Jeannie Kontis, Lancaster PA Real Estate & Lancaster County Homes for Sale

This press release was just announced by Long & Foster, and i am proud to be a part of the Lancaster County, PA, Long & Foster office located at 108 Foxshire Drive in Manheim Township, Lancaster County.

The Long & Foster®Companies Ranked
as No. 1 Privately-Owned Residential Real Estate Company in America


Chantilly, Va. May 19, 2009 –The Long & Foster® Companies announced today that it was ranked as
the No. 1 privately-owned residential real estate brokerage firm in the United States in the REAL Trends 500
Survey of the 500 mega-brokers in the U.S for residential sales transactions in 2008. Long & Foster was also
named by REAL Trends in their REAL Trends 25 research report which lists the 25 largest housing services
firms in the United States selected from a survey of over 800 leading residential brokerage firms reporting at
least one settlement service in addition to brokerage — Long & Foster had 48,890.

Long & Foster retained its top spot as the largest privately-owned real estate company in the United
States on The REAL Trends 500, the survey of the largest residential real estate brokerage firms for closed
transaction sides. REAL Trends is a leading publisher of trends and analysis on the residential brokerage
industry. In 2008, Long & Foster recorded $48.9 billion in closed sales volume and 72,302 closed transaction
sides.*

Of all types of real estate companies nationwide — conglomerates, franchisers, and privately-owned — Long &
Foster ranked third nationwide.

*Transaction Sides: Every real estate transaction involves both a “buy” side and a “sell” side. Brokerage
companies like Long & Foster may receive commissions from their representation of either one-or both-sides of a
transaction.

About The Long & Foster Companies
Long & Foster® Real Estate, Inc. is the largest privately held residential real estate company in the United States. The
company is part of The Long & Foster® Companies, which also includes Prosperity Mortgage® Company; Long & Foster
Insurance Agency, Inc.; and Long & Foster Settlement Services. Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc. represents more than
13,000 agents in seven Mid-Atlantic states, plus the District of Columbia. The company sold more than $26.4 billion
worth of homes and helped people buy and sell homes 76,714 times in 2008. The Long & Foster Companies 2008
combined sales for the year were in excess of $48.9 billion.

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For more information on Homes for Sale in Lancaster, or questions and/or concerns about buying or selling a home in Lancaster County PA, please contact Jeannie Kontis at (717) 330-5137 or email at Jeannie@JeannieSellsLancaster.com.

Search for Lancaster Homes for Sale at www.JeannieSellsLancaster.com

Jeannie Kontis, RealtorⓇ, is a member of the award-winning Bob Wells Realty Group of Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc, and serves buyers and sellers of real estate throughout Lancaster County.

All content Copyright ⓒ 2009 Jeannie Kontis Homes in Lancaster PA - Real Estate in Lancaster County

First Time Homebuyers purchasing in Lancaster City can now look in to qualifying for up to $5,000 down payment assistance through the LHOP program. These funds were initially set up for purchases outside of the city, but a portion of the funds are now available for home purchases in Lancaster City. This is a great boost for many first time buyers! Contact LHOP for information - as there may be income and other requirements necessary to qualify.

From the Lancaster Newspaper:

"Buying a first city home just got a little easier for low- to moderate-income residents.

First-time homebuyers in the city will now have access to a pool of $350,000 in assistance for down payment and closing costs through the Lancaster Housing Opportunity Partnership.

Previously the aid, which comes in the form of a $5,000 interest-free loan for those who complete an LHOP housing class, was available only to Lancaster County residents who purchase county homes outside the city.

But a new arrangement between the county and city makes it possible for the entities to share the federal housing funds that bankroll the LHOP loans."

You can read the rest of the article and information on this First Time Buyer's Assistance Program here.

You can reach me directly at 717-330-5137.

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For more information on Homes for Sale in Lancaster, or questions and/or concerns about buying or selling a home in Lancaster County PA, please contact Jeannie Kontis at (717) 330-5137 or email at Jeannie@JeannieSellsLancaster.com.

Search for Lancaster Homes for Sale at www.JeannieSellsLancaster.com

Jeannie Kontis, RealtorⓇ, is a member of the award-winning Bob Wells Realty Group of Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc, and serves buyers and sellers of real estate throughout Lancaster County.

All content Copyright ⓒ 2009 Jeannie Kontis Homes in Lancaster PA - Real Estate in Lancaster County

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I was fortunate enough to take a drive through Pequea Township yesterday in Lancaster County PA.

Pequea Township is located in the Penn Manor School District, and is located south of Lancaster City.

I forget how much I love this rural area of beautiful Lancaster County. Travelling south on Route 272 (Willow Street Pike) , I turned west onto Truce Road. I know there were quicker ways to get to the address I was visiting, but to me this was the more direct route. By the way, watch out for the road construction on 272. What is normally a pleasant drive turned out to be a bit of a knuckle-clencher, as the lanes are narrowed down thus forcing you to drive half on the road and half on the shoulder! Still, once I turned off of 272 onto Truce Road I was able to relax and enjoy the "show".

The "show" consisted of the road opening up to the beautiful farmland fields before me. The rolling countryside held views of the spring lambs frolicking in a field -- I had to slow down to enjoy those a bit. The dairy cows were basking in the sun and I witnessed a number of people out farming their land or working on their gardens. It was really a beautiful day for a drive in the Lancaster Countryside, and I forget just how rich our beautiful Lancaster County is with views such as this. I can literally feel the tension fade from my shoulders as I enjoyed the scenery of this lush countryside.

After my visit with the owners of this adorable little Lancaster County farmhouse, I decided to take another route home to avoid the construction heading back towards Lancaster City. The scenery changes while traveling north on Marticville Road, trading farmland pastures for thick wooded areas and hairpin turns, then opening to a clearing of farmland views again. It's difficult trying to keep my eyes on the road, fearing I'd miss another beautiful vista before me! Having been raised in New York City, and now living in suburban Manheim Township, I've always wondered what it would be like to live in such open, fresh-air country. I would love to wake up, pour a mug of coffee, and sit on a wide front porch with views of the Susquehanna River off to the distance, my view interrupted only by the green hills spotted by the occasional farm animals as they grazed.

Until 1853, Pequea Township was part of Conestoga Township, and is located between the Pequea Creek and Conestoga Creek. It is bordered by West Lampeter Township on the northeast, Providence Township to the southeast, Martic Township to the south, and Conestoga Township to the southwestern. The northern and northwestern areas are bordered by Lancaster.

Pequea Township farmland holds one of Lancaster County's most prized glories -- rich, fertile soil -- and is among the best in Lancaster County for agricultural use. Some interesting demographic information of the area can be found HERE. Over 300 homes in the township have been built prior to 1935. I'm sure several of those are pushing 100 years old by now, as is the Lancaster historic farmhouse I was visiting yesterday.

GOOGLE MAP of Pequea Township.

If you are interested in buying or selling a home in the Lancaster County PA area, or Penn Manor School District, please feel free to contact me directly for information. There are many charming, historic homes for sale in Lancaster PA, as well as beautiful new homes for sale. These Lancaster countryside views are priceless, and are included with your purchase!

For Lancaster Real Estate Information, visit Homes for Sale in Lancaster PA -- Lancaster County Real Estate

You can reach me directly at 717-330-5137.

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For more information on Homes for Sale in Lancaster, or questions and/or concerns about buying or selling a home in Lancaster County PA, please contact Jeannie Kontis at (717) 330-5137 or email at Jeannie@JeannieSellsLancaster.com.

Search for Lancaster Homes for Sale at www.JeannieSellsLancaster.com

Jeannie Kontis, RealtorⓇ, is a member of the award-winning Bob Wells Realty Group of Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc, and serves buyers and sellers of real estate throughout Lancaster County.

All content Copyright ⓒ 2009 Jeannie Kontis Homes in Lancaster PA - Real Estate in Lancaster County

While I was making dinner tonight, my mind started wandering (not unusual!) Actually, it started wandering before I started making dinner and while I was looking through the pantry and the freezer trying to decide what to make. I don't grocery shop much anymore since it's just the two of us at home. I've never liked grocery shopping, but I took pleasure in buying stuff and cooking favorite foods for my family to enjoy.

Shhh... If I play my cards right, i can pretend I can't find anything to cook and my husband will take over and make dinner instead!

So anyway, I'm putzing around in my kitchen and my mind starts to wander to some of the first meals that I used to make when I was first married. Oh my, they were quite a trip! Chicken Fingers were one of the few things I knew how to make, and so we ate them quite often. I think I might have even come close to poisoning ourselves once or twice, as I never realized that I should not "save and re-use" the leftover flour that I would dredge the raw chicken in...

So back to my story... about my mind wandering (sort of like this post)... I started to for some reason think of "gourmet" kitchens. And I wondered to myself:

"Self, just how many listings are on the MLS right now with the words "gourmet kitchen" in the descriptive remarks?"

So, while my Greek keftedes (meatballs) were cooking for dinner, I did a quick MLS search for "gourmet".

Now, "gourmet" can really be different in the eye of the beholder, can't it? I've had a number of homebuyers in the past who have indicated that a "great" kitchen is a "must have", but what someone considers a great kitchen, can be completely different from what others consider a "great kitchen".

What ever it means to you, below are homes for sale in Lancaster County that have "gourmet kitchens" according to the listing agent. Some are really pretty terrific looking, and the homes include are in various price ranges. The lowest priced one in the list is a Lancaster City home for $119,900 that has a surprisingly large kitchen, although I'm not sure I would call it a "gourmet" kitchen. Still, it was nice enough to include.

There were a number of homes that I did not include because their kitchens didn't look all that great, let alone "gourmet".

Click here to view Lancaster County homes for sale with Great Kitchens .

For more information on Lancaster PA Real Estate, or questions
about buying or selling Real Estate in Lancaster County PA,
please contact
Jeannie Kontis at (717) 330-5137
or email at Jeannie@JeannieSellsLancaster.com.

Search for Lancaster Homes for Sale at www.JeannieSellsLancaster.com

Jeannie Kontis, RealtorⓇ, is a member of the award-winning Bob Wells Realty Group of Long & Foster Lancaster Real Estate, Inc, and serves buyers and sellers of real estate throughout Lancaster County.
All content Copyright ⓒ 2009 Jeannie Kontis Homes in Lancaster PA - Real Estate in Lancaster County

I had an enjoyable afternoon today showing homes (until I went to Panera's for lunch - that's another story) to a couple who are first time homebuyers. They've been sitting on the fence for a while - probably at least a year - but I think the new tax credit might have sparked their interest. They are finally out looking at homes and not just talking about it!

We saw a great Lancaster City home for sale, which had some fantastic features. Tall ceiling, gorgeious hardwood everywhere, an updated kitchen, pocket doors - you all know the type - a typical turn of the century Victorian in Lancaster City. It was really beautiful, and probably on the top of their list for now. It lacked a few things that they'd really like to have, and so I told them to take their time and think it over. There are things that you can change in some homes, and some things that you can't change. This home could not accomodate off-street parking, which would be important to them.

As a contrast, we took a look at a detached home for sale in Grandview Heights in Manheim Township. It was really in great shape and had a lot going for it ~ they just weren't "feeling" it like they did the old victorian. Clearly, there are huge differences in design, although this unique home was priced right and had a lot to offer for a tree-lined street along one of Manheim Township's favorite neighborhoods.

All in all, it was a great day ~ until lunch time at Panera's. Usually one of my favorite places to grab a "U Pick 2" for lunch, the poor girl at the order taking station must have been new at the job. She messed up the order of the people ahead of me. Messed up my husband's order - and messed up mine the worst! I take pity when it's a young person who is clearly new at their job, so I didn't make a stink about it. It was tasty, just not quite what I had ordered - a Smokehouse Turkey panini and a salad. Instead, I got a cold turkey sandwich. At least she got the salad right! The lady on line before me was making a big fuss - it just isn't worth the effort and I wouldn't let it ruin my day.

I came home to take a nice long afternoon nap on the couch with one of my favorite puppies.

A great way to wrap up a Sunday!

For more information on Lancaster PA Real Estate, or questions
about buying or selling Real Estate in Lancaster County PA,
please contact
Jeannie Kontis at (717) 330-5137
or email at Jeannie@JeannieSellsLancaster.com.

Search for Lancaster Homes for Sale at www.JeannieSellsLancaster.com

Jeannie Kontis, RealtorⓇ, is a member of the award-winning Bob Wells Realty Group of Long & Foster Lancaster Real Estate, Inc, and serves buyers and sellers of real estate throughout Lancaster County.
All content Copyright ⓒ 2009 Jeannie Kontis Homes in Lancaster PA - Real Estate in Lancaster County