Special offer

Quarryville, PA Real Estate News

By Don Hess
(KW Elite Keller Williams 1280 Plaza Blvd. Lancaster, PA 17601)
 Comparison of list price to actual sale price of properties sold in last quarter of 2011 in Solanco School District Quarryville, PA   Total Active = 31   Total Pending = 4   Total Sold = 26   Average Original List Price - $220,615   Average Sale Price - $184,565   Percentage of Actual Average Sale Price vs. Original Average List Price - 84%     Absorption Rate for 4th Quarter ** = 1.19   ** Active Listings / Number of Sold Properties for the same period. This is the rate that properties are being sold. The lower the number the better the market. This is an increase of the absorption level over the previous quarter, which is probably explained by the holiday period. Source: Keystone MLS     Check out new property listings at my web site:        http://dhess.kwrealty.com   Find out what'...
Comments 4
By Don Hess
(KW Elite Keller Williams 1280 Plaza Blvd. Lancaster, PA 17601)
  Comparison of list price to actual sale price of properties sold in last quarter of 2011 in Quarryville, PA    Average List Price = $174,675  Average Sale Price = $167,475   Average Sale Price = 96% of List Price* Active Listings during the period = 13  Closed Sales During The Period = 4 Absorption Rate for 4th Quarter ** = 3.25  ** Active Listings / Number of Sold Properties for the same period. This is the rate that properties are being sold. The lower the number the better the market.     Source: Keystone MLS Don Hess Keller Williams Realty, Lancaster, PA   Check out new property listings at my web site:        http://dhess.kwrealty.com   Find out what's happening in Quarryville, Pa by visiting Live Quarryville:    http://c04c911.activerain.com/      
Comments 3
By Don Hess
(KW Elite Keller Williams 1280 Plaza Blvd. Lancaster, PA 17601)
 As a Quarryville Realtor and fan of the Quarryville Library I notice that they are once again having their highly popular “Go-Fore Golf” event on Saturday February 25th from 9 AM to 5 PM. The event is an indoor 16 hole miniature golf course with “greens” constructed by the students in Todd Brown's junior and senior design engineering class at Solanco High School. The “greens” are located between the book “stacks” and occupy the entire building.   Nicole Hartman, the library's Coordinator of Youth Services said that various celebrity guests are scheduled to make appearances through out the day. They are: 9 AM Cylo from the Lancaster Barnstormers and the Solanco Pastors Fellowship. The pastors will play golf while Cylo greets the golfers. 10 AM the Balunguy will again make an appearance ...
Comments 3
By Don Hess
(KW Elite Keller Williams 1280 Plaza Blvd. Lancaster, PA 17601)
 Like all Realtors, this Quarryville Realtor uses his car a lot. Not only for business but personal use too. That means that the recent spike in gas prices has really hit home. I get into the City of Lancaster about three times a week. Most often to work out, so I try my best to make efficient trips and include business when possible. Between the city and my home town of Quarryville I get to check out numerous gas prices along the way. Usually while I'm enjoying my first cup of coffee. (I'm a very careful driver while drinking coffee thank you. Although I may swear off coffee after this trip.)   This past week I was cruising around to the gas stations that usually have the best prices and making comparisons. I know, I have to be careful not to use too much gas looking and there by suck ...
Comments 4
By Don Hess
(KW Elite Keller Williams 1280 Plaza Blvd. Lancaster, PA 17601)
 This Quarryville Realtor knows that in every volunteer organization there are people that work tirelessly behind the scenes. That's why it's always nice to see them recognized. One such family is the Miller family. When the Southern End Community Association (SECA) needs help, the Millers are there.   No matter the task: replacing old carpet, repairing holes in the wall, replacing old lighting, whatever the SECA building needed the Millers were there to help get the job done. In addition they also helped run the organization's non-profit Bingo games, the craft show and the sub sale. Family members helped with weekend and evening events from the fund raising sales to the annual summer SECA Fest. Whatever the need a member of the Miller's immediate or extended family was ready, willing, ...
Comments 1
By Don Hess
(KW Elite Keller Williams 1280 Plaza Blvd. Lancaster, PA 17601)
  Another important event that caught this Quarryville Realtor's eye this past week. The Solanco Education Foundation is planning on awarding $1000 scholarships to six graduating seniors in the Solanco School District that plan on continuing their education beyond high school. The criteria includes: average or better class standing and scholastic ability, involvement in community and school activities, good character, exhibit leadership and have good moral standards. The Foundation is also accepting applications for the Barbara Haverstick Memorial Scholarship in the amount of $1000. That scholarship will be awarded to a student that is planning on pursuing a degree in Elementary Education and also exhibits the above mentioned criteria.   In addition the Solanco Education Foundation also...
Comments 3
By Don Hess
(KW Elite Keller Williams 1280 Plaza Blvd. Lancaster, PA 17601)
An item that caught the eye of this Quarryville Realtor involves a man who I believe attended school in Solanco with my son and daughter. Justin Tice lives in the Quarryville area and works for Lapp Electric. He was seriously injured in a head on collision on Route 222 in West Lampeter Township last November. It's reported that he is doing well and can now get around on crutches, but it will take at least a year for a complete recovery.   As with any of us that found ourselves off work for over a year, things could get very tight financially. Several ladies that work for Noah's Ark Nursery decided to have a fundraiser to help Justin and his family. They decided on a sub sale. They are offering four kinds: ham and cheese, turkey and cheese, Italian, and American. Each sub will cost $6.00...
Comments 5
By Don Hess
(KW Elite Keller Williams 1280 Plaza Blvd. Lancaster, PA 17601)
This Quarryville Realtor loves to read, so I'm always interested in events that the Quarryville Library has planned to get kids to the library. The following is a list of upcoming events:   Story Time for children 4 and 5 years old. Will be held Tuesday February 14th at 10:30 to 11:15 AM. Story Time for 3 year old children will be held on February 8th and 15th from 10:30 to 11:15 AM. For children 18 months to 3 years old, story time will be held February 10th and 17th from 10:30 to 11:15 AM. Second Saturday Story Time will be held on Saturday February 11th at 10:30 AM. This is for those that can't make it during the week or for those who want to hear more stories. Children are encouraged to ware red clothing as the stories will be about the color red. A red craft will also be offered. T...
Comments 3
By Don Hess
(KW Elite Keller Williams 1280 Plaza Blvd. Lancaster, PA 17601)
 Usually this Quarryville Realtor likes to go out for breakfast Saturday mornings. But this past Saturday my wife decided we should try the “new place” that opened in the old “Green Tree Inn”. The name is “Pour Girls”. I was all for that so we made the short trip just east of Quarryville to Green Tree Road.   Wow! You have to see what they've done to the old place. Great ambiance in the completely remodeled inn that dates back to the 1700's. Two floors of dining, six fireplaces, beautiful “U” shaped bar, and an outdoor patio that will be opening in the spring. We were allowed to tour the building after our meal and can attest to the attention to detail and charm of the old place.   My wife had the roast beef sandwich lunch special which came with a bowl of soup. She chose Tomato Florent...
Comments 3
By Don Hess
(KW Elite Keller Williams 1280 Plaza Blvd. Lancaster, PA 17601)
As a Quarryville Realtor I'm a small business person. That's way the inaugural Business Expo by members of the Southern Lancaster County Chamber of Commerce caught my attention. The event will be held on Friday February 3rd from 11AM to 7PM and Saturday February 4th from 9AM to 2PM at The Hoffman Building on the Solanco Fair Grounds in Quarryville, PA.   The expo will give visitors the opportunity to meet with local vendors and learn what products and services are available in the area. The Chamber plans on holding four raffles for a $25 gift certificate that can be redeemed at any of the 187 participating businesses. In addition many of the vendors will offer a specific give-away.   This Quarryville Realtor agrees that the Expo will not only draw attention to local businesses, but also...
Comments 3
By Don Hess
(KW Elite Keller Williams 1280 Plaza Blvd. Lancaster, PA 17601)
 This Quarryville Realtor's wife will probably be interested in the Wakefield Ambulance Association's hosting of its annual Longaberger Basket Bingo. The event takes place on February 5th in the Hoffman Building on the Solanco Fair Grounds in Quarryville, PA. Doors open at 11:30 AM and the games begin at 1:00 PM. Tickets are $10 in advance or $15 at the door. Call 717 529-2856, 717 548-2541 or 717 548-3842. The snow date will be February 12th.   A second event is the Solanco Relay for Life's Valentine cookie sale. It will be held on February 11th at Musser's Market at the Buck located at 35 Friendly Drive, Quarryville, PA. The cookie sale will be held from 9 AM until noon. Four inch sand tart cookies will be sold for $4 per dozen or 4 dozen for $15. You may order in advance by calling 7...
Comments 3
By Don Hess
(KW Elite Keller Williams 1280 Plaza Blvd. Lancaster, PA 17601)
It's February 2nd and this Quarryville Realtor will be joining fellow residents to discover if spring is just around the corner or we'll be stuck with six more weeks of winter. German lore, some say tradition, has it that forty days after Christmas on the religious day called Candlemas groundhogs emerge from their hibernation to see what the weather has to offer. If they see their shadow they immediately return to their burrows and sleep, predicting six more weeks of winter. If they don't see their shadow they venture forth and spring is just around the corner.   In Quarryville this tradition is kept by our Slumbering Groundhog Lodge. This morning the lodge and any observers gathered at 8 AM and marched from the White Rock covered bridge to the lodge along the West Branch of the Octorar...
Comments 3
By Don Hess
(KW Elite Keller Williams 1280 Plaza Blvd. Lancaster, PA 17601)
When working my farming area in Quarryville PA, I still tend to go house to house with pertinent data concerning Real Estate. Yes, even in this Social Media driven economy. I also hand out a Recipe of the month. Below is one that folks have told me is a favorite.  Recipe of the Month     Baked Corn   Baking temperature: 350 degrees. Baking time: 35 to 40 Minutes ½ cup margarine 1 can whole kernel corn 1 can creamed corn 1 cup yogurt or sour cream 2 eggs 1 box Jiffy corn muffin mix Shredded cheese for top. (optional)     Melt margarine. Add all ingredients except cheese. Mix with a fork or spoon, not a mixer. Pour into 9 x 13 inch pan and bake. You may place cheese on top after corn is baked, then bake 5 to 10 minutes longer. Serves 8 to 10. Let me know if you like the Baked Corn.  This ...
Comments 8
By Don Hess
(KW Elite Keller Williams 1280 Plaza Blvd. Lancaster, PA 17601)
 Okay, I confess. Even with all this social media this Quarryville Realtor still walks around my "farming area" with handouts. The handouts usually include market information that will be valuable to the residents of this area and I also include a "Recipe of the Month." The recipe is for those folks totally bored by my data. This months recipe is one of my favorites and friends always ask for it. So here you go. Nothing fancy, just tastes good. Recipe of the Month:   Beef Stroganoff   1 and 1 quarter lbs. Slivered beef sirloin. 1 small onion chopped 1 can cream of mushroom soup 1 cup sour cream 1 cup sliced mushrooms 3 tablespoons ketchup 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce Beef broth Noodles       Brown beef, salt and pepper to taste. Add chopped onion, simmer until transparent. Combine...
Comments 3
By Don Hess
(KW Elite Keller Williams 1280 Plaza Blvd. Lancaster, PA 17601)
  As I've stated before the purpose of my Live Quarryville Blog is to high light the people, events, places, and businesses that make Quarryville a great place to live. Today this Quarryville Realtor, being a resident of Quarryville for nearly forty years, is going to indulge in some shameless self promotion, by posting the press release seen below. Winter Hill Publishing, LLC. today announced that local Quarryville writer Don Hess the author of their recently released novel titled “To Catch a Fox” will be at a book signing to be held at Barnes & Noble book store on January 28th from 6 to 8 PM.  The novel is the first written by Mr. Hess. Mr. Hess spent over 30 years as a manager and executive in the custom cabinet industry and utilizes that industry as a background for his first book. ...
Comments 8
By Don Hess
(KW Elite Keller Williams 1280 Plaza Blvd. Lancaster, PA 17601)
On many a Saturday morning this Quarryville Realtor finds himself having breakfast with his wife and another couple at C.R. Lapp's Family Restaurant in Quarryville, PA. Christy and Robin Lapp opened C.R. Lapp's in February, 2005. They're stated goal was to serve “delicious and well prepared meals using the finest and freshest ingredients and using traditional family recipes.” * I can tell you from the experience of many visits that they succeed in this goal while providing a clean family atmosphere and friendly service.  They offer a variety of tasty selections including: Breakfast Menu featuring eggs, omelets, pancakes, biscuits & gravy, waffles, french toast and more! Breakfast Buffet (Friday & Saturday only, 6 to 11 am.) featuring scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, biscuits, pancakes, f...
Comments 4
By Don Hess
(KW Elite Keller Williams 1280 Plaza Blvd. Lancaster, PA 17601)
Yes, I know it's cold. Yes I know its January. But in January this Quarryville Realtor is looking for any sign of spring that I can find. Well the following announcement caught my eye and made me think spring even if there happens to be snow in today's forecast.   The Southern End Community Association has announced their “Men's Softball League” for another year. Last year's league was a big success and they are looking to expand the league this year. The season will begin in May and end in July. All games will be played after 8 PM under the lights at Memorial Park in Quarryville.   Anyone interested in playing or sponsoring a team should attend an organizational meeting to be held on Tuesday March 6th at 6:30 PM at the SECA Center at 299 Park Avenue Quarryville, PA 17566. If you are in...
Comments 4
By Don Hess
(KW Elite Keller Williams 1280 Plaza Blvd. Lancaster, PA 17601)
As a Quarryville Realtor writing on the “Live Quarryville” Blog I attempt to keep everyone posted on up coming events in our town of Quarryville Pennsylvania. SECA. (Southern End Community Association) is sponsoring a trip to South Dakota – The Black Hills and The Badlands from August 28th to September 3rd, 2012. I hope this isn't too early to post this, but I suspect the available seats will fill up fast.   Highlights of the seven day trip include: 1880 Steam Train Mount Rushmore Crazy Horse Memorial Custer State Park Deadwood Hot Springs Badlands National Park Wall Drug Store The trip includes Round Trip Air from Harrisburg International, Air Taxes and Fees / Surcharges of $50 (Subject to increase until paid in full), and Hotel Transfers.   For more detailed information contact SECA 7...
Comments 4
By Don Hess
(KW Elite Keller Williams 1280 Plaza Blvd. Lancaster, PA 17601)
 The stated purpose of my Live Quarryville Blog is to highlight businesses, organizations and events that make Quarryville a great place to live. As a Quarryville Realtor that has made the town my home for nearly 40 years my desire is to share with others what a great place Quarryville Pennsylvania is to make your home.   An event that is currently taking place in the C.X. Carlson Room of the Quarryville Library at 357 Buck Road, Quarryville, Pennsylvania is the Quarryville Library Art Committee's open show of paintings. The show opened on January 14th and will run until February 28th. The show features still life s, breathtaking landscapes, pet portraits and a few abstract pieces.   The judge is Nancy Leeman. Ms Leeman has worked at the Winterthur Museum, the Philadelphia Museum of Art...
Comments 4
By Don Hess
(KW Elite Keller Williams 1280 Plaza Blvd. Lancaster, PA 17601)
One of the important elements in every community is the fire department. As a Realtor in Quarryville Pennsylvania the local Fire Company is very important to me.   Our Department is all volunteer and is composed of 60 active members, 8 probationary members, 11 junior members and 30 lifetime members. Besides the Borough of Quarryville the fire department provides protection for Eden, Colerain, East Drumore, Providence, Little Britain and Strasburg Townships. Some of them are covered in their entirety and others have partial coverage. Including the Borough the coverage area is approximately 98 square miles. The largest for a single company in Lancaster County. The area consists mostly of farmland, residential and light industry. Included in this territory are three schools and two retirem...
Comments 3