Friday, December 12, 2008

FHA Update for Lehigh County



New Changes in FHA loan guidelines have created exiting new opportunities for qualified buyers who have been waiting for the right time to buy. These opportunities include:

Loans up to $402,500.00

Down payment as low as 3.5%

Gift funds allowed

Flexible qualifying guidelines

Fixed or adjustable-rate loans

Low, competitive rates (Source: Countrywide Homes Loans) for more info contact me at: findit@LehighValleyRealty.com

Thursday, December 11, 2008

Save some dollars

All of look for ways of saving energy in our homes. When it comes to replace existing appliances, try to find appliances that have ENERGY STAR label. These appliances meet EPA & Department of energy efficiancy standards. In 2007 alone, Americans, with the help of Energy Star, saved enough energy to avoid greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those from 27 million cars. Use modern controls to help systems consume less energy. A programmable thermostat puts your heating and cooling systems on a schedule that reduces energy use by as much as 10 percent a year. Your heating system can gain even more efficiency with an advanced burner control that matches the burner's performance more closely to the home's actual heat loss. Energy use will decrease up to 10 percent, and there will be less wear and tear on your system. I hope you found this of value. Feel free to drop me a line on a subject you would like more info on at: findit@LehighValleyRealty.com

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Start Packing The Correct Way

You found the perfect home, signed on the dotted line and are daydreaming about life in your new home. As moving day looms, it is also time to think about packing up your belongings. Have you found enough boxes? How to handle those precious family heirlooms and other breakables? Here are a few tips for making your big day go as smoothly as possible:
Before you start
  • Prioritize your packing list. Consider what you do not need to take with you, what will you need extra packing care and how to best organize your things.
  • Estimate how many boxes you will need and get them well in advance of moving day. Save newspapers to line boxes.
  • Consider investing in moving insurance, which covers any damages or breakages during the move.
  • Start early. Packing always takes longer than you think.
  • Begin at the top of the house first and work your way down. Attics are a great place to start sorting.
  • Move from room to room, packing and labeling carefully as you go. Clearly mark boxes that contain breakable objects. Be sure to keep all boxes that belong to a certain room together. It will make it easier when you unpack.
  • Newspaper can sometimes leave marks, so wrap your valuables in bubble wrap, blankets or pillows to avoid messy newsprint.
  • Keep all of your important documents, such as birth and marriage certificates, in the same place for easy reference.
  • You likely won't want to shuffle through boxes on your first night in your new home, or you might be traveling a long distance and have your household items show up after you have arrived. Either way, pack an essential box containing a change of clothes and toiletries as well as coffee, tea, snacks, cups, plates etc. A small tool kit, first-aid supplies, pen and paper are also important to have on hand. If you like additional info feel free to email me at: findit@LehighValleyRealty.com

Thursday, October 23, 2008

Do this quick check!

Now that old man winter is approaching, it would be a good idea to check your plumbing vents on your roof. As you can see these are new repalcement units. You are looking at a radon and a plumbing vent. After about 10 years in service the rubber gaskets/seals deteriorate, dry out and crack. This will lead to leaks into the living area of the house. This is something that few homeowners ever look at until moisture enters the home. You may want to have your roofer or handyman evaluate yours before the weather turns. If you have any questions contact me at: findit@LehighValleyRealty.com

Sunday, October 19, 2008

I Want to Sell My Home


This is music to my ears. With today's market, the Seller needs to take a proactive approach. Let me explain, today's Buyers are more demanding in what they are looking for, The common threads are value & condition. Sellers need to listen and act on pricing & directives from their Realtor to be successful in this market. Let me give you some worthy tips. Albeit it may not be what you want to hear. I would think almost 26 years of experience accounts quite a bit. Lets start with pricing , what your neighbor received on their home 9 months ago is ancient history. The correct placement of value on your home is paramount in closing on your home. A well prepared (CMA) Comparative Market Analysis should be your guide. Forget about adding X amount of dollars to the suggested list price for bargaining room. This is old school and it will reduce the amount of prospects viewing your home. What it will do is extend the marketing of your home, hence additional costs to you, ie. mortgage payments, taxes, insurance etc. Let's delve in house preparation in one word "NEUTRAL". Sure, you paid a lot of money for that specialty floral wallpaper. But guess what, more often then not.. the prospect will not like it. Your first thought is, they can remove it after they move in. "NOT". They will keep looking till they find what they want. This goes for carpeting , paint and beyond. To make this work for you, you need to prepare your home before it hits the market. You only have one time for first impression. A blank canvas will go a long way. Fresh, Bright & Clean is what today's Buyer is demanding for. I have many other tips & suggestions, feel free to email me for more info at: findit@LehighValleyRealty.com

Monday, October 13, 2008

Timing Is Everything

Many Buyers as of late are on the fence, if they should purchase a home now. I know they have pause for concern. Let me give you some facts, yes credit did tighten up. But it is mostly found in the population that have a low credit score. For the most part you can achieve financing with as little as 3% down payment with FHA or no down with VA financing. These programs are backed by the government and can be achieved with minimum amount of headaches. As a Buyer you may say, I want to wait to see what happens to the market....You can but lets looks at what is going on now. "ROBUST inventory, LOWEST interest rates in years, and MINIMAL competition." So I ask you this if you wait till the market flips, you will be competing against all the others like you waiting on the side lines. So now you can start looking or upgrading to your dream home. It is very seldom that a market has ample inventory, low interest rates and little Buyer competition. Even if the current market slips, Real Estate does always recover. You can now start enjoying your new home and also take advantage of the tax benefits and your future. If you are a 1st. time home buyer, you can take advantage of up to $7,500.00 tax credit for homes purchased before July 1st. 2009. This program is the Housing and Economic Recovery Act 2008. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me at: findit@LehighValleyRealty.com .

Sunday, September 7, 2008

Hanna makes an unwanted visit to Allentown

Our hearts and prayers go out to our East Allentown friends who were affected from tropical storm Hanna which may have sparked a tornado that cut through the neighborhood around Dieruff High School. Pictured are two homes that were damaged on the 800 block of N. Kearney St. Roofs, siding, fencing and numerous tree damage in this area. Dieruff High School was indeed damaged with its flat roofing material tore from its decking. Many numerous mature trees around the school have been damaged and crews are on site to assist on the clean up and repairs. On the 800 block of N. Irving street, some homes also were also damaged with roofs blown off. The damages were estimated around 1.5 million dollars. Thankfully, with all the destruction no one was injured or killed during this storm.

Sunday, August 24, 2008

Great News From Veterans Affairs


The department of Veterans Affairs will use a locality based approach in raising ceilings on its n0-down payment home loans from $417,000.00 to as much as $729,000.00. The increase are effective immediately under the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008. The increased limits for veterans are based on local housing costs, tied to the similar locality adjustments of the Federal House Loan mortgage Corporation., Freddie Mac. More information about VA home loans is available at www.homeloans.va.gov. Source: Department of Veterans Affairs. Feel free to contact me at: findit@LehighValleyRealty.com

Friday, August 22, 2008

Mortgage News!


Buyers flock to FHA, government-backed loans Borrowers are flocking to government-insured loans, particularly those offered by the Federal Housing Administration, as they seek to refinance out of costly adjustable-rate mortgages or take out purchase loans with low down payments. The Mortgage Bankers Association says applications for government-insured loans were up 133.9 percent in July from a year ago, while applications for conventional loans like those purchased and guaranteed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac fell 50.2 percent. The FHA loan limit increases signed into law earlier this year, coupled with the permanent increases included in the recent Housing Bill can be credited with increased applications for these loans.Source: Inman News, 8.18.08
Feel free to contact me at findit@LehighValleyRealty.com

Thursday, August 7, 2008

Enviromental Home Hazards

Although homeowners say they are concerned about common environmental health risks, they often do little to protect themselves. A recent survey by pest control company Orkin, Inc., with the assistance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the National Center for Healthy Housing (NCHH), found that 70 percent of owners have never had their homes tested or inspected for lead, radon, carbon monoxide or mold even though they are concerned that environmental hazards could affect their health. While nearly all (95 percent) are aware that pests, such as ticks, mosquitoes, roaches and rodents can spread disease, nearly 70 percent reported that they do not consult a pest control professional. The CDC, NCHH and Orkin have launched a public awareness campaign to educate consumers on how to protect themselves against harmful environmental health hazards and close the gap between awareness and action. If you have any questions contact me at: findit@LehighValleyRealty.com Have a great day.

Energy Star Info


This is an interesting site to help you find energy efficient products. Figure out how much you would save by using an Energy Star fan at http://www.energystar.gov/ Click the "heating and coling" link through to ceiling fans, where you will find a Savings Calculator worksheet as well as lists of energy efficient fans. The site goes into quite of few different areas like making your HVAC more efficent. If you like more info contact me at: findit@LehighValleyRealty.com

Saturday, July 19, 2008

Did You Know?

Running a sprinkler for two hours can use up to 500 gallons of water. To figure out the right amount to water, put an empty tuna can on your lawn. When it's full, you've water about the right amount. For more info on how to save around the house contact me at: findit@LehighValleyRealty.com

Reverse Mortages



In a survey by the Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Greater Atlanta, 26% of homeowners who have reverse mortgages said their #1 reason for getting such a loan is to pay for daily living expenses. Only 3% said they used funds from a reverse mortgage to pay for a vacation. Other reasons cited for obtaining a reverse mortgage:
  • Budget too tight 19%
  • Need more liquid assets 16%
  • Home repairs and maintenance 15%
  • Provide care for dependents, pay medical bills 8%
  • Pay property taxes and homeowners insurance 7%
  • Falling behind on monthly payments 6%
  • If you additional information contact me at: findit@LehighValleyRealty.com

Saturday, June 7, 2008

Cut, Don't Run

Pools, sprinklers, hoses - there are many ways to use water outdoors in the summertime, and there are also countless and easy ways to conserve it. Check out the follwing tips for developing good H20 habits:
  • Water your lawn only when necessary; if you leave footprints when you walk across it, it's time to water (usually once every three days).
  • Minimize evaporation by watering your lawn during the early morning hours,when temperatures are cooler and winds are lighter.
  • Divide your watering cycle into shorter periods to reduce unoff and allow for better absorption.
  • Periodically check your pool for leaks if you have an automatic refilling device.
  • Weed your lawn and garden regularly; weeds compete with other plants for nutrients, light and water. for more info contact me at findit@LehighValleyRealty.com

Monday, April 28, 2008

Check Out Cork Flooring

Cork isn't just for wine bottles anymore. This green material is, well popping up all over the place, from wall coverings that are durable and soundproof to stylish flooring that's easy on your feet. Plus, cork is naturally antimicrobial and insect-repellent, and it does not absorb dust. Harvested from the bark of the cork oak, the material is so eco-friendly and renewable. So, save a tree and look to cork the next time you're considering what to do with the outdated parquet kitchen floor. If you like more info check out http://www.corkflooring.biz . If you have a question email me at findit@LehighValleyRealty.com .

Wednesday, April 16, 2008

The Sky Is Not Falling

Everyday whether the news comes from the local paper or other media, our local Real Estate market is still alive. It is not doom & gloom! It is a state of mind if you keep hearing the negative reports, you tend to believe in it. In the media "Blood Sells". Our local market is healthy, it is a fabulous time to purchase the home of your dreams. Buyers have choices in this market. They are not pressured to make an instant decision and again having a variety of homes to choose from. No one can predict the future, however we all need shelter. Let's look at the facts. We have the lowest interest rates in years, ample housing stock both in new and resale homes. Builders are giving incentives as well as some sellers. You do not have the competition from other buyers for the same home as a few years ago. Real Estate goes in cycles, in the long run it is still the best investment. It is tangible, equity build-up, tax benefits and it is yours. It is true the lending institutions had to adjust their lending practices. But the end result is their is plenty of money to loan. If you need additional info contact me at: findit@LehighValleyRealty.com

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

Moving Service for Pet Owners

An estimated 70 million Americans own pets and consider them part of the family. So when it comes time to move or travel, pet owners are faced with a dilemma about how to transport their pets safely and with minimal hassle.

Petrelocation.com is an online company offering a door-to-door service for transporting animals across town, across the country or to another part of the world. The Austin, Texas based company uses a network of carriers and transportation routes to create a customized travel itinerary for many types of animals. If clients want to know where their beloved pals are at any time during their travels, they can check the real-time flight status online. The website also provides destination-specific information, such as local veterinarians, dog parks and vaccination requirements. For more info contact me at: findit@LehighValleyRealty.com

Monday, April 7, 2008

National Association of Realtor's 2007 Profile

An overwhelming number of homebuyers say central air conditioning is the most desired home feature when choosing a home, according to the 2007 Buyer's Home Feature Preferences. Other features homeowners ranked as "very important."
  • Garages (2 or more spaces) 57%
  • Walk-in closet in master bedroom 53%
  • Backyard/play area 50%
  • Cable/Satellite TV-ready 46%
  • High-speed Internet access 40%
  • Separate shower enclosure in master/main bath 36%
  • Fencing 36%
  • Patio 36%
  • Home less than 10 years old 33%

For more info contact Jeffrey Burnatowski at findit@LehighValleyRealty.com

Tuesday, March 25, 2008

Spring Cleaning

With the spring selling season arriving, start polishing your home!

Let the sun in. Make every room look brighter with clean blinds and windows. Washing windows on a cloudy day reduces streaking.

Sniff out smells. Check out your drip tray underneath your refrigerator and wash out any standing water from defrosting. Was the inside of the refrigerator with baking soda and water solution.

Make your bed better. Vacuum mattresses and box springs, and then rotate and flip over. Wash mattress pads, dust ruffles and pillow case covers in hot water.

Clean those coils. Improve energy efficiency by vacuuming grates, coils and condensers of your furnace, stove and refrigerator.

Wash the walls. Grease smoke and dust can adhere to walls and makes decorating look dingy.
For more info feel free to contact me at findit@LehighValleyRealty.com

Wednesday, March 12, 2008

Great News For Buyers & Sellers


FHA Loan Limits increased to $402,500 in the Lehigh Valley:

On March 6, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development published new FHA and conforming loan limits, based on median home prices as mandated by the Economic Stimulus Act signed by President Bush in February. New loan limits for FHA and Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are now calculated at 125 percent of the HUD published median prices.

In the Lehigh Valley, single-family FHA loan limits increased from $305,666 to $402,500 effective immediately. NAR was deeply involved in advocating for this positive change. NAR expects the impact on the housing market to be significant because of the infusion of capital into the mortgage market, which should result in lower interest rates across the board. In addition, there will be a direct impact on high-cost areas that previously required borrowers to take out costlier jumbo mortgages. If you need more info contact me at findit@LehighValleyRealty.com

Thursday, March 6, 2008

Landscaping Facts

  • Homes with "excellent" landscaping can expect a sale price about 6 to 7 percent higher than equivalent houses with "good" landscaping, while improving landscaping from "average" to "good" can result in a 4 to 5 percent increase. (Clemson University)
  • Landscaping can bring a recovery value of 100 to 200 percent at selling time. Kitchen remodeling brings 75 to 125 percent recovery rate, bathroom remodeling a 20 to 120 percent recovery rate and addition of a swimming pool a 20 to 50 percent recovery rate. (Money Magazine)
  • The American Nursery & Landscaping Association web site has facts about landscaping and the value it adds to a home at www.anla.org. If you like additional information, email me at findit@LehighValleyRealty.com .

Wednesday, February 20, 2008

Top Design Trends

For the third consecutive year, home offices are the most popular special - function room among homeowners, according to the American Institute of Architects' Home design Trend survey for the second quarter of 2007. Nearly two-thirds (61 percent) of residential architects surveyed said homeowners are looking for home offices in their new homes compared with 51 percent a year ago. The survey also found that homeowners want more than a desk in the corner of the bedroom; they are looking for accoustic privacy, better natural lighting and, in some cases, a separate entry for clients. Other special -function rooms that are gaining popularity include a media room/home theater, a fitness room and a kid's or guest wing. Rising utility costs and greater enviromental awareness are also prompting an increasing number of homeowners to go green with their home designs, the survey concludes. More homeowners are demanding sustainable designs and energy-efficient products, such as tankless water heaters, geothermal heating and cooling systems, structual insulation panels, and flooring products made of bamboo and cork. I hope you had founfd this informative. Feel free to contact me at findit@LehighValleyRealty.com .

Monday, February 4, 2008

Who's Buying

More than a million new households are formed annually, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, with most being adult children leaving home. Among them, single women continue to be the biggest growth category of buyers (making up 22 percent of all buyers in 2006, up from 14 percent in 1995). The share of married folks buying homes fell to 61 percent in 2006 (from 68 percent in 2001). Single male buyers have been holding steady through the decade at 9 percent. If you have any questions feel free to email me at: findit@LehighValleyRealty.com

Friday, January 25, 2008

Buyers Wake Up!


With all the negative press on our local Real Estate market it is keeping prospective Buyers on the side lines. This is a Golden opportunity to get into Real Estate. Let me give you some key points in why you should act now.

There are lots of good reasons to buy a home besides just wanting one. Regardless of why you want to move, I want to help you. Please contact me to get serious.
Home ownership is part of the American dream.
Many people buy homes to have control of where they live, how much they pay, and the condition of the property.
Most people consider their home to be their largest investment due to increasing values and the amortization of their mortgages.
Three out of four people say that pride of ownership is an important reason for buying.
Almost 70% of people did not like the concept of “paying rent” and getting nothing but a place to live for it.
People like to be able to control and modify the feature of a home.
More than 50% of renters associate settling down to purchasing a home.
Home ownership continues to be the largest single source of savings for U.S. households.
Most renters say that the sacrifice made to be able to purchase a home is worth it.
The equity in a home can be accessed, with good credit, and used for any reason such as education, medical, or starting a business.
Homes have continued to appreciate in value over the long term and are considered to be good investments. Cheap money is available, the lowest interest rates in years. 100% financing is still available with acceptable credit rating. A good example is the property above. The property is listed for $67,900.00 total payment including taxes and insurance is $566.00 per month with a fixed rate of 6.5% with total cash out of pocket of $2400.00, with 98% financing. If you like more info contact me at findit@LehighValleyRealty.com

Friday, January 11, 2008

Help for Borrowers

With so much uncertainty surrounding the mortgage industry, it's no wonder that many consumers are confused about home loans. The National Association of Mortgage Professionals, which was formed in early 2007 to raise the level of integrity and professionalism among mortgage professionals, has launched a free Mortgage Helpline at 888.680.6267 to help borrowers review their mortgage options and resolve problems. When the borrowers call, they can talk to a mortgage representative who provides sound advice and answers to their mortgage questions. If you like more info contact me at findit@LehighValleyRealty.com