Wayfaring Wednesday

What’s Happening Around Lancaster County

Looking for something to do soon? Here are several great events happening locally — whether you want holiday cheer, live music, or a relaxed evening out.

🔥 Cozy Up at a Holiday Bonfire

Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum is hosting its Annual Holiday Bonfire on December 12, a free, family-friendly event. Expect a warm evening around the fire, holiday refreshments, caroling, and lantern-lit tours through the historic village. Discover Lancaster+1
It’s a lovely way to step away from the usual bustle and embrace something timeless — perfect for families, couples, or anyone who wants a simple, peaceful evening celebrating community and history.

🎶 Caroling in Lititz, PA — A Community Tradition

You might enjoy attending the Annual Community Christmas Carol Sing on December 11 led by the Lititz Historical Foundation and the Lititz Moravian Archives. It’s held at Moravian Church Square and is free to attend (donations welcome). Song sheets are provided, and afterward there will be light refreshments and fellowship. Venture Lititz+1
This is a warm way to connect with your neighbors, enjoy beautiful holiday music, and soak in a sense of community — especially nice if you like tradition and simple joy.

🍷 Relax with Wine, Music & Fireside Vibes

If you prefer something low-key and less overtly holiday-themed, check out Nissley Vineyards and Winery Estate. Their Holiday Cheer weekends offer free admission, tasting flights (wine, beers, non-alcoholic options), warm atmospheres, and live music throughout November and December. Discover Lancaster+1
On Saturdays and Sundays, enjoy local musicians playing soothing sets — a great backdrop while you sip wine or enjoy some quiet conversation. It’s ideal for a relaxed afternoon or early evening out.

🍕 Live Music & Brick-Oven Pizza at a Historic Venue

For something even more low-key and off-the-holiday-track, consider Weathered Vineyards Ephrata. On many Saturdays they offer live music from 5–8 PM, plus wood-fired brick-oven pizzas and regional wines or beers. weatheredvineyards
It’s a laid-back way to unwind — especially if you like rustic charm, good music, and a cozy, intimate setting.

Let Jesus be your light this Christmas

Christmas can be a trying season for many. It stirs memories of loved ones we’ve lost, dreams that never materialized, the strain of a broken marriage, or the ache of an estranged child’s absence. It’s a time when the consequences of someone else’s choices—or even our own—feel a little heavier.

For years, Christmas reminded me of the pain threaded through that particular year. Dreams slipping away like the first snowfall. Moments that didn’t unfold the way I hoped. Grief that felt sharper under the glow of the season.

But as I’ve grown, I’ve noticed something shift. The ornaments on my tree—some tied to hard seasons, losses, and even the bittersweet reminder that children grow up—now serve as quiet markers of God’s faithfulness. His peace that steadied me when nothing else could. His joy that surprised me. His provision and healing, even when I didn’t deserve it.

When the Christmas lights shine across those ornaments, I’m reminded of the light of God that carried me through each of those valleys.

If this year feels heavy for you—or if Christmas is always a hard season—remember that Jesus isn’t just the baby in the manger. He is the light who walks with you through the darkness. He may not remove every hard thing, but He offers peace, joy, and comfort right in the middle of it.

And if you’re praying but struggling to see His hand, ask Him to show you what He’s doing that you may have missed. Sometimes we focus so much on the darkness that we overlook the quiet ways God is already moving.

Let Jesus be your light this season.

Is It Really a Buyer’s Market? Here’s What That Actually Means

Everyone is buzzing right now about the market “finally shifting to buyers.”
But what does that really mean — and how does it impact you?

Let’s break it down without the hype.

What a True Buyer’s Market Looks Like

A buyer’s market isn’t just about prices leveling off or homes sitting a little longer. It means:

• More inventory than active buyers

• More negotiation power for buyers (repairs, credits, closing costs)

• Sellers competing for attention, not the other way around

• Fewer bidding wars and fewer homes selling above asking

• Longer days on market, giving buyers breathing room

The market isn’t crashing — it’s simply recalibrating.

For the past few years, buyers had to sprint. Now they can walk.

But Here’s the Catch…

A buyer’s market doesn’t automatically mean lower prices across the board.

Desirable homes in great locations still hold strong.
Unique or luxury homes still take the right kind of marketing.
And well-priced homes will always find their buyer.

The biggest shift is expectations.
Sellers have to be strategic, buyers have to be patient, and pricing has to be thoughtful — not wishful.

And Then There’s the 50-Year Mortgage Talk…

There’s been chatter lately about the possibility of 50-year mortgage options in the U.S.
It’s not widespread, but the conversation is picking up.

So what would a 50-year loan even do?

Pros:

• Lower monthly payments

• Easier entry for first-time buyers

• More affordability in high-priced markets

• Could help stabilize monthly budgets

Cons:

• You pay significantly more in interest over time

• You build equity very slowly

• Refinancing becomes more important

• It could artificially keep home prices high because payments look “cheaper”

It’s the type of product that sounds helpful…
but needs to be approached with a very clear understanding of the long-term cost.

If it becomes available, it’ll be most useful for buyers who plan to hold the home long-term or who expect income growth over the next decade.

So What Should Buyers Do Right Now?

• Take advantage of slower competition

• Ask for repairs, credits, and closing-cost help

• Get strategic about timing — winter often gives buyers even more leverage

• Focus on long-term value, not just monthly payments

And What Should Sellers Do?

• Respond to the market you’re in, not the one you wish you had

• Price with strategy, not ego

• Keep your home beautifully presented

• Be prepared for negotiations

• Choose an agent who knows how to market in every cycle

Sandra Burkholder, EXP Realty
Licensed Real Estate Agent since 2000
Serving Lancaster, Chester, Berks, and York County, PA

Connecting you to your dream home and the heart of the community with a professional yet approachable touch.

www.sandraburkholder.com | www.wayfaringlancaster.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.

Get Pre-Approved Before house hunting. I recommend contacting Shelly.