❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Down payment requirements vary by loan type:

• FHA Loans: 3.5% down (most popular for first-time buyers)
• Conventional: 3-20% down
• VA Loans: 0% down for eligible veterans
• USDA Loans: 0% down for rural properties

Pennsylvania also offers Keystone Advantage - up to $6,000 toward your down payment!

Yes, absolutely! Getting pre-approved should be your first step:

• Know exactly how much you can afford
• Sellers take your offers more seriously
• Move faster when you find the right home
• Identify and fix any credit issues early

Closing costs are fees paid at settlement, typically 2-5% of the purchase price.

Common closing costs include:

• Loan origination fees
• Title insurance
• Appraisal fee ($400-600)
• Home inspection ($350-500)
• Prepaid taxes and insurance

Yes! Pennsylvania has excellent first-time buyer programs:

• PHFA Loans: Competitive rates and down payment assistance
• Keystone Advantage: Up to $6,000 toward down payment/closing
• HOMEstead Program: Additional assistance for eligible buyers
• FHA Loans: Only 3.5% down with flexible credit

Typical timeline:

• Pre-approval: 1-3 days
• House hunting: 2-12 weeks
• Making an offer: 1-3 days
• Under contract to closing: 30-45 days

In York County, homes sell in an average of 15 days, so be ready!

I provide a free Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) that looks at:

• Recent sales of similar homes in your area
• Current competing listings
• Your home's unique features and upgrades
• Current market conditions

Online estimates can be off by 5-15%. A professional CMA gives you accurate data.

In York County's current market, homes sell in an average of 15 days.

Total timeline from listing to closing: 6-10 weeks

Pricing correctly from day one is the #1 factor in selling quickly!

I offer a competitive 2.5% listing commission - well below the traditional 5-6%.

You get full service: professional photography, MLS listing, marketing, and expert negotiation.

Focus on high-ROI improvements:

• ✅ Fresh paint in neutral colors (100%+ ROI)
• ✅ Deep cleaning and decluttering (free!)
• ✅ Fix obvious issues (leaky faucets, squeaky doors)
• ✅ Curb appeal (landscaping, power washing)

Skip expensive renovations - you rarely get your money back.

Current average rents in York County (2026):

• 1-bedroom: $1,200-1,400/month
• 2-bedroom: $1,400-1,600/month
• 3-bedroom house: $1,550-2,000/month

Yes, though it may require extra steps:

• Larger security deposit (2-3 months)
• Co-signer with good credit
• Proof of stable income (3x rent)
• References from previous landlords

About 50-60% of rentals in York County allow pets, often with:

• Pet deposit: $200-500
• Pet rent: $25-50/month extra
• Breed or weight restrictions

Cats are generally easier to get approved than dogs.

Cap rates vary by strategy. In York County:

• Long-Term Rentals: 5-7% is good
• Mid-Term Rentals: 8-12% achievable
• Short-Term Rentals: 10-15% potential

It depends on your approach:

• House hacking (FHA): ~$10-15K (3.5% down)
• Conventional investment: ~$50-75K (20-25% down)

House hacking is the best way to start with less capital!

LTR (Long-Term Rental): 12+ month leases, lowest management

MTR (Mid-Term Rental): 1-6 months furnished, traveling nurses/corporate

STR (Short-Term Rental): Airbnb/VRBO nightly, highest income potential

Yes, short-term rentals are legal in most of York County, but regulations vary by municipality. Some areas require permits. I'll help you research specific regulations.

I'm a licensed real estate agent with eXp Realty, specializing in York County, PA.

• 20+ years education background
• Deep local knowledge of York County
• Competitive 2.5% listing commission
• Investment property expertise

"A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed." - Proverbs 11:25

I specialize in York County, Pennsylvania:

• York City & West York
• Spring Grove & Seven Valleys
• Hanover & Dover
• Red Lion & Dallastown

• Phone/Text: (717) 880-3471
• Email: jonathon.shultz@exprealty.com
• Schedule: Book online