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Harrisburg, PA Real Estate News

By Ken and Leslye Huebsch, Realtors - Harrisburg Homes for Sale 717.514.1793
(3x Individual Agent of the Year, Luxury Homes, First-Time Buyers, Residential Resales, New Construction)
  Here are the Top 10 Flowers for Curb Appeal in Harrisburg PA! Are you fighting a bad case of cabin fever this Winter? If so you're not alone! Dormant flower beds all across the nation are begging for some splashes of color. Here's a list of the top 10 inexpensive, easy-to-maintain flowers that will please those beds, your budget, and your neighbors.     Curb appeal is your home's first impression to buyers and neighbors alike. It can say a lot about how you respect your home and property.   Ask yourself these questions: How do you feel about a home with an overgrown lawn? Do you prefer flower beds that are empty and full of weeds or beds that are planted with new Spring flowers? The answers are easy! We all prefer yards that are well-kept. That includes buyers.     When a buyer makes ...
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By Ken and Leslye Huebsch, Realtors - Harrisburg Homes for Sale 717.514.1793
(3x Individual Agent of the Year, Luxury Homes, First-Time Buyers, Residential Resales, New Construction)
The Selling Power of Closets in Harrisburg PA! At first glance your closets may seem like insignificant or unassuming rooms in your home. The truth is, however, that closets can be real selling features. Homes must have storage. From clothes to food to cleaning supplies, closets are the heart of every clean house. The first order of business in revamping your closets is to get rid of the clutter! We all are a little guilty of holding onto clothes and other "valuables" that we no longer need. These superfluous items can make closets burst at the seams and can turn a ready and willing buyer off. Downsize these items by holding a yard sale, giving them to charity, or gifting them to family and friends. Chances are you'll never miss the items you give away, but your closets will breathe a s...
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By Ken and Leslye Huebsch, Realtors - Harrisburg Homes for Sale 717.514.1793
(3x Individual Agent of the Year, Luxury Homes, First-Time Buyers, Residential Resales, New Construction)
How to Sell a House in Harrisburg PA - Pricing Advice for Sellers: One of the most common questions a Realtor hears is, "How do I price my home?" I cannot stress enough to you - the one who wants to sell your home - the importance of pricing your home where it needs to be. Here is the best tip on how to sell a house: this is pricing advice for sellers that will make a difference:     Pricing Advice for Sellers: “They can always make an offer.” The problem is, most buyers shop up to their price range, peek a bit over, then focus only in their price range. By overpricing, you put your home into a price bracket where they won’t look. The wrong price attracts the wrong buyers. The ones who could afford a market value price won’t see it… and the buyers who do see your home won’t be intereste...
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By Ken and Leslye Huebsch, Realtors - Harrisburg Homes for Sale 717.514.1793
(3x Individual Agent of the Year, Luxury Homes, First-Time Buyers, Residential Resales, New Construction)
How to Buy a House in Harrisburg PA - How Much House Can You Afford? The typical homebuyer has been browsing through properties online and driving around looking for yard signs.  This is a great start since it is important to get an idea of what you are looking for; however, when considering how to buy a house, it is even more important to know how much you can afford to spend.  Follow these steps to get a basic idea of what monthly mortgage payment will work for you:  Allowable Monthly Debt Payments Although it varies, many lenders typically prefer that when you buy a house, your monthly debt and housing costs are less than 28% of your gross monthly income.  Even if your debts are higher than 28% of your income, that doesn’t mean you can’t get a mortgage, there are financing programs t...
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By Ken and Leslye Huebsch, Realtors - Harrisburg Homes for Sale 717.514.1793
(3x Individual Agent of the Year, Luxury Homes, First-Time Buyers, Residential Resales, New Construction)
How to Sell a House in a Tough Market in Harrisburg, PA So, you've decided to sell a house in a tough market. It is stressful! But there are things that you can do to help speed up the process. Even simple details like rearranging furniture and replacing light bulbs can bring better results with buyers; therefore enabling you to sell a house quicker. Where should you focus your attention when you want to begin to sell a house? Start by looking over these tips and deciding which areas of your home can benefit from some changes that don't cost much; yet can increase the offers on your home. Off the walls: Moving your furniture away from the walls can make the room appear larger not smaller. A lot of people think it's the opposite. Of course, it depends on the shape and size of the room. I...
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By Ken and Leslye Huebsch, Realtors - Harrisburg Homes for Sale 717.514.1793
(3x Individual Agent of the Year, Luxury Homes, First-Time Buyers, Residential Resales, New Construction)
  Why Buy a House in Harrisburg PA: Five Great Things about Homeownership If you've been on the fence about homeownership and if you should buy a house, now is the time to take a leap! Don't let the negative press deter you from one of life's greatest joys.     Take a look at five short and sweet reasons why you should buy a house. Remember, homeownership is great! You get Equity when you buy a house When you pay rent, you never see that money again. It is lining the landlord's pocket. Yes, to buy a house you may come with some hefty initial costs (downpayment, closing costs, inspections), but you will make that money back over time in equity built in the home. Historically, homes appreciate by about 4 to 6 percent a year. Some areas are still experiencing normal appreciation rates. For...
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By Ken and Leslye Huebsch, Realtors - Harrisburg Homes for Sale 717.514.1793
(3x Individual Agent of the Year, Luxury Homes, First-Time Buyers, Residential Resales, New Construction)
So... It's February now. Have you kept up with your New Years' Real Estate Resolutions? I'll post this again, just to keep it fresh in your mind! Don't forget the goal: Prepare ahead, so you can sell and/or buy in the Spring!
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By Ken and Leslye Huebsch, Realtors - Harrisburg Homes for Sale 717.514.1793
(3x Individual Agent of the Year, Luxury Homes, First-Time Buyers, Residential Resales, New Construction)
Considering some Home Improvements in Harrisburg PA? Here are some suggestions!
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By Ken and Leslye Huebsch, Realtors - Harrisburg Homes for Sale 717.514.1793
(3x Individual Agent of the Year, Luxury Homes, First-Time Buyers, Residential Resales, New Construction)
Things you should know about Mold in Harrisburg PA: With all the wet weather we had in the summer of 2011, then with the advent of Tropical Storm Lee last September, this "mold" question is popping up more and more. Here are some things to remember about mold. 1.     Potential health effects and symptoms associated with mold exposure include allergic reactions, asthma, and other respiratory complaints. 2.     There is no practical way to eliminate all mold and mold spores in the indoor environment; the way to control indoor mold growth is to control moisture. 3.     If mold is a problem in your home or school, you must clean up the mold and eliminate sources of moisture. 4.     Fix the source of the water problem or leak to prevent mold growth. 5.     Reduce indoor humidity to 30-60% to...
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By Ken and Leslye Huebsch, Realtors - Harrisburg Homes for Sale 717.514.1793
(3x Individual Agent of the Year, Luxury Homes, First-Time Buyers, Residential Resales, New Construction)
  Selling a Home in the Winter in Harrisburg PA - Why Would Anyone Pass up a Great Time to Sell? Why is there such a stigma against selling a home in the cooler months of the year?  Sure, it may not be as easy to jump in one’s car and drive over to the next open houses, but if you think about it – there is really no reason why a home couldn’t sell just as easily during the off-peak season as it does in the spring and summer.   One of the most common things we see as Realtors is that homeowners will list their home on the market – and given the state of our market lately – if selling a home within a certain time frame leading up to the winter season does not happen, they proceed to take the property off the market.  The general consensus is that there will not as many buyers out there an...
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By Ken and Leslye Huebsch, Realtors - Harrisburg Homes for Sale 717.514.1793
(3x Individual Agent of the Year, Luxury Homes, First-Time Buyers, Residential Resales, New Construction)
I can't believe how fast this year has flown by! Though the holidays are a great time to reflect on the year's highs and lows, it is also a time to evaluate our real estate positions and set new goals for next year. Every month, I research the market and talk with local banks to get a feel for where the market is heading in the next 12 months. Of course, any answer I give is nothing more than a professional opinion; yet it is interesting to hear different perspectives.   I reviewed the past year and conclude that the market has a life of its own. I cannot wait to see what happens! You have to decide what you need or want to happen and then create a strategy to get it. I have been receiving a lot of questions about the market:  if someone should be selling now or wait until spring. Here ...
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By Ken and Leslye Huebsch, Realtors - Harrisburg Homes for Sale 717.514.1793
(3x Individual Agent of the Year, Luxury Homes, First-Time Buyers, Residential Resales, New Construction)
Moving During the Holidays in Harrisburg PA It's the holiday season! For many readers out there this season is taking on a whole new meaning. Moving during the holidays is becoming more and more common. Cold weather, rain, and snow doesn't keep a good buyer down. There are great deals to be had all year round. Buying doesn't always happen on schedule. It can take weeks or months to find the perfect house, you may need to move suddenly to follow a new job opportunity, or move to be closer to ailing parents. Buying happens for a myriad of reasons and during every month of the year. Yet, moving during the holidays can be challenging, especially if you're a family with lots of traditions or with children. If you have children, then here are some tips on making moving during the holidays a b...
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By Victor Plitt
(Direct to Market LLC)
Harrisburg City is flooded with debt and its share of financial trouble. Now the city learns that Mayor Linda Thompson is facing foreclosure on her property located at 2320 N. Fifth St. The former home of Loveship Inc. Not only is Metro Bank starting the foreclosure process Mayor Linda Thompson is reported as not paying the real estate taxes on the property as well. The question has to be asked does anyone involved in city government think it might be time to sell?  U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Mary France recently rejected a bankruptcy filing by some members of city council. Pennsylvania Governor Tom Corbet appointed DCED Chief Counsel David Unkovic as a Harrisburg receiver under act 47. This message is for David Unkovic. If the need to liquidate Harrisburg city assets is required to help bal...
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By Ken and Leslye Huebsch, Realtors - Harrisburg Homes for Sale 717.514.1793
(3x Individual Agent of the Year, Luxury Homes, First-Time Buyers, Residential Resales, New Construction)
Preparing for Winter in Harrisburg PA: As the cold is upon us, preparing for winter should be considered both inside and outside your home to protect your investment, maintain your safety, and provide comfort throughout the colder winter months.   Preparing for Winter: Indoor Preparations The most obvious items to address as the winter months approach center largely around ensuring that your home remains warm. Regardless of your heat source there are preventative measures that should be taken to ensure that you remain warm and safe inside your home. Some of the most important areas to assess while preparing for winter include: Furnaces - regular annual furnace inspections while preparing for winter will help keep your furnace in good repair. Cleaning or replacing furnace filters monthly...
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By Ken and Leslye Huebsch, Realtors - Harrisburg Homes for Sale 717.514.1793
(3x Individual Agent of the Year, Luxury Homes, First-Time Buyers, Residential Resales, New Construction)
  Get Approved for a Mortgage in Harrisburg PA: I wish it were that easy!  There are 4 basic things that a borrower needs to show a lender in order to get approved for a mortgage.  Each category has so many what ifs and sub plots that each box can read as its own novel.  In other words, each category has so many variables that can affect what it takes to get approved for a mortgage, but without further adieu here are the four categories in no particular order as each without any of these items, you're pretty much dead in the water. Open publication - Free publishing - More types of loans     Get Approved for a Mortgage: Income You need income to get approved for a mortgage.  You need to be able to afford the home.  Without it, forget it!  But what is acceptable income?  Basically, it a...
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By Ken and Leslye Huebsch, Realtors - Harrisburg Homes for Sale 717.514.1793
(3x Individual Agent of the Year, Luxury Homes, First-Time Buyers, Residential Resales, New Construction)
Overcoming Your Fear of Buying a Home in Harrisburg: Do you have doubts and concerns about buying a home? Listen to the podcast about Overcoming Your Fear of Buying a Home and learn how to take advantage of today’s market!
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By Ken and Leslye Huebsch, Realtors - Harrisburg Homes for Sale 717.514.1793
(3x Individual Agent of the Year, Luxury Homes, First-Time Buyers, Residential Resales, New Construction)
How to Sell a House in Harrisburg PA: One Little Secret That Will Get Your Home SOLD!  We all want our real estate buying and selling transactions to run smoothly, efficiently and with minimum hassle.  This holds true even more so these days with the real estate market the way it has been lately.  With just a few simple things, many buyers and sellers today have a huge hand in how their transactions end up happening; and as a seller, there is one thing you can do to sell a house in less time, get you more money and in a way that everyone is happy.  The Big Secret is to Be Prepared in AdvanceSure it makes sense to be prepared to sell a house in the traditional ways, such as cleaning up all the extra clutter, making it ready to show to prospective buyers and sprucing up the home’s curb ap...
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By Ken and Leslye Huebsch, Realtors - Harrisburg Homes for Sale 717.514.1793
(3x Individual Agent of the Year, Luxury Homes, First-Time Buyers, Residential Resales, New Construction)
First-time Buyers in Harrisburg PA: Should You Buy? The amount of material promoting first-time home buying is extensive. Financial and real estate experts from across the country know that today's market conditions are heavily weighted in favor of buyers. Interest rates have never been lower. Home values are more affordable than they've been in decades. Yet, does this mean now is a good time for you to buy? That depends on a number of personal and financial factors. To really understand if you should enter the market, you must look at what homeownership means.   Irresponsible buying or borrowing could be detrimental to a first-time buyer in our already fragile economy. Homeownership is a long-term financial responsibility. It brings with it many social, and sometimes financial  rewards...
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By Ken and Leslye Huebsch, Realtors - Harrisburg Homes for Sale 717.514.1793
(3x Individual Agent of the Year, Luxury Homes, First-Time Buyers, Residential Resales, New Construction)
               First-time Buyers in Harrisburg PA: What are the Costs?  Buying a new home can be a huge, complex undertaking, especially when it’s your first time. That’s why it’s important to have an experienced real estate agent guiding you along the way; especially when it comes to costs for first-time buyers.             First-time buyers need to look at their financial situation and crunch the numbers to see if this is the right time to buy. Chances are the numbers first-time buyers see today will be the best they will see for some time, which is why so many are considering homeownership.               Still, understanding the money that goes into a home purchase is important. The biggest mistake first-time buyers make is underestimating the costs of buying a house and maintaining ...
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By Ken and Leslye Huebsch, Realtors - Harrisburg Homes for Sale 717.514.1793
(3x Individual Agent of the Year, Luxury Homes, First-Time Buyers, Residential Resales, New Construction)
  The Homesale family of companies has partnered with WGAL to provide the most extensive real estate search in the Susquehanna Valley.  Together we have created an extensive, online local reach which has allowed us to become the most innovative real estate resource in the marketplace. With the Find A Home real estate section on WGAL.com, you will experience:  Home Sellers: Increased online exposure for your listing A streamlined home search, making it easier for buyers to find your home An extended online reach, which will ultimately get your listing SOLD! Increased number of online showings  Home Buyers: A streamlined home search, making it easier for you to find homes for sale locally, state-wide, or even across the country! Featured new home communities allowing you the ease of expl...
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