Schuylkill County Real Estate: January 2009

Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce February Events

January is quickly coming to a close, and Super Bowl is almost here! Get your goodies and refreshments ready and keep the Maroons Curse alive by cheering on the Steelers to victory! Valentine’s Day is just around the corner! Schuylkill Chamber members are the place to go to to find that WOW gift for your Valentine. Be sure to check out a Chamber member for your gift and Buy Schuylkill, By Choice!

Dig yourself out of the snow and ice and plan on attending any or all of these February events. On Wednesday, February 11, join us for our Networking Before Nine breakfast at The Porter House Grille and hear the candidates for the special election on March 3. Representative Dave Argall and Steve Lukach will address those in attendance as they seek the 29th Senatorial District seat vacated by the unfortunate death of Senator Jim Rhoades. The breakfast is being sponsored by Schuylkill County’s VISION and is sure to be a popular one. Seating for this event is limited. Cost is $13 for reservations made in advance. Reservations are requested. We may not be able to accommodate walk-ins, so be sure to call in.

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On Wednesday, February 18, M&T Bank and the Schuylkill Chamber are co-sponsoring Networking at Noon from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm at the Schuylkill Chamber conference center. Join us for lunch and meet our new Executive Director, Bob Carl. Door prizes will be drawn at 12:45 pm and include a free insert in the Communicator for your company or a non-profit of your choice. You must be present to win. While there is no cost for this event, reservations are required.

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Microsoft Access classes are scheduled for Fridays, February 20 & 27 at SCEC, Rockwood Center (near Cressona Mall). John Williams, JJ Computer Solutions, will bring you up to speed on this complex data management program. Cost is $110 per person, or $100 for 2 or more from the same company. There are still openings, so call in your reservations today.

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Schuylkill Women in Business meet on Monday, February 23 beginning at 11:45 am at M&T Bank’s Hollywood Room. Sylvia Karlaza Nelson is the guest speaker with a topic of Successful Women Invest in Themselves. Cost is $15 for Chamber members and $17 for non-members. Reservations are required. ________________________________________

Register for any of the events listed above via return email, or call the Schuylkill Chamber offices at 570.622.1942/800.755.1942.

If you are NOT a member of the Schuylkill Chamber and you are a real estate agent or business owner ... you should be!

 

 

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Erica Ramus is Broker/Owner of Realty Executives in Pottsville, PA.

If you're looking for a PROFESSIONAL to represent you in all of your Schuylkill County real estate needs, call Realty Executives at 570-622-6006.

We can meet all your buying / selling needs ... and will exceed your expectations. That's what being an EXECUTIVE is all about

Serving all of Schuylkill County ... Pottsville, Orwigsburg, Schuylkill Haven, Auburn, Pine Grove, Frackville, Minersville, Ashland, Shenandoah, Port Carbon, Palo Alto, St. Clair, Barnesville real estate. Click on the link above to search Pottsville PA homes for sale or any Schuylkill County homes for sale. We have all properties listed for sale in the Schuylkill MLS on our website -- free search!

We also operate Schuylkill Appraisal Services, for all your appraisal needs.

 


Give yourself some credit... if you are a "First-Time Homebuyer"

Thanks to Jason for writing this excellent post!

Via Jason Sardi, Mortgage Banker (FHA-VA-USDA-Conventional):

Let's first define "First-Time Homebuyer".  Actually, let's define what the heck I'm addressing in the first place.  It's the First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit.  I trust you've at least heard about it and if not... no biggie... I will give you some of the talking points and the direct address to the site momentarily.

The whole concept of "First-Time Homebuyer" can be a tad misleading for some of you.  You are considered a first-time homebuyer (under this tax credit) if you have not owned another home at any point in time during the three years prior to the date of purchase. 

So what is this Tax Credit all about?

  • It acts like an interest free loan because it must be repaid over a 15-year time frame.  If you die, don't worry about it as long as you filed your taxes individually.  If you filed a joint return, it's up to wifey or hubby to pay this interest free loan.  Death, like life & love, can cost money:)
  • This only applies to primary residences in the United States of America.  Sorry, the vacation house in Greenwich, Connecticut doesn't qualify.  As far as that Villa in Italy, count that out as well.  Feel free to drop me a bottle of Chianti in the mail, though.  It's got to be your home... the very roof over your head.  On a personal note, I do believe we'd be better off if when buying a home... we'd consider it more than an "investment".  It's where you live folks!  Investments, for most of us, happen over time.  I ain't (love that word) no day trader or speculator.  And I never will be. 
  • What's the time frame?  You buy the home after April 8th, 2008 and before July 1st, 2009.  Let's face it, we have low interest rates and a large inventory and considering it is a buyers market in a lot of areas... it may be a damn good time to go ahead and buy that home.  Historians may look back to this period of time and wonder what the fuss was with not wanting to committ, waiting for a more opportune time.  There may be NO more opportune time than now.  Of note, the preceding is a sales pitch delivered by folks to increase business and consumer confidence.   The same can be written about all the bad news flying around.  Don't think that news organizations aren't rolling in dollars about how much "bad news" is being reported.
  • How much is the credit?  Quite simply, 10% of the purchase of the home, a maximum available credit of $7500.00 worth of dead presidents.
  • How will the IRS know if someone sells their residence before the 15 years are up?  I gotta laugh at this question, though it isn't a stupid one.  In my mind, the only stupid question is one not asked.  To answer this, the website says the following: "Through both self reporting and third-party information."  Right, how ripe.  Without imposing political beliefs upon the masses, they will know.  While I believe in conspiracies, this isn't one in my book.  This is intelligence, the right kind.  I know folks who blatantly took advantage of the system, good for you.  Just don't bitch because we are all in a bundle.  YOU were just as responsible...
  • It's repaid, but how?  After the second year of claiming the credit, you must repay that interest free loan.  From what I've read, you will be repaying as an additional tax on your returns for the next 15 years.... $500.00 a pop.

One more thing, before I present the second thing which will end up "lastly".  Real Estate Investors have been stifled because of all these happenings in the Mortgage World.  Personally, I think that is a mistake.  They say you can only own so many properties and your credit score has to be this and your mother has to a direct decendent of Henry the freaking 8th?   Some folks invest in Real Estate for a living, don't ignore them.  Keep that in mind PMI Companies and Credit Scoring Agencies, because I bet ya that you won't be running this industry much longer.

Lastly, and my English Teacher hated starting a sentence like that which is one of the reasons I just did... it's a buyer's market.  That doesn't mean it is right for you, yet it is most certainly something to explore.  In a few years, if you didn't pounce on this, you may just be making someone else a lot of money... who owns your home. 

Direct website @ http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=186831,00.html

Have some fun @ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tfBoMV-HIP4

 

Sardi

 

 

 

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Erica Ramus is Broker/Owner of Realty Executives in Pottsville, PA.

If you're looking for a PROFESSIONAL to represent you in all of your Schuylkill County real estate needs, call Realty Executives at 570-622-6006.

We can meet all your buying / selling needs ... and will exceed your expectations. That's what being an EXECUTIVE is all about

Serving all of Schuylkill County ... Pottsville, Orwigsburg, Schuylkill Haven, Auburn, Pine Grove, Frackville, Minersville, Ashland, Shenandoah, Port Carbon, Palo Alto, St. Clair, Barnesville real estate. Click on the link above to search Pottsville PA homes for sale or any Schuylkill County homes for sale. We have all properties listed for sale in the Schuylkill MLS on our website -- free search!

We also operate Schuylkill Appraisal Services, for all your appraisal needs.

 


January 29 - Feb 8 Things to Do in Schuylkill County

January 29 Happy Hour at The Porter House Grille Enter to win a Yuengling Snowboard 5 pm to 7 pm, The Porter House Grille, 100 S. Centre St., (located at the Ramada Inn) Pottsville. Yuengling Snowboard Giveaway - Every Thursday during Happy Hour enter to win a Yuengling Snowboard, Final drawing will be Thursday February 26. $1.50 Yuengling Drafts. 570-622-4707. www.porterhousegrille.com

January 29 Open Mic / Karaoke at the Lazy Dog Coffeehouse 7-10 pm, Lazy Dog Coffeehouse, 18 East Sunbury St., Minersville. Everyone is welcome, from seasoned players to first-timers. A great place to test out new material or shake off your first-show jitters. 570-544-4800. www.lazydogcoffeehouse.com

January 30 Tommy Dee at the Lazy Dog Coffeehouse 8-11 pm, Lazy Dog Coffeehouse, 18 East Sunbury St., Minersville. Tommy Dee is an acoustic soloist who performs classic songs from artists like Harry Chapin, Kenny Loggins, America, Neil Young, John Mellencamp, CSN, and other popular “wooden” artists. $3.00 music charge. 570-544-4800. www.lazydogcoffeehouse.com

January 31 Winter Carnival Event "Senior Princess Coronation Pageant" 7:30 p.m., Pottsville Area High School.

January 31 Winter Carnival Event "Queen’s Ball" 10:00 p.m., Pottsville Club.

January 31 Mesa at the Lazy Dog Coffeehouse 8-11 pm, Lazy Dog Coffeehouse, 18 East Sunbury St., Minersville. Hot Classic & Contemporary Country! $5.00 music charge. 570-544-4800. www.lazydogcoffeehouse.com

January 31 Musical Entertainment at The Porter House Grille "Tommy Dee Acoustic" 9 pm to 12 am, The Porter House Grille, 100 S. Centre St., (located at the Ramada Inn) Pottsville. No Cover Charge. 570-622-4707. www.porterhousegrille.com

January 31 - February 1 2009 Bridal Expo Fairlane Village Mall, Pottsville. Find all of the information you'll need to make your wedding day a memory that will last a lifetime! See the latest bridal styles at the fashion show by Juliette Bridals in Boscov's auditorium on Saturday, January 31 at 2 pm. Complimentary fashion show tickets are available at Boscov's Gift Registry. www.shopfairlanevillage.com

February 1 American Red Cross Blood Drive 7:15 a.m. in the mall large community room, Schuylkill Mall, Frackville. www.shopschuylkillmall.com

February 2 Groundhog Day Breakfast Buffet Beginning at 7 a.m. at the Sweet Arrow Lake County Park Clubhouse. $5 Adults, $3.50 Children. Pay at the door. First come, first serve. Take-out available. 570-345-8952.

February 2 3rd Annual Groundhog Day Celebration 9 a.m., at the Sweet Arrow Lake County Park Clubhouse. Join Grover and his friends from Grundsau Lodge #5 as he makes his famous prediction. And the fun continues with The Groundhog Band, PA Dutch Stories, songs, and video and a Chinese "Groundhog" Auction. Don't miss the members of the Grundsau Lodge #5 doing the "Schnitzelbank"! Open and free to the public. 570-345-8952.

February 3 Schuylkill County Junior Idol- singing competition For ages 6 thru 15. Takes place at the mall center court at 6 p.m., Schuylkill Mall, Frackville. www.shopschuylkillmall.com

February 5 Shenandoah Rt. 924 Farmer's Market 9 a.m. - 7 p.m., Rt. 924 Gold Star Highway, Shenandoah. Just 5 miles from Interstate 81. Only 10 minutes from the Schuylkill Mall. Indoor / Outdoor. Food, collectibles, antiques, jewelry, vegetables, fruits, baked goods, crafts, meats, flowers, plants, clothing, coin collection, body jewelry, sites for demonstrations, tattoos, wine vendor, preserves, perennials and annual plants, herbs, arcade games, food stands, musical instruments and more...Coal Cracker Fingers and Fires Vendor is hosting a dinner platter for $7 to Benefit Defender Hose Fire Co#3 Truck Fund Chicken Fingers, Fries, & Cole Slaw. Call Karen for availability 570-462-0486 or stop in.

February 5 Happy Hour at The Porter House Grille, Enter to win a Yuengling Snowboard 5 pm to 7 pm, The Porter House Grille, 100 S. Centre St., (located at the Ramada Inn) Pottsville. Yuengling Snowboard Giveaway - Every Thursday during Happy Hour enter to win a Yuengling Snowboard, Final drawing will be Thursday February 26. $1.50 Yuengling Drafts. 570-622-4707. www.porterhousegrille.com

February 5 Open Mic / Karaoke at the Lazy Dog Coffeehouse 7-10 pm, Lazy Dog Coffeehouse, 18 East Sunbury St., Minersville. Everyone is welcome, from seasoned players to first-timers. A great place to test out new material or shake off your first-show jitters. 570-544-4800. www.lazydogcoffeehouse.com

February 6 Roger Harris at the Lazy Dog Coffehouse 8-11 pm, Lazy Dog Coffeehouse, 18 East Sunbury St., Minersville. Jazz standards from the Great American Songbook that attracted him to music as a young solo guitarist. These include tunes from composers like the Gershwins, Cole Porter, Hoagie Carmichael and Fats Waller, and big band mainstays like Duke Ellington and Count Basie that provide a recognizable and appealing musical foundation for his deft jazz excursions. $3.00 music charge. 570-544-4800. www.lazydogcoffeehouse.com

February 7 February Beach Party with T-102 Radio Personality "RC" 8-11 pm, Lazy Dog Coffeehouse, 18 East Sunbury St., Minersville. Hot fun in the summertime! Chase away the winter blues with great feel-good summertime music & fun. DJ RC is a professional Disc Jockey with over 10 years experience. He also has over 10 years experience on radio, having worked for 98.5 KRZ and Wink 104. Currently, RC is the Program Director, Music Director and Morning Show host at T102 in Pottsville. DJ RC guarantees a GREAT time! $4.00 music charge. 570-544-4800. www.lazydogcoffeehouse.com

February 7 Musical Entertainment at The Porter House Grille "Friends with Benefits" 9 pm to 12 am, The Porter House Grille, 100 S. Centre St., (located at the Ramada Inn) Pottsville. No Cover Charge. 570-622-4707. www.porterhousegrille.com

February 8 FURY The Art of Mazz Press 1 - 4 p.m., Many Worlds Gallery - 205 West Market St., Pottsville. A collection of paintings, photos and unusual 3-D art appealing to our shadow side. See artwork by famed BATMAN artist Norm Breyfogle featured in the new novel, The .40 Caliber Mousehunt by Stephen Pytak. The author will also display photos and preview artwork for his next book, The Wild Damned. Refreshments will be served and the author will sell and sign his photos and copies of his book. Free Admission. For more information about Mazz Press, visit www.mazzpress.com.

February 8 Sunday Afternoon Tea 2 p.m., The Partridge House B&B, 315 South Centre St., Pottsville. Cost $15. Reservation only. 570-622-8388 www.thepartridgehouse.com

Notes from The Restaurant at the Station Unlimited Pasta Trio - Every Wednesday evening 4 p.m. to 8 p.m beginning January 28, at The Restaurant at the Station, North Railroad Street, Tamaqua. Includes your choice of three different pasta dishes, fresh baked bread and a side salad for just $8.99. Call (570) 668-5020.

Valentines Day – The Restaurant at the Station, Saturday, February 14, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. show the family how much you love them at our “I Love You Very Brunch” Buffet. Looking for a more romantic evening with your special someone? 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. enjoy a delicious dinner and drinks featuring romantic guitar ballads by Mark Petrole. Every dinner couple will receive a long stemmed rose as our gift. Call (570) 668-5020 for reservations.

 

 

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Erica Ramus is Broker/Owner of Realty Executives in Pottsville, PA.

If you're looking for a PROFESSIONAL to represent you in all of your Schuylkill County real estate needs, call Realty Executives at 570-622-6006.

We can meet all your buying / selling needs ... and will exceed your expectations. That's what being an EXECUTIVE is all about

Serving all of Schuylkill County ... Pottsville, Orwigsburg, Schuylkill Haven, Auburn, Pine Grove, Frackville, Minersville, Ashland, Shenandoah, Port Carbon, Palo Alto, St. Clair, Barnesville real estate. Click on the link above to search Pottsville PA homes for sale or any Schuylkill County homes for sale. We have all properties listed for sale in the Schuylkill MLS on our website -- free search!

We also operate Schuylkill Appraisal Services, for all your appraisal needs.

 


Advice for Sellers-Leave During Showings

 

Via Kristi DeFazio Colorado Springs Real Estate 719-459-5468 (RE/MAX Advantage):

If you must be home during showings of your property, I can suggest that you step outside and let the potential buyers look around without you there. Let your Realtor do the "selling" of the home. Let me give you a recent scenario and why I am suggesting this for you.

Awhile back, I took some buyers out to look at a home. It was the first weekend on the market. The sellers were home during the showing and stayed in the home. They were so excited to have a showing in the property and to get it sold, they engaged my buyers in conversation. I tried steering my buyers clear of them by stepping out back on the deck, but the sellers remained persistent.

I'm all for friendly small talk, but this conversation would cost them big-time!

Every room we went in was commented on by the seller and was told to us what they were going to do for the buyer. The seller said he was going to do numerous things still to the house including replace the old windows, put in new sod in the back yard, re-finish the deck, etc...

What these sellers didn't know, is that my buyers just saw a similar home that was a complete mess and by comparison, this one was fabulous! Now, with all of the extra promises made to my buyers, they fell in love with the place.

My point is, they loved it regardless of the fact that it needed a few things.

So, we put in an offer and my buyers wanted to make sure that some of these "promises" were included, so I wrote them in the contract. The listing agent called me to ask why would I ask for these things and I told her that her sellers practically insisted on it. Her response was "I told them to keep their mouths shut!"

Would my buyers have bought this place anyway? Probably. These eager sellers would have given us anything and showed my buyers their desperation. This is why you hire a Realtor-to do the negotiation for you and so you are not so emotionally involved in the transaction.

I am sure that FSBO sellers run into the same problem and it is probably the reason that they sell their homes on average for 15.3% less than those working with a Realtor.

The best advice I can give for a seller that must remain home while buyers are looking at your property is to smile, be polite, step outside if you can, and resist the urge to "sell" your house, that is what you are paying your Realtor for.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

If you are looking to buy or sell real estate in Colorado Springs, please contact Kristi DeFazio at 719-459-5468 or kristidefazio@remax.net

You can also view my website at www.kristidefazio.com and search all of the listings in Colorado Springs.

Ask me about my military relocation benefit program.

Kristi DeFazio

RE/MAX Advantage

5590 N Academy Blvd.

C.S. CO 80918

Investing in YOU!!

 

 

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Erica Ramus is Broker/Owner of Realty Executives in Pottsville, PA.

If you're looking for a PROFESSIONAL to represent you in all of your Schuylkill County real estate needs, call Realty Executives at 570-622-6006.

We can meet all your buying / selling needs ... and will exceed your expectations. That's what being an EXECUTIVE is all about

Serving all of Schuylkill County ... Pottsville, Orwigsburg, Schuylkill Haven, Auburn, Pine Grove, Frackville, Minersville, Ashland, Shenandoah, Port Carbon, Palo Alto, St. Clair, Barnesville real estate. Click on the link above to search Pottsville PA homes for sale or any Schuylkill County homes for sale. We have all properties listed for sale in the Schuylkill MLS on our website -- free search!

We also operate Schuylkill Appraisal Services, for all your appraisal needs.

 


HGTV is looking for first time buyers in Greater Philadelphia!

Via HGTV My First Place (HGTV/High Noon Entertainment):

MY FIRST PLACE, HGTV’s hit series, is still casting for our Sixth season and we’re STILL looking for first-time homebuyers in the Greater Philadelphia area RIGHT NOW!
 
AGENTS involved play a significant role in the storytelling methods of the show and will receive nationally televised (HGTV)positive exposure.
 
We are looking for fun, high-energy people who are just starting the home-buying process for their first place! Our goal is to capture all the trials and tribulations of looking for, bidding on and buying your first place. 
 
Ideal candidates will be enthusiastic buyers with a great story to tell and a desire to share their experiences. Singles, couples and families are all invited to apply! 
 
Candidates who are chosen for the show will also receive a unique HOUSEWARMING SURPRISE that HGTV has picked just for the home buyer!
 
Feel free to pass this on to any colleagues.
 
AND IT'S A LOT OF FUN for everyone!  Feel free to call me with any questions you may have.


Please contact me if you have any first-time homebuyers who would like to apply or if you have any questions.

Please forward this info to any & all appropriate contacts you have in the Philadelphia area!

Request an application by emailing: 
JKawano@highnoonentertainment.com 


Or call Jon Kawano at (303) 712-3222

 

 

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Erica Ramus is Broker/Owner of Realty Executives in Pottsville, PA.

If you're looking for a PROFESSIONAL to represent you in all of your Schuylkill County real estate needs, call Realty Executives at 570-622-6006.

We can meet all your buying / selling needs ... and will exceed your expectations. That's what being an EXECUTIVE is all about

Serving all of Schuylkill County ... Pottsville, Orwigsburg, Schuylkill Haven, Auburn, Pine Grove, Frackville, Minersville, Ashland, Shenandoah, Port Carbon, Palo Alto, St. Clair, Barnesville real estate. Click on the link above to search Pottsville PA homes for sale or any Schuylkill County homes for sale. We have all properties listed for sale in the Schuylkill MLS on our website -- free search!

We also operate Schuylkill Appraisal Services, for all your appraisal needs.

 


First Time Home Buyers Top 5 List for Reading A Home Inspection Report

Via Jim Mushinsky (Centsable Inspection):

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First Time Buyers Top 5 List for Reading A Home Inspection Report

By: James Mushinsky – Centsable Inspection – January 2009

 

You've just had the home inspection and anticipating the report. The inspector pointed out so many items, and explained all the various components in the house. Don't get overwhelmed by the inspection report. Remember these 5 points.

 

  1. Not Inspected Items. Licensed Home Inspectors have State requirements for items that are required to be inspected as well as items excluded from a home inspection. Read your home inspection report and be familiar with the items not inspected. If the home inspector was not able to inspect an item, it should be listed in the report. You should know if another inspection is required to evaluate all of the components of the house.

  2. Further Evaluation Items. A visual home inspection is limited. However, the home inspector will inform you when there are enough visible signs to bring in an expert for further evaluation. Expert Evaluation may require invasive procedures and are typically only performed when the homeowner accepts responsibility for any failures that might occur with the invasive procedure.

  3. Action Items. Licensed Home Inspectors have a term they use to inform clients when action is required. Terms like, Significantly Deficient, Material Defect, In Need of Repair, Does Not Function, Not Normal Working Order, and others are defined by States in the Home Inspector regulations. Know what the term is for your state and be sure you know which components in the house have received this condition rating.

  4. Latent Items. Licensed Home Inspectors have a term they use to indicate when a component is worn out. The component may still be functioning yet the client should anticipate a failure in the near future. Terms like, Fully Depreciated, Near End of Service Life, Near End of Useful life and others are defined by States in Home Inspector regulations. Know what the term is for your State and be sure you know which components in the house have received this condition rating.

  5. Inspector Recommendations. Some States require Home Inspector Recommendations and other States leave this as an optional service. When reading the report be sure you understand the difference between the recommendations and the required condition definitions.

 

Remember the most important rating is your rating. Use the professional observation techniques and opinions of the Home Inspector to justify your rating.

 

 

 

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Erica Ramus is Broker/Owner of Realty Executives in Pottsville, PA.

If you're looking for a PROFESSIONAL to represent you in all of your Schuylkill County real estate needs, call Realty Executives at 570-622-6006.

We can meet all your buying / selling needs ... and will exceed your expectations. That's what being an EXECUTIVE is all about

Serving all of Schuylkill County ... Pottsville, Orwigsburg, Schuylkill Haven, Auburn, Pine Grove, Frackville, Minersville, Ashland, Shenandoah, Port Carbon, Palo Alto, St. Clair, Barnesville real estate. Click on the link above to search Pottsville PA homes for sale or any Schuylkill County homes for sale. We have all properties listed for sale in the Schuylkill MLS on our website -- free search!

We also operate Schuylkill Appraisal Services, for all your appraisal needs.

 


Butler Co. Mobile Home Park MUST SHUT DOWN

Kennedy Mobile Home Park Has Until Jan. 31 to Close

Butler County Court of Common Pleas has ordered Victor Kennedy, the owner of Kennedy Mobile Home Park in Marion Township, Butler County, to close the property by Jan. 31.

“The mobile home park’s wastewater treatment plant has discharged inadequately treated sewage for a number of years into an unnamed tributary of McMurray Run in the Slippery Rock Creek watershed,” said Department of Environmental Protection Northwest Regional Director Kelly Burch.

“The department initiated a number of enforcement actions and attempted to work with Mr. Kennedy after attempts to encourage voluntary compliance failed.”

In March 2008, DEP ordered Kennedy to close the wastewater treatment plant by August. Kennedy appealed the order and initially did not comply with it. DEP pursued additional judicial remedies that ultimately resulted in a consent decree—signed by the department, Kennedy and the Butler County Court of Common Pleas—that includes closing the mobile home park by the end of the month.

“The department is determined to bring an end to this saga of disregard for environmental laws,” said Burch.

“Since the March order, we have been in contact with Butler County social service agencies to assist park residents in the transition to new housing.” The consent decree requires Kennedy to:

• Withdraw his appeal of the March 2008 order;

• Ensure that all mobile homes are vacated; • Disconnect or permanently cap all sewage and water lines; and

• Remove and properly dispose of all sewage from the septic tanks by Feb. 15.

The consent decree also requires Kennedy to pay a $60,500 civil penalty, of which $10,000 has been paid. The remaining $50,500 is to be forgiven upon full-compliance with the decree.

 

 

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Erica Ramus is Broker/Owner of Realty Executives in Pottsville, PA.

If you're looking for a PROFESSIONAL to represent you in all of your Schuylkill County real estate needs, call Realty Executives at 570-622-6006.

We can meet all your buying / selling needs ... and will exceed your expectations. That's what being an EXECUTIVE is all about

Serving all of Schuylkill County ... Pottsville, Orwigsburg, Schuylkill Haven, Auburn, Pine Grove, Frackville, Minersville, Ashland, Shenandoah, Port Carbon, Palo Alto, St. Clair, Barnesville real estate. Click on the link above to search Pottsville PA homes for sale or any Schuylkill County homes for sale. We have all properties listed for sale in the Schuylkill MLS on our website -- free search!

We also operate Schuylkill Appraisal Services, for all your appraisal needs.

 


Mortgage loan modifications ought to have more bite

Via Esko Kiuru - Las Vegas NV Mortgage Consultant (Sinifox Financial):

As foreclosure numbers keep growing nationwide lenders are facing more pressure to make home loan modifications, or workouts, more meaningful. Up to now their efforts have mostly been half measures from the borrower's perspective, backed by recent stats that around half of modified home loans re-default within six months. That surely isn't helping the pummeled real estate market to recover, something everyone ought to strive for, and thus help the entire economy get back on track.   

The entities operating between distressed homeowners and the investors who have bought their underlying mortgages usually are the servicing firms. They are the key players, work under contract for the investors and naturally first look for what's good for them. And that means modifying as little as possible. For loan workouts to have more bite the contract terms need to be adjusted or otherwise the whole exercise is largely wasted. Foreclosures would keep rising, home values head further south and at the end the investors would suffer even bigger losses when their deeply discounted, foreclosed property is finally sold.

To make modifications work better loan balances should be lowered bravely and not just a token 10% or so. They ought to be brought down close to where the market is, which of course will hurt the investors at first. But that's the reality right now. When homeowners are upside down by a large percentage they really have very little incentive to do everything they can to make payments. However, if they are looking at newly-adjusted mortgage balances hovering somewhere near actual market value they will most likely make the extra effort to struggle on. It's clear that the housing market is not turning around any time soon and bail the investors out. They have to accept that and base their decisions accordingly.

Another way to lower payments meaningfully is reducing interest rates. And do it so that it would make a real difference, enabling homeowners to stay in their houses. If this avenue is used aggressively, the mortgage balance may not need any adjustment at all, or very little, making it perhaps a more palatable option for the investors.    

It has been rather puzzling to watch lately how aimless the investment community has been in dealing with the growing foreclosure problem. Because of that Washington is likely to get involved and that might not be the best alternative either.

 

 

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Erica Ramus is Broker/Owner of Realty Executives in Pottsville, PA.

If you're looking for a PROFESSIONAL to represent you in all of your Schuylkill County real estate needs, call Realty Executives at 570-622-6006.

We can meet all your buying / selling needs ... and will exceed your expectations. That's what being an EXECUTIVE is all about

Serving all of Schuylkill County ... Pottsville, Orwigsburg, Schuylkill Haven, Auburn, Pine Grove, Frackville, Minersville, Ashland, Shenandoah, Port Carbon, Palo Alto, St. Clair, Barnesville real estate. Click on the link above to search Pottsville PA homes for sale or any Schuylkill County homes for sale. We have all properties listed for sale in the Schuylkill MLS on our website -- free search!

We also operate Schuylkill Appraisal Services, for all your appraisal needs.

 


Hegins PA Single: $88,000

Nice single on large lot in town. Fenced yard with carport, shed, nice flagstone patio, outdoor fireplace ... great for entertaining outdoors. Country kitchen, large living room, dining room + game room. Stove/fridge remain. Upstairs walk in closet. Attic could be finished for 3rd bedroom. To get to basement, trap door in laundry room (off kitchen). Furnace 95. This is a really nice little house in rural Pennsylvania! Come see it for yourself. www.move2pennsylvania.com

 

 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Erica Ramus is Broker/Owner of Realty Executives in Pottsville, PA.

If you're looking for a PROFESSIONAL to represent you in all of your Schuylkill County real estate needs, call Realty Executives at 570-622-6006.

We can meet all your buying / selling needs ... and will exceed your expectations. That's what being an EXECUTIVE is all about

Serving all of Schuylkill County ... Pottsville, Orwigsburg, Schuylkill Haven, Auburn, Pine Grove, Frackville, Minersville, Ashland, Shenandoah, Port Carbon, Palo Alto, St. Clair, Barnesville real estate. Click on the link above to search Pottsville PA homes for sale or any Schuylkill County homes for sale. We have all properties listed for sale in the Schuylkill MLS on our website -- free search!

We also operate Schuylkill Appraisal Services, for all your appraisal needs.

 


Buyers - Make A Wish List Before Starting Your Search

Via Brigita McKelvie - Lehigh Valley, PA, Residential, Rural & Horse Properties (Vision Realty Group):

 

Buyers, when you are ready to purchase a home and before doing the actual search, make a checklist of priorities in your dream home.  Knowing exactly what you want will cut down wasted time looking at homes that you would not even consider.

 

While your opinions on the type of home you want to own may change during the homebuying process, use this easy checklist to help you prioritize.  It will make the shopping process less time consuming.

 

Your Property Wish List

 

 

  • How close do you need to be to: (a) public transportation _______ (b) schools _______
    (c) airport _______ (d) expressway _______ (e) neighborhood shopping _______
    (f) other_______?
  • What neighborhoods would you prefer?
  • What school systems do you want to be near?
  • What architectural style(s) of homes do you prefer?
  • Do you want a one-story or two-story house?
  • How old a home would you consider?
  • How much repair or renovation would you be willing to do?
  • Do you have special facilities or needs that your home must meet?
  • Do you require a fenced yard or other amenities for your pets?

 

Prioritize each of these options into

Must have

Would prefer

Yard (at least_________)

 

 

Garage (size________)

 

 

Patio/Deck

 

 

Pool

 

 

Bedrooms (number_________)

 

 

Bathrooms (number_________)

 

 

Family room

 

 

Formal living room

 

 

Formal dining room

 

 

Eat-in kitchen

 

 

Laundry room

 

 

Basement

 

 

Attic

 

 

Fireplace

 

 

Spa in bath

 

 

Air conditioning

 

 

Wall-to-wall carpet

 

 

Hardwood floors

 

 

View

 

 

Light (windows)

 

 

Shade

 

 

 

 

 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Erica Ramus is Broker/Owner of Realty Executives in Pottsville, PA.

If you're looking for a PROFESSIONAL to represent you in all of your Schuylkill County real estate needs, call Realty Executives at 570-622-6006.

We can meet all your buying / selling needs ... and will exceed your expectations. That's what being an EXECUTIVE is all about

Serving all of Schuylkill County ... Pottsville, Orwigsburg, Schuylkill Haven, Auburn, Pine Grove, Frackville, Minersville, Ashland, Shenandoah, Port Carbon, Palo Alto, St. Clair, Barnesville real estate. Click on the link above to search Pottsville PA homes for sale or any Schuylkill County homes for sale. We have all properties listed for sale in the Schuylkill MLS on our website -- free search!

We also operate Schuylkill Appraisal Services, for all your appraisal needs.