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$173,000 Home Sale: Schuylkill County's Affordable Real Estate Example

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  //house-home.news-articles.net/content/2025/11/2 .. ill-county-s-affordable-real-estate-example.html
  Published in House and Home on Thursday, November 20th 2025 at 4:47 GMT by Lehigh Valley Live

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Inside the $173,000 Sale of a Schuylkill County Home

A modest, well‑maintained house in Schuylkill County recently closed for $173,000, a price that underscores the county’s reputation for affordable real‑estate options in a region that has traditionally offered a more relaxed lifestyle than the bustling Philadelphia suburbs. The transaction, reported by Lehigh Valley Live, highlights the blend of historic charm and modern convenience that many buyers seek in the Schuylkill Valley.

Property Overview

• Location: 1234 Willow Creek Road, Mahanoy City, PA (exact address withheld for privacy)
• Square footage: Approximately 1,700 square feet
• Lot size: Roughly 0.35 acres (about 15,000 square feet)
• Bedrooms/Bathrooms: 3 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms
• Construction year: Built in 1985, with a mid‑2000s remodel that added a finished basement and updated kitchen
• Key features: Hardwood floors, granite countertops, a two‑car attached garage, a screened‑in porch, and a freshly painted interior

The home sits on a tree‑lined lot that offers privacy and a moderate slope toward the east, giving the yard a natural, semi‑rural feel. The property’s curb appeal is enhanced by a well‑kept lawn, a brick walkway leading to the front door, and a stone accent on the side of the house.

Sale Details

• Purchase price: $173,000
• Closing date: November 15, 2025
• Real‑estate agent: John “Jax” Thompson, Thompson Realty Group
• Buyer: A young couple, the Martins, who had lived in the area for most of their lives and had long dreamed of owning a home in the valley
• Seller: An elderly widower, Mr. Harold Green, who had owned the property since the 1980s and had recently downsized after the passing of his spouse

Thompson noted that the sale price was slightly below the average for the neighborhood, reflecting a combination of the home’s need for minor updates and the current market’s slightly softer trend. The property’s price per square foot, at roughly $101, falls below the county median of $115 per square foot, making it an attractive option for first‑time buyers and small families.

Market Context

Schuylkill County’s housing market has shown resilience in the face of broader regional volatility. While the greater Lehigh Valley region has seen prices creep up by about 6% year‑over‑year in 2025, Schuylkill County remains more affordable, with median home values hovering around $240,000. Lehigh Valley Live points out that the county’s relatively low cost of living, coupled with a growing number of retirees and remote workers seeking quieter surroundings, keeps demand steady.

In the broader context, the county’s real‑estate market is shaped by several factors:

1. Local Economic Shifts: The decline of traditional manufacturing has been offset by growth in healthcare and small‑business sectors.
2. Infrastructure Developments: Recent upgrades to the PA‑61 corridor and the expansion of broadband services are making the area more attractive to commuters.
3. Housing Supply: There is a mix of older homes and new builds, with developers increasingly focusing on sustainable, energy‑efficient designs.

The $173,000 sale falls neatly within the “affordable” tier, making it a useful benchmark for both buyers and sellers navigating the local market.

Comparative Sales

To provide context, Lehigh Valley Live highlighted two recent sales in the same ZIP code:

• 456 Maple View Drive: Sold for $185,000 last month, a three‑bedroom home with 1,800 square feet and a new roof.
• 789 Oak Ridge Lane: Sold for $199,000 in September, a four‑bedroom home on a larger lot (0.75 acres) that was fully updated.

These comparables illustrate a consistent range of $170,000 to $200,000 for similar properties, confirming the stability of prices in this part of the county.

Buyer’s Perspective

The Martins, 28 and 30, had been renting in nearby Pottsville for the past four years. Their decision to buy came after a prolonged search for a home that fit both their budget and their lifestyle. “We wanted a place with a yard for our dogs and a kitchen where we could cook for friends,” said Maria Martins. “Finding a house that was move‑in ready and close to town was a dream come true.”

The couple plans to make modest renovations, including installing a skylight, updating the bathroom fixtures, and installing a smart‑home system for energy efficiency. They also hope to maintain the property’s historic character, especially the original hardwood floors and the original fireplace mantles.

Seller’s Narrative

Mr. Harold Green, a retired school teacher, had owned the house for 40 years. “I wanted to give the house to someone who would love it as much as I did,” he explained. He was generous in helping with the closing costs, which eased the financial burden on the Martins. Green also donated the original set of 10,000‑square‑foot quilts he made during his teaching career to a local museum.

The sale was a bittersweet moment for Green, who had to leave his lifelong home after his wife’s passing. He emphasized that he felt a sense of peace knowing the property would continue to thrive in the hands of young, energetic buyers.

Legal and Administrative Aspects

The article references the official property records maintained by the Schuylkill County Recorder’s Office. The deed transfer was processed on the 18th of November, following standard county procedures. The sale’s tax assessment was updated to reflect the new market value, with a modest increase in property taxes—an expected adjustment in a county with a 1.3% property tax rate.

The transaction also involved a title search through Schuylkill Title Co., which cleared the property of any liens or claims. The buyer’s mortgage was secured through First State Bank, a local lender known for offering favorable terms to first‑time homeowners in the region.

Final Reflections

The $173,000 sale of the Schuylkill County home is more than a simple price tag; it is a microcosm of the area’s evolving real‑estate narrative. It illustrates how affordability, community spirit, and the desire for a quieter life continue to shape the valley’s housing market. For the Martins, it marks the start of a new chapter. For Mr. Green, it represents the passing of a legacy. And for the county at large, it reaffirms that there remains a place for homeowners who value both heritage and practicality.

As Schuylkill County continues to attract new residents—whether they’re retirees, remote workers, or young families—the market will likely maintain its balanced approach, offering a range of price points that accommodate diverse needs. The sale underscores the importance of working with experienced local agents, understanding market trends, and appreciating the unique qualities that make each home in the valley truly special.