Brigita's Blog

If you think Social Networking and Social Media are not the up and coming future of business and personal life, then take a look at this video. 

You will be surprised at what the statistics are.  Social media and social networking are growing faster than any other media in history.  Television and radio didn't grow as quickly as the social networking sites.

Click here to watch.

If you are not on any social networking sites, I suggest you seriously consider it if you want to move your business forward and make it a success.  If you don't, you will probably be left behind.

On Saturday, September 12th, 2009, the Saucon Valley Conservancy will host its Third Annual Barn Tour. 

The Saucon Valley Conservancy is a non-profit, all volunteer organization, which was founded in 1993.  Money raised by this organization goes towards the preservation and restoration of the Micheal Heller Barn, located at the Heller Homestead in Lower Saucon Township. 

Registration for the tour starts at 9:30AM at the Beethoven Waldheim Club in Hellertown.  At 10AM, 2 widely recognized experts on Pennsylvania barns, will discuss the highlights of the barns on the tour.

Following the talks, each participant will get a detailed tour book with a map to guide them on a self-paced tour of several barns in the Saucon Valley area.  Saucon Valley is located in the south eastern part of the Lehigh Valley in Pennsylvania. 

The tour starts at 11:30AM and ends at 4PM.  A host will be present at each barn to help visitors enjoy each barn's unique features.

Tickets may be purchased in advance on-line or at various businesses.

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

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 over price or under price your home.

Here is what's happening in the Nazareth, Pennsylvania area for August 2009 in Real Estate:

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.

During August 2009 sales were down apporximately 7.6% at 542 sales from 586 in July 2009.

The average sales price for August 2009 was recorded at $210,000 down approximately 1.4% from July 2009 when the average price of the month was recorded at $213,000.  The average sales price is obtained by dividing the number of sales iinto the total sales dollars.

The median sales price for August 2009 decreased also from $190,000 in July 2009 to $185,000.  The median indicates the mid-point of the range of prices - half the homes sell for less, while others sell for more.

The average time on the market of properties sold during August 2009 saw a decrease at 74 days, down from 77 days in July 2009.

Newly constructed homes, with 4 bedrooms and 2 1/2 baths, fared a little better.  With 2 construction properties sold during the month of August 2009, the average sales price reported is $443,000, up from $338,000 reported in July 2009.  The median price for August 2009 is $443,000, also up from $350,000 in July 2009.

August Sales Distribution

Sale Price                                       Number of Sales
Under $70,000                                           32
$70,001 - $100,000                                  27
$100,001 - $150,000                               126
$150,001 - $200,000                               129
$200,001 - $250,000                                85
$250,001 - $300,000                                65
$300,001 - $350,000                                25
$350,001 - $400,000                                18
$400,001 - $450,000                                10
$450,001 - $500,000                                 7
$500,001 - $600,000                                 8
$600,001 - $700,000                                 5
$770,001 - $800,000                                 3
$800,001 and above                                  2

Over the years, I have found there are 4 fundamental principles of the real estate buying process that apply to nearly any aspect of the process.

They are:

Principle 1:  The Rules of Real Estate Are Always Local
Markets change from year to year and from neighborhood to neighborhood.  If you are shopping for a $150,000 home in Nazareth, Pennsylvania, don't base it on the market from years ago or what the market is like in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 

Real estate laws, procedures and practices are local.  They vary significantly from state to state, city to city, and township to township.  The way the real estate transaction was handled for your Aunt Judy in Pittsburgh may not be the way it's handled where you are buying your home.  One of the key things your real estate agent will do for you is educate you on how real estate transactions are handled in your area.

Principle 2:  The Best Deals Are Usually Win-Win
Everything in real estate is negotiable, so don't be afraid to ask for what you really want.  Negotiations end when both parties are inflexible.  The solution: Find a win-win outcome that accomplishes what both parties really need.  That's why it is so important to prepare for any real estate negotiation by deciding where you will and won't be willing to compromise.  There is always a certain amount of give and take.  Hold on to those things you really want and offer those items that the other person wants and aren't as important to you.

Principle 3:  Price and Value Are Not the Same
A common mistake occurs when people focus on price and not value.  This applies not only to the home you buy, but also the professional you use as well.  Being cost conscious is always wise, but being value conscious is even wiser.  Always be clear about what you want and what matters and then expect to pay a fair price for these.  Just because it's cheap doesn't make it a bargain.

Think of value as quality at a reasonable price.  Just as you seek out the value in the home that you buy, you should also look for value from the professionals you hire.  This is probably one of the biggest purchases of your life.  Now is not the time to cut corners.  It may cost you more down the line.

Just remember:  You get what you pay for.

Principle 4:  Choose With Your Heart and Your Head
No matter what property you purchase, it will be both your home and a major financial investment.  You want to find a home that you absolutely love, in a neighborhood that feels right.  At the same time, you want the property for be a solid investment, one that is structurally sound and will appreciate in the future.  Finding the perfect place means balancing emotion and rationality.  When searching for that perfect home, go ahead and let your heart guide you.  When it is time to buy, think about it first.  You may want to sell the house sometime in the future, at which point you will be very glad you did.

Here are some quotes that you will all get a good horse laugh.  Enjoy!! 

I never play horseshoes 'cause Mother taught us not to throw our clothes around.
Mr. Ed (The talking horse of the 1960's TV series)

I've spent most of my life riding horses.  The rest I've just wasted.
Anonymous

Horses do think.  Not very deeply, perhaps, but enough to get you into a lot of trouble.
Patricia Jacobson and Marcia Hayes, "A Horse Around the House"

I ride horses because it's the only sport where I can exercise while sitting down.
Joan Hansen

In what other sport do you put on leather boots, stretch-fabric breeches, a shirt and tie, a wool jacket, a velvet-covered cap, and leather gloves, and then go out and exercise?
A. London Wolf (On horse showing in 90+ degree summer weather)

Anyone who is concerned about his dignity would be well advised to keep away from horses.
Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh

Look, Mommy, he's wearing bell-bottoms!
Small child's reaction to seeing a Clydesdale's fetlock "feathers"

Riding: The art of keeping a horse between you and the ground.
Anonymous

You can tell a gelding, you can ask a mare, but you must discuss it with a stallion.
Anonymous

Speak kindly to your little horse,
And soothe him when he wheezes,
Or he may turn his back on you,
And kick you where he pleases.
Anonymous

How do you catch a loose horse?  Make a noise like a carrot.
British Cavalry joke

I prefer a bike to a horse.  The brakes are more easily checked.
Lambert Jeffries

What is title and why is it necessary?  I have noticed that many consumers do not know what title is and why they need title insurance. 

Why do lenders require title searches and title insurance? 

Getting a title search is similar to getting screened for rare diseases in your annual check-up.  Chances are that there probably won't be a problem, but if there is, you need to know right away.

A title company researches the title for liens, encumbrances (claims against the property), and other so called "clouds".  Title searches also protect you from unpaid liens which are claims against the seller's debts.  Let's face it, you don't want to buy a home from someone in a dispute with the IRS over unpaid taxes.  If the IRS ever goes after the property, you may possibly get caught in the middle.

Sometimes title companies miss things in their searches.  For this reason, lenders require you to purchase title insurance that covers your costs and mistakes in survey interpretation.  For instance, let's say Mr. Buyer wanted to buy a home with a lovely pool in the backyard.  When Mr. Buyer bought the property, he hadn't noticed a utility easement in the same place as the pool and neither did the title company.  Mr. Buyer bought the home and made sure to get title insurance through the company that made the initial mistake.  This way, if the water department showed up one day to tear up the pool, the insurance would pay for its replacement.

Therefore, title searches and title insurance are there for the buyer's protection.  I'm sure nobody wants to purchase a home with liens on it.

Are you a garlic lover like me?  If you are, then you should check out this event.

It is the 15th Annual Pocono Garlic Festival in Pennsylvania.  Here everyone can eat, drink and celebrate garlic this weekend at the Shawnee Mountain Ski Area in Shawnee.  There will also be an education tent to learn more about the garlic.

Highlights at the education tent will be 2 cooking demonstrations daily, one for adults and the other for children.  Also, 2 talks will be given daily about "Growing Your Own Garlic" and "Garlic History, General Health and Cooking Issues".

This festival will run from 10AM until 6PM this Saturday and Sunday, rain or shine.  It is a garlic-lovers heaven, with food ranging from garlic beef brisket to garlic ice cream.  (Yes, that is right!  Garlic ice cream.)  There will also be music crafts and lots of fun for the kids.

The Poconos are about 30 - 45 minutes from the Lehigh Valley, depending on where in the valley.  It is a short drive from the Lehigh Valley and it is well worth the trip.

Click here for more information.