Oberholtzer Recalls Quarter Century Of Farm Sales DAVELEFEVER Lancaster Farming Staff SMOKETOWN (Lancaster Co.) Mahlon Ob erholtzer has some stories to tell from his 25 years of selling farms and homes in the area. The realtor from Smoketown has seen the gamut from speedy transactions between highly motivated clients, to challenging deals that took up to eight years to complete. One of Oberholtzer’s most memorable experi ences happened a number of years ago when he got an urgent call from a dairy farmer in the middle of the growing season. “A man called our office in early July and said, T’m done farming. If someone gives me cash for the cattle and equipment, I’ll finance the farm,”’ Ob erholtzer recalled. Oberholtzer fortunately had a “tailor-made” buyer in mind. He contacted him immediately and settlement papers were signed within a few days. Conversely, a recent settlement took a full eight years to accomplish. As part of the process, Ob- SOUTHERN SALES SERVICES AUCTIONEERS SPECIALISTS IN: • INVENTORY COST RECOVERY • COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE • REPRESENTATIVES IN THE DISPERSAL OF FINE ESTATES PROMPT - PROFESSIONAL NATIONWIDE SERVICE 800-245-1594 P.O. Box 338 Glen Rock, PA 17327 ((A guy called from the boonies of Alaska and said he saw the ad (for a farm) in Lancaster Farming. I sent him a video, and he called back and said, ‘I want that farm.’ 5 5 erholtzer found himself at numerous township meetings to help bring about the rezoning and spe cial approval needed to complete the deal. After years of working through diverse situations and dealing with a wide range of personalities, Ob erholtzer has certainly learned a lot about selling farms. Perhaps he’s learned even more about human nature. For families considering selling a farm, the first thing they should do is have “a good serious session Mahloii Oberliolt/cr realtor (Turn to Page 70) THE CLASSIC EDGE AUCTION COMPANY If you are looking for an Auction Co. we are the one. Adding a touch of class to the w isdom of the past by giving more service, being in tune with today’s technology, and being the best we can be We hold honesty and intcgiity to the highest standards. After all, our most precious possessions are oui word and our reputation. Give us a call today lor a free consultation and Check out