Brigita's Blog

See the Christmas Sights With a Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 06:17:23 -0600

'Tis the Christmas season and you keep singing "Jingle Bells". You would love to experience a horse-drawn carriage ride, hear the clip clop of the horses hooves and see the Christmas lights without the confines of a car.

The Lehigh Valley offers several different horse-drawn carriage rides.

For the first-time this year, you can enjoy the Lights in the Parkway in Allentown on a horse-drawn carriage ride.

Or, how about carriage rides through the historic area of downtown Bethlehem. Enjoy the traditional white Christmas lights, the sound of carols and the sound of hoofbeats on Bethlehem's historic city streets.

Easton offers 20 minute horse-drawn carriage rides through it's city streets and through the center square for a Victorian Christmas. Carolers dressed in Victorian garb will sing in front of shops and restaurants along the route.

Rather have a ride through the woods instead of the city streets? Don't fret! There's also a ride for you. Flint Hill Farm in Coopersburg offers "Lights in the Woods" horse-drawn hay wagon rides along the decorated and lit fences of the farm. As you hear the clip clop of the horse's hooves, you start singing "Jingle Bells". At the end of the ride, you can warm up by the bonfire and even toast some marshmallows.

No matter which way you go, through city streets, lights on the parkway, or through the woods, it will truly be a memorable Christmas experience in the Lehigh Valley. Remember to dress warm for it, though.

Wordless Wednesday - A View of the Lehigh Valley in Pennsylvania from Nazareth's Indian Tower

Wed, 16 Dec 2009 15:55:13 -0600

Five Common First-Time Home Buyer Mistakes

Wed, 16 Dec 2009 09:48:12 -0600

First time home buyers are usually fearful of purchasing their first home. It is a big investment of a lifetime.

To help them get over the fears, here are 5 common First-Time home buyer mistakes to help their transaction go smoothly.

•1. They don't ask enough questions of their lender and miss out on the best deal.

•2. They don't act quickly enough to make a decision and someone else buys the house.

•3. They don't find the right real estate professional who is willing to help them through the homebuying process. They usually go with the first one they meet instead of interviewing a few.

•4. They don't do enough to make their offer look good to a seller.

•5. They don't think about resale before they buy. The average first-time buyer only stays in a home for four years.

Anyone Interested Purchasing a Horse for Christmas?? Many Horses Available At Very Low Prices

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 16:26:01 -0600

I received another e-mail in regards to horses needing homes. These horses were sold to a kill pen, but are good horses. If anyone would like to give a horse to someone for Christmas, contact the person below about them. These horses are at very low prices and need homes desperately. They will be shipped on Sunday night, December 13th, 2009.

From: Amy Butewicz <albutewicz@gmail.com>

Date: Thu, 10 Dec 2009 00:32:36 -0500　

Subject: Camelot 12/9- 28 horses in kill pen!!!　

Camelot December 9th

Horses sold to #10 kill pen

Please add $50-$75 additional to price

Horse to SHIP ON SUNDAY NIGHT DEC 13th!!!

#416 4 yo bay mare with star, large pony rode thru English, cute & quiet $150　

#415 7-8 yo chocolate w flaxen mane and tail small pony mare, rode thru English, cute quiet hunter type with a floaty trot, just adorable $150

#429 2002 big dark bay American warmblood mare, papered, rode thru Western, broke, said to ride English & Western, trail ridden, sound, gorgeous quality mare $500

#454 13 yo bay w star STB gelding, not ridden in 5 years, rode thru Western, seemed nervous in sale ring but overall good looking and rode sound $250　

#412 5 yo dapple rose grey TB mare, rode thru English, tall thin mare could use some weight but quality breeding and a cute gorgeous hunter-type mare $150　

#423 Chestnut TB mare with big blaze, rode thru Western, broke, cute hunter-type face $475　

#417 4 yo jenny walk-thru　

#467 11 yo Appendix black w blaze gelding, ridden thru Western in a tie- down and broke but "not for a kid", good-looking horse $275　

#452 Chestnut w/ star gaited TWH gelding, rode Western, showy gaited smooth ride, broke, trotted, seems sweet $335

#433 6 yo bay with roaning Appaloosa mare, papered, rode Western $150　

#422 4 yo Appaloosa/TB cross black mare, rode Western, 45 days training under saddle $225　

#426 12 yo dark bay with big blaze mare, rode Western, quiet ride, nice sweet mare $375　

#430 Lame chestnut Saddlebred gelding walked thru $350　

#437 TB or STB gray mare walk-thru $350　

#428 Aged Belgian gelding with big blaze rode thru bareback, on the thin side, big sweet horse $200　

#442 6 yo TB or STB chestnut mare, sweet look, walk thru $300　

#431 6 yo bay mare rode Western, broke, cute mare $350

#445 5 yo Arabian mare, bay with white star, walk-thru, not ridden/broke, said to be from "Wayne Newton's ranch", sweet face $135　

#424 10 yo Saddlebred chestnut gelding, flashy and fancy mover, high step floaty trot, a sweet gentleman $275　

#439 7 yo TB chestnut with star gelding, walk-thru $375　

#447 5 yo bay w star and snip Arabian mare, walk-thru $150

#446 Dark bay Arabian mare with star, walk-thru $150　

#419 2003 black Percheron mare, papered, rode Western, slow, quiet, rides and drives, absolutely adorable mare $450　

#438 Aged dk bay w star STB mare walk-thru $150　

#440 Aged dk bay STB mare walk-thru $385　

#441 11 yo dead lame aged STB bay mare $100　

#443 7 yo bay STB gelding, raced in Freehold, money-maker according to papers $285　

#421 9-10 yo Belgian mare, ridden Western, cute sweet mare $300

Contact the above mentioned person about these horses, not me.

Brigita McKelvie, REALTOR, e-PRO, GRI

PA License #RS 297130

Keller Williams Real Estate, Bethlehem, PA

Horse in Need of Home. . . . . .

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 16:06:25 -0600

Earlier today I received this e-mail. If anyone can help the owner find a home for this Arabian gelding, it will be greatly appreciated. Feel free to pass this on.

From: elizabeth ledger [mailto:blueridge_mountain@yahoo.com]

Sent: Tuesday, December 01, 2009 12:06 PM

To:

Subject: Arabian gelding

I am hoping you can help my Arabian gelding. He's an amazing horse, with presence and so much heart. I love him dearly, and never imagined I would be in this situation. I am divorced and facing bankruptcy. I've sold everything I could to pay his board...and no longer have anything left to sell or trade. I've tried to find him a home, but because he isn't a beginner kid horse, I can't find a home. I have even offered to give him away, but no one wants him. I have tried to offer him as a pasture mate, still no offers. I don't have any place to keep him, and the property owners of the farm where he now is have called saying "get your horse out of here now"! I am afraid and upset and don't have any ideas left. My number is 540-230-0237. If you know anyone who would be interested please please let them have my number. He's amazing, sound, jumps, will trail ride all day without loosing heart, loves people, has great ground manners, soft in your hand and flashy!

Please would you consider helping him?

Thank you so much for reading this,

Liz Ledger

Contact the owner for more information, not me.

Brigita McKelvie, REALTOR, e-PRO, GRI

PA License #RS 297130

Keller Williams Real Estate, Bethlehem, PA

Christmas Peace Pilgrimage in the Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 06:38:22 -0600

Saturday, December 12, 2009, Lehigh Valley residents will walk from Nazareth to Bethlehem in a 10 mile trek representing the journey of Mary and Joseph.

The Christmas Peace Pilgrimage is sponsored by the Lehigh County Conference of Churches.

The pilgrimage will start at the parking lot at 520 E. Broad St. in Bethlehem before 10:45AM. Buses at this time will shuttle the walkers to the starting point at Nazareth Moravian Church in Center Square.

The pilgrimage will travel down Route 191. Anyone can join in the walk at any point. Support vehicles will be on hand to assist those that are not able to walk the entire route.

The arrival time is expected to be around 5:30PM at the Christ United Church of Christ at Market and Center Streets in Bethlehem. Here participants will have a light meal and hear a talk by Rev. James A. Forbes Jr. He is the President and found of the Healing of the Nations Foundation of New York and Senior Minister Emeritus of the Riverside Church.

Click here for more information.

Brigita McKelvie, REALTOR, e-PRO, GRI

Residential, Rural and Horse Properties and Farms

PA License #RS 297130

Keller Williams Real Estate

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

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 06:22:35 -0600

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

November, 2009	Parkland Area School District, Pennsylvania	Northwestern Lehigh School District, Pennsylvania
Number of Sales	51	12
Average Price	$237,000	$239,000
Median Sales Price	$210,000	$227,000
Active Listings (homes that are for sale)	74	9
New Listings	78	9
Pending Sales	13	6

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.

Brigita McKelvie, REALTOR, e-PRO, GRI

Residential, Rural and Horse Properties and Farms

PA License #RS 297130

Keller Williams Real Estate, Bethlehem, PA

Here's What's Happening in Pen Argyl and Bangor Area School Districts in Pennsylvania for November 2009

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 06:16:08 -0600

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

November, 2009	Pen Argyl Area School District, Pennsylvania	Bangor Area School District, Pennsylvania
Number of Sales	7	25
Average Price	$191,000	$166,000
Median Sales Price	$223,000	$168,000
Active Listings (homes that are for sale)	16	31
New Listings	20	36
Pending Sales	3	10

Recommendation:

Brigita McKelvie, REALTOR, e-PRO, GRI

Residential, Rural and Horse Properties and Farms

License #RS 297130

Keller Williams Real Estate, Bethlehem, PA

Here's What's Happening in the Nazareth and Northampton Area School Districts in Pennsylvania for November 2009

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 06:08:39 -0600

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

November, 2009	Nazareth Area School District, Pennsylvania	Northampton Area School District, Pennsylvania
Number of Sales	18	35
Average Price	$240,000	$190,000
Median Sales Price	$217,000	$159,000
Active Listings (homes that are for sale)	19	51
New Listings	21	51
Pending Sales	14	14

Recommendation:

Brigita McKelvie, REALTOR, e-PRO, GRI

PA License #RS297130

Keller Williams Real Estate, Bethlehem, PA

Another Milestone For Me On Active Rain!

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 05:58:11 -0600

Wow! I have just hit another milestone of 200,000 points here on Active Rain! When I first started out blogging, I never thought I would hit this many points. I couldn't even imagine it at the time.

Here I am, now, working on my next 100,000 to get to 300,000 points.

Two and a half years ago when I started blogging, I had no idea where to start, what to blog about and didn't blog very often. As the weeks and months went by, and reading others posts and learning more about blogging, I realized that it was to my advantage to blog as much as possible. (I aim for at least one per day.) The more posts on your blog, the better.

Of course the posts should be of quality to attract readers. The more interesting the post, the more readers will be attracted to it. The more readers attracted, the better for your business.

Here are a couple of examples:

I attended a networking function and a lady approached me stating: "I know you!" Looking at her, I had no clue who she was. She then continued "I read your blogs all the time. It is great to finally meet you in person." Wow!!

Another example is that blogging has helped place me on page one on the SEO rankings. I was at a horse show and was speaking to a couple of parents. The conversation eventually turned toward real estate (I wonder how that happened?!?). Before departing, I offered my business card. The parents did not take it. Why?? They said they are able to find me online very easily and enjoy reading my posts. (Another WOW!!)

So, those of you that are not blogging for business, think twice about it. Start 2010 with increasing your online presence. If you want to increase your business, blogging will help you online. It may be slow at first, but once you get started, it will flow.

Brigita McKelvie, REALTOR, e-PRO, GRI

Residential, Rural and Horse Properties and Farms

PA License #RS297130

Keller Williams Real Estate, Bethlehem, PA

Wordless Wednesday - First Snow in Nazareth, Pennsylvania

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 06:42:47 -0600

Market Update for the Lehigh Valley in Pennsylvania for November 2009

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 06:35:32 -0600

The Lehigh Valley Association of REALTORS just released the statistics for the Market Update for November 2009. There is great news!

The number of sales for November 2009 increased by 12.8% with 606 sales, up from 537 sales in October 2009.

The average sales price remained the same for November 2009 at $190,000 as compared to October 2009.

The median sales price fpr November 2009 was recorded at $175,000, which is an increase compared to October 2009 with a median price of $173,000.

The average market time for properties sold during November 2009 stayed the same as compared to October 2009 at 78 days.

New construction also saw an increase in sales with 13 sold in November 2009 as compared to 10 in October 2009. The average sales price of newly constructed homes with 4 bedrooms and 2 1/2 baths is $354,000 in November 2009 down from $451,000 in October 2009. The median price of new construction in November 2009 is $368,000 where in October 2009 it was $410,000.

November Sales Distribution

Sale Price                               Number of Sales
under $70,000                                38
$70,001 - $100,000                         47
$100,001 - $150,000                      145
$150,001 - $200,000                      153
$200,001 - $250,000                      107
$250,001 - $300,000                       61
$300,001 - $350,000                       24
$350,001 - $400,000                       16
$400,001 - $450,000                       10
$450,001 - $500,000                         3
$500,001 - $600,000                         1
$600,001 - $700,000                         1
$700,001 - $800,000                         0
$800,001 and above                          0

Christmas Candlelight Walking Tour In Nazareth, Pennsylvania 2009

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 06:52:33 -0600

Saturday, December 12, 2009, Nazareth will have it's annual Candlelight Walking Tour. It will be held from 7PM until 10PM.

This tour will be led by costumed guides and will visit 6 different sites in Nazareth.

Some of the activities will be Santa Claus reading "The Night Before Christmas" at the Nazareth Public Library, historic versions of a Moravian Christmas Eve Lovefeast at the Nazareth Moravian Curch, music and dances at Nazareth Borough Hall and Holy Family Catholic Church and Nazareth history and music at the Whitefield House. Some sites will offer refreshments.

Tickets can be purchased in advance at the Library of Hall Square Craft Shop for $10 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under. The proceeds benefit the Moravian Historical Society.

Come on out for a nice evening of old fashioned celebration of Christmas. It will be fun for all ages.

It's A Great Time to Buy a Home!!

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 06:18:13 -0600

It's a great time to buy a home!

The interest rates are at an all time low, prices of homes are affordable, and you get money back for purchasing a home (if you qualify).

Who wouldn't want to buy now with incentives like these?

So you say you are waiting for the market to bottom out. How will you know when that will happen?

I don't think anyone really will know when the market will bottom out. Once the interest rates begin to increase and the prices of homes are on the rise, it will be too late. At that point, the opportunity will be missed.

Could it be that you are unsure about your employment and you are holding out because of that? Everyone pays for a roof over their heads. Why not have the money work for you instead of giving it to someone else to profit from it? Purchase a home and have mortgage payments that would be the same as your current monthly rent. A local lender can assist you with this to determine the right plan for you to purchase a home.

There are many homes to choose from in many price ranges. I'm sure there is a home there just right for you.

So, don't wait until you missed the boat. These incentives for purchasing a home may not be around again for a long time. Take advantage of it now. Contact a knowledgeable real estate professional to help you.

Let's find that home that is right for you!

Funny Friday - The 12 "Most Important" Things You Need to Know If You Own A Horse . . . . .

Fri, 04 Dec 2009 06:59:21 -0600

The 12 "Most Important" Things You Need to Know If You Own A Horse . . . . .

To induce labor in a mare?
Take a nap.

To cure equine constipation?
Load them in a clean trailer.

To cure equine insomnia?
Take them to a halter class.

To get a horse to stay very calm and laid back?
Enter them in a liberty class.

To get a horse to wash their own feet?
Clean the water trough and fill it with fresh water.

To get a mare to come in heat?
Take her to a show.

To get a mare in foal the first cover?
Let the wrong stallion get out of his stall.

To make sure that a mare has the beautiful, perfectly market foal you always wanted?
Sell her before she foals.

To get a show horse to set up perfectly and reall stretch?
Get him out late at night or anytime no one i around to see him.

To induce a cold snap in the weather?
Clip a horse.

To make it rain?
Mow a field of hay.

To have the hottest and muggiest day of the year?
Stack the freshly baled hay in the barn.

To make a small fortune in the horse business?
Start with a large one.

Christkindlmarkt 2009 in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 06:23:07 -0600

Thanksgiving is over and many events are occurring to put us in the Christmas spirit. One of the most popular in the Lehigh Valley is Christkindlmarkt in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.

What is Christkindlmarkt?

Christkindlmarkt is recognized as one of the top holiday markets in the world by Travel and Leisure Magazine. Christkindlmarkt Bethlehem showcases many, many exquisite handmade items by the nation's finest artisans, heart-warming sounds of live Christmas music, delicious food (mmmmmm), jolly old Saint Nick to greet the children and hear their wishes, and much, much more.

Christkindlmarkt is held outdoors inside 2 huge tents with heaters to keep you toasty warm. The outdoor courtyard located between 2 tents showcases ice sculpting demonstrations, flameworking demonstrations and the 26 foot high Christkindlmarkt tree beautifully decorated.

New this year is the GlassWorks at the Banana Factory area. Here artists transform molten glass into beautiful holiday ornaments and art. Stop by and watch these talented artists hard at work and pick up a gorgeous, hand-blown work of art for the tree or home.

Christkindlmarkt is open December 3-6, 10-13, and 17-20 from 10AM - 8PM Thursdays through Saturdays and 10AM - 6PM on Sundays. Admission is $8 for ages 13 and older and FREE for 12 and under. Season passes are also available.

Click here for more information.

Come on out to Christkindlmarkt and get into the Christmas spirit. Lots of neat items and crafts to see and listen to the music while walking about and enjoying the delicious food.

Antique Toy Show Returning to the Lehigh Valley in Pennsylvania

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 08:02:30 -0600

The much anticipated Great Lehigh Valley Antique Toy and Collectible show is coming. While not the biggest Toy show, the Great Lehigh Valley Antique Toy and Collectible show has continued to grow and has really become a must attend event.

It is being held at Merchants Square Mall in Allentown on Saturday, December 12, 2009 from 10AM until 3PM. Admission is $5.

This year's show has grown to almost 100 dealers from 5 states with 170+ tables of every type of toy you could desire. There will be a great selection of items featuring Toy Soldiers, Action Figures, Die Cast Slot Cars, Tin Toys, Star Wars, Marx, Matchbox, Hot Wheels, Dinky, Vintage Children's Books, 50 & 60's toys, Teddy Bears, Dolls, Barbie's, Pop culture, Western, Disney, GI Joes, Advertising and so much more. They have true antique toys right up to current collectibles. You never know what you may find.

After the show, you can browse through Merchants Squares' 100,000 square feet of Antique and collectible shops. You might want to plan some extra time for after the show. Carson's Sports cards will be having an Autograph signing with Terry Harmon of the Philadelphia Phillie's on the second floor from 1PM - 3PM.

Show info http://www.valleygoto.com

TRAIN SHOW COMING JANUARY 23RD AND 24TH 2010!!!

Wordless Wednesday - Historic and Picturesque Town of Jim Thorpe in Pennsylvania

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 07:45:22 -0600

It's December 1st! Do you Have a Plan for 2010, Yet?

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 14:40:36 -0600

Here it is, December 1st, 2009. Another year almost over. Do you have your business plan and growth plan done for 2010? If not, what are you waiting for?

These plans should be completed by mid November, at the latest, so that the plans can be put into action before the New Year.

Don't know what a growth plan is? A growth plan is like a New Year's resolution. It outlines the things that you plan on doing the coming year, both personally and business wise.

A business plan allows you to see on paper what you need to do in order to attain your business goal. Without it, you cannot tell where you are in your business. You need to know your numbers in order to know where you are headed. Writing them down will help keep you focused.

Business plans and growth plans are important for you in order to grow.

If you don't have one done by now, drop everything and get to it. Your livelihood depends on it.

Thanksgiving Wishes!!!

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 15:15:41 -0600

Thanksgiving and the holidays are just about here.

This year, make a list of all that you are grateful for. I'm sure there are many things. Even when you think you have it bad, there are always things you can be grateful for.

Remember, there are others that may not have as much as you.

Warmest wishes for all of you and your families for a wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving. May you have much to be thankful for this upcoming year.

Move-Up Buyers Can Now Benefit From the Homebuyer Tax Credit

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 14:26:02 -0600

Move-up buyers can now benefit from the homebuyer tax credit. It is not just for first time homebuyers.

Move-up homebuyers can receive a credit of up to $6,500 who have owned a current home for at least 5 of the previous 8 years. (Restrictions may apply, so consult a tax or legal advisor for more information.)

Here are the key features of the program:

- Receive a tax credit of up to 10% of the purchase price of your principal residence - not to exceed $6,500.

- Tax credit does not need to be repaid if you continue to own the home for a minimum of 3 years.

- Single tax payers with up to $125,00 adjusted gross income and joint filers with up to $225,000 qualify for the full credit.

- Single or head-of-household taxpayers with income between $125,000 - $145,000 and joint filers between $225,000 - $245,000 qualify for reduced credits.

- New or resale homes are eligible.

- Available for purchase of principal homes costing $800,000 or less.

- Date of first occupancy must be after November 6, 2009.

- Purchase agreements must be signed by April 30, 2010 with settlement by June 30, 2010.

- There is a Special Military Deadline: Deadline is extended until June 30, 2011, for a member of the military who have served outside the U.S. for at least 90 days between January 1, 2009 and May 1, 2010.

'Tis The Season For Giving . . . . . .

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 13:53:27 -0600

Once again, it is that time of year - Christmas trees, colorful lights and decorations everywhere, Christmas Carols, a Santa in every mall and the hustle and bustle of shoppers looking for that perfect gift for each and everyone on their list.

This year, I know of many that have had to tighten their belts and refrain from spending due to less income in their households. The Holiday season doesn't mean buy, buy, buy. We need to be a little more creative.

Now, think. What is the most memorable or precious gift any one can give? Think hard. Remember back when you were little and had no or little money to buy your parents and siblings gifts. What did you do then? Of course . . . . . you made your gifts. No matter how it looked, the receiver loved it and cherished it. Why? Because it came from the heart, not from a store.

Some of you may say that you are not talented in art. What can you do then? No problem. I'm sure many would appreciate some of your time. Do you know of a couple that has an infant or toddler? Volunteer to babysit so that they may have some time alone and away from the kids.

How about an elderly person living alone? Visit them for a while and maybe even treat them to a home cooked meal. They will love you for it.

I'm sure you can come up with more ideas, but this is a start.

'Tis the season for giving . . . . so give from the heart, not from your wallet. It will be more memorable and appreciative. Anything bought will wear out or break and eventually forgotten. A gift from the heart will always be cherished and remembered.

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.