Most PA horse properties are serviced not by city water and sewage systems, but by individual wells and septic systems. These systems take some special care and management, and if you have horses or other livestock, you should take certain measures to make sure your well doesn’t become contaminated and your septic system stays functioning… [Read More]
Mortgage Rates are On The Rise – Get Off The Fence!
Since the beginning of June this year, mortgage rates have spiked up over 4%. When we compare 2015’s mortgage rates to those of 2013, it looks like we may be looking at the beginning of a steady increase. However, no one can say exactly how interest rates are going to behave in the next six… [Read More]
Property Priced With “Wiggle Room” in Mind
By Brigita McKelvie During my years of being a real estate agent in Pennsylvania, I have many listing appointments mostly with Sellers of rural and horse properties and farms. I arrive at the appointments well prepared with information and a Market Analysis. After touring the house and property, I sit down with the Sellers to… [Read More]
Refinancing Your PA Horse Farm Can Be Beneficial
It’s no secret – applying for, and getting, a mortgage can be a huge headache! Once PA horse farm owners secure one, most don’t desire to go through the process all over again. But those property owners who decline to refinance can be missing out on huge financial gains. Mortgage rates are still at an… [Read More]
Buy Horse Property NOW! Mortgage Rates Are On The Rise!
Buy your rural or horse property NOW! Mortgage rates are on the rise! If you have been waiting for better interest rates in order to buy your property, wait no longer. Now is the time to buy real estate and lock in your rates. Since the economy is improving, the mortgage interest… [Read More]
What Is Pennsylvania’s Right to Farm Act?
What is Pennsylvania’s Right to Farm Act? Agriculture is Pennsylvania’s #1 industry. It contributes 4.5 billion to the commonwealth’s economy. Pennsylvania’s agricultural production includes livestock and grain production, as well as mushroom production, forestry, aquaculture, fruits, vegetables, bees and honey, maple syrup, plus more. Producers of these commodities follow detailed rules and… [Read More]
What is Pennsylvania’s Clean and Green Act?
What is Pennsylvania’s Clean & Green Act? The Clean and Green Act, also known as Act 319, is designed to preserve farmland, forest land and any open space. It was established in 1974. The property is taxed based on its use as farmland, rather than its market value and its potential use for activities other… [Read More]
REALTORS Are Strong
“My mom is a REALTOR. REALTORs are very strong. She can flip a house!” It’s Friday and I thought I would end the week with a chuckle. This cartoon is in reference to a REALTOR and how strong the real estate agent is. If you think about it, every agent has their strong… [Read More]
2010 Census Figures For Lehigh Valley Housing Market
Even though we are in a recession, the Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania, fared better in the housing market than the state and the nation according to the 2010 Census figures. This includes both Northampton and Lehigh Counties. It showed that the region’s vacancy rates were lowest of vacant housing in the state. That is great news… [Read More]
Great News For Pennsylvania!! Private Transfer Fees Are Now Prohibited!!
Great news and a victory for Pennsylvania!! Governor Corbett signed into law today that private transfer fees are banned, which brings Pennsylvania as the 28th state to ban it. Private transfer fees are part of a covenant attached to a property deed that forces the seller to pay 1 percent of the purchase price to… [Read More]
Homeowner Forecloses on Bank!!
Homeowner Forecloses on Bank!! Yes, you read that right! It is not a typo! This may be odd, but true. It actually happened in Florida. A new homeowner (who paid CASH for the home and had NO MORTGAGE) had his home foreclosed on by Bank of America. The issue was resolved in the long run,… [Read More]