Welcome to Wayfaring Wednesday! My career as a real estate agent takes me all around Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, and its surrounding areas. Though I wasn’t born and raised here, I’ve come to deeply appreciate the unique blend of urban and rural charm this region offers over the last 20 plus years that I have called this region home.

My passion for small businesses stems from my extensive experience in Commercial Real Estate. I am captivated by the vibrant communities and quaint towns that dot the landscape of Lancaster County. I invite you to explore and enjoy Lancaster with me, discovering its hidden gems and embracing the sense of community that makes this area truly special.

One time, I was standing in line at a checkout, and a couple of Spanish-speaking women were behind me. They were friendly enough in English—smiling with big beams. As they spoke to each other in Spanish, they didn’t realize that, while I don’t speak Spanish fluently, I can understand it much better than I speak it. So, there they were, smiling at me while saying mean things behind those smiles. Honestly, I had a hard time not laughing because I knew they didn’t think I understood them.

Funny enough, that reminds me of something else—like overusing emojis. A lot of people use them to come across as friendly, but sometimes it feels just as fake as those women's smiles. A message filled with too many smiley faces can feel hollow, almost like it’s hiding the true meaning behind it. Just like a smile can cover up an insult, an emoji can sometimes be a stand-in for genuine emotion. When it's overdone, you can't help but wonder if there's something more going on beneath the surface. It's all about balance—whether in real life or in texts, authenticity speaks louder than smiles or emojis.

Read More About The Best Use Of Emoji’s: Rant About Emoji

River Discovery Tours

A new boat tour season is here!

Built in 1912 for beer tycoon Adolphus Busch, this electric-powered launch cruised Otsego Lake, the headwaters of the Susquehanna, for over a century. Today the Chief Uncas cruises the Susquehanna 400 miles downstream as the flagship for SNHA’s River Discovery Tours! More…

Why Renting is Better than Buying When You Can Barely Afford a Fixer-Upper

It’s the American dream to own a home, but what happens when the only house you can afford is a fixer-upper that you can’t afford to fix? If you’re in that situation, renting might be a better choice for now. Here’s why:

Why Renting is Better than Buying When You Can Barely Afford a Fixer-Upper

It’s the American dream to own a home, but what happens when the only house you can afford is a fixer-upper that you can’t afford to fix? If you’re in that situation, renting might be a better choice for now. Here’s why:

1. Upfront Costs Are Lower

Buying a home comes with a lot of upfront expenses—down payments, closing costs, inspections, and more. When you rent, those costs disappear. You’re usually only responsible for a security deposit and the first month’s rent. This means more financial flexibility, and you won’t have to worry about coming up with a large chunk of money right away.

2. Maintenance Costs Are Covered

The biggest downside of a fixer-upper is the cost of repairs and renovations. From leaky roofs to old plumbing, these costs can pile up quickly. When you rent, your landlord is responsible for most major repairs. That peace of mind lets you save for the future without the stress of unexpected home improvement bills.

3. Financial Flexibility

A mortgage on a fixer-upper can leave you strapped for cash, limiting your ability to invest in other areas of life. Renting allows you to build up savings and gives you the financial freedom to handle other expenses—whether that’s saving for a better home down the road, travel, or emergency expenses.

4. Freedom to Move

If you buy a home, especially one in need of significant work, you’re committing to staying there for a long time. What if you need to move for a job, family, or other reasons? Renting gives you the flexibility to relocate more easily without the burden of selling an unfinished or poorly maintained home.

5. Avoid the Stress of Renovations

Renovating a fixer-upper is not only expensive—it’s time-consuming and stressful. Even if you could take out a loan to cover the cost of repairs, you’ll face the headache of managing contractors, timelines, and budgets. Renting keeps your life simple. You won’t have to worry about replacing roofs, redoing plumbing, or handling permits.

6. Your Money Can Work for You

Instead of sinking money into a home that constantly needs repairs, renting lets you invest your money elsewhere. Maybe you can start a retirement fund, build up savings for a down payment on a home in better condition, or put money into a side business. The possibilities are endless when you’re not stuck putting every extra dollar into home repairs.

7. Time to Plan

Renting gives you time to plan and save for a future home purchase. You can take your time looking for a home that meets your needs without feeling pressured to settle for something less than ideal. This gives you room to consider your long-term goals and make a smarter purchase when you’re ready.

Conclusion: Renting is a Smart Move

If you’re in a position where you can barely afford a fixer-upper, renting may be the smarter financial decision. It offers more flexibility, less financial strain, and frees you from the stress and responsibility of constant repairs. You can save, plan, and wait for the right opportunity to own a home that’s move-in ready, or at least one you can afford to fix up.

In the end, homeownership is a journey. Renting is just one part of that journey, and it might be the perfect step for you right now.

Getting Your Finances Ready to Buy Later

While renting, you can use the time to get your finances in order for a future home purchase. Start by creating a solid savings plan—set aside money each month for a down payment, emergency fund, and closing costs. Work on improving your credit score by paying bills on time and reducing debt, as this will help you qualify for better mortgage rates. Consider meeting with a financial advisor to help create a budget and explore ways to invest your savings, so you’re well-prepared when the right house comes along.

Planning now will make homeownership much smoother later!

Whoopie Pie Recipe

Whoopie pies have a sweet spot in Lancaster County’s history, with their origins often traced back to the Pennsylvania Dutch (Amish and Mennonite communities). According to local legend, whoopie pies were made from leftover cake batter and filling. When Amish children or farmers would find them in their lunch boxes, they'd shout, "Whoopie!"—hence the name. While the exact origins are debated, whoopie pies have become an iconic treat in Lancaster and throughout Amish country.

I created a new webpage as a Guide To Buying A Home

Video About Me (in case your curious): Click Here