I've been very fortunate to have had quite a few settlements over the last few months. Sitting at one settlement in particular last week brought a very important factor to mind--a MAJOR factor in why I decided to go into real estate in the first place.

We as real estate professionals are not just selling bricks and mortar...we are selling hopes, dreams, memories and commitments that have become part of that home.

     Great real estate deals sometimes come out of unfortunate situations. There are many people losing their homes because of lost jobs and income, lost marriages--while there are other first time homebuyers; for instance, that are benefiting quite nicely by another's misfortune. Such is the way of the world, I know...

     While sitting at that settlement table last week, I looked at my buyers side of the table--so full of happiness and joy at their first home together as newlyweds...then across the table at the sellers, who were divorcing and moving out of their family's home with tears of sadness streaming down the wife's face.

     I just feel the need to remind my colleagues that we as real estate professionals have a duty to our clients to not only handle their transactions with the utmost detail and efficiency but even more important in my opinion, to respect and take into consideration any and all emotions that go along with that transaction. Be courteous and kind... your clients have put their lives in your hands and we must nurture and respect that part of their real estate transaction as well!

Faith LaRosse

Keller Williams Realty

542 N. Lewis Rd. Limerick PA

610 996-3195

www.SoldbyFaithLaRosse.com

  I just wanted to send out my heartfelt thank you to Terese Brittingham, Amity Atkins and all those that helped to make the Keller Williams Community Day in Limerick PA such a wonderful success.... I've only been a member of this office for a short time, but the effort that everyone  put into bringing together the local families has most certainly reinforced my decision to come and be a part of the Keller Williams Realty family.  This was truly an event for the community...and despite the horrible cloudy, mucky, rainy day....it was a tremendous success.  There were so many smiling (painted!) childrens faces...covered with cotton candy--enjoying all the free games and fun. In this challenging economy it's important for families to be able to find fun that doesn't cost an arm and a leg! It always warms my heart to see family's out together just having fun and that is exactly what was going on at Keller Williams Community Day in Limerick on Saturday!   Keller Williams Realty..YOU ROCK!

Faith LaRosse

When do I need to purchase to qualify?
If you buy a home between Jan. 1 and Dec. 1 this year and close escrow during these dates, you will qualify for an $8,000 tax credit - as long as it is your primary residence and you meet the simple requirements.

How does the law define "first-time homebuyer"?
The law defines "first-time homebuyer" as a buyer who has not owned a principal residence during the three-year period prior to the purchase.

What are other requirements to qualify?
All U.S. citizens who file taxes are eligible to participate. An income limit of $75,000 a year for individuals and $150,000 a year for joint filers also applies.

How do I apply for the credit?
Taxpayers should use IRS Tax Form 5450 to claim the first-time homebuyer tax credit.

Does the credit have to be repaid?
No. Unlike a similar tax credit passed in 2008, this $8,000 tax credit does not have to
be repaid to the IRS.

Can I use the tax credit toward a down payment or other closing costs?
Yes. An announcement made May 29 allows the tax credit to be used toward purchase costs of a home, including down payment in some cases. This can be done one of two ways. First, buyers using an FHA-approved lender can sell their anticipated tax credit to the lender and use the proceeds to immediately apply the tax credit to any down payment above the minimum down payment of 3.5 percent required with FHA-insured mortgages. Second, buyers who receive financing through state housing finance agencies and certain non-profits will be able to use the tax credit for their down payments via a tax credit advance loan that does not result in any cash back to the buyer. In both cases, buyers can only access the credit after filing their tax returns with the IRS.

Hurry First Time HomeBuyers....only 90 days left to use your $8000 tax credit!

Thank you to RealtyTrac for this valuable information...

While this post may not be wildly popular with the real estate community..In my opinion, it needs to be said:

 This economy has put a strain on everyone's lives; that goes without saying. But without sounding like "Susie Sunshine" here, there IS a silver lining to this recession.  It has taught all of us to do what our grandparents have always known-decide what you REALLY want and SAVE for it.  There is pure satisfaction in knowing that you just purchased that bag with your hard earned cash and you won't be paying for it month after month on your credit card.The difference between paying with cold hard cash is a tangible one as well.  Having to physically count out each bill and coin makes it pretty hard to ignore how much of your money you're actually handing over.  When signing those credit card slips you can somehow con yourself into believing that it's not really money you're spending. 

    This new outlook on spending is of course, spilling over into the real estate market.  The mortgage industry is just not as eager to squeeze you into that home that you probably shouldn't be buying anyway.  Good thing.  Buyers are home shopping with a more realistic attitude these days.  While that 5 bedroom home with all that extra space might be nice, the reality of having to heat that home down the road has taken on a more important place in the decision making.  The concept of having a Plan B in case you lose your job has become one of the deciding factors in a home purchase these days, thankfully. In years past, the idea of losing your job seemed like some fairy-tale possibility off in the distance.

   So, to you-Nasty old recession- I say, " Thank you for the reality check, we are learning to take responsibility for our actions, practicing the age-old art of saving our pennies and becoming aware of all the true waste in our lives."  Kudos to us!

All of you savvy home shoppers in the Montgomery and Berks County areas of Pennsylvania,  I'd be more than happy to help you find the home of your dreams-just give me a shout:

SoldbyFaith@aol.com

Faith

    I'd written a blog some time back about a really fun exhibit that I'd seen at Pottstown's Community Days.  It is called Reflections of World War II.  It is a large trailer/vehicle that has been converted into the "Home" of a typical family during WWII; from an old icebox, and nostalgic music on the radio to the exact bedroom with chenille bedspread that my own grandparents had, back in the day!   The people that "live" in the exhibit are all dressed in the garb of the day...They are true history lovers and are there to make the experience truly real for you and your family.  I wanted to include their calendar of events so during the course of this Summer of high gas prices- you might be able to have some fun during what many families are calling their STAY-CATIONS!

If anyone would like any more information about this unique exhibit; I've included their website below the calendar of events...ENJOY!

CALENDAR OF EVENTS:

August 2 Sunnybrook Dance, Pottstown, Harry James Orchestra

August 10 Let's Dance Orchestra, Gring's Mill, Reading, 6:00pm to 8:00pm

Aug 16/17 "EAA Chapter 122 Salutes Our Veterans" Waggoners United Methodist Church, Carlisle, Pa. 
Free supper for re-enactors on Saturday and Sunday Morning Brunch.  Dance on Saturday $8.00 per person $15.00 per couple.

August 16 Ice Cream Social at Lititz Springs Park, Lititz with the Moonlighters' from 6:00pm to 8:00pm

Sept 6  Sunnybrook Dance, Pottstown, Walt Wagner band

Sept 20 Sunnybrook Dance,
Pottstown, The Boilermakers

Sept 27 Community Days at Pottstown Airport, Pottstown 9:00am to 3:00pm

Oct 25  Sunnybrook Dance, Pottstown Halloween Party

Nov 8/9 Troops and Trains, Strasburg MORE INFO TO FOLLOW

Nov 15  Sunnybrook Dance, Pottstown, Swing Fever Dance Band (This is their dinner/dance) MORE TO FOLLOW

Dec 13 Christmas in the Air, Reading Regional Airport, Reading (MORE INFO TO FOLLOW)

http://www.geocities.com/reflectionsofww2/re-enactors.html

Coldwell Banker Hearthside

350 W. Main Street, Collegevile, PA  19426 Office: 610 489-7700 

 My Cell: 610 996-3195

OPEN HOUSE

Sunday July 20 1:00 to 3:00PM

502 Lemon Street, Stowe, PA

MLS # 5381366

NO HIGH HEATING OIL costs for you this Winter When You Make this  YOUR NEW HOME...It is affordable electric heat.

This well kept end unit in Pottsgrove School District has beautifully restored original hardwood floors in the living room as well as the stairs, new hardwood laminate in kitchen/diningroom and new carpeting throughout the upstairs. Three bedrooms with plenty of closet space.  One car garage and off street parking as well.   This home has been very well cared for and is ready for it's new owners.  Won't last long at this price....$149,000

Stop by and see for yourself!

Directions:  West on High Street to Grosstown Rd. Turn right onto Grosstown and proceed to Monroe St. turn right follow to Lemon St. Turn left and proceed aprox 4 blocks to 502 Lemon on right.

Coldwell Banker Hearthside

350 W. Main Street, Collegevile, PA  19426 Office: 610 489-7700 

 My Cell: 610 996-3195

 This well kept ready to move in end unit has affordable electric baseboard heat! Surprisingly spacious with nearby public transportation, no condo fees--what more could you ask for?  3 bedrooms with ample closet space, 1.5 baths and basement with single garage and plenty of off street parking.  This is an affordable, clean and well cared for home that won't last long at the price!  Why not call to schedule your showing today?

MLS #5381366 502 Lemon Street, Stowe PA   $149,000

For more pictures: http://www.vflyer.com/home/flyer/mls/home/1750159

Coldwell Banker Hearthside

350 W. Main Street, Collegevile, PA  19426 Office: 610 489-7700 

 My Cell: 610 996-3195

Let me start my photo show of our soggy, yet very exciting beginning to the 4th of July festivites; the traditional parade!  These two very attractive people above are my daughter, Megan  and my grandson, Ashton under the required umbrella awaiting the beginning of the parade. Although, it wasn't quite the same with the steady rainfall...I have to say the beautiful array of umbrellas did add a unique look to the day!

How about this contraption?  We couldn't tell if it was a motorcycle or a car! Personally, I think it looks like a new age Batmobile!

I wish you could see the detail alittle better in this picture...These are all mini-versions of work vehicles; a tractor, cement mixer and there's also a mini-tractor trailer... They called it their Big Toys on Parade!

These people had too much fun, I'm telling ya!

I watched this man get on and off this bike with no effort whatsoever... he was absolutely amazing!

What would a 4th of July celebration be without Uncle Sam?  At the end of the parade, you could shake hands with Uncle Sam and the kids would get a flag from him down at the festivites at the Memorial Park just down the street.

I hope everyone's holiday was as wonderful as mine! I feel sincerely blessed and grateful for everyone at the Parks and Recreation department and all the other people that made our somewhat soggy holiday a great one!  They even managed to pull off the fireworks after hours of rainfall--Awesome event everyone!

 30 Years Pottstown has been celebrating the 4th of July like it's supposed to be!

I must say that the residents in and around the Pottstown area are one very lucky bunch during the 4th of July Holiday.  To me, it has come as second nature, a celebration that has been here for most of my life.  But, as time rolls on, I've come to realize that not every town is fortunate enough to have such a wonderful tradition to look forward to.  As a matter of fact, in speaking with many friends from around the country, very few towns have the type of camaraderie of this special holiday and there are many people that travel miles to join our hometown tradition.  Many, many thanks are due to the hard work and dedication of the Pottstown Parks and Recreation department  as well as the many donations from our residents and friends. 

The 4th of July holiday brings the opportunity to get out and have some good ol' fashioned fun and run into friends, family and school mates that you probably haven't seen in ages--at least since you bumped into them last 4th of July!  The excitement kicks off with a car show and a flea market prior to the 4th and the day is ushered in by - what else- a parade.  Not just any parade, one that has just about everyone, young and old is seated in their lawn chairs along High Street to watch the innovative and funny floats, the many bands and community groups, schools and of course our 4th of July Homecoming Queen (who was elected at the festivities the evening before) all go by, proudly.  The excitement follows the parade into Memorial Park where you can get just about any type of food your little heart can imagine.  There you can watch hot air balloons take off, baby contests...oops did I forget the fireworks?  Sound like fun?  Anyone in the area-please stop in and help enjoy our 4th of July holiday fun. You may decide to make it YOUR new Independence Day tradition, too!

 Here is the schedule, just in case you might like to join us!

For more information about the 4th of July in Pottstown here is the official website: http://www.pottstownjuly4th.org/index.htm

Faith LaRosse
Coldwell Banker Hearthside Realtors
350 W. Main Street, Collegeville, PA 19426
cell: 610 996-3195
office: 610 489-7700 ext: 3607
www.FaithLaRosse.com SoldbyFaith@aol.com

The Homeownership Initiative Program in Pottstown just got a healthy jolt--IT DOUBLED! This time it's in your favor, Mr. (and Miss-don't want to leave anyone out!) and Mrs. Homebuyer in Pottstown!  Usually, we're dreading gas prices, taxes, food prices etc. doubling and we all know what it feels like when those prices are doubling by leaps and bounds these days. But this time you're receiving - not giving!

 This program began several years ago with money that was received through the Montgomery County Revitalization Fund.  It's purpose is to provide forgiveable loans to new homebuyers in Pottstown to make improvements to their homes.  The original program was set up for a single residence to have a $5000 maximum available.  That limit has just jumped to $10,000.  How great is that? The program was also created to try and encourage the conversion of Pottstown's many multi-unit properties back into single family homes.  Originally there was a $5000 limit per unit removed-that has just doubled for the first unit to $10,000 and remained at $5000 for each additional unit.

The new guidelines apply to all applications made on or after July 1 for any property located in the boundary area and purchased on or after July 1, 2007. As of this time, the program has been extended through Feb 1, 2010. 

Sounds pretty good, doesn't it?  For more details on Pottstown's Homeownership Initiative Program you can visit  http://www.pottstown.org/economic-Information.htm

Faith LaRosse
Coldwell Banker Diamond Realtors
350 W. Main Street, Collegeville, PA 19426
cell: 610 996-3195
office: 610 489-7700 ext: 3607
www.FaithLaRosse.com SoldbyFaith@aol.com