This past weekend the weather was perfect in the Lehigh Valley.  The sun was shining, with a few clouds around, and the temperatures were in the 70's.  Couldn't ask for a better weekend.   My husband and I are outdoors people, so we had to take advantage of the great spring weather.  So, off we went to a trail by the Lehigh River in Bethlehem, with our bikes.   There are 2 options with this trail: you can either take the easy paved trail, or rough it on the dirt trail right along the banks of the Lehigh.  We chose the paved, since this was our first time out on the trails this year.    The trail winds through the woods and in between the trees you can see the river.  Many take advantage of the fishing and the boating in the Lehigh.                                                      ... 06/03/2009

06/03/2009

  This past Saturday, Timberland Acres, a local, family owned horse facility in the Lehigh Valley, along with the Family Readiness Group, hosted a day on the farm for the military families from Company A, 228th Support Battalion Company from Bethlehem.    The families had a fun filled day with pony and horseback rides, games, wagon rides and food.  The Single Action Shooting Society also held a demonstration for them.   I would like to give a big THANK YOU to the Snyders, who own Timberland Acres, for opening their facilities for this event to the military families.  I'm sure this is one day they will not forget.     06/01/2009

  The numbers are finally out for the April 2009 Real Estate Market update for the Lehigh Valley.    The sales during April 2009 were up 21.2%, with 406 sales reported as compared to March 2009 at 335.   (Woohoo!!)   Although the sales increased during April 2009, the average sales price dropped 2% to $198,000 from $202,000 in March 2009.    The average time on the market for properties sold during April 2009 was 86 days, which was a decrease compared to March 2009 at 87 days.   Newly constructed home sale prices increased in April 2009 as compared to March 2009.  New construction homes include 4 bedrooms and 2 1/2 baths.  Based on 7 new construction properties sold in April 2009, the average sales price reported was $431,000 with a median price of $358,000.  During the month of March 2... 05/18/2009

  As most of you know, I am a volunteer with the LVCART (Lehigh Valley Animal Response Team).  This past weekend a drill was held to keep our emergency skills sharp.    It was an overnight drill.  This way we had experience in case an emergency required us to spend the night with the animals.  Not only were there cats and dogs, but there was also a horse included in the drill.   After the drill was over, we had a speaker to educate us on snakes (ugh!) and reptiles.  He is better known in our area as the "snakeman".  He owns an assortment of snakes, including cobras, rattlesnakes and a boa, plus several turtles and reptiles.  He also goes to area schools and speaks to the elementary school children.    We learned many interesting facts about the snakes and the reptiles.  Did you know tha... 05/18/2009

  Are you interested in seeing some of the most interesting kitchens in the Lehigh Valley?  Or maybe get ideas for remodeling your own kitchen?   Now's your oppportunity!    Wednesday, May 13th, the Society of the Arts of the Allentown Art Museum is sponsoring "Heart of the Home Gourmet Kitchen Tour". This is a self-guided tour featuring kitchens in 6 private homes, including one in the former Allentown residence of the late Max Hess, Jr., who owned Hess's department store.  Another will be in the Lower Mucungie Township home once owned by the late Leonard Pool, the founder of Air Products.   Caterers and chefs from local restaurants will demonstrate techniques as they prepare food for sampling in each of the kitchens.  The event will also include a silent auction of kitchen supplies an... 05/07/2009

  This past month's market report is showing good news.  The number of sales for March, 2009 increased by 46%.  335 sales were reported as compared to February, 2009 at 230.   The average sales price also increased.  The average for March 2009 was at $202,000, which was an increase compared to February 2009, where the average price was $196,000.   The median sales prices also increased from $166,000 in February 2009 to $185,000 in March 2009.   The average time on the market for properties sold during March 2009, remained the same as February 2009, at 87 days.   11 new construction properties were sold in March 2009 with an average sales price of $371,000 while in February 2009the average price was recorded at $449,000.  The median sales price reposrted is $334,000 for March 2009 and th... 04/09/2009

  The Lehigh Valley was highly rated in a trade magazine that covers corporate real estate and economic development as a place for businesses to relocate.   The Lehigh Valley (the Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton area) placed 4th of Site Selection magazine's top ten list in the country with populations between 200,000 and 1 million people.  A total of 29 corporate projects were completed last year.   According to the Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corp., by being named as a top spot for business expansions and relocations in a corporate industry magazine, the Lehigh Valley will gain exposure as a destination for companies.  The corporation works to attract businesses to the Valley and retain existing ones.   The magazine counted new facilities and expansions that either required at least ... 03/11/2009

  The Lehigh Valley Market Update for February, 2009, has some good news. Sales during February, 2009 were up about 13.3% with 230 sales reported, as compared to January of 2009 at 203 sales.   The average sales price for February, 2009 was down approximately 3% at $196,000 from $202,000 in January, 2009.   The average time on the market for properties sold in February, 2009 was 87 days, which is an increase compared to January, 2009 at 81 days.   The average sales price of newly constucted homes with 4 bedrooms and 2 1/2 baths is $449,000.  This is based on 4 new construction properties sold in the month of February.  During the month of January, 2009, the average sales price was recorded at $384,000.    February Sales Distribution Sale Price                                    Number o... 03/09/2009

  Watch out everyone!  The Lehigh Valley is holding it's own version of 'American Idol'.   This event is in it's 5th year and will happen at 7PM on Friday, March 6th, at the Wind Gap Middle School Auditorium.   Twelve people from all over the Lehigh Valley will perform for the chance to win $500 and a recording session.  The audience will also have the opportunity to hear a performance by last year's winner, Veronica Anthony.   The event is actually called the "Slate Belt Idol" and is modeled after the famous show "American Idol".  People from all over the region are eligible.  This year's contestants come from places such as Allentown, Northampton and the Poconos.   The competition will be emceed by local DJ of WODE-FM (the Hawk), Rick Michaels, and hosted by Barbie Andretti.   Admissi... 03/05/2009

  I was out and about yesterday running some errands.  I stopped into a few stores where I knew the owners and started talking to them.  Somehow our conversation turned towards the economy in the Lehigh Valley.  I am here to tell you what these business owners said.     I had asked the retail business owners how badly the economy affected their business.  Some of you will not believe their answer.    They are actually doing well.  OK, business has been better, but they are making a profit.  Looking at the number of cars in the parking lot will tell you that.  Their lot was crowded.  Doesn't look like the economy is hitting them too hard.   As I was driving around I took note that the area is still growing.  Not at a fast pace, mind you, but still growing.  I noticed several areas of con... 02/15/2009

    Today, February 12th, 2009, marks Abraham Lincoln's 200th birthday.  A party is being held in Allentown, PA to celebrate this great man's bicentenial birthday and everyone is invited.  Sample some of Lincoln's favorite treats, his favorite birthday cake and his favorite tea.    Robert Costello of New Jersey, a Lincoln re-enactor, will be portraying Lincoln, our 16th President, at a news conference.    The clock from Ford's theater will be on loan for the party.  This clock was in the theater when Lincoln was assasinated.    The party will be held at the Lehigh Valley Heritage Museum at 432 Walnut St. in Allentown, PA.  Admission is $12 and $6 for members of the Lehigh County Historical Society.   For more details click here.   HAPPY 200th BIRTHDAY, PRESIDENT LINCOLN!!     02/12/2009

  The statistics have come in for the real estate market in thes Lehigh Valley for the first month of 2009.  Some of it is good news while some not so good.   To begin with, the number of sales during Januray 2009 dropped by 41% of 203 sales down from 342 sales in December 2008.   The average sales price for January 2009 went down approximately 3.3% of $202,000 from $209,000 on December of 2008.  On the other hand, the median sales price for January 2009 increased to $187,000 from the median price of $180,000 in December 2008.   Five new construction properties sold in January 2009.  The average sales price for newly constructed homes in January 2009 was $384,000 and the median price was $$357,000.  Both the average and median prices for new construction were down from December 2008 of ... 02/07/2009

  The national economy is expected to continue its downward spiral for the next few months, continuing with the loss of numerous jobs before stabilizing.  This was stated by chief economist, John Silvia with Wachovia in front of hundreds of people in the Lehigh Valley.   According to Silvia, the Lehigh Valley should recover faster than other parts of the country because it has strength in such areas as health care and education that are less vulnerable to the downturn.   John Silvia was the keynote speaker at the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce's Economic Strategy Luncheon.   Silvia state that within the next few months, it will be important for companies to focus on the things they do best.  When they do, companies will close divisions and lay off employees in non-key areas d... 01/28/2009

  Have horses and thinking of moving into the Lehigh Valley area, but not sure if the area is equestrian friendly?  It certainly is horse friendly even with the development going on.   You will find many events, clubs and things to do involving horses.   Do you have horse crazy children wanting to learn about horses?  There are clubs geared toward the youth to learn about horses and their care, such as numerous 4H horse clubs and a local chapter of US Pony Club, both of which I have been involved with.  They offer excellent programs for the youth, even if you do not own a horse.   Are you an adult craving to learn more about horses?  No problem.  The Lehigh Valley Horse Council offers many opportunities to learn about horses.  At their bi-monthly meetings there are speakers or demonstra... 01/26/2009

  With the country going through an economic recession, it had little effect on the Lehigh Valley in 2008.  This is credited to the largest employers in the area.  Even with layoffs and companies shutting their doors, the Lehigh Valley still saw an increase in employment.    The Valley's hospitals and health networks saw the largest increase in workers.   At the end of 2008, the top 25 employers had 53,619 workers in Lehigh and Northampton Counties, up slightly from 53,107 in 2007.  That means employers on the top 25 list account for 1 out of every 5 jobs in the Lehigh Valley.  According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are approximately 282,600 jobs available in the Lehigh Valley.   The top 25 employers in the Lehigh Valley are: 1.  Lehigh Valley Hospital & Health Network2... 01/19/2009

  The Market Update for December 2008 for the Lehigh Valley has come in and it is good news.  342 homes were sold in December 2008 as compared to 300 in November 2008.  That shows a 14% increase in sales for December 2008.   The average sales prices on the other hand dropped.  In November 2008 the average price of a home was $222,000 while in December 2008 the average sales price of a home was down approximately 5.9%, to $209,000.  This is still good news for the buyers waiting for the prices to drop.   The average market time for properties sold in December 2008 increased to 78 days from 73 days in November 2008.   New construction, homes with 4 bedrooms and 2 1/2 baths, sold only 4 properties in December of 2008 with an average sales price of $477,000.   Here are the figures for Decem... 01/12/2009

  I'm sure many of you have noticed that more and more cutbacks are being made by companies and industries by laying off employees.     With fewer jobs available in today's economy, and many more on unemployment, local community colleges decided to help out.   Northampton County Community College and Lehigh County Community College are doing their part to help the growing number of recently unemployed.  They are offering courses to those recently laid off, FREE of charge.  The course fees are waived so that these people can learn the knowledge they need to work, even if it means changing occupations.   This is a great way for the colleges to contribute to their communities and try to help the down economy.  12/17/2008

  I'm sure many of you have noticed that more and more cutbacks are being made by companies and industries by laying off employees.     With fewer jobs available in today's economy, and many more on unemployment, local community colleges decided to help out.   Northampton County Community College and Lehigh County Community College are doing their part to help the growing number of recently unemployed.  They are offering courses to those recently laid off, FREE of charge.  The course fees are waived so that these people can learn the knowledge they need to work, even if it means changing occupations.   This is a great way for the colleges to contribute to their communities and try to help the down economy.  12/17/2008

  The real estate statistics for November, 2008 have come out.  Here is the latest market update for the Lehigh Valley, PA.   The number of sales in November, 2008 dropped from October, 2008 by approximately 27.4%.  The reported number of sales for November, 2008 were 300 compared to October, 2008 at 413.   The average sales price for November or 2008 increased by 4.7% from October 0f 2008.  October's sales price was $212,000 while November's increased to $222,000.   The average time on the market for properties sold during November, 2008 was 73 days, which is an increase compared to October, 2008 at 71 days.   For newly constructed homes with 4 bedrooms and 2 1/2 baths, the average sales price is $383,000, down from October's average sales price of $389,000.    The statistics for Novem... 12/08/2008