$8,000 First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit

As many of you have probably heard, first time home buyers are being offered an $8,000 tax credit. In order to take advantage of this you must have settlement on your new home before December 1, 2009.

Below are some helpful links to learn more about the tax credit and learn how this tax credit may be able to benefit you.

http://www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com/2009/resources.html

http://www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com/2009/index.html

My new ride

Since the day I saw Kelly Taylor on 90210 in her Convertible BMW I have wanted one. So finally after all these years I have got mine! Driving with the top down is so much fun! If you are looking for a place to go for your next car check out skymotorcars.com. They are in West Chester but worth the drive. Great place with no hassle and good quality vehicles. There info is also found on the photos. Zoom Zoom...

30 and Thrilling

So recently I turned the big 30. I was having a hard time with this, I guess the reality of no longer being in my 20's and not being in life where I thought I would be by 30. I have realized though that I am with each passing day feeling more and more excited about being older. As I really sat down and looked at my life I have realized how great God has been to me. All that I have to be thankful for and how much wiser I really am. I would not want to go back to 20, so today I am completely embracing being 30 and realizing that I am just like a fine wine- just getting better with age!

Open House- 921 Turnpike Road, E-Town

Open House this Sunday Aug 30th 1-3

921 Turnpike Road, E-Town.

Come out and say hello!

Click here to view more details

http://www.postlets.com/res/2638420

E-Town Fair

JOIN US AT THE FAIR AUGUST 24-29! We hope you're enjoying the warm summer days and making special memories with family and friends. This season always seems to fly by much too fast, and the ringing of the school bell is right around the corner. One highlight we look forward to at the end of summer is the Elizabethtown Fair. It is always a great week of delicious food, lively music, farm animals, competitions and seeing friends and clients. Once again, the John Smith Team will be present at our booth at the fair to say "hello" and to inform you of what's happening in the current real estate market. You can browse our large display of existing homes for sale and our new home communities. Enter drawings to win dinner for two as well as gifts for the children. Sign the kids up for the John Smith Team Reading Club to encourage reading and win great prizes. Once again, Happy House, our team mascot, will be dancing outside near our booth, just waiting to shake your and and pose for a photo with the kids! It will be a great week of fun. See you at the fair!

Go Eagles!

So excited for Football season. It is here yet again!

Get out of jail free

To touch on a past blog post on Michael Vick and the fact that as a Christian we are to forgive. Well as I think into this deeper I am left wondering how this could end up being a double edged sword. So if we are to forgive then what is preventing someone from doing something they know is wrong knowing that those christians in their life will have to forgive them. Don't we all do small things each day that we know we should not do? I will be honest when I say I do. Each day we all make small mistakes that we eventually have to ask forgiveness for so what happens when it becomes bigger? They say that one small lie will end up being bigger and bigger lies over time. So what happens when these small daily actions compound into even bigger ones? Have you ever been handed the Christian card? I have. That is the card that someone pulls out when they have done something wrong to you that you know they knew was wrong but at the time they felt like doing what was best for them and cutting you out. Dealing with it later, not caring that your feelings were hurt in that one selfish action. So they deal you the Christian card. The card that means that you then need to step up and show your stuff by just forgiving them because after all isnt that what the bible says? Maybe I am looking to deep into this. I know there is an answer in the bible that I need to search for. Maybe that answer is the very thing that I already know. Just forgive. The flesh tells you not to but God would tell you to do it anyway. Understanding Gods loving heart is not so easy for me at times. I look at my self and just my relationship with him. Would I forgive me? But he did and continues to. I am so thankful for that and yet that is the very thing I myself stuggle with. I guess that is why we are human. Not perfect, meant to make mistakes and let the flesh take over remembering that is why Jesus died for us. So we could be forgiven. So is it that simple? Have I come full circle?

Market changes...

With all the news about how bad the market is do you ever wonder what the market is doing where you are? If you live in Lancaster County I can tell you that Lancaster County over all is a very stable market and although news would like you to think the market has gone down it has really just stablized. The market the last couple of years has not been normal. We are now back to the way the market was compared to 2004 which shows us that we are just back to normal over the past couple of years abnormal market. If I were to share one piece of advice from what I have seen in Real Estate I would say being prepared is the biggest thing you can do to reduce your risk of feeling the change in the market. Being prepared in the steps you take towards your real estate goal,whatever it is and whenever it may take place, will cost you nothing and will show it's self to you to be priceless.

If you want to start the steps towards preparing for your next real estate venture I would be happy to help to start to put together your moving plan so when the time comes you are ready. Being prepared in life can make all the difference. Lets get prepared together...

A life lost a life gained

So as you all know The Philadelphia Eagles signed Michael Vick with a 2 year contract. Now this horrible man who did such horrible things will now be an Eagle. When I first heard this news I was at the Eagles Stadium watching the first pre-season game of the year. Suited with my Westbrook Jersey on and filled with excitement for another great year of football and anticipating the roller coaster ride in which we all partake each and every year. The ups and down, the love and hate we can have for our team. When I first heard this news I felt like I was punched in the stomach. I was one of those people watching his trial and saying lock up the jerk and throw away the key. If you know me you know I am a very strong animal lover. I have such a love for them and what they bring to my life and the life of others. They are so precious and innocent so of course this is why I felt so strong about not ever wanting this man to see the light of day and would love to have seen him rot in a cell with no food or water and a horrible ending to his life. This to me felt like it would be a cake walk considering what he did to those animals. But now here I am faced with this man being an Eagle. Ok. It is done. We can do nothing about it. So what do we do? All the hate towards this man is valid but lets look deeper into this. Try to walk deeper into this with me even though I know it is hard to do. I am a Christian and to be a true Christian means to forgive. To save a life, to show them the way to Jesus and Heaven. Tony Dungy is involved in this and although I do not know him personally I have read about him and seen what he has done as a christian in the world of sports. My sports fan, level headed husband has also brought to my attention more that he has done that I was not even aware of. Tony Dungy's faith and strength through some very hard personal tragedies in his life is amazing. He is a mentor and has a passion for changing the lives of those who have fallen in the wrong hands and have not had the guidance they need. Some of these people have done things worse than others but in the bible it says no sin is greater than another. this is what gives me the ability to see past the anger and the rage that I feel. So Vick made a wrong choice and he did some horrible things. Dog fighting is a very big problem in many places, Philadelphia being one of them. So lets just ponder on what it might do for a figure like Vick to now come back into the spot light and help to educate others about how wrong dog fighting is. To help bring this very big problem to the surface. Bringing something to the surface is never easy and most often very painful but this is truly the only way to bring about change and to make a wrong right. I know that the animals involved would not want to have died in vain. I know that they would want for their death to bring about more life. More life in dogs that will not be mistreated in the same way they did if Vick were to turn this into a positive movement. This not saying he is not an ass and that what he did was not wrong. None of that changes. Now lets go even deeper. So lets say he does this, my next reaction was will it be sincere? Will it be from the heart and not just him doing this for his own glory or fame. If it saves a dogs life then I still think it is worth it and to go into the deeper layer could it save his soul too remembering as Christians that is our main goal. To look into the eyes of a sinner and show them another way, to look into the eyes of someone hurting and show them it can be better. Now that person has to want it. I have spent a lot of years of my life trying to help those around me who just did not want it. I beat myself up and felt like a failure for so long but it was not me it was them. Vick has to want it and for his sake I hope to God he does. I hope that his heart is pure and he wants to make this change. Because then the lives of those dogs will have not been for nothing and the life of our lord Jesus Christ, dying a horrible death at the cross would not be for nothing either. Let's all remember that Jesus died so we can live and be forgiven of our sins. So today I pray that Vick will live and let his heart be made pure and he share his story with others so that it can make a difference. In Jesus Name I Pray, Amen....

New listing!

Announcing 921 Turnpike Road,E-Town, Pa 17022!


Inviting Semi-detatched home waiting for you to call it home! 2 large bedrooms, 2 full baths- possible 3rd bedroom or office on 3rd floor. 1st floor laundry, peacefull fenced backyard, 1 car garage.

Coming together in prayer

Recently we have had some babies come into this world who need some extra prayers.
The first was baby Logan- He was born about 2 months ago. His parents are very close friends of ours. At first they detected a heart problem and then detected down syndrome. He is doing very well but still needs prayers. He will need surgery for his heart and depending on how it develops over the next couple of weeks will determine how many surgeries he will need. He is very strong though and each day God is amazing in how he shows such attention to our prayers.

The next set of babies were just born. They are twins born 15 weeks early. They weigh just a little over 1 pound each. They are doing better each day but we continue to pray for them and may God strenghen them and help all their little organs to begin to grow and operate as they should.

In all of this I am left seeing how amazing God is and how strong these parents of these children are. They amaze me how their faith is so strong and they can stay so positive through a very tough time. May God be with all of them and continue to unite us all in prayer..

No pain no gain!

Monday I started my journey out if my slump and went to to the gym. One word will sum it up. sore! It was an awesome class that I took, a great workout but it kicked my out of shape butt! I am moving slow but know it is a good pain. It is amazing how good you feel after a workout and I am now wondering why I ever stopped working out. Funny how life can get away from you. Well no more. I am getting back in track! I am working towards a more balanced life. Here's to my one small step towards taking control on my life!!

One class done

So I have completed my first brokers class! Real estate finance is now complete. I feel good to have completed it and did learn some very useful information. My next class starts In a couple of weeks so for now I am enjoying the down time from reading and learning. I will keep you posted!

Journey of growth

I am on day 2 of one of the many classes needed for me to get my broker's licenses. I knew that reaching this goal would be a challenge but I am really experiencing what a challenge this really is. I love the class which is Real Estate Finance but this class is really a stretch for me. One, because the content is mundane and foreign to me and two because the teacher has structured the class to one that rather than just read from the text we have open discussions on government,politics and lots of topics that have been the topic of discussion in the news for a while. I enjoy the class because it has made me realize that I need to be learning more about the world and what is going on around me. I have put myself in a box and I need to explore outside that box and outside of my comfort zone. This comes as a surprise to me since I am normally one who does not like to be boxed in and would rebel against it at all costs. I do see however where I am done this to myself because it is something that was never posed to me as a concern and I never saw the value in it until now. I thank my teacher for bringing this to my attention and for the class mates, all of which are men, for sharing their thoughts to make me ponder. For now I am silent as to learn and absorb all the knowledge.

Life through different lenses

Did you ever wonder what it would be like to see through someone elses eyes just for one day? I wonder what it would look like? Some days I wish I did not see what I see. All the wrongs and injustices in the world. Day by day they consume me. I see where people are so close yet so far away. I sometimes get involved all to come to realize that they dont see through my lense. Are they blind or am I crazy? I am left wondering why I end up time after time wanting to do nothing but good and end up doing the opposite. So I close my eyes and see the world as I want to see it if just for a moment I am at peace...

Sold

Today was a busy day of settlements for 1409 Hollywood Drive and 400 Wetherburn Drive. Another set of happy homeowners in Lancaster County!

Today is the day to do the right thing...

I am reading a book given to me by a friend and thought I would share. This chapter pulled on my heart strings today as I am challenged myself with doing the right thing. Life is very hard. We get up each day with choices to make. We dont always make the right ones. We get tangled in the web of those bad choices with those around us. Friends, co-workers, family. We get hurt and we hurt others. It is the daily grind of life. Depressing but for me refreshing. Refreshing to wrap my mind around this truth. This fact that with knowing helps me to get through each day remembering that my bad choice today may have hurt someone and to choose wisely with my choices. To choose to stop and think before I react. To seek God for the answer. Whatever your faith walk in life I encourage you read this page from my chapter and ponder how you could work just a little bit harder to do the right thing....

Peace of mind and a clear conscience are precious commodities and they cannot be bought at any price. They are yours only when you determine day by day, hour by hour, minute by minute to do the right thing no matter what. God honors the person who is willing to do the right thing with integrity and a willing heart. Even when you fall short - as everyone does-God is quick to forgive. Be strong and faithful. He is always there to help you do to the right thing.

My new venture

"I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun!"-Isaiah 43:19.
When I decided to get my real estate license I also set a goal to obtain my brokers license once I had some experience under my belt. Well I let more time go by then what a wanted but I am finally going to go back to school to get my brokers license! I am excited to continue to learn more about my field which will be knowledge so I can continue to give my clients the best service possible. My first class is June 18th! So here's to the next adventure in learning set out in my horizon...

Announcing 826 Pleasure Road!

Welcome Home! This solid brick semi dettached home is move in ready! Updated kitchen with new appliances, cozy living room with gas fireplace, neutral color pallet, 1 car garage, huge attic for storage or possible 4th bedroom, inviting front porch, economical gas heat with a newer heating system installed in 2003. Built in alarm system, partially finished basement. $165,000. Call me for more info or a private showing. 380-4780. anneschlenbaker@comcast.net.

The battle has been won!

For those of you who know me you know that yard work is not my most favorite thing to do but yesterday I had just had it with the loosing battle between me, the mulch pile in my driveway and the weeds in my flowerbeds. So I took the bull by the horns and I won that battle! I worked hard all day and got the front just about all finished. I just have two small areas that need finished. I am very sore but very happy with the way it turned out and the best part is that my hubby was very pleased to see it was all done when he got home from work.