Learn the benefits and potential drawbacks of buying a new construction home, and why it is important to consider resale value when planning your new build.

I have a property under contract. Can we still settle?

In most cases, yes. Settlements are permitted to move forward at the discretion of the individual lenders and title companies, with some modified procedures. We are currently working with our trusted loan and title partners on a case-by-case basis to close transactions currently in progress in a safe and timely fashion.

Can I still buy a home?

Yes, potentially, but with some temporary changes to the process. Many lenders are now offering virtual pre-qualification and loan application, appraisals are still being performed, and some title companies are adapting their operations to accommodate current health and safety requirements. Many key players in a home purchase, such as contactors, inspectors & municipalities are in the process of making accommodations so that services can still be provided or scheduled. Homes may or may not be available immediately for in-person showings, depending on location and circumstances. However, brokerages are adapting to provide more virtual services to allow buyers to view inventory by alternative means until we return to more traditional showings.

Is this a good time for my home to be on the market?

Yes, believe it or not! Unlike the housing crisis of 2008, there continues to be a shortage of homes for sale in most price brackets, and rates are still at historic lows. Housing is an essential need, and buyers still need to buy. In our current situation, we are actively qualifying buyers, and fielding their inquiries on available homes. Though we are not currently able to show many properties in person, we have a strong digital marketing platform with which to advertise your listing to a huge audience. In fact, with unprecedented people working and staying at home, our listings are receiving fantastic online traffic! The selling timeline may be drawn out a little longer while communities practice social distancing, but there is an end in sight, and all those buyers who have had to put their Real Estate plans on the back burner will be just as happy as you to move forward again as soon as business restrictions are relaxed.

            As always, each person and property represent a unique set of needs and circumstances. We are here to help you craft a personalized, market-conscious strategy to stay competitive and get the best return for your investment. We are happy to discuss your Real Estate needs and answer your questions now, or in the future. You can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to receive industry updates, local market news and our response to the coronavirus pandemic as it evolves. Thank you for placing your trust in us!

Our new lot listing in Felton, PA reminds me of all the fantastic natural attractions that Southern York County has to offer along the Susquehanna River. Located at 10682 Enfield Road, nestled between Furnace and Lucky Roads, this delightfully quiet, picture perfect 0.88 acre lot is just brimming with possibilities for retreat, relaxation and outdoor adventures! With the driveway and well in place, and a little picnic area with 360 degree views of surrounding countryside, it is easy to imagine building a home here, where so much is waiting just outside the front door.  Just 2 miles from the shore of the Susquehanna River as the crow flies, and less than 4 miles to Shenk's Ferry, a historic native cultural site uncovered in the 1930s that thrived over thousands of years, and spanned both sides of the river. You can experience more of the local history of Shenk's Ferry in Lancaster County in Shenk's Ferry Wildflower Preserve's 92 acres of hiking and native flora. In addition to the people of Shenk's Ferry, the Susquehannock Native Americans left their mark nearby in the form of petroglyphs, which can be found on islands in the river. Accessible by boat or kayak, you can take a guided tour from the York County side of the river with Shank's Mare Outfitters in Wrightsville. Indian Steps Museum is another great destination just minutes away, featuring a comprehensive collection of York & Lancaster County native history for all ages.

If boating is your pleasure, the York Furnace Boat Launch is about 4.5 miles from the lot, making for an easy day trip out on the water anytime you please. Otter Creek winds its way through the area, and is one of my favorite haunts growing up, for its trails, swimming holes and fishing opportunities. Nearby Apollo Park, Boyd's Run Trail, Mason Dixon Trail and Otter Creek-Urey Overlook Nature Preserve bring even more hiking for all skill levels to your fingertips. Maps and directions are easily found on AllTrails, a fantastic mobile resource for hikers. For overnights, several local campgrounds on both the York and Lancaster sides of the river make for your choice of anything between roughing it and "glamping" with friends and family. There is Gamler's Campground and Otter Creek on the York Co. side, and Pequea Creek and Tucquan Park across the river. All of these are situated in walking distance to nature and hiking areas, and the sites of some of my best high school and college memories, particularly in Lancaster County along the Conestoga Trail and Wind Cave- yes! our very own local cave system! Wind Cave was mapped by the US Geological Survey in the 1970s, and can be explored with extreme caution by those properly equipped and educated. Even if you are not a seasoned spelunker, it is still super cool (literally!) to hike up to the mouth of the cave on a hot summer day and bask in the earth-chilled air emanating from within. 

There are so many more great places in this neck of the woods that it is impossible to mention them all... but if you built your own little getaway on this great property- with no restrictions or HOAs to worry about- you could discover these and more at your leisure! For more info on this and other great properties in the area, find us on the web at www.rjtteam.com, @RJTteam on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, Email Us or call (717) 718-8627 today! Happy exploring! 

Need more space? It's a good thing our agents have the resources you need to buy and sell at the same time with ease. Our dedicated team of experts works with you, and your busy schedule, to coordinate both processes to fit your timetable so that you never miss family dinner. Let's get you a bigger home.

Thinking about buying a home? Our April Market & Tech update shows the amount an average buyer will finance for their transaction. With such a large percentage of your home's purchase requiring financing, it is important to know how much you can afford. We provide a reliable tool to help you figure out how your financial needs compare to your new home desires. Visit Homesale.com today!

With all that goes into buying your first home, you need someone with the care and attention required to help you through the process. It's okay to ask questions, because our agents have extensive knowledge and experience to ease your fears and help you make an informed decision. Now, let's go get you your first home.

Why not take spring cleaning up a notch by doing more for the good of the planet? Utilizing any of these six ways to go green for spring can not only help reduce the cost of your bills, but also minimize your energy consumption and carbon footprint.

1. Reusable Shopping Bags: Instead of increasing the demand for plastic grocery bags, buy or make your own reusable bags. There are hundreds of options to choose from and they even have cooler bags for your perishable foods, making it convenient for your commute from store to home.

2. Energy-Efficient Appliances: Saving up money to invest in energy-efficient appliances will help cut down the cost of your energy bills. Additionally, they can also bring more value to your home if you were to sell it later on in the future.

3. Natural Light: Another way to minimize your electricity usage, besides turning lights off after you leave a room, is to utilize natural light for as long as possible. Summer months bring some of the longest days of the year, so open up your blinds and let the sun shine in. This cuts down on the need for indoor lighting and results in a lower electric bill.

4. Farmer's Markets: Support your local economy by shopping at your community's farmer's market for weekly produce and baked goods. By not purchasing fruits and vegetables at a grocery store chain, you are reducing your food's carbon footprint and contributing to a greener lifestyle.

5. Hot Water Heater: Turning down the temperature on your hot water heater by just a few degrees can have a significant impact on your energy bills. Since most of us don't use the hottest setting for showering or washing hands, you might not even notice a difference.

6. Thrift Stores: Instead of throwing away clothes, books, toys and home furnishings, consider donating gently-used items to your local thrift store or community aid establishment. You are still getting rid of clutter that you no longer want, but you are doing so while simultaneously helping others and preventing further buildup in dumping sites.

At Homesale Realty, we believe that your home is more than just a home. Our agents provide expert care and skilled service to help you find whatever it is you are looking for, the better way. You have expectations and we are in the business of exceeding them. That's Home Services. Now, let's go get you home.