The Bloomsburg Blog

Virtual ReBar Camp...I Can't Wait!

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 15:02:53 -0700

Educating Real Estate Agents On How To Use Modern Technologies To Better Their Business Will Never Be The Same!

On April 6th, 2010 dozens of the most respected educators in the real estate industry converge to host most exciting event of its kind, the Virtual Real Estate BarCamp.

Virtual Real Estate BarCamp is a 1-Day Learning Extravaganza.
From 9am until 4pm PST, three concurrent webinar "rooms" will each host 7 different sessions, for a total of 28 different presentations.
There is something for everyone and everything for someone, and best of all, IT IS FREE and attendance is unlimited!

Click below to:
Register.
Learn more.
See who is coming.
Check out the Session Calendar.
Get sponsorship info.

Attendance is projected to be at least 2000 agents, nationwide.
Do not miss out on being part of this ground-breaking event.

Potential Session Topics Include:

Facebook for Real Estate
Twitter 101
Driving Quality Traffic to Your Website
Beginning Search Engine Optimization
Advanced SEO
Getting Started with WordPress
Advanced WordPress Techniques
Using Flickr for Real Estate
Using YouTube for Real Estate
LinkedIn Business & Referral Strategies
Selecting an IDX Company
Single Property Websites
Getting the Most Out Of Your Mobile Devices
The iPhone and Real Estate
Photoshop for Real Estate
Video Blogging
Video Listings
Advanced Twitter Tips
Preparing to Start a Real Estate Blog
Google Analytics and Traffic Statistics

...and much more, with new sessions being added every day.

And if that wasn\'t cool enough, individuals from around the country are volunteering to host In-Real-Life MeetUps for after the event.
Learn all day, and then meet to have a beer with local participants. This is going to be a blast!

We hope to see you there!

Woo Hoo! Extended and Expanded Tax Credit!

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 23:33:57 -0800

HOME BUYER TAX CREDIT

EXTENDED AND EXPANDED

What are you waiting for?

The awesome opportunity for a first time home buyer to receive $8000 free money from Uncle Sam was due to expire later this month. On November 6th, the Worker, Homeownership, and Business Assistance Act of 2009 was passed which extends the first time home buyer tax credit for buyers entering into a binding contract by April 30, 2009 with settlement completed by June 30, 2009.

In addition, a new progam became effective immediately for move up or repeat home buyers. These buyers, who have lived in their primary residence for five consecutive years of the past eight years, may be eligible for a tax credit of $6500.

These tax credits are literally "free money" and are not required to be repaid as long as the buyer lives in the property for a minimum of 36 months (and there is also a military exception). The income limitations have been raised with this new and improved tax credit, and the sale price of the home purchased must be $800,000 or less.

There has NEVER been a better time to purchase a home! Interest rates are still at 30 year lows, there are a lot of properties to choose from, and housing affordability is at its highest level ever!

If you are interested in purchasing a new home in Bloomsburg, PA, or anywhere in Columbia, Montour, or lower Luzerne Counties in Pennsylvania, contact me for award winning quality service.

For explicit details about the extended and expanded tax credit, just click on the link below. It is also advisable to contact your tax advisor before entering into an agreement of sale to determine if you are eligible for the tax credit.

http://www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com/home.html

Renaissance Jamboree in Bloomsburg, PA

Tue, 12 May 2009 23:43:34 -0700

The last Saturday in April of each year is a special day in downtown Bloomsburg, PA. For over 20 years, Main Street is closed from early morning until early evening for a street fair.

Renaissance Jamboree is a celebration of Spring where everyone comes out to enjoy lots of food provided by all non-profit organizations, and over 150 crafters selling their unique creations.

In addition, there is plenty of entertainment for all ages.

What a wonderful day in Downtown Bloomsburg! Make plans to visit the only Incorporated Town in PA, Bloomsburg, for our next Renaissance Jamboree!

To see a video of Renaissance Jamboree of 2009, visit my web site at www.DotSellsBloomsburg.com and click on the Area Video Library.

On my web site you can also see videos of our beautiful town.

If you are moving to Bloomsburg, PA, contact me for the utmost in quality service. I'd love to help you!

First Time Buyers - ACT NOW!!!

Tue, 12 May 2009 22:08:02 -0700

Don't miss the window of opportunity! There couldn't be a better time to buy! Affordable prices, historic low interest rates (as low as the World War II era), and FREE MONEY FROM UNCLE SAM! That's right...in February the new and improved tax credit expanded the $7500 tax credit (which was similar to an interest free loan because it had to be repaid) to an $8000 tax credit that does not have to be repaid! Of course, there are some noteable guidelines--income limits for single borrower of $75,000 adjusted gross income and $150,000 for a married couple. Also, you must own the home for three years, and to qualify as a "first time buyer" you could not have owned a primary residence within the last three years. Settlement must occur in 2009 BEFORE December 1st, so don't wait until the last minute. It is best to begin your search now vecause as the deadline approaches there will be more buyers in the marketplace, which can cause untimely delays with appraisers, inspectors, lenders, and title companies. Visit my web site at www.DotSellsBloomsburg.com for additional information on the tax credit.

If you are interested in taking advantage of this awesome opportunity that we will probably never see again, I'd be happy to help! I have a great presentation explaining the tax credit that I can e-mail to you if you'd like more information. E-mail me at Dot@DotRhone.com and request the presentation. I have over 24 years experience helping buyers and sellers in Bloomsburg, PA and the surrounding areas in Columbia, Montour and lower Luzerne counties. If you are in another area of the country and need a knowledgeable and experienced professional to help guide you through this process, contact me and I'll research your area for the most qualified agent to represent you...for free!

Contact me at Dot@DotRhone.com, call or text me at 570-204-0279, or call my office at 570-784-2821 Extension 19. I'll look forward to helping you make your real estate dreams come true. WHAT WOULD YOU DO WITH AN EXTRA $8,000?

First Time Buyers--There has NEVER been a better time to buy!

Fri, 06 Mar 2009 00:09:35 -0800

Real estate continues to be the best investment on the planet. Of course, it is a long term investment where you can build equity and appreciation as well as enjoy the tax benefits of home ownership. The new stimulus plan that was passed in February 2008 included a tax credit to first time homebuyers. Any first time buyer (a buyer who has not owned a property in the past three years) is entitled to an $8000 tax credit if they purchase a property in 2009 prior to December 1st (as long as they qualify within the income limitations). Unlike last year's tax credit of $7500 for those buyers that purchased from April through December in 2008 where repayment was required...the $8000 credit is just that, a credit with no repayment!

Mortgage rates continue to be at historic lows, there is an abundance of inventory on the market with prices either flat or declining in many areas of the country, and the buyer is in the driver's seat! If a buyer has stable employment, good credit, and a nest egg available for a down payment and closing costs (or a family member willing to "gift" them funds to close, plus a knowledgeable and experienced REALTOR helping them navigate through the home buying process--BUY NOW!

If the current economic condition heads toward recovery in the time frame that was projected, those buyers that are on the fence waiting for prices to go even lower may just miss the boat!

Once they determine the bottom is here and it is time to act, it will be too late, because an upswing would have already begun.

The thought of the IRS crediting a qualified first time home buyer $8000 is a great incentive! ALL eligible buyers should seriously consider taking advantage of this unbelievable opportunity that has been presented to them by this stimulus package before it's gone! I am excited about helping first time buyers in Bloomsburg, Berwick, Danville, and the outlying areas of Columbia, Montour, and lower Luzerne counties in Pennsylvania to help them get the American Dream!

The National Association of REALTORS has prepared an excellent presentation explaining the details of the tax credit. Please CLICK HERE to review this information to see if you qualify, then e-mail me to begin your search.

Got Truck?

Wed, 09 Jul 2008 22:20:19 -0700

One weekend each and every July the town of Bloomsburg, PA will be overrun with truck enthusiasts. The exciting summer 4-Wheel Jamboree Nationals are hosted at the Bloomsburg Fairgrounds. Over 3,000 custom 4x4 trucks compete in various events including a ride and drive obstacle course, mud drag racing, burnout competition, and show and shine among others. There is also a spectacular fireworks display on Saturday evening and a bikini contest. For three days you can see big trucks, bigger trucks, and monster trucks. Past participants have included the infamous monster trucks, Grave Digger, Bigfoot, and Avenger. All of the participants and spectators, both young and old, enjoy seeing these incredible rigs. The hours of operation for this year show are 10am to 6:30 pm on July 11, 9am to 8:00 pm on July 12, and 9am to 3:00 pm on July 13.

For more information visit the following web sites:

www.4wheeljamboree.com

http://www.familyevents.com

To view a copy of the schedule for all the events on the weekend, visit the following web site:

http://67.225.135.158/files/events/2008_Bloomsburg_Schedule_online.pdf

Plan to come to small town PA every year in July to experience the fun at the 4-Wheel Jamboree Nationals. You will surely love our little town!

Columbia County--#1 Best Place to Live in Northeast Rural America 2008

Tue, 26 Feb 2008 23:13:52 -0800

The Progressive Farmer Magazine, published since 1886, has released its fourth annual top ten rankings of the Best Places to Live in Rural America 2008. Their selection is based on school quality, access to health care, low crime, and affordable farmland. This year they offered extra credit to counties that have successfully protected farmland, controlled pressure from urban areas and struck a balance among agriculture, manufacturing, and modern convenience. Columbia County was listed as #5 on the top ten list, and was named #1 in the Northeast. This convenient location is only a couple of hours from Philadelphia, New York, and New Jersey, and travel is very easy with I-80 crossing the county from border to border. The local schools have low student-teacher ratios, and Bloomsburg University, located in the county seat of Bloomsburg, has an enrollment of approximately 8000. Excellent health care is readily available both throughout Columbia County and nearby at Geisinger Medical Center in the adjacent county. Agriculture is still at the heart of the county with many farms scattered from one end to the other. Nearly a half million-people visit the 250 acres of attractions at the Bloomsburg Fair each year, where the primary emphasis is still the promotion of agriculture. The spectacular beauty of the hills and valleys can be seen throughout all four seasons, and visitors are in awe of the lovely countryside of Columbia County. Here residents enjoy the escape from the hustle and bustle of city life while they enjoy country living, strong and vibrant communities where housing prices and the cost of living is still affordable, and scenic beauty any time of the year. If you are looking for a great place to enjoy life and raise your family, Columbia County Pennsylvania may be the right choice for you! When you are ready to move to Columbia County, I'm here to help!

Bloomsburg, PA Real Estate Market--Good or Bad?

Sun, 17 Feb 2008 22:09:35 -0800

Well the results are in! My company, Century 21 Covered Bridges Realty, Inc. had a record breaking year in 2007. We even had three agents break their personal best year. We again lead the marketplace and outsold our nearest two competitors combined. According to the multiple listing service of the Central Susquehanna Valley Board of Realtors, the average sale price increased slightly as did the number of days on the market. My company continued to lead Columbia County in both the number of closed transactions and sales volume.

The media continues to dwell on the highest rate of forclosures in history and the weakness of the economy on the verge of a recession. The doom and gloom in the real estate industry is perceived by everyone to be nationwide. A friend of mine recently told me that the home values in his neighborhood are down 25% in Florida. Even though I had heard that about several states including his, it was somewhat startling when he confirmed that fact.

Real estate markets are local. In our local area of northeastern PA, our market has been stable. The best way to explain it is that we "never are as good as other areas, but we never are as bad either." We are a small college town, home to Bloomsburg University, with local industries and medical facilities fueling our marketplace. Sellers continue to sell their homes within a reasonable amount of time if they are priced properly and marketed extensively. With interest rates continuing to fall, it could be one of the best times to be purchasing a property!

As an Associate Broker/Owner of my company, and training coordinator, we take great pride in our ability to effectively represent our clients with superior quality service. Our agents have a combined total of over 40 professional real estate designations and college degrees to better prepare them to be successful Realtors. We utilize all the most up to date tools available in our industry to the advantage of our clients, and take our committment to excellence very seriously.

For the best real estate service in Bloomsburg, PA, Coumbia County, and the surrounding area, call or e-mail us.

Covered Bridges Realty, Inc.

395 Tenny Street

Bloomsburg, PA 17815

570-784-2821

dot@dotrhone.com

Redneck Realtors

Mon, 11 Feb 2008 00:20:48 -0800

Tush Push, Badonkadonk, Bow Legged, Settlin, Cruisin, Red High Heels, Waltz Across Texas, Irish Stew!

What are they?

Living in rural Pennsylvania, country music is enjoyed by many on their radios and televisions. Country line dancing has been very popular in the Bloomsburg area since the early 90's. Since my colleagues have always been health and weight conscious, we have been attempting to diet, work out, and lose weight for years. It is always a struggle to find the time to get to the gym or have the energy to use the exercise ball and total gym after a long day of showing property and contract negotiations.

Several of us (female agents) stumbled upon country line dancing lessons that are offered in our area. Instructors hold lessons at various locations which include several churches, fire-halls, community centers, and a bar and restaurant. We have been learning new dances every week for the past couple months. We not only enjoy country line dancing, we are addicted!

Since I used to be a roller skating professional for many, many years, teaching figures, free skating, and dance, it is fairly easy for me to learn and remember the intricate steps, as I taught dance to my skaters and am used to remembering and teaching in small sequences of each dance. In addition to reading real estate web sites most nights on my laptop, I find myself watching instructional videos on You-Tube of the newest country line dance from the prior week's lesson. Now as I come into my office in the morning, it is not unusual for one of my colleagues to stop me and ask me to show them the missing steps they are unable to recall from the latest dance. Periodically throughout the day it is also common to see one or more agents "dancing" through the office, or running up to the third floor storage area for a fifteen minute break to turn on the CD player that is kept there fully equipped with the proper country songs, to run through a dance or two.

We are having a great time together a couple evenings a week and getting much needed exercise that is wonderful for the body and soul. We even make it a family affair once a week and our husbands join us for dinner and watch our progress as we increase our repertoire of dance inventory while we all have fun!

If you are in Bloomsburg, PA and interested in learning country line dancing, e-mail or call me for the next date that instruction will be held at a local church, Buckhorn fire hall, or Bassetts.

If you are looking for a way to exercise that is fun and challenging, you may want to try country line dancing...and don't worry if country music isn't your thing, because you'll grow to like it as you learn the dances.

P.S. We also wear Century 21 Covered Bridges Realty, Inc. logos on our shirts to promote ourselves and our company.

Holiday Craft Shows

Sat, 27 Oct 2007 23:24:46 -0700

This morning was an ugly day in Bloomsburg. It had been raining very hard since last evening. My daughters called me at 9:30 a.m. and asked if I'd like to go along with them to the fall craft show to be held at the Columbia Montour Area Vocational Technical School today. I think everyone in our town and the surrounding communities were there! There were more than a hundred crafters displaying and selling their wares. There were ghosts, goblins, Thanksgiving turkeys, and plenty of Santas and snowmen that were beautifully created and painted, many which were illuminated with sparkling white lights. In addition there were lovely hand made clothing items, handcrafted furniture, and decadent chocolates. A highlight of the show every year is the luncheon that is available that is prepared by the food preparation students of the school. Next weekend there will be a similar holiday craft show just across the hill at Central Columbia High School. Each year in late October and early November these events are a nice way to get into the holiday spirit.

If you are near Bloomsburg on one of these craft show Saturdays, make plans to stop by and find some nice things for your home to enjoy the spirit of the holidays.

Sellers Beware!

Wed, 24 Oct 2007 01:18:49 -0700

In 2005 when a home entered the market and was priced correctly, it would sell almost immediately. Today our market conditions are quite different. In the past two years we went from a hot sellers' market to a cool buyers' market. We are experiencing more inventory and fewer buyers with a huge selection of available properties.

When you are considering selling your home, be careful! Make sure you chose a real estate professional who truly has your best interest at heart. Hiring the wrong agent will negatively affect your bottom line. Mistakes and ignorance can be very costly to you. Many years in business, or lack thereof, is not necessarily an indication that the agent is or is not the right choice. Many real estate rookies, with only a few years experience, are highly educated and have acquired various professional real estate designations and certifications to provide exemplary service. On the other hand, don't assume that agents who have careers spanning a few decades are more knowledgeable and better equipped to represent you in the sale of your property. There are both seasoned agents and rookies that are exceptional REALTORS, and you need to find that needle in the haystack.

When involved in a changing market with fewer sales, unscrupulous agents sometimes become desperate. Just last week I stopped by an open house hosted by one of my competitors. Since it was in a neighborhood that I farm, I stopped by to view the property. After quickly previewing the home, I cordially stopped to chat for a moment with the seller's agent. As I left I said, "What is the asking price?" After the agent quoted the price my response was, "I sure hope you sell it for that, because that will certainly help the appreciation in the neighborhood."

For a second there was silence. .. Finally the seller's agent, who owes all her fiduciary and statutory duties to the seller to help the seller get the highest price, best terms, and keep their information confidential responded, "Well, we had to start somewhere!" I couldn't believe my ears! Not only did I feel the property was overpriced for the amenities of the home, but the agent representing the seller did too and told me so!!!

The listing agent has been in business for several years and should know better! This particular agent and her company fail to attend any of the educational sessions offered by the board of REALTORS, and also have NO professional designations and certifications. Like the majority of real estate agents, they do nothing to improve their calling. The real estate industry is ever changing, and it is essential for a REALTOR to continue their education for the protection of their clients and to provide exceptional quality service. When selling your home, make sure you choose a real estate professional with a proven track record, satisfied clients, and professional real estate designations and certifications which assures you that you are putting your trust in one of the best qualified agents in your area. The wrong choice in a real estate professional can be detrimental to your bottom line!

Bloomsburg's Jewel--Bloomsburg University!

Sun, 21 Oct 2007 23:49:20 -0700

At the end of Main Street on the top of College Hill is the entrance to Bloomsburg University, and since it had been there as long as I remember, it was easy to take it for granted. Since the early 1800's post high school education was available in the town of Bloomsburg. The beginning of higher education in Bloomsburg began in 1839 with the founding of an academy. Later in 1856 the academy was chartered as the Bloomsburg Literary Institute. Upon the construction of the first building at its current location, the school was established as a state normal school in 1869. The Commonwealth of PA purchased the school in 1916, and in 1927 it became Bloomsburg State Teachers College. In 1960, due to a variety of available programs and graduate degrees, the "teachers" was dropped from its name making it Bloomsburg State College (from where I graduated in 1975). When the State System of Higher Education was established, the school reached university status, and became Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania in 1983. Upon my high school graduation, I was fortunate enough to have my education financed by my parents and was given the opportunity to go to any college I chose. Even today I am quite surprised that I chose Bloomsburg and earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Education and never left this quaint town.

As an alumnus of Bloomsburg, I was quite certain that when our younger daughter, an honor graduate and gifted athlete graduated from high school, she would broaden her horizons and search for her dreams somewhere other than her hometown. After being heavily recruited for softball and field hockey and receiving significant academic and athletic scholarship offers, she began her college career at Ithaca College on beautiful Lake Cayuga in New York. We fell in love the beauty and culture of her new surroundings, so we were quite astounded and disappointed when she made the decision to leave such a prestigious private college to return home. Today she is a junior at Bloomsburg University and is extremely happy, and so are we!

Bloomsburg University is a leading regional university that attracts students from around the globe. With enrollment of approximately 8700, Bloomsburg University is comprised of four colleges: Business, Liberal Arts, Professional Studies, and Science and Technology. Offered are 63 undergraduate degrees, 16 masters degrees, and doctoral degrees are available in audiology and elementary education. Bloomsburg is known for its academic excellence, wholesome atmosphere and scenic beauty of its 192 acre campus. Located in the Appalachian foothills of north central Pennsylvania, this quaint rural town and its university have much to offer. Only today, on this brilliant fall day, did I finally realize the similarities of the beauty between Ithaca and Bloomsburg from the spectacular views from upper campus in all directions. Bloomsburg is built around creating the best possible educational experience for all of its students and is a great value! Be sure to visit the web site of Bloomsburg University to learn more at www.bloomu.edu.

Bloomsburg--The Beginning

Sat, 20 Oct 2007 23:34:46 -0700

Bloomsburg's earliest development and inhabitants were part of the Indian period of American history. The Susquehannock Indians were the first occupants of the Susquehanna River Valley which was a major route into Central New York State. Today we are reminded of our Indian heritage by the many interesting names of nearby local places such as Susquehanna, Catawissa, Nescopeck, and Shickshinny.

The first settlers occupied lands along the river. In 1772, James McClure came to the area from Lancaster and built a log cabin near the banks of the Susquehanna within the present Town limits. In 1781, a wooden stockade was constructed around the McClure dwelling to protect settlers from Indian attacks. Today, all that remains of the Fort McClure site is a one-room cabin, which is open to the public.

Bloomsburg was founded in 1802 when Ludwig Eyer laid out the town. The Bloomsburg area was largely self-sufficient at first, but gradually developed a need to find markets for surplus products. The construction of new roads and the opening of the North Branch Canal, started in 1828, encouraged the arrival of new settlers and helped to stimulate the economy. In 1830 the first canal boat passed through Bloomsburg. The canal system was abandoned in 1891 and later sold to the D L & W Railroad and part of the old canal is now part of the railroad right of way.

The discovery of iron ore nearby gave rise to a flourishing iron industry that lasted approximately seventy-five years. The settlers flourished by utilizing the many pine and hardwood forests into a booming lumber industry. Bloomsburg's economy changed when the iron ore supply was exhausted and the agricultural base was depleted at the turn of the century. It was then that new businesses including textile mills and small manufacturing enterprises appeared and that established the pattern that characterizes Bloomsburg's present economy.

Bloomsburg became a Town on March 4, 1870 when State Senator Charles R. Buckalew proposed the law that would incorporate Bloomsburg as a town. Bloomsburg was once a combination of crossroads in a country village with few locally-based industries, it has now become a textile town catering to an international as well as a national market producing carpets, knitted goods, silk fabrics and ladies undergarments. It is also a leader in the cut-flower industry. Due to the location of Bloomsburg in close proximity to Interstate 80, and with three interchanges almost at its boundaries, it has helped to lead to economic expansion in canning industries, printing and metal fabricating.

As a result of our rich heritage and the foresight of the early settlers, Bloomsburg developed into a beautiful, safe, and healthy environment that's combined with the benefits of a diverse and progressive community, great location, cultural tradition, quality education and outdoor fun. Bloomsburg is an ideal place to raise a family and operate a profitable business.

Experience Bloomsburg - The Only Incorporated Town in PA!

Fri, 19 Oct 2007 00:13:27 -0700

Bloomsburg is located in the heart of Columbia County and is the county seat with a population of nearly 12,000. Everyone who visits falls in love with the beautiful and quaint downtown, magnificent architecture in the historic district, the gorgeous surroundings by the banks of the Susquehanna River and the scenic mountains and valleys. One of the focal points of the downtown is the majestic town fountain at the square that was refurbished for the bicentennial celebration in 2002. Bloomsburg has a strong business community and is further enhanced with the clubs, organizations, and volunteer opportunities for the citizens of the area.

A favorite spot for young and old is the lovely town park. Along the banks of the Susquehanna, the park has a variety of things enjoyed by all. The picnic pavilions throughout the park are settings for birthday parties, bridal and baby showers, family reunions and other get-togethers. There are several public tennis courts, baseball and soccer fields, as well as walking and exercise trails. Several years ago the residents of the community joined together for the creation of an extensive playground, Kidsburg, where children of the community can be seen playing nearly all spring, summer, and fall. Summertime concerts are presented from the band shell as spectator's line up in their folding chairs for an evening of enjoyment. On the other end of the park is the municipal swimming pool to beat the summer heat and the skate park for adventurous children and teens. Nearby is the lagoon that is stocked for the kids' fishing derby. In the winter, the lagoon is the site for ice skating while a fire is built in the fireplace of the nearby pavilion to toast marshmallows and keep warm while watching the snow fall. Each summer the 4^th of July celebration with patriotic music and a spectacular firework display attracts thousands to the park, as well as the Ice Cream and Cake Festival in early August...two great traditions!

The town has rich cultural diversity with many attractions that are not usually enjoyed by a small town. A very important asset to the community is The Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble which is a professional theatre group featuring a variety of productions throughout the year.

On the lower end of the town is the Bloomsburg Fairgrounds. Each year in late September for the past 153 years visitors from all over the country and internationally come to Bloomsburg to enjoy the fair. One of the largest fairs in the state, there are nearly a half million visitors that now enjoy the big name entertainment, rides, concessions, and great food! The fairground also hosts various other events throughout the year including the Builder's Show, RV Show, and the Off Road Truck Jamboree.

On the end of Main Street, perched on the top of College Hill are Carver Hall and the entrance to Bloomsburg University. The university adjoins the downtown and is a wonderful contribution to the community.

Bloomsburg is beautiful any time of the year, in the hot humid summer, when the ground is blanketed with snow in the winter, as the flowers are blooming in the spring, and most of all, now in the fall, as the seasons change and the foliage is brilliant! If you are considering a move to a small town that has many of the amenities of a metropolitan area, you may want to consider Bloomsburg...a lovely little town!

Is a Blogger the Market Authority? Here We Go Again!

Wed, 17 Oct 2007 00:18:44 -0700

Tonight as I was relaxing and reading the latest posts on AR I heard the upcoming introduction on Nightline. As I heard tonight's subject, "The Biggest Risk...The Government Gives Its Starkest Warning Yet..The Housing Crisis is Dire and Far From Over! "all my attention was focused on the television.

Cynthia McFadden introduced another story about our industry. Since bad news is what the media likes to report, I wasn't surprised, but was hoping for the best! I suppose the media has exhausted all of the credible sources they could interview the past several months as they reported the real estate doom and gloom, so it was no surprise their story tonight was created around someone that had no real estate experience or knowledge at all!

Nighline's report began by stating that today was the clearest indication yet that the government knows how bad the housing crisis is and that the treasury secretary called the slump in residential real estate "the most significant current risk to our economy". It is also expected that tomorrow the mortgage bankers association should report that the housing sector will not bottom out until the middle of next year and that buyers, sellers, builders, brokers, and more will be hurting.

Instead of interviewing real estate professionals, economists, or other knowledgeable people, they created a story based on the thoughts and beliefs of a blogger (not a real estate expert) who is a number cruncher from San Francisco who said he saw it coming.

This self proclaimed self styled real estate guru stated that it was possible prices could fall 50% where one could lose half the value of their real estate. He thinks real estate is a bad investment most of the time, and says that there are a lot of great statistics that prove that real estate is not a good investment and that the stock market has greater gains in the past 30 years than real estate. He is not a REALTOR, real estate investor, or economist. He is a computer programmer and a bubble blogger, and I am trying to figure out what gave him the right to mislead the public on national television! Shame on Nightline! Even when asked about the appreciation in his neighborhood, he continued to deny the fact that real estate is a good investment. Finally it is disclosed that he tried to purchase a home in 1999 but was outbid, angry and convinced that the system was fixed and real estate agents are dishonest and that they play on emotion, fear, and greed. He was obviously a casualty of a multiple offer situation that he probably didn't understand. There was even a statement made that "its real estate Armageddon out there." When asked if he avoids positive news he said, "Positive news comes from people who are trying to take your money. " Finally toward the end of the segment they interviewed a business school professor who disagreed with the blogger, but of course, many minds were already wondering! Last they interviewed a consumer who had outgrown her current home and was considering purchasing a home, but she stated that she decided not to buy after reading what the blogger had written. She felt that since the blogger was not in the real estate industry he was unbiased and that made it more believable. Give me a break! Was he unbiased or uneducated and misinformed?

Sure the real estate market is not what it was only a couple of years ago, but as it has always been, it is a cycle. Some years the market is on the upside, and some years it takes a downward turn. This is not the end of the real estate industry as we know it...it is a changing market, and I wish the media would stop trying to instill "PANIC" in our society and only rely on those who know the facts!

Visit Our Annual 153rd Bloomsburg, PA Fair

Thu, 27 Sep 2007 00:16:44 -0700

Late September of each and every year the town of Bloomburg has many visitors. Home to Bloomsburg University, this quaint college town is transformed into a popular tourist attraction with an abundance of traffic resembling a metropolitan area and local lodging accommodations filled to capacity. This year from September 22^nd through September 29^th you can again enjoy the awesome Bloomsburg Fair. Daily attendance is usually anywhere from 30,000 to 100,000, depending on the day and the weather. Local resident's habits and lifestyles change for that special week. Bloomsburg and Central Columbia School Districts both have school vacations for the entire week, while some surrounding schools have one or two days off to enjoy the fair as well. Started in 1855 as primarily an agricultural fair, it has grown in size consistently year after year. This year on the grandstand are many headliners including Josh Gracin with Josh Turner, Bill Engvall, The Oakridge Boys, Gretchen Wilson, Creedence Clearwater Revisited, Charlie Daniels & Joe Nichols, and Taylor Hicks. There are also many exciting free shows at the Band Shell and Millennium Hall including a comedy ventriloquist, Barbershoppers, an underwater escape artist, a hypnotist, high school bands, and an Elvis impersonator, to name a few. Surrounding the grandstand is a race track, which was formerly used for midget races in the early years, is currently used during fair week for horse racing events, tractor and truck pulling, and the demolition derby. Besides the wonderful shows and entertainment, there are many and items to see in the Agricultural, Arts & Crafts, Educational, Horticultural, Industrial and Millennium exhibition buildings. The children will surely enjoy the many livestock exhibits including miniature horses, a team of oxen, and a team of Belgian draft horses. Other attractions in the livestock area include border collies, agility dogs, light and heavyweight horse pulling, and the ability to get up close and personal with a calf, lamb, rabbit, horse, pig, or goat. They can also watch dairy cows being milked at the milking parlor located in the large cattle barn. A favorite spot is the dog show, one of the oldest in the country, where you can see beautiful pedigrees. When you walk down the midway, if you like to gamble, you can participate in one of many games of chance to try to win a prize. On one end of the fairgrounds is the ride area for children and adult thrill seekers, while on the other end are the kiddie rides for the small fries....Speaking of fries, you won't believe your eyes when you see all there is to eat at the fair! I'm sure the local supermarkets are empty during fair week, since local residents either leave town for a fall vacation or enjoy dinner walking around the fair. Favorites include Vince's Cheesesteaks, Moyer's Bar-B-Que, Hewletts Hot Sausage, St Mary's Potato Pancakes, Pollack's or Grotto's Pizza, Chili in a bread bowl, gyros, apple dumplings, and much, much more! A wonderful time is enjoyed by all! Make plans to visit our lovely town and take in the fair this year. To plan ahead for next year, check the web site http://www.bloomsburgfair.com/ early in 2008. We'll hope to see you then.