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. Wayfaring Wednesday is a Newsletter for www.wayfaringLancaster.com my Buy Local- Buy Small initiative.

Election Day

Here are a few must-know points for Election Day:

1. Check Your Registration

Make sure you’re registered to vote, even if you’ve voted in previous elections. Registrations can sometimes be removed if you haven’t voted in recent years. Most states offer online portals where you can check.

2. Know Where to Vote

Polling locations can change, especially in local elections. You can usually find your polling place through your state’s election website.

3. Polling Hours

Each state has different polling hours, so be sure to check in advance. If you’re in line by the time the polls close, you’re allowed to vote, so don’t leave!

4. Bring ID if Needed

Some states require ID to vote, and the type of acceptable ID varies. Look up your state’s requirements to make sure you’re prepared.

5. Understand Your Ballot

Beyond the main candidates, you’ll often see amendments, propositions, or referendums on your ballot. Research these in advance to avoid surprises at the booth. Websites like Ballotpedia are great resources.

6. Avoid Electioneering

Campaigning within a certain distance of a polling place is illegal in most states. Wearing campaign gear or handing out materials can get you into trouble, so save those for outside the designated boundaries.

7. Be Patient

Polling places can get crowded, especially in larger elections. Allow time for possible delays, and treat poll workers kindly—they’re often volunteers working long hours.

Voting is one of the most impactful ways to have a say in your community and country, so being prepared goes a long way toward a smooth experience.

Please join us for the first Networking Event for Local or Small Business Owners and Entrepreneurs in Lancaster and surrounding counties. Bring your business card or elevator speech and build up the community! Let your business help another business and grow your own in the process!

I will speak briefly on Marketing With A Community Mindset and share some practical tips such as growing your local social media presence. Play Video: https://youtu.be/VAE0kLOnEXk

This will take place at Antonino Elia's Piccolo Eatery at 53 E. Main Street in Lititz, PA and the event is for all local/small business owners! It is an event by Wayfaring Lancaster: Buy Local - Buy Small and Sandra Burkholder REMAX Evolved.

“When you buy from a small business you’re not helping a CEO buy a third vacation home. You are helping a little girl get dance lessons, a little boy his team jersey, a mom put food on the table, a dad pay a mortgage or a student pay for college.”

Come along with me as I celebrate and support our cherished local entrepreneurs. If you have a small business, event, or community feature you would like to recommend, please email me at [email protected]

Staging Tip #1: Embrace Minimalism for a Winning First Impression

When it’s time to stage your home, aim to create a minimalist look—remove more than you think necessary, even if it feels like you’re living in a model home. This approach isn’t just about reducing clutter; it’s about setting the stage for potential buyers to picture themselves in your space. Buyers want to imagine the possibilities of their lives unfolding in each room, so it’s important that your home looks inviting, open, and a step above what they already have. Read More..

Create Community

I’ve studied marketing in real estate (and taken real classes on it!). A big takeaway is that people crave community, though it shows up differently depending on the person. Apartment dwellers often want a sense of camaraderie within their complex. Homeowners lean on local schools, churches, and shops to feel connected. And luxury homeowners? They’re looking for spaces where they can host private dinners or gatherings with friends. Many of us view home as an oasis but can easily overlook its role in connecting us to a larger community.

So, how can you foster that sense of community without stepping too far from your comfort zone? As a real estate agent who works from home most days, here’s how I approach it:

I’ve found small steps make a difference. I enjoy connecting on social media, but sometimes turn these online connections into in-person coffee dates. When I attend local events, I sometimes bring my kids along—they’re excellent ice-breakers. I make myself reach out with a text, plan a simple dinner with friends, or set up shop at a local coffee spot instead of staying in. Even just lingering after dropping off the kids at soccer practice or volunteering for something small can open doors.

One day this summer a neighbor’s grandkids where staring at our pool from the fence. It was a very hot day. I had never met that neighbor. We were tired and busy, but took the opportunity to invite them in for a swim. They were grateful and we finally got to meet them.

Here are some specific ideas to help renters and homeowners do the same:

The 2024 election is bringing some predictable caution to the real estate market, but it’s largely temporary. Buyers and sellers might see a brief slowdown in November due to the uncertainty that tends to surround elections, making some people hesitant to make big financial decisions. However, this usually corrects itself soon after the election, with the market typically rebounding in early 2025 as confidence returns.

Home prices historically stay stable during election years, often even continuing to rise. In fact, after seven of the last eight elections, prices increased the following year. Mortgage rates also tend to dip slightly leading up to the election, and many experts expect modest declines again this year, which could benefit buyers​ Legacy Real EstateELIKA New YorkDawn Griffin Real Estate GroupOverall, if you’re looking to buy or sell, the impact of the election will likely be minor and short-term. Staying informed on any policy shifts and working with a real estate professional can help you navigate any election-related market shifts smoothly.

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