SPONSOR CONTENT
It’s a great time to put a home on the market in Lancaster County.
“While the market for high-end homes has not yet returned to its 2007 values, homes under $300,000 are flying off the shelves,” says Anne Lusk of Lusk & Associates Sotheby’s International Realty.
“Properties that look good and are priced correctly are bringing top dollar,” Lusk says, sometimes even more.
Lusk gives two reasons: 1. Interest rates remain low and 2: rental costs have grown by leaps and bounds. In one Lititz community, the cost to rent a new townhome has risen to $1,850/month.
“You can buy a $250,000 to $300,000 home for that,” she says. “Why rent when I can buy?”
The county’s busy real estate market is an indication that the American dream of homeownership is alive and well, Lusk says. But, Lusk cautions, today’s competitive market is not without its own set of challenges for sellers, but there are steps they can take to increase their chances for a smooth and successful sale.
“Once a seller puts their home on the market, they should be prepared to show it immediately,” Lusk says, noting the best showings typically come in the first two weeks.
Style isn’t necessarily important to millennial buyers, but they are generally not interested in repairing or painting. Be sure to check the small things, like making sure all the windows open, close, and lock properly.
Staging is also important, Lusk says. The home should be clean and clutter-free. “You live in a home differently than you sell a home.”
For the listing, sellers should always demand professional photos of the home, regardless of price range. “You’re first showing is on the internet,” Lusk says. “If it doesn’t shine on their phone, they’re not coming.”
For help in selling your home or finding your dream home, email aluskhomes@gmail.com, call 717-291-9101 or visit www.luskandassociates.com.
