. "Ann Marie has a great sense of 'right and wrong' and is always looking out for her clients' best interest. She's dedicated to ensuring they are getting the right home at the best deal for them," says colleague and sales manager Jason Burkolder.

What's the best advice you've heard on success?
Be highly visible, knowledgeable and consistent.

What's the most satisfying aspect of your career in real estate?
Handing over the keys to a buyer knowing that I helped them achieve their dream.

What three adjectives best describe you?
Competent, trustworthy, experienced

What's your favorite thing to do in your free time?
I love cooking old Italian standards with a new twist. And visiting Civil War battlefields.

What's your favorite place to get away for vacation?
Ocean City, Maryland is my favorite place. Crabs, sun and sand.

What do you like best about working at WREH?
The great camaraderie among agents, the many programs and constant training that give me the tools for success and the awesome managers.

Interested in a career in real estate? Considering a change? We're always looking for new talent to join our family of agents at Weichert, Realtors® - Engle & Hambright. Learn more about our real estate training and careers.

By: Carrie Cassidy

Not long after I became a Realtor®, I got a call from someone who wanted a tour of a condo in the Clock Towers. I had heard about this historic building but never had a chance to pass the secured entryway, though I had heard what an incredibly unique place it was.

The Clock Towers, as it's now known, is a former factory for the Hamilton Watch Company. It has since been transformed into a wildly popular condo building with 133 unique units of varying sizes, a sauna, a workout room and a community room that has pool tables, a bar and a television viewing area with comfy couches and chairs.

What I remembered was walking through the halls and seeing unusual décor - pictures of what the building was like when it was a factory, parts of clocks hanging on walls, and I was wowed by the area in the first floor where the amenities are located. It's hard to describe. You'll just have to see it for yourself.

Those living outside the Clock Towers' walls will get a glimpse into that otherwise secured community during a grand Open House planned by me and five other Realtors on Sunday, August 5 from 1 to 3 p.m. at 917 Columbia Avenue. Each of the six condos that are listing by agents with Weichert, Realtors® - Engle & Hambright will be open to the public. Plus, members of the condo association's board, including incoming HOA president Tom Cunrod, will be in the community room to talk about the history of the Clock Towers and all that this exceptional development has to offer.

"We wanted to get involved to be able to offer prospective buyers a more personal glance at Clock Towers and hopefully answer their questions from owners who actually live here," Cunrod said.

The other Weichert agents who will be your hosts include one of our sales managers, Jason Burkholder, Lori Lintner, Ryan Carper, Amy Neumyer and Awilda Valencia. Lintner, who had owned one of the condos before selling it this year, explained how the Realtors are working with members of the condo association's board to turn what could be an ordinary Sunday into a truly impressive event inside these spectacular buildings.

"Board members will be providing light refreshments and offering booklets about the history of the Clock Towers. And they'll have people available for tours of the community room, gym and other parts of the buildings," Lintner said. "Open house guests will be able to talk to the board members and residents, from some who have been there a short time to others who have called this place home for many years."

That's just during the event. Lintner also explained how the board has been making life easier for the Clock Towers residents, such as shoring up the association's finances while reducing by 10 percent fees charged to homeowners for building maintenance and utilities.

You can see that the Clock Towers is returning to the days when people were willing to pay a little more to live inside the former factory's walls. After a few years of lower sales prices, condos in the buildings are steadily rising. In fact, I sold two condos in the Clock Towers this year for the highest prices not seen in years. One sold for $107,000 and the other for $105,000. This is at a time when the next highest price paid had been $68,000.

The Clock Towers is definitely seeing a spike in popularity and that may be linked to the rebirth of downtown Lancaster, which is becoming known for its First Friday and eatery-dotted Gallery Row, Valencia said.

"Clock Towers is within walking distance or, at least, a very short drive to downtown," she said. "You really can't beat the location."

Neumyer said people are rediscovering what a truly unique condo development Clock Towers is, adding that no two units are alike.

"People have really made these condos their own. It's amazing what can be done with them," she said. "I'm so glad to be able to be a part of this unprecedented event that will help potential home buyers see this incredible development."

Carper said it's great to have help from the board because it's helping to create a buzz about the event. And, he said, he's excited for the public to get a chance to see what makes the Clock Towers so special.

"This open house is going to create a great opportunity for the community to see what Clock Towers has to offer its residents and how great a community it is," said Carper, whose family has been in the real estate business for more than 50 years. "... Everyone will be able to see everything available in the community and also see the uniqueness of each individual unit."

Carper also mentioned how fun it's been planning the event with the Weichert team, which is one of the reasons why all of us agents at Weichert chose to affiliate with the trusted Lancaster company known by its signature colors - yellow and black.

"Weichert has built a great reputation over the years here in Lancaster. People know us as a reliable company that gets results and that's in large part due to the people and staff who work here. We're knowledgeable and we think outside the box," Burkholder said. "To us, we're more than a real estate company. We're a family."

About Carrie Cassidy. I'm a wife, mother of two and a Realtor who loves her job, and it shows. My clients and those who have worked with me have voted me a Top Realtor in Lancaster County. I was featured in Lancaster County Magazine's Best of Lancaster edition in November 2011. I would love if you'd share this post with your friends and family if you like what you read. And, of course, you can always call or text me at (717) 575-5598 or email me at CCassidy@WeichertEH.com should you want to talk about buying or selling a home.

For more on Carrie, visit her blog.

Whether it's a second bathroom, a bigger yard or more square footage, there are tons of reasons for why most homeowners will trade-up for a more expensive one at some point of their lifetime. If you're considering trading up for a bigger, better home, you may be surprised to learn that you'll actually do better in today's market than waiting for greater appreciation in the future.

At Weichert, Realtors® - Engle & Hambright, we often work with buyers who want to take advantage of today's affordable home prices, but are reluctant to do so because they may feel their existing home value has remained flat. Waiting for greater appreciation isn't always wise. When you look at the bigger picture, you see that buying a more expensive home and selling your current home at a value that reflects normal appreciation actually save you more than waiting for greater appreciation (see example).

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In the past five years, I've fielded more questions about my chosen career than ever in my 33 years in real estate. Friends and acquaintances ask how I'm making it in such a tough economy or wonder why I haven't chosen a "more stable career path." No, I'm not biding my time or toughing it out. I love this career. And I'm not alone.

Many of them are shocked to learn that my company's greatest growth period - growing from 11 to 92 agents - occurred over the last eight years, during what many consider real estate's toughest market in decades. Despite the doom and gloom of the news, Weichert, Realtors® - Engle & Hambright welcomed scores of professionals seeking greater freedom, satisfaction and income opportunities in their career.

When I started out in this profession, I never expected it to be easy. But I also never expected how rewarding it would be - personally, professionally and financially. Through my own experiences and mentoring others, I've noticed some common factors that so many are drawn to real estate:

• Easy Entry. All that's needed is 60 hours of pre-licensing courses and successful completion of the state exam. Where else can you start your own business with this small an investment in time and capital (approx. $2,000 for courses, exams, dues, etc.)?
• Equal Opportunity. Realtors® come from all different professional and educational backgrounds. Some hold master's degrees, others acquired their education through on-the-job experience. Some of the most successful agents I know never attended traditional college.
• Freedom. I never missed one of my son's sporting events. I was able to volunteer at his school. To me, freedom means having the ability to prioritize your time and activities according to your unique values. Shaping my career, taking on more or less work, setting my schedule - it was all in my hands. Which led to...
• Self-satisfaction. My victories are my own. Sure, there are stressful times, but there's nothing like the satisfaction that comes from knowing that I've overcome challenges, kept deals together and helped my clients achieve their homeownership goals with as few "bumps" as possible.
• Big money. There, I said it. I'm not contending it's always easy money, but the financial rewards can be significant for those who work with purpose and persistence. While there's no doubt that they are tenacious, hard-workers, I know many agents who are making six figure incomes while enjoying the freedom and opportunities that a career in real estate provides.

Know someone who's considering a career in real estate? Encourage them to give me a call at (717) 291-1041 or email me at sdougherty@weicherteh.com. I'm always glad to provide no-pressure advice and guidance to those called to this amazing, rewarding - albeit sometimes crazy - profession. If you're interested in learning more, check out the outstanding real estate training and career opportunities we offer here at Weichert, Realtors® - Engle & Hambright.

If you've got a home on the market, it's likely your Realtor® will recommend holding one or several Open Houses as part of your home's marketing strategy. And for good reason: even in our 24/seven Internet culture, the Open House is still one of the most effective ways to get serious offers.

If you're working with a Weichert® agent, you can expect that all the heavy lifting of your Open House - from Internet promotion to neighborhood canvassing - will be carried out by your agent. There are, however, a few things you can do as a homeowner to help contribute to your next Open House's success:

• Set the stage for success. In addition to cleaning your home thoroughly and making sure the lawn is mowed, you'll want to "de-clutter" - that is, find an out-of-the-way, out-of-sight home for the stuff that tends to accumulate on coffee tables, bookshelves, etc. Survey each room and remove unnecessary knick-knacks or objects that may distract buyers from envisioning themselves in the home.
• Spread the word. While it's primarily your agent's responsibility to promote your Open House, getting the word out to family members, neighbors and friends that your home will be open can be a great way to help increase traffic.
• Schedule them more frequently. Hosting several Open Houses increases your odds for success. You may even consider having your house open on a weeknight during the warmer weather to accommodate buyers with busy weekend schedules. Weichert, Realtors®- Engle & Hambright has had a lot of success with our spring/summer midweek, after-hours Open Houses, which we call "Wacky Wednesday."
• Insist on sign-ins. Ever visited an Open House where you were barely greeted at the door, let alone asked to provide your name and contact info? Seemed ineffective, huh? Insist that your agent requires each visitor to sign in with his or her name and contact information. While your agent should already be doing this as part of their sales strategy, we think it's an essential right as a homeowner to know who has been through your home.
• Get feedback. Every Open House is an opportunity for your agent to collect information from potential buyers that will help you sell your home. Within a few days of your Open House, your agent should be reporting back to you with feedback from attendees that can help you determine your next steps.

As with anything in life, you get what you put into an Open House. So choose a Realtor® who is enthusiastic, well-organized and professional in his or her approach to hosting an Open House.

Whether your home is currently on the market or you're considering selling your home sometime in the future, our Lancaster PA real estate agents have the tools, knowledge and experience to help you get results. Call us anytime at (717) 291-1041 or fill out this form to have an agent contact you. Actively house hunting or just browsing? Check out this weekend's Lancaster PA Open Houses.

When you think about teamwork, what comes to mind? Maybe it's the collective spirit of your high school sports team or the idea of rallying together at work to finish a project. But how does the team concept factor into choosing a Realtor®? As a buyer or seller, why should you care whether the professional you've chosen has the support of a team behind her?

In real estate, the concept of team often refers to a group of individuals who support a high-producing and highly-visible lead Realtor®. To be clear, this is not the type of teamwork I'm referring to. Teamwork at WREH refers to a culture of mutual respect, support and collaboration, all aimed at producing the best outcomes for our clients, agents and community. It's said that positivity breeds positivity. We've seen firsthand that the environment in which a Realtors® operates can absolutely impact the outcome of his transactions.

So getting back to the original question: how can you, as a buyer or seller, benefit from choosing to a Realtor® who is part of a team?

• Get better promotion of your property. In a team-oriented environment, agents are simply more invested in their colleagues' success. Many times, this translates into associates going out of their way to show another's property to potential buyers or working on Sunday to showcase a colleague's listing at an Open House.
• More time to market your property. Behind-the-scenes, WREH agents have a team of support professionals trained in handling print and web promotions of your property. Our agents have more time to concentrate on what they do best: selling homes.
• Benefit from better negotiation strategy. Navigating the often-turbulent waters of complex negotiations that involve one of a client's most prized possessions - their home - can get tricky. Experience and training are multiplied exponentially when agents problem-solve collaboratively. The result? Solutions and ideas that get homes sold.

There's a lot that goes into choosing a Realtor®. Building a good rapport, establishing mutual trust and having confidence in your Realtor's abilities are all important factors in selecting a real estate professional. And while I may be completely biased, I believe you'll find the kind of agent that you can trust, respect and enjoy working with at WREH, due in no small part to the positive team atmosphere we strive to create.

More house for the money. Whether it's your first home or your forever home, more buying power is always a good thing. And right now, conditions are more favorable for buyers than they've been in 40 years, according to the latest Housing Affordability Index Report from the National Association of Realtors®.

The Housing Affordability Index looks at three factors - median home price, median family income and the average mortgage rate - to measure how affordable it is to buy a home. In January, the index rose to 200 percent, meaning the typical family has roughly double the income needed to purchase a median-priced home.

So what's that mean to you, as a homebuyer here in Lancaster? Let's say you're looking to buy a median-priced home here in Lancaster, which is about $175,000. With today's current, historically-low mortgage rates vs. a typical interest rate*, you'll be paying nearly $300 less each month. Couple that with an extensive inventory of affordably priced homes for sale, today's market is prime for buyers.

Whether you're actively looking for a new home or just tinkering with the idea, being financially prepared is critical. At Weichert, Realtors® - Engle & Hambright, our friendly, knowledgeable agents are always willing to sit down and meet with you to get you on the right track toward homeownership - no matter where you are in the process.

Have questions? Want to meet with an agent? Call us today at (717) 291-1041 or fill out this form and one of our agents will be in touch.

• 30-year conventional loan at 4% interest rate v. 30-year conventional loan at 6.5% interest rate.

In life, bad stuff happens. Sometimes people lose their jobs or fall behind on their bills. When the hardship is so great that they can no longer make their mortgage payments, a whole new set of challenges arises. Fortunately, foreclosure isn't the only option. If you or someone you know is financially distressed, a short sale may be the best option.

For those eligible, short sales can be a far better alternative to foreclosure. In a nutshell, a short sale is when the lender accepts an offer that is less than what is owed on the property. For homeowners, the negative impact on credit is reduced and the process is quicker. This can be a godsend to those facing the stress and embarrassment of possible foreclosure.

The benefits of short sales also can extend beyond the parties directly involved - they can be better for the community, too. It's unfortunate when a foreclosure has a negative impact on the value of neighboring properties, but it happens. When the homeowner remains intact and the home is marketed just like a traditional transaction, the stigmatism of an unkempt, abandoned property is avoided and neighboring property values are more likely to remain stable.

Weichert, Realtors® - Engle & Hambright specializes in short sales. We've worked with dozens of homeowners to help them move forward with less stress and embarrassment. Our team understands short sales inside-and-out. We have good working relationships with lenders, know what they're looking for and make the process easier and quicker for all involved.

Short Sales: Understanding the Basics

What is a short sale?
A short sale works much like a traditional real estate sale, with one major difference - your lender(s) agrees to accept a sale price that is less than what you owe on the property.

How do I qualify for a short sale?
Each situation is unique in a short sale and banks evaluate hardship differently. Common reasons for short sales are job losses or a reduction in income, financial issues caused by medical concerns, having to relocate for a new job, etc. Banks will evaluate your entire situation, including personal and financial reasons, in determining eligibility for short sales.

Do I need to stop making mortgage payments for the bank to approve a short sale?
Not necessarily. The bank needs to see a solid reason why you are unable to continue making your monthly payments and/or must sell, i.e. - the loss of your job, relocation, divorce, etc.

What are the benefits of a short sale?
The negative impact on your credit is far less with a short sale than a foreclosure. In some cases, you will not be responsible for repaying the balance of the loan. You will come to a resolution faster, enabling you to move forward quicker and with less stress.

Who can help me determine whether I'm a candidate for a short sale?
The short sale specialists at WREH can help you identify your options based on your unique situation. Our caring, knowledgeable agents have helped many homeowners come to a resolution and move forward with their lives.

Are you or someone you know facing foreclosure? There's nothing to lose in knowing all of your options. Call us today at (717) 291-1041 or fill out this form to have an agent contact you.

Considering buying a home and not sure where to start? Want to learn more preparing financially for homeownership? Not sure if you can afford homeownership? Interested in learning more about homebuyer assistance programs you may be eligible for?

You're not alone. The Lancaster Housing Opportunities Project (LHOP) 2012 Lancaster County Home Ownership Fair is a great, no-pressure place to start. This free event will be held Saturday, April 14 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Bright Side Opportunities Center on Hershey Avenue in Lancaster.

Whether you're considering buying or selling a home, you can get great expert advice from Realtors®, home inspectors, lenders, home renovators and other professionals who know real estate inside and out.

The Home Ownership Fair is your chance to:

• Attend FREE seminars on great topics like "Establishing and Protecting Your Credit," "Saving Your Home from Foreclosure," and more
• Get your questions answered by homeownership experts, from LHOP representatives to Realtors®, including Weichert, Realtors® - Engle & Hambright.
• Enter to win great prizes, including a 43" HDTV and an Apple iPad

The team from Weichert, Realtors® - Engle & Hambright is thrilled to be part of this event. Two members of our team are slated to speak: Jason Burkholder is lined up for a great kick-off seminar "What's Happening in Lancaster County's Real Estate Market?" and Tamer Gomaa will round out the day with the not-to-be-missed "Home Buying Opportunities in This Market." Plus, we'll have team members on hand - including Spanish-speaking agents - to answer your questions throughout the day.

Interested in learning more? Check out the 2012 Lancaster Home Fair website or call LHOP at 717.291-9945. We look forward to seeing you there!

You know when you see a property in distress. Tall grass. Unkempt landscaping. Maybe even broken windows. And if that property happens to be located next door or close-by, you know the uneasy feelings that come with this. Is the house secure? How will this affect my home's value?

Foreclosures don't only affect distressed homeowners. They can impact entire neighborhoods. A lack of urgency and poor marketing from the listing agent can leave properties vacant. Vacant properties stigmatize neighborhoods. Properties marketed poorly get fewer offers. Fewer offers mean a cheaper sale price. And a cheaper sales price will drag neighboring property values down.

But, it doesn't have to be this way.

Weichert, Realtors - Engle & Hambright (WREH) is dedicated to changing this vicious cycle. WREH is an REO Listing Broker (Real Estate Owned, commonly referred to as foreclosure) in Southcentral PA. Our agents work hard to get foreclosures sold at top value as quickly as possible. In the process, we help protect property values and minimize the impact on neighborhoods. If you see a WREH sign posted at a foreclosure in your neighborhood, you can rest assured that we care about getting it sold.

WREH stands above our competitors in our dedicated, professional approach to selling foreclosed properties. Here's how:

• We work fast. We get the property ready to market quicker by dispatching a professional agent to secure the property and provide a Comparative Market Analysis, all within 48 hours of the initial assignment.
• We care. We do our best to reach out and introduce ourselves to neighbors. We want you to know who's handling the maintenance and security of the home and who to contact should you notice suspicious activity at the vacant property.
• We aim to get top dollar. We want to help protect property values in your neighborhood by getting the best price. To get the best price, we open the property up to the largest pool of potential buyers through better marketing. In addition to robust online advertising and other interest-generating tactics, we increase buyer interest by holding Open Houses at foreclosed properties - a practice virtually unheard of among REO Listing Brokers.

Can excellent service from excellent agents minimize the impact of foreclosures in Lancaster, PA? Absolutely. We know it can because of the success we've had with foreclosed properties in the almost 2 years we've been a REO Listing Broker. If you see the yellow sign in your neighborhood, know that there's a professional and caring team of agents working hard to get it sold.

Have questions about buying a Lancaster PA foreclosure? Want to learn more about Lancaster PA short sales services? Call us today at (717) 291-1041 or fill out this form and an agent will get back to you promptly.

After nearly 12 months of extensive renovation, Weichert, Realtors® - Engle & Hambright ushered in the New Year in our new digs in Manheim Township. Home to our nearly 100 agents, the approximately 10,000 square-foot-building was transformed from a lifeless institution to an energizing contemporary workspace.

WREH Director of Operations Michelle Wiley, who oversaw the entire project from demolition to decor, focused on creating workspaces that reflect our energetic and progressive team of agents. Space is designated for the various work styles of the team - from private cubicles for "heads-down" work to lively common areas for collaboration. A lower-level coffee bar-style kitchen with spacious seating invites agents to enjoy a break with their colleagues.

Stay tuned for more photos and details on our official Grand Opening event coming this Spring!

September 2011 brought many things to Lancaster County Pa, among them up to 15 inches of rain in parts of the county from Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee and numerous other storms. All of this rain, much of it needed after a dry summer, brought Central Pennsylvania some of the worst flooding we've seen since Hurricane Agnes blew through in 1972.

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Too Good To Be True! Hi everyone! I'd like to tell you about 716 Skyline Drive in Lancaster, PA. This home is GREAT for a first-time homebuyer or someone looking to downsize.

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I was reading an article on CNN Money.com today titled "How to rescue the housing market: Foreclosures!". Not a great title I would say and more importantly in my opinion not a great concept at all.

The gist of the article is that the government needs to reverse the policies of the last four years since the housing downturn and actually encourage foreclosures as a means of "stabilizing" the housing market. They included this interesting graph (above) showing how more home owners are becoming delinquent for longer periods of time.

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Thank you so much for taking the time to read one of my first property blog posts. It's been a long time, but I've shaken off the rust and am ready to start writing.

I selected one of my new listings as the launching off point for this blog. It's 508 N. Pershing Avenue in York's north section -- a spacious semi-detached home with more than 1900 square feet and has 4 bedrooms, although five is possible with a privacy violation. There's even a bonus room in the clean, full basement, giving the new owners plenty of storage space!

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The other day, the National Association of Realtors put out a news release via Facebook that pending home sales were down across the country. On the same day, the Lancaster County Association of Realtors was quoted in our local paper that Lancaster PA homes sales were on the rise - and not by a little.

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Someone once told me, "Once the manufactured homes start selling, so goes the rest of the homes on the market." What this all-knowledgeable person meant was that the sales activity in the mobile home sector of the housing market is a sign of what's to come for the stick-built and other Lancaster PA homes for sale in a given community.

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Missed out on the first time-first time or repeat buyer tax credits in 2010? With today's historically-low rates, you have an even better opportunity to save over the long-term. Your mortgage interest rate can make or break your budget. And the fact is, you can now get more house for your money and pay thousands of dollars less in interest over the life of your loan.

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Next Fall the Weichert, Realtors - Engle & Hambright team will be moving into our new digs in Manheim Township. We're busy with design plans for a fresh, contemporary office space that reflects our energetic and progressive team.

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On Saturday, September 18, hundreds of Lancaster County residents came out to celebrate Latino culture at the Annual Puerto Rican Day Parade downtown. Festive dancing, music and entertainment filled the streets, along with those hard-to-miss bright yellow balloons from Weichert, Realtors - Engle & Hambright.

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