Lancaster PA Real Estate Blog

This press release was just announced by Long & Foster, and i am proud to be a part of the Lancaster County, PA, Long & Foster office located at 108 Foxshire Drive in Manheim Township, Lancaster County.

The Long & Foster®Companies Ranked 
as No. 1 Privately-Owned Residential Real Estate Company in America
 
 
 Chantilly, Va. May 19, 2009 –The Long & Foster® Companies announced today that it was ranked as
the No. 1 privately-owned residential real estate brokerage firm in the United States in the REAL Trends 500
Survey of the 500 mega-brokers in the U.S for residential sales transactions in 2008.   Long & Foster was also
named by REAL Trends in their REAL Trends 25 research report which lists the 25 largest housing services
firms in the United States selected from a survey of over 800 leading residential brokerage firms reporting at
least one settlement service in addition to brokerage — Long & Foster had 48,890.
 
 Long & Foster retained its top spot as the largest privately-owned real estate company in the United
States on The REAL Trends 500, the survey of the largest residential real estate brokerage firms for closed
transaction sides.  REAL Trends is a leading publisher of trends and analysis on the residential brokerage
industry.  In 2008, Long & Foster recorded $48.9 billion in closed sales volume and 72,302 closed transaction
sides.*
 
Of all types of real estate companies nationwide — conglomerates, franchisers, and privately-owned — Long &
Foster ranked third nationwide.
 
*Transaction Sides:  Every real estate transaction involves both a “buy” side and a “sell” side.  Brokerage
companies like Long & Foster may receive commissions from their representation of either one-or both-sides of a
transaction.
 
About The Long & Foster Companies
Long & Foster® Real Estate, Inc. is the largest privately held residential real estate company in the United States.  The
company is part of The Long & Foster® Companies, which also includes Prosperity Mortgage® Company; Long & Foster
Insurance Agency, Inc.; and Long & Foster Settlement Services.  Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc. represents more than
13,000 agents in seven Mid-Atlantic states, plus the District of Columbia. The company sold more than $26.4 billion
worth of homes and helped people buy and sell homes 76,714 times in 2008.  The Long & Foster Companies 2008
combined sales for the year were in excess of $48.9 billion.

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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 ⓒ 2009 Jeannie Kontis    Homes in Lancaster PA - Real Estate in Lancaster County

First Time Homebuyers purchasing in Lancaster City can now look in to qualifying for up to $5,000 down payment assistance through the LHOP program.  These funds were initially set up for purchases outside of the city, but a portion of the funds are now available for home purchases in Lancaster City.  This is a great boost for many first time buyers!  Contact LHOP for information - as there may be income and other requirements necessary to qualify.

From the Lancaster Newspaper:

"Buying a first city home just got a little easier for low- to moderate-income residents.

First-time homebuyers in the city will now have access to a pool of $350,000 in assistance for down payment and closing costs through the Lancaster Housing Opportunity Partnership.

Previously the aid, which comes in the form of a $5,000 interest-free loan for those who complete an LHOP housing class, was available only to Lancaster County residents who purchase county homes outside the city.

But a new arrangement between the county and city makes it possible for the entities to share the federal housing funds that bankroll the LHOP loans."

You can read the rest of the article and information on this First Time Buyer's Assistance Program here. 

You can reach me directly at 717-330-5137.

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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 ⓒ 2009 Jeannie Kontis    Homes in Lancaster PA - Real Estate in Lancaster County

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I was fortunate enough to take a drive through Pequea Township yesterday in Lancaster County PA.

Pequea Township is located in the Penn Manor School District, and is located south of Lancaster City.

I forget how much I love this rural area of beautiful Lancaster County.  Travelling south on Route 272 (Willow Street Pike) , I turned west onto Truce Road.  I know there were quicker ways to get to the address I was visiting, but to me this was the more direct route.  By the way, watch out for the road construction on 272.  What is normally a pleasant drive turned out to be a bit of a knuckle-clencher, as the lanes are narrowed down thus forcing you to drive half on the road and half on the shoulder!  Still, once I turned off of 272 onto Truce Road I was able to relax and enjoy the "show".   

The "show" consisted of the road opening up to the beautiful farmland fields before me.  The rolling countryside held views of the spring lambs frolicking in a field -- I had to slow down to enjoy those a bit.  The dairy cows were basking in the sun and I witnessed a number of people out farming their land or working on their gardens.  It was really a beautiful day for a drive in the Lancaster Countryside, and I forget just how rich our beautiful Lancaster County is with views such as this.  I can literally feel the tension fade from my shoulders as I enjoyed the scenery of this lush countryside.     

After my visit with the owners of this adorable little Lancaster County farmhouse, I decided to take another route home to avoid the construction heading back towards Lancaster City.  The scenery changes while traveling north on Marticville Road, trading farmland pastures for thick wooded areas and hairpin turns, then opening to a clearing of farmland views again.  It's difficult trying to keep my eyes on the road, fearing I'd miss another beautiful vista before me!  Having been raised in New York City, and now living in suburban Manheim Township, I've always wondered what it would be like to live in such open, fresh-air country.  I would love to wake up, pour a mug of coffee, and sit on a wide front porch with views of the Susquehanna River off to the distance, my view interrupted only by the green hills spotted by the occasional farm animals as they grazed.

Until 1853, Pequea Township was part of Conestoga Township, and is located between the Pequea Creek and Conestoga Creek.  It is bordered by West Lampeter Township on the northeast, Providence Township to the southeast, Martic Township to the south, and Conestoga Township to the southwestern.  The northern and northwestern areas are bordered by Lancaster.  

Pequea Township farmland holds one of Lancaster County's most prized glories -- rich, fertile soil -- and is among the best in Lancaster County for agricultural use.    Some interesting demographic information of the area can be found HERE.   Over 300 homes in the township have been built prior to 1935.  I'm sure several of those are pushing 100 years old by now, as is the Lancaster historic farmhouse I was visiting yesterday.   

GOOGLE MAP of Pequea Township.

If you are interested in buying or selling a home in the Lancaster County PA area, or Penn Manor School District, please feel free to contact me directly for information.  There are many charming, historic homes for sale in Lancaster PA, as well as beautiful new homes for sale.  These Lancaster countryside views are priceless, and are included with your purchase!

For Lancaster Real Estate Information, visit Homes for Sale in Lancaster PA -- Lancaster County Real Estate


 

You can reach me directly at 717-330-5137.

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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 ⓒ 2009 Jeannie Kontis    Homes in Lancaster PA - Real Estate in Lancaster County

While I was making dinner tonight, my mind started wandering (not unusual!)  Actually, it started wandering before I started making dinner and while I was looking through the pantry and the freezer trying to decide what to make.  I don't grocery shop much anymore since it's just the two of us at home.  I've never liked grocery shopping, but I took pleasure in buying stuff and cooking favorite foods for my family to enjoy.

Shhh... If I play my cards right, i can pretend I can't find anything to cook and my husband will take over and make dinner instead!

So anyway, I'm putzing around in my kitchen and my mind starts to wander to some of the first meals that I used to make when I was first married.  Oh my, they were quite a trip!  Chicken Fingers were one of the few things I knew how to make, and so we ate them quite often. I think I might have even come close to poisoning ourselves once or twice, as I never realized that I should not "save and re-use" the leftover flour that I would dredge the raw chicken in...

So back to my story... about my mind wandering (sort of like this post)... I started to for some reason think of "gourmet" kitchens.  And I wondered to myself:

      "Self, just how many listings are on the MLS right now with the words "gourmet kitchen" in the descriptive remarks?" 

So, while my Greek keftedes (meatballs) were cooking for dinner, I did a quick MLS search for "gourmet".

Now, "gourmet" can really be different in the eye of the beholder, can't it?  I've had a number of homebuyers in the past who have indicated that a "great" kitchen is a "must have", but what someone considers a great kitchen, can be completely different from what others consider a "great kitchen". 

What ever it means to you, below are homes for sale in Lancaster County that have "gourmet kitchens" according to the listing agent.  Some are really pretty terrific looking, and the homes include are in various price ranges. The lowest priced one in the list is a Lancaster City home for $119,900 that has a surprisingly large kitchen, although I'm not sure I would call it a "gourmet" kitchen.  Still, it was nice enough to include.

There were a number of homes that I did not include because their kitchens didn't look all that great, let alone "gourmet".

Click here to view Lancaster County homes for sale with Great Kitchens . 

For more information on Lancaster PA Real Estate, or questions
about buying or selling Real Estate 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 Lancaster Real Estate, Inc, and serves buyers and sellers of real estate throughout Lancaster County.
All content Copyright ⓒ 2009 Jeannie Kontis    Homes in Lancaster PA - Real Estate in Lancaster County

I had an enjoyable afternoon today showing homes (until I went to Panera's for lunch - that's another story) to a couple who are first time homebuyers.  They've been sitting on the fence for a while - probably at least a year - but I think the new tax credit might have sparked their interest.  They are finally out looking at homes and not just talking about it! 

We saw a great Lancaster City home for sale, which had some fantastic features.  Tall ceiling, gorgeious hardwood everywhere, an updated kitchen, pocket doors - you all know the type - a typical turn of the century Victorian in Lancaster City.  It was really beautiful, and probably on the top of their list for now.  It lacked a few things that they'd really like to have, and so I told them to take their time and think it over.  There are things that you can change in some homes, and some things that you can't change.  This home could not accomodate off-street parking, which would be important to them.

As a contrast, we took a look at a detached home for sale in Grandview Heights in Manheim Township.  It was really in great shape and had a lot going for it ~ they just weren't "feeling" it like they did the old victorian.  Clearly, there are huge differences in design, although this unique home was priced right and had a lot to offer for a tree-lined street along one of Manheim Township's favorite neighborhoods.

All in all, it was a great day ~ until lunch time at Panera's.  Usually one of my favorite places to grab a "U Pick 2" for lunch, the poor girl at the order taking station must have been new at the job.  She messed up the order of the people ahead of me.  Messed up my husband's order - and messed up mine the worst!  I take pity when it's a young person who is clearly new at their job, so I didn't make a stink about it.  It was tasty, just not quite what I had ordered - a Smokehouse Turkey panini and a salad.  Instead, I got a cold turkey sandwich.  At least she got the salad right!  The lady on line before me was making a big fuss - it just isn't worth the effort and I wouldn't let it ruin my day.

I came home to take a nice long afternoon nap on the couch with one of my favorite puppies. 

A great way to wrap up a Sunday!

For more information on Lancaster PA Real Estate, or questions
about buying or selling Real Estate 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 Lancaster Real Estate, Inc, and serves buyers and sellers of real estate throughout Lancaster County.
All content Copyright ⓒ 2009 Jeannie Kontis    Homes in Lancaster PA - Real Estate in Lancaster County

It's almost Valentine's Day!  Is your heart big enough for two?

Having two doggies that are so used to each other, and don't do well when they are separated, I know what the situation below is like.  My two will cry and bark and search for each other if they are separated. 

The Humane League of Lancaster County recently received not one, but TWO sets of co-dependant dogs.  Each of these surrenders was because their family could no longer afford to take care of them ~ another pitfall of today's economic stress.

If you are looking for a dog ~ please consider taking in one of these pairs.  They must be adopted together, as they have lived together all of their lives.  They are older dogs, ideal for someone who does not have the patience or time to housebreak or entertain a young puppy.  They will be ideal companions. 

What's the bonus besides unconditional love from a furry friend?  The Humane League is waiving their adoption fee for these pairs of dogs.  What a sweetheart of a deal!

Courtesy of Maureen McCabe in Columbus Ohio, the information below leads to a great site where you can see what Stimulus projects are proposed for Pennsylvania, including the Lancaster area. 

To view the PA information directly, go to:  http://www.stimuluswatch.org/project/by_state/PA&per_page=

I was pretty impressed with some of the Harrisburg projects, but disappointed in what Lancaster has on the table.  View the site yourselves, and vote on what you feel is important (or not).

By the end of the year, folks driving to the Lancaster Airport might be saying:

"Look, it's a bird!   It's a plane!   No... its the new Garber Scale and Calibration building!" 

Manheim Township commissioners this week approved plans for the new $3.5 million multi-use facility that Garber Scale plans on building on Airport Road. 

Why is this a big deal? 

It shows that forward-thinking businesses are still pushing ahead in this economy.  It also is a great example of how new construction, even in commercial and industrial zones such as this, can be environmentally friendly while taking advantage of the best use of land.

Garber Scale's new facility will include environmentally-friendly features such as:

• geothermal heating,
  
• waterless urinals (not really sure how that works!)
  
• a white roof and
  
• office space filled with natural light,
  
• as well as additional other green features.

A portion of the building will include self-storage facilities for rent, as well as additional office space for lease. 

Employees will enjoy the roof-top views from the verandas, a perfect spot to watch the take-offs and landings from the nearby airport, or can use the employee exercise room and lounge. 

While other firms are looking at layoffs and are closing facilities, it's exciting to see a local company include environmentally friendly features as they grown their business outlook. 

I am not a morning person, and most people who know me well enough know that about me.  I admit that morning settlements are not my favorite ones because I can never seem to have enough coffee in me yet to feel like I am starting my day off on the right foot (and it takes *a lot* of coffee for me to get started!).

But, this morning's settlement went smoothly even though I was only running on one cup of coffee - (I made up for it later with a grande Misto from the Starbucks across the street!).  There were a few last minute heart attacks the evening before as the lender needed one more document that it turns out they had since December.  Emergency handled, we were all set for the early morning settlement.

What makes it even more special is the fact that this was the settlement for young couple who are first-time buyers.  I've known the young man since he was in elementary school when my son and his little sister became friends in kindergarten.  Years later, our paths crossed again and I had the opportunity to meet his then girlfriend (now fiancee) as they finished up their college degrees and pursued their goals. 

Settlements are always satisfying - especially when they go well!  Having settlements with first-time buyers tops even the best settlements.  But, having a settlement with a first time buyer who I've practically watched grow up is especially satisfying. 

Perhaps due to the lack of caffeine in my system, I had time to be settled and reflect on something.  Today only proved to me something that I already knew -- how great our community is here in Lancaster.  This is a young man who grew up in Lancaster, chose to go to college in Lancaster, and is giving back by working and teaching in the local community.  That alone speaks volumes for the allure of Lancaster County, no matter if you are a first-time buyer, a move-up buyer or someone ready to downsize and retire in Lancaster.

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For more information on Lancaster PA Real Estate, or questions
about buying or selling Real Estate 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 Lancaster Real Estate, Inc, and serves buyers and sellers of real estate throughout Lancaster County.
All content Copyright ⓒ 2009 Jeannie Kontis    Homes in Lancaster PA - Real Estate in Lancaster County

Commercial Office/Retail Space for Lease - Busy Intersection, High Visibility, Signage

546 S Ninth Street (on Rte 72) -- LEBANON COUNTY
Square Footage: approx. 600 SF each -- 2 spaces available

$575 each, or both for $1,000 monthly

Available:  Immediately

Commercial Office/Retail space for lease in a highly visible location. Corner of Rte 72 at a 5-way intersection, across from Quality Inn at the gateway to Lebanon City.

2 Spaces each almost 600 SF, security system, shared vestibule. Take one or take both. Each space is $575; or use both for your growing business for a discounted rate of $1,000 per month.

Building is a mix of residential and office/commercial. Other businesses include a Bank and a Real Estate Office.   Ideal location for a title company, insurance, medical, etc.

On-site parking; no CAM fee; rent includes water/sewer/trash/snow/mow

Contact:

Jeannie Kontis, Long & Foster RE

717-330-5137

For more information on Lancaster PA Real Estate, or questions
about buying or selling Real Estate 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 Lancaster Real Estate, Inc, and serves buyers and sellers of real estate throughout Lancaster County.
All content Copyright ⓒ 2009 Jeannie Kontis    Homes in Lancaster PA - Real Estate in Lancaster County

 

I was curious to see what I had posted a year ago, and I found this ~ one of my favorite posts!  I decided to re-blog it, because I had learned so much the first time about C. Emlen Urban, the noted Lancaster architect.

Originally posted January 1, 2007:

C. Emlen Urban was a well-known and well-respected Lancaster native architect from the late 1800s to the early 1900s.  Not only did Urban work in the Lancaster area, but he was also commissioned to work in the surrounding areas.  No mention of Lancaster architecture would be complete without reviewing the importance of what C. Emlen Urban has achieved with regard to shaping the look of Lancaster City.   

His designs were not only varied, but touched on every aspect of Lancaster city life, from commercial buildings and banks, to schools and churches, industrial and hospitals, as well as apartment houses and private residences.  His work bridged the gap between the Victorian Era and Modern Design. 

At the time, his work would have been considered "cosmopolitan".  Today, his work is considered "timeless".   

Born in Conestoga Township in 1863, Urban's earliest design was of the Queen-Anne style Lancaster City Southern Market at the age of 25.  He died in 1939, leaving behind a rich history in his 50+ year career. 

Urban was also commissioned in 1903 to redesign the interior of the Fulton Theatre into a neo-classical style.  This was one of many transformation the Fulton has undergone during it's more than 150 year history.     

Southern Market,  courtesy City of Lancaster

 

One of the other local areas where C. Emlen Urban's works are found is Hershey, PA; where Urban was hired by Milton Hershey to build his personal home, High Point.  He was also responsible for other Milton Hershey construction, including the new Hershey factory, offices and other community buildings.  Milton Hershey hired Urban to build the Hershey Theater.  Still very popular today, the Hershey Theater was built between 1929 and 1933 with opulent materials such as lava rock and several types of marble, in addition to detailed mosaic work -- very common for C. Emlen Urban. 
photo courtesy of Hershey Entertainment

C. Emlen Urban was also commissioned by Franklin & Marshall College to build what is now known as Stager Hall, formerly the Science Building, Administration Building and Stahr Hall.  Construction on this stately Colonial building began in 1900, and it was dedicated in 1902.  Features include cornice and dentil detail, a vertical string course supported by limestone, and two large Palladian windows with keystone accents and recessed arches, a Doric post and lintel with pilasters.   

  
photo courtesy of Franklin & Marshall College        

As a bit of an ironic twist, I found out that the new building-salvage store, BUiLDiNG CHARACTER  located at 342 N. Queen Street in Lancaster City, is operating out of a C. Emlen Urban building.  How ironic that a haven for Lancaster City architectural gems such as beautiful glass doorknobs, entry doors and full entry facades, vintage windows and hardware, door knockers and intricate heating grates, can all be salvaged from the wrecking ball and re-used for generations to come.  A true haven for history and architecture lovers, alike.  I haven't personally been to this establishment yet, but am hoping to visit them soon!

According to the City of Lancaster , below is a list of the buildings C.Emlen Urban designed in Lancaster during his 50 year career:  

Commercial and Office Buildings

• Southern Market, 106 South Queen Street (1888)
• Watt & Shand, 2 East King Street (1898)
• Bausman Building (Place Marie), 12-16 West Orange Street (1906)
• Fulton Market, 607 North Plum Street (1907)
• Fulton Hotel, 637 North Plum Street (1907)
• Beyer Store, 35-37 North Queen Street (1910)
• Reilly Brothers & Raub Building, 44-46 North Queen Street (1910-11)
• Hager Building, 25 West King Street (1910-11)
• Lancaster Trust Company Building, 37-41 North Market Street (1911)
• Kirk Johnson Building, 16-18 West King Street (1911-12)
• DeMuth's Tobacco Shop, 144-116 East King Street (1917 remodeling of 1771 storefront)
• Harold's, 4-6 West King Street (1921)
• Griest Building, 8 North Queen Street (1924-25)

Residential Buildings

• David Rose Mansion, 535 West Chestnut Street (1891)
• Rowhouses, 122-144 College Avenue (1892-93)
• 238 and 240 North Duke Street (1890-96)
• William Wohlsen Mansion, 537 West Chestnut Street (1893-84)
• John B. Oblinger Mansion, 342 North Duke Street (1894) and the
• Oblinger Carriage House, 339 North Christian Street (1894)
• Menno M. Fry House, 624 West Chestnut Street (1894-96)
• Apartment House, 212-212& ½ East King Street (remodeled 1896)
• 623-625 West Chestnut Street (1898)
• Elmer E. Stiegerwalt House, 632 West Chestnut Street (1894-96)
• Davidson Building, 11-17 West Chestnut Street (1898)
• Gunzenhauser Residence, 250 West Orange Street (1909)
• Apartment House, 129 East Lemon Street (1914-15)
• A.B. Rote House, 936 Buchanan Avenue (1926)

Churches

• St. James House (parish house), 119 North Duke Street (1903)
• Grace Lutheran Church, North Queen at East James Street (1906 remodeling)
• Unitarian Universalist Church of Lancaster, 538 West Chestnut Street (1908)
• St. Paul's United Methodist Church, 14 East Farnum Street (1914)

Industrial Buildings

• S.R. Moss Cigar Factory, 401 North Prince at West Lemon Streets (1896)
• Keppel's Wholesale Confectionery, 323-325 North Queen Street (1913)

Schools

• Strawberry Street School (Reigart School), East Strawberry Street (1895)
• Buehrle School, 426 East Clay Street (1895)
• Wharton School, North Mary at New Streets (1899)
• Stevens High School, North Charlotte at West Chestnut Streets (1904)
• Fulton School, 225 West Orange Street (1916-18)
• Reynolds Junior High School, West Walnut at Nevin Streets (1927-29)

Civic Buildings

• Lancaster Municipal Building (former Post Office), 120 North Duke Street (1891-92)
• Lancaster County Courthouse, East King at North Duke Streets (low front wings added 1923-26)

 

Lancaster history, Lancaster Historical Properties, and Lancaster's special architect, C. Emlen Urban, can also be researched at the Lancaster Historical Society .     

Real Estate and Historic Properties in Lancaster can be found at 
Homes in Lancaster - Real Estate in Lancaster County. 

It's been a tough November for home sales, as evidenced by the recent statistics from the Lancaster County Association of Realtors (LCAR).

According to LCAR, 281 homes sold in November 2008, compared to 433 homes sold in November 2007. 

Ouch!  That is a 35.1% decrease!  

The five-year average of 441 isn't even close for this year's sales. 
For the first 11 months of the year, there has been a 23% decrease in sales, or 4,144 sales this year compared to 5,384 sales last year.

The average sales price for November has decreased by 12.2% to $169,423 from $192,900.  That is clearly evidenced to me by the agreements of sale that I have currently in place. This is great news for buyers!  Not so great for sellers, unless you can take solace in the fact that there are indeed buyers out there looking for homes -- but not OVERPRICED homes. 

The good news is that historically we have seen an increase in values, as the average price in November of 1998 was $116,930 -- an increase of 44.9% compared to today's prices.  What does this mean?  If you have equity in your home and you need to sell, you are in a prime position to put your home on the market and still reach a fair amount of interest, as long as you are priced accordingly to today's market trends.

November 2008 Lancaster Real Estate Sales Data Courtesy of LCAR: