Unless you want to buy a house in the immediate city limits of Reading, you may be able to buy a house in Berks County, Pennsylvania with no down payment by using the USDA Rural Loan program.   USDA is also the only major mortgage program that allows home buyers to finance any closing costs into the loan amount.  This allowable as long as the appraised value supports the needed loan amount. You can also negotiate for the seller to pay the closings costs.  The USDA will allow the seller to pay up to 6% of the sales price towards your closing costs.     Areas of Berks County that are eligible for a USDA Loan Berks County Eligible AreasAdamstownAlleghenyvilleAlsace ManorAmity GardensBallyBaumstownBechtelsvilleBerkleyBerneBernvilleBethelBirdlandBirdsboroBlandonBowersBoyertownCenterportColon... 05/06/2019

Since 2008, Dana Point Farm in Lenhartsville, PA has dominated the Pennsylvania thoroughbred breeding industry. Owned by Gayle Gerth and operated by Maria Vorhauer, Dana Point quickly became the gold standard in breeding, foaling, training, and sales. The 60 acre Berks County facility has stood multiple winning stallions over the years, including Wiseman’s Ferry, sire of 2 time Breeder’s Cup and Horse of the Year winner, Wise Dan. Mare owners from across the country have brought their horses to Dana Point for outstanding care during pregnancy and foaling, and the farm has produced countless winners on the track. Over the past 8 years, Dana Point Farm has flourished and become a household name for those in the Pennsylvania thoroughbred racing community.However, all good things must come ... 08/01/2016

Pennsylvania's 50 Safest Places to call Home New Hanover Township#5Located in Montgomery County, New Hanover Township has a current population of 10,900 residents.  The community consists of rolling hills and valleys and has several villages within its borders.  The violent crime rate here is 9.1, and the chance of being affected by property crime in New Hanover is just .06%. Amity Township#10 A township in Berks County, Amity is home to 12,500 residents.  The community encompasses 18.4 square miles and is home to many properties that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.  The violent crime rate in Amity is 23.8, and residents have a .09% chance of being affected by property crime. For  the full list of The 50 Safest Places to Call Home in Pennsylvania visit:The 50 Saf... 03/22/2016

What's the Big Deal?  Just Change the Date! I did a Home Inspection in Morgantown, PA back in early October of last year and the client, in addition to requesting a home inspection, needed to have me do a WDI (wood-destroying insect inspection) to satisfy the FHA Mortgage company's requirements for settlement.  The WDI report showed no signs of wood-destroying insect activity and was "clear".   This client contacted us today and said they are settling on the home this week, 3 months later.  He asked if we could just change the date on the WDI report.  What's the Big Deal, right? It's a BIG Deal!  It's rare, but I do get this request from buyers or agents once or twice a year.  Often they'll tell me that the report is just a formality to make the mortgage company happy.  What's the big d... 03/02/2016

When it's Chilly on Valentine's Day... Walk like Penguins in Love! We're having sub-zero temperatures here and  I do home inspections in Reading, PA whether it's snowing out or 100 degrees.  and I was remembering what they say when it's icy out- walk like a Penguin!  This just means to keep your center of gravity over your front leg when you are walking on ice.  My wife and I were just in South Africa last month and we visited Boulder Beach where they have wild penguins everywhere.  Now, these are not the cold weather penguins as you can see from the beach and our summer clothes!  We got some great photos while we were there.   What better, more appropriate photo for an icy Valentine's Day then this photo we caught of two lovebirds... or should I say "love-penguins!"  When it's Chilly  ... 02/14/2016

Run4SamSunday August 16Registration begins 8AMGring's Mill Park The 8th annual Run4Sam Charity Race wil be held this weekend Sunday August 16 at Gring's Mill Park in Berks County. The 4 mile and 10K runs start time is 9:30The 2 mile walk begins at 9:45A 1600 ft Kids Fun Run ages 12 and under begins immediately following the race/walkEach year a portion of the proceeds helps to provide a scholarship for a Schuylkill Valley High School student who maintains a 3.0 GPA, plans to attend a 4 year college and has an interest in running.  This year the Samuel Brooklyn Reed Memorial Scholarship was $2100.  Race proceeds have also helped to fund projects at Gring's Mill Park, such as the new park pavillion, for which there is a ribbon cutting ceremony planned for race day. Samuel Brooklyn Reed wa... 08/12/2015

Exeter Township Pavillion Rentals                   ONLINE EXETER TOWNSHIP Park Facility Rentals now available! Exeter Township residents may not be aware of the wonderful picnic/party locations that are available to them just because they live in Exeter township! Save yourself a trip to the township building.  New functionality has been added online to allow you to book park facilities, and pay with a credit card!This includes the pavilions at Community Park, Lorane Hollow Park, Trout Run Sports Complex, Pineland Park and the all new Farming Ridge Park as well as the Dunn Community Center. You can see details and pictures of each facility and check the availability before booking from the comfort of your own home! To start booking your special event now:    Rent my picnic facility in E... 07/28/2015

1801 S Mountain Dr, Reading, PA 19608 Asking Price: $237,000 MLS#: 6615936 For a Virtual Tour of 1801 S Mountain DrTerrific 4 Br/ 3.5 B Single Family Home in Spring TownshipWonderfully maintained and spacious brick front colonial with great privacy in desirable neighborhood of Grings Hill Estate.  Situated on a beautifully tiered lot backing to woods, the property offers a lower back yard with a nice level lawn, covered deck, and a patio with hot tub.  An attractively hardscaped slope has integral steps leading to an upper back yard and an even larger, level lawn and shed.  Inside, the eat-in kitchen offers ceramic tile flooring and backsplash, pantry, double sink, and glass doors for access to the rear yard.  A neutral decor throughout the first floor is accented by crown moulding and ... 07/24/2015

Summer Night Jam July 257:00 to 10:00PM Pineland Park Brought to you by Exeter Township Parks and Recreation Join your family, friends and neighbors for a night of fun at Pineland Park.  Bring your bikes, boards and scooters for the skate park, join in a pick up game of basketball or maybe some sand volleyball? Jam to music by DJ Ryan Thomas Help support Pineland Park in the"On the Park, Get Set, GO Contest"Bring a QR scanner on your phone to vote (using the code on your FREE bottle of water) Come out for some free fun and support your local park!  07/10/2015

 Wilkum to Pennsylvania Dutch Kutztown Folk Festival 2015!   The Kutztown Folk Festival in Berks County, PA is an annual Pennsylvania Dutch Festival.  It is one of America's oldest Folklife Festivals.  This year it is held from June 27th 2015 until July 5th, 2015.   Visitors can experience Pennsylvania Dutch food, entertainment, crafts, demonstrations, music, animals, shopping, and good old fashion fun. The festival features over 2500 hand made quilts offered for sale, over 200 folk artists and craftsmen from across the country,  authentic Pennsylvania Dutch food and drink, farm animals to visit with, and so much more for everyone of all ages.   New this year is the festival wine tour,  or "Fest Wein".  Area wine producers will be spread out about the Festival grounds, creating a tourli... 06/24/2015

Read more here 06/08/2015

1809 Shellbark Dr, Reading, PA 19608 Asking Price: $249,900 MLS#: 6570466 For a Virtual Tour of 1809 Shellbark DrUpdated 4 Br/ 2.5 B Single Family Home in Wilson School DistrictImpeccably updated and upgraded colonial in desirable neighborhood of Griggs Hill Estate.  A paver walkway, covered front porch, and meticulously landscaped beds welcome you to the home.  Step inside to an inviting foyer with rich Kempas hardwood flooring that extends throughout the main level.  The updated kitchen features cherry cabinetry with soft-close drawers and undermount lighting, solid surface counters, a center island with bar seating, a full breakfast bar, wine chiller, and more.  The kitchen opens to the family room with a floor-to-ceiling brick fireplace and built-in book shelves.  From the family ro... 05/11/2015

Exeter Township May Days May 15-16  Let the fun begin! Neighbors and friends alike look forward to this time of year in Exeter township.  The fun will begin on Friday May 14 at 3:00PM and continue through Saturday with the fireworks as the finale to this popular event.  All proceeds benefit Exeter Township Schools and Parks and RecreationsWhere: Exeter High School201 East 37th St Exeter TownshipHours: Friday gates open at 3:00PMSaturday gates open at 1:00PM Unlimited ride wristband 1-5PMFor ticket prices and more information:Exeter Township May Days   05/03/2015

Please help me Welcome the newest member to the LaRosse Team It seems as if someone fired the gun at the starting line of a race-- and the SPRING REAL ESTATE MARKET has taken off! Just in the nick of time, I am so very proud and happy to announce a new member to my growing team here at Springer Realty Group. My son Joshua has joined the LaRosse Team and will be helping both buyers and sellers navigate their way through the buying and selling process. Josh brings with him an excellent knowledge of the Exeter Township and surrounding areas as well as excitement and enthusiasm about helping his clients to find their dream homes and selling their existing homes at the very best price possible! Josh has just set up a new Activerain page, so please drop by and say hello and welcome him to our... 04/07/2015

READY SET...... GO!     Despite temperatures of 30 degrees at the start of yesterdays festivities, a fun day was had by all! Exeter township residents and neighbors didn't let the frigid weather keep them from enjoying the day.  Although, I am pretty sure that the children weathered the cold just a bit better than us older folks.  They managed to fill their baskets and buckets even with clumsy gloves and mittens on.  The smiling faces came with rosy, wind-bitten cheeks, as well.  There was hot chocolate flowing freely everywhere-- Making it feel more like we were awaiting Santa's arrival!  Many great prizes were won in all categories, thanks to the generous local business' sponsors. The mornings festivities finished  up  with all the children giggling and laughing as they watched their... 03/29/2015

  Exeter Township Egg Scramble rescheduled to March 28, 2015   Due to yet ANOTHER snow storm today, the EXETER TOWNSHIP Egg Scramble for tomorrow has been rescheduled for next week the same time.  It will be held next week--- RAIN or SHINE.  I'm guessing that would include snow, as well.  Because we know that even though it's the first day of Spring, there could be snow lurking in our forecast until April!  (I do have to say, I remember a snowy Easter in my childhood)   See everyone NEXT WEEK!  03/19/2015

      EXETER TOWNSHIP   EASTER EGG SCRAMBLE   MARCH 21, 2015   1-2 yr olds- 11:00 3-4 yr olds- 11:15 5-6 yr olds-11:30                                       7-9  yr olds- 11:45                                         Adults start time- 12:00 WHERE:  Exeter Community Park (Happy Landings Playground)  ​​Our annual Easter Egg Scramble!   The event is for children of ALL ages including 1-9 year olds,  but we also have an Adult Easter Egg Scramble!  There are plenty of eggs and prizes for everyone. There will also be face painting, free crafts, refreshments, and the Easter Bunny will be on hand for pictures!      Many thanks to the following local businesses for helping to make this fun day happen! R.M. Palmer Candy, Christopher Nein (Mortgage America), C.F. Heckman & Son, The Spine and Well... 03/10/2015

    There's still time to plan a special evening to celebrate with your Valentine in the West Reading area...            Just SayCheese Restaurant and Cheese is a delightfully, unique little eatery on Penn Avenue in West Reading.  One of Penn Avenue’s newest attractions oozes cheesy goodness and has certainly caught the attention of many Berks County food lovers. First-time Best of Berks winner and owner of Say Cheese! Restaurant Adam Cocuzza says, “It feels fantastic that our customers have voted for us!” The restaurant offers up American comfort food with a bit of a twist. Your Valentine will LOVE you for an evening out at SayCheese.   600 Penn Ave. 610 406-5390        I don't know of anyone who doesn't consider CHOCOLATE a necessary ingredient in an "Ah-mazing " Valentines Day.  Espe... 02/09/2015

  Exeter Township's Color in the Park Run/Walk    If you missed the fun in 2014, you'll want to be sure and mark your calendar so you can be sure and make it this year!   Your friends at the Exeter Community Education Foundation are excited to share the news!! We're doing it again -- so save-the-date, tell a friend and start planing your wackiest running attire!                              When:       Saturday September 26, 2015 Raindate:  Saturday September 27, 2015     Benefiting The Exeter Community Education Foundation (ECEF)  A non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the education of students in the Exeter School District.     Visit their Facebook Page to keep up with more information                                         02/02/2015

    As many of you know, yesterday (originally written 1/19/2015)  in Exeter Township Berks County  (like many other areas on the I-95 corrider in the Northeast) the weather was very trecherous,  to put it mildly.  Icy roads had kept most of us off the roads in the early part of the day.      Over the holidays we had discovered one of the most fabulous brunches known to man (or woman, in my opinion!).  Little to my knowledge, a place that I drive by EVERY DAY- was hiding a huge secret from me- the food at their Sunday Brunch was incredible AND what I thought was for members only was OPEN TO THE PUBLIC-- The Reading Country Club on Perkiomen Ave in Exeter Township!     Please excuse me, I digress.  Yesterday, it was our plan to make a visit  for some delicious omelets, seafood salad,  an... 01/18/2015