There is no doubt that summer has been here with a vengeance for the past month. Many homeowners are frustrated at this time of year to see their beautiful lawn declining. Figuring out what to do to change that situation is a hard task. With so many issues on lawns in summer, where would you even start?

Hindsight is 20/20: If you are a lawn enthusiast like us, you got extremely spoiled in 2009. Last year, we saw lawns lose a little bit of color in the month of June, but the ample rainfall kept things lush and green all the way through the hottest time of year. This is definitely not the case in 2010. Our area has seen regular temperatures for the last month in the 90’s, which is more typical of August weather, than June and early July. This heat coupled with a lack of regular rainfall has stressed out grass plants, and let to even more problems.

The Miracle Serum: The most crucial element any plant needs to survive is water. Without the right amount of it, it will stress the plant out and kill it. Most lawns are able to survive periods of 4-7 weeks of drought conditions, by going into dormancy. The blades of the grass lose moisture, and turn a straw-brown color. Energy in the grass plants is diverted to keeping the roots and crowns of the grass plants alive, so they can regenerate new blades when the environment permits. When cooler temperatures arrive later in the year, and rainfall is more abundant, most lawn areas will green back up, if only under typical drought conditions.

There’s a Fungus Among Us: There are dozens of turf fungi that cause damage to lawns in a year. Some are less of a concern than others, and some can cause permanent damage in a short period of time. During the summer, there are several fungi that can damage your lawn extensively. Summer Patch, Brown Patch, Leaf Spot, and Pythium Blight are just a few of those we typically see on lawns. The common catalyst for this is the proper environmental conditions. Night-time temperatures above 68 degrees and high humidity or rainfall at night will be very conducive to helping these grow on grass plants. Fungicides can be applied to lawns to lessen the effects. These applications can be more expensive than typical treatments, and only last for approximately 30 days, but may be what your lawn needs to survive.

Critters with an Appetite: There are a few insects that can extensively cause irreversible damage to your lawn in the summer. Chinch Bugs, Billbugs, Sod Webworms, and Grubs are the main destroyers in our areas. Preventative applications can be made to lawns to keep these invaders from damaging your lawn.

Stay off My Lawn! One of the worst things you can do for a stressed lawn is to mow it too short, too often, or when it’s too hot. This can make the lawn look even worse! The best thing to do would be only mow the lawn when you can’t tolerate it anymore, and mow it on your mower’s highest height setting. Try to stay off the lawn completely. Parties, playing hard on the lawn, and heavy foot traffic can damage the crowns of the grass plants making it even harder for the lawn to regenerate when conditions improve.

So what should you do? If you believe you have any of these issues, let a trained lawn care professional check them out for you. The diagnosis of these problems is very difficult, especially for homeowners. Some issues are easily addressed, and some issues are also beyond control. Either way, it’s important to understand these lawn stresses, and know what options are available.

Short circuits happen when a hot wire touches a neutral or ground wire; the extra current flowing through the circuit causes the breaker to trip or the fuse to blow. Your home electrical circuits could have a number of problems:

• Faulty wiring within the house

• Too many lamps or appliances on one circuit

• Defective wall switches or receptacles

• Defective cords or plugs

• Defective circuits within appliances

Although it’s often easy to tell when you have a short or overloaded circuit – the lights go dead when you plug in the toaster over – it isn’t always as simple to tell where in the system this has occurred. Start by turning off all wall switches and unplugging all lights and appliances. Then reset the circuit breaker. Pull the lever to off and then to on again to reset a circuit breaker with a lever switch. If a fuse is blown, it must be replaced.

1. Unscrew the fuse to replace it with one exactly the same amperage rating (both circuit breakers and fuses should be sized according to the wire used in the circuit they protect).
2. If the breaker trips immediately, the problem may be a short circuit in a receptacle or switch.
3. If the breaker does not trip again, turn on each switch one at a time and check if and when the breaker trips again.
4. If turning on a switch causes the breaker to trip, there’s a short circuit in a fixture or receptacle controlled by the switch.
5. If turning on the switch makes no difference, the problem is in one of the appliances connected to the switch.
6. If the circuit went dead when you plugged in the appliance, the problem is probably in the cord or plug.
7. If the circuit went dead when you turned on the appliance, the appliance itself is defective.

As always, if you’re unsure or uncomfortable around electrical systems, stop and contact a professional for advice and an estimate to repair.

Now, in the markets hardest hit around the country this incentive was no doubt a boon for everyone involved, and surely made a dent in some of the bad sales figures.  However, I’ve heard from real estate pros in other markets that weren’t experiencing a double-digit slump (of which Lancaster County is one) and the feedback has been generally “now what?”.  Every year the sales per month follows a predictable curve and the relative sales in a given month to prior years is a decent indicator of the strength of the current market.  Well, here is the last few year’s “pending homes” by month, which will give you an idea of how the tax credit has affected our Lancaster PA real estate market:

Well, it may not be a “massive sales crash” but I can’t help but wonder how many months it will take for new sales to catch up to the traditional cycle.  I heard of people who were planning to buy in August or later who instead moved up to April.  so who will be left for August?

Prediction: If it was a buyer’s market before, it will be even more a buyer’s market this late summer & fall.

BTW, if you haven’t heard, congress has extended the settlement date for those April tax credit sales to September 30th.

]]> http://www.lancasterparealestateblog.com/2010/06/18/what-hath-the-tax-credit-wrought-on-the-lancaster-real-estate-marketfor-2010-that-is/feed/ 1 http://www.lancasterparealestateblog.com/2010/06/10/what-home-owners-need-to-know-about-lead-paint-lancaster-pa-home-spotlight/ http://www.lancasterparealestateblog.com/2010/06/10/what-home-owners-need-to-know-about-lead-paint-lancaster-pa-home-spotlight/#comments Thu, 10 Jun 2010 16:21:01 +0000 Jeff http://www.lancasterparealestateblog.com/?p=837 The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s “Lead: Renovation, Repair and Painting” rule governing the work of professional remodelers in homes with lead-based paint took effect April 22, 2010.

Post by Mike Blank, MBC Building & Remodeling

The EPA rule requires lead-safe work practices in pre-1978 homes, including posting warning signs; using disposable plastic drop cloths; cleaning the work area with HEPA vacuuming and wet washing; and individual certification through a training course. The full rule and brochures for consumers can be downloaded from the EPA’s Web site.

A 2006 NAHB study on lead-safe work practices showed that a home was better off after a remodel than before, as long as the work was performed by trained remodelers who clean the work area with HEPA-equipped vacuums, wet washing and use disposable drop cloths.

Summary of the Rule

1. Training and Certification

As of April 2010, remodeling firms working in pre-1978 homes need to be certified. In addition to firm certification, the company must employ a Certified Renovator. When hiring a remodeler, home owners should verify the firm is certified and employs a Certified Renovator to be sure the work is completed properly.

2. Work Practices

The Certified Renovator has a number of responsibilities. The remodeler must distribute the Renovate Right brochure to the homeowner and ask them to sign the pre-renovation form several days before work begins. They must also post warning signs outside the work area and supervise setting up containment to prevent spreading dust. The rule lists specific containment procedures for both interior and exterior projects. It forbids certain work practices including open flame or torch burning, use of a heat gun that exceeds 1100°F, and high-speed sanding and grinding unless the tool is equipped with a HEPA exhaust control. Once the work is completed, the regulation specifies cleaning and waste disposal procedures. Clean up procedures must be supervised by a Certified Renovator.

3. Verification and Record Keeping

After clean up is complete the Certified Renovator must verify by matching a cleaning cloth with an EPA verification card. If the cloth appears dirtier or darker than the card, the cleaning must be repeated.

A complete file of records on the project must be kept by the certified renovator for three years. These records include, but aren’t limited to: verification of owner/occupant receipt of the Renovate Right pamphlet or attempt to inform, documentation of work practices, Certified Renovator certification, and proof of worker training.

Starting in July 2010, remodeling firms are also required to share with home owners a copy of the records created under the rule within 30 days of completing the renovation.

4. Exemptions

It is important to note that these work practices may be waived under these conditions:

• The home or child occupied facility was built after 1978.
• The repairs are minor, with interior work disturbing less than six sq. ft. or exteriors disturbing less than 20 sq. ft.
• If the house or components test lead free by a Certified Risk Assessor, Lead Inspector, or Certified Renovator.
• The homeowner may also opt out by signing a waiver if there are no children under age six frequently visiting the property, no one in the home is pregnant, or the property is not a child-occupied facility. The EPA is revoking the opt-out waiver as of July 2010. This means all remodeling work conducted in pre-1978 housing must comply with the regulation after this date.

Learn more about EPA’s lead paint rule by visiting www.epa.gov/lead/pubs/renovation.htm.

Mike Blank, CGR CAPS, President

MBC Building & Remodeling, LLC

cell: (717) 371-5136

The home is 3 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths and 2,501 square feet (excluding the semi-attached garage and superior walls basement).  There are some beautiful design features such as the wraparound porch that connect to the garage, a large central staircase with sizable landing, and a second-floor laundry room that you can stretch out in.

What’s really cool, however,  are the myriad of green features that went into the homes construction:

There’s a LOT more that was done as well.  Visit the community website at www.ApprenticeGreenHomes.com to see details on the home (560 Old Market Street, Mount Joy PA 17552) or the details on the community, the LCCTC building program and more.  if you are interested in a green home or hope to buy a traditional home and upgrade it with green features, check out Jeff Geoghan’s “SmartGreen Homebuyer Program“.

Hope to see you out at the parade – be sure to say hi to Jeff!

Post by Mike Blank, MBC Building & Remodeling

The government is currently giving up to $1,500 in tax credits to homeowners who remodel their existing (principle) residence to reduce energy consumption. A lot of people think this tax credit only applies to replacement windows, but it is actually much more encompassing. The official name for the program is the Existing Home Retrofit (25C) tax credit and it extends to replacing insulation, doors, skylights, water heaters, heat pumps, central air conditioning, and metal or asphalt roofs.

Exisiting Home Retrofit (25C) at a glance:

Up to $1,500 can be claimed for all qualifying products placed into service by 12/31/10 for most home improvements. Tax credits are available at 30% of the cost, up to $1,500, in 2010 (for existing homes only) for:

• Windows and Doors
• Insulation
• Roofs (Metal and Asphalt)
• HVAC
• Water Heaters (non-solar)
• Biomass Stoves

Improvements made in 2010 will be claimed on your 2010 taxes.

There’s also a tax credit of 30% of cost, with no cap, for alternative energy sources such as geothermal heat pumps, solar panels and solar water heaters. This credit can be applied to any home that you use as a residence (not just your principle) and new construction as well.

PLEASE NOTE that not all projects or products are eligible for tax credits. Be sure you check all of the guidelines to make sure your project will fall within the required conditions to be eligible. The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB.org) is an excellent resource for information on the tax credit program. You can also go to IRS.gov for all of the guidelines, while a wealth of product information can be found at EnergyStar.gov/taxcredits.

Mike Blank, CGR CAPS, President

MBC Building & Remodeling, LLC

cell: (717) 371-5136

“We are finding the current housing environment to be the ideal marketplace for many people who may have never considered buying a home before, such as singles and other first-time buyers,” said Diann Patton, the Coldwell Banker Real Estate consumer specialist. “They can afford much more house for their money than they may have been able to in previous years. Many are recognizing that a mortgage payment on a house can actually be the same or less than what they would spend on rent.”

According to the Coldwell Banker Real Estate survey, over half (53 percent) of single homeowners reported that they purchased a home because it was more cost effective than renting in their area. However, more than just financial analysis contributed to their decision. The desire for independence played a role for more than one-third of single homeowners (35 percent) according to the same survey.

“Owning a home is such a monumental way to achieve independence,” said Patton. “It’s inspiring to see so many individuals accomplish this life goal.”

Below are additional key findings from the April 2010 Coldwell Banker Real Estate single homeowner survey:

Finding good deals is important, but so are modern amenities and outside space.

• 68 percent of single homeowners purchased a home that was below their price range, rather than the most expensive home they could afford.
• Meanwhile, modernized home updates and appliances and having a yard and outside space were rated as the most desirable features in a home over lesser considerations like space for entertaining.

Some may have flown the coop, but others get help from their parents.

• Of the 13 percent of single homeowners who own their home jointly with another person, almost half (49 percent) made the purchase with their parents.

Singles hunt for homes that are close to work and their family.

• Fifty-five percent have less than a 30-minute commute to their office or work from home, and 40 percent live less than 30 minutes or even in the same neighborhood as their parents or extended family. In fact, an additional 12 percent live with at least one family member.

Single women may be more likely to think of growing their family than single men.

• More single women (27 percent) said that the number of bedrooms was the most desirable feature in a home, than did men (18 percent).

Single and ready to … bargain hunt.

• Singles don’t shy away from foreclosures – especially single men. Thirty-eight percent would currently consider purchasing a foreclosed / short sale home, compared to 29 percent of single women.

Methodology: In April 2010, Coldwell Banker Real Estate conducted a national online survey and received responses from 1,050 single homeowners across the United States.

We have all seen the car commercial where the guy is on the used car lot and says “Show me the CARFAX®” before he purchases a vehicle. A CARFAX® report provides potential buyers a vehicle’s history of ownership, titles and accidents. The report allows buyers to make an informed purchase decision and gives them confidence that they are buying what is advertised. Did you know the same type of report is available when you buy a house too?

The CARFAX® for a home is called a C.L.U.E.® or Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange report. A C.L.U.E.® report shows insurance claims made on a property for the past 5 years and insurance companies use this information for underwriting homeowner insurance (See a C.L.U.E. example).

However, home buyers can also get a C.L.U.E.® report by requesting the seller to purchase a C.L.U.E. Home Seller’s Disclosure Report for $19.95. Remember that the buyer or real estate agent cannot order the C.L.U.E.® report and it only can be provided by the seller or owner. The report shows the same claim history on the property that insurance companies use but it removes all of the seller’s personal information that they would want to keep private.

If you wouldn’t buy a car without the CARFAX® report, should you buy a home without a C.L.U.E.® report? Let me know your thoughts.

Actually, there’s a fair amount of good news here:

1) While the number of closings decreased by 6%, the number of pending sales shot up by double that percentage (+12%).

2) The number of new listings jumped up significantly (+16%) from last year Jan/Feb.  More homes for buyers to choose from.

3) Good news for sellers – While the average list price held steady, the average sold price jumped 12% over last year.

4) The average days to sell dropped almost 10% – always good news for everybody.

So how does the emerging 2010 Lancaster PA real estate market fare against history?  Here are two snapshots of home sales:

Pending home sales are up from 2009 as noted above, but remain well below 2007 and even 2008 levels.

Sold homes started out better than last year but February was the lowest number in recent years.

What about home prices versus history?  I’ve got that for you too:

What I want you to see in this chart is the 12-month average prices (the Orange and Blue lines).  Note that the sold price has been climbing for three straight months after a continuous decline since 2007.  This is good news and I think a key indicator of the health of the Lancaster homes market.  Also see that the list price has seemingly bottomed out and is starting to rise again, which is good news for sellers.

So, there is good reason (based on facts) to say that, as of March 2010, the Lancaster PA real estate market is not in decline but staging a sales and price rally.  If you’re looking to buy now is really a great time to do it: low rates and the tax credits which run through April.   Call me at 717-799-0851 or visit my Facebook page for the latest comments on the market.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

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, CNN Money 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!

By Joe Heidler, JV Heidler Roofing

Right now in our area there are huge problems with ice forming on the eaves of buildings.  I just heard that some of our streets in Lancaster have had their sidewalks closed due to “killsickles”.  These ice monstrosities are formed when the roof warms up from the sun or from heat loss inside the living space.  Then water runs down and cools at the overhangs, or eaves.  The water freezes and forms an ice dam.  This backs up water that may be running down the roof, thus providing potential water leakage and damage to the interior of the building.

We recommend on new installations that an ice and water guard membrane be installed to prevent this backed up water from entering the structure.

It can be very dangerous to remove these hanging ice sickles. They can be extremely heavy and falling from the height of a building can injure or even kill people below.   Some people use heat tapes to prevent the ice dams from forming.  IF it is possible to safely remove snow from the roof edge, be sure to remove it back about 3 feet.  This is very common in Northern areas of the country, but it is rarely an issue here in Lancaster and York.  There are special snow rakes that are used to clean snow from roofs in these Northern areas, but I have never seen one around here.

It is a good idea to prevent people from walking under these areas.  Use caution tape or warning flags to rope the area off.  Safety is our number one concern.  If in doubt, call an expert.  Please, whatever you do, be SAFE!

Read more at Joe’s  Lancaster PA Roofing blog