FHA Financing To Bridge Buyers & Sellers

To keep our Real Estate market flowing and to help people needing to refinance for Arm's adjusting or just getting a fixed rate mortgage. FHA is alive and well. Let me show you the benefits of this program.

1. Can be no dollars out-of-pocket using down-payment assistance programs, even 97% max LTV.


2. Allows for 95% LTV cash-out.

3. Flexible credit options including nontraditional credit.

4. Easy, consistent Mortgage Insurance premium.

5. No income limits.

6.Borrower's cash investment may be a gift from a family member, employer, or local government entity.

7. Seller can pay up to 6%.

8. No prepayment penalties on FHA - insured loans.

9. FHA loans are assumable.

10. Non-occupant co-borrowers allowed without the requirement that the occupant meet specific minimum debt-to-income ratios of their own.

Feel free to email me if you need any additional information at: findit@LehighValleyrealty.com

Santa & Elves in Allentown

The weather was mild in Allentown on Christmas day. Santa and his helpers came to St. Paul's Lutheran Church at 36 S. 8th. St. They served over 350 people in need. The experience can be felt in the basement of the Church. These people gather together as one big family, to sit down for a hot Christmas dinner. They were given a Thanksgiving dinner consisting of turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, green beans and pumpkin pie as well as drinks. The gratitude from these people was overwhelming. After the dinner the guests were given bags of essentials, ie. toiletries, gloves, socks etc. The children had toys, coloring books, and clothing which was donated by our local business partners. We were all entertained by "Pappa John" with his electric piano and powerful voice, singing Christmas Carols and various music selections. It was a very warm and sense of community on Christmas day. On my way home Christmas evening from my in laws, I said to my wife, I wonder where all these people are this Christmas evening. It gives us all pause to be thankful what we have. If you like to get involved at the Soup Kitchen, contact Rev. Richard Baumann of St. Pauls's Lutheran Church at 610-435-9065.

City of Allentown Inspection Program

Last night, Allentown City Council adopted a residential resale inspection ordinance (Bill No. 109) requiring inspection of all residential properties in the City prior to transfer of title. The City believes that this proposal is will ultimately improve the safety and quality of the housing stock in Allentown. LVAR agrees and believes this type of inspection Ordinance in Allentown is long overdue. LVAR believes that an improved housing stock in Allentown translates into increased home values and a more desirable community in which to live and work. If you like more info on Bill # 109 click on this link: http://www.lehighvalleyarea.com/content/upload/AssetMgmt/Government%20Affairs/lvarpriorities/BillNo109_Final.pdf If I can help you with additional info contact me at: findit@LehighValleyRealty.com. Have a great day!

Mortgage Interest Costs Less Than You Might Think

Interest payments on a residential mortgage - assuming the mortgage isn't larger than the purchase price of the home - are fully deductible in most circumstances. That is a key reason why home ownership is a superb tax shelter.

Mortgage interest on a second home is also deductible. If you own a third home for personal purposes, the mortgage interest is treated as "consumer loan" interest is not deductible, with some limitations.

Tip: If you are planning to buy a home with a large amount of cash, consider carefully if you plan to ultimately finance the property. For interest to be deductable on a financing more than 90 days after closing, it will be limited to the original acquisition loan balance plus $100,000, unless the new financing is used to improve your home.

Be sure to keep careful records of when and how much you spend on home improvements when you refinance your home or take out a home equity loan. Consult your tax advisor about the deduction of interest payments when you refinance with a higher loan amount to take money out of the refinancing or pay off other debts.


If you are caught up in a subprime mortgage or a adjustable rate mortgage and need to refinance, consider a FHA mortgage. Contact me at : findit@LehighValleyRealty.com to help you get a permanent mortgage program. Have a great day!

Santa Visits Macungie

Macungie Animal Hospital at 161 E. Main St. in Macungie was visited by Santa Claus today. Santa was quite busy today for numerous pets that came to Santa. Sitting with Santa is Lacey a Golden Retriever puppy. Lacey was more interested in the other dogs that were waiting to get their lists of raw hides, squeak toys and the most trendy leads to Old St. Nick. Dr. Nancy Soares and her staff kept all the critters under control. Check out http://www.macungieanimalhospital.com/
or 610-421-8381. Happy Holidays to all. Feel free to contact me at findit@LehighValleyRealty.com

Clothes Dryer Safety

A dirty lint trap can waste energy dollars by making your dryer run longer – but more importantly; it can also be a major fire hazard if the lint ignites. To make your dryer both safe and energy efficient, clean your lint trap regularly and eliminate any kinks or other obstructions in the dryer exhaust duct. One sure fire way to know that your dryer’s exhaust or lint screen is blocked is if your clothes are still damp after a normal drying cycle.

Take special care when drying clothes that have been soiled with volatile chemicals such as gasoline, cooking oils, cleaning agents, or finishing oils and stains. If possible, wash the clothing more than once to minimize the amount of volatile chemicals on the clothes and, preferably, hang the clothes to dry. If using a dryer, use the lowest heat setting and a drying cycle that has a cool-down period at the end of the cycle. To prevent clothes from igniting after drying, do not leave the dried clothes in the dryer or piled in a laundry basket.

If your dryer’s drum stops turning, if it doesn’t heat up or if it squeals or rumbles when it’s running, it’s time to call in a pro in to keep your dryer running safely and efficiently. If you have the option of having gas connection for your dryer. You may want to purchase one. They are more efficient and your clothing will last longer. The gas dryer is about $75.00 more to purchase but worth the investment. Running a gas line to the unit should run about $350.00 if you do not have one. I hope this info helps. Feel free to drop me a line at findit@LehighValleyRealty.com

Appliances Fix or Replace?

A recent issue of Consumer Reports offered a timeline to determine when to say "adios" to old appliances that aren't operating properly. The magazine took into account age, typical repair and replacement costs, and improvements made in newer models.
Here are the ages when it's more sensible to replace an appliance than fix it:

1. Six years: dishwashers, over-the range microwaves, top-freezer refrigerators
2. Seven years: clothes dryers and top-loader washers

Eight years: Bottom-freezer and side-by-side refrigerators, electric or gas ranges, electric wall ovens and front-loader washers. I hope you found this post interesting. Feel free to email me at anytime at: findit@LehighValleyRealty.com