Bob Kelly's Blog

Real Estate Market in Coolbaugh Township

Bob Kelly (Keller Williams Real Estate) — Thu, 03 Feb 2011 16:21:45 -0800

In 2010, Coolbaugh Township in the Poconos had by far the most residential sales of all the townships & boroughs in Monroe County. It sits in the north-west tip of Monroe County, is 88.3 square miles, and accounted for over 21% of the total number of real estate sales (residential) in 2010! There are parks & pavillions to enjoy, baseball fields, a playground and an additional multi-purpose field! You can also find the Tobyhanna State Park and the Gouldsboro State Park here, where you can enjoy even more recreation! The average home sale price in 2010 was $107,727, compared to the county average of over $153,000. With so much to enjoy and good housing prices, no wonder this township continued yet another year of posting the highest amount of home sales! (Source: PMAR MLS Flex)

If you have any questions about the Monroe County real estate market, please contact me!

Stroud Township Real Estate Market

Bob Kelly (Keller Williams Real Estate) — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 14:41:54 -0800

In 2010, the average sales price for a home in Monroe County was $153,722. However, homes in Stroud Township had an average sale price of $161,312 (although that's down over 11% since 2009). Stroud Township has a couple large communities, including one of the county's largest gated communities, Penn Estates. The township consists of 34 square miles and is dedicated to increasing open space, parks and recreational opportunities. They have recently added walking trails, playgrounds, picnic areas and more. Additionally, the township owns & operates the Glenbrook Golf Course in Stroudsburg. Perhaps all these great outdoor activities being offered is a contributing factor to the average days on market being 100 in Stroud Township, compared to 125 for the county! If you have any questions about our area here in the Poconos, or about the Monroe County real estate market, please give me a call!

Borough of Stroudsburg Real Estate Market

Bob Kelly (Keller Williams Real Estate) — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 14:27:09 -0800

Let's take a look at even more local real estate data within Monroe County, and talk about Stroudsburg. The Borough of Stroudsburg is the county seat, and has a beautiful downtown and courthouse square! It is also just the 4th exit off Route 80 as you travel west from New Jersey, making it an easy commuting location.

In 2010, the average sold price in the Borough of Stroudsburg for residential homes was $142,237, which is nearly 7.5% less than the county average. However, the average days on the market in the borough was 101, compared to the county average of 125. And although the average sale price has dropped nearly 23% from 2009, it continues to be a desirable place to live, due to all of the conveniences it offers.

Because the borough is a smaller area compared to some of the townships in Monroe County, there are significantly less homes that become available. Currently, there are only 25 homes in the Borough of Stroudsburg for sale, ranging in price from $42,000 (a condo in a 55+ community) to $450,000 (in the prestigious Hills section).

If you'd like to take advantage of the Stroudsburg real estate market, or if you have questions about the market, just contact me!

Poconos Real Estate Market

Bob Kelly (Keller Williams Real Estate) — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 14:49:48 -0800

The numbers are in! According to the Pocono Mountains MLS, the real estate market looks like it's still trying to turn itself around. In 2010, the average residential sales price in Monroe County dropped from $162,880 in 2009 to $153,722. However, this 5.62% drop in average sales price hit in the first quarter and stayed fairly steady throughout the rest of the year. Additionally, we had just 103 less transactions than in 2009. Translation: we still have people buying and selling real estate in the Poconos! But with 2,186 active residential homes currently on the market in Monroe County, you have to be priced right to sell your home. And for the homes that ARE priced right, they certainly move faster than the others.

Also, the average mortgage rate for a 30-year fixed is still under 5%, so people are still taking advantage of these lower rates and home prices. However, the trend for the mortgage rates is increasing, so don't wait too long if you want to take advantage of them!

If you have any questions about real estate in the Poconos, please don't hesitate to contact me!

New Listing in Saddle Creek!

Bob Kelly (Keller Williams Real Estate) — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 13:20:59 -0800

Elegant Home in Executive Community, Nestled on Nearly 1.5 Acres! Minutes from Rt 80 Makes it a Great Commuting Location! Stunning Hardwood Floors and Custom Paint Welcome You into This Home. Gorgeous Kitchen Has Large Center Island, Granite Counters, 42in Cherry Cabinets and Upgraded Fixtures. Family Room Has 2 Story Cathedral Ceilings and Wood Burning Fireplace! Full Basement Already Studded and Ready to Be Finished! Full House Generator! Plus Many More Luxurious Upgrades and Details to Enjoy.

New Listing in East Stroudsburg

Bob Kelly (Keller Williams Real Estate) — Thu, 23 Dec 2010 12:21:30 -0800

Award Winning Custom Home Minutes to Rt 80, East Stroudsburg University & Pocono Medical Center! Commercial Kitchen is Better Than You Can Imagine! 6ft Built-In Viking Fridge, Thermador Gas Cooktop & Dbl Wall Ovens, Viking Wine Cooler, Bosch Dishwasher, Highest Upgraded Cabinetry with Rope Moulding, Center Island with Built-In Vegetable Steamer, Dbl Ogie Edged Granite Counters and More! Home Also Features Extensive Hardwood Floors, Custom Built Pella Windows, Central Vac, Surround Sound Wired Thru-Out, Custom Paint, 6'' Baseboard, Alarm System & Brick Paver Driveway! Want More?! Relax in Your Spa at Home in Master Bathroom Suite! Glass Block 8.5'x5.6' Walk In Shower w/6 Shower Heads & Whirlpool Tub Surrounded By Extensive Tile Work!

New Listing in East Stroudsburg

Bob Kelly (Keller Williams Real Estate) — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 17:08:02 -0800

THIS IS ONE INCREDIBLE HOME! 2 Private Acres, 1.5 Miles to Skiing, Less than 10 Miles to NJ and Seasonal Views! Plenty of Room for Friends and Family to Enjoy the Poconos! Beautiful Stone Double Sided Fireplace, Extensive Tongue & Groove, and Beamed Ceilings, Lots of Windows to Enjoy the Views, Kitchen with Granite Counters & New Appliances, Office or Den with Mountain Views! Huge Bedroom Could Also Be Rec Room with Views! Built In Storage Units, Lots of Closet Space Including Cedar Lined Closet, and Walk Up Attic for Additional Storage!

Another Poconos Ski Resort Open!

Bob Kelly (Keller Williams Real Estate) — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 15:16:11 -0800

It's that time and it's exciting! Another ski mountain announced their opening! Tomorrow, December 4, Camelback Mountain Resort in Tannersville, PA, will be open for the weekend! Saturday's hours are 3pm to 9pm, and Sunday's hours are 10am to 4pm. $20 will buy you the lift ticket and a free Terain Park Pass! Snowmaking will continue around the clock, so please be safe out there and have a great time! For more information, go to skicamelback.com!

First Pocono's Ski Resort Open for the Season!

Bob Kelly (Keller Williams Real Estate) — Mon, 29 Nov 2010 17:01:51 -0800

Jack Frost Big Boulder did it again! Today marked their opening day for ski season, the 6th year in a row to be the first to open! The are also helping to give back with donations to charities. Here's how you can help!

Toys for Tots: Bring a new, unwrapped toy valued at $10 or more and receive a complimentary snow pass

Food Pantry: Bring 10 non-perishable foods. Donate items like canned meat or fish, canned soup, juice, pasta, vegetables, cereal and rice. Please do not include items that have expired or those in glass containers and receive a complimentary snow pass. Please check your expiration dates.
Guests that come to Big Boulder without any of the above items can ski/ride for $20.

They opened at 3pm today...go check it out!

Tree Lighting at Stroudsmoor County Inn

Bob Kelly (Keller Williams Real Estate) — Fri, 26 Nov 2010 12:28:13 -0800

In addition to this evening's tree lighting festivities at Courthouse Square in Stroudsburg, Stroudsmoor County Inn has announced their Tree Lighting Ceremony details! Sunday, December 5, the 22nd annual tree lighting ceremony will be held at Stroudsmoor. Always a beautiful ceremony, this year promises fun for the whole family, including pony rides, carriage rides, a petting zoo, and of course the fireworks at the end of the night! For more details of the day, visit stroudsmoor.com!

New Listing in Tannersville

Bob Kelly (Keller Williams Real Estate) — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 16:39:39 -0800

Gorgeous Views of Camelback Mountain! Move Right in! Compare This Barely Used End Unit to New Construction Units Right Down the Street Priced at $263K with No Garage, No Central Air and No Finished Basement! 2465 sqft of Living Space Compared to Only 1377 sqft of Living Space! Additionally, This Immaculate Home has a Beautiful Kitchen with a Large Breakfast Bar, 42in Cherry Cabinets & Newer Appliances! Master Bedroom Has Wall of Windows with More Views of Camelback Mountain to Enjoy!

New Listing in the Poconos

Bob Kelly (Keller Williams Real Estate) — Sat, 20 Nov 2010 14:29:42 -0800

Incredible Views! Less Than 20 Minutes From Major Ski Resorts in the Poconos! Why Stay in a Hotel When You Can Stay Here and Have All This?! Huge Rooms, Kitchen with All Appliances, Floor to Ceiling Stone Faced Wood Burning Fireplace and More! Master Bedroom has Private Balcony and 20 Mile Views! Full Basement For Extra Space!

New Listing in East Stroudsburg!

Bob Kelly (Keller Williams Real Estate) — Thu, 18 Nov 2010 17:08:32 -0800

Walk to the Lake! Beautiful, Bright Colonial Home on Cul-de-Sac! Kitchen Offers Hardwood Floors, Center Island, Eat In Area, Recessed Lighting and Open to Family Room! Enjoy Your Wood Burning Fireplace this Winter, and Grill all Summer on the Private Deck! Fully Finished Basement Adds Lots of Extra Room! Master Bedroom has Cathedral Ceilings, Large Sitting Room, Two Closets and Bath Suite with Corner Soaking Tub!

Ski Season Deals

Bob Kelly (Keller Williams Real Estate) — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 12:51:30 -0800

Don't forget with the ski season sneaking up on us here in the Poconos, you can take advantage of early deals and season passes! For instance, Camelback Mountain is offering an early discount for their season pass for just $399, or pre-buy 3 individual lift tickets for just $99! Check out their options at skicamelback.com. Also, Shawnee Mountain is offering low prices for Buddy Season Passes (each $299), Miser Discount Tickets and Maxi Miser Discount Tickets! Find more information on them at shawneemt.com. Scoop up these deals now before they expire!!

Job Fair - Shawnee Mountain

Bob Kelly (Keller Williams Real Estate) — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 12:00:20 -0800

Like to ski? Have some extra time on your hands or need some extra money? Shawnee Mountain is hosting a job fair tomorrow (Saturday, November 13) from 9am to 3pm. They are located on Hollow Road in Shawnee on Delaware in the Poconos. Ski season is right around the corner, and they are ready to hire full time and part time staff for inside and outside positions! You'll have a chance to speak with all the department supervisors. They employ 500-600 employees each ski season, so head out early and have everything reeady! For more information, go to shawneemt.com.

Another Great Concert in the Poconos

Bob Kelly (Keller Williams Real Estate) — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 12:24:54 -0800

Penn's Peak in Jim Thorpe is a great venue to see a concert. It's a more intimate setting to enjoy, rather than the huge stadiums or arenas you see a lot of concerts. And, of course, very convenient, as it's located just a few miles off the PA Turnpike, and less than an hour from Stroudsburg!

On December 28th, Greg Allman comes back to town, always promising a great concert. And December 30th, Rusted Root takes the stage with their uniquely improvisational music.

And don't forget to head out early, and grab a bite at their restaurant, Roadies, before the show! For more information, goto PennsPeak.com!

Holiday Festivities in the Poconos

Bob Kelly (Keller Williams Real Estate) — Tue, 09 Nov 2010 11:53:16 -0800

It's November already and the holidays are among us again! Main Street, Stroudsburg, always looks very festive this time of year with the tree lined street beautifully lit. Another family-fun activity is Friday, November 26...it's the Tree Lighting in Courthouse Square! Sing along to the Christmas carols while the tree lights up the square! Santa Clause will be there, and you can even enjoy a horse drawn carriage ride!

Then, Saturday, December 11th, you can enjoy a Festival of Carols, where area choirs present live holiday music right on Main St. Santa will again stop by to greet everyone.

December 5th is the annual kindling of the largest Menorah in the Poconos! This is also at Courthouse Square, and there will be doughnuts, latkes, soup and more to enjoy.

Visit with Santa and Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides On Saturdays in December and the weekend before Christmas, enjoy Christmas Shopping in Downtown Stroudsburg, as Santa visits Downtown Shops from 1 - 4pm, and enjoy the holiday decorations in a horse-drawn carriage ride available with Sugar Mountain Horse & Carriages throughout Downtown Stroudsburg ($10 per adult; $5 per child).

New Listing in East Stroudsburg

Bob Kelly (Keller Williams Real Estate) — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 13:23:46 -0800

Private Estate with Gorgeous Golf Course Views, Nestled at End of Cul-de-Sac! Located in Prestigious, Private Country Club! Beautiful Stone & Stucco Home is as Breathtaking on the Inside as it is on the Outside! Two Story Grand Entrance, Gleaming Hardwood Floors, Breakfast Room off Gourmet Kitchen, GE Monogram Appliances, Trey Ceilings, Bay Windows and First Floor Master Suite!

New Listing in East Stroudsburg

Bob Kelly (Keller Williams Real Estate) — Wed, 03 Nov 2010 09:25:34 -0700

Country Club Estate! Beautiful Brick Front Home on Corner Lot! Mountain Views, Custom Paint, Huge Bonus Room, Family Room with Brick Wood Burning Fireplace & 2nd Staircase, Large Kitchen with Center Island, 42in Cabinets, Pantry & Lots of Cabinet Storage! Welcoming 2-Story Foyer with Stunning Hardwood Floors and Upgraded Curved Staircase! Master Bedroom Offers Lg Sitting Area, WIC and Bath Suite, Complete with Tile Floors, Soaking Tub and Separate Shower! Plenty of Room for Family and Friends!

Halloween in the Poconos

Bob Kelly (Keller Williams Real Estate) — Thu, 28 Oct 2010 14:24:31 -0700

For those of you ready to show off your costumes and go trick or treating, or for those who like to stay at home and admire all the unique costumes knocking at your door, there are some varying times throughout Monroe County for Sunday night. Each township has set its Trick or Treat times:

Ross Township: 5-7pm

Chestnuthill, Coolbaugh, Eldred, Hamilton, Jackson, Lehman, Middle Smithfield, Mount Pocono, Pocono, Polk, Price, Smithfield, Stroud, Tobyhanna and Tunkhannock: 5-8pm

Barrett, Paradise, Delaware Water Gap, East Stroudsburg and Stroudsburg: 6-8pm

Please slow down and be careful as you drive though our neighborhoods...there are lots of little ghosts and goblins out and about having fun!

Top 5 Ways to Sell Your Home More Quickly!

Bob Kelly (Keller Williams Real Estate) — Thu, 21 Oct 2010 17:13:18 -0700

Top 5 Ways to Sell Your Home More Quickly

If your home is on the market, or if you're planning to sell your home in the near future, you might be discouraged by the national media's rampant reports of increasing inventory and languishing sales.

While there is, indeed, plenty of inventory currently on the market, there are steps you can take as a home seller to ensure your home sells more quickly, while still garnering the maximum sales price possible. As a member of the Top 5 in Real Estate Network®, I have many years of experience working with home sellers and have learned a few strategies that really work toward securing a buyer more quickly.

First, for your home to sell more quickly, it must be exposed to the maximum number of buyers possible, so make sure your home is listed with a local brokerage that has a comprehensive understanding of your market area and knows how to employ technology to increase exposure. Find out how they will market your home online, what listing portals they will use, how they will utilize social media, how many pictures they will post, videos, etc.
While it's understandable that you'd like the largest downpayment possible from a buyer, be willing to accept a smaller downpayment, provided the buyer has been preapproved for a loan. This can make a huge difference to cash-strapped buyers.
Do some legwork and ask your real estate agent for a tour of competitive properties. This will help distinguish what features of your home you should highlight or what small changes you can make to give your home an edge over the competition.
Choose your battles and understand where certain concessions might work in your favor. In a slow market, for example, it may be better to pay a "seller contribution" to help buyers offset closing costs than to lower the sale price. While a seller contribution may be smaller than a price reduction, it is often more attractive to buyers who need cash to close.
Consider including some value-added items in the sale of your home, such as the swing set in the backyard, the washer and dryer, or items of furniture that buyers fall in love with and/or really need. A few freebies might be just what you need to close the deal.

If you would like to learn other ideas for selling your home in the Pocono Mountains real estate market, please contact me. Also, please forward this email on to anyone else in your network that has concerns about effectively selling their home.

Fall Festival and Crystal Street Block Party!

Bob Kelly (Keller Williams Real Estate) — Wed, 20 Oct 2010 15:10:42 -0700

This Saturday, October 23, take a trip to East Stroudsburg to this fall festival! Promising lots of family fun and activities, it begins at 11am and goes to dark! Make your own apple cider, build a scarecrow, get your face painted, or simply enjoy a beautiful day while strolling through the town's sidewalk sales! There's free parking behind the Dansbury Depot. Bring the whole family out for a fun-filled day!

Mortgage Shopping 101 - Making Sense of the Mortgage Market

Bob Kelly (Keller Williams Real Estate) — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 14:38:12 -0700

RISMEDIA, October 4, 2010 - Shopping for a mortgage can be time-consuming and difficult for homebuyers, especially in today's market where many buyers don't know where to begin. The Federal Reserve Board has put together the following tips so that you can make sense of the mortgage market and be sure you are getting the mortgage that is right for you.

1. Know what you can afford. Review your monthly spending plan to estimate what you can afford to pay for a home, including the mortgage, property taxes, insurance, and monthly maintenance and utilities. A worksheet for developing your monthly spending plan can be helpful so that you can plan ahead and save for emergencies as well as be sure you will be able to afford your monthly payments for several years. Be sure to check your credit report to make sure that the information in it is accurate.

2. Shop around-compare loans from lenders and brokers. Shopping takes time and energy, but not shopping around can cost you thousands of dollars. You can get a mortgage loan from mortgage lenders or mortgage brokers. Brokers arrange mortgage loans with a lender rather than lend money directly; in other words, brokers sell you a loan from a lender. Neither lenders nor brokers have to find the best loan for you-to find the best loan, you have to do the shopping

3. Understand loan prices and fees. Many consumers accept the first loan they are offered and don't realize that they may be able to get a better loan. On any given day, lenders and brokers may offer different interest rates and fees to different consumers for the same loan, even when those consumers have the same loan qualifications. Keep in mind that lenders and brokers also consider the profit they receive if you agree to the terms of a loan with higher fees, higher points, or a higher interest rate. Shopping around is your best way to avoid more expensive loans.

4. Know the risks and benefits of loan options. Mortgages have many features-some have fixed interest rates and some have adjustable rates; some have payment adjustments; on some you pay only the interest on the loan for a while and then you pay down the principal (the loan amount); some charge you a penalty for paying the loan off early; and some have a large payment due at the end of the loan (a balloon payment). Consider all mortgage features, the APR (annual percentage rate), and the settlement costs. Ask your lender to calculate how much your monthly payments could be a year from now, and 5 or 10 years from now.

5. Get advice from trusted sources. A mortgage loan is one of the most complex, most expensive financial commitments you will ever assume-it's okay to ask for help. Talk with a trusted housing counselor or a real estate attorney that you hire to review your documents before you sign them.

If you have any questions or are interested in purchasing a home in the Poconos, please don't hesitate to contact me at 570-421-2890 x4884 or simply send me an email!

Mazezilla!

Bob Kelly (Keller Williams Real Estate) — Fri, 08 Oct 2010 13:41:52 -0700

Have you been to a cornfield maze yet? They are very fun and family oriented! This year, Mazezilla hosts a prehistoric-themed maze! It is 10 acres and has over 200,000 stalks of corn! Not only can you have a ton of fun in the maze, but there are 20' and 100' slides, picnic tables, food, a petting farm area, a pumpkin patch and more! Enjoy these beautiful fall days and take a trip to Mazezilla in the Poconos! For more information, go to mazezilla.com!

Autumn Timber Fest in the Poconos!

Bob Kelly (Keller Williams Real Estate) — Thu, 07 Oct 2010 14:54:26 -0700

This weekend, October 9th & 10th, take a very scenic trip to Shawnee Mountain for the Autumn Timber Fest! Not only is it an extra beautiful drive right now, with the beautiful colors and fall weather, but once you're there, you can enjoy Lumberjack demonstrations, chainsaw sculptures, hot air balloon rides and more! There is fun for the whole family! The festival is 11am -6pm each day, and parking is free! For more information, visit shawneemt.com!