Buying your first home is one of the most exciting experiences in life. Now is a great time to be a first time buyer in Lancaster, PA! Interest rates are low (under 6 % last week) which means borrowing money is more affordable. There is a great selection for sale so you have a great chance of finding one that will fit your needs and your budget. You don't have to wait for your current home to sell so you have great bargaining power and can move quickly.  The federal government is offering a tax credit of 10% of the purchase price of the home (up to $7,500) until July 1, 2009.  (This is a 15 year interest free loan paid back at $500 a year out of your tax return.) Buying your first home can also seem overwhelming at times. As a realtor I can help you through the process. Some people may ... 12/08/2008

There are lots of great places to eat in Lancaster, PA. Located at 101 East King St in Lancaster city is the Red Rose.  It recently underwent a complete remodel and is now a very pretty place to sit and eat.  They offer breakfast (starting at 8 options include omeletes, french toast, etc) and lunch Monday – Saturday. Dinner is served Tuesday – Saturday.  They have a varied menu and a full bar with drink specials.  There are some tasty Greek dishes on the menu as well as wraps, salads, burgers and more.   There are large picture windows looking onto the street and it’s a nice place to eat in the downtown area.   Check out there website at www.redroselancaster.com you can see their menu and drink list.  , The last Friday of every month they have Greek Day, here is some of the food served ... 12/07/2008

Universal Athletic Club is a huge (90,000 sf) gym that I have been a member of for almost a year. It is located at 2323 Oregon Pike in Lancaster. The aquatics center has 4 pools, but by far the favorite of me and my kids is the warm pool.  This pool is kept at 92 degrees so you can walk right in and the kids never get chilly. There is also a whirlpool and scented steam room. The Kidz Klub is spectacular!  It is 10,000 square feel and has tubes, tunnels, rock wall, ball pits etc.  Its kind of like those playlands at fast food places except quadruple the size.   They also have mini classes for kids (crafts, dancing etc) that you can sign your kids up for when you get there and the teachers will walk the kids to their activity. Adults love the fitness options, there is a main floor (pictur... 12/05/2008

Here are some things happening this weekend around Lancaster: Thursday dec 4th Open House at Community Homeless Outreach CenterDrop In 2:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Help us celebrate our one year anniversary! Brief remarks at 3:00 p.m. Experience how your support has made a difference for homeless individuals in Lancaster County. Meet our clients. Hear their SUCCESS stories! See our new shower & laundry facility. Light refreshments served. Additional parking on Water Street. Open to the Public Location: 210 S. Prince Street Friday December 5th: This is the start of the  third season of the popular Ice Park at Clipper Magazine Stadium. The special cooling system will make it possible to skate on our 135' x 80' ice rink in temperatures up to 60 degrees. http://lancasterbarnstormers.com/schedule_i... 12/04/2008

December is the time for Christmas parties, and Red Rose Singles of Lancaster PA started the season out with a memorable holiday celebration on December 2!  Everyone contributed to the beautifully decorated refreshment table, which was loaded with fancy iced holiday cookies, fresh fruits, veggies with dips, cheeses, casseroles, hors d'oevres, candies, nuts, and cakes. We started out with some Christmas trivia games, then had a spirited Christmas carol sing-along.  Although it was generally agreed that we could not have gotten through American Idol auditions, we did indeed make a joyful noise!  The mistletoe was hung by the doorway with care - in hopes that some kisses soon might be there!                                           Official greeter Lillian with unofficial guest...        ... 12/03/2008

Park City is the local mall conveniently located off of Route 30 and Harrisburg Pike.  It is a great place to take the kids on a rainy day and play in the play area in the lower level food court.  Kids can run around and climb over the obstacles and parents can drink coffee, use the free wi-fi, or just sit and watch.    JC Penny, Sears, Bon-Ton, Boscov's, and Kohls are all in this mall making it a great place to do your holiday shopping. Santa has taken up residence on the main level in the middle of the mall.  Last year they added on with The Fountain Shops, a wing with Williams Sonoma, Starbucks, J Jill and other fine shops.  They also added JB Dawsons, a great restaurant. And here is a tip: kids eat free all day every Sunday!   12/03/2008

206 Willow Valley, Lancaster, PA 3 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms offered at $334,900 Unique, no maintenance, Willow Valley Condo formally owned by the builder complete with all the trimmings! This exceptional lot has a one of a kind view overlooking the 2nd tee. 2 story foyer w/ marble flrs! Wide trime, extra millwork & builtins throughout! Huge LR w/ marble surround gas FP!! Home was purchased 6 years ago for $425,000!!!! This home offered as a courtesy of Coldwell Banker Select Professional, co-operating broker. 12/02/2008

There are two great resources for first time home buyers in Lancaster. If you are looking to get educated about buying a house, credit counseling, and other related issues, check out these two organizations: Lancaster Housing Opportunities Partnership 44 N Christian St; STE 300, Lancaster www.lhop.org  Lancaster Housing Opportunities Partnership provides education on the process of buying a home and what to expect from lenders and agents. The classes are in English or Spanish and cost $15 to attend.  The website says:" Eligible first time homebuyers may qualify for closing cost and down payment assistance loans with LHOP's Homebuyer Loan Program. These loans are provided in combination with mortgage products offered by Partnership Lenders to purchase homes located in Lancaster County, o... 12/02/2008

More good news for those of us in Lancaster county.  In October Forbes named us "One of the 10 best places to ride out the recession."  Now Kiplinger.com has named us one of the "six real estate safe havens" accross the country.  These places are noted for there stable home values, comparatively low foreclosure rates, and housing affordability. Kiplinger wrote: "Known as an Amish cultural hub, [Lancaster County] is also home to a diverse group of industries, including printing and food processing. This helps keep the local market stable and unemployment low, as losses in one sector aren't devastating to the overall economy." This confirms what I already knew and have been telling people.  Lancaster is an affordable place to live and housing prices never got out of control and therefore ... 11/30/2008

Was anyone brave enough to go to the sales on Friday?  I thought about going to the Tanger and Rockvale Outlets in Lancaster, they were open at 12 am, but the warmth of my bed won out.  We did attend the Mayors Tree Lighting in downtown Lancaster City. They close a few blocks of King St and Queen St so people can fill the area to see the stage. We try to go every year and this year I forgot my camera!  It wasn't too cold this time and the kids enjoyed seeing the big Christmas tree and the huge fire truck bringing santa.  Its always a festive time with the singing, central market is open late, the stores are open, and this year santa took up residence in Binn's Park. If you didnt make it this year try to come out next year.     11/29/2008

Here are some things going on this weekend in Lancaster: November 28th Mayor's Tree Lighting, Penn Square in Downtown Lancaster6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m  Also includes carolers and the infamous "Tuba Christmas Kick off the holiday season and enjoy the festivities. www.lancastercityevents.com November 26th New Holiday Planetarium Shows at the North Museumat 1:00 and 2:30.  Kids love these shows!  400 College Ave.  www.northmuseum.org November 28th and 29th St. Cecelia Concert Series   St. James Episcopal Church, 119 N. Duke St.8 p.m. Holiday Brass Concert with the Rodney Mack Philadelphia Big Brass.Tickets: Call 410-374-9059 or visit www.brownpapertickets.com November 28th Midnight Madness   It's that time of year again, when shoppers jumpstart their holiday season. This year, it's all about ... 11/26/2008

Chestnut Hill is in the West end of the city.  It has many tree lined streets and beautiful houses. This section has many of the characteristics of residential architecture found throughout Lancaster City. About half of the dwellings are two-story brick rowhouses with three-bay facades and gable roofs. Chestnut Street, contains a rich and varied pattern of Victorian rowhouses, duplexes and detached dwellings. There are a number of prominent buildings, including the McComony Mansion, West Lawn, the David Rose Mansion, the William Wohlsen Mansion and the Elmer E. Steigerwalt House. Fulton Elementary School This school is named after the inventor of the steamboat, Robert Fulton. The building currently known as Fulton Elementary School was constructed in 1917 as the Lancaster Boys' High Sch... 11/21/2008

Are you creating backgrounds that are memorable? Notice this is for pc users only. (Mac backgrounds are hidden upon loading)  Today we our graphic designer decided to make a new background for our blog. Below are the results: Keep in mind that winners of our recent contest will also get a matching banner and background such as the ones we've created for ourselves.  If Anyone is interested in getting a banner/background made for them for your Active Rain blog, let us know and we'll get you in contact with a capable designer. Based in Lancaster, PA. Selling Worldwide! - Contact Us: (866)980-8700 All photography is  © VkDesigns LLC. 2005-2008 11/20/2008

232 Parklawn Ct, Lancaster 2 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms offered at $153,500 Looking for the perfect starter home?This 2 BR & 2 Bath home awaits you! Well maintained townhome in convenient location. Private backyard bordered by trees. Neutral colors throughout home. Nice sunny kitchen with dining area. New heat pump in 2004. Private balcony off BR. This home offered at Coldwell Banker Select Professionals, co-operating broker. brian@cbselectpros.com     717=951-5552 11/20/2008

Here is the Hempfield School District PA market review for last week, ending 11/15.  The current inventory activity of Hempfield School District homes for sale according to MLS: Sold: 2 properties sold for an average price of $249,500, these homes were on the market an average of 235 days. New: 18 houses were listed last week. Pending: 10 houses were went under agreement last week. Expired and Extended: 3 listings expired last week 2 listings extended their contracts with their listing agent. Active: 300 homes are active with an average days on market of 107. 11/19/2008

Here is the Manheim Township PA Real Estate market review for last week, ending 11/15.  The current inventory activity of Manheim Township homes for sale according to MLS: Sold: 3 properties sold for an average price of $248,966, these homes were on the market an average of 101 days. New: 13 houses were listed last week. Pending:  2 houses were went under agreement last week. Expired and Extended: 1 listing expired last week and 3 listings extended their contracts with their listing agent. Active: 338 homes are active with an average days on market of 104. 11/19/2008

Here is the Lancaster City PA market review for last week, ending 11/15.  The current inventory activity of Lancaster City PA homes for sale according to MLS: Sold: 6 properties sold for an average price of $67,175, these homes were on the market an average of 36 days. New: 13 houses were listed last week. Pending: 7 houses were went under agreement last week. Expired and Extended: 8 listings expired last week and all 8 of them extended their contracts with their listing agent. Active: 350 homes are active with an average days on market of 88.   11/19/2008

We thought we'd share with you for a second the beauty of Fall in Lancaster PA.  Lancaster Pennsylvania is a beautiful place to live! Lancaster PA Rainbows. They do Exist! Winter is upon us soon and with it will come another edition of the Beauty of Lancaster. __________________________________________ Interested to list with us? See what Castellum Realty has to Offer Want to Relocate to Lancaster PA? See our Lancaster PA Relocation tips Want to Downsize? Check out our Lancaster PA Downsizing offers Based in Lancaster, PA. Selling Worldwide! - Contact Us Toll Free: (866)980-8700 ( Active Castellum Castellum Realty llc - Lancaster PA Real Estate - Hershey PA Real Estate ) Let us help you buy or sell your homes for sale in Lancaster County, PA YOUR PREFERRED LIFESTYLE ADVISORS Content & A... 11/18/2008

Located in little Conestoga and Manheim township in Lancaster county. Mature trees and covered bridges nestled next to the conestoga river give this quaint community charm and beauty. Built in 1959,This quiet community features picturesque estates with house prices ranging from 400k to one million.  These brick homes are nestled nicely in a very secluded part of Lancaster.  It's not uncommon to see homes with 4 car garages in this area. __________________________________________ Interested to list with us? See what Castellum Realty has to Offer Want to Relocate to Lancaster PA? See our Lancaster PA Relocation tips Want to Downsize? Check out our Lancaster PA Downsizing offers Based in Lancaster, PA. Selling Worldwide! - Contact Us Toll Free: (866)980-8700 ( Active Castellum Castellum R... 11/18/2008

1907 Manor Ridge Dr, Lancaster PA 3 bedrooms 1 bathroom offered at $149,900 First time buyers or downsizers take a look at the great home in a great location! Features an updated kitchen, a great screened in porch, partially finished basement, central vac, a wonderful yard with a shed. This home offered as a courtesy of Coldwell Banker Select Professionals, co-operating broker. Click here to search all homes in Lancaster, PA. brian@cbselectpros.com   717-951-5552 11/18/2008