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.
Did I miss something ~ are there any other Lancaster County taxes that are going up? If anyone knows of any that I may have missed, please let me know and post them here. It's hard enough at times selling homes in the city, I can't imagine that it will get any easier with even higher taxes.
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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 ⓒ 2008 Jeannie Kontis Homes in Lancaster PA - Real Estate in Lancaster County
Don't you just love it when you hear about a private enterprise doing their part for the community? 
Several weeks ago, Fox's Country Sheds provided a "shed kit" to the Warwick Middle School technology class, in the Warwick School District in Lancaster County, PA.
Warwick School District is in the midst of renovating and expanding their current middle school, and the students are surrounded by on-going construction. Their very forward-thinking technology teacher thought it would help his students understand the processes going on around them if they could somehow participate in something similar firsthand.
So, they researched what they wanted to build, and decided on a "shed kit" ~ which includes all of the components of a garden shed, but it is not pre-assembled. They even went as far as spending time on the www.FoxSheds.com website, choosing a shed style - the Carriage Shed (shown below), choosing colors, and ordering the shed right online. Of course, being the community-supporter that it is, Fox's Country Sheds gave them a great discount.
There are some great photos of the shed being built by the students on the Warwick School District website.
There is also a great article on the Warwick School District website about how much the students learned while building the shed, and what they are purchasing with the proceeds after selling the shed to a fellow teacher.
According to the article, some of the students enjoyed the construction process so much that they might be considering it as a career. Others have taken to starting their own projects at home, such as treehouses.
There were some questions along the way, and Fox's was always available to help guide them through some tricky construction spots. But, the kids did everything from putting the walls and floor together to shingling the roof, and even hanging the vinyl siding.
I think it's great that our community has such innovative and bright teachers, who are helping local students expand their horizons. Kudos to the middle school students at Warwick, and their teacher Mr. Hartmann as well as their very helpful Millersville University student teacher.
Fox's Country Sheds would be happy to assist other local organizations or municipalities with a similar project. They can be reached at www.FoxSheds.com , via email at info@foxsheds.com , or called directly at 717-626-9560.
I've just spent the better part of this evening off and on the phone negotiating a deal.
Funny thing, that even in this market this house happened to get two offers on the same day. Well, not funny for the buyers affected, and certainly not funny for us agents ~ just "funny" like ironic that after being on the market for as long as it had been, two offers come in on the same day.
It turns out that the sellers, after mulling things over and all-night long conversations between the other agent and myself, have decided to go with my buyer's offer with just a few minor changes.
What was the clincher? They seemed to "like" my buyers better, for one. Woohoo! I have to admit, I like my buyers too (that certainly helps!)
But even in this "buyers" market, it's important to keep in mind that sellers are going through an emotional time and many would like to feel some sort of connection with the buyers who are purchasing their "home". Not every seller is "desperate" and the fact that they can choose from two offers certainly puts them in an enviable position compared to so many other sellers in this market.
The letter i sent along with our offer helped. It told a bit about the buyers, what they loved about the home, what had drawn them to that area, and their future dreams of starting their own lives in the home.
Who can ask for more than that with just a simple letter?!
I send a letter about the buyers along with each and every offer I make ~ sometimes it's handwritten, sometimes it's typed. I have found, on more than one occassion, that it helps to seal the deal even if my buyer's offer is not the best one on the table.
Many times, it's the only offer with a "face" attached to it.
Who knew one day that my bad penmanship would come in so handy!
I am searching for LAND or a LOT for LEASE that would allow outdoor retail sales. 
A former USED CAR LOT would be ideal!
But could be just about any land that would preferably be commercially zoned, ag zoned or industrial which would allow retail sales and outdoor displays.
This is for the display and sales of attractive outbuildings, sheds, gazebos, swingsets, etc. The location would be manned with a full time salesperson.
Anywhere along Columbia Ave, Manheim Pike (or ANY of the "Pikes") would be ideal. A paved used car lot would be ideal, but a grassy level area is acceptable. Must have adequate parking area (paved or gravel) for customers.
If you have a commercially zoned property with land or a commercial lot and could use a local well-known business as a tenant ~ please let me know!
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Email Jeannie Kontis, KontisHomes@aol.com or call me directly at 717-330-5137 with any possibilities.
Have you ever wondered where the "Flatiron" style of architecture came from?
I never really thought about it, until I read this article in the
Lancaster Newspapers. According to the article, the Flatiron styled buildings are named after antique household "irons".
Yes, the bane of every housewife in the world -- whether in by-gone eras or in today's modern Rowenta world -- was the influence for this triangular style of architecture. If you click on the link to the article, you can see some excellent photos of examples.
There are a number of "flatiron" buildings in Historic Lancaster City - many of them historic warehouses as well as a few apartment buildings. I always thought they were just "triangular" shaped buildings.
Who knew?
Which makes me wonder:
Will they ever come out with a "Permanent Press" architectural style?
Wash and Wear?
I guess those with rates that are adjusting are "hanging out to dry". (bad pun ~ I admit ~ but couldn't help myself!)
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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 ⓒ 2008 Jeannie Kontis Homes in Lancaster PA - Real Estate in Lancaster County
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PROVIDING DIRECTION - Lancaster PA Real Estate Agent with the professionalism and experience you expect and deserve. A full-time Realtor selling homes throughout Lancaster County PA. Contact me today.
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As you search for Homes In Lancaster PA, please take a moment to let me introduce myself as Your Lancaster Real Estate Professional. 
I have been assisting Lancaster Buyers and Lancaster Sellers for several years, successfully. Whether you are a first-time buyer, an empty-nester, luxury home buyer or seller, or relocating to Lancaster - I am fully prepared to assist you with a successful real estate transaction. I assist buyers and sellers of luxury homes, townhomes, 55+ communities, and investment/commercial properties throughout the Lancaster County, PA area.
I provide my clients with the real estate service they not only
expect - but deserve.
I am a full-time Lancaster County PA Realtor and a long-time member of The BOB WELLS Realty Group with Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc. working our of their Foxshire Drive office in Manheim Township, Lancaster County -- an award-winning Team of professional Realtors. The BOB WELLS Realty Group , when previously affiliated with Coldwell Banker Homesale Services Group, was ranked among the Top 4% for closed sales internationally, and has been a yearly award-winning recipient. Visit Homes in Lancaster - Real Estate in Lancaster County or click on www.JeannieSellsLancaster.com to view Lancaster PA listings, virtual tours, Lancaster PA homes for sale, and learn more about Jeannie Kontis and Lancaster County PA real estate.
Visit The Bob Wells Realty Group or click on www.BobWellsRealtyGroup.com to learn more about my Lancaster PA real estate partners at Long and Foster Real Estate, Inc.
*The Bob Wells Realty Group consists of the following Lancaster PA Real Estate specialists: Bob Wells, Jeannie Kontis, Rick Brown and Joan Bomba. We Provide the Direction YOU need with your Real Estate transaction.
#1 Real Estate LadySelling or Buying real estate in Lancaster PA or elsewhere can be one of life's greatest and most stressful challenges. Whether you are a luxury home buyer or seller, a first-time buyer or seller, or an investor, my experience in real estate sales and negotiation can assure you a smooth transaction with all of your Lancaster real estate needs.
I am prepared to walk you through your important real estate transaction, with the least inconvenience to you and your 
family, and with terms that are satisfactory to you..
A smooth transaction is one of my main goals.
A satisfactory sales price is another.
I will successfully meet those goals for you.
Sellers of Homes in Lancaster, I will provide you with my innovative marketing plan, which includes multiple digital images of your property's special features, all aspects of internet advertising, print advertising, and special advertising in markets to reach your best prospective buyer. I will show you how to stage your home to show it's best potential. By hiring one agent, you have the support of an entire team of professionals looking out for your best interests, including multiple marketing, negotiating on your behalf, and attaining the highest market price for your Lancaster home for sale.
Buyers of Homes in Lancaster, when hired as your Buyer Agent, I will help you to become an educated Buyer, and show you the advantages of having an experienced agent on your side of the table! Negotiating terms on your behalf becomes a passion of mine, and I take a personal interest in meeting your needs as you purchase your Home in Lancaster.
Please take a moment to contact me directly for a no-obligation chat. It would be great to get to know each other a bit, and see if my real estate experience can be a help to you, whether you are buying or selling a home in Lancaster PA. You can also reach me directly at 717-330-5137.
Jeannie Kontis, your Lancaster PA Real Estate specialist
The Bob Wells Realty Group
Long & Foster Real Estate
108 Foxshire Drive
Lancaster PA 17601
www.JeannieSellsLancaster.com
My Priorities are Simple...They're Yours. Honesty. Integrity. Sincerity.
I not only meet my client's expectations, but I exceed them.
~Jeannie Kontis, Your Lancaster PA Real Estate Specialist
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