First Night is a celebration held in Bethlehem, PA, to welcome the New Year.  The festivities begin at 1PM on December 31st and end with a big bang at midnight.   This annual music and arts celebration offers more than 30 performers at 16 different venues, arts & crafts, snowman building, smore making, ice skating and more.  Highlighting the festivities are 2 firework displays, one at 5:45 p.m. for the kids and another at midnight.   In addition to the festivities, First Night will also kick off a 5K race to welcome in the New Year.    Runners and walkers of all ages and experience levels are invited to hit the New Year running with the First Night Bethlehem 5K Race/Walk, set for 1 p.m. Dec. 31 in Bethlehem.  The race begins at the Steel Ice Center and winds through north and south Be... 12/21/2008

  The Bethlehem Historic District Association will be holding its 5th Holiday House Tour this Saturday, December 13th.  The tour will include putzes, a renovated hotel and 7 houses, all decorated for the holidays.   It is a self guided tour and will include the Moravian Sisters House on Church Street, which has a display of 150 miniature putzes from the collection of George Dvorsky.   The tour also includes the recently renovated suites in the historic Hotel Bethlehem.   The tour is held from 10AM - 4PM.  Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 the day of the tour.  Advance tickets may be purchased at the Moravian Bookshop on Main Street or at the Banana Factory gift shop on 3rd Street.  On Saturday, the tickets will only be available at the Moravian Academy on Market STreet.   A preview of ... 12/12/2008

  The Christmas season in known for giving.  Here is an opportunity for all who enjoy the songs and artists from the 60's to enjoy the benefit concert.   The Camelot for Children's Christmas Spectacular is one of the Lehigh Valley's longest running holiday benefit concerts and will be held this Saturday, December 13th at 7PM.  It will be held at Lehigh University's Stabler Arena in Bethlehem, PA.    In its 22nd year, it is an oldies extravaganza featuring hitmakers from the 60's, including Peter Noone and the Herman's Hermits ("There's a Kind of Hush", I'm Into Something Good", "Henry the VII", "Mrs. Brown"), Sonny Geraci of the Outsiders and Climax ("Time Won't Let Me", "Precious and Few"), and Dennis Tufano of the Buckinghams ("Kind of a Drag", "Don't You Care", "Susan", "Hey Baby The... 12/10/2008

NOW may be the perfect time for you! Attend a FREE information seminar designed for just for you!  Get the answers to YOUR questions, learn about the benefits of buyer agency for you, learn about our local real estate market here in the Lehigh Valley, get the answers to all of your questions and concerns about obtaining a mortgage.  Call today for details and location about this information-packed seminar.       Get the keys to home ownership! Find out if you can buy a home now.  Seminar to be held on Thursday, December 11 from 6-8 pm. Sponsored by:     12/08/2008

  Bethlehem, PA, better known as the Christmas City, has many events happening during the holiday season.  In addition to Christkindlmarkt and the Christmas City Cirque, there will be Moravian Christmas Concerts to attend.  It's not Christmas unless you have Christmas music.   This holiday season, you can discover the story of the early Moravians and their interactions with the American Indians as they share the true meaning of Christmas.   A Moravian Music Christmas, presented by Central Moravian Church, is a fun family show featuring historic Moravian figures, Mainstreet Brass and the Central Moravian Church Choir performing Christmas classics and traditional Moravian hymns.   The dates for the show are Dec. 4th-6th, 11th-13th and 20th at 2 p.m.   Click here for more information or to... 12/04/2008

  Bethlehem, PA will once again host the Cirque Shows this year.  It is a spectacular show of high flying acrobats, awe-inspiring contortionists and dancers in dazzling, colorful costumes.  The Christmas City Cirque will perform one weekend only, on Saturday-Sunday, Dec. 27-28, at 3 and 7 p.m.   The Christmas City Cirque features the talents of the Imperial Circus of China, showcases an incredible blend of high-pole acrobatics, stunning aerial acts, amazing juggling routines and brilliant choreography.  Clowns, dancers and a performance of the centuries-old Chinese Lion Dance, complete with dancers dressed in lion costumes, will add to the magic.     So come out for some fun and relax after the holiday rush by watching the Christmas City Cirque. Click here for more information or for ti... 12/04/2008

  Christkindlmarkt got off to a great start Thanksgiving weekend in historic Bethlehem, PA.  It will continue until the weekend before Christmas and is open Thursday and Friday evenings and all day Saturdays and Sundays.     It has been named one of the tope holiday markets in the world by "Travel & Leisure".  Christkindlmarkt features exquisite, handcrafted works by the nation's finest artisans, live holiday music, delicious food and more.  New this year is an expanded Tannenbaum Café highlighted by beautiful decorations, talented performers and a larger dining area.   There is always plenty of incentive to return to Christkindlmarkt with the list of artisans changing every weekend with many vendors to check out for your Christmas shopping.    Click here for more information.   Hope to... 12/04/2008

DescriptionSome guy is thinking: "Let's see, I'll pay less money, have my own house, save on taxes, it's a buyer's market, I can buy a home with little down and the seller can pay the closing costs. But still I'm not sure if I should buy a home." You have to be joking right?!www.rentingisdumb.com Because renting really is dumb!FeaturesBedrooms: 3Bathrooms: 1Location1030 W. Hamilton Street Allentown PA 18101Powered by vFlyer.comvFlyer Id: 2078434 12/03/2008

Are you telling your clients about the First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit? Here's a quick glance at the highlights: The tax credit is available for first-time home buyers only. The maximum credit amount is $7,500. The credit is available for homes purchased on or after April 9, 2008 and beforeJuly 1, 2009. Single taxpayers with incomes up to $75,000 and married couples with incomes up to $150,000 qualify for the full tax credit. The tax credit works like an interest-free loan and must be repaid over a 15-year period. Get more information at the following link:  www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com It really is a good time for buyers....low interest rates....plenty of choices in terms of inventory to look at...sellers are willing to negotiate again...and the tax credit! Don't forget to remind ... 12/03/2008

As part of our Thanksgiving weekend, Our extended made the annual trip over to Bethlehem, PA to see what's new at the Christmas City there.  It was a great day!  The website for Bethlehem's Christmas City is www.ChristmasCity.org. We enjoyed awesome Bratwurst and German Potato Salad at one of the food vendors in the "big tent".  Oh, and some chocolate pudding too... My boys had their faces painted and enjoyed watching the ice sculptor make a reindeer out in the crisp fall air.  Not too cold, though. The location of the Christmas Market is down next to the historic portion of Bethlehem's early industrial days, and we toured the very-cool shop of the blacksmith that dates back back to the 1750's. Parked in Front of the historic Hotel Bethlehem  was this unlikely duo...which one uses less ... 12/01/2008

If you love old historic homes and architecture, then the Holiday House Tour in Historic Bethlehem is for you! It's a self-guided walking tour that allows you inside some of Bethlehem's most distinctive historic homes professionally decorated for the holidays.  It's a great way to spend the afternoon and get into the holiday spirit! This year the tour features 9 homes and will be held on December 13 from 10 am till 4 pm. 11/20/2008

Because Renting Is Just Dumb!   10/01/2008

Wow! This post has been the biggest following yet. Good for all of us. For specific information about public housing programs such as Housing Choice Vouchers, contact your local Public Housing Agency. To view contact information for Public Housing Agencies in your city and state follow this link, PHA Contact Information. If you research you can find ways to help people that are in need and there is no better way than to follow the THE SECRET (laws of attraction) Keep the blue sky up! 09/22/2008

  Bethlehem, PA had brought back the mounted police at Musikfest this year.  It turned out to be a huge success and, therefore, Bethlehem is considering adding the mounted patrol to their police force.   Of course, Bethlehem has many details to iron out in regards to the mounted police.  The police department is looking at having 2 horses and 3 officers patrol the historic downtown area of Bethlehem.  The horses main use would be for patrols, but may also be used in parades and the city's many festivals.  It could be a great public relations tool.   Bethlehem's mounted patrol would be modeled after the Lancaster, PA unit, which is currently in place.    The city of Bethlehem is hoping to partner with the Historic Bethlehem Burnside Plantation, which is a farm in the middle of the city c... 09/13/2008

When you buy, you'll pay less money, own a home, save on taxes, it's a buyer's market, rates are great, you can buy with little down & the seller can pay the closings costs! So when you rent it's kind of like...well you get the picture. www.rentingisdumb.com Because Renting Really Is Dumb!! 84925358rfsin lines such as My homey Dre is a doctor not a lawyer and Yo Ren get the gat show'em where it's at The single was featured with others such as Boyz-N-the-Hood Radio and Ruthless Villain to name a few The first line of the song is sung by (L for Love) which is watched by nearly 10 million people She is the winner of the popular TV show that achieved extraordinary careers throughout the 1990s Buducnost played in RAPAN cup twice in 1981 when they were first in their group and 1985 They also... 07/31/2008

  Do you enjoy music?  You do??  Then come join us at the 25th Annual Musikfest in Bethlehem, PA.  It will start Friday evening, August 1st, run through the whole week and go out with a bang on Sunday evening, August 10th.    Musikfest has music for everyone's tastes.  They have small bands, large bands, music from different ethnic backgrounds, rock 'n' roll, jazz, pop, soul, etc.  You name it and you'll most likely find it here.  You can even dance to the polka music, if you wish.   Each year there are many big name performers.  This year there are: Kool and the Gang; Boston; Jethro Tull; Earth, Wind and Fire; John Fogerty; Avril Lavigne; Live; Poison; Stone Temple Pilots; and Lonestar.   Just stroll down through the many platzes and listen to your heart's content.  Most of the music i... 07/28/2008

Recently on a listing presentation I took a comp that was down the block from the customer that in my opinion was not valid. It was of couse significantly higher than my suggested price range. I kept this separate from the package that I presented to the prospective client in anticipation that it would come up. Sure enough it did. I had my laptop fired up and ready to rock and roll and I quickly demonstrated the major differences educationg him on how to increase the value of his home. For both of us it was an opportunity that benefited us mutually! What a WIN-WIN. The customer was impressed by my knowledge of his neighborhood and how rapidly I was able to show him what he could do to improve the value of his home. The point of this story is to always anticipate the what ifs. Your poten... 07/24/2008

  Attention Lehigh Valley Residents!! Find Out What Your Landlord DOESN'T WANT YOU to KNOW at:   www.stoprentingalready.com   Use our FREE & Easy Purchase Assistant at www.stoprentingalready.net to get pre-qualified for a home today.   Don't waste your time - find out EXACTLY what you can afford BEFORE you start looking at homes.    www.stoprentingalready.com ORLocal Clients Call: 610-351-7510Not in the Area? Call: 888-271-4132 and Ask for Joe Gonzalez  07/21/2008

    Joe GonzalezBranch Manager1st Metropolitan MortgagePhone: 610-351-7510Fax: 610-351-7810jgonzalez@1stmetro.netwww.1stmetropolitan.net     The Benefits of a Professional ConsultantChoosing the right lender is a key element to managing your mortgage. As a mortgage consultant, my goal is not just to provide you with a loan, but also to help select the one most beneficial to you and your long-term goals, and then, help you manage that debt over time. There are not many lenders out there who provide this type of personalized service.My job is just beginning when your first loan closes. I will continuously monitor rates on your behalf, and stay in touch with you to make sure we remain on target with your financial goals. Seek Pre-ApprovalWhat's the difference between pre-qualification and... 07/21/2008

    Joe GonzalezBranch Manager1st Metropolitan MortgagePhone: 610-351-7510Fax: 610-351-7810jgonzalez@1stmetro.netwww.1stmetropolitan.net   Points are up-front fees paid by the borrower to obtain a better interest rate on a loan. One point equals one percent of the loan amount. And while a lower interest rate may result in a lower monthly payment, it is important to consider how long you intend to be in the loan and to compare current interest rates to historical market trends. This will help you to determine whether paying points is a worthwhile investment. Let's look at a sample scenario. If you take out a $300,000 mortgage and decide to pay one point in order to lower your interest rate, this would translate into an up-front cost of $3,000. To keep things simple, we'll assume that pa... 07/21/2008