Flood Insurance

More than 5.5 million households depend on the National Flood Insurance Program as their main source of protection against flooding, the most common natural disaster in the U.S.. That program in late September averted a last-minute lapse when Congress Ok'd a one year extension, expiring September 30th. 2011. NAR is now asking lawmakers to pursue long - sought reforms to the program, including raising coverage limits and adding new coverage for living expenses, business, interruptions, and replacing lost items. By law flood insurance is required for those seeking to obtain federally related mortgage loans in nearly 20,000 communities. The National Association of Realtors would like to have it extended for 5 years instead of single year extensions. For more info contact me @ findit@LehighValleyRealty.com.

New Rules for Free Credit Reports

The Federal Trade Commission has amended rules governing free credit report offers in an effort to prevent deceptive marketing practices. Effective 04/01/10, any advertising for a "free credit report" must include a disclosure statement notifying consumers that they have a right to a free credit report from AnnualCreditReport.com or calling 877-322-8228, the only authorized sources under federal law.
The new rule is intended to reduce consumer confusion about offers that are advertised as free but often require consumers to spend money on credit monitoring or other products and services. The amended rule also requires the three reporting agencies - Equifax, Experian, and Trans Union - to delay any advertising for products and services on AnnualCreditReport.com until after the consumer receives their free credit reports. For more info contact me at findit@LehighValleyRealty.com

250 N. Jordan St. Allentown, PA

Tax Credit Deadline

As part of its plan to stimulate the U.S. housing market, Congress extended the Home Buyer Tax Credit to April 30th. 2010, and expanded to include repeat buyers. To qualify, 1st. time and repeat buyers must have a binding written contract by 04/30 and close by 07/01.

The maximum allowable credit for 1st. time home buyers is $8,000.00. The maxiumum for repeat buyers/ long term residents is $6,500.00.This is only for Owner occupied homes no investments properties.

Buyers can apply the credit to their 2009 tax return filed before 04/15 or apply it to their 2010 return.

To qualify as a 1st. time home buyer, the purchaser or his or her spouse may not have owned a residence during the 3 years prior to the purchase. To qualify as a repeat buyer, current home owner must have used the being sold or vacated as a principle residence for 5 consecutive years within the last eight.

The full credit will be available to taxpayers with modified adjusted gross income up to $125,000 and $145,000 or $225,000 and $245,000 for joints filers are eligible for a reduced credit Those with higher incomes do not qualify. (Source Realtor Magazine) If you have any questions feel free to contact me at: findit@LehighValleyRealty.com

Save your gutters!

Driving through Allentown this past weekend I noticed a lot of home gutters loaded with ice & snow and adding additional stress to the gutter systems. This causes a lot of problems with the weight of the snow and the daily melting and night freezing. I have used a tool called a roof rake to remove excess snow from the roof edges. I attached a link of one these products to save you a call to a roofer to reattach or replaces damaged gutter. Check out http://www.roofrake.com/
I hope this will help you out to keep your gutter system working the way it was designed. For more info contact me at: findit@LehighValleyRealty.com

Get Ready For The Snow!

If a big snowstorm has you dragging out your snow blower, make sure you follow these snow blower safety tips to make sure to keep safe while you use this amazing and fun machine!

• FIX CLOGS CAREFULLY - If your snow blower becomes clogged, turn it off and remove the key before trying to clear it. Use a stick and NOT your hands to clear it! Also make sure that the snow blower is completely turned off before replacing any parts.

• VENT PROPERLY- Always start your snow blower in a well-ventilated area to avoid the possibility of carbon monoxide poisoning.

• FRESH GAS - If you haven’t used your snow blower in a while, remember that the gasoline still inside it from the last snow blower use is only good for about 30 days, unless you’ve added a fuel stabilizer. If before a snow storm taking it out of the shed and keep it in a garage if you have one will make it easier to start and service if needed.

• GET IT SERVICED – If your snow blower hasn’t been professional serviced in a while, get it done now. Mechanical updates, like new spark plugs, shear pins or belts, will definitely keep your machine operating normally and help avoid accidents and other snow blower safety concerns. It is always a great idea to get it service in the spring or summer when you do not need it at the moment. For more info contact me at: findit@LehighValleyRealty.com