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.”