It is not to late to register to vote!
If you are registered, but will be AWAY from your polling municipality on Election Day - It is NOT too late to register for an Absentee Ballot! This is a very important election ~ as they all are ~ and every vote counts, no matter what your party affiliation is.
Both of my sons will be voting for the first time, but are not residing in Pennsylvania. One is in Denver, CO; the other is in NYC. They will both be voting by Absentee Ballot.
If you are a resident of Pennsylvania and need Voter Registration information, click here:
On this website, The Pennsylvania Department of State's online voting information and resource center you can find other important information regarding the Pennsylvania voting process, including where to vote, how to register, and find contact information for your specific area.
What does our quaint county of Lancaster Pennsylvania have in common with such cities as Austin, Oklahoma City, Honolulu, Portland, Ore, Tulsa, Virginia Beach, Seattle, Baltimore and Boston?
We've been rated one of the Top 10 Places to Ride out the Recession according to a recent Forbes Magazine report!
According to the follow up story in the Lancaster Newspaper:
"Sure, the local housing market didn't soar as high as it did in some places during the boom a couple years ago.
But that means the economy here won't plunge as low as it will in some places when the recession hits, if it hasn't hit already, says a leading business publication.
A sturdy housing market is one reason Forbes magazine believes Lancaster County is the 10th best place "to ride out the recession."
"Lancaster shows that sometimes slow growth feels better than fast growth and big bust," the magazine writes.
In its article published last week, Forbes analyzes which communities are most and least vulnerable to the coming recession."
...click here to read the rest.
You can view the Forbes slideshow of the Best and Worst areas to ride out the recession here. They have a lovely photo of Lancaster County!
For those of you who might be sitting on the fence about relocating to Lancaster, this is good news for you! House prices have come down to a comfortable level, jobs are still available, and we are a quick commute to major metropolitan areas such as Harrisburg, Philadelphia, New York, and Baltimore.
Forbes.com Top Ten Areas to Ride out the Recession:
TOP 10
1 Austin.
2 Oklahoma City.
3 Honolulu.
4 Portland, Ore.
5 Tulsa.
6 Virginia Beach.
7 Seattle.
8 Baltimore.
9 Boston.
10 LANCASTER.
|
So where is Joe the Plumber when I need him?
I met with one of my favorite past clients today, who wanted to take a look at a home that seemed too good to be true. He was one of
the smart ones who sold his home over a year ago, when he anticipated a more than likely job cut and thought it might be hard to keep his mortgage payments if things got tough at work. Let's call him "Joe the buyer".
Now that he has a new job, he's ready to be a homeowner again. So, "Joe" and I went to look at a cute little home in Downtown Lancaster City that has recently been *renovated* and is being flipped by the investor/owner, who we can call "Joe the Seller".
I know from past experience that these are the homes that need to be looked over with a fine-toothed comb, this one especially since the current owner has only had the property for a month. How much work was Joe the Seller really able to do in just a month's time? A home inspection would definitely be in order for a property such as this, although I highly recommend one for every transaction.
The first red flag was the trickling water that we heard coming from the floor drain in the basement. It was more than a trickle, actually, more like rushing water. A sound I've never heard coming from a floor drain. Oh-uh, what if that drain is somehow connected to the waste line? Nah, couldn't be... Or could it? "Joe the Buyer" and I begin to do some investigating of our own.
Red flag number 2 was raised when we noticed the drain line coming out of the washing machine ran straight down into the concrete floor in the basement. Could that be hooked up to the floor drain? And if so, why is there water running when the washer is not on? Clearly, that drain wasn't being vented either and was improperly installed to begin with.
Joe and I then take a look at the main waste drain, and notice a rubber flexible hose attached (sort of) to it, coming through a hole in the basement ceiling. "Hey Joe, ya know, I have a feeling that it's the *pipe* that is connected to the kitchen sink, right above us".
Red flag number 3. A trip back up to the kitchen and a peek under the kitchen sink confirms our suspiciouns. Not only is this temporary flexible hose used as the kitchen waste pipe, there is no trap in place! The hose runs straight from the sink right down through the floor. Apparently a permit was not pulled for any type of plumbing work from "Joe the City Code Inspector".
A trip to the second floor bathroom revealed the toilet running. Bingo ~ that explains the rushing water sound coming from the floor drain in the basement. Although why the toilet would be hooked up to the floor drain is beyond me. Once we took the tank lid off and jiggled the mechanics in it, the water stopped running and the rushing sound stopped from the basement drain.
Huge red flag number 4 ~ which most likely killed any sort of deal going forward between Joe the Buyer and Joe the Seller.
Joe the Plumber, where were you? Why weren't you around to give these "flippers" some sound advice about how to properly renovate a house before attempting to sell it? Clearly, they did not seek your advice. Which, leads me to sound this alarm to prospective buyers ~ yes, it is a great time to buy a home while the prices are reasonably lower than they have been in this area in a long time. But, please don't overlook the importance of a home inspection. Also, don't overlook the importance of working with a qualified Realtor who could spot many of these red flags before you get too deeply involved in a transaction.
Sellers, when doing renovations to *flip* a house, please don't attempt jobs that are beyond your scope of expertise! There are a number of Joe the Plumbers, Joe the Electricians, and Joe the Roofers, to help you out. If you want "Joe the Buyer" to choose your home from the many that are on the market, you need to make sure it's in the best condition possible.
Buyers, when choosing a Home Inspector, don't choose just any ol' "Joe the Inspector". Here are a number of Lancaster area Inspectors who are members of the National Association of Home Inspectors.
Contact me when looking to buy or sell your Lancaster County Home, . And if it makes you feel good, you can just call me "Joe".
photo credits: adobemac @ flickr; warenski @ flickr
Kimberbton Whole Foods is coming to Lancaster..... sort of!
I have been waiting for this to happen, as I've heard such great things about this natural foods store. Granted, we have a great supply of fresh produce available from our local farmers, but its still exciting to hear that they are considering expanding to Lancaster County. They currently have stores in Kimberton, Downingtown, Douglasville and Ottsville, PA.
So they're coming -- in the form of a warehouse in Leola PA.
Why a warehouse in Lancaster County? Because it seems that over half of their fresh products come from Lancaster!
They were eyeing a retail location at the new College Row at Franklin & Marshall College on Harrisburg Pike, but have put their plans of a Lancaster retail center on hold for now. That would be a great location for them, but of course I'd love for them to be closer to *my* home. They might give me a reason actually enjoy grocery shopping! In our never-ending quest to eat better and live healthier, it would be ideal to have all of those products under one roof.
Hey, maybe they could open an outlet store at the new warehouse in Leola! Everyone knows how we love our outlets, here in Lancaster!
 |
|
|
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.
Providing Direction
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
Credentials
Qualifications
Specialties
New Construction Homes
Expertise
Awards
Specialty markets
Languages
ActiveRain Corp. is not responsible for the accuracy of the site's content (which is written by members of the ActiveRain Real Estate Network) and does not endorse the views of the real estate agents, mortgage brokers, and others listed here.
Powered by the ActiveRain Real Estate Network
© 2009 ActiveRain Corp. All Rights Reserved
