Rate lock advisory 2/26/08 - 02/26/08 01:04 PM
Rate Lock Advisory - Tuesday Feb. 26th Tuesday's bond market has opened in negative territory following stronger than expected inflation related readings. The stock markets are currently showing gains after opening with losses. The Dow is now up 80 points while the Nasdaq has gained 20 points. The bond market is currently up 5/32, but we will still see an increase of approximately .250 of a discount point in this morning's mortgage rates due to weakness in trading late yesterday.The Labor Department reported early this morning that their Producer Price Index (PPI) for January rose 1.0% and that the core data … (1 comments)

No more stone chips on your new car...The new rage Paint Protection Film - 02/25/08 06:37 PM
I just have to give Paint Protection Film a plug! 
If baby your car, like many in the business do???!  There's this excellent film now that is pre-cut for just about every make of car.  You can either install it yourself or have it installed for you.  I am having some pieces custom cut for my Jeep Wrangler where it is getting hit by cinders.  The price is really reasonable.  Where has this stuff been all my life???? 
They have a film BRA for about every make car.
Find an authorized installer http://solutions.3m.com/wps/portal/3M/en_US/Scotchgard-PPF/Home/For_the/Consumer/
For the pieces to install yourself http://www.xpel.com/ (this is one of … (2 comments)

Destruction of foreclosed homes, NO repairs will be made! - 02/25/08 12:42 PM
A young single mother customer of mine came across a foreclosure listing...Now she stays away from them.
The bank/seller is OBVIOUSLY NOT A FAN OF HOME STAGING!  The MLS said "Inspections allowed but no repairs will be made".   The house was a mess.
The previous owners removed the sinks, water heater AND heater, and all appliances.  As a buyer looking for 100% financing she was planning on having these items financed in the mortgage.  Obviously, she doesn't have the cash to fix it up. 
Who wants to buy a property like that and do the previous owners really make anything off a used sink?! 
Christine Bell 
… (7 comments)

Is an earnest money deposit important? What would you do? - 02/23/08 10:14 AM
I just received an offer on a property I am selling that is located at the beach (ie it is not a $50,000 fixer upper :)) .   The buyers refuse to put more than $1,000 down.  The other terms we have worked out are agreeable, not great, but in this market, reasonable.
The buyer's agent said these buyers have never had to put more than $1,000 down, that is why they are sticking to it. 
The sales contract does not have a clause that the deposit is all I am entitled to as liquidated damages if they default.  So legally, I guess … (3 comments)

The cost of owning property in a Historic District - 02/20/08 03:06 PM
Bethlehem PA has the first historic district that was created in Pennsylvania.  The rules there are similar to other historic districts from when I've gathered.
1-any plans to change the exterior facade of the home, that is visible from any street or public accessway, must be approved by HARB (Historic and Architectural Review Board)
2-HARB meets once a month, so you can not rush things.  You must present drawing, plans, specs, a list of contractors (who must obtain a license) and a fee to obtain a permit to have work done on your property.  Plan on having an architect prepare the paperwork for you … (0 comments)

The new Jumbo limits...They don't help Pennsylvania - 02/20/08 09:55 AM
The stimulus plan that increased the Jumbo loan limits has left a lot of open questions.  Would it help the people in expensive areas such as Bucks, Center City Philadelphia,   and Southern Chester County?  How about the slow beach home market in Sussex County Delaware?  It seems the definite answer is no.   No the the entire state of PA. 
This is not the best of news for many in the business who were counting on this to help the market (stimulus=stimulate the market here too).  And for the homeowners who were hoping to refinance to a lower rate, they are have to be disappointed … (3 comments)

How do you find foreclosures, short sales, or sheriff sales before they are listed - 02/15/08 04:49 PM
A customer of mine is having a difficult time locating a high end home in the Lehigh Valley area.  The average home there seems to be about $200,000.  There are very few homes over $500,000.  Could his market be enhanced by locating homes that are about to go in foreclosure?
I know companies charge fees to provide lists of these types of distressed properties.  Lucky for those companies this information is not readily available...or...is it?
… (4 comments)

Why do rates keep climbing and what to do about it - 02/15/08 07:28 AM
Rates hit 5.25% for ONLY 5 HOURS 3 weeks ago.  The phones were ringing off the hook, yet everyone decided to wait for 5%, something they heard in the media.
They have climbed steadily since that 5 hour window and are now 6%.
First...I've been doing this for 13 years and have seen so many people lose money because they were betting on the market.  Yes, you lose money for your family, when you could have locked in at 5.25% and refinanced a 6.875% mortgage.  Maybe their payment would have dropped $150, maybe $400 if they had a larger loan balance.  Now that opportunity … (4 comments)

Snowed in...How are you spending your day? - 02/13/08 09:09 AM
It's a sheet of ice outside...Business's are closed.  I have 2 pre-teens and their school was cancelled today.   I would like to clean this mess off my desk today.  There are various piles.  Since people are home, maybe they will use this time to shop for a mortgage or real estate.
Enjoy your day! 
 
… (9 comments)

Buying an old house - In depth mold testing - Inside walls necessary? - 02/12/08 01:48 PM
When looking at an old home, that has experienced roof leaks and other leaks since it was built in 1875, I'd like to test for mold.
Hey Realtor folks: I am surprised there is no standard contingency for mold insp. on the sales contract...whoops, I see it, it is mentioned under home inspections, along with water penetration.  Yet no inspectors I called offer these tests.  I had to call speciality places for mold testing, and Servpro for the camera to do water penetration photos. 
Is it worthwhile to have an INFRARED camera brought in to inspect the wall cavities for moisture?  I … (19 comments)

Rehoboth Beach House for rent for your summer vacation - 02/12/08 11:08 AM
… (1 comments)

8% of sub primes helped so far. How to get help. - 02/09/08 08:13 AM
545,000 families have received help so far with their sub prime mortgages to save them from foreclosure.
A group of lenders (BofA, Citi, WAMU, Wells Fargo, and many more), investors and non profit groups call themselves "Hope Now". 
150,000 of the families received permanent loan modifications and the balance of them renegotiated their payment plans to help them get back on track after missing a few payments.
To get help click here
Servicers and lenders participating
AssurantAurora Loan Services Avelo MortgageBank of America Carrington Mortgage Services Citigroup, Inc. Countrywide EMC MortgageFannie Mae First Horizon Home Loans and First Tennessee Home Loans Freddie Mac GMAC ResCap Home Loan … (4 comments)

How to get your rebate check for the stimulus plan - 02/09/08 08:05 AM
After you file a 1040 or 1040 EZ for 2007, your rebate check will be on its way.  If you are not normally required to file a return, you need to file one to obtain the rebate.
You will receive your check in May if you file your 07 return by April 15.  If you file late, you will receive the check later in the year. 
You will receive $600 per person plus $300 per child if you are below the AGI threshold.
For more info click here
 
… (8 comments)

Mortgage Broker or Direct Lender, broker vs. bank for mortgage - 02/08/08 08:42 AM
My marketing manager showed me this website yesterday...
You may have already seen this, or like me you may be shocked...Looked how many big lenders have fallen by the wayside.  When they fall, your broker who was placing a loan with them can send your loan to another bank.  or, when they fall, suddenly - in my experience, what happens to the files they were working on for customers who chose a direct lender instead of a good mortgage broker? 
http://ml-implode.com/
There are two types of mortgage brokers...good and bad.  The good ones care about their customer and ensure that customer provides referrals and repeat business after … (3 comments)

Best and worst Valentine's Gifts!!! - 02/07/08 07:34 AM
Hey everyone,
Valentine's Day is Thursday.   Here is the start of a list of some good gift ideas and some not-so-good ideas for your loved one.  Feel free to add.  I can use some ideas.
Good: 
Gift Certificate for a Massage at a nice place  comfy pajamas, silk etcNot so Good:
Lingerie (lol that's really for the guy)Household items (vacuums, etc)Gas station or store bought flowers (seems like a last minute idea at the checkout)Gym membership (oh my) 
… (7 comments)

Absentee condo board at beach house. - 02/06/08 01:21 PM
I have a client who is trying to sell a beach condo in Delaware.  The condo dues went like this from the time they bought:
2004: $2000 per year2005: $2,220 per year2006: $3,000 per year (after HOA takes over from builder)2007: 3,600 per year
The average dues in the area are about $2,220 per year.  The condo board, like the other owners, are ALL investors who rent or 2nd home owners, so they are physically absent.  The vendors are unsupervised and hence don't do a good job but still get paid.  A management company can't run a place as good as an owner would there overseeing … (0 comments)

Man and Wife - 02/04/08 06:24 PM
 
MAN AND WIFEA man left from work one Friday afternoon. But, instead of going home, he stayed out the entire week-end hunting with the boys and spending his entire paycheck. When he finally appeared at home, Sunday night, he was confronted by his very angry wife and was barraged for nearly two hours with a tirade of his actions.Finally his wife stopped the nagging and simply said to him. "How would you like it if you didn't see me for two or three days?" To which he replied: "That would be fine with me."Monday went by and he didn't see his … (6 comments)

The Wyndcroft School, a fine private school located in Pottstown, PA - 02/04/08 11:44 AM
My daughters have attended the school since age 3 in 1998.  I could not be happier with the school and how safe, informed, and well-rounded, and confident my daughters are.  They are leaders.  If anyone is considering this school, you should know it is worth every cent and I think one of the best things you can give to your children.  I have been monitoring how their peers are doing in public school and there is a world of difference.  At Wyndcroft, they grow up slower, are exposed to less of the bad stuff, and the teachers are very in tuned and concerned … (6 comments)

Are old houses a mistake to buy? - 02/04/08 11:25 AM
I really want to buy a house in Historic Bethlehem.  The problem is there are 2 houses on the market.  One is $200,000 overpriced (what is the agent thinking listing it for $800k when comps from the peak of the market sold at $650k?) and the other one has not been updated ever.
Help.  This Victorian House was built in 1875.  It is overpriced too, but not like the other one.   It has the original hardwood floors.  There are gaps between the boards, so it all needs to be redone.  The 1st floor and grounds are beautiful!  The 2nd floor has crooked floors and … (16 comments)

A skiing addict going through withdrawls - 02/03/08 07:31 PM
I grew up in the Pocono's and worked at Camelback while in College, 1986-.  The pay wasn't good but I got to ski for free, which is why I took the job.  Every winter since then, to not get the doldrums of being inside all the time, I looked forward to skiing as much as possible.  I taught my daughters to ski, starting at age 3.  By age 5 they were solid blue square skiers.  The past few years, I find myself havingto go out west or to Canada to get reliable snow and good conditions.  It's getting to be too … (0 comments)

Making ancillary income from a website - 02/03/08 08:43 AM
I am looking for some ideas.  I have a website and I would like to run some ads on it.  I signed up for Google Adsense, and filtered out competitor ads so now there are ads from companies who will not take my customers away.  I just signed up for this last week so I am not sure how much income it will generate.   The quality of ads that they are putting on there aren't   so good.  I would like to see more specific ads from realtors, for example instead of no name third world companies.  For example, this page with PA … (2 comments)

 
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Christine Thierry, CRMS

Bethlehem, PA

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Allegiance Mortgage Services

Address: 258 East Market St, Bethlehem, PA

Office Phone: 866577PENN

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