Join Us At Our New Home!

It’s official! At Home in the Poconos officially makes its move to AtHomeInThePoconos.com today. The posts you see here have been moved over, and the categories have been tweaked a little bit for organization’s sake.

The move is the next step in creating a real online community for West End residents and people considering visiting or relocating here. Some of the features coming soon include enhanced commenting to facilitate discussions and an IDX feed that’ll allow you to search MLS listings. Most importantly, you’ll soon have easy access to event schedules for West End civic groups and special offerings from area businesses. And, of course, I’ll continue to provide timely, relevant information about our local real estate market.

I look forward to seeing you there!
Daria

West End Fair Schedule for Tuesday, August 25

The 88th Annual West End fair got underway on Sunday with a full roster of events. Good weather helped to attract a terrific turnout of local residents and visitors who enjoyed sampling their favorite foods, riding their favorite amusements, and participating in events ranging from midget racing to dance performances.

The schedule for Tuesday, August 25 includes the performances of the Gerry Gessia “Duo” Show at 1 p.m., 2:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. in the band shell; Shotgun Red on the main stage at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.; and the Compact/Pickup Demo Derby #2 in the main arena at 7 p.m. There’s a $7.00 fee for the derby. Admission to “Duo” and Shotgun Red is free.

The West End Fair runs through August 29, 2009 at the West End Fairgrounds off of Rt. 209 in Gilbert, PA. Admission to the fair is $4 for fairgoers age 11 and older. For more information, visit .

6 Things You Must Know about the $8,000 First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit

[Editor's note: This blog has moved to its official and permanent home at AtHomeInThePoconos.com]

1. The first-time homebuyer tax credit is good for sales that close between April 8, 2008 and Dec. 1, 2009 (i.e., from April 9, 2008 through Nov. 30, 2009). For a new construction, the date of occupancy must be on or before Nov. 30.

2. The credit is actually for 10% of the purchase price of the home. The maximum credit allowed is $8,000.

3. A tax credit is a dollar-for-dollar reduction in the amount of federal income tax you owe. If your total liability is less than your first-time homebuyer tax credit, the difference will be refunded to you (e.g., if you qualify for the whole $8,000 and your total tax liability is $5,000, you’ll receive a $3,000 refund).

4. A first-time homebuyer is defined as one who has not owned a main home for at least three years (in the case of a married couple, neither partner may have owned in the last three years).

5. In order for you to qualify for the tax credit, your modified adjusted gross income must be $95,000 or less ($170,000 for married couples filing jointly). In order for you to qualify for the full $8,000, your modified adjusted gross income must be $75,000 or less ($150,000 or less if married and filing jointly).

6. The home must be purchased from someone who is not your relative; a home purchased from a relative or acquired as a gift or an inheritance is not eligible.

Making an Offer | Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate

This article from Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate lists the issues you’ll need to address when considering how best to present your offer.

Making an Offer | Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate

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Movie Friday at Western Pocono Community Library

Did you know you can see FREE movies every Friday at the Western Pocono Community Library in Brodheadsville? Tomorrow’s feature is The Wizard of Oz. See it at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. in the Community Room.

For more information about Movie Friday and other events, visit the Western Pocono Community Library.

Pocono Mountains West End Real Estate Snapshot: July 2009

Here are the statistics for new listings and closed and pending sales for July, 2009. Note that new active listings include those that expired and were re-listed. They’re  included here in order to give you an idea of what’s currently on the market, but their quantity can’t be used to draw accurate conclusions about ratios of new actives to closed and pending sales.

If you’d like to see the stats for another township, please leave a comment and I’ll be glad to research and posted it for you.

Chestnuthill Township

52 new listings, average list price $223,412
12 closed sales, average sale price $162,900
15 pending sales, average sale price $175,927

Eldred Township

8 new listings, average list price $213,757
1 closed sale, sale price $66,000
1 pending sale, sale price $224,900

Polk Township

24 new listings, average list price $198,979
5 closed sales, average sale price $187,300
5 pending sales, average sale price $162,580

Ross Township

10 new listings, average list price $278,660 (ncludes a $600k+ listing)
2 closed sales, average sale price $190,000
5 pending sales, average sale price 189,850

$8,000 First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit Extension Decision Delayed

[Editor's note: This blog has moved to its official and permanent home at AtHomeInThePoconos.com.]

According to the Aug. 2009 National Assocation of Realtors (NAR) Housing Opportunity Newsletter, legislators won’t consider extending the $8,000 first-time homebuyers’ tax credit “until they have disposed of the health reform legislation,” perhaps in October. Uncertainty over the possibility of an extension so close to the Dec. 1, 2009 expiration date has prompted the NAR to recommend that members “complete pending transactions as soon as possible.”

Prospective first-time buyers who’ve been sitting on the fence still have time to take advantage of the credit. In order to be eligible, your sale must be completed before Dec. 1, 2009 (for new construction, you must take possession before Dec. 1). In practical terms, you must close on or before Nov. 30. Because of new mortgage-industry regulations that could cause closing delays, play it safe. Plan to have your home under contract by Sept. 30–earlier if you anticipate a complicated transaction.

How to Paint Kitchen Cabinets | eHow.com

Save big bucks by updating rather than replacing. It’s easier than you think!

How to Paint Kitchen Cabinents | eHow.com

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Beautiful Center Hall Colonial in the Pleasant Valley School District

Move your family right into this spacious Center Hall Colonial. With 4 bedrooms and 2 1/2 Baths, there’s room for everyone!

The large, eat-in kitchen and adjacent family room are perfect for everyday entertaining. Formal living and dining Rooms and a powder room complete the lower level.

Upstairs, the oversize master bedroom boasts a full bath and walk-in closets. Three more bedrooms and another full bath flank a hallway that overlooks the dramatic center hall foyer below.

An expansion attic running the full length of the home is accessible from the second floor. Use it as it is for storage, or finish it to expand your living area.

Outside, get ready to enjoy balmy nights on the front porch, or on the rear deck watching the kids play in the 1.69-acre yard. This home’s location on a quiet cul-de-sac helps to ensure your privacy and their safety.

Click the photo to view the complete listing and more photos, and to experience the virtual tour. Seeing is believing. Schedule your showing today!

Excellent Value–Lovingly Maintained Indian Mt. Lakes Ranch

My sellers are anxious to relocate to their new retirement home, so they’ve reduced the price of this immaculate 3 BR ranch in amenity-filled Indian Mountain Lakes.

The home features many new and recent upgrades, including the roof, kitchen appliances and flooring, and bathroom fixtures, tiled shower and flooring.

This beauty also boasts an eat-in kitchen, a spacious, three-season Florida room, pantry/utility room, a garage with workshop, two sheds (larger one has electric and serious man cave potential), and a stone patio.

Click the photo to view the complete listing and a lot more photos, and to experience virtual tours of the home and the community. There’s plenty of summer left at Indian Mountain Lakes. Schedule your showing today!