Schuylkill County Real Estate

Horse Property in New Ringgold, PA

Erica Ramus - Realty Executives / Pottsville PA Real Estate — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 20:03:30 -0600

Via Cindy Stys, The Premier Equine Realty Broker (Cindy Stys Equestrian & Country Properties, Ltd):

Cindy Stys | Cindy Stys Equestrian & Country Properties, Ltd | 610-849-1790

260 Beechnut Road, New Ringgold, PA

Turnkey horse property !

4BR/2.5BA Single Family House

offered at $294,900

Year Built 1994

Sq Footage 2,236

Bedrooms 4

Bathrooms 2 full, 1 partial

Floors 2

Parking Unspecified

Lot Size 226,511 sqft

HOA/Maint $0 per month

DESCRIPTION

Two story colonial sets back from quiet road and ideally overlooks the pastures. Very good use of the acreage which is all open and consists mainly of pasture. Nice barn conveniently located next to home with (4) 12x12 tongue & grove stalls, 3 have rubber mats. Insulated ceiling to reduce noise. 12x10 tack room 3 of the stalls have Dutch doors and lead out to the pasture area. Frost free-pump inside barn Overhang in front of stalls provides shade for the horses. The best thing is that 2 or 3 more stalls can be easily added across from the 4 existing ones. Other building can be used for storing hay and other items. 3 good sized pasture areas will keep horses healthy and happy! The spacious home features floor to ceiling brick fireplace with newer coal/wood stove insert. Master suite with large walk-in closet. Relax after your ride in the hot tub located in the cheery sunroom. Measurements are approximate

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

- Fireplace - Walk-in closet - Family room

- Living room - Dishwasher - Refrigerator

- Stove/Oven - Basement - Washer

- Dryer - Jacuzzi/Whirlpool

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Photo 1

Photo 2

Photo 3

Photo 4

Photo 5

Photo 6

Contact info:

Cindy Stys

Cindy Stys Equestrian & Country Properties, Ltd

610-849-1790

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Nov 22, 2009, 1:11pm PST

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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.

21.8 Farmette, Barnesville, PA Schuylkill County for sale

Erica Ramus - Realty Executives / Pottsville PA Real Estate — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 20:02:39 -0600

Via Cindy Stys, The Premier Equine Realty Broker (Cindy Stys Equestrian & Country Properties, Ltd):

Cindy Stys | Cindy Stys Equestrian & Country Properties, Ltd | 610-849-1790

210 Hillside Dr, Barnesville, PA

21.8 Horse Property offering 4 bedroom farmhouse with 5 stall barn and large detached garage

4BR/1+1BA Single Family House

offered at $335,000

Year Built Unspecified

Sq Footage 1,650

Bedrooms 4

Bathrooms 1 full, 1 partial

Floors 2

Parking Unspecified

Lot Size 21.8 acres

HOA/Maint $0 per month

DESCRIPTION

21.8 total acres. Farmhouse with lovely wrap-around porch with most renovations now completed including remodeled bathrooms. New windows throughout. 5 stall barn with turnout area. 4 car detached garage with additional room for workshop. Garden area with miniature landscaping pond. Gorgeous 6+ acre open field on top of property can be fenced in and used as pasture or build another home, indoor arena or barn. 10% of property can be subdivided and still remain in the PA "Clean and Green" program. A second residence is allowed on the property without subdivision, so there is potential for rental income.

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

- Fireplace - Dining room - Dishwasher

- Stove/Oven - Basement - Yard

COMMUNITY FEATURES

- Garage parking

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Photo 1

Photo 2

Photo 3

Photo 4

Photo 5

Photo 6

Contact info:

Cindy Stys

Cindy Stys Equestrian & Country Properties, Ltd

610-849-1790

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Jan 9, 2010, 6:20pm PST

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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

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

Koch's Turkey Farm Feautured on CBS News

Erica Ramus - Realty Executives / Pottsville PA Real Estate — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 14:13:31 -0600

Schuylkill County's own Koch's Turkey Farm will be featured on CBS News in early February, thanks to their no-antiobiotic policy in raising their turkeys.

Read the story here in the Pottsville Republican in the 1/24/10 edition. Anchor Katie Couric and her staff learned of the healthy antibioticc free process at Koch's and visited the farm last week for a news report.

Koch’s Turkey Farm is a true family farm (in the second generation now) that values the traditional standards of their Pennsylvania Dutch Heritage. Founded by Lowell and Elizabeth Koch in 1953, the small original farm has evolved into a fully integrated farm with 45 turkey houses, a hatchery, and an all natural feed mill.

Here is what their website says about how they raise their turkeys:

We feed our flocks a vegetarian diet fortified with vitamins and minerals which is a natural defense against bacterial organisms. Our feed mill is located right on our farm, and utilizes locally grown corn and roasted soybeans for our specially formulated feed. Our Turkeys never receive antibiotics or growth promotants at any time. Animal by-products, fats, bakery or pet food products are never used in our poultry feed.

Our Turkeys are antibiotic free and have free range access to outdoor areas that provide natural sunlight and fresh air. Our Turkeys meet strict Humane guidelines and Welfare Standards for Turkeys. These guidelines take into account the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA), practical standards for the proper care of and Treatment of Turkeys. In addition to meeting these guidelines, Koch’s scored a 100% on the Turkey Welfare and Humane practices independent audit by Steritech.

Visiting Koch's Turkey Farm

From Pottsville Area: Take 61 South through Pottsville. Turn left onto Tumbling Run Road. Stay on Tumbling Run Road for several miles. Pass Guers Dairy on the right. Go to the ‘T” and turn right. Make an immediate left onto Valley Road heading toward Rosemont Campground. Stay on Valley Road, pass the campground and go down the hill. Koch's Turkey Farm will be ahead on the right.

The Koch’s Family Store is located at 416 Valley Road, Tamaqua, PA 18252 Phone (570) 668-2089

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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

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

Schuylkill County Volunteer Fire Companies

Erica Ramus - Realty Executives / Pottsville PA Real Estate — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 13:26:06 -0600

Schuylkill County Volunteer Fire Companies

January 27, 2010 7:00 pm

Historical Society of Schuylkill County Program

History of the Schuylkill County Volunteer Fire Companies

The Historical Society of Schuylkill County will have Mike Kitsock of the Schuylkill County Historical Fire Museum present a power point program on the history of the Schuylkill County Volunteer Fire Companies. His program will include photographs of some of the early hand pulled, horse-drawn, and early motorized fire apparati on display at the Schuylkill Historical Fire Society.

The program will be at 7:00 PM on Wednesday; January 27th at the Historical Society of Schuylkill County at 305 North Centre St. The public is invited.

For links to Schuylkill County fire department websites, click here

Also here's a very good site for all Coal Region Fire information.

Schuylkill County Volunteer Fire Companies

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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

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

The Number 1 Reason to Buy a Home Now!

Erica Ramus - Realty Executives / Pottsville PA Real Estate — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 12:48:35 -0600

Everybody's concentrating on the tax credit as a reason to BUY NOW.

Here is another reason...

Via Lonnie Glessner (America's Mortgage LLC):

The number one reason to buy a home right now may surprise you. The number one reason to buy a home now is NOT that the first time home buyer tax credit or the repeat home buyer tax credit is ending this spring. However, both of those are good reasons to buy a home right away.

The number one reason to buy a home NOW is found in the following quote from last week--

"April 1 will be the first day that the Federal Reserve will end its debt purchase program and allow the struggling U.S. mortgage market to operate unassisted. As a result, the Fed believes mortgage rates will rise about three-quarters of a percent to about 6 percent," Boston Fed President Eric Rosengren said recently.

Here is the projected economic impact if you a buy a home in April or later according to the Fed-
· If you buy a $200,000 home with a FHA loan and put 3.50% down your monthly payment just increased by $93 a month or $1,120 a year! That's equal to eating out 4 times a month at Chili's and their 3 Courses for $20 Menu.

· Your monthly payment increase is 8.6%, this is equal to every home seller in the country raising their prices by 8.6%. Yuck!

· Finally, if your debt-to-income ratios are really tight your pre-approval for a home price of $200k, just got decreased to $182,800.

· Or if your pre-approval is good for a price of $175k, it just got decreased to $159,950.

· Or if your pre-approval is good for a price of $150k, it just got decreased to $137,100.

So, how do you avoid this from happening to you? First, you could hope or pray that the Fed will extend their purchases of mortgage bonds. Second, you could buy a home BEFORE the Fed's purchase plan expires on March 31st.

It's your choice. You have been warned.

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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

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

Freddie Mac Releases Positive Outlook for 2010

Erica Ramus - Realty Executives / Pottsville PA Real Estate — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 16:18:04 -0600

Here is some GOOD NEWS for once! Freddie Mac released some good news for 2010.

Please read below.

Via Helen Oliveri (The Helen Oliveri Team of Keller Williams Realty ):

Freddie Mac’s recently released economic outlook describes a refreshingly brighter view of the year ahead, but the pace of recovery in the forecast is well below the growth that has followed most recessions in the past half-century.

As the still-fragile recovery gradually gains more solid footing by the end of the year, Freddie Mac’s economic outlook anticipates real GDP growth of 3 to 3.5 percent. In addition, Freddie Mac said the jobs picture will improve, but it will be with some delay, as many employers postpone hiring until business picks up further.

While the housing market showed broad signs of stabilizing in the second half of 2009, risks of retrenchment remain high in the face of the heavy flow of foreclosures and REO properties. As a result, prices in the hardest-hit areas have the potential to be depressed even further. At the national level, Freddie Mac said it expects the housing market to weather the growth in distressed sales without significant setbacks, but risks still remain.

Considering current conditions and economic policies as well as the lessons from past business cycles, Freddie Mac believes this view is justified. While this scenario does assume that there is no further flare-up of financial crisis, this appears to be a reasonable expectation, Freddie Mac said. Conditions in most parts of the market are on the mend, many risk spreads are returning to pre-crisis normal, and corporate bond markets have largely recovered. In December, the first commercial mortgage-backed security was issued without TALF backing since mid-2008, but the private-label single family mortgage-backed security market is still largely frozen.

Following the 1974-1975 recession and the double-dip recessions in the early 1980s, economic growth surged 7 percent or more for sustained periods. This is more than twice the pace Freddie Mac expects over the coming year. Such subdued performance is due in large part to the aftereffects of the financial crisis, including the high rate of mortgage defaults, the growing inventory of loans in foreclosure, weakened bank balance sheets and the corresponding reluctance to lend, and depressed household net worth.

However, macroeconomic policies aimed at offsetting these drags are providing support for the recovery. About one-

third of the $784 billion of fiscal stimulus money was spent or went to Americans in the form of tax deductions during 2009, and including funds obligated for projects and activities brings the total funds committed to about one-half of the $748 billion. Freddie Mac said most of the remaining funds will flow into the economy this year, bolstering private spending.

In addition, monetary policy is extremely accommodative, and FOMC statements have signaled that target interest rates are likely to remain “extraordinarily low” until the economy and labor markets improve. While theFed has said most of the liquidity facilities put into place during this crisis will continue to wind down, private markets appear ready to reassume their role, eliminating the need for these facilities to go forward.

The near-term picture of housing market trends was clouded by the passing of the original deadline for the first-time home homebuyers’ tax credit, Freddie Mac said. Home sales surged in 2009 in advance of the planned end of the credit, but sales may experience a temporary slowdown as many potential buyers who would normally have bought a home in early 2010 rushed to close before the end of November.

Initial reports of housing activity are consistent with such a decline. According to the Mortgage Bankers Association, mortgage applications for home purchases declined 20 percent in December, relative to the third quarter average, and the National Association of Realtors reported a 16 percent decrease in pending home sales in November. The weakness in pending home sales even prior the original expiration of the tax credit could be due to the length of time from when a contract is signed until closing, Freddie Mac explained. A lower level of closings in December would imply fewer pending contracts in November.

With the extension of the tax credit through spring and its expansion to include existing home buyers, it is likely that additional buyers will accelerate their purchase decisions into the first half of 2010. As a result, a rebound in sales is expected.

Despite the expected pickup in sales, single-family mortgage originations are projected to be about 10 percent lower in 2010, compared with last year. This decline in originations is driven by lessened refinance activity, as the refinance share is projected to slip from approximately two-thirds of lending in 2009 to just over one-half of this year’s volume.

In a market where the interest rate differential relative to the adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) is small, borrowers prefer the steady principal and interest payments of a fixed-rate loan. As a result, ARM volume is anticipated to continue to be muted. In addition, interest rates for 30-year fixed-rate loans are projected to remain in the 5 to 6 percent range through 2010, marking a continuation of a relatively low-rate environment that will support the housing market recovery.

DSNews.com

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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

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

Can you get my house market ready by Friday??

Erica Ramus - Realty Executives / Pottsville PA Real Estate — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 15:02:11 -0600

If you're getting your house ready to sell, please read this information below.

Via Deena Cottingham, Home Stager & Photographer (GreenApple Staging & Images, Calgary Staging & Photography):

I started my home staging business not as an outlet for interior decorating -- as some people would assume -- but because I love the excitement of buying and selling real estate. In order to achieve any successful sale, you have to effectively merchandise your product. In this case, it's a house.

What's involved in home merchandising? It starts with saying your good-byes, first of all, and then overcoming the procrastination of dealing with all the stuff you've collected . . . and home maintenance you've put off . . . for someday when you'd have more time.

When you decide to sell your house, that day has arrived, more time or not!

The most important thing is to act early enough to ... sort, organize, pitch, purge, donate, scrape, patch, sand, tape, paint, spray, saw, hammer, glue, nail, fix, tighten, whiten, lighten, brighten, dust, scrub, mop, sweep, wipe and polish.

Phew!

I mean, people detail their car before selling it. They wash it, vacuum it, Armor All it, and even squeegee both sides of the windows!

So why is it that there are home owners who call on Monday for a pre-market consultation, going on to disclose that they are listing on Friday -- (the photographer is already booked) -- and then are stunned during the consultation that gets squeezed in on Wednesday evening (they were "too busy" Tuesday) that I've suggested they address the dozen or so unfinished jobs around the house, clear out closets and clean like they've never cleaned before? They gulp realizing they've got at least a month's worth of work ahead of them, and ask if its really necessary.

Of course, it goes without saying, they are also expecting top dollar for their home. They called about "staging" because they hear it will help their house sell in a week, right?

Staging/styling is great for putting the finishing touches on presenting the home for sale, but it cannot make up for a home that is simply in poor condition -- at least as far as the buyer is concerned.

The biggest favor you can do for yourself when thinking about selling your home, is to call a Realtor who works with a Home Stager, and get that pre-market consultation done 60 days ahead of time! Not only should you find out the real dollars and cents that your property is worth, but get an objective, professional opinion of what a buyer will think your home's assets and shortcomings are -- another function of home staging.

Then, take the time to address all of those shortcomings.

Nobody wants to clean up someone else's mess. Maintaining your home all along the way is the surest way to also maintain its value. You can't possibly cram this into the few days before you decide to list, any more than you can "cram" plowing, seeding, watering, and cultivating wheat into a harvestable crop!

As we all tell our kids, don't leave your homework to the last minute!

When selling a home, let's listen to our own advice.

Deena Cottingham

GreenApple Staging & Images
Serving Calgary and Okotoks, Alberta

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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

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

January 23: Soup-Er Saturday Cabin Fever Fest in Pine Grove, PA

Erica Ramus - Realty Executives / Pottsville PA Real Estate — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 15:26:36 -0600

January 23, 2010 12:00 pm

Soup-Er Saturday Cabin Fever Fest

Noon to 4:00 p.m., Sweet Arrow Lake County Park Clubhouse.

Red Creek Wildlife Center will feature a program on live animals while Kathy Miller will host a Fireside Story Time including children’s activities from her book entitled “Chippy Chipmunk Parties in the Garden.” A display on local wildlife will be featured in addition to a walk with “Porcupine Pat” to be held from 2:00-3:00 p.m.

The Sweet Arrow Lake Conservation Association promises a good time too!

Of course, the big feature is the good food that will be available for sale such as the best soups this side of Second Mountain. All activities are free and open to the public but a free will donation will be greatly appreciated.

For more information, porcupinepat@yahoo.com or 570-622-4124 x113.

Soup-Er Saturday Cabin Fever Fest

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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

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

Selling a home? DONT WAIT TILL SPRING!!!

Erica Ramus - Realty Executives / Pottsville PA Real Estate — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 08:14:50 -0600

Here is some great advice that goes AGAINST the grain when it comes to "spring is the best time to put your home on the market."

This year, with the Tax Credit, ignore that advice and put it on right now!

Via Guy Lofts CRS Real Estate Guy in Madison, Wisconsin (Keller Williams Madison Crossroads, Madison, Wisconsin):

Have you heard the traditional advice to get your home on the market to sell in the spring?

Well, traditionally that is good advice, but this is no traditional year. Real Estate Guy Team believes -and this is the general concensus in the industry- that this could be a mistake. That this year you to stand the best chance, you need to be on the market just as soon as possible. This applies to Madison wisconsin.

What is different about this year?

Well there is a trifecta of things positively affecting the market, making it a great time to buy a home. The Home buyer Tax credit, all time low interest rates and great inventory because of slugish sales, meaning generally lower prices for buyers.

These things are making home buyers brace the snow and start shopping. And if you wait till the customary April time, you could miss the boat.

Why what will happen?

The tax credit is going away April 30th. (close by June 30th)

This will mean there will be large buying activity up till this date. After this date, even if the credit is extended, (and industry sentiment is it will not.) there will be less interest after that time.

Interest rates are atificially low because the government is running an interference play, (too complex to get into now) But it has plans to phase out the interference early this year. New York Times article stated that could lead to interest rates up to 11% from the current 5%. I can't see this happen, but even 1-2% could have a dramatic effect on the market and hence home prices.

Can you imagine what that could do to buyer activity, and hence prices?

So what is the message. Start getting serious NOW. Get your home prepared to be a model home and hire a top agent to get you top dollar now.

RealEstateGuy Team is a top team of Realtors helping buyers and sellers in the Madison Wisconsin area.

Search all homes for sale in Madison Wi

Guy Lofts

Real Estate Guy Team

Helping Buyers and Sellers in Madison Wi Search all area homes for sale in Madison Wi

Get a chuckle, watch this 30 second video

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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

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

Don't Show Your Home to Strangers Without an Appointment

Erica Ramus - Realty Executives / Pottsville PA Real Estate — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 07:55:05 -0600

We live in a rural area, and this warning is important! If your home is for sale with a realtor, don't let anyone in to see it without an appointment. All buyers should have to come thru with an agent (your agent or another one). Don't let any strangers in please!

Via J. Philip Faranda, J. Philip Real Estate Briarcliff Manor NY:

The other day a seller client told me that she showed her home to strangers off the street who knocked on her door and expressed interest in seeing the place without an appointment. She accommodated them. We don't know who they are, or even if they were qualified to buy. She just hoped they might be the ones. I told her to never do this again. Call me a suspicious New Yorker, but the risks outweigh the opportunity when you show you home to strangers with no appointment.

Prior to scheduling a showing, we verify the credentials of showing agents, their contact information, and their licensure. Nobody gets an appointment without verification. If it is our own buyer, we verify their identity, their financial qualifications, and their identity. Otherwise, I might as well have a hitchhiker in my car. To not take these measures I expose my firm to severe liability and clients to undue risk.

What can go wrong by letting strangers into your home without a proper appointment? Plenty.

Theft

Violence

Vandalism

"Staking the place out" for future theft

Identity theft

That last point is a new one, but once someone can get a bill or some other personal item off your kitchen table you have the seeds of a far bigger problem than a stolen necklace.

People who can't set up an appointment and insist on dealing directly with the owner of a listed property may not have a screw lose, but they are trying to pursue a fallacious angle, namely that bypassing the agent gives them an advantage. The bottom line is that while they may not hit you over the head, they are almost certainly wasting your time.

J. Philip Faranda, Broker-owner, J. Philip Real Estate, LLC. 2010 Vice President, Westchester Putnam MLS. Read my short sale blog here. J. Philip Serves Briarcliff Manor, Ossining, Croton, the River Towns, Westchester County, and the bedroom counties of New York City.

Subscribe to the 40 Somethings Group. Reach Phil at (914) 723-8900.

All content/images, unless noted, are the property of J. Philip Faranda & may not be used without permission

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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

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

Even the Experts are Buying Homes

Erica Ramus - Realty Executives / Pottsville PA Real Estate — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 07:24:27 -0600

Home prices in Schuylkill County, PA fell 18% from 2007-2008 and another 17% from 2008-2009. What will they do in 2010? Well I don't have a crystal ball but here's a nice prediction...

Via Gabe Sanders, Stuart Florida Real Estate (Premier Realty Group):

Home prices have hit bottom in most areas of the country, but they're not like a rubber ball. Sellers can't expect much of a bounce.

At the Center for Economic Policy Research, in Washington D.C., analysts are predicting that the pricing arrow is pointing up, but not very far. There are still too many foreclosed homes on the market.

So, what did the center's co-director do? He bought a house. He doesn't expect its value to rise much in the foreseeable future. But the home had features he loved. The price was affordable, and the loan's interest rate was below 5 percent.

This set of circumstances encouraged him to take the plunge and acquire a place his family could call home for many years to come.

Today's reasonable prices can make a good case for buying rather than renting, say advisors quoted in USA Today. While many first-timers are leery of making a long-term contract, here is a way you could determine if the move is a wise one.

* Divide the price of a home you are considering by the annual rent for a comparable place. If the number falls below 15, buying starts to look like a good idea.

* Consider whether you will stay in the home long enough to make the purchase worthwhile. Closing costs are high. If you intend to sell the house and buy another in two or three years, you could take a loss.

* Analysts say it's reasonable to buy a home only if you plan to stay in it for five to seven years.

Gabe Sanders and Susan Maxwell

Stuart Florida Real Estate

Residential Homes, Condos and Land
Waterfront and Golf Course Communities in Martin and Saint Lucie Counties

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Call 772-323-6996 or 1-866-899-7977 for information

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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

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

Pottsville Area History & Hobby Events in February 2010

Erica Ramus - Realty Executives / Pottsville PA Real Estate — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 13:50:58 -0600

Pottsville Area History & Hobby Events in February 2010

- Model Airplane Display, History Fair, Popular Cookie Sales & More! -

Fairlane Village Mall is the focal point for several annual events that area residents look forward to throughout the year, including:

· Sat., Feb. 6 & Sun., Feb. 7 – Tuscorara RC Club during their Model Airplane Display. Model airplanes of all sizes will be on view during regular mall hours in Center Court. Members of this remote-control airplane club will show off some of their prized models and answer questions about these works of art that really can fly.

· Wed., Feb. 10 – Little Villagers members who are aspiring rock stars can get a taste of virtual celebrity during a free Animated Airheads event from 5 to 7 p.m. Animated Airheads uses the magic of green screen technology to transform kids into singing and dancing celebrities. Participants will take home a free DVD of them singing their favorite tunes (one DVD per family). This event is part of the Little Villagers free monthly programs and is exclusive to Little Villagers members. Children 12 and under can sign up to become a member in the Mall Office. Members must reserve a time slot in advance for the Animated Airheads event by calling 570-429-1563 or visiting the Mall Office.

· Sat., Feb. 13 – Learn about the history of the Schuylkill County area at the History Fair, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. throughout the mall. Visit with historical societies from local towns, see informational displays, and hear about the county's rich heritage during this annual one-day-only event.

· Sat., Feb. 27 & Sun., Feb. 28 – Girl Scout Cookie Sales for 2010 -- stop by and purchase these favorite cookies for a great cause. Daisy Troop 1026 will be selling cookies from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Center Court on Saturday, February 27. Junior Troop 1112 will be there on Sunday, February 28, from noon to 5 p.m. Everyone loves Girl Scout cookies and every box sold helps support local Girl Scouts and the organization’s wholesome programs for girls of all ages.

Pottsville Area History & Hobby Events in February 2010

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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

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

Pennsylvania Farm Show January 9-16, 2010

Erica Ramus - Realty Executives / Pottsville PA Real Estate — Sun, 10 Jan 2010 22:18:51 -0600

Over 400,000 people are expected to attend the 94th Pennsylvania Farm Show this week in Harrisburg, PA to celebrate agriculture, which is Pennsylvania's number one industry.

According to the Farm Show website, the Pennsylvania Farm Show is "the largest indoor agricultural event in the country.

Visitors have the chance to see nearly 6,000 animals, 10,000 competitive exhibits, and 270 commercial exhibitors. In addition, exhibitors can hope to tap into more than $561,000 in prize money"

The Farm Show includes approximately 300 Commercial Exhibitors and over 13,000 Competitive Exhibits. Everything from draft horses, beef cattle, dairy cattle, sheep, swine, goats, rabbits and poultry, to eggs, fruit, christmas trees, apiary products, maple products, nuts, horticultural products, mushrooms, wine, vegetables and many other Pennsylvania products can be seen here.

One unique feature is an annual BUTTER sculpture. Shown here is the 2010 sculpture, which depicts a dairy family sitting down for breakfast. Each year the sculpture and its theme changes.

Another of the unique events is the Kitchen Stage, with all day demonstrations from celebrity chefs and special events. Each day has a different theme. For example Saturday the 16th is Apple Day. The day's cooking demonstrations include:

11:00 AM Maple Production Demonstration by the PA Maple Syrup Producers

12:00 PM Curiel Bame, Executive Chef at Brasserie Louis, Lewisburg, Pennsylvania: Seared Duck and Apple Cider Reduction with Potato and Apple Braised Cabbage

1:00 PM Chef Instructor Dan D'Angelo and Students from the Culinary Arts Program at the Art Institute of Philadelphia: Golden Delicious Apple and Cheddar Turnovers with Dried Cranberries

2:00 PM Honey Extraction Demonstration by the Pennsylvania State Beekeepers Association

Many Schuylkill County families make the trek to the Farm Show every January, and the Schuylkill County Fair in August, as major events. Boots Hetherington, a Ringtown strawberry farmer (amongst other crops) entered ornamental corn this year (and took 2nd and 3rd place). Valley View's Sally Reinhoel entered dozens of competitions and came away with numerous ribbons. Several local youths won ribbons for their rabbits, as well.

The Pennsylvania Farm Show is free to the public and is a great event to take the entire family to for the day. It is located in the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex & Expo Center, North Cameron and Maclay Streets, Harrisburg, PA. Directions are here.

For a full schedule of the week's events, click here.

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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

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

Schuylkill County Sheriff Sale: 2/19/2010

Erica Ramus - Realty Executives / Pottsville PA Real Estate — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 09:18:25 -0600

Schuylkill County Sheriff Sale: 2/19/2010

10:00 AM, in Courtroom No. 1 at the Court House in the City of Pottsville, Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania

The following rules are from the Schuylkill County Courthouse:

The properties are owned by debtors until they are sold on the day of sale. They are not open for public viewing

You will be bidding against the bank.

The bank has a predetermined amount that they will bid to. This is called the “upset price”. Only the bank, on the day of the sale, knows what this amount will be. It may be more or less than the judgment amount.

The Sheriff does not guarantee clear title to any property sold at sale. For example, you may buy a property with numerous liens requiring you to pay a lot more money than what you bid for the property and you must, under the law, pay these lien holders to clear what is now your title. This is solely YOUR responsibility. All liens registered on properties can be obtained at the Prothonotary Office in the Courthouse.

A title search is recommended.

For a complete list of the properties for sale that day, click here. As with buying any property, especially foreclosures or bank owned properties, you need to do your due diligence before purchasing. If you have never bid at a sheriff's sale before, get advice from someone who has experience with buying these kinds of properties, or contact your attorney first to learn the do's and don'ts and these sales.

KNOW what you are buying. Hire a title searcher before you bid, if you do not know how to search the title yourself. Don't take a risk.

CONDITIONS OF SHERIFF’S SALE

1. The Highest Bidder shall be deemed the purchaser.

2. The purchaser will pay ten percent (10%) of bid price at the end of the sale. A condition of sales form and an acknowledgment of purchase provided by the Sheriff must be signed by the purchaser immediately after the sale. The balance of the purchase money must be paid to the Sheriff within ten (10) days of the sale.

3. The purchaser is responsible for all unpaid real estate taxes and municipal liens. The Sheriff is not responsible for any unpaid taxes or liens except those included in the Schedule of Distribution.

4. Upon the failure to comply with these conditions of sale, any money paid on account shall be forfeited by the purchaser and shall be applied to pay the costs of the sale and the costs of any subsequent sale and nothing herein shall relieve the purchaser from liability for all costs and damages arising out of such noncompliance. If the executing creditor registers its highest bid and the purchaser defaults, then the executing creditor shall be deemed to be the purchaser.

5. The Sheriff shall not be liable for loss or damage to the premises sold resulting from any cause whatsoever, and makes no representation or warranty regarding the condition of the premises.

6. The Realty Transfer Tax Statement of Value forms shall be prepared by the purchaser and returned to the Sheriff’s Office within ten (10) days from the date of sale. (NOTE: Effective July 1, 2005 the common level ratio will be 2.42)

7. The Sheriff reserves the right to postpone or stay the sale of any property in which the attorney on the writ has not appeared and is not present at the sale.

Schuylkill County Sheriff Sale: 2/19/2010

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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

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

Hawk Mountain Sanctuary - Snowflake Flurry January 16

Erica Ramus - Realty Executives / Pottsville PA Real Estate — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 09:10:20 -0600

Hawk Mountain Sanctuary ... Snowflake Flurry!

Sat, January 16

11 am - 3 pm

Free activities. Trail fee applies. Full day of activities focused on wildlife during winter. FREE trail admission for children ages 12 and under, as well as complimentary hot chocolate or bird friendly, shade-grown coffee and wildlife art display by Dave Hughes.

11:30, Live Owl Program

12:30, Snowflake Making Workshop (ages 7 and up)

1:30, Guided Winter Walk (limit 25; trail fee applies)

2 pm, Snowflake Bingo

2:30 pm, Live Owl Program

Other upcoming programs this winter:

For more information, go to Hawk Mountain Sanctuary http://www.hawkmountain.org

Owl Prowl, February 19 and February 26

6 pm - 9 pm Hawk Mountain Visitor Center Must call 610-756-6961 to register in advance Limited to 20 Cost: $10 Members, $20 Non-Members Call early as this popular program fills quickly: 610-756-6961. Begin indoors with an introduction to owls using our own live owls to learn adaptions to this nocturnal raptors. Then head outdoors to listen and look for real owls on the Mountain. Dress warmly! You will be outdoors at night for 30 to 40 minutes.

Feed the Birds, February 20

Spring Equinox, March 20

Directions from Pottsville, PA and I-81: 1/2 hour • Take Rt. 61 SOUTH (Frackville Exit for I-81) • To Rt. 895 EAST (take jughandle, exit to right) • Go 2 miles to RIGHT at blue Hawk Mountain sign (Drehersville) • Cross railroad tracks and Little Schuylkill River • Go 2 miles to top of mountain, turn RIGHT into parking lot

Hawk Mountain Sanctuary

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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

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