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.

Uncategorized • March 20, 2023

Pastels? Let’s Talk 2023 Color Trends

by Danielle Moore

As the world of fashion and design continues to evolve, so do the trends in color. While some colors are timeless, others come and go with the changing seasons and years. As we look ahead to 2023, we can expect to see certain color trends emerging.

One of the biggest color trends we can expect to see in 2023 is the use of pastels. Pastels are soft, muted colors that often evoke a sense of nostalgia. From pale pinks to mint greens, pastels will be a popular choice for clothing, accessories, and home décor.

We can also expect to see bold, vibrant colors making a comeback in 2023. Think bright oranges, yellows, and blues. These colors will be used to create a statement, and will be a great way to add some energy to any space.

Another big color trend in 2023 will be the use of earthy tones. Think deep greens, browns, and blues. These colors will be perfect for creating a cozy, natural atmosphere. They will also be a great way to bring the outdoors inside.

Finally, we can expect to see a lot of muted jewel tones in 2023. These colors are often muted versions of traditional gemstones, such as sapphire, emerald, and amethyst. They will be perfect for creating a sophisticated and elegant atmosphere.

No matter what color trends you choose to incorporate into your wardrobe or home décor in 2023, there will be something for everyone. From pastels to bold colors, earthy tones to muted jewel tones, there is something for everyone. So get creative and have fun with color!

Uncategorized • March 13, 2023

Steps To Getting A Mortgage

by Danielle Moore

Are you looking to get a mortgage for a new home? It can be a daunting process, but it doesn’t have to be. Here are some tips on how to get a mortgage.

1. Get Your Credit in Order: Before you even begin the process, you should make sure your credit is in good standing. This means paying off any outstanding debts, and making sure your credit report is accurate. The better your credit, the better your chances of getting a good mortgage rate.

2. Get Pre-Approved: Once your credit is in order, you should get pre-approved for a mortgage. This will give you an idea of how much you can afford, and what type of loan you qualify for. It will also help you narrow down your search for a home.

3. Shop Around: Don’t just settle for the first mortgage you come across. Shop around and compare rates from different lenders. Don’t forget to look at online lenders as well as traditional banks.

4. Get the Right Documentation: When applying for a mortgage, you’ll need to provide certain documents, such as pay stubs, tax returns, and bank statements. Make sure you have all the necessary documents before you apply.

5. Negotiate: Don’t be afraid to negotiate with the lender. You may be able to get a better rate or lower closing costs.

By following these tips, you should be able to get a mortgage that fits your budget and needs. Just remember to do your research, shop around, and negotiate. Good luck!

Uncategorized • March 9, 2023

Home Staging When Selling Your Home

by Danielle Moore

Home staging is a crucial step in the process of selling a home. It is the process of preparing a home for sale by making it look more attractive to potential buyers. Home staging involves rearranging furniture, removing personal items, and making minor repairs and improvements to increase the appeal of the home.

The goal of home staging is to make a home look more inviting and attractive to potential buyers. By making a home look more welcoming and appealing, it can help to increase the sale price or the amount of time it takes to sell the home. Home staging can also help to reduce the amount of time a home is on the market.

When staging a home, it is important to focus on making the home look clean and well-maintained. This includes removing any clutter, dusting, vacuuming, and cleaning the windows. It is also important to make minor repairs and improvements such as painting, replacing fixtures, and updating appliances.

Furniture arrangement is also an important part of home staging. It is important to create a sense of spaciousness by rearranging furniture and removing unnecessary items. It is also important to create a balance between the living area and the dining area.

Staging a home can also include adding decor and accessories. This can include adding artwork, plants, and rugs to give the home a more inviting feel. It is also important to add items that appeal to potential buyers such as a new bedspread or a new kitchen appliance.

Home staging is a great way to make a home look more attractive and appealing to potential buyers. By making minor repairs and improvements, arranging furniture, and adding decor and accessories, it can help to increase the sale price and reduce the amount of time a home is on the market.

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