As reported by the Greater Harrisburg Association of Realtors (GHAR), home sales in the first quarter of 2011 are down almost 8% compared to last year.  1,169 homes were sold during the first quarter of 2011, whereas 1,266 homes were sold during the same time period in 2010. 

In addition, the median home sale price decreased 5.4% from $158,000 (2010) to $150,000 (2011) during the first quarter.  Days on market increased from 99 days to 127 for the same time period.

If you’re trying to sell your home, you know the competition is fierce.  The key is to have your home “show ready” and priced competitively.  Before listing your home, take the time to visit the competition with your Realtor so you can see what Buyers are seeing in your price range.  By doing so, you may realize that you have some work to do before you put the sign in your yard.

If you have any questions about the Harrisburg real estate market, please contact me at Michelle@HarrisburgHouses.net.

Do you appreciate the character and charm of older homes but don’t want to give up modern amenities?  If so, we have the property for YOU!  Located at 220 W. Main Street in the borough of Mechanicsburg, this tastefully restored home offers over 5,400 square feet of living space, original Carriage House that is currently being used as a 2-car garage and extra storage, and so much more.  Highlights include:

- 4 Bedrooms, 2 Full Baths, 2 Half Baths, 3 Fireplaces (gas)

- 3rd Floor Extended Guest/In-Law Quarters or Rental Opportunity (2 Bedrooms, 1 Full Bath, & Kitchen)

- Spacious Formal Living Room, Family Room, & Centrally Located Dining Room (all with gleaming hardwood floors)

- Modern Kitchen with granite counters, original Butler’s Pantry and beautiful brick fireplace 

- Covered Patio and Beautifully Landscaped Private Gardens (.3 acre lot)

This is only the 4th time this home has been available in 150+ years!   Come see a historic residence where modern amenities coalesce with classic period charm and character.  Open house scheduled for May 1, from 1-4pm.  For a private showing, please contact Michelle Leo at (717) 623-8508.

I want to share some very helpful information that I learned this week when working with a lender regarding condos.  A high percentage of today’s Buyers are “FHA Approved”.   When picking out properties to show a potential Buyer, the Realtor should verify if the planned community is “FHA Approved”. 

Ultimately, the lender will verify however (I feel that) it’s the Realtor’s responsibility to make sure that he/she is not showing homes to a potential Buyer where they can not purchase.  

Link_to_Verify_FHA_Approval

Realtors can share this link with their Clients as well.  Hopefully this information will save a few Realtors some time and help potential Buyers from getting frustrated. 

If you have any questions, feel free to contact me at Michelle@HarrisburgHouses.net.