Things To Do This Weekend In Lancaster

Reading Railroad Days
July 1 – July 5
Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania
Enjoy the remarkable Reading Railroad trains of eastern Pennsylvania history through tours of Reading Company equipment and a huge, operating model train layout.
Time: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Admission: $10 Adult $9.00 Seniors 65+ $8.00 Youth 3 to 11 Children 2 and under Free
Address: PA Route 741 East, Strasburg, PA 17579
Website: http://www.rrmuseumpa.org

Backyard BBQ Bash
July 3
Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire
Enjoy the perfect summer evening under the stars with great music, Swashbuckler ales, Mount Hope wines and great food. Local bands will perform each Friday evening and a portion of proceeds benefit Central PA Food Bank. Enjoy the music of the Green Onions presented by 93.5 WTPA. Enjoy this event every Friday in July!
Time: 6:00 PM
Admission: $7 - Bring a canned good and receive a $2 voucher.
Address: 2775 Lebanon Road, Manheim, PA 17545
Website: http://www.parenfaire.com

First Friday
July 3
Downtown Lancaster
First Fridays are a great time to experience downtown Lancaster! Join the thousands who have enjoyed the evening's artistic energy. Over 90 art venues and shops extend their hours to 9 p.m. - some even later! For a complete listing of monthly First Friday activities, visit the website below. A LancasterARTS event.
Time: 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Admission: Free
Address: 52 N. Prince Street, Lancaster, PA 17608
Website: http://www.LancasterARTS.com/firstfridays/

Glo Golf
July 3
Village Greens Golf, Inc.
Golfers, each with thier own glo necklaces, aim glowing balls for the glowing holes in this exciting twist on traditional miniature golf! Special lighting effects enhance play under the stars. Oldies music accompanies your round every first Friday of the month.
Time: 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Admission: $10.50 adult, $9.50 child, 12 and under
Address: 1444 Village Road, Strasburg, PA 17579
Website: http://www.villagegreens.com

Barnstormers War of the Roses vs. York Revolution
July 4 – July 5
Lancaster Barnstormers at Clipper Magazine Stadium
Gametime: Thurs and Fri 7:05, Sat 6:35, Sun 1:35. Fireworks Saturday. More than just baseball, it's affordable and fun family entertainment. Enjoy the Kids' Play Area, concession stands for a taste of Lancaster, unique promos and giveaways and up close seats that will allow you to feel that you're 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

Freedom Fest
July 4
Marion Court Room
WXPN welcomes Danielia Colton along with 11 other Regional Acts and 30 Art Vendors. Non-stop live music!
Time: 3:00 PM - 12:00 AM
Admission: $10
Address: 7 Marion Court, Lancaster, PA 17602
Website: http://www.marioncourtroom.com

Musser Park Old Fashioned 4th of July
July 4
Musser Park
An Independence Day celebration held in Musser Park with food, games, crafts, entertainment and fun.
Time: 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Admission: Free.
Address: 135 North Lime Street, Lancaster, PA 17603
Website: http://www.musserpark.org/

Long's Park Summer Entertainment Series
July 5
Long's Park
Enjoy free concerts all summer long every Sunday between Memorial Day and Labor Day at Long's Park. See website for performance details.
Time: 7:30 PM
Admission: Free.
Address: 1441 Harrisburg Pike, Lancaster, PA 17601
Website: http://www.longspark.org/music.html

Lancaster PA Real Estate Market - Lititz Week In Review

Lititz, PA - Homes For Sale Update

Here is the Lititz, PA market review for last week, ending June 27. The current inventory activity of Lititz, PA homes for sale according to MLS:

• Sold: 15 properties sold last week with a price of $298,713 these homes were on the market an average of 76 days.
• New: 24 houses were listed last week.
• Pending: 9 houses went under agreement last week.
• Expired and Extended: 0 listings expired last week and 2 listings extended their contracts with their listing agent.
• Active: 240 homes are active with an average days on market of 126.

Listen to this article as a podcast at:

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!

Lancaster PA Real Estate Market - East Petersburg Week In Review

East Petersburg PA - Homes For Sale Update

Here is the Lancaster City PA market review for last week, ending June 27. The current inventory activity of East Petersburg PA homes for sale according to MLS:

• Sold: 2 properties sold last week, sold for an average price of $175,400 and were on the market for an average time of 30 days.
  
• New: 2 house were listed last week.
• Pending: 0 houses went under agreement last week
• Expired and Extended: 1 listing expired last week and 0 listings extended their contracts with their listing agent.
• Active: 18 homes are active with an average days on market of 89.

Listen to this article as a podcast at:

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!

ancaster PA Real Estate Market - Lancaster City Week In Review

Lancaster City PA - Homes For Sale Update

Here is the Lancaster City PA market review for last week, ending June 27. The current inventory activity of Lancaster City PA homes for sale according to MLS:

• Sold: 11 properties sold for an average price of $95,305, these homes were on the market an average of 66 days.
• New: 19 houses were listed last week.
• Pending: 12 houses went under agreement last week.
• Expired and Extended: 2 listings expired last week and 7 listings extended their contracts with their listing agent.
• Active: 273 homes are active with an average days on market of 95.

Listen to this article as a podcast at:

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!

LCCTC Green Home Is On The Market...Will It Be Yours?

The Lancaster Career and Technology Center has successfully built a green home from the ground up over the last few years. The goal was to use the project as an incubator for their building trade students to get hands-on experience with emerging technologies. If you've been following this blog for the last few years, you'll already be acquainted with this home with my many articles about it, including ones like these:

Lancaster County Solar Hot Water - LCCTC Event

"Green" Building Open House & Tour - Mount Joy, PA

Well, the big day came and they finished the home for sale. Unfortunately, due to prior arrangements the listing went to another brokerage (I know, I know...don't hold it against them) - not for my lack of effort to convince them to go with me. Irrespective of that, the folks at LCCTC are a class act and my hat is off to them. Help me to sell this home as the buyer's agent!

Here's what she looks like today:

Here's a link to the property details (never mind the poor photos - it's actually nice). If you know anyone who might be interested in owning a $425,000 green-built home in Lancaster County, give me a call! I can show it to you at any time.

Jeff Geoghan Realty Group Announces Strategic Partnership with Bare Financial Services, Inc.

Lancaster, PA (June 12, 2009) – The Jeff Geoghan Realty Group of Coldwell Banker Select Professionals proudly announced an addition to their homebuyer program today.

Jeremy Walter, a financial planner of Atglen-based Bare Financial Services, will be partnering with Jeff Geoghan and his group to provide an initial financial consultation with homebuyers. Walter will offer a “mortgage suitability” analysis and answer questions regarding budgeting and savings as they pertain to the purchase of a home.

“I’ve found in my business that buyers, particularly those contemplating their first purchase, haven’t thought through the longer-term ramifications of home ownership,” observed Geoghan, “and many are working with a small amount of savings. Our partnership with Jeremy could allow us to help prospective buyers get their financial ‘house in order’ which leads to a better overall experience”. Beyond the home purchase, Walter offers comprehensive financial planning services including retirement, investment and giving strategies.

The Jeff Geoghan Realty Group also enjoys a partnership with Ray Smith of Home National mortgage, who is a skilled loan representative focusing on first-time homebuyers in the Lancaster County area.

To access the homebuyer financial service, a client merely needs to arrange a phone consultation with Bare Financial, and that is primarily done via one of Jeff Geoghan’s group or Jeremy Walter himself. Interested consumers can learn more at www.YourLancasterHome.com.

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.

Bare Financial Services, Inc is a firm of independent financial advisors who are registered representatives of and offer securities through Securities America, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC with advisory services offered through Securities America Advisors. Bare Financial Services, Inc. and the Securities America companies are independently owned. Bare Financial Services is based in Atglen and Jeremy Walter lives in northern Lancaster city. You can visit Bare Financial at www.barefinancial.com or reach them at (610) 593-2483.

Lancaster LIMC Annual Banquet - Lancaster Convention Center

Last Night my wife and I were able to attend the annual Lancaster Inter-Municipal Committee (LIMC) banquet, this year held at the brand-new Lancaster Convention Center. As a Councilman in East Petersburg, I am periodically involved with LIMC functions as East Pete is a participating member in that body.

The evening began with a reception and moved to a tour of the facility.

After that we were broken into smaller groups for the rest of the tour. Our tourguide was Josh Nowak, the sales manager for the facility.

The rooms and facililties are very impressive. I was somewhat disappointed that we didn't get to go to the 19th floor if the Lancaster PA Marriot tower...but I was able to get to the 10th floor last weekend at the open house...spectacular Lancaster City photos upcoming in a future blog post.

The ballroom level has lots of BIG spaces too:

Finally it was time to eat! We had a very nice dinner - hats off to the chef staff.

Lancaster PA Mayor Rick Gray gave a speech about the convention center and his hopes for the future in Lancaster City:

Lancaster Marriot manager Mark Moosic gave a closing presentation. All in all a good evening and an opportunity to met fellow LIMC members & the convention center management.

Lancaster Tweetup #10 - Held (close to) Ken's Porch!

It was time for the big "One Oh" today - the tenth in our series of "Tweetups" for the Lancaster PA Twitterati! We were set to have this auspicious event on the Columbia Avenue porch of (none other than) Ken Mueller...but that didn't happen.

Alas, the amazing popularity of our breakfast tweetups forced to us relocate to the lesser-known-yet-just-as-cool "back deck" of the Mueller residence. There, Daniel Klotz had placed the precious Dunkin Donuts and coffee for all to partake of...and the crowd rejoiced!

But wait...we had a special guest in the house, er, backyard...Daniel Klotz! A birthday boy, he received a little jig danced by Dave Moulton of "Beards Over Babies" fame:

And finally a bit-o ice cream and a candle to denote his tender years..

We had such a good turnout that we forgot to keep track of the Twitternames this time! Time for a recording secretary? Even Ken Mueller made it for this one - amazing! (Oh wait, it was at HIS house).

Stay tuned for the next "decade" of Twitter breakfast Tweetups - Daniel and I are already cooking up some new venues!

New Price - Move In Ready - Atkins Ave in Lancaster Township

Photo Gallery Description Explore the beauty of Hamilton Park and this exquisite home! You are going to be impressed by the grounds, including the large rear property with driveway, garage, stone patio and lots of yard to enjoy. Inside, a nice kitchen with all appliances staying and a full 3rd floor bedroom make this brick home spacious without being pretentious. Lots of details...absolutely worth a look! Features Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 1 Parking Spaces: 2 Year Built: 1937 Subdivision: Hamilton Park Lot Size: .11 Garage Size: 1 School District: Lancaster Square Footage: 1627 Agent Name: Jeff Geoghan Broker: Coldwell Banker Select Professionals MLS #: 150391 Location 128 Atkins Ave Lancaster PA 17603 Powered by vFlyer.com vFlyer Id: 2560488

Lancaster County Library Book Sale Days Are Here Again!

Every year the Friends Of The Lancaster County Library holds a book sale to support the library, and 2009 is no different. If you're a book lover then these events are absolute MUSTS. I got two big bags full last year myself...here's all you need to know:

WHEN

• Monday, June 8, 7AM-9PM
• Tuesday, June 9, 9AM-9PM
• Wednesday, June 10, 9AM-6PM

WHERE

F&M Alumni Center 931 Harrisburg Pike, Lancaster (Click here for directions to F&M)

ONLINE AUCTIONS

Yep, the book sale has gone techy at Ebay - here's the link (seller is "lancasterbooks"), click on the logo...

This event can be packed, and getting there early has some merit to it as lots of books get sold the first day. Enjoy! Maybe I'll see you there...

Ooh Boy! I've Got A Nice Hamilton Park Home For You...

This week - A special treat of a home in popular Hamilton Park. Homes in this vibrant community are generally desirable for their proximity to downtown Lancaster City and everything cool on the west end of Lancaster. This federal-style brick semi has all the great things you look for in Hamilton Park:

• a full 3rd floor bedroom that's big enough to be a master
  
• a traditional fireplace & hearth
  
• attached garage in the lower level
  
• huge back yard with driveway off the alleyway
  
• really nice stone patio for outdoor entertaining

Here's a sneak preview of the home for your enjoyment...in the MLS this weekend. Call me for a appointment to see this Hamilton Park beauty! Offered at $172,253

___________________________________________________________________________

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!

Interested in learning more about Lancaster County, PA? Read More...

Interested in listing your Lancaster PA Home for sale? See our #1 home marketing program!

Relocating to Lancaster County? We're part of one of the largest relocation companies in the world today.

Jeff Geoghan, Brian Schulman, Lauren Krady

Coldwell Banker Select Professionals, based at 1000 North Prince Street in Historic Lancaster City serving all of the Lancaster County PA real estate market.

Things To Do This Weekend In Lancaster

1959 Dance Party!
June 4 – June 7
Gretna Playhouse
A tribute to Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and the Big Bopper in this nostalgic look back to their joyous 1959 Dance Party tour and the 50th Anniversary of "the day the music died" in a terrible plane crash. Featuring the Big Bopper's real-life son! Thurs. 2:00 PM, 8:00 PM Fri. 8:00 PM Sat. 8:00 PM Sun. 2:00 PM
Time: 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Admission: $26 Matinee, $36 Evening
Address: P.O. Box 578, Mt. Gretna, PA 17064
Website: http://www.gretnatheatre.com

Barnstormers vs. Camden Riversharks
June 4 – June 7
Lancaster Barnstormers at Clipper Magazine Stadium
Gametime: Thur and Fri 7:05, Sat 6:35 Sun 6:05. Fireworks on Fri and Sat. More than just baseball, it's affordable and fun family entertainment. Fans enjoy the Kids' Play Area, concession stands for a taste of Lancaster, unique promotions and giveaways and up close seats that will allow you to feel like you're a 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

First Friday
June 5
Downtown Lancaster
First Fridays are a great time to experience downtown Lancaster! Join the thousands who have enjoyed the evening's artistic energy. Over 90 art venues and shops extend their hours to 9 p.m. - some even later! For a complete listing of monthly First Friday activities, visit the website below. A LancasterARTS event.
Time: 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Admission: Free
Address: 52 N. Prince Street, Lancaster, PA 17608
Website: http://www.LancasterARTS.com/firstfridays/

Glow Golf
June 5
Village Greens Golf Inc.
Time: 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Address: 1444 Village Road, Strasburg, PA 17579
Phone: 717-687-6933

Christian Family Fest
June 6
Dutch Wonderland Family Amusement Park
Live musical performances by The Doughnut Man, Steven Coutney Band, and other Christian groups, plus special festival activities and all your favorite rides and entertainment!
Admission: See website for details.
Address: 2249 Lincoln Highway East, Lancaster, PA 17602
Website: http://www.dutchwonderland.com

Historic Eastern Market
June 6
The Historic Eastern Market House, near corner of E King and N Shippen
This 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

Lancaster Farmland Trust - Pedal to Preserve
June 6
New Holland
Pedal to preserve Lancaster farmland. With distances of 6, 20, and 51 miles, this ride meanders through beautiful Lancaster County Farmland offering something for all ages and all abiliites.
Time: 7:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Admission: $25.00
Address: New Location: Garden Spot Village, 433 S Kinzer Avenue, New Holland, PA 17557
Website: http://www.lancasterfarmlandtrust.org/news/events.html

PA Sunshine Solar Program - Solar Rebates For Homeowners

Solar rebates have been on the horizon in PA for some time now, and installers have been holding projects for clients waiting for something to happen. This spring, Pennsylvania rolled out the first phase of what they're calling the "Sunshine Solar Program". This program will provide $100 million in rebates to assist in funding solar electric (PV) or solar hot water (Thermal) systems throughout the state, both for small businesses and homeowners. By the way, much of the funding will come from the "stimulus" bill. Lancaster County PA solar systems will be able to participate.

The funding will be distributed in the form of rebates for approved residential and small business solar projects. Interestingly, rebates will be awarded on a "first come, first served" basis. Other limitations are that households may receive one PV electric (photovoltaic) rebate for up to 10KW (kilowatts) of power plus (not "or") one solar hote water (thermal) rebate of up to $2,000. Only one application per business at a time will be allowed - once the project is completed the business can reapply for a second project.

Now, your typical solar thermal install these days will run you about $8,000 to $10,000, so the rebate at max works out to 25-20% of the total cost. With the PV jobs the typical cost is going to be $30,000 to $70,000 on the high side (for a residential or small business). According to Mike Newman, Renewable Energy Services rep for Worley & Obetz in Manheim PA, the typical cost is about $68,000 for a 10KW PV system. "Plus the 30% federal tax credit on the whole (project)...it's pretty substantial" Mike added.

I'm glad to see that this program is off the ground and running. Solar providers are reporting that they are busy writing estimates and working long days. Let's see more PA summer sun being used to generate energy! I'll write more here as details come to light. For a list of approved PA solar vendors visit this link on the PA DEP website. Worley & Obetz have 3 nice flyers summarizing the PA incentives for wind, solar and geothermal projects.

Lancaster PA Tweetup At Prince Street Cafe...Some New Faces

Yes, the Lancaster PA Twitterati just felt the urge to get up at the crack of dawn again. This time, however, we had the opportunity to meet some new faces. Well, not so new since we all follow them already on Twitter. But it's always cool to meet in person - this time at the Prince Street Cafe in Downtown Lancaster City.

(Nick is striking a pose I think)

(Missing yet again is Ken Mueller, BTW)

New faces were @RustyBanks, @AdamChlan, Nida & Jeronimo from @godesignunit & @esposimi

Who else was there? @ChristopherVogt, @Shanellelee, @ionrae, @jeffmccloud, @wisegrass, @chuckholt, @poservarial, @jeremywalter, @ryansmoker and of course your intrepid organizers @danielklotz and @lancasterhomes (that's me).

Great to see ya'll again! Looking forward to the next Lancaster PA Tweetup...

Lancaster PA Homes For Sale - New Listings - Manor Township Gem!

Lancaster PA homes - Country Gem

135 Spring Meadow Lane, Washington Boro, PA 17582 View Map

Discover Lancaster Country Beauty Without Sacrifice...

If you are interested in exploring Lancaster County's country living you're going to love this home. If you are an entertainer, you're going to REALLY love this home!

Nestled in the secluded Letort Manor community in Manor Township just west of Millersville, PA is 135 Spring Meadow Lane. Anyone searching for Manor Township PA homes for sale will tell you that not a lot comes up for sale around here...people are staying put! This home represents your opportunity to join those moving to the "country" without sacrificing any conveniences.

A traditional split level, this home boasts a large integrated garage with direct access inside, a real plus on those rainy spring afternoons. A sleek kitchen/dining combination with breakfast bar makes chatting over an omelette a reality. The lot is quite large and is exquisitely landscaped with islands of mulched-in foliage that invites a stroll through the property. A newer shed out back could be used for storage or as a workshop.

The real jewel of this Lancaster country home is the pool and deck, however. To see this area is worth the effort to set up a showing alone! If you're planning on "having folks over" you'll want to have this space to stretch out in...check out the photos to see what we mean...

Whether it's indoors or out, Spring or Fall, this home and property does not fail to impress.

Details

Asking Price:

$209,453

MLS:

150042

Sq. Feet:

1574

Lot Size:

.35 Acres

Bedrooms:

3

Bathrooms:

2

# of Floors:

2

Garage Size:

1 Car

Subdivision:

Letort Manor

Year Built:

1978

Property Amenities

- Range/Oven
- Microwave
- Dishwasher
- Fireplace
- Basement
- Attic
- Patio

- Deck
- Grass Lawn
- Yard
- Fenced Yard
- Swimming Pool
- Tool Shed
- Secluded Setting

- Family room
- Living room
- Breakfast nook
- Laundry area - inside
- Amazing Pool Deck
- Manicured Landscaping
- Rare home offering

USDA Loans Are Hot - But You Have To Know If The Property Qualifies..

USDA (Dept. of Agriculture) home loans are all the rage these days in PA because of the "zero down" option that is so rare since the mess last fall. However, buying a home with USDA funding requires jumping through a few extra hoops, the most important of which is whether the property in question is within "rural" guidelines.

In my opinion USDA loans are definitely worth looking into since the rates are better than average. To see if the Lancaster PA home you are interested in qualifies for USDA financing, click on this link:

http://eligibility.sc.egov.usda.gov/eligibility/welcomeAction.do;jsessionid=3CEB2D530F25D7F2AA660A13AB28DDA0

Just trying to keep you in the know!

Wordless Wednesday: Two Philadelphia Scenes From REBAR Camp Today!