1921 Alexander Dr. Macungie, PA 18062

8551 Putnam Court, Upper Macungie Twp

What Buyers Want & Don't Want.

Home Buyers have strong opinions about what they do & do not want in a house.

93% want a laundry room
90% want a bathroom linen closet
85% want an eat-in kitchen

42% do not want a wine fridge
31% do not want a game room
31% do not want an outdoor kitchen

Different strokes for different folks - Source: National Association of Home Builders 2013.

Feel free to contact me, if I can help you out in your Real Estate needs: findit@LehighValleyRealty.com

Help your appraiser

You would be surprised by acting on these tips will help your tranaction.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/01/22/us-usa-housing-appraisals-idUSBRE90L0ZE20130122
For more info contact me findit@LehighValleyRealty.com

I've posted a new listing!

I've posted a new listing!

Buyer Hand held shopping habits for homes

Hand-held home shopping




How home shoppers use their mobile devices:

* 78% view photos of homes

* 66% requested more information about a listing

* 60% found listings details, price, descriptions, etc.

* 57% used GPS to locate a house listing

* 55% searched by city

* 42% downloaded a home -buying search app

* 30% shared listing information with friends and family

source: The real estate book shoppers survey 03/12   For more info contact Jeffrey Burnatowski of RE/MAX Real Estate at findit@LehighValleyRealty.com

If you havea portable generator and have a gas/oil heating system, you may want to change your existing shut off switch to a 3 way double pole transfer switch.  You would need to purchase a male pigtail and a surge protector.  In the generator mode you should also turn the furnace breaker to off as to not back feed the panel.  Materials will cost about $70.00.  Best done by a licensed electrician. For more info contact me at: findit@LehighValleyRealty.com

Lehigh Valley Real Estate Market Watch April 2011

* Month in Review: Comparison of Activity from March 2011 to April 2011 Number of sales – During April 2011, 334 sales were reported which is a 13% decreased compared to March 2011 at 382.


Average Market Time – The average time on the market for properties sold during April 2011 was 96 days, which is a decreased compared to March 2011 at 110 days.

List Price to Sold Price Ratio: The average sales price compared to list price for residential properties sold during the month of April 2011 is 95%, which is a decrease compared to March 2011 at 96%.

Year in Review: Comparison of Activity from April 2010 to April 2011: Number of Sales – During April 2011, 334 sales were reported, down approximately 36% from April 2010 at 518.

Average Market Time – The average time on the market for properties sold during April 2011 was 96 days, which is an increase compared to March 2010 at 79.

For more info contact me at: findit@LehighValleyRealty.com

* Information from LVAR

HVAC - AFUE & SEER

What does it mean?  In the heating and cooling systems have two different means of determining the efficiency between them.  To know what the efficiently of a boiler or furnace AFUE is used, which is the Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency is the ratio of heat output.  For example a boiler or furnace of an AFUE of 95% means 95% of the energy in the fuel heats the home and 5% escapes through the exhaust.  On the cooling side is SEER which means Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio.  It is the ratio of cooling delivered by a system, measured in BTUs to the cost of electricity to run the system. The higher the SEER , the more efficient the system.  The minimum SEER for new units is 13.  This would be 25% more efficient then an older 10 SEER unit.  The higher the SEER you need to calculate how long it will take you to recoup the costs of the higher SEERs.  Feel free to contact me at: findit@LehighValleyRealty.com

Snow Rakes To The Rescue

Being a a Homeowner has many joys and responsibilities. This winter proved that mother nature always has the upper hand. One tool to have on hand is called a "Roof Rake".  This handy tool can save you damage to your home.  What it is a telescoping device where you can remove snow and weight off your roof & gutters.  This aides in better draining of your roof and can help keeping water/ice to back up into your home.  Call must be used so you do not damage your shingles.  A better made unit will have roller wheels so you have better control so not to dig or lift the shingles.  I feel it is worth to have on hand.  Another great use is pulling snow & ice off your inground pool cover.  If you have any additional questions feel free to email me.  findit@LehighValleyRealty.com  http://www.garelick.com/product.php?pnumber=89416

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

Tax credit extended!

Lehigh Valley Association of REALTORS
Homebuyer Tax Credit Information

SUMMARY:

On votes of 98- 0 and 403 - 12, the Senate and House have respectively passed legislation that includes an extension and expansion of the homebuyer tax credit. President Obama signed the legislation on Friday, November 6. Many parts of it take effect immediately. As of the signing of the legislation, the income limits increase to $125,000 adjusted gross income on a single return and $225,000 on a joint return. In addition, the so-called "move-up" credit is also in effect as of November 6. Thus, individuals who have used a home as a principal residence for 5 consecutive years of the past 8 years will be eligible for a $6500 refundable tax credit for purchases completed between November 6, 2009 and April 30, 2010.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Who Qualifies for the Extended Credit?1. First-time home buyers who purchase homes between November 7, 2009 and April 30, 2010. To qualify as a "first-time home buyer" the purchaser or his/her spouse may not have owned a residence during the three years prior to the purchase. 2. Current home owners purchasing a home between November 7, 2009 and April 30, 2010, who have used the home being sold or vacated as a principal residence for five consecutive years within the last eight. Please note that it is not a "Seller Credit." Sellers do not simply get the credit if they sell their home during this time period. They must purchase a home within the time period to receive the credit. Which Properties Are Eligible?The Extended Home Buyer Tax Credit may be applied to primary residences, including: single-family homes, condos, townhomes, and co-ops. How Much Is Available?The maximum allowable credit for first-time home buyers is $8,000.The maximum allowable credit for current homeowners is $6,500. How is a Buyer's Credit Amount Determined?Each home buyer's tax credit is determined by two additional factors:1. The price of the home. Under the Extended Home Buyer Tax Credit, credit may only be awarded on homes purchased for $800,000 or less. 2. The buyer's income. Under the Extended Home Buyer Tax Credit, which is effective on November 7, 2009, single buyers with incomes up to $125,000 and married couples with incomes up to $225,000-may receive the maximum tax credit. If the Buyer(s)' Income Exceeds These Limits, Can He/She Still Get a Credit?Yes, some buyers may still be eligible for the credit. The credit decreases for buyers who earn between $125,000 and $145,000 for single buyers and between $225,000 and $245,000 for home buyers filing jointly. The amount of the tax credit decreases as his/her income approaches the maximum limit. Home buyers earning more than the maximum qualifying income-over $145,000 for singles and over $245,000 for couples are not eligible for the credit. Can a Buyer Still Qualify If He/She Closes After April 30, 2010?Yes. Under the Extended Home Buyer Tax Credit, as long as a written binding contract to purchase is in effect on April 30, 2010, the purchaser will have until July 1, 2010 to close. Will the Tax Credit Need to Be Repaid?No. The buyer does not need to repay the tax credit, if he/she occupies the home for three years or more. However, if the property is sold during this three-year period, the full amount credit will be recouped on the sale. For more info contact me at: findit@LehighValleyRealty.com

State Foreclosure Stats

1. 1. California - 10,424 units

2. Florida - 4,286 units

1. 3. Michigan - 2,984 units
2. 4. Arizona - 2,310 units
3. 5. Illinois - 1,959 units
5. for more info contact me at: findit@LehighValleyrealty.com
   

Stimulating Home Sales

NAR estimates that the federal government's economic stimulus plan, along with lower interest rates and other mortgage relief measures, could help trigger 900,000 additional home sales in 2009, compared with conditions in the absence of the stimulus package. The association also expects home inventory to fall below an 8- month supply by the end of the year. For more info contact me at: findit@LehighValleyRealty.com