Lancaster, PA Home Buyer Resource

A Great Time to Buy

There has been much written about the great interest rates and how affordable housing is right now. It clearly is a good time to be a buyer of real estate in Lancaster, PA.

Keller Williams Realty offers this wonderful resource for your consideration. http://images.kw.com/kw/user_uploads/7ReasonsWhytoBuyNow.pdf

I pride myself in being a realtor® who educates and offers insight. I would not tell you that now is a great time to buy real estate, if I did not believe it. It is such a great time to consider this for your own future. Affordability + interest rates+sellers motivation make this a great time to buy a home in Lancaster, PA.

I welcome an opportunity to learn about your dreams and desires. I want to help you learn about buying real estate. However, I know you are in charge of your future. I only help you achieve your dreams and meet your goals.

Give me a call and let's talk.

An agent who places your interests as his first priority. Cal Yoder Keller Williams Realty Lancaster 1630 Manheim Pike Lancaster, PA 17601 Office Phone: 717-735-1145 Cell Phone: 717-413-0744 facebook LinkedIn twitter

Night Life

It is probably my age, but this picture symbolizes my preference for a robust and joyful night life.

After the amazing storm we experienced in Lancaster County, PA, I enjoyed this view of the moon from the peace and quiet of my own deck.

If you are looking for someone who will represent your best interests in buying or selling real estate, give me a wondrous shout.

Cal Yoder

Keller Williams Homes and Land Realty

1630 Manheim Pike

Lancaster, PA 17601

calyoder@kw.com

717.413.0744

The birth of a non-profit housing corporation

The church in Lancaster, PA I attend, East Chestnut Street Mennonite Church has recently developed a non-profit housing corporation called Chestnut Housing Corporation. For months persons have been discussing this idea and with the help of many persons from the church it is a legally recognized non-profit.

If this is not exciting enough, we were able to buy our first property at 639 East Chestnut, Lancaster, PA 17602 which is pictured below.

The Chestnut Housing Corporation is becoming organized and has begun fund-raising. They will partner with Tabor Community Services to provide affordable housing in the Lancaster area. 639 E Chestnut Street will need much renovation and repair to make it a wonderful home. Persons can donate time, prayer, and encouragement. If interested in giving a donation or learning more about the project contact Sue Waterfield, Marlissa Yoder Bontrager or me.

Cal Yoder Keller Williams Homes & Land Realty (717) 413-0744 639 E Chestnut Street, Lancaster, PA Chestnut Housing Corporation first purchase 3BR/1BA Townhouse $0/month Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms 1 full, 0 partial Sq Footage 1,420 Parking None Pet Policy No pets Deposit $0 DESCRIPTION This is for informational purposes only. This property will be renovated and rented to provide affordable housing in Lancaster City, PA. see additional photos below RENTAL FEATURES - Central heat ADDITIONAL PHOTOS Front view Living Room Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Bedroom 2 Contact info: Cal Yoder Keller Williams Homes & Land Realty (717) 413-0744 Equal Opportunity Housing Posted: Jul 10, 2010, 9:05am PDT

703 Main Street, Akron, PA 17401 multi-family 2 unit

Cal Yoder | Keller Williams Homes & Land Realty | (717) 413-0744 703 Main Street, Akron, PA This clean 2 unit is available for you. 2BR/2BA Multi-Family, 2 units offered at $129,900 Year Built 1900 Sq Footage 1,600 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms 2 full, 0 partial Floors 2 Parking 3 Uncovered spaces Lot Size 7,840 sqft HOA/Maint $0 per month DESCRIPTION This 2 unit has a lower and upper unit with a oversized one car garage. It will pay for a great portion of your mortgage to live in one unit and rent the other unit. see additional photos below PROPERTY FEATURES - Central heat - Hardwood floor - Living room - Refrigerator - Stove/Oven - Washer - Dryer - Laundry area - inside - Balcony, Deck, or Patio - Yard OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES - Great owner occupant possibilities ADDITIONAL PHOTOS Front view Backyard view of garage Kitchen 2nd floor Kitchen 1st floor Dining area 1st floor Softwood on 1st floor Contact info: Cal Yoder Keller Williams Homes & Land Realty (717) 413-0744 For sale by agent/broker Equal Opportunity Housing Posted: Jun 13, 2010, 6:30pm PDT

671 N Lime Street, Elizabethtown, PA 17022

Cal Yoder | Keller Williams Homes & Land Realty | (717) 413-0744 671 N Lime Street, Elizabethtown, PA This kitchen will allow you to entertain friends and family with pride. Enjoy relaxing on the deck in the rear. Make this house your home. 3BR/1+1BA Townhouse offered at $137,900 Year Built 1981 Sq Footage 1,200 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms 1 full, 1 partial Floors Unspecified Parking 2 Uncovered spaces Lot Size 6,098 sqft HOA/Maint $0 per month DESCRIPTION This property boasts new carpet and paint throughout. New countertops in kitchen and bathrooms bring a renewed sparkle to this home. see additional photos below PROPERTY FEATURES - Central A/C - Tile floor - Living room - Breakfast nook - Dishwasher - Stove/Oven - Basement - Laundry area - inside - Yard OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES - The kitchen with a great backsplash will be the envy of your friends. ADDITIONAL PHOTOS Front view Kitchen Dining area Living Room Master Bedroom Bathroom vanity Contact info: Cal Yoder Keller Williams Homes & Land Realty (717) 413-0744 For sale by agent/broker Equal Opportunity Housing Posted: Jun 13, 2010, 5:13pm PDT

Friendship Wealth

Friendship Wealth

As I reflect on my recent health challenges, I realize how truly wealthy I am. Some say a one's true wealth can be measured by how many friends he/she has. By this measure, I realize I am blessed.

I experienced a hospitalization of 5 days about 2 weeks ago. I had been feeling poorly for about a week before I was correctly diagnosed with multiple pulmonary embolli and thus the hospitalization. It was through this experience I realized how vital and important my friends are to me.

The day I was hospitalized my office mates rallied around me in worry and in tangible help. I needed to get some keys to my electronic lockbox in order to facilitate an important showing. First, Terri offered to help and I was too proud to accept. However, when I realized I was not capable of actually performing this task, Paul readily offered to help me. Jill, Jillian and Jess made phone calls and offered words of encouragement.

During my hospitalization I was visited by many friends including Glenn, Shannon, Denny, Bonnie, the entire Hurst family, Dan, Jay, Ruth, Jim, Nina, Dean, Craig and my pastors, Ron and Sue. These visits were appreciated and such a blessing that words cannot adequately express the meaning. I was encouraged and uplifted by this simple gesture. Thank-you.

I must mention how meaningful it was to have Dean when he was visiting me ask if I wanted anything from McDonald's. I asked for a cheese burger and a chocolate shake. Dean went across the street and bought me these items. I savored them and realized again how wealthy I was to have a friend like this.

I also received many cards, phone calls and words of encouragement. The flowering plant pictured above was a gift from the Gemeinschaft Sunday School class. Besides its beauty, it communicated love and friendship. I am grateful.

Take a moment this day and count your friends. Remember the blessing these friendship are for you and give thanks.

Memories of a tree

The picture of the weeping blossoming cherry tree symbolizes the changes I have experienced over the past 13 years. Recently I turned 49 and I began to reflect on my life and the changes I have experienced over these years.

This weeping blossoming cherry tree was given to my family and me as a gift by members of our Sunday School class. We were leaving one congregation in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania or more exactly, in Souderton, PA and moving to Lancaster County, PA to begin a pastorate in a Leola, PA congregation. The tree was about three feet tall and came with money attached to the small tree limbs. It was really a neat gift and we appreciated it.

In those thirteen years, our children have gone from teenagers and children to young adults. Our children are 26, 24 and 21 respectively. They have successfully navigated the teenage years and all but one have made it through college. They have become productive young adults and we are proud of them.

Also in those thirteen years, I have changed professions. I am now a full-time realtor. This change has been challenging, exhilirating and more taxing than I ever imagined. I did not realize how difficult this transition would be. I definitely know why so many stay in a job they no longer love. Inertia is hard to overcome.

You can see the tree has grown substantially over these past 13 years and has survived much snow, heat, rain and all that mother nature has thrown at her. As I observe this tree and reflect on these past 13 years, I am filled with gratitude. I do not want to change the past, but accept it for what it is. I do not know what the next 13 years will hold, but believe I will get out of life what I put into it.

Ficus Tree Musings

We recently moved our ficus tree to the spot it loves - our deck. Each year, as late in the fall as possible, we move this tree back inside for a long winter decline. The ficus tree does not like the inside of our house.

You will note how the tree has much barrenness. The vibrancy it once had late last year has diminished. As spring has come, I hope you are finding the reality of Easter, rebirth, resurrection, and renewal in your life.

I did some research on the ficus tree to see what I could learn about the care of it. I learned alot from this site. I realized that the tree does not get enough light during the winter and that watering it with tap water is not helpful. I also learned something I knew, but it was good to have it verified. Pruning the ficus tree is actually quite good for it.

As I write this post, I realize I must be committed to life long learning. It is good for me and for those I serve in real estate. One never possesses enough knowledge or skill. This is my commitment, "I will not stop learning."

Cal Yoder
Keller Williams Homes & Land Realty
1630 Manheim Pike
Lancaster, PA 17601
717.735.1145 - office
717.413.0744 - cell
calyoder@kw.com

Sauder Egg Run - Lititz, PA 17543

Sauder Egg Run
Lititz, PA 17543

Today I ran the Sauder Egg run in Lititz, PA. I had anticipated a sunny and warm morning, but was greeted with a cloudy and overcast day. However, it was perfect for running a race.

I arrived later than I wanted, but was finally able to get registered for the race about 15 minutes before its beginning. I was anticipating this race to see how much, if any I would improve since I ran the Jingle Bell Run in December. In that race I ran an average of 8:20 miles. My goal for this race was to break 40 minutes or below an 8 minute mile average.

It had been several years since I had run this race in Lititz, PA. Lititz has three races during the year beginning with the Sauder Egg Run, followed by the Freshburst run in July, and the Pretzel Twist in September.

The race began with Mark (my running partner) towards the rear. This was not a good thing as we started very slowly. There were nearly 300 runners trying to make it through a fairly narrow area and it probably took us a good 30 seconds to get out and running. The first half mile was trying to run around persons and get to a place where I could settle into a nice pace. it was actually a fun time and is very invigorating. I completed the race in 39:47, meeting my goal.

I was reminded why I like running. The social aspect of running, along with a way to measure ones progress and the sense of euphoria one experiences when completed.

I definitely recommend the Sauder Egg Run in Lititz, PA. One of the truly fun things about this race is the wonderful omelettes Sauder Egg Company provides for the runners. Join me next year and enjoy.

Eastside - Lancaster, PA 17602

The Eastside neighborhood of Lancaster, PA is another wonderful neighborhood with much to offer the person looking for the city living experience in Lancaster County, PA.

This neighborhood is located on the eastern edge of the city, thus its name. Currently there are abot 26 homes for sale ranging in price from $64,900 - $299,900. Like many parts of the city, this area has been experiencing revitalization.

One of the exciting events ofEastside, Lancaster, PA was the opening of the Lancaster Science Factory in 2007. This was part of the overall redevelopment plan of the Kerr Glass Factory by Barry Baldwin.

Reservoir Park offers a swimming pool and open space for residents of this neighborhood.





Lancaster living offers many benefits to all county residents, but for those looking for the urban experience and its benefits, Eastside, Lancaster, PA may be the place for you. If interested in exploring the options this neighborhood has to offer, give me a call or send me an email.

Cal Yoder

Keller Williams Homes and Land Realty

1630 Manheim Pike, Lancaster, PA 17601

Office - 717.735.1145 Cell - 717.735.1145

www.calyoder calyoder@kw.com