As a result, there’s a unique opportunity for anybody thinking of selling a home. Here’s what is driving it.

1. Home sales that were pending hit a stunning 44.3% high in May compared with April. That is the largest one-month jump in the history of the survey. The reason behind this is the shut down of the housing market in March, April, and May due to the pandemic. There is a tremendous amount of pent-up demand during a time which is already the hottest time of year for real estate.

2. Ultra-low mortgage rates continue to hit new record lows. The 30-year fixed mortgage rate is 3.14%, lower than it was a year ago by half a percent. These rates create even more demand, and buyers are taking advantage of these historic rates. However, there’s one thing that’s stopping them from buying…

3. Lack of inventory. We saw the lowest inventory of homes for sale in 42 years even before the pandemic hit. Now, there’s even less inventory as sellers have pulled their homes off the market, and uncertainty has made them hesitant to list again. Our supply of homes is nearly 20% lower than it was this time last year. What does all this mean for you?

If you are looking to sell your home, we are in the strongest seller’s market in decades. There are lots of buyers in the market, but due to the low inventory, many buyers are not finding homes. When you have this kind of seller’s market, the sales price of homes are rising (which is tricky since the house must appraise for mortgages), bidding wars are becoming the norm in certain price ranges, and homes are selling quickly if priced correctly. You’d have a great shot at selling for top dollar and in record time if you listed your house today. We don’t know how long this market will last, and as more sellers begin to list again, we’ll see a balancing of supply and demand.

If you are considering selling your home, you can start by simply finding out your home’s value. An easy way to do this is to text the word VALUE and your address to my phone at 919-451-3969. I’m happy to provide you with information. If you are curious about what’s involved in selling your home or perhaps you have questions about the Lancaster market, give me a call at 919-451-3969. I have a great handle on the current changing market conditions and I’m always happy to share that information with you.

Lancaster County has many agencies to help individuals needing assistance.

211*
Pennsylvania 211 is a free, confidential, non-emergency, comprehensive information and referral service that connects Lancaster County residents with the health and human services needed.
*Please note: some cellphones and business phone systems do not process a 211 call. If that is the case, call 855.501.6785. Here you’ll speak with a counselor who will help you.

Tabor Community Services
308 East King Street
Lancaster, PA 17602
Phone: 717.397.5182
tabornet.org
Tabor offers a variety of services that help people find solutions to their housing and financial challenges. They offer financial and homeowner services including matching funds programs, financial coaching, homeless and rental counseling, and supportive housing.

CAP (Community Action Partnership of Lancaster County)
601 South Queen Street
Lancaster, PA 17603
Phone: 717.299.7301
caplanc.org
CAP of Lancaster County offers a variety of programs that support and empower low-income individuals and families. Their programs cover the
following four categories: education and childhood development, health and nutrition, household stability, and safety and empowerment. Their household stability program provides support with utility payments by partnering with UGI and PPL utility companies to help customers reduce their utility debt and arrange for more manageable payment options going forward. Each person wanting to access these services needs to schedule an appointment with their local office to assess eligibility.

Crossnet Ministries
127 Franklin Street, New Holland
Phone: 717-355-2454
Crossnet Ministries provides a supportive and caring environment for those who are seeking resources and are in need of help. They primarily serve Eastern Lancaster County (ELANCO) school districts for New Holland, Blue Ball and Terre Hill. Some of their services include housing assistance, transportation assistance, money management, and more.

Lancaster County Assistance Office (Welfare)
832 Manor Street
Lancaster, PA 17604
Phone: 717.299.7411
dhs.pa.gov
They will provide cash and financial help for one-time emergency situations. For immediate assistance go to the office to fill out an application.

Social Security Administration
1809 Olde Homestead Lane, Suite 104
Lancaster, PA 17601
Phone: 888.384.9919
ssa.gov
They will provide cash and financial help for one-time emergency situations. For immediate assistance go to the office to fill out an application.

LHOP (Lancaster Housing Opportunity Partnership)
123 East King Street
Lancaster, PA 17602
Phone: 717.291.9945
Lhop.org
LHOP is a community advocate and resource center for fair and affordable housing information, ideas, insights, and solutions. They help with landlord issues and those trying to find affordable housing. Call for an appointment.

CVCCS (Conestoga Valley Christian Community Services)
Gayle Smith, CVCCS Food Bank Coordinator
2420 Gehman Lane
Lancaster, PA 17602
Phone: 717.208.3711
cvccs.org
foodbank@cvccs.org
Food Bank Hours: Wednesday 9am-3pm, Thursday 1-6pm
If you live out of the CV School District, you’ll need to complete the CVCCS application. You can scan the paper application and email it to foodbank@cvccs.org. with an explanation of why you need the services.

Salvation Army
131 S. Queen Street
Lancaster, PA 17603
Phone: 717.397.7565 ext. 123
salvationarmyusa.org
Services include emergency assistance, crisis intervention, self-sufficiency programs, counseling, budgeting, referral services, and more.

SHELTER SERVICES
Water Street Mission (Lancaster)
Phone: 717.393.7709
wsm.org
Water Street Mission services include housing, meals, medical attention, biblical classes, life coaching, and job preparation. The mission has a 30-day Emergency Shelter as well as a Residential program. For the Residential program, there are two phases. Anyone who chooses Residential is committing to 8-12 months and is interested in life change.

Milagro House (Lancaster)
Phone: 717.509.1401
milagrohouse.org
Milagro House provides education, housing, and support services for women and their children. Boys over 12 years old are not allowed. Milagro House is not an emergency shelter. To be accepted into the Milagro House program a woman must be currently experiencing homelessness and have the desire for further education.

Good Samaritan Services (Ephrata)
Good Samaritan Services provides safe, comfortable housing for men, women, and women with children experiencing homelessness.
Good Samaritan Service Phone Number: 717.733.3395

The Way Recovery Houses
3545 Marietta Ave., Suite W.
Lancaster, PA 17601
Men’s Program Phone: 717-510-2226
Women’s Program Phone: 717-341-6067
thewayrecoveryhouses.com
The Way Recovery Houses offers direction, support, and accountability for men and women coming out of drug and alcohol rehab. Program participants live at The Way Recovery Houses.

Homes of Hope
1925 Wheatland Avenue
Lancaster, PA 17603
Phone: 717.735.7540
The Homes of Hope program seeks to help keep families housed within the school districts in which they are facing homelessness. Homes of Hope is active in the following school districts:
1. Cocalico
2. Columbia
3. Conestoga Valley (Leola)
4. Ephrata
5. Lampeter Strasburg
6. Manheim Township
7. Manheim Central
8. Warwick

TRANSPORTATION SERVICES
Red Rose Transit Authority is a bus transit center organization that provides free rides to those 65 or older and discounted rides to those with disabilities. To apply for the Senior Free Ride program, visit redrosetransit.com/senior. To apply for the persons with disabilities program, call 717.291.1243 or 1.800.892.1122 or visit redrosetransit.com/pwd.

DRUG AND ALCOHOL ADDICTION RESPONSE OPTIONS
If you are someone needing help with a drug or alcohol addiction, there are multiple resources.
• If you are in crisis, go to the Emergency Room of a hospital.
• If you have insurance, you can get a phone assessment done through the Retreat at Lancaster County located in Ephrata (717.859.8000).
• If you are on Medicaid call White Deer Run at 717.869.0408 for a phone assessment. If there is not a bed available to get you into detox, you can call every day until a bed does become available.
• Adult & Teen Challenge is a drug and alcohol addiction rehabilitation treatment program in Rehersberg, PA (one hour away). They offer phone assessments, detox, a 30-day program, and a long-term program. The detox and 30-day program can be covered by insurance at Adult & Teen Challenge. Visit paatc.org for more information.
If you have been through a treatment center and need something to aid you in your recovery process, Worship Center, Leola offers a year-round weekly group called Step to Freedom. Step to Freedom is led by a recovering addict and is built on the 12-step program of recovery. If you are the loved one of someone with substance addiction, Worship Center offers a support group called Friends and Family. To find out more information about the groups above, please go to worshipcenter.org/groupfinder. Additionally, Ruby Jones, leader of Step to Freedom, is available to those needing help with recovery. Her number is 717-380-6280.

MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES

Suicide Thoughts or Intentions
If you are thinking about suicide, please call 911 immediately. After calling 911, professionals will arrive to help you.

Mental Health Issues
Philhaven is an excellent resource for someone experiencing a mental health issue. Call 800.459.7497 to register. Preregistration will shorten the intake time.
Otherwise, Philhaven will enter your information into their system when you arrive.
Bring their ID, insurance cards (if you take Medicaid), and joint custody papers for children under 14 years of age.
Coming to the clinic does not include a psychiatric appointment, but psychiatric evaluations can be arranged.
If you are in crisis, call your local county crisis intervention office or 911.
Typical treatment at Philhaven covers depression, anxiety, trauma, loss of motivation, mood swings, hopelessness, and impulsivity.
Philhaven locations include Lancaster, Lebanon, York, Adams, and Dauphin counties.

Crisis Intervention Team
If you are in a situation with a person in crisis (not suicidal) and you are not sure what to do, you can call Lancaster’s local crisis intervention team for advice. 717-394-2631.

COUNSELING RESOURCES
There are many counseling organizations in the Lancaster area. Here are a few:

Upward Call (Lancaster, PA)
Phone: 717.656.4834
upwardcall.org
Upward Call, is located on the Worship Center Campus, Leola, PA. Upward Call has many counselors who specialize in various areas of counseling needs. If you would like to receive counseling at Upward Call, please contact the Director of Care at Worship Center.

New Life Counseling Service
410 S. Angle St.
Mount Joy, PA 17552
Phone: 717.653.1507
New Life Counseling Service is a reputable counseling organization staffed by professionally trained counselors who are biblically-centered in their approach to counseling.

CrossRoads Ministries
1801 Fruitville Pike, Suite 201
Lancaster, PA 17601
717.824.3068
crossroadsmin.org
CrossRoads Ministries offers help for those with sexual addictions and covers other areas too.

Day Seven Ministries
802 Olde Hickory Road
Lancaster, PA 17601
717.735.0690
dayseven.net
Day Seven offers Christ-centered counseling for those dealing with sexual addiction and relational brokenness issues. Counseling is also offered to loved ones who have been impacted by the sexual addictions of others.

Morning Star Counseling
200 S. Church Street
Quarryville, PA 17566
717-806-5050
morningstarllc.org
Morning Star Counseling offers Christ-centered counseling for individuals, couples, families, parents, and those struggling with substance abuse.

This handbook is not exhaustive in relation to covering all the services offered in Lancaster County.

CREDIT TO: Worship Center, Eric Scott, Director of Care and Connections, Worship Center, erics@worshipcenter.org

How do Sellers market their homes to Millenials?
The largest cohort in America is Millenials, those born between 1980 and 1998. This group is well versed in the internet and social media, which means they research before shopping and house hunting. Here’s some tips on how to market to them:

Almost all Millennials (98%) are searching for their home online, and more than 80% found their home on their phones in 2019. First impressions count, so you want to invest in high-quality photos and videos for virtual tours.

What’s the top home features Millenials want? Upgraded, renovated homes with modern kitchens and bathrooms. Next up is a laundry room, hardwood front exterior, patio, garage storage, and a walk-in pantry. These would be areas to upgrade if you’re thinking of selling.

The size of the home matters to them, but they are also most likely to make compromises on their home purchase if they can find a home close to work, good schools, and neighborhoods they consider good quality. If you have to focus on one highlight, make it your location, not the square footage.

How long are they planning to stay in their home? A minimum of 10 years and most expect to be there for 25-30 years.

How can Millenial Buyers find their perfect home?
There’s a lot of competition out there for 3 bedroom homes in the suburbs. When you’re ready to buy, you’ve got to be competitive. Here’s how.

Know what you want. What do you absolutely need in your dream home? Come on now, we’re talking NEED. If you’re purchasing a home with someone, you’ve got to agree on the must-have list. Together, create a list of 3-5 features you must have and use that as the basis of your search.

Hire a professional real estate agent. Buyers do not pay for their realtor, the seller does. Take advantage of the experience and guidance of a professional realtor. You’ll save yourself a lot of stress and the process will be a smoother one for everyone involved.

Everyone loves a personal touch. When you’re ready to make an offer, include a personal letter. Tell the sellers what you love about their house, and include ways you see yourself using the home. In today’s competitive market, anything you can do to stand out is of value.