Uncategorized • June 5, 2023

Mechanicsburg, PA – A Charming Blend of History & Modernity

by Danielle Moore

Nestled in the Cumberland Valley of Pennsylvania, Mechanicsburg is a small town with a big personality. With its rich history, vibrant community, and convenient location, Mechanicsburg offers residents and visitors alike a unique blend of old-world charm and modern amenities. Let’s take a closer look at what makes this town so special.

Mechanicsburg boasts a long and fascinating history that dates back to the early 19th century. The town’s name itself reflects its origins as a hub for mechanics and artisans who played a pivotal role in developing the area’s industries. Many of the historic buildings in the downtown area still stand today, showcasing architectural styles from different eras.

One iconic landmark in Mechanicsburg is the Passenger Station, which was built in 1867 and now serves as a museum. It offers a glimpse into the town’s past and the important role it played during the development of the Pennsylvania Railroad. Visitors can explore exhibits and artifacts that highlight the town’s railroad heritage.

Despite its small size, Mechanicsburg has a vibrant and close-knit community. The town regularly hosts community events that bring residents together and foster a sense of belonging. From farmers markets to music festivals, there’s always something happening in Mechanicsburg.

One of the town’s most anticipated events is the Jubilee Day, which is the largest, longest-running, one-day street fair on the East Coast. Celebrated annually since 1923, Jubilee Day attracts thousands of visitors who come to enjoy live music, delicious food, unique crafts, and a variety of entertainment options. It’s a true celebration of the town’s spirit and community pride.

Art enthusiasts will find plenty to appreciate in Mechanicsburg. The town is home to various art galleries and studios showcasing the work of local artists. From traditional paintings to contemporary sculptures, there’s a diverse range of artistic expression to explore.

For those interested in performing arts, the Little Theatre of Mechanicsburg offers a delightful experience. This community theater presents a variety of productions throughout the year, including musicals, comedies, and dramas. The talented local actors and the intimate setting of the theater create a memorable and immersive experience for theatergoers.

Mechanicsburg’s location is another major advantage. Situated in the Cumberland Valley, it offers easy access to outdoor recreational activities. The nearby Appalachian Trail provides hikers and nature lovers with breathtaking vistas and a chance to reconnect with the great outdoors. In addition, the Susquehanna River is just a short drive away, offering opportunities for boating, fishing, and other water-based activities.

Moreover, Mechanicsburg is conveniently located near larger metropolitan areas. Harrisburg, the state capital, is only a 15-minute drive away, providing access to a wider range of cultural attractions, shopping centers, and employment opportunities.

Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, is a town that beautifully blends its rich history with a modern and vibrant community. From its historical landmarks to its community events, art scene, and proximity to outdoor recreation, Mechanicsburg has something for everyone. Whether you’re a history buff, an art lover, or a nature enthusiast, this charming town is sure to capture your heart and provide an enjoyable experience for all who visit.

Uncategorized • May 22, 2023

Updates From The National Association of Realtors

by Danielle Moore

31% of metros saw prices fall—some as much as 10%—amid a slowdown in sales in the first quarter, new NAR data shows. But those declines could be short-lived.

In most areas of the country, home prices are still rising as buyers face higher mortgage rates, which fluctuated between 6.1% and 6.7% in the first quarter of this year, according to new National Association of REALTORS® data. The average monthly mortgage payment on a typical existing single-family home jumped 33% compared to a year earlier.

But in some markets, particularly areas that saw a huge run-up in home prices in recent years, they’re starting to cool. A few markets are even posting declines in home price drops—by as much as 10% compared to a year earlier.

NAR’s latest report shows that more metros are readjusting after a pandemic-era homebuying frenzy in which home prices reached record highs. “Generally speaking, home prices are lower in expensive markets and higher in affordable markets, implying greater mortgage rate sensitivity for high-priced homes,” says NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun.

He added that in the first quarter, high-priced cities like San Francisco and San Jose in California and Reno, Nev., posted home price drops of at least 10% compared to a year earlier. On the other hand, prices increased by at least 10% compared to the previous year in places like Milwaukee; Dayton, Ohio; and Oklahoma City.

‘Price Declines Could Be Short-Lived’

While 70% of the metros NAR tracks are still experiencing an uptick in home prices, the national median price for a single-family existing home decreased slightly, by 0.2% to $371,200 in the first quarter. That reflects a slowdown in home prices in more places: In the previous quarter, the national median price rose 4%.

In the first quarter, about 31% of metros saw home prices decline, according to NAR’s report.

“Home prices are lower in cities that previously experienced rapid price gains,” Yun notes. He flags cities like Boise, Idaho, and Austin, Texas, where home prices surged as high as 67% through 2022 but are now coming down. In the first quarter, year-over-year prices fell 13.5% in Austin, 10.3% in Boise and 7.3% in Phoenix, NAR’s report shows.

For home buyers, this represents an opportunity. “The latest price reductions in these areas have improved housing affordability and led to some buyers returning, given the sustained, rapid job creation in their respective markets,” Yun says.

But sellers shouldn’t panic: “Due to the intense housing inventory shortage, multiple offers are returning, especially on affordable homes,” Yun says. “Price declines could be short-lived.”

Lean housing inventory is helping home prices remain strong as fewer homeowners decide to sell. In the first quarter, inventory averaged 1.63 million listings—marking a 40% decrease compared to pre-pandemic levels from the first quarter of 2019, NAR notes.

Source: https://www.nar.realtor/magazine/real-estate-news/most-cities-still-seeing-home-price-gains-but-its-slowing

Uncategorized • May 15, 2023

How to Write a Strong Offer in 2023

by Danielle Moore

If you’re in the market for a home, you’ve probably noticed that it seems like there are a lot of houses being sold for cash! Where did all of the cash come from?! Well… unfortunately, I don’t have the answer to that, but what I do have the answer to is how to make your offer competitive in this market. Cash isn’t always the best offer, and I’ll tell you why.

If you don’t have a few hundred thousand dollars laying around, how can you beat out someone who does? Assuming that the cash offer doesn’t do all of the things I’m about to tell you, it could be just enough of an edge to get you the house!

Price – The seller likely wants to get as much for their house as possible, so bidding higher will benefit you
Paying Seller Costs – You can offer to pay the seller’s transfer tax or even your agents commission
Timeline – If the seller needs to find a home or they need a quick closing, being flexible on your timeframe is a plus
Inspections – Waiving all inspections is a positive to the seller (HOWEVER, make sure you’re comfortable doing so)
Deposit – Giving a higher or even non-refundable deposit with your offer
Appraisal – Be willing to pay a gap in an appraisal
Other terms – Find out if the seller wants/needs anything specific and try to accommodate that request

These are all things that you can do to make your offer as strong as possible!

Uncategorized • May 8, 2023

Market Update for April 2023

by Danielle Moore

Every month numbers change. Are we looking at more houses sold or less houses sold. Is the average price up or down? How many days on the market are houses sitting? All of these questions can be answered by the monthly stats.

Keep in mind that this is all relative though. This is an average of everything in the county. That means the new construction home vs the city home vs the old farmhouse. If you want to know what’s happening the your specific price range, I’m happy to dive into more details with you on that.

interest rate • mortgage • May 1, 2023

Mortgage Interest Rates

by Danielle Moore

Some say that mortgage rates will continue to go up, and others are hopeful that rates will go down. Unfortunately, we don’t have an answer on what will happen. This is making some home buyers uneasy about buying a home, specifically first time home buyers. They’ve heard about rates around 3%, so when you double that, it sounds like A LOT!

Some food for thought though… if home prices continue to go up, and interest rates continue to go up, you’re not in any better of a place to purchase. If home prices continue to go up, but interest rates come down, fantastic, then you can refinance to that lower rate, but you still bought the house for a cheaper price.

It may sound like I’m saying that the best time to buy a house is now, and you’re right. That is what I’m saying. If you’re waiting, you will very likely be losing more money while you wait than anything.

Uncategorized • April 27, 2023

Cumberland County Growth

by Danielle Moore

Cumberland County, PA is a rapidly growing county located in the south-central region of the state. The county, which covers an area of 550 square miles, has a population of over 250,000 residents. The county is where many people have found home in resent years.

The growth of Cumberland County can be attributed to several factors. The county has a strong economy driven by industries such as healthcare, education, manufacturing, and retail. That coupled with several major employers, including the U.S. Army War College, Dickinson College, Carlisle Regional Medical Center, and the Giant Food Stores distribution center, Cumberland County has become the go to place for many residents.

Not only is Cumberland County a great place for residents, but it’s also a great place for businesses, because the county has a high concentration of residents with bachelor’s and advanced degrees, which makes it an attractive location for businesses that require a skilled workforce.

Work life balance is oftentimes what many people search for, and they’ve found it in Cumberland County. The county has a variety of recreational opportunities, including several state parks, hiking trails, and historic sites. The county also has excellent schools and healthcare facilities.

The growth of Cumberland County has not gone unnoticed. In 2021, the county was ranked as the 7th fastest-growing county in Pennsylvania by the U.S. Census Bureau. The county’s population has grown by over 10% since 2010.

The county has implemented several initiatives to help with any issues that may have come up due to the influx of people. The county has invested in improving its transportation infrastructure, including expanding highways and improving public transportation. The county has also implemented affordable housing programs to help residents find affordable housing.

Overall, Cumberland County’s growth is a sign of its strong economy, highly educated workforce, and high quality of life. While the county faces some challenges, it has taken steps to address them and ensure that it continues to be an attractive location for businesses and residents alike.

Uncategorized • April 17, 2023

What You Need to Know About Property Taxes

by Danielle Moore

Property taxes play a significant role in the finances of homeowners in Pennsylvania. They are a major source of revenue for local governments such as counties, municipalities, and school districts. Property taxes are assessed on the value of a property and are used to fund public services such as schools, police departments, fire departments, and infrastructure.

In Pennsylvania, property taxes are assessed at the county level. Each county has its own assessment office that determines the value of each property within the county. The assessed value is then multiplied by the millage rate, which is set by each local government. The millage rate is the amount of tax a homeowner pays per $1,000 of assessed property value. For example, if a home is assessed at $100,000 and the millage rate is 10, the homeowner would pay $1,000 in property taxes.

One important thing to note is that property taxes in Pennsylvania are based on the assessed value of the property, not the market value. The assessed value is typically lower than the market value, which means that homeowners may end up paying less in property taxes than they would if taxes were based on market value.

Another important factor to consider is that property taxes in Pennsylvania are not uniform across the state. Millage rates vary depending on the local government, which means that homeowners in different areas may pay different amounts in property taxes. For example, homeowners in Philadelphia may pay a higher millage rate than homeowners in a rural area.

In addition to the county-level property taxes, homeowners in Pennsylvania may also be subject to school district taxes. School districts have their own millage rates, which are added to the county-level millage rate to determine the total property tax bill. School district taxes can be a significant portion of the total property tax bill, especially in areas with high property values.

There are some programs in Pennsylvania that can help homeowners reduce their property tax burden. For example, the state has a homestead exemption program that allows homeowners to reduce the assessed value of their primary residence by up to $18,000. This can result in significant savings on property taxes. In addition, some local governments offer tax relief programs for low-income homeowners or seniors.

In conclusion, property taxes are an important part of the finances of homeowners in Pennsylvania. They are a major source of revenue for local governments and fund essential public services. Homeowners should be aware of how property taxes are assessed and the factors that can affect their tax bill. There are also programs available that can help homeowners reduce their property tax burden.

Uncategorized • April 13, 2023

Buying A Home

by Danielle Moore

Buying a home is an exciting and daunting experience. It is one of the biggest decisions you will make in your life and it is important to be well informed before taking the plunge. Here are some tips to help make the process of buying a home easier and more successful.

1. Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage: Before you even start looking at homes, it is important to get pre-approved for a mortgage. This will give you an idea of how much you can afford and will help you narrow down your search. It will also give you an edge when competing for a home as sellers are more likely to accept offers from buyers who have already been pre-approved.

2. Do Your Research: Research the neighborhoods and areas you are interested in. Check out crime rates, school ratings, and other important factors that will affect your decision. Also research the market to get an idea of what prices are like in the area.

3. Know What You Want: Make a list of your must-haves and nice-to-haves when it comes to your home. This will help you narrow down your search and make it easier to find the right home for you.

4. Get Professional Help: Working with a real estate agent can help make the process of buying a home much easier. That’s what I’m here for!

5. Inspect the Home: Before you make an offer, it is important to have the home inspected. This will help ensure that there are no hidden problems that could cost you money down the line.

6. Get Insurance: Once you have found the home you want to buy, it is important to get insurance. This will protect you from any damages or losses that may occur.

Buying a home is a big decision and it is important to be well informed and prepared before taking the plunge. Following these tips will help make the process easier and more successful. Good luck!

Uncategorized • April 3, 2023

Investing In Real Estate

by Danielle Moore

Investing in real estate can be a great way to build wealth and generate passive income. With the right strategy and knowledge, real estate can be a great way to grow your financial portfolio.

Real estate investments can come in many forms, from residential and commercial properties to land and raw materials. Each type of real estate has its own unique benefits and risks, so it’s important to understand which type of investment is best for you.

When investing in real estate, it’s important to do your due diligence. Research the local market, look for trends and opportunities, and understand the legal and financial aspects of the purchase. It’s also important to find an experienced real estate agent to work with. A good agent will help you find the right property and negotiate the best deal.

Once you’ve found the right property, you’ll need to decide how to finance the purchase. You can use cash, a loan, or a combination of both. If you’re using a loan, make sure you understand the terms and conditions and shop around for the best rate.

Once you’ve purchased the property, you’ll need to decide how to manage it. You can hire a property manager, or you can manage the property yourself. If you’re managing it yourself, you’ll need to be aware of the local laws and regulations regarding rental properties.

Finally, you’ll need to decide how to generate income from the property. You can rent it out, or you can develop it and sell it for a profit.

Investing in real estate can be a great way to build wealth and generate passive income. With the right strategy and knowledge, real estate can be a great way to grow your financial portfolio. Do your research, get the right advice, and make sure you understand the legal and financial aspects of the purchase. With the right approach, real estate can be a great way to build wealth and generate passive income.

Uncategorized • March 27, 2023

First Impressions Matter – Let’s Prepare Your Home to Sell

by Danielle Moore

If you’re looking to sell your home, there are a few steps you can take to make sure it’s in top condition and ready to attract buyers. Here’s a guide to preparing your home to sell.

1. Start with a deep clean.

A deep clean is the first step to getting your home ready for sale. This means more than just a regular tidy up. Take the time to really clean your home from top to bottom, paying special attention to those hard-to-reach areas like the tops of cabinets and windowsills.

2. Make any necessary repairs.

No one wants to buy a home that needs repairs. Take the time to make any necessary repairs, from fixing a leaky faucet to replacing a broken windowpane. Any small repairs you make now will save buyers from having to tackle them later.

3. Declutter and depersonalize.

When potential buyers come to view your home, they’ll want to be able to imagine themselves living there. To make this easier, it’s important to declutter and depersonalize. Put away any personal items like family photos, and clear away any excess furniture and knick-knacks that may be cluttering up the space.

4. Give the exterior a makeover.

The outside of your home is the first thing buyers will see, so it’s important to make a good impression. Give the exterior a makeover by pressure-washing the siding, trimming back any overgrown shrubs, and adding a fresh coat of paint to the front door.

5. Stage the interior.

Staging the interior of your home can make a huge difference in how buyers perceive it. Start by rearranging furniture to create a more open and inviting space. Then, add some neutral but stylish decor to make the space look more inviting.

These tips can help you prepare your home for sale and make it more attractive to potential buyers. Taking the time to make any necessary repairs and spruce up your home’s interior and exterior will be worth it in the end.

Mechanicsburg, PA – A Charming Blend of History & Modernity

Updates From The National Association of Realtors

‘Price Declines Could Be Short-Lived’

How to Write a Strong Offer in 2023

Market Update for April 2023

Mortgage Interest Rates

Cumberland County Growth

What You Need to Know About Property Taxes

Buying A Home

Investing In Real Estate

First Impressions Matter – Let’s Prepare Your Home to Sell

Home

Properties

About Me

Blog

Neighborhood News