Brigita's Blog: July 2009

Raven and Hamlet made their debut yesterday in downtown Bethlehem in Pennsylvania.

Now who are Raven and Hamlet?  What is so special about them?

They are the 2 newest members of the police force and they were out and about in the streets of Bethlehem getting accustomed to their new surroundings.  They are both Fresian - Quarter Horse crosses which are now part of the mounted police team in Bethlehem.

Many in the community came out to greet and welcome the newcomers.

Every year, the police horses patroled during Musikfest at the beginning of August.  They were such a big hit during this time, that the police force decided to keep the mounted patrol year round.

The Bethlehem police department established a fund to help offset the cost of caring and feeding the horses.  All donations are welcome at the Bethlehem Police Department.

Here's a little more info about Raven and Hamlet.  They are half brothers, Hamlet being 8 years old and Raven 5 years old.  They both weigh about 1300 pounds and are both about 16.1 hands high (a hand equals 4 inches).

The horses could serve up to 15 years in the police force.

The police encourage people to approach and pet the horses, but are discouraged from feeding them snacks.  The horses' diets need to be monitored closesly so that they stay in peak condition.

Overall, the horses will be a welcome sight in Bethlehem.

Ever wonder how the game of polo is played?  Interested in learning how this powerful sport played?

Here's your chance to see and learn about this exciting sport.  On Thursday, July 17th, at 7PM the Lehigh Valley Horse Council will be sponsoring an "Introduction to Polo" demonstration at Edgewood Valley Farm, just outside of Nazareth, Pennsylvania. 

The speaker will be Bob Brosious from the Tinicum Park Polo Club.

There will be an opportunity to try your hand at it also, if you wish.  The only requirement here is that you wear a helmet and boots, plus sign a release form.

So, come on out and try your hand at playing this exciting game. 

The 38th Annual Antique Gas Engine and Tractor Show will once again be held at the Jacktown Community Center in Bangor, Pennsylvania, on July 17th through the 19th. 

You will find single mill, water pumps, farm tractors, feed grinders, gas engines, models, a steam tractor, corn meat grinders on display.  There will also be a flea market, parades, and much, much more.

There will be entertainment daily.

Food is available, so you can sit and listen to the music while you have a meal or a snack, or you can watch the tractor pulls on July 17th & 18th and the kids pedal tractor pull on July 19th.  On the 19th you can also check out the antique car show.

There is ample FREE parking and the event is absolutely FREE.  It is an exciting day, or weekend, for the whole family to enjoy. 

While checking out the market statistics, I found some interesting news.  And it is great news!!

Turns out that in June 2009 the most number of homes were sold in the Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania since August of 2007. 

It certainly looks like the real estate market is turning around for the better.

STRESS MANAGEMENT TECHNIQUE

Just in case you are having a rough day, here is a stress management technique recommended in all the latest psychological journals.  The funny thing is that it really does work and will make you smile. . . .

       1. Picture yourself lying on your belly on a warm rock that hangs out over a crystal clear stream. . .

      2. Picture yourself with both your hands dangling in the cool running water.

       3. Birds are sweetly singing in the cool mountain air.

       4. No one knows your secret place.

       5. You are in total seclusion from that hectic place called the world.

       6. The soothing sound of a gentle water fall fills the air with a cascade of serenity.

       7. The water is so crystal clear that you can easily make out the face of the person you are holding underwater.

There!!  See?  It really does work...  You're smiling already.  Feel free to forward this if you know others who might benefit from this technique.

It's almost time for Nazareth Days in Nazareth, Pennsylvania. 

What are Nazareth Days? 

Nazareth Days are lots of fun!!

This year, Nazareth Days start July 16th and end July 18th. 

On Thursday, the local shops and businesses have sidewalk sales.  You can find some really great bargains here. 

On Friday, in addition to the sidewalk sales, some of the businesses offer free popcorn and pretzels, ice cream for 10 cents a scoop (WOW!), and hot dogs for a super low price.  I have not seen these prices since I was  little girl.  (Oh, oh!!  I'm showing my age.)  Friday evening is the block party.  The streets downtown are closed off for food, dancing and entertainment.  Lots of fun!

But, wait, there's more!

Saturday is the final day of the sidewalk sale.  In addition to the sales, trolleys take you from downtown Nazareth to the boro park (all FREE), or you can walk it.  What's the big interest in going to the park that day?  Lots of tables of vendors with crafts, paintings, etc.  and a car show in the ball field.  

For the finale, the park will have entertainment and (drum roll, please) a fireworks display for the grand finale! 

I will have a Keller Williams table in the town circle with a couple of other fellow agents, where the food will be located.  (Mmmmmmm!!  I can just smell it now!  I'm getting hungry just thinking about it!)  Come on out to see me and to say hello!  I would love to see you and meet you.  There will be some great prizes to raffle off donated by some of the area businesses. 

It will be lots of fun!!  See for yourself!!  

Here is what's happening in our area:

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.

The real estate figures for June 2009 have just come out for the Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania, and they are looking great!

The number of sales for June 2009 increased by 33.3%, from 442 sales in May 2009 up to 589 sales.

The average sales price rose by 8%.  The average price recorded for June 2009 was $218,000 where in May 2009 the average price was $202,000.

The average time on the market for a home decreased.  During June 2009 the average market time was 81 days as compared to 83 days in May 2009.

Based on 6 new construction properties sold during the month of June, the average sales price for a new home, consisting of 4 bedrooms and 2 1/2 baths, was $370,000, down from the average price of $464,000 in May 2009.

June Sales Distribution

Sale Price                            Number of Sales

under $70,000                             27
$70,001 - $100,000                     36
$100,001 - $150,000                   98
$150,001 - $200,000                  145
$200,001 - $250,000                  113
$250,001 - $300,000                    69
$300,001 - $350,000                    45
$350,001 - $400,000                    16
$400,001 - $450,000                    18
$450,001 - $500,000                     7
$500,001 - $600,000                    10
$600,001 - $700,000                     1
$700,001 - $800,000                     2
$800,001 and above                     2

Looks like the market is picking up in the Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania.

Have you ever wanted to watch a polo match?  Or even learn the game?

Well, here's your opportunity! 

The Lehigh Valley Horse Council will be sponsoring a polo demonstration at Edgewood Valley Farm just outside of Nazareth, on Thursday, July 16th at 7PM.  The speaker will be Bob Brosious of the Tinicum Park Polo Club. 

All are welcome!

If you bring your riding helmet, you can even try your hand at it.  Just think, you will actually be able to get on a polo pony and try this sport out for yourself.

Hope to see you there!!

The Lehigh Valley Horse Council is a non-profit organization devoted to promoting equine activites and educating the horse owner and the general public.  They sponsor clinics and lectures that feature experts on every aspect of horsemanship.  All this is offered  FREE to everyone.