Community Corner

Do you have a routine for your pet care? Here are some reminders for how often to wash your pets belonging.
-throw the food/water bowl in the dishwasher daily or hand wash
-toys/beds and collars and leashes should be washed on a gentle cycle with fragrance free detergent weekly

It's important to have a routine for the health and safety of your pets.

The way you think shapes the way you grow. A focused, resilient, and positive mindset lays the foundation for everything you achieve!

Stay grounded, stay driven, and watch what’s possible when your mindset leads the way.

Lancaster County Real Estate Market – May 2025 Update

What’s Happening & Why It Matters

1. Prices Are Up – But Not Wildly

• Median home price is around $335K–$360K, up around 4–12% from last year.
  What it means: If you already own a home, your equity likely grew. If you’re buying, you’ll pay more than last year, but price jumps are more moderate than during the boom years.

2. Homes Are Selling Fast

• Homes are going under contract in about 6 days.
  What it means: It’s still a fast-moving market. Buyers need to be ready with financing and strong offers. Sellers can expect a quick sale if priced right.

3. Bidding Wars Are Calming Down

• Most homes are selling right around asking price.
  What it means: It’s not as intense as it was during the peak pandemic market. Sellers shouldn’t expect wild over-asking offers, and buyers can breathe a little easier.

4. More Homes Are Hitting the Market

• Inventory has more than doubled since March.
  What it means: Buyers have more choices, and competition is balancing out. This could ease pressure on prices heading into summer.

5. The Market Is Leveling Out

• The market’s shifting toward a healthier balance between buyers and sellers.
  What it means: We’re likely past the extreme seller’s market. First-time buyers might have a better shot, and sellers need to price homes realistically.

If you're thinking of buying, selling, or investing, it’s still a solid time—but strategy matters more than ever.

Real Estate Tips

Want to Raise Your Credit Score? Try This Simple Strategy.

Looking to give your credit score a healthy boost? One easy move is to ask for a higher credit card limit—even if you don’t plan to spend more.

Here’s why it works: credit scores are partly based on your credit utilization ratio, which is the percentage of your available credit that you’re using. The lower this number, the better. So if you’re using $500 of a $1,000 limit (that’s 50%), but your limit gets bumped to $2,000, that same $500 only counts as 25%—a big win in the eyes of lenders.

Requesting a limit increase shows responsible credit behavior and helps improve your credit profile over time. Just be sure not to use the extra credit as an excuse to overspend!

How to Request a Higher Limit:

• Log into your credit card account online or in the app

• Look for “Request Credit Line Increase” or similar wording

• Update your income or employment info if asked

• Most of the time, it’s a soft inquiry (no impact to your score)

How to Check Your Credit Score for Free:

Keeping tabs on your score is key. Here are a few safe, free ways to do it:

• AnnualCreditReport.com – You’re entitled to one free report per year from each of the three major bureaus (Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion)

• Credit card companies – Many banks like Capital One, Discover, and Chase include free credit scores in your account dashboard

• Apps like Credit Karma or Credit Sesame – These give you an estimated score and helpful tips

Small Business Spotlight

Local Spotlight: September Farm Cheese 🧀
Tucked in the heart of Honey Brook, PA, September Farm Cheese is a family-owned creamery known for handcrafted cheeses, rich butter, and fresh dairy products made right on site. Their welcoming farm market also features homemade baked goods, deli sandwiches, and locally sourced pantry items. Whether you’re stopping in for a meal or picking up a gourmet gift, this is a true Lancaster County gem!

Caputo Brothers Creamery – Spring Grove, PA

Just a short drive from York, Caputo Brothers is renowned for its authentic, handcrafted Italian cheeses. They specialize in naturally fermented mozzarella and offer cheesemaking classes and culinary tours to Italy.

Let’s build better days, one habit at a time!

Small, intentional habits can shape the way we experience life. When we stay grounded and mindful, we show up better—for ourselves and those around us. Try these four simple daily habits to boost your mindset and create more peace in your day:

🧘‍♀️ Practice mindfulness – Just five minutes of quiet reflection, deep breathing, or prayer can calm your nervous system and refocus your energy. Start your morning with stillness or end your day by letting go.

📚 Learn something new – Keep your mind curious and growing. Whether it’s a podcast, a devotional thought, or a random fun fact, learning sparks joy and reminds us there’s always more to discover.

📵 Reduce screen time – Step away from the scroll. Even short breaks from your phone or TV can help you reconnect—with nature, loved ones, or your own thoughts. Protect your peace.

🧹 Declutter regularly – You don’t have to overhaul your whole house. Just clear off a counter or organize one drawer. Outer order creates inner calm—and makes space for new blessings.

Every small habit is a seed. Keep planting—your better days will grow from here. 🌿

Sandra Burkholder

EXP Realty – Licensed Real Estate Agent since 2000

Serving Lancaster, Chester, Berks and York County PA

With a passion for connecting people to their dream homes and investment opportunities, I bring a professional yet approachable touch to every real estate transaction. Specializing in high-value residential properties and commercial real estate, I combine a sharp eye for detail with a deep understanding of buildings, honed through my experience conducting insurance inspections for commercial and high-value homes. This expertise allows me to provide unique insights to clients, ensuring they make confident and informed decisions.

My career is built on a foundation of trust, expertise, and a commitment to creating community. As a Lancaster County local with a background in urban living from my time in Philadelphia, I offer a unique perspective on rural, suburban, and city lifestyles. Whether you’re seeking your dream luxury home, exploring investment opportunities, or making your first real estate purchase, I’m here to guide you every step of the way.

When I’m not working with clients, I’m a busy mom to 8 amazing kids (most are adults now): 2 biological, 2 stepchildren, 2 through domestic adoption, and 2 through international adoption. I also love baking cakes, experimenting with international recipes, and spending time with my 2 cats and 2 dogs. My new Shichonpoo, Lyric, is often seen by my side, adding a bit of charm to my day-to-day adventures. I’m also passionate about weight training, relaxing with jazz and blues music, and indulging in red wine and very dark chocolate.

Let’s work together to achieve your real estate goals with expertise, care, and a personal touch!

www.sandraburkholder.com www.wayfaringlanaster.com [email protected] [email protected]

Not intended to solicit any properties already listed for sale with another real estate agent. If your home is already for sale, then please disregard this message.