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Bethlehem, PA Real Estate News

By Mark Gallagher
(Coldwell Banker Heritage Real Estate)
Recently, many people I have been talking to are interested in becoming a real estate investor for the first time. Everywhere it seems people are saying we are in a buyer's market. I for one think this is very true! If you are able to purchase a home now, and the rent covers whatever your debt service may be, it can usually be a great idea. The best way to think of this would be as a tangible 401K. When I had a 401K account, I did not like the fact that someone else had control over my money! Not to mention the fees associated with it and my returns were very modest. I discovered real estate investing, and fell in love. Not only could I see my investments, I could touch them as well. I was in complete control of my money and the returns it could make.  Where do you start? The first thin...
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By D B, e-PRO, Realtor - Bucks County PA - 610-952-3578
F 730 Old Bethlehem Pike SOLD! QUAKERTOWN, PA 4 Unit Apartment Building Just SOLD! 6BR/4BA Multi-Family, 4 units $382,500 Year Built 1945 Sq Footage 3,728 Bedrooms 6 Bathrooms 4 full, 0 partial Floors 2 Parking 4+ Uncovered spaces Lot Size 1.25 acres HOA/Maint $0 per month DescriptionPublic:Fully rented quadplex (2 units in the front building and 2 units in the back building) with a 8.18 cap rate! Each unit has been remodeled with new kitchen cabinets, ceramic tile floors and new appliances. Each unit has a remodeled full bath and ceramic tile floor. Each unit has new electric wiring and an individual meter. Each unit has a new hot water heater. 2 units have new electric heat and 2 units have 2 gas heaters. Water heaters and electric panels are housed in a separate locked room. All unit...
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By D B, e-PRO, Realtor - Bucks County PA - 610-952-3578
730 Old Bethlehem Pike SOLD! QUAKERTOWN, PA 4 Unit Apartment Building Just SOLD! 6BR/4BA Multi-Family, 4 units $382,500 Year Built 1945 Sq Footage 3,728 Bedrooms 6 Bathrooms 4 full, 0 partial Floors 2 Parking 4+ Uncovered spaces Lot Size 1.25 acres HOA/Maint $0 per month DescriptionPublic:Fully rented quadplex (2 units in the front building and 2 units in the back building) with a 8.18 cap rate! Each unit has been remodeled with new kitchen cabinets, ceramic tile floors and new appliances. Each unit has a remodeled full bath and ceramic tile floor. Each unit has new electric wiring and an individual meter. Each unit has a new hot water heater. 2 units have new electric heat and 2 units have 2 gas heaters. Water heaters and electric panels are housed in a separate locked room. All units...
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By D B, e-PRO, Realtor - Bucks County PA - 610-952-3578
730 Old Bethlehem Pike SOLD! QUAKERTOWN, PA 4 Unit Apartment Building Just SOLD! 6BR/4BA Multi-Family, 4 units $382,500 Year Built 1945 Sq Footage 3,728 Bedrooms 6 Bathrooms 4 full, 0 partial Floors 2 Parking 4+ Uncovered spaces Lot Size 1.25 acres HOA/Maint $0 per month DescriptionPublic:Fully rented quadplex (2 units in the front building and 2 units in the back building) with a 8.18 cap rate! Each unit has been remodeled with new kitchen cabinets, ceramic tile floors and new appliances. Each unit has a remodeled full bath and ceramic tile floor. Each unit has new electric wiring and an individual meter. Each unit has a new hot water heater. 2 units have new electric heat and 2 units have 2 gas heaters. Water heaters and electric panels are housed in a separate locked room. All units...
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By Pam Burzynski, Bethlehem Area Homes, Grace Realty Co. Inc.
(Grace Realty Co. Inc.)
We all know that a Buyer's market doesn't mean that there are a lot of Buyers. One definition of a Buyer's Market is: A market for a good (stocks, housing, etc.) where prices are falling and there are more parties interested in selling than in buying. It seems like everyone is asking, "Is Now Really a Good time to buy a Home?"  Yes, if you like a lot to choose from and lower prices than in the past few years, and IF the timing is right for YOU and your situation. If you have been thinking about Buying a Home or an Investment property, it just may be time to do more than think about it....After all, it IS a Buyer's Market.
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By Tai DeSa, Husband and wife team. #diapersandrealestate
(Harb DeSa Realty)
This is a great article written by my business partner Merrill Beyer III. Enjoy! Did you miss our most recent  Lehigh Valley Real Estate Investor Group Meeting? No problem!  I have summarized below what I had to say about the opportunities for realizing Hidden Profits. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ But first, take a look at this un-hidden, very much in the open Real Estate Investment opportunity we at Significa are offering (go to www.significadeals.com for the details).  Here are the highlights: - $1,194/month Positive Cash Flow--that's after all expenses - Off-Campus Student Housing for LaSalle University - Located in the Germantown section of Philadelphia, it's a 3-Bedroom, 1-Bath, 1,084 sqft rowhome For all the deals we currently have available in t...
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By James and Denise Francois, REALTOR
(HomeSnipe Real Estate, LLC)
Sort by: Bedrooms - Bathrooms - Square Feet - Warehouse SQFT - Office SQFT - Price   Charming TraditionalBethlehem, PENNSYLVANIA Price: $229,900 Bedrooms: 3 Square Feet: 1590 Bathrooms: 2 Company: HomeSnipe Real Estate, LLC Realtor: James and Denise Francois Office: (484) 664-2828 Email: Click Here Meticulously Maintained Whitehall SingleWhitehall Twp, PA Price: $249,900 Bedrooms: 4 Square Feet: 1808 Bathrooms: 2 Company: HomeSnipe Real Estate, LLC Agent: James and Denise Francois Cell: (484) 201-9358 Email: Click Here Pride Of OwnershipAllentown, PENNSYLVANIA Price: $124,900 Bedrooms: 5 Square Feet: 1907 Bathrooms: 3 Company: HomeSnipe Real Estate, LLC Agent: James and Denise Francois Office: (484) 664-2828 Email: Click Here Immaculately 4 BRs.Allentown, PENNSYLVANIA Price: $105,000 B...
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By Tai DeSa, Husband and wife team. #diapersandrealestate
(Harb DeSa Realty)
50 Inexpensive Tips to Dramatically Increase the Value of Your Properties  By Tai A. DeSa, Significa Corporation Professional landlords and investors involved in property flipping should constantly seek to improve their property value while keeping costs low.  Below is a list of 50 tips that we shared with our property investment club (the Lehigh Valley Real Estate Investors Group).  Tip #1:  Add a basic alarm system.  The number one concern for any resident is security.  If a homeowner or tenant does not feel secure, then eventually they will move elsewhere.  Many security alarm providers have lucrative introductory offers for equipment and/or installation.  If you provide an alarm system for your tenants, raise the rent and offer a "free security system."  Or, have your tenants pay t...
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By Tai DeSa, Husband and wife team. #diapersandrealestate
(Harb DeSa Realty)
 Benefits of a Short Sale It is important to understand the benefits of a short sale to each of the parties involved.  Why would a seller want to cooperate?  Why would a lender accept less than what is owed?  Why would an investor or homebuyer want to wait for a short sale to be approved?  Why would an agent take on the potential headache of a short sale? How Sellers benefit Closure.  People facing foreclosure are inundated with collection calls, threatening letters, and visits from the county sheriff's deputies.  They no longer want to answer the phone or doorbell, and they dread walking to the mailbox to check the mail.  Selling a property before a final foreclosure action brings the unpleasant calls, letters, and visits to an end.  The seller can move on with their life. Dignity.  Im...
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By Wendy Benedict, Lehigh Valley, PA Real Estate
(RE/MAX Unlimited Real Estate)
Wendy Benedict | Coldwell Banker Heritage Real Estate | 610-570-4366 415 W. North Street, Bethlehem, PA Charming West Bethlehem Twin, restored and move-in ready! 4BR/1+1BA Single Family House offered at $170,000 Year Built 1909 Sq Footage 1,847 Bedrooms 4 Bathrooms 1 full, 1 partial Floors 3 Parking 1 Car garage Lot Size 1,357 sqft HOA/Maint $0 per month DESCRIPTION OPEN HOUSE**SUNDAY, FEB 21**2-4 PM!**Absolutely charming West Bethlehem twin lovingly restored retaining many original details of yesteryear! Original woodwork**hardwood floors**stained glass window**claw foot tub**vintage 1900's kitchen sink**built-in storage**triple window in Master Bedroom. Fully remodeled bath with Victorian tiled floor, wainscoting, and triple crown moulding. Private, fenced back yard with paver patio ...
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By Tai DeSa, Husband and wife team. #diapersandrealestate
(Harb DeSa Realty)
Some pre-foreclosure homes represent great listing opportunities for real estate agents, while other foreclosure listings waste an agent's time.  Before taking a listing for a property involving a short sale, agents should qualify the seller by evaluating the situation.  Below is a useful questionnaire that my company uses.    Short Sale Qualification Questionnaire A real estate agent should determine if a potential listing might involve a short sale.   If it does qualify as a potential short sale, then the agent must also determine if it is worthwhile to take the listing.  This Short Sale Qualification Questionnaire will help you determine if the situation constitutes a potential short sale.  Definition of a Short Sale. A short sale is a transaction in which the owner sells a property ...
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By Tai DeSa, Husband and wife team. #diapersandrealestate
(Harb DeSa Realty)
Many owners of rental property start off by placing and managing tenants themselves.  A common complaint from these owners is about their tenants.  These real estate investors typically burn out after a few years.  I know I did.  When you're spending time dealing with trivial tenant issues, you're not spending time on landing the next good deal. Once a real estate investor realizes that they should have someone else managing their property, they usually hire the first one they come across.  After a few months, their common complaint is no longer about their tenants, but about their property manager.  The selection of a property manager should be taken with as much seriousness as the selection of a surgeon.  To help you with the selection process, please read the following questions.  Wh...
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By D B, e-PRO, Realtor - Bucks County PA - 610-952-3578
The Bradbury Team; Don Bradbury,Marilyn Woldow, Jodi Cheatle, Linda Hoy | Coldwell Banker Heritage 1448 W Broad St Quakertown PA 18951 | bradburyteam@bradburyteam.com | 215-536-6777 x 329 2053 Baker Drive, Allentown, PA Charming Allentown PA Townhouse Priced to Sell 3BR/1BA Single Family House offered at $113,000 Year Built 1965 Sq Footage 1,152 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms 1 full, 0 partial Floors 2 Parking 1 Car garage Lot Size 2,000 sqft HOA/Maint $0 per month DESCRIPTION This well maintained home in the Westbrook Park community of South Allentown is a great buy for the first time home buyer that is eligible for the recently extended $8,000 tax credit, and is just starting out. Walk to shopping, playground, swimming pool and busses. Close to Little League Fields as well. Backs up to the Sou...
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By Brigita McKelvie, Associate Broker, The Broker with horse sense and no horsing around
(Cindy Stys Equestrian and Country Properties, Ltd.)
  Even though the holidays are over and old man winter is sticking around, there are still many things to do in the Lehigh Valley in Pennsylvania.   Today, Friday, January 8th, 2010, is Bethlehem's First Friday.  You may be saying, January 8th is actually the second Friday of the month.  Yes, you are correct.  Being that New Year's Day was the first Friday of January, Bethlehem is celebrating it's first Friday on the 8th.   Bethlehem's First Friday is a celebration of the arts and culture.  This event brings some artistic stimulation.    You will see paintings inspired by a trip to the French Riviera by featured artist Ann Schlegel at the Banana Factory and large prints by photographer Winifred Helton-Hamon at Fox Optical.    You will also enjoy music by Steve Brosky and Jimmy Meyer at ...
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By Wendy Benedict, Lehigh Valley, PA Real Estate
(RE/MAX Unlimited Real Estate)
Looking to make your Bethlehem home stand out against the competition, but have limited funds or time for remodeling projects?  Here are some low to no cost/high impact ideas that will score big with the buyers and turn that 'FOR SALE' sign to 'SOLD!!' Make a good first impression.  No one is impressed if the exterior is messy.  Sweep the front porch, dust for cobwebs and clean the windows. Paint the front door an eye-catching color and make sure the lock does not stick!  If it's difficult to get in, the buyer is forming a negative opinion before they even get inside.  If your front door is dated and funds allow, consider replacing the front door with a new energy efficient one.  There are currently tax credits for certain energy efficient upgrades.  You can also infuse a little color w...
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By Brigita McKelvie, Associate Broker, The Broker with horse sense and no horsing around
(Cindy Stys Equestrian and Country Properties, Ltd.)
  Ring in New Year with your family and friends at First Night 2010 enjoying a wide variety of performers and attractions at venues throughout Bethlehem's beautiful historic downtown!  Enjoy an exciting evening of music, art and family fun.   Most First Night venues are within walking distance of each other.  Families can enjoy folk, choral and instrumental music; jazz, blues and rock bands; magicians; clowns; arts and crafts; children's performances; snowman building; ice skating and much more.   Festivities begin at 1PM New Year's Eve Day with the 2nd Annual First Night Bethlehem 5K and conclude at midnight with the Just Born PEEP drop and a spectacular fireworks display to welcome the New Year!   Adding to the excitement this year is PEEPS® Fest, a sweet, new festival showcasing the ...
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By Brigita McKelvie, Associate Broker, The Broker with horse sense and no horsing around
(Cindy Stys Equestrian and Country Properties, Ltd.)
  New for this year is Bethlehem's PEEPS Fest 2009.  This PEEPS celebration is about the favorite marshmallow treat.   This 2 day event is presented by Just Born Inc. in Bethlehem and ArtsQuest, highlighting this delightful confection.  There will be 2 days of great music, art and family fun held in the city PEEPS were born.   Some of the features of this fest will be: - The first annual Lehigh Valley PEEPS Scholastic Diorama Competition - highlighting the artistic talents area students as they express their appreciation for PEEPS through art. The winner will be invited to "drop" the PEEP at midnight during the annual First Night Bethlehem music and art celebration in downtown Bethlehem Dec. 31. - During the week between Christmas and the New Year, some of Bethlehem's finest restaurants...
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By Brigita McKelvie, Associate Broker, The Broker with horse sense and no horsing around
(Cindy Stys Equestrian and Country Properties, Ltd.)
  Thanksgiving is over and many events are occurring to put us in the Christmas spirit.  One of the most popular in the Lehigh Valley is Christkindlmarkt in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.   What is Christkindlmarkt?   Christkindlmarkt is recognized as one of the top holiday markets in the world by Travel and Leisure Magazine.  Christkindlmarkt Bethlehem showcases many, many exquisite handmade items by the nation's finest artisans, heart-warming sounds of live Christmas music, delicious food (mmmmmm), jolly old Saint Nick to greet the children and hear their wishes, and much, much more.   Christkindlmarkt is held outdoors inside 2 huge tents with heaters to keep you toasty warm.  The outdoor courtyard located between 2 tents showcases ice sculpting demonstrations, flameworking demonstrations a...
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As you have heard a million times these days, home buyers are picky.  Though the  first time homebuyers credit and low prices may have gutted the supply in some areas, but homes to choose from are plentiful elsewhere. This gives qualified buyers the upper hand.  Aside from competitive pricing, what can you as a motivated seller do to make your home stand out, especially if you aren't in a position to make costly upgrades? This is a concern especially in a development filled with many similar homes. Don't curb buyer enthusiasm with poor curb appeal! Make the yard looks great, the yard is neat, and the siding clean and in good shape.  If you paint the exterior, use an appealing standard color.  I once knew of a neighborhood where one owners painted the home Halloween orange with black shu...
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By Brigita McKelvie, Associate Broker, The Broker with horse sense and no horsing around
(Cindy Stys Equestrian and Country Properties, Ltd.)
  The Bethlehem Harvest Festival will take place on Saturday, October 3rd, 2009 in Historic Bethlehem from 11AM until 9PM.   Main Street will be bustling with artists and crafters.  Blacksmiths will demonstrate the art of iron work at the 1750 Smithy.    How about a walking tour of the Historic Bethlehem?  The times for the tours are 12:30, 1:30 and 2:30PM.   Local musicians will perform on Main Street from noon until 3PM.  Festivities will then continue from 3 - 9PM at the Sun Inn Courtyard, where there will be food, beer and wine.   Bethlehem restaurants will have a Harvest Soup contest, where you may purchase tickets to sample and vote for your favorite 1 - 3PM.  You will even be able to sample imported beers and homebrews.    Children will also have activities like grape stomping, p...
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