Lancaster, PA (August 28, 2009) – The Jeff Geoghan Realty Group of Coldwell Banker Select Professionals proudly announced an innovative new homebuyer program this week.
Many homebuyers today are interested in finding the most energy-efficient homes and are often ready to make improvements to the property that reflect their personal values in support of the “green” movement. However, homes on the market aren’t easily identified as being energy-efficient and buyers can find navigating the internet to find serious green contractors a daunting task.
Jeff Geoghan, a longtime green advocate in Central PA, has introduced a new program called the SmartGreen™ Homebuyer Package, designed to bring green products and services into a “one-stop” opportunity for buyers, and to assist them with selecting homes based on energy savings & improvement possibilities. The program website is www.SmartGreenPA.com.
“In my experience working with the public, the most compelling need has been to be able to connect buyers and homeowners with committed green service providers” says Geoghan, who is a Coldwell Banker agent. “There are many great vendors throughout our corner of PA and I’m bringing them together in a comprehensive package consumers can access in one place”.
Customers signing up for the package will receive a complimentary home energy audit performed by Scott Pusey of Pusey & Raffensberger Builders of Lititz, PA. Pusey will perform the audit on the prospective home and deliver a report detailing areas of opportunity. Other key package partners are Douglas Campbell, a LEED AP architect and Steve Mellinger of Blue Moon Solar, both of Lancaster, who are offering complimentary consultations with SmartGreen™ clients. Offers Geoghan “We’re adding new partners regularly, and my ultimate goal is to bring all serious green vendors under one umbrella that buyers can have easy access to”.
Keystone HELP, an acclaimed Pennsylvania state-supported financing program, is also a partner in the Smartgreen™ Package. Keystone HELP, administered by AFC First Financial Corporation, offers low-interest loans to homeowners looking to finance energy-efficient improvements.
Jeff Geoghan is a member of the Green Building Association of Central Pennsylvania, Susquehanna Sustainable Business Network and an Energy Star® partner.
The Jeff Geoghan Realty Group, part of the Coldwell Banker Select Professionals family of real estate agents, is based at 1000 North Prince Street in historic Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Their acclaimed website is www.YourLancasterHome.com and they serve the Lancaster PA real estate market with professional and personal services for home buyers and home sellers. Jeff Geoghan is a top real estate expert in Lancaster County, PA, and has been featured in the Lancaster Newspapers, WGAL Channel 8, PA Business Journal and Wall Street Journal.
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As promised in my earlier post recapping July 2009 home sales in Lancaster County PA, here's a review of where we are as a county through July 2009.
First up is the home sales chart for the last 36 months:
New listings are experiencing a bit of an uptick for this time of year, mirroring last July/August. As you can see, the bottom fell out in October due to the financial mess of that month. This year should not be as traumatic (no election to influence, you see...). Home sales took a downward tack in July and it will be interesting to see what happens in August, as by all accounts the market has been good this month.
To some degree we are in uncharted waters in the Lancaster County home market, as the freefall of last fall is not expected to recur and the expiration of the first-time buyer tax credit in December will stop any incentive there. Will we reach under 200 sales for the dead of winter again??????
So what's up with home prices then?
I circled the Julys on the chart - The home sales price rebounded a bit from 2008 in July and has been rising in a healthy manner most of the year. Last year prices fell steeply in October/November, so we can certainly expect a drop into the fall. Again, the effect of the financial meltdown and subsequent government reactions on our local market is hard to quantify, and all we can do is hope that we'll see a softer falloff such as occurred in 2007 (see the chart).
Unfortunately, the "price gap" between list and sell prices got bigger in July rather than smaller as I had hoped in the June Market report. That's a bummer IMO because I think the market would have practically exploded had the gap narrowed to very little (list prices would have been VERY attractive and buyers would have leaped off the fences). As it was, list prices rose sharply in July. Note that the SALP, or seasonally-adjusted (12 month rolling) list price is still down, though. The SASP(Seasonally-adjusted sold price) has also fallen considerably throughout 2009, almost 10,000. Good news for buyers even still...
Bottom line = no disaster here, and the future of home sales depends a lot on how we weather the fall in the shadow of the 2008 mess.
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For Lancaster PA homes for sale click here. Jeff Geoghan is a top real estate expert in Lancaster County, PA, and an involved community member. Jeff's work has been featured in the Lancaster Newspapers, WGAL Channel 8, PA Business Journal and Wall Street Journal. Jeff's blog on Lancaster County and its homes is nationally-featured. Contact Jeff for more help with your Lancaster PA Real Estate needs. Jeff is also a photographer - view some of his lancaster pa photography portfolio. Comments are welcome!
Chick Flick Movie Night
August 21
Lititz Springs Park
Will be showing Mama Mia, sponsored by Moravian Manor.
Time: 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM
Address: 18 North Broad Street, Lititz, PA 17543
Website: http://www.lititzspringspark.org/
Music Friday
August 21
Downtown Lancaster
Each third Friday of the month, Downtown Lancaster hosts Music Fridays. Performances will abound throughout the 300 block of North Queen Street as well as retailers, restaurants, and attractions throughout Downtown. Each month will bring new entertainment to the streets of Downtown Lancaster.
Address: 300 block of North Queen Street, Lancaster, PA 17603
Website: http://downtownlancaster.com/music.htm
Sorting it Out
August 21
Hands-on House Children's Museum
All systems are go for an out-of this world active adventure that's good for you. Ages 2-10 years with adult.
Time: 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Admission: FREE with regular admission to Hands-on House
Address: 721 Landis Valley Road, adjacent to Landis Valley Museum, Lancaster, PA 17601
Website: http://www.handsonhouse.org
1st Annual African American Band Event
August 22
Clipper Magazine Stadium
Organized by Concerned Black Men, Inc. Event features marching bands, drill teams and steppers from a variety of Historical Black College & Universities (HBCU) and area high schools. HBCUs invited include Bowie State, Delaware State, Lincoln University, Morgan State and Choppin State.
Time: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Admission: $10 per person
Address: 650 North Prince Street, Lancaster, PA 17603
Historic Eastern Market
August 22
near corner of E King and N Shippen
The Historic Eastern Market is an outdoor market that offers local produce, prepared foods, art, and music. It is a festive atmosphere where you can shop, eat, and catch local talent. Every Saturday we have live entertainment (music, dance, and more).
Time: 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Admission: FREE
Address: 308 East King Street, Lancaster, PA 17602
Website: http://www.historiceasternmarket.org
Kinzers Fire Company Mud Sale
August 22
Mud Sales
Want to catch a glimpse of some local color and enjoy sampling traditional Lancaster County farm fare? This mud sale features plants, groceries, antiques, furniture, lumber, tack, sheds, gazebos, equipment, buggies, quilts, horses and much more!
Time: 7:00 AM
Admission: Free.
Address: 3521 Lincoln Highway East, Lancaster, PA 17535
Website: http://www.padutchcountry.com/member_pages/mud_sales.asp
2009 Arts Festival
August 23
Marion Court &Court Side Lounge
Out door art festival with 40 local artists, bands, vendors, dunk tank, demos, food and drinks, kid and dog friendly.
Time: 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Admission: none
Address: 7 Marion Court, Lancaster, PA 17602
I'm going to break up my monthly home sales recap into two blog posts going forward, to make the information easier to digest (don't want any upset stomachs out there, you know...).
Here's the July 2009 home sales figures from the local MLS for Lancaster County, Pennsylvania:
You may have heard that Lancaster PA just got mentioned in Businessweek as one of the "top 30" best real estate markets in the US. That was according to Zillow, in which I don't place much stock (guess the BW folks had a slow news week). Looking at the numbers, though, does yield some good news for a change.
Note that while sold homes were pretty much steady (down 2%) over last year, homes "pending sale" rose sharply (up 27%) - a sign that buyers are out this summer and staying with it through July, which is typically beyond the peak in June that we see every year. Perhaps the work that the $8,000 IRS incentive is going away this fall has something to do with that...
Also note that the Average Sold Price stayed above 2008 levels, which is very good news for home sellers concerned about eroding home values. Personally, I was a bit shocked to see this number (and pleased too).
On the down side, it's taking almost 20% longer to sell the Lancaster County home on average, which speaks to the need for superlative marketing on the part of the listing agent to get the word out early, and the need for sellers to be patient but demanding. Also, the biggest statistical jump was with listings expiring, almost a 50% leap over last year! Why? Sellers who listed six months ago (the typical listing period) realized that the year was slipping away and decided to make a change at the end of their contract, I'd wager.
All in all a great month considering the economic challenges and uncertain outlook facing the national housing landscape.
Watch for my next post on the price and sales trends over time in Lancaster County home sales - let's see if history can teach us anything.
29th Annual Bookworm Frolic used book sale
August 12 – August 15
2215 Millstream Road, at intersection with Route 30 East, Lancaster PA
Come for a book, stay for the fellowship. Thousands of used books in dozens of categories. Mingle with Amish shoppers. Cylo, the Lancaster baseball team mascot, will be with us on Weds, 10-11 am as part of the "Read with the Barnstormers" program
Time: 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Admission: free!
Address: 2215 Millstream Road, Lancaster, PA 17602
Website: http://www.lmhs.org
Railroad Family Days
August 12 – August 15
Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania
Sing along with popular railroad songs, enjoy legendary railroad stories, view operating model railroad layouts and displays, make take-home crafts and learn important railroad safety messages, along with a variety of other activities designed especially for families.
Time: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Admission: $10.00 Adults $9.00 Seniors 65+ $8.00 Youth 3-11 Children 2 and under Free
Address: PA Route 741 East, Strasburg, PA 17579
Website: http://www.rrmuseumpa.org
Barnstormers vs. Camden Riversharks
August 14 – August 16
Lancaster Barnstormers at Clipper Magazine Stadium
Gametime: Fri 7:05, Sat 6:35, Sun 1:35. Fireworks on Fri and Sat. More than just baseball, it's affordable and fun family entertainment. Fans enjoy the Kids' Play Area, concession stands offering a taste of Lancaster, unique promos and giveaways and up close seats that will allow you to feel that you are part of the game!
Admission: See website for details.
Address: Clipper Magazine Stadium, 650 North Prince Street, Lancaster, PA 17601
Website: http://www.lancasterbarnstormers.com
Fine Art Auction
August 14
Mulberry Arts Studios
Just another reason to come out for First Friday in Downtown Lancaster! Boltz Auction Company will be auctioning off pieces by Lancaster's finest artists.
Time: 6:30 PM
Address: 21 North Mulberry Street, Lancaster, PA 17603
Website: http://www.mulberryartstudios.com
Jazz Fest
August 14
NEW Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square
This year's event will be better than ever. Come enjoy great music, dinner, & dancing to support a great cause. You can bid on items during the silent & live auctions. Paul Scott of Smooth Jazz 92.7 and Valerie Pritchett of ABC 27 will co-emcee, with entertainment by The Faux Minx and Amaryllis Santiago.
Time: 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Admission: Tickets can be purchased for $50.00 per person by calling (717) 291-8967 or online at www.ClareHouseLancaster.org. Sponsorships are also available!
Address: 25 South Queen Street, Lancaster, PA 17603
Website: http://www.ClareHouseLancaster.org
Art in the Park
August 15
Musser Park
A celebration of art featuring free hands-on projects of all ages. Held in Musser Park. Free admission.
Time: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Admission: Free.
Address: 135 North Lime Street, Lancaster, PA 17603
Website: http://www.musserpark.org/
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Your One-Stop source for expert Lancaster County PA Real Estate assistance. Jeff's blog is nationally-featured and he's been quoted in Lancaster News, PA Business, WGAL & the Wall Street Journal.
Raised on Long Island, Jeff received his Associate Degree in Business at Suffolk College in 1985. He transferred to Penn State at University Park, PA to complete his undergraduate studies, earning a Bachelors of Science in the Marketing discipline in 1988. RJR Nabisco Brands, who had taken Jeff on as an intern in the last summer of his time at Penn State, offered him a sales position calling on accounts across Long Island. Thus began his career, one which would lead him to Lancaster armed with one of the top resumes in the Real Estate industry.
In the past sixteen years Jeff has worked for several multinational corporations, rising from route sales to managing large accounts and working daily with company chairs and officers. Along the way Jeff acquired his MBA in Business Management at Dowling College in Oakdale, NY. More importantly, Jeff has operating a multimillion-dollar internet sales division and in that capacity handled innumerable customer service calls, successfully resolving the vast majority. This in combination with his years of consultative sales experience has given Jeff an innate feel for the needs of the customer which he has successfully integrated into his Real Estate practice.
With Jeff Geoghan as your representative, you can be assured of the very best in personal, professional service. Contact him today to discuss your real estate hopes and dreams.
Jeff R. Geoghan strives to provide the very best in service and expertise possible to his customers. Whether you are looking to sell a home or buy your "dream home", Jeff Geoghan is the right choice. Also, Jeff is an agent focusing on ways to encourage the growth of "green building" practices and energy efficient homes, for greater environmental stewardship in the real estate process.
Throughout the United States, there is a rising interest in ways to beat skyrocketing fuel prices, live more independently of the "grid" and protect the environment of which we are all called to be good stewards of. The sentiment has even reached into the state and federal governments, who are now beginning to recognize this movement as "not going away" and are working on incentives to spur development. The good news is that homeowners have more resources at their fingertips that ever before, and that accomplishing the goals of independence, savings and environmental stewardship are more attainable than ever.
The Real Estate industry nationwide, however, has huge opportunities available to share these emerging and now-standard technologies with the home consumer. In the home sales process, little to absolutely no emphasis is placed on the energy consumption of the home or the degree to which "green" building practices are employed (in new homes especially). In our fossil-fuel world of central Pennsylvania, home sellers, buyers, builders and agents do not focus on doing things better & cleaner but take fuel oil, gas and grid electricity for granted even as these items rise in price constantly. There is a better way!
The mission of Jeff R. Geoghan, his partner firms and YourLancasterHome.com is to bring change to the industry in central PA by focusing on the ways Real Estate customers can save money, improve their lifestyle and reduce dependence on fossil fuels with their attendant costs. Through his affiliation with the Green Building Association of Central PA Jeff will help educate his clients on ways to improve homes through "green" projects, and inform buyers on the merits of different new home constructions. Through his affiliation with the Northeast Sustainable Energy Association, Jeff will help educate on ways to reduce energy expenses in the home, and to explore alternative energy options that are already available. Lastly, as an official Energy Star Partner Jeff will educate on the relative merits of appliances, insulation, lighting and other energy-saving strategies. Here at YourLancasterHome you will find benefits offered nowhere else in the Real Estate industry today.
With a solid track record of residential sales in and around Lancaster County, Jeff is well-placed to offer the top-notch service expected of a professional agent. If you, as a prospective home sales customer, are looking for the edge in energy management, Jeff stands alone as the agent of choice.
"We beleive Jeff went above and beyond the normal service. He made us feel like we were the only clients he had. We highly recommend Jeff" - The Haines - Hamilton Park
"Jeff was a pro in all respects to our sale and purchase. He was calm when times were stressful. He always returned our calls promptly! We felt like Jeff was working for us every day...he was wonderful from the first open house through settlement"- The Swionteks - Manheim Township
"Jeff was a pleasure to work with...I will be recommending him to my friends! - The Johnsons - Lititz
"Jeff was an outstanding agent, and we would highly recommend him..." - The McEdwards - East Hempfield Township
"Jeff answered every single question we had about the process...we would recommend Jeff to anyone" - The Gildeas - Manheim Township
"Jeff Checked things even more thoroughly than we did. He was fun to bounce ideas around with, can see possibilities, helps bring relevant information and confidence to decision making" - The Weavers - Columbia
"I told a lady my kids were playing with at mall to call you...and gave her my name as a reference" - The Saint Cyrs, East Petersburg"
"Jeff was looking out for us and when he saw something that was not right in a house, he was honest enough to let us know. He really was looking out for our interests" - The Maris' - Manheim Township
"Jeff was willing to show us many homes without us feeling like we were inconveniencing him. Seeing numerous homes helped us narrow down our priorities...he was patient with us!" - The Stoltzfus' - Lititz
"Was very quick on our counteroffer - coming to us on a Friday night to sign, ensuring that we would get the house" - The Halls, New Holland
"The first afternoon we met, I was sold on Jeff" - Alisia Lara, Lancaster City
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