Real Estate Information Archive

Ultra-low mortgage rates are making homes more affordable. At the same time, the lending market is becoming more accommodating. Insurance premiums are being reduced on FHA loans. This means even cheaper financing will be available to a wider swath of potential home buyers.

Home-price appreciation is also moderating, and homes are appreciating at a more reasonable rate. Rent-price increases, on the other hand, are making it more expensive for people to rent. Data from Zillow show that rents have grown at twice the pace of income over the past 14 years. Zillow expects rents to outpace home-price appreciation over the next year.

This means homeownership will become even more appealing in 2015.

We've always believed most people prefer to own than rent. There is something about owning a home than can't be replicated by renting. Peace of mind is found in being able to paint the walls and drive a nail wherever you want without worrying about a security deposit. Pride of ownership really does have value.

But more than anything, ownership gets people off the price escalator. Rent never ceases to rise. When a home is bought and financed with a fixed-rate loan, what was paid last year will be paid this year, and years after that (property taxes and insurance aside).

When low lending rates are combined with the comparative advantages of ownership, there is no reason to not like the outlook for housing in 2015.

Information provided by Jessica Regan.

Search all Harrisburg PA homes for sale.

When you are buying or selling property in today's Harrisburg PA real estate market, it's important to have confidence in your real estate professional. Don’s commitment as your Harrisburg PA REALTOR® is to provide you with the specialized real estate service you deserve.

When you are an informed buyer or seller, you'll make the best decisions for the most important purchase or sale in your lifetime. That's why Don’s goal is to keep you informed on trends in Harrisburg PA real estate. With property values continuing to rise, real estate is a sound investment for now and for the future.

As a local area expert with knowledge of Harrisburg PA area communities, Don’s objective is to work diligently to assist you in meeting your real estate goals.

If you are considering buying or selling a home or would just like to have additional information about real estate in your area, please don't hesitate to call me at (717) 657-8700, complete my online form, or e-mail me at don@donroth.com.

WHY DO THIS? 

Modern life is high-tech, fast-paced and stressful. It’s a jungle out there! Turning your home into a sanctuary from the always on, always-connected world we live in is not only good for your mind, it’s good for your health! Make your home a relaxation zone with these design fixes.

1. Let in light. Sunlight is nature’s stress-buster, because it positively impacts both physical and mental health. Lift the blinds and lift your mood. If you’re lacking in the natural light department, mirrors can be used to brighten up a room, instead.

2. Dim down at night. While light boosts energy levels, darkness can soothe the soul, so balancing the two is key. In the evening, keep certain spaces (such as your bedroom) low-key by reducing overhead lighting and using a candle or two. The low light will help transition your system to a relaxed state and prepare you for sleep.

3. Frame your loved ones. Remember that fun vacation with those amazing people? You should. Every day. Reliving happy memories breeds an upbeat outlook and framed photos will do the trick. Surround yourself with snapshots of friends, family, places and pets for a daily jolt of positivity.

4. Simplify. Clutter is the enemy of calm. Pick one especially disorderly space in your home (the kitchen, closet or living room are three good options) and spend ten minutes sorting your clutter into three piles: keep, discard and relocate. Eliminate the “discard” pile and move the “relocate” items to their proper places in the house.

5. Add nature. Plants are a great way to make any room feel tranquil and peaceful. Whether you make a statement with a single staghorn fern or scatter jars of wildflowers throughout your home, you can’t go wrong. In addition to the high-traffic display spots, we recommend placing plants in obscure places (like the kitchen, home office or your bathrooms) to keep the natural vibe alive through and through.

6. Power down. The electronics in our lives can drain more than electricity. Surrounding ourselves with screens – computers, TVs, tablets – can take a toll on our sleep habits, too. Hide them if you can, at least an hour or so before bed. The blue light emitted from most electronics actually affects your REM cycle, so you don’t sleep as well. And nothing knocks your stress levels up a notch like a poor night’s sleep!​​​

Information provided by BrightNest.com.

Search all Harrisburg PA homes for sale.

When you are buying or selling property in today's Harrisburg PA real estate market, it's important to have confidence in your real estate professional. Don’s commitment as your Harrisburg PA REALTOR® is to provide you with the specialized real estate service you deserve.

When you are an informed buyer or seller, you'll make the best decisions for the most important purchase or sale in your lifetime. That's why Don’s goal is to keep you informed on trends in Harrisburg PA real estate. With property values continuing to rise, real estate is a sound investment for now and for the future.

As a local area expert with knowledge of Harrisburg PA area communities, Don’s objective is to work diligently to assist you in meeting your real estate goals.

If you are considering buying or selling a home or would just like to have additional information about real estate in your area, please don't hesitate to call me at (717) 657-8700, complete my online form, or e-mail me at don@donroth.com.

If your New Year’s resolution has been “get fit” for the last five years, it may be time to pass on the gym membership in 2014 and spend your energy going green, instead! You don’t have to grow dreadlocks or start a granola-only hippie diet to reap the benefits of a green lifestyle. Here are a five easy ways to be eco-friendly in 2015:

Make Your Own Non-Toxic Dish Soap
Store-bought dish soaps are expensive and many of them contain toxic chemicals like ammonia. In fact, the leading cause of poisonings in the home for children under the age of six is liquid dish soap. Protect your family and your wallet by home brewing your suds!

Make All-Natural Air Fresheners
If you’re using store-bought aerosol fresheners to cover up nasty smells, you may also be spreading two toxic chemicals around your house: benzene and formaldehyde.  Both of these chemicals are harmful to humans and animals, and can cause problems such as eye irritation, respiratory trouble and – at higher exposure levels – more serious conditions like cancer. Fortunately, all you need are a few kitchen staples to replace those aerosol cans.

Reduce Waste
Waste means more than the bag of trash sitting by the back door. By paying attention to water and energy usage, you’ll do a solid for the environment and for your wallet.

Reuse and Recycle
You probably know that recycling is an easy way to go green, but did you know that it can help you save some money, too? These five tricks will help you conserve cash and help the environment along the way, so it’s a win/win. 

Switch To CFLs
They’re bright, stylish and will save you money! Yes, CFLs have a slightly higher purchase price, but they only use one-fifth of the power and last up to ten times longer than your current light bulbs. Plus, these new bulbs give you design options that don’t exist with standard light bulbs.

Information provided by BrightNest.com.

Search all Harrisburg PA homes for sale.

When you are buying or selling property in today's Harrisburg PA real estate market, it's important to have confidence in your real estate professional. Don’s commitment as your Harrisburg PA REALTOR® is to provide you with the specialized real estate service you deserve.

When you are an informed buyer or seller, you'll make the best decisions for the most important purchase or sale in your lifetime. That's why Don’s goal is to keep you informed on trends in Harrisburg PA real estate. With property values continuing to rise, real estate is a sound investment for now and for the future.

As a local area expert with knowledge of Harrisburg PA area communities, Don’s objective is to work diligently to assist you in meeting your real estate goals.

If you are considering buying or selling a home or would just like to have additional information about real estate in your area, please don't hesitate to call me at (717) 657-8700, complete my online form, or e-mail me at don@donroth.com.

WHY DO THIS?

Taking steps to conserve energy can cut your electricity bill by as much as $600 a year. Don't believe it? Up to 30 percent of a home's energy usage can be lost by drafts alone! Do a home energy audit to pinpoint the best ways to reduce your utility bills this winter.

How To:

1. Stop drafts. Fix the drafts under your doors and windows. For a quick fix, place a rolled bath towel under drafty doors and on windowsills. You can also purchase a door draft stopper for around $5.

2. Reverse your fans. Many ceiling units come with a switch to reverse the directions of the blades. Switching your blades to clockwise will help circulate warm air pooled near the ceiling back into the living space. This small change can cut your heating cost as much as 10 percent.

3. Turn down your water heater. Set your hot water heater to 120 degrees F. Water heaters are usually unnecessarily set to 140 degrees F by installers. Lowering the temperature would reduce your water heating costs by anywhere from 6 to 10 percent.

4. Lower the heat when you leave. Don’t forget to turn down your heat when you're not home! For every degree you lower the thermostat during heating season, you'll save between 1 and 3 percent on your utility bills. If you’re the forgetful type, consider investing in a programmable thermostat! They are widely available for as little as $50. Note: If you have a heat pump system, it's best to leave your thermostat at a set temperature. Moving the thermostat temperature up one degree can actually cause the system to waste more energy.

5. Install window plastic. You can find window plastic at your local hardware store and if it’s properly installed, it’s essentially invisible. The plastic will help to add a buffer against drafts and improve your home’s ability to hold heat.

Information courtesy of BrightNest.com.

When you are buying or selling property in today's Harrisburg PA real estate market, it's important to have confidence in your real estate professional. Don’s commitment as your Harrisburg PA REALTOR® is to provide you with the specialized real estate service you deserve.

When you are an informed buyer or seller, you'll make the best decisions for the most important purchase or sale in your lifetime. That's why Don’s goal is to keep you informed on trends in Harrisburg PA real estate. With property values continuing to rise, real estate is a sound investment for now and for the future.

As a local area expert with knowledge of Harrisburg PA area communities, Don’s objective is to work diligently to assist you in meeting your real estate goals.

If you are considering buying or selling a home or would just like to have additional information about real estate in your area, please don't hesitate to call me at (717) 657-8700, complete my online form, or e-mail me at don@donroth.com.

When you get a call from [enter judgmental relative here] saying they’ll be at your place in five minutes, what do you do?

In a perfect world, your home is clean and clutter-free, and you have just enough time to set out a snack for your guest. In the real world, though, you need those five minutes to scramble and hide all evidence of real life (aka mess).

If you need to get your place in tip-top shape in record time, we’ve got you covered. Here are five easy tricks to prep for company fast:

1. Stash Dirty Dishes in the Oven

Hey, no judgement here. If the dishwasher’s full, load those dirty dishes into the oven and close the door. Tip: You may not want to offer freshly baked cookies to your guests!

2. Hide Your Laundry in the Shower

If your towels have made their way into a pile on your floor, they’re not going to look any better hung up. If your guests aren’t staying overnight (and won’t need a shower), throw the towels into the shower and close the curtain. Out of sight, out of mind.

3. Put Your Mail in the Junk Drawer

Old coupons and magazines seem to make inconspicuous piles all over the house. If it’s junk, trash it. If you want to hold onto something, like that magazine you haven’t had time to read, combine everything and conceal it in the junk drawer.

4. Switch Out the Couch Blankets and Pillows

If you have some four-pawed loved ones around the house, they tend to leave a trail of fur on your couch.

To give your couch a quick de-fur treatment, try this trick: Keep a spare set of blankets and pillows in the linen closet. If you have some unexpected company, you can switch out the dirty pillows for fresh, fur-free pillows in two seconds flat.

If you’re feeling ambitious, you can throw the blankets and throws right into the laundry room.

5. Close Your Closet Doors

When was the last time a guest asked to peek into your closet? Probably never. Knowing it’s a secret space, shove your laundry, shoes and coats into your closet (and hope they don't mistake it for a door to the bathroom).

For humans, Halloween is a time to embrace your inner-monster (or Lady Gaga) and spend a night masquerading as someone, or something, new. For your pets, it’s a night fraught with potential hazards like mounds of dark chocolate, hot candles and a sudden increase of strange visitors. Make sure your pet stays calm and safe this All Hallows’ Eve by paying attention to these potential hazards.

Candy

Those bags of candy are a great treat for your kids, but ingredients like dark chocolate and artificial sweeteners are toxic to dogs, cats and birds. If you have a pet in the house, keep all of your candy sealed and out of pet-reach.

Candles 

It’s always nice to set a spooky mood on Halloween, and that usually means candles. If you decide to put candles in your jack-o-lanterns, make sure the pumpkins are placed somewhere your pet can’t knock them over. If you have a cat, consider forgoing candles in your window sill. They may look nice now, but it won’t be so good when Fluffy’s tail catches on fire. Instead, try some electric candles!

Trick-or-Treaters 

For some pets, especially territorial dogs, having the doorbell ring every five minutes is a very stressful situation. When you throw in a group of costume-clad strangers at the door, it can be downright terrifying! If your pet is going to be upset by trick-or-treaters, keep him or her in a quiet room where they won’t be bothered by the goblins and ghouls visiting the house.

Pet Costumes

There’s no denying that a dog in a ladybug costume is pretty much the cutest thing in the world. But, your dog might not think it’s quite as fun as you do. If you’re going to dress up your pet, make sure they seem comfortable with their outfit. A stressed-out pet will chew their costume and possibly hurt themselves trying to get it off. If they don’t seem happy when you put on their costume, snap a quick photo and then take it off.

When pundits discuss mortgage financing, they frequently tout the money saved in interest when paying cash. But is that worth touting?

Let's say we have two home buyers: each has $100,000 and each buys a $100,000 home. One pays cash; the other puts $10,000 down and finances the remaining $90,000 with a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage at 4.25%. Both stay put, and 30 years later the 30-year mortgage is paid in full. Over the 30 years, the cash buyer obviously incurred no interest charges. The financed buyer, on the other hand, pays over $69,300 in interest over the life of the loan.

It appears the cash buyer comes out ahead, but does he?

Keep in mind that the cash buyer did not have use of the $90,000 like the financed buyer did. Let's say the financed buyer took his $90,000 and bought 5,000 shares – $18 a share – of a real estate investment trust (REIT) that pays $0.125 in dividends each month. We'll assume there is no dividend increases (which would be unlikely in the real world).

Each month, the REIT pays the financed buyer $625 in dividends. In a year, the REIT owner collects $7,500 in dividend income. Over 30 years, the REIT owner will collect $225,000 in dividend income.

In other words, opportunity costs must be factored into the equation. By financing his home with a low-rate loan, the intelligent investor/home buyer was able to use his money to buy a cash-generating investment that far exceeded his interest payments.

This example shows that opportunities and opportunity costs must always be factored into a financial equation. When this occurs, the cheaper option can frequently be shown to be the less financially profitable option.

Information provided by Jessica Regan.

Search all Harrisburg PA homes for sale.

When you are buying or selling property in today's Harrisburg PA real estate market, it's important to have confidence in your real estate professional. Don’s commitment as your Harrisburg PA REALTOR® is to provide you with the specialized real estate service you deserve.

When you are an informed buyer or seller, you'll make the best decisions for the most important purchase or sale in your lifetime. That's why Don’s goal is to keep you informed on trends in Harrisburg PA real estate. With property values continuing to rise, real estate is a sound investment for now and for the future.

As a local area expert with knowledge of Harrisburg PA area communities, Don’s objective is to work diligently to assist you in meeting your real estate goals.

If you are considering buying or selling a home or would just like to have additional information about real estate in your area, please don't hesitate to call me at (717) 657-8700, complete my online form, or e-mail me at don@donroth.com.

This is really quite extraordinary.

We have strong job growth, accelerating economic growth, the Federal Reserve withdrawing from the Treasury debt and mortgage-backed security markets, and yet mortgage rates continue to fall. Bankrate.com's latest survey shows that the national average on the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage is as low as it has been in the past year. Freddie Mac's survey shows the 30-year loan at a similar low.

We have to confess that we've been wrong on the direction of interest rates this year. But we've been right on the variables that should have lead to higher interest rates: more job growth, more economic growth, less Federal Reserve support. When these variables are factored in, interest rates are supposed to trend higher. Turmoil in Russia and Ukraine could be serving as a counterweight, but these events alone shouldn't keep rates in check.

Low consumer-price inflation – here and in most of the developed world – is likely the overriding variable. Here in the States, we have the potential for an inflation surge, but most of the developed world doesn't. Economies are so intertwined these days that low inflation and low growth in less robust economies could very well be holding inflation in check in the United States.

As for how low mortgage rates can go? We didn't think we had snowballs chance in summer of discussing 4% on the 30-year loan deep into August. But now sub-4% on the 30-year loan is entirely plausible.

Information provided by Jessica Regan.

Search all Harrisburg PA homes for sale.

When you are buying or selling property in today's Harrisburg PA real estate market, it's important to have confidence in your real estate professional. Don’s commitment as your Harrisburg PA REALTOR® is to provide you with the specialized real estate service you deserve.

When you are an informed buyer or seller, you'll make the best decisions for the most important purchase or sale in your lifetime. That's why Don’s goal is to keep you informed on trends in Harrisburg PA real estate. With property values continuing to rise, real estate is a sound investment for now and for the future.

As a local area expert with knowledge of Harrisburg PA area communities, Don’s objective is to work diligently to assist you in meeting your real estate goals.

If you are considering buying or selling a home or would just like to have additional information about real estate in your area, please don't hesitate to call me at (717) 657-8700, complete my online form, or e-mail me at don@donroth.com.

Six in a row, which is the number of months payrolls have increased 200,000-or-more per month.

The latest employment data show 209,000 jobs were created in July. At the same time, the unemployment rate inched up to 6.2% from 6.1%. More jobs and more unemployment? This phenomenon is the result of a higher labor participation rate. As more jobs become available, more people are compelled to enter the labor force.

At the beginning of the year, we mentioned that job creation running at 200,000+ per month was key to sustaining the economy and housing. The good news is the economy is meeting our expectations for job growth. In time, we expect to see a spillover effect: Housing sales, construction, and investment will rise as people become more settled in their new jobs.

Interestingly, strong job growth is holding little sway over interest rates. When job growth picks up, interest rates usually pick up with it. That hasn't been the case. Mortgage rates continue to hold near 2014 lows. Bankrate.com's latest survey has the national average on the 30-year, fixed-rate loan at 4.29%; Freddie Mac's survey has it at 4.14%

To understand why mortgage rates remain low look no further than the yield on the 10-year U.S. Treasury note. Its yield is down to 2.4%. This bellwether security yields 60 fewer basis points than it did at the beginning of the year.

Interest rates remain low because consumer-price inflation remains low. A rush to quality is another factor. Quality interest-paying investments (like bonds and notes) have gained additional support in recent months due to turmoil surrounding the Ukraine and Russia, and, separately, the Middle East. Investors have flocked to haven investments – like the 10-year Treasury note – to wait out the turmoil. Their demand, in turn, has helped keep interest rates in general, and mortgage rates in particular, low.

Low rates are certainly good news for anyone seeking a mortgage these days. The fact that lending standards continue to ease is more good news. A recent survey of lenders by the Federal Reserve shows that lenders have indeed made credit available to more people. Then again, we've known this for some time. The MBA's Mortgage Credit Availability Index (MCAI) has risen substantially over the past nine months, and has trended higher over the past two years.

Expect this important trend to continue because of falling mortgage delinquencies. The delinquency rate has dropped five-consecutive quarters and is at the lowest level since the fourth quarter of 2007, according to the MBA's National Delinquency Survey .

An expanding economy, job growth, low interest rates, and available credit: This is the perfect storm for anyone considering a housing change. We suggest anyone interested in a home to take advantage of today's opportunities before the storm passes – and it will pass one day.

Information provided by Jessica Regan.

Search all Harrisburg PA homes for sale.

When you are buying or selling property in today's Harrisburg PA real estate market, it's important to have confidence in your real estate professional. Don’s commitment as your Harrisburg PA REALTOR® is to provide you with the specialized real estate service you deserve.

When you are an informed buyer or seller, you'll make the best decisions for the most important purchase or sale in your lifetime. That's why Don’s goal is to keep you informed on trends in Harrisburg PA real estate. With property values continuing to rise, real estate is a sound investment for now and for the future.

As a local area expert with knowledge of Harrisburg PA area communities, Don’s objective is to work diligently to assist you in meeting your real estate goals.

If you are considering buying or selling a home or would just like to have additional information about real estate in your area, please don't hesitate to call me at (717) 657-8700, complete my online form, or e-mail me at don@donroth.com.

As a homeowner, there are countless tweaks and additions you can make to your abode. If you’re enthusiastic, Home Depot can eventually start to feel like an all-you-can-eat home improvement buffet of fun. But before you go into project-planning overdrive, slow down! It’s important to be selective with your add-ons because some changes can actually devalue your home. Here are six things to double-check.

1. Removing a bedroom. If you’re an empty nester, it can be tempting to convert that unused boudoir into the home gym you’ve always dreamed about. But the number of bedrooms in your home directly affects its value, so ask yourself: do you really need the new room? If the answer is “yes,” just make sure the changes continue to meet building codes for a bedroom (these can vary, so it’s best to check with a professional). That way, you can still market the space as a bedroom. Note: Even if the room meets bedroom building codes, its perceived value will drop if it’s being used for something else. So if you’re planning to sell in the near future, it may be best to leave the bed!

2. Mediocre renovations. A quality, well-installed kitchen island is a great way to boost your home’s value. But imperfect work is easy for potential buyers to spot, and if they feel like your renovations will need to be tweaked (or redone entirely), they may lower their offer. To avoid this problem, carefully weigh the pros and cons of doing a project by yourself before you begin. If you decide to hire help, make sure you vet your contractor thoroughly!
    
3. Showcasing a satellite dish. Let’s be clear: there is absolutely nothing wrong with 1,000 premium channels of HD entertainment. The more the merrier! But if a prospective buyer can see your satellite dish as soon as they turn onto your block, your curb appeal is going to take a hit. If you get a dish installed, work with the technicians to place it in an out-of-the-way spot.
    
4. Sporadic home maintenance. Big renovations tend to take the spotlight when it comes to increasing your home's value, but regular maintenance can be just as important! In fact, without proactive maintenance – like cleaning lint from the dryer or changing your furnace filter – your home could lose up to 10 percent of its value. Routine maintenance not only protects the value of your property – it can also enhance curb appeal, ensure safety and prevent simple problems from turning into costly repairs. If you’ve fallen a little behind, that’s not a problem. It only takes one hour to get back on top of things.
    
5. Smoking inside. The whole “post-intimacy” cigarette looks cool in movies, but it’s not as suave when it comes to your home’s value. In fact, one survey revealed that some buyers believe smoking inside of a house can lower its value by as much as 29 percent! When you combine this with the fact that fires caused by still-burning cigarette butts are the leading cause of home-fire fatalities, smoking outside becomes a no-brainer.
    
6. An above-ground pool. Depending on where you live, an in-ground pool can bolster your home’s value by as much as 11 percent. However, the above-ground counterpart isn’t as popular. Since they aren’t as visually appealing, buyers will tend to focus on the negatives of the pool (maintenance costs and safety hazards), and your home’s purchase price may take about a two percent hit. Note: If you and your family simply can’t live without some pool-side fun, don’t let this deter you! You can’t put a price on epic water-basketball matches or fun Marco Polo sessions.