Brigita's Blog

Home Buyer Tax Credit Information

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:24:12 -0600

I received this information on the new Home Buyer Tax Credit from the Lehigh Valley Association of REALTORS and am passing this on to all.

Read on:

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.

I have a unique situation, so where can I learn more about the extended tax credit?
Visit NAR's Homebuyer Tax Credit website, or download a list of Frequently Asked Questions or a Comparison Chart.

Check Out This Horse Glossary for Some Horsey Humor - Funny Friday

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 07:02:52 -0600

Here are some more horsey terms that all will enjoy. Read on:

Horse Glossary

A Bit: What is left over after a horseperson visits a favorite tack shop.

Fence: A decorative structure built for horses to chew on.

Horse Feed: A costly substance used to manufacture manure.

Race: What your heart does when you see your horse's vet bill.

Withers: The reason you will seldom see a man riding bareback.

HAPPY FRIDAY!!

Update: Cat Death in Oregon Presumed From 2009 H1N1

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 15:20:35 -0600

I received the following e-mail from the American Veterinary Medical Association. Keep your eyes open for a change in behavior in your pet.

Read on:

H1N1 update: Cat death in Oregon from presumed 2009 H1N1

November 18, 2009 - The Oregon state public health veterinarian has reported that a pet cat has died from presumed 2009 H1N1 influenza virus infection. The cat was one of 4 cats in the household and became ill approximately one week after a child in the household had a flu-like illness. It developed labored breathing and was presented to a veterinarian on November 4. The cat was not coughing or sneezing but had pneumonia. The cat's condition deteriorated over the next 3 days, and it died on November 7. Samples were obtained and tested (PCR) positive for the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus. Additional samples were sent to the National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) for confirmation and are still pending. At this time this is a presumed, not confirmed, case of 2009 H1N1 influenza infection.

The three other cats in the household also became ill with different degrees of sneezing and coughing, but recovered from their illnesses. Samples collected from these cats were negative for the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus.

We continue to update our 2009 H1N1 influenza resources as soon as we receive and verify information. These resources are available at http://www.avma.org/public_health/influenza/new_virus/default.asp. We are also in the process of updating our "Frequently Asked Questions" document for veterinarians to include additional information about sampling and testing procedures, and anticipate the updated document will be posted within the next 24 hours. The document is linked from the H1N1 page or at http://www.avma.org/public_health/influenza/new_virus/new_flu_virus_faq_veterinarians.asp.

The messages to pet owners remain the same.

This is not cause for panic, but underscores the importance of taking pets to a veterinarian if they are showing signs of illness. This is especially important if someone in the household has recently been ill with flu-like symptoms.
Ferret and cat owners should remain vigilant.
To date, all of the sick pets became ill after a person in the household was ill with flu-like symptoms. There is no evidence to suggest that pets have or will spread the virus to humans or other animals.
Proper hygiene and sanitation measures should be followed to limit the spread of the influenza virus.

If you have any questions about these resources, or if you have information or news to share, please do not hesitate to contact Dr. Kimberly May at (847) 285-6667 or kmay@avma.org.

Moving My Business Even Further

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:12:19 -0600

I am so excited! I want to let everyone know that I have been inducted into the Wind Gap Chapter of BNI. As of yesterday, I am an official member.

Some of you may not be familiar with BNI, so let me explain.

BNI stands for Business Networking, International. BNI is the largest business networking organization in the world. They offer members the opportunity to share ideas, contacts and most importantly, business referrals. There are numerous chapters all over the world and it continues to grow.

BNI helps your business to grow if you participate and abide by a code of ethics.

The chapter I am a member of is full of energy, enthusiasm, support and positive vibes. It is a newly formed chapter and the members are all friendly and great.

I am honored to be a member of this chapter and look forward to being a part of this group for many years to come.

If you have the opportunity to check one out, I stongly suggest you take it and apply for membership. It will help your business greatly.

If I've perked your curiosity and would like to find out more, contact me.

Wordless Wednesday - Cozy, One Room Home In Rural Setting and Close to Nature

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 07:06:24 -0600

The Benefits of Owning a Horse

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 16:26:42 -0600

Owning horses has many benefits, even though horse ownership can be expensive. The expenses include monthly board (if not on your own property), horse shoes and hoof trimming, vet care, training, lessons, competitions for some, and so on. The returns, though are priceless, especially for children and adolescents.

Here are a few of the benefits:

- Many parents will attest to how horses kept their child(ren) occupied and out of trouble, especially during the difficult teen years.

- Riding and caring for horses require the formation of a relationship built on mutual respect and trust. Therapeutic riding centers capitalize on this to teach relationship skills through horses.

- Character building is a natural part of horse ownership, teaching responsibility, punctuality, sportsmanship, frugality, patience, commitment, confidence, and self-esteem.

- Horses can be a source of mental stress-relief for the owner. It is a chance to go to a place very different from typical daily activities.

- Working around horses keeps everyone fit. It is a daily physical workout with lifting hay bales, mucking stalls, pushing full whellbarrows, grooming, riding and other barn chores.

As you can see, horses are very beneficial in many ways.

Lehigh Valley Fall Expo, 2009

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 15:50:40 -0600

The Lehigh Valley Fall Horse Expo 2009 is coming to Ag Hall at the Allentown Fairgrounds. It will be held Saturday, November 21 from 10AM - 5PM.

There will be vendors, speakers, live horse demonstrations and Master Magician Mark Mysterrio.

Demonstrators will be:

- David Nemeroff on Craniosacral Therapy for Animals

- Patrick King on Developing a Connection with horses

- Musical Horse Ride and Cutting Demonstration

- Dodie Sable on Endurance Riding

- Caroline Rider on Natural Horsemanship

- and more

There will also be a roping clinic and roping contest for kids. This looks like fun.

Tickets are $6 and kids under 12 get in FREE and there is plenty of FREE parking.

I'll be there so I hope to see you there, too. It will be a day of fun for all ages.

Click here for more information.

Housing For Horses

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 15:20:17 -0600

I've written a number of posts on homes for humans. Since I specialize in horse properties, I thought I would write about housing for horses for a change. We mustn't forget our equine friends.

Some horse owners build horse barns with stalls that are nice enough to house humans. You might say it's like staying at the "horsey" ritz.

Here are some of the features included in horse barns:

- Stalls usually have an automatic watering fountain in the corner. (A drink is always available. Never runs dry.)

- The standard size box stall is 12 feet x 12 feet. Bigger ones are needed for foaling mares and larger horses. (That's bigger than some rooms in some houses.)

- Stalls often have rubber matting on the floor covered by about 8-12 inches of bedding. (Comfy flooring.)

- Horse bedding usually consists of sawdust or straw, but new products are being made with shredded paper and other recyclable materials. (Even eco-friendly.)

- Stalls are usually sifted through once or twice a day, removing manure and wet spots. This is called mucking or mucking out. (Would love to have someone clean my house, at least once a week.)

- Some barns even have wash stalls with hot and cold water. (There are times I don't even have hot water.)

- Most horses do not feel imprisoned in a stall, as a human would.

- Pens that are 12 feet x 24 feet or larger are usually called paddocks or corrals. A larger fenced in area with grass is called a pasture. (WOW!! A play area!)

Be careful about turning out horses that do not know each other into a paddock or pasture. Often, they will argue to establish an order of hierarchy.

Ahh, to be a horse and have the luxuries they have.

What Would You do?? - Funny Friday

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 11:48:21 -0600

Here's a riddle for all of you to end the week. Think about this and see if you can come up with an answer. I will post the answer after you have had the opportunity to think about this riddle.

Ready? Here it is:

You are riding on a beautiful white horse. On your left side is a drop off. On your right side are several ostriches being chased by a lion. In front of you are 4 large gazelles which won't get out of your way and you can't seem to overtake them. Behind you is a stampede of horses.

What must you do to get out of this highly dangerous situation?

See if you can come up with the answer.

Courtesy Lehigh Valley Horse Council newsletter

UPDATED NOVEMBER 16, 2009: I see many of you made good attempts to answer the riddle. OK, here's the answer.

Drum roll please . . . . . . . . . .

The answer is:

A Merry-Go-Round.

Thanks to all for participating. Hope you had fun with it.

November 11th - It's Not Just Another Day Off

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 07:22:16 -0600

Here it is, November 11th, Veteran's Day and many have the day off from work. Do not treat it as JUST a day off.

It is a day where we remember and honor the Veterans that have fought for us. They have sacrificed their lives so that we may live in freedom.

Take some time out of your day to say thank you to a Veteran. Say a prayer for those that are currently in the war zone, that they may come home safely to see their family and friends and enjoy the freedom they are fighting for.

Let's also remember our fallen soldiers that have fought for what they believed in. They were brave for giving up their lives for us.

Wordless Wednesday - Let's Get The Feet Cleaned Out

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 07:05:13 -0600

Tips For Pricing Your Home

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 07:15:03 -0600

Home sellers have an emotional attachment to their homes, which is understandable. Some feel their home is worth more than the market value because of all that was put into the home.

What the home seller must understand is that if they are to sell the home, it must be priced competitively at market value. Buyers will not look at a home if they are able to find a comparable one for a lower price. In essence, you are selling your neighbor's home by overpricing yours.

Here are some tips to help price your home:

Tips for Pricing Your Home

•· Consider comparables. What have other homes in your neighborhood sold for recently? How do they compare to yours in terms of size, upkeep, and amenities?

•· Consider competition. How many other houses are for sale in your area? Are you competing against new homes?

•· Consider your contingencies. Do you have special concerns that would affect the price you'll receive? For example, do you want to be able to move in 4 months?

•· Get an appraisal. For a few hundred dollars, a qualified appraiser can give you an estimate of your home's value. Be sure to ask for a market-value appraisal. To locate appraisers in your area, contact The Appraisal Institute (www.appraisalinstitute.org) or ask your REALTOR® for some recommendations.

•· Ask a lender. Since most buyers will need a mortgage, it's important that a home's sale price be in line with a lender's estimate of its value.

•· Be accurate. Studies show that homes priced more than 3 percent over the correct price take longer to sell.

•· Know what you'll take. It's critical to know what price you'll accept before beginning a negotiation with a buyer.

Overpriced homes increase the inventory and sit on the market for long periods of time and become "stale". The buyers now think there is something wrong with the house because it hasn't sold. Does it make sense to place a home on the market if it isn't going to sell?

Price your home according to market value and your home will sell, not your neighbor's.

Here's What's Happening in the Parkland and Northwestern Lehigh Area School Districts in Pennsylvania for October 2009

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 12:56:27 -0600

Here is what's happening in the Parkland and Northwestern Lehigh Area School Districts in Pennsylvania for October 2009 in Real Estate:

October, 2009	Parkland Area School District, Pennsylvania	Northwestern Lehigh School District, Pennsylvania
Number of Sales	43	8
Average Price	$233,000	$241,000
Median Sales Price	$210,000	$227,000
Active Listings (homes that are for sale)	90	14
New Listings	92	14
Pending Sales	34	8

Recommendation:

If you're buying a home, it is important that you work closely with a highly-motivated agent who understands what's going on with the real estate market and local economy. He/She will be able to advise you on how to get the most for your money and what homes you may want to avoid, as there are homes on the market that are not priced at their fair market value.

If you're selling your home, it's also important that you work closely with a highly-motivated agent who understands what's going on with the market and local economy. Your goal is to net top dollar - which you may not achieve if you overprice or underprice your home.

Here's What's Happening in the Pen Argyl and Bangor Area School Districts in Pennsylvania in October 2009

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 12:49:07 -0600

Here is what's happening in the Pen Argyl and Bangor Area School Districts in Pennsylvania for October 2009 in Real Estate:

October, 2009	Pen Argyl area School District, Pennsylvania	Bangor Area School District, Pennsylvania
Number of Sales	10	20
Average Price	$227,000	$181,000
Median Sales Price	$223,000	$168,000
Active Listings (homes that are for sale)	12	38
New Listings	16	37
Pending Sales	8	16

Recommendation:

Here's What's Happening in the Nazareth Area School District and Northampton Area School District in Pennsylvania in October 2009

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 12:41:41 -0600

Here is what's happening in the Nazareth Area School District and Northampton Area School District in Pennsylvania for October 2009 in Real Estate:

October, 2009	Nazareth Area School District, Pennsylvania	Northampton Area School District, Pennsylvania
Number of Sales	30	28
Average Price	$260,000	$164,000
Median Sales Price	$217,000	$159,000
Active Listings (homes that are for sale)	40	73
New Listings	39	86
Pending Sales	18	27

Recommendation:

Market Update for the Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania for October 2009

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 12:33:43 -0600

Looking at the Market Update for October 2009, the real estate market seems to be improving in the Lehigh Valley in Pennsylvania. Here are the statistics:

During October 2009, 537 sales were reported, which is up about 2.1% from September 2009 at 526.

The average sales price for October 2009 decreased about 4% at $190,000 as compared to September 2009 at $198,000.

The median sales price for October 2009 was recorded at $173,000, which is a decrease compared to September 2009 with a median of $177,000.

The average time on the market for properties sold during October 2009 was 78 days, which is an increase compared to September 2009 at 74 days.

Ten new construction properties sold during October 2009, while only 7 sold in September 2009. The average sales price for newly constructed homes with 4 bedrooms and 2 1/2 baths in October 2009 was $451,000 while in September 2009 the average sales price was recorded at $379,000. The median sales price for October 2009 for new construction was $410,000 as compared to $356,000 in September 2009. That's good news for new construction in the Lehigh Valley.

October Sales Distribution

Sale Price                                         Number of Sales
Under $70,000                                           56
$70,001 - $100,000                                    31
$100,001 - $150,000                                 120
$150,001 - $200,000                                 142
$200,001 - $250,000                                  84
$250,001 - $300,000                                  41
$300,001 - $350,000                                  25
$350,001 - $400,000                                  17
$400,001 - $450,000                                   5
$450,001 - $500,000                                   4
$500,001 - $600,000                                   6
$600,001 - $700,000                                   3
$700,001 - $800,000                                   2
$800,001 and above                                    1

YEAR IN REVIEW

Comparison of Activity from October 2008 to October 2009

During October 2009, 537 sales were reported, up about 30% from October 2008 at 413.

The average sales price for October 2009 was recorded at $190,000, down about 10.4% from October 2008 when the average sales price was recorded at $212,000.

The median sales price for October 2009 was recorded at $173,000 which was a decrease compared to October 2008 with a median price of $182,000.

The average time on the market for properties sold during October 2009 was 78 days, an increase from 71 days in October 2008.

Homebuyer Tax Credit Changes

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 12:02:50 -0600

The homebuyer tax credit extension has been approved by Congress. The modifications will be effective when President Obama signs the bill.

Below you will find the modifications and the changes to the tax credit bill. This information is hot off the press released by the National Association of REALTORS Government Affairs Division.

The YANKEES Did It!! WooHoo!!!

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 06:52:59 -0600

THE YANKEES DID IT!!

27th WORLD SERIES WIN!!

Wow!! The Phillies put up a good fight and gave it their best, which made the series a really exciting one. There was never a dull moment in the games.

What better place to win than in your own brand new stadium to end the year.

That's the way to do it!

GO YANKEES!!! 2009 WORLD SERIES CHAMPS!!!

Tax Credit Expanded and Include Current Home Buyers??

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 06:33:35 -0600

The senate is expected to vote today or tomorrow on a bill that extends the $8,000 tax credit for first-time homebuyers.

The credit is due to expire on November 30, and would be extended until April 30 and expanded to include more affluent homebuyers. People who have owned a home for at least five years would also be eligible for a $6,500 credit if they move!

This is great news for the real estate market when the bill passes. The good part is it will include ALL homebuyers.

Sales Lost Forever Due to Incomplete and Incorrect Info

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 07:32:01 -0600

As I scan the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) on a daily basis, to see what is available for my buyers and to see what listings have expired, I find incomplete and incorrect information.

About half of my clients are looking for horse properties. When I search for a horse property, I scan under the category of farms. Did you know that 1 acre is a farm? I wonder what they are raising on an acre. Maybe guinea pigs?

A buyer called me and wanted to see a farm that sounded like a great deal: 14,530 acres for $200,000. WOW!! That is a great deal! Looking up the listing, I find it is located in town. I don't think there are 14,530 acres available in town. You think maybe it is 14,530 square feet??

How about properties that are listed with 0 square feet or 0 acres of property. In all honesty, I haven't seen a house around that has no land whatsoever around it.

Or how about a description like this: "Impeccable condition! Owner sad to leave this house." This doesn't tell me a thing about the house. Is there anything in the house?

When I scan through the expired listings, I notice some of the homes that I come across I had buyers that may have had an interest in it. So why did the listing expire? It was no where to be found when searched.

I guess there was no interest in selling these listings that have incomplete and incorrect information. If there was an interest, the information would have been double checked to make sure all was correct and complete so that it can be found.

So the next time a listing does not sell, it might not be because of price or location. It could be because no one was able to find it.

Wordless Wednesday - Now That's More My Size!!

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 06:50:02 -0600

Trexler Nature Preserve Opens for All to Enjoy

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 14:40:50 -0600

The Trexler Nature Preserve has opened for all to enjoy in the Lehigh Valley area in Pennsylvania.

Gen. Harry C. Trexler, who died in 1993 and was Lehigh County's most influential citizen, left more than 1,100 acres in the Schnecksville area to the people of the county to enjoy the great outdoors. He wanted to help conserve some of our wildlife in the proper setting. Gen. Trexler loved the outdoors and gave the property to share his love of the outdoors with his fellow people and future generations.

Friday, October 30th, 2009, county and other officials formally dedicated the Trexler Nature Preserve. It is now open for hiking, walking, biking, horseback riding, bird watching, picnicing, fishing, and bow hunting in season.

For years, the Lehigh Valley Zoo, located in a small section of the property, was the only accessible part of the land to the public. A few years ago the county leased the zoo to a private operator. The county then developed a plan for the preserve.

The project included removing non-native plants, allowing native brush to grow and animals such as red fox, coyotes, deer, turkey and bluebirds to thrive.

Stream beds were also restored so people could fish.

The Wildlands Conservancy helped in developing the plan. Community groups such as The Valley Mountain Bikers, the International Mountain Bikers and the Lehigh County Equestrian Council helped build the trails and the Appalacian Mountain Club helped the county parks department with trail mapping.

For more information, click here.

Remember to Change Your Clocks!!

Sat, 31 Oct 2009 08:01:24 -0500

Daylight Savings time ends and Standard time begins tonight. Remember to change your clocks this weekend!

The clocks are to be turned back so we gain an hour. 2AM will really be 1AM. I guess this allows us to party an extra hour.

This will be great for those of you that will be having a great time at your Halloween parties or watching the World Series Game tonight between the Yankees and the Phillies. It will allow you to sleep an extra hour in the morning without any worry about over sleeping.

Happy November!

Catholic Golf - Funny Friday

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 06:41:45 -0500

Catholic or not you have to laugh at this one.

A Catholic priest and a nun were taking a rare afternoon off
and enjoying a round of golf.

The priest stepped up to the first tee and took a mighty swing.
He missed the ball entirely and said "S**t, I missed."

The good Sister told him to watch his language.

On his next swing, he missed again. "S**t, I missed."

"Father, I'm not going to play with you if you keep swearing,"
the nun said tartly.

The priest promised to do better and the round continued.

On the 4th tee, he misses again. The usual comment followed.

Sister is really mad now and says, "Father John, God is
going to strike you dead if you keep swearing like that."

On the next tee, Father John swings and misses again.
"S**t, I missed."

A terrible rumble is heard and a gigantic bolt of lightning comes
out of the sky and strikes Sister Marie dead in her tracks.

And from the sky comes a booming voice .......

"S**T, I MISSED!"

Local Hauntings in the Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 05:49:58 -0500

Once again Halloween is upon us with lots of "haunted houses" and parks open to scare us out of our wits.

Did you know that the Lehigh Valley here in Pennsylvania does actually have haunted buildings? It's true!

Here are some of the buildings with actual ghost sightings:

1. State Theaterin Easton

2. Sun Inn in Bethlehem

3. Former Carbon County Jail in Jim Thorpe

4. Inn at Maple Grove in Alburtis

5. The Widows Tavern & Grillein Stockertown

6. King George Inn in Allentown

7. Riegelsville Public Libraryin Riegelsville (of course)

-(Source: Morning Call research)

I'm sure there are many other buildings in the Lehigh Valley that ghost sightings have occurred. If you have, or know of any, feel free to post it in the comments to share with everyone.

If you want to encounter a real ghost on Halloween, visit one of these buildings, if you dare. OOoooooooooo.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!