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