Your August 2026 Update

Hey there neighbor!

One thing that surprises a lot of people when they reach out to me is that some of my favorite real estate conversations have absolutely nothing to do with buying or selling a house right away. Back in my June newsletter, I told you about a couple who looked at homes with me for two years before finally finding "the one." Some of the best clients I work with don't actually move until a year or two after we first meet.

The reality is that thinking about moving and being ready to move are two very different things.

I was talking with a woman at a networking event recently, and she mentioned that her family was hoping to move next year. She said she didn't want to "waste a Realtor's time" by reaching out this early. I immediately told her it wouldn't be wasting my time at all. In fact, that's exactly when I want people to call me. The earlier we can start planning, the more options you'll have when the timing is right.

Sometimes planning starts with a homeowner who is wondering if they've outgrown their house or who is thinking about downsizing in the next couple of years. Instead of waiting until you're ready to list, we can walk through your home together and talk about which projects are actually worth investing in, what today's buyers are looking for, and just as importantly, where you should save your money. I'd much rather help you avoid spending $15,000 on a renovation that won't increase your home's value than have you find that out after the fact.

For buyers, planning usually starts with understanding the numbers. We'll talk about your budget, get you connected with a trusted lender if you need one, walk through what the buying process actually looks like, and set up a home search based on what you're really looking for. Watching homes come on and off the market over time helps buyers narrow down what they truly want, so when the right home comes along, they're ready to move with confidence instead of scrambling to make decisions.

There is no pressure and no expectation that you're buying or selling tomorrow. Sometimes those first conversations lead to a move six months later. Sometimes it's two years later. Sometimes they simply give people peace of mind because they finally have a plan. I truly believe the best real estate decisions happen when people feel informed, prepared, and never rushed.

Keeping It Real - I recently met with homeowners who hadn't considered moving because they assumed it was financially out of reach with their current low 2020 interest rates. After putting together a market analysis, they discovered they had built significantly more equity than they expected. They ultimately decided to stay in their current home for now, but they left with something just as valuable: a clear understanding of their financial position and a plan for the future. Not every conversation has to end with a "For Sale" sign, and honestly, I think that's the way it should be.

We’re expanding our newsletter! And by we, I really mean me, because I’m the one-woman operation who puts forth all the effort of sending these out each month. I know that not everyone is looking to make a move in the near future, so beyond focusing on just one real estate topic each month, my goal is to spend some time on local highlights, small business spotlights, local events, and more. Have a great cause, event, or local business you think I should share with the ~5000 neighbors I send this out to? Please get in touch! 

Small Business Spotlight - This month, we’re focusing on Devon Ellis from State Farm Insurance. Her office is located at 1500 Baltimore Pike in Hanover and she’s been in the local insurance business for the past 13 years. From Auto, Homeowners, Condo, Renters, Personal Articles, Business, Life, Health, Pet Insurance, and more - she’s got you covered. Her website is devonellisinsurance.com and her contact number is (717) 637-6062.

I wanted to focus on Devon this month as she’s hosting a Kid’s End of Summer Bash on 8/14 from 4-7 for free at the field next to Weis - 1446 Baltimore St. There will be a Kids Backpack Drive (while supplies last), School Supplies Bazaar for Teachers, Delicious Food & Drinks, Fun Games & Activities, Hayrides, Face Painting, Obstacle Course, Local Vendors, Kids Make n' Take Activities, and plenty of surprises throughout the evening! I’ll be at a table there along with another few small local businesses. We hope to see you there!

What’s Happening in Hanover - 

Every Tuesday - Crafty Tuesdays at the Library - Every Tuesday is Crafty Tuesday at the Guthrie Memorial Library  this summer! Join us between 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm for a fun craft in the Children’s Program Room! This is a free program for ages 3 -12.

8/2 - 14th Annual Classic Car and Truck Show - 8 am - 2 pm - 735 Carlisle St - All vehicles welcome, 2001 and below will be judged, Dash Plaques, Food Trucks, Music, Raffles

8/5 - Summer Lawn Concert- The Jazzberries - The Hanover Area Historical Society hosts summer concerts at the Warehime-Myers Mansion at 6:30. Free admission, donations welcome. Food available for purchase and free ice cream while supplies last.

8/7 - 1st Fridays Art Walk - Experience the creativity of Hanover at First Friday Art Walks, a monthly celebration of local art and community. On 8/7 from 5:00–8:00 PM, downtown Hanover businesses transform into gallery spaces showcasing the incredible talent of regional artists. Learn more at www.mainstreethanover.org/1stfriday.

8/8 - 2nd Saturdays - August’s Second Saturday event is screening Jaws at the Eichelberger Performing Arts Center. Shows start at 12, 2, and 4 pm and tickets are $7 each.

8/8 through 8/22 - Restaurant Week(s) - Explore Hanover’s vibrant food scene through exclusive, limited-time menus, special pricing, and unique culinary experiences. Participating restaurants, cafes, and eateries will showcase their signature dishes alongside creative new offerings, giving you the perfect excuse to try somewhere new, or revisit a local favorite. For more information, check out https://mainstreethanover.org/restaurant-week/

8/14 - End of Summer Bash - 1446 Baltimore St from 4-7 pm -  There will be a Kids Backpack Drive (while supplies last), School Supplies Bazaar for Teachers, Delicious Food & Drinks, Fun Games & Activities, Hayrides, Face Painting, Obstacle Course, Local Vendors, Kids Make n' Take Activities, and plenty of surprises throughout the evening

8/14 - Babes and Brews - Fat Bat Brewery from 5:30-9 pm -  Join us for a laid-back evening of shopping, sipping, and self-care at the brewery—where local beauty, creativity, and small business come together in one fun Friday night experience. From spray tanning, skin care, art, jewelry, cupcakes, and shopping, there’s something for everyone!

8/30 - 2nd Annual Veterans Fun in the Sun - Lake Marburg - Pavilion 3 from 10 am to 4 pm- Veterans and their families -  get ready for a fun-filled day at beautiful Lake Marburg in Hanover! Come soak up the sunshine, relax by the water, and enjoy great company in a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere. Free food, games, awesome prizes, and lots of laughs! 

Where’s Emma This Month - While I tend not to work directly out of the office consistently due to the day to day showing appointments and listing consultations that I take out at people’s homes, I do like to set aside time for the community to be able to easily access me. I’ll be at the South Hanover Britton Coffee location every first and third Sunday from 2-4 pm as “office hours.” Come swing by and ask any home related questions you may have, just say hi, or get a coffee on me and get to know one of your neighbors. As mentioned above, you can also find me at the End of Summer Bash on 8/14!

A Little Life Update Over Here - 

July was quite a busy month! For baby Henry, it meant hitting our third trimester and getting through lots of new screenings to make sure his health is top notch. We finally got the pool up and running and have been using it almost every day to help with all the aches and pains that come along with growing a tiny human. Toby and Luna are absolutely not water-loving pups, but they do enjoy sun bathing along the edge of it and barking at the robot cleaner. I’m considering hosting a little get together as a nice “get to know your neighbors” event at our pool - let me know if that’s something you would be interested in! We also spent a lot of time locally in the community this month. My husband and I brought some friends to the Snacktown Street Fair. I joined the Hanover Chamber of Commerce and a local women’s networking group for small businesses. I went to a few book club meetings, craft nights, and coffee shop outings. I’m always looking to build more local friends, so feel free to reach out if you want to get together for just a night out and about in Hanover!

One thing I never take for granted is how much this business runs on relationships and trust. The majority of the people I get to work with come from friends, neighbors, and past clients sending their friends or family my way, and that genuinely means the world to me. If you’ve enjoyed these letters or followed along with my business, one of the biggest ways you can support me is simply by sharing my name and number when someone you know talks about making a move. If someone comes to mind when you read these, I’d truly appreciate you passing my info along.

As always, if you ever want to talk through what the market looks like in our neighborhood, what options might be available, or what your home might be worth in today’s market, I would always be happy to chat. Please feel free to contact me any time via my cell at 717-345-1101 or email me at Emma@nestwithemma.com. 

Emma Davis, Realtor with Samson Properties