Wayfaring Wednesday

This week: Fire and Ice Festival, How much can you afford (mortgage talk, What to bring to a Super Bowl party that is simple and easy and a link to new videos of homes.

Lititz, PA Fire & Ice Festival: Where Fire Meets Ice

Every winter, Lititz, PA, transforms into a dazzling wonderland for the Fire & Ice Festival, a must-see event blending fiery fun with icy beauty. This annual celebration brings the town to life with breathtaking ice sculptures, live entertainment, fire performances, and plenty of delicious food. The festival, which lasts over a week, offers everything from a downtown ice walk to food trucks, live music, and even a chili cook-off—perfect for warming up in the cold!

How Can Fire and Ice Be in the Same Place?
It’s all about contrast! The festival showcases ice-carving masterpieces while also featuring fire dancers, warm drinks, and glowing fire pits to keep things cozy. The mix of extreme cold and warmth creates a magical experience, drawing locals and visitors alike.

Whether you're there to admire the stunning sculptures or enjoy the lively atmosphere, the Lititz Fire & Ice Festival is a winter highlight in Lancaster County!

Have you been to the festival? What’s your favorite part?

How Do I Know What I Can Afford?

When my kids were young and wanted to buy something, I’d often ask, “Do you have enough money for that?” As we grow older, that question becomes second nature—it’s ingrained in us. But financial decisions aren’t always as simple as counting coins in a piggy bank. Bigger purchases, like a car, an apartment, or a house, require a deeper look into our finances.

Since most people can’t buy a home outright, the first step is usually applying for a mortgage to get pre-approved. This helps determine how much house we can actually afford.

To apply for a mortgage, you'll typically need the following:

1. Proof of Income

• Recent pay stubs (usually last 2-3 months)

• W-2 forms (last 2 years)

• Tax returns (last 2 years, especially if self-employed)

• Additional income documentation (e.g., rental income, alimony, child support, investments)

2. Proof of Assets

• Bank statements (checking & savings accounts, last 2-3 months)

• Investment account statements (stocks, bonds, retirement accounts)

• Gift letters (if receiving financial help for the down payment)

3. Employment Verification

• Recent pay stubs or an employment verification letter from your employer

• If self-employed, profit & loss statements and tax returns

4. Credit History

• Lenders will check your credit score and credit report

• If there are issues, be ready to explain and provide supporting documents

5. Debt & Liabilities

• List of current debts (credit cards, car loans, student loans, etc.)

• Monthly obligations such as rent, alimony, or child support

6. Identification

• Government-issued ID (driver’s license or passport)

• Social Security number

7. Additional Documents (Depending on Mortgage Type)

• FHA, VA, or USDA loans may require additional paperwork (e.g., VA Certificate of Eligibility, proof of rural residency for USDA loans)

• Jumbo loans may require more extensive documentation

Would you like help determining which mortgage type best fits your situation? Contact a mortgage broker like   https://www.mottomortgage.com/offices/center-wyomissing/scott-defrees-home-mortgage-loan

Super Bowl snack list with a healthy option included:

With a large family and active social life, I often plan, host, or attend lots of events. Sometimes it’s very busy! I find that my special cake baking can be for my kid’s birthdays where I go all out to show them that I love them. That said, I can’t go all out for every invite and every party. It would be a full time job. So quick ideas are my mainstay.

1. Charcuterie Board – Game Day Edition

A mix of cheeses, meats, crackers, nuts, and fruit. Add some themed touches like football-shaped cheese slices or a dip in a bowl shaped like a stadium. I like this option because I am often on a low carb diet and this give me at least something I can eat. Keeping it cold can be tough, but one option I often use is to only serve a small amount at a time and refill the platter from my refrigerator or ice chest. Wrapping a flat ice pack in aluminum foil can work too, but is often not necessary if you just have a small board and plan to refill it.

2. Buffalo Chicken Sliders

Shredded rotisserie chicken + buffalo sauce + slider buns + ranch or blue cheese = a simple, no-fuss win. This can be served in various ways: premade and put in a warmer tray, flat crock pot, or the filling put in a crock pot and people quickly fix their own. I like the later option, but I know my boys would want it made for them.

3. Sheet Pan Nachos

Tortilla chips loaded with cheese, black beans, salsa, jalapeños, and sour cream—baked all at once for easy serving. I would suggest adding the sour cream after it’s baked, but you don’t have to.

4. Air Fryer Wings

Classic game day food, but easier and less messy when done in an air fryer. Offer a couple of sauces on the side for variety. If you are making it for a large group, baking them in the oven, then adding them to a large crock pot to keep warm with store bought buffalo sauce works well too.

5. Spinach & Artichoke Dip

Warm, creamy, and easy to make ahead. Serve with tortilla chips or sliced baguette. This is a nice change from salsa and someone else may be bringing that anyway. If you want extra splash, opt for Blue Tortilla chips or a scoop shape chip.

6. Stuffed Mini Peppers

Halved mini bell peppers filled with a mix of cream cheese, cheddar, and bacon make for a lighter but tasty bite. The cream cheese goes in easier if you use a small charcuterie size spoon.

7. BBQ Meatballs

Use frozen meatballs with a simple mix of BBQ sauce and grape jelly in a slow cooker for an effortless, crowd-pleasing dish.

8. Guacamole & Chips

A fresh, homemade guac always hits the spot. Pair with tortilla chips and some sliced veggies for dipping.

9. Greek Yogurt Ranch Dip with Veggies (Healthy Option!)

Swap traditional ranch dip for a mix of Greek yogurt, ranch seasoning, and a splash of lemon juice. Serve with colorful veggies like bell peppers, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and snap peas for a fresh, protein-packed snack.

10. Popcorn Bar

Set out plain popcorn with mix-ins like cheese powder, caramel drizzle, or spicy seasoning for a fun, interactive snack. My favorite mix in is old bay seasoning! It’s always a hit. This is nice if you are counting calories and want to eat the plain popcorn to keep calories low at the party. Keep those New Year Goals!

11. Football Brownies

Use a boxed brownie mix, cut them into football shapes, and add icing laces for an easy sweet treat. Skip the Football shape, and opt for a football shaped plate for even less fuss.

Sandra Burkholder

EXP Realty – Licensed Real Estate Agent since 2000

Serving Lancaster, Chester, Berks and York County PA

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.