In this episode of Central PA Property Talk, Brian and Chris from 717 Home Buyers tackle one of the most common homeowner questions today: Can you really sell your house while you still owe money on your mortgage? Spoiler: yes — and it happens every day in Lancaster, York, Harrisburg, and beyond.

They break down the three main options — listing with a realtor, renting out your property, or selling directly to a local cash buyer — and share real examples from Lebanon and York to illustrate what works best (and when). This episode will help you understand your numbers, avoid unnecessary carrying costs, and make confident decisions about your next move.

Key Topics:

• What “carrying costs” really mean and how they add up

• The pros and cons of selling through a realtor vs. cash buyer

• Real local stories from Lebanon and York homeowners

• How the mortgage payoff works during a cash sale

• When to act to protect your finances and credit

• ✅ You can sell even with an active mortgage — the payoff happens at closing.

• 💸 Every month you wait costs money in carrying costs (mortgage, taxes, insurance).

• 🏡 Local buyers like 717 Home Buyers can eliminate uncertainty and double payments fast.

• 📅 The earlier you act, the more leverage and options you’ll have.

Brian and Chris open the conversation by addressing a common dilemma in Central Pennsylvania: homeowners feeling stuck between what they owe and where they need to go. Many bought during the low-rate years and now face much higher payments if they move. With housing inventory rising in Lancaster County and slower sales in York and Harrisburg, people are struggling to balance life changes with financial reality.

The hosts explain the burden of carrying costs — the ongoing expenses of owning two homes — which can easily hit $2,500 to $3,500 per month in Lebanon or Lancaster. From utilities and insurance to property taxes and maintenance, those costs eat away at potential profits quickly.

Three main paths exist for homeowners in this position. Listing with a realtor can work but often means paying commissions, waiting months, and covering expenses in the meantime. Renting it out can backfire if the rent doesn’t cover the mortgage or tenant issues arise. The third option — selling directly to a cash buyer like 717 Home Buyers — offers speed, certainty, and simplicity.

They share two real-world stories: a Lebanon couple paying double mortgages who sold fast and walked away with $45,000 in cash, and a single mom in York who avoided foreclosure through a short sale arranged by 717. In both cases, fast, local action prevented financial stress and long-term credit damage.

The episode closes with practical steps: know your exact mortgage balance and carrying costs, get a realistic property value, and request a no-obligation cash offer to compare your options. As Brian puts it, “You’re not stuck — you just need the right solution.”

Most homeowners think selling with a realtor means only paying the 6% commission — but there’s a lot more that eats into your profit. In this episode, Brian and Chris from 717 Home Buyers break down the true, often hidden costs of selling your house in Central Pennsylvania.

From pre-listing repairs and inspection fixes to months of holding costs, they reveal the math most sellers never see — and share how a direct cash sale can eliminate those expenses entirely.

If you’ve ever wondered whether that “higher listing price” is really worth it, this conversation is for you.

• Realtor commissions (typically 6%) are just the beginning.

• Pre-listing repairs and buyer inspection credits can total $5,000–$15,000+.

• Holding costs — mortgage, taxes, insurance, and utilities — often add thousands more.

• Cash buyers like 717 Home Buyers purchase as-is, with no repairs, commissions, or waiting.

• Selling directly can be the most financially sensible path for older or inherited homes.

Selling a home in Lancaster, York, or Harrisburg often looks straightforward — list with a realtor, pay the 6% commission, and close. But as Brian and Chris explain, traditional sales hide layers of expense that most homeowners don’t anticipate.

Pre-listing updates like paint, carpet, or kitchen touch-ups can cost thousands before a single showing. Then come inspection repairs, which buyers frequently demand as credits or fixes. Meanwhile, every month your home sits, mortgage, taxes, and utilities continue to drain your bottom line.

That’s where a direct sale to a local cash buyer — like 717 Home Buyers — can make the difference. No repairs, no commissions, no waiting. Sellers in Lebanon, Reading, and Lititz have saved thousands and avoided months of stress by choosing a fair cash offer instead of the uncertainty of the open market.

For many Central PA homeowners, selling “as-is” isn’t just faster — it’s smarter.

In this episode of Central PA Property Talk, Brian and Chris from 717 Home Buyers tackle one of the biggest homeowner questions: Should you fix your house before selling, or is it better to sell as-is?

They break down what’s happening in the Central Pennsylvania housing market — from Lancaster and York to Lebanon and Reading — where buyers are getting pickier and fixer-uppers are sitting longer on the market. Through real local stories, you’ll hear what happens when homeowners choose to repair vs. when they decide to sell as-is.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why many Central PA sellers lose money waiting for the “perfect buyer.”

• How repairs, inspections, and time on market can eat away profits.

• Real stories from homeowners in Lebanon, Hanover, and Mechanicsburg.

• The hidden costs of fixing up vs. the simplicity of selling as-is.

• How 717 Home Buyers helps local sellers close fast — no stress, no repairs.

In this Central PA Property Talk episode, Brian and Chris from 717 Home Buyers get real about one of the toughest decisions sellers face — whether to invest time and money into fixing up their property or sell it as-is.

Across Central Pennsylvania, home prices are still slightly higher year over year, but inventory is also rising. That means buyers have options — and they’re prioritizing move-in-ready homes. The hosts share data and personal experiences showing that houses needing work are often taking 90+ days to sell, compared to just 30 days for updated properties.

Brian and Chris share several real-life cases from Lebanon, Hanover, and Mechanicsburg — homeowners who poured thousands into repairs and months into waiting, only to discover the costs outweighed the gains. Carrying costs like mortgages, property taxes, and utilities quickly pile up, turning every extra month into lost equity.

They also discuss today’s buyer psychology. With higher interest rates, stricter inspections, and more cautious lending, buyers aren’t looking for projects — they want homes they can move into immediately. Even small issues like dated wiring, musty basements, or unfinished projects can scare off potential offers.

That’s where selling as-is can make sense. Brian and Chris explain how 717 Home Buyers, a trusted local company serving Lancaster, York, Lebanon, Reading, and Harrisburg, gives homeowners a faster, simpler alternative — selling directly, without repairs or showings.

Their message is clear: in a shifting market, time is money. For many Central PA homeowners, selling as-is means saving both.

Let's talk - 717-321-SOLD

www.717HomeBuyers.com

Show Notes: Selling your Pennsylvania home at auction might sound quick, but the legal risks can surprise many homeowners. From disclosure laws to breach of contract claims, the process can create more headaches than solutions. In this episode, Brian and Chris break down what sellers in Lancaster, Harrisburg, York, and across Central PA need to know about auctions—and why working with a trusted local cash buyer like 717 Home Buyers may be the safer path.

We’ll cover:

• Legal pitfalls of selling your home at auction in Pennsylvania

• Disclosure requirements and the consequences of mistakes

• Why some sellers choose a cash buyer instead of an auction

• How 717 Home Buyers helps sellers close quickly and stress-free

Recap: Selling a home in Pennsylvania at auction can seem like an efficient way to move a property quickly, but many sellers underestimate the legal obligations and risks involved. In this episode, Brian and Chris discuss the disclosure laws that apply to auctions across Central PA—including Lancaster, York, Harrisburg, Lebanon, Reading, and Lititz. Under Pennsylvania law, sellers must disclose material defects like roof leaks, mold, foundation issues, or termite damage. What makes auctions risky is that sellers can still face legal action even if they unintentionally miss a defect.

The conversation highlights several legal outcomes, from breach of contract and fraud claims to negligent misrepresentation and breach of warranty. Even honest mistakes—like assuming the electrical system was up to code—can result in lawsuits, legal fees, and contract rescission. For many homeowners, this adds an overwhelming layer of stress on top of the already complex auction process.

That’s why more sellers are turning to local cash buyers like 717 Home Buyers. As Chris explains, companies like 717 Home Buyers purchase properties as-is, factoring in repairs without requiring sellers to complete inspections or pay for repairs upfront. This removes disclosure risks, saves money on auctioneer fees, and allows for a fast closing timeline—often within a week to ten days.

For Central PA homeowners worried about navigating disclosure laws and liability, the cash buyer route can provide peace of mind. With no commissions, no hidden fees, and a transparent process backed by local ownership, 717 Home Buyers has become a trusted alternative for sellers needing a fast and fair solution.

Call 717-321-SOLD (717-321-7653) for a no-obligation offer today.

Probate can feel intimidating—especially when there’s a house involved. In this episode, Brian and Chris break down how probate works in Pennsylvania, what the Orphans’ Court actually does, and when (and how) a probate property can be sold. We keep it practical and local to Central PA—Lancaster, Harrisburg, York, Lebanon, Reading, and Lititz.

You’ll learn why probate sales aren’t “shady,” why PA doesn’t allow Transfer-on-Death deeds, how letters of administration/testamentary work, and what heirs should do first. We also cover timelines, taxes, and selling a home as-is without repairs.

How to Spot/Do (Quick Hits):

• “Court approval required” in a listing = likely probate

• Letters of Administration/Testamentary = legal authority to act

• Notify beneficiaries/creditors before distributing proceeds

• PA inheritance tax is due 9 months after death (discount if paid early)

• You can sell a house during probate (often with court approval)

• Consider as-is cash offers to avoid repair costs and delays

Recap: Probate sounds complex, but in Pennsylvania it’s a routine legal process to manage someone’s estate after they pass—including any real estate. Brian and Chris start by clearing a big misconception: probate sales are not shady. When a homeowner dies, their assets—including a house—enter the estate. The court’s role is to ensure debts and taxes are handled and the remaining value is distributed properly to heirs.

In PA, you’ll often hear about the Register of Wills and Orphans’ Court. If there’s a valid will, the named executor applies for Letters Testamentary; without a will, an administrator applies for Letters of Administration. Those letters give the legal authority to act for the estate: notify heirs and creditors, manage assets, and, when appropriate, sell the property. Pennsylvania doesn’t allow Transfer-on-Death deeds, so planning tools like revocable trusts are commonly used to avoid probate.

The representative (executor/administrator) generally can sell estate property without getting every beneficiary’s written consent, but they must honor the will and their fiduciary duty—always acting in the beneficiaries’ best interests. Beneficiaries can request information and ask the court to review actions if they’re concerned. Financially, PA’s inheritance tax applies in most non-spouse situations (with a small discount for early payment), while there’s no separate Pennsylvania estate tax and federal estate tax affects only very large estates.

Timelines vary by county and complexity; expect several months and build in time for notices, creditor periods, and title work. You don’t have to make repairs to sell—many heirs choose as-is sales to move forward quickly, especially when homes in Lancaster, Harrisburg, York, Lebanon, Reading, or Lititz need updates. The cleanest first step is to talk to a local probate attorney, then explore selling options, including reputable Central PA cash buyers who understand court timelines and can structure contracts contingent on approval. The bottom line: with the right guidance, probate real estate in Central PA can be navigated clearly, ethically, and with far less stress.

Need to discuss a probate property in Central PA? Call 717-321-SOLD (717-321-7653) for a no-pressure conversation.

In this episode of Central PA Property Talk, Brian and Chris from 717 Home Buyers in Lancaster share the story of “Stan,” a local homeowner facing foreclosure. His situation is one many in Lancaster, Harrisburg, York, and across Central PA can relate to—behind on payments, house in need of repairs, and a looming foreclosure auction.

Brian and Chris walk through the six key decisions homeowners face in foreclosure, from whether to repair the property to choosing between listing with a realtor or selling directly to a trusted local buyer. This episode shows how working with 717 Home Buyers helped Stan stop foreclosure, sell his home quickly, and move on with less stress.

How to Spot/Do (Key Decisions in Foreclosure):

• Catch up on payments vs. sell the property

• Traditional listing vs. direct sale

• Repair costs vs. sell “as is”

• Waiting for the market vs. acting quickly

• Multiple buyers vs. one trusted buyer

• Handling legal/financial complexity vs. letting experts help

Summary and Overview: In this episode of Central PA Property Talk, Brian and Chris from 717 Home Buyers highlight the real-world challenges many Central PA homeowners face when foreclosure looms. They share the story of “Stan,” a Lancaster resident who had fallen behind on mortgage payments after job loss during the pandemic. With repairs piling up, the bank moving forward with foreclosure, and no realistic way to catch up, Stan had tough choices to make.

Brian and Chris outlined six key decisions homeowners like Stan must consider. First, whether to try catching up on missed payments—though in Stan’s case, that wasn’t realistic. Second, whether to list with a realtor or sell to a local cash buyer. With only weeks before foreclosure, waiting months for a traditional sale wasn’t an option. Third, deciding if repairs were worth the cost. For Stan, selling as-is was the only practical route. Fourth, the choice of waiting for the market to improve versus selling right away—delaying meant more fees and worsening credit. Fifth, choosing between juggling multiple buyers or working with one trusted company. And finally, deciding whether to tackle the legal paperwork alone or let a team of professionals handle the details.

Ultimately, Stan chose 717 Home Buyers because of their fair cash offer, ability to close in just 18 days, and transparent process with no commissions or hidden fees. They even allowed him to leave belongings behind, taking one more burden off his shoulders. The outcome was life-changing: Stan avoided foreclosure, preserved his credit, and was able to move into a smaller, affordable home. He was so relieved that he referred neighbors to the company.

For Central PA homeowners facing foreclosure—whether in Lancaster, York, Harrisburg, Lebanon, Reading, or Lititz—this story shows that there are alternatives. 717 Home Buyers provides a local, no-pressure option to sell fast, handle repairs, and stop foreclosure stress.

📞 Call 717-321-SOLD (717-321-7653) for a confidential, no-pressure consultation.

Show Notes: Selling a house can be stressful and time-consuming, but there’s another path. In this episode, Brian and Chris break down what it really means to sell directly to a cash home buyer. From the 4-step process to how offers are calculated, we cover what sellers in Lancaster, Harrisburg, York, Lebanon, and across Central PA need to know. Heather from 717 Home Buyers in Lancaster, PA explains the process step by step with questions you should ask yourself along the way if you're weighing the options.

You’ll learn:

• Why selling for cash often closes in 7–14 days

• How “as-is” really works (no repairs or cleaning)

• The truth about hidden fees (or lack thereof)

• What you trade when choosing speed and certainty over listing traditionally

Call 717-321-SOLD (717-321-7653) or visit 717homebuyers.com if you’re considering selling your home fast in Central PA.

Recap: Selling a house the traditional way in Central Pennsylvania can often feel overwhelming—between agent commissions, staging, showings, repairs, and long wait times, the process can stretch for months. In this episode, Brian and Chris explain an alternative: selling directly to a cash home buyer. This model is built for speed, convenience, and certainty.

The conversation highlights how simple the process can be. First, it starts with a quick call. If the property qualifies, a brief walk-through follows. Within 48 hours, sellers often receive a written, no-obligation offer. From there, a reputable local title company manages the closing, sometimes completing the sale in as little as a week. For homeowners in Lancaster, York, Harrisburg, Lebanon, and other Central PA towns, this means cash in hand in as little as 7–14 days.

A major benefit is selling “as-is.” Unlike traditional listings that require costly repairs or deep cleaning, cash buyers handle everything after the purchase. That leaky roof, outdated kitchen, or even pet damage isn’t your problem—it becomes theirs. The goal is zero stress, zero fees, and zero surprises.

Naturally, the big question is about the offer itself. Brian and Chris explain that buyers calculate offers by estimating the home’s after-repair value, then subtracting renovation expenses and selling costs. What’s left is the offer to the homeowner. Importantly, the number you see is the number you get—without hidden fees.

Of course, there’s a trade-off. Sellers may not capture full “top dollar” as they would in a longer, traditional sale. But in return, they gain three valuable advantages: speed, certainty, and convenience. For many Central PA homeowners—whether facing foreclosure, relocation, or simply wanting a clean break—that trade-off is worth it.

If you’ve ever wondered about selling your home quickly and as-is in Lancaster, Harrisburg, or York, this episode offers a clear, local guide to how cash home buying really works.

hinking about selling your home quickly in Lancaster, Harrisburg, York, or anywhere in Central PA? In this episode, Brian and Heather unpack how 717 Home Buyers helps sellers with a simple, four-step cash offer process. From the first phone call to closing at a reputable local title company, you’ll learn how speed, convenience, and transparency come together when you choose a direct cash sale.

We also talk about trade-offs—why some sellers accept a lower price in exchange for avoiding repairs, commissions, and uncertainty, and how peace of mind often matters as much as dollars.

What You’ll Learn:

• The 4-step cash offer process (call, appointment, offer, close)

• Why selling “as-is” saves time and money

• How offers are calculated—and why they may be lower than traditional sales

• Situations where speed and certainty matter most

• What non-financial benefits sellers often value

Recap: Selling your home can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re juggling repairs, showings, or a tight timeline. This episode breaks down how 717 Home Buyers, a trusted local company in Lancaster and across Central PA, simplifies the process into four clear steps: a quick call, a short appointment, a written offer, and a fast closing through a local title company.

What makes this approach unique is the ability to sell your home as-is, without worrying about cleaning, repairs, or agent commissions. For many sellers, especially those facing relocation, inherited properties, or homes needing major updates, this model provides real relief. Offers are calculated by considering the after-repair value of your property, minus the costs of renovations, holding, and resale. While this typically results in a lower price than a traditional listing, sellers gain something equally valuable—speed, certainty, and peace of mind.

Beyond the numbers, we explore the personal benefits: avoiding weeks of strangers touring your home, moving on from stressful situations, and knowing exactly when closing will happen. Whether you’re in Harrisburg, York, Lebanon, Reading, or right here in Lancaster, this episode will help you decide if a fast, as-is sale aligns with your priorities.