Author Archives: Craig G. Hartranft
Would You Let $80 a Month Hold You Back from Buying a Home?
A lot of buyers are stuck in “wait and see” mode right now. They’re watching rates hover a little above 6% and thinking, I’ll buy once they hit the 5s. Because who doesn’t want a better rate? But here’s the thing: that 5.99% number might not save you as much as you think. Affordability is... Read More
Your Mortgage Options When Writing an Agreement in PA
When you make an offer on a home in Pennsylvania, you’ll need to decide how you want to handle the mortgage contingency. This part of the Agreement of Sale determines whether your ability to get a loan will impact the sale—and how protected you are if financing falls through. What Is a Mortgage Contingency? A... Read More
A Thanksgiving Message of Gratitude from Our Real Estate Family to Yours
As Thanksgiving arrives, we’re reminded once again of how much there is to be grateful for—both in our community and in the work we get to do every day. Real estate is about so much more than contracts, closings, and market stats. At its core, it’s about people. It’s about helping families find a place... Read More
4 Reasons Your House Is High on Every Buyer’s Wish List This Season
When the holidays roll around, travel plans, family gatherings, and all the chaos of the season may make you think it’s better to pull your listing off the market or to wait until 2026 to sell your house. But here’s the thing. Waiting could mean missing out on a great window of opportunity. Because while... Read More
ExtraGive 2025: A Day to Strengthen Our Lancaster Community
On November 21, our community will once again come together for ExtraGive—Lancaster County’s largest day of online giving. For 24 hours, thousands of neighbors join forces to support the nonprofits that make Lancaster a more compassionate, connected, and resilient place to call home. Since 2012, ExtraGive has raised over $100 million for local organizations. It’s... Read More
Would You Let $80 a Month Hold You Back from Buying a Home?
A lot of buyers are stuck in “wait and see” mode right now. They’re watching rates hover a little above 6% and thinking, I’ll buy once they hit the 5s. Because who doesn’t want a better rate? But here’s the thing: that 5.99% number might not save you as much as you think. Affordability is... Read More
Selling Your Home in Fall and Winter: Key Reminders to Keep Your Property Market-Ready
As the temperatures drop and the seasons change, selling your home in the fall or winter requires a little extra preparation. While autumn leaves and a fresh blanket of snow can make your property look charming, they can also create challenges for potential buyers trying to envision themselves in your home. A few proactive steps... Read More
Why Your Home Equity Still Puts You Way Ahead
If you’ve seen headlines about home prices dropping, it’s easy to wonder what that means for the value of your home too. Here’s what you really need to know. Even with small price declines in some markets, data shows you’re likely still way ahead. And that’s thanks to your home equity. The Relationship Between Home... Read More
Why Overpricing Your Home Can Cost You: Insights from NAR’s Price Reduction Data
When it comes to selling your home, pricing it right from the start is crucial. The latest data from the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) shows just how costly it can be to let your home sit on the market too long. According to NAR’s recent analysis, homes that sell quickly—within the first two weeks—typically... Read More
Why You Don’t Need To Be Afraid of Today’s Mortgage Rates
Mortgage rates have been the monster under the bed for a while. Every time they tick up, people flinch and say, “Maybe I’ll wait.” But here’s the twist. Waiting for that perfect 5-point-something rate could end up haunting your wallet later. The Magic Number According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR): “. . .... Read More