Lehigh Valley Real Estate - Tips 4 Homeowners, Buyers & Agents

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Lehigh Valley Real Estate Home Buyers, Sellers, and Employers...Thank you for requesting for our Help!

Lehigh Valley Real Estate Home Buyers, Sellers, and Employers...Thank you for requesting for our Help!

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We make commitments to our clients so they can feel comfortable with the services they can expect from us.

 

Our Service Commitments

Top 10 We Will & We Will Not Do List - Morals & Values in Real Estate

What services should you expect from a Buyer Agent?

 

Learn more:  about Buying a Home in the Lehigh Valley MLS area.

Home Buying

            Just Looking Stage

Making Your Offer

Mortgage/Finance

                Just Looking Stage

                All About Credit

                Types of Loans

                Government Asst Programs

                Down&Closing Cost Help

Video Series

MyRealEstateShow.TV – 1st Monday’s with Moriah – LIVE Questions & Answer Session

LehighValleyRealEstate.TV – Every Monday with Moriah – 5 min Weekly Home Buying Series

Women’s Online Magazine – Every Thursday – Featured Buyer Agent Speaker

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Lehigh Valley Homes – What are Closing Costs and What should the Lehigh Valley Home Buyer Expect

Video Tips for Buying Lehigh Valley Homes - What are closing costs and what should the Lehigh Valley Home Buyer Expect - Not only for First Time Home Buyers. A home buyer Video guide to buying Homes for Sale in the Lehigh Valley area.Lehigh Valley Homes Lehigh Valley Mortgage

Closing Costs are the fee's you pay on Top of the sale price of the home.  As a Rule of Thumb in Lehigh Valley Area you can plan on paying a highball figure of 6% of the Purchase price for your closing costs. 

A Home Buyer Video about Closing Costs and should a Home Buyer Expect?  But, I may have so other important Lehigh Valley Home information below too.

So, as an example: A Lehigh Valley Home Buyer buys a $100,000.00 home - The Closing costs would be about $6000.00 in the Lehigh Valley Pa area. (this needs to be verified on all homes of interest)

It is important for Lehigh Valley Home Buyers to know what fees are included in the Closing Costs if you are getting a Mortgage. You should be getting more exact figure from your Lehigh Valley Mortgage Advisor. Helpful Home Buyer information here would be - How When & Why to get Pre-Qualified - Pre-Qualification vs Pre-Approval

Types of Fees included in the Lehigh Valley closing costs for a home.

Title Company Fee's - These Fee's are regulated by the State of PA

Lehigh Valley Property Insurance: It is required that Lehigh Valley home buyers pay one year in advance as the mortgage Lender will require this. (Paid out of pocket 2 weeks prior to settlement) Plus the Mortgage Company will prorate for homeowners insurance too.

Lehigh Valley Property Taxes: I always recommend to my Home Buyers to figure 1 full year worth of property taxes - The property tax rates will depend on what part of the Lehigh Valley you are interested in.  Also, there may be a situation where you will need to pay the seller back for taxes they already paid.  Your Mortgage Advisor will give you more information about this, because it will all depend on when you go to settlement on your Lehigh Valley home. It is important to find out what the average taxes are because you will need to pay or put away money for your taxes monthly. 

Lehigh Valley Home Inspection Fee's: Home Inspection Costs paid out of pocket within 5 days after your offer gets accepted at the time of the inspection. Cost is on Average 450.00 includes Home Inspection, Termite, Radon, Water and Septic Tests

Lehigh Valley Mortgage Fee's: This will all depend on what your mortgage company is charging you for closing costs on their end.  But, sometimes you will need to pay for the appraisal when it is done before settlement.  Which can cost on average $400.00.  

There SHOULD BE NO Lehigh Valley REAL ESTATE BROKER FEE'S on your closing Cost Estimate Sheet

Unless you have agreed with your Buyer Agent that you will pay additional fee's, of course.

Lehigh Valley Real Estate Agent "Hidden Fee's" include: Document Prep, Paperwork processing, office administration fee etc. and these are just more ways to get more money from you ...sometimes that can add up to $500 or more.  The Buyer agent is getting paid a portion of the Commission that is paid by the Sellers Agent for payment for doing their job already.

Copyright © 2009 Moriah Martin RE/MAX real estate All Rights Reserved * Lehigh Valley Homes - What are Closing Costs and What should the Lehigh Valley Home Buyer Expect a Home Buying Video Series*

Lehigh Valley Real Estate - The First 5 Steps to Buying a Home in the Lehigh Valley

Video Tips for Buying a Home in Lehigh Valley Pa - Not only for First Time Home Buyers. The home buyers first step to all Lehigh Valley homes for sale and working with Lehigh Valley realtors.

So, you have decided that you would like to "just start looking" at Lehigh Valley homes?Lehigh Valley Homes & Lehigh Valley Mortgage

This is a famous reply to ALL the Home Buyers I have helped over the past 10 years purchase Lehigh Valley Homes in Allentown PA. This reply does not only come from First Time Home Buyers in the Lehigh Valley area but from 90% of the Home Buyers I work with interested in viewing Lehigh Valley Homes for sale.

When Home Buyers call my office and request more information on a home they have seen on the Lehigh Valley MLS or a Home for sale in the Allentown PA area, I always ask many questions and Listen to find out what it is that I can do to help and the VERY FIRST answer I get is "WELL, To be honest with you WE ARE JUST LOOKING" at Lehigh Valley Homes.

My reply, is well....I can understand that the first step for most Home Buyers is the "just looking and just thinking about" stages of buying a home in the Lehigh Valley area. But, How can you "just look" if you do not have the information you need to make decisions once you get out and "just start looking"?

I would just like to share with you that I am a FULL TIME Lehigh Valley Realtor who specializes in helping only Home Buyers and I my entire focus is on communities in the Lehigh Valley MLS area. 

Would you agree with me, that the process of buying a home in the Lehigh Valley and moving your entire Life to a new location is on the TOP MOST IMPORTANT things a Lehigh Valley Home Buyer will do in their life?

So, let's begin Learning about How to Buy Lehigh Valley Homes with a short video from our Home Buying Video Series, The First 5 Steps to buying a home.

As a Lehigh Valley Home Buyer do you believe it is important to know, What the Lehigh Valley MLS is? How, When & Why to get prequalified? Maybe even Insider Secrets to Interviewing Lehigh Valley Realtors? What about how much money a home buyer will need to buy a Home?

Copyright © 2009 Moriah Martin RE/MAX real estate All Rights Reserved *Lehigh Valley Homes The First 5 Steps to buying a home a Home Buying Video Series*

Lehigh Valley Real Estate – How When and Why to get Prequalified for a Home Mortgage in The Lehigh Valley area.

Video Tips for Buying Lehigh Valley Homes - How When & Why to get prequalified - Not only for First Time Home Buyers. A home buyers Video guide to finding Homes for Sale in the Lehigh Valley area.

So, the first question every Lehigh Valley Realtor will ask a Home Buyer is....Lehigh Valley Homes & Lehigh Valley Mortgage

Have you been Pre-Qualified for a Mortgage in the Lehigh Valley area? 

Lehigh Valley Realtors know Home Buyers just hate that question and avoid the discussion at all costs.  Why can't these Realtors just answer my questions or take me to see the house I want to see!!!!!!!!!!! AAAAUUUUGGGG!  It is so frustrating!  All I want to do is go and see that house!

Believe it or not this is actually to help you the most..Here's why.

 

When Should you get Pre-Qualified for viewing Lehigh Valley Homes?

1) Immediately upon "just thinking" about buying a home the Lehigh Valley MLS area.

Why Should you get Pre-Qualified for viewing Lehigh Valley Homes?

1)  You need to know the numbers. How much of a Mortgage you can get that fits your monthly payment comfort zone.  NOT what is the highest possible amount a bank will give you. You should know How much money you will need to buy Homes in the Lehigh Valley area.

2)  You need to know what type of loan fits you the best, FHA, VA, Conventional and/or Down payment and closing cost assistance programs. View Pre-qualification vs. Pre-approval in the Lehigh Valley.

3)  Home Buyers need to know about the estimated closings costs and what to expect.

4)  Based on what your pre-qualification tells you will depend on how you will organize your home search-Home Buyers interested in buying Homes in the Lehigh Valley can view The First 5 steps to Buying a home.

5)  One of the most important points: The seller does require you to be prequalified to make an offer on their home.

How Should you get Pre-Qualified for viewing Lehigh Valley Homes?

1) You should seek referrals from friends, family or people you trust if you can.

2) You can do it over the phone; it only takes about 30 mins.

3) You should find someone in the Lehigh Valley PA area, because most sellers require it.

4) What will a Lehigh Valley Mortgage Company ask you for?

            a) The Full Names of everyone who will be purchasing the home in the Lehigh Valley.

            b) Soc Security Numbers, Work History, Income, and your assets (401K plans, savings etc)

5) Do not go to more than 2 different Mortgage resources - view What effects your credit score?

6) Ask questions about what type of loan programs they have available for Lehigh Valley Home Buyers before you decide to give them your information. View more about FHA Loans - VA Loans and Down payment and assistance programs in the Lehigh Valley area.

7) You should get an answer back within about 48 to 72 hours depending on your special circumstances.

8) The pre-qualification process should not cost you any money.  IT SHOULD BE FREE.

Copyright © 2009 Moriah Martin RE/MAX real estate All Rights Reserved * Lehigh Valley Homes - How When and Why to get Prequalified a Home Buying Video Series*

Lehigh Valley Homes & Real Estate – Insider Secrets for Interviewing a Lehigh Valley REALTOR ®

Video Tips for Buying Lehigh Valley Homes - Finding a Lehigh Valley Realtor by using the insider secrets to interviewing a Buyer Agent. Not only for First Time Home Buyers. A Lehigh Valley Home buyer guide to Lehigh Valley real estate.

Let's get to the Point about what kind of questions you should be asking Lehigh Valley Realtors® when thinking about having them help you find Homes in the Lehigh Valley.Lehigh Valley MLS & Lehigh Valley Homes

Home Buyers and First Time Home Buyers - These are the questions that only a Lehigh Valley Real Estate Agent would know to ask.  Let's face it what you really need to know is what are the services you will be given IF you decide to work with a REALTOR®.

As a Full Time Buyer Agent I really feel that it is a waste of the Home Buyers time to tell them how many homes I have sold and to remind you of the name recognition my company brings...what type of Education I have received and brag about my affiliation status with this membership and that membership in the Lehigh Valley area etc.

What you need is results and guidance in Buying a Home in the Lehigh Valley - Right? What you need to know is what proof this Real Estate Agent can give you that they will provide you with the Home Buyer services that you deserve.  You should also be looking to find out if they can provide you with the Top 10 List of What they Will Do and Will NOT Do - Why are they in Real Estate? These are the things you really need to know - As it will greatly affect a Home Buyers entire experience of buying a home in the Lehigh Valley pa area.

Home Buyers - Please Do not be surprised if you actually use these questions when interviewing your next Buyer Agent that they will be surprised and not be able to answer you or stumble over the answer, or Just say ASAP or some blanket answer to just get by.  This will be the best Home Buyer test for qualify apples to apples and Making sure you get the best assistance and guidance in Buying your Lehigh Valley Home.

 

Are you looking for some additional guidance in buying a Home in the Lehigh Valley area? Home Buyers have told me that The First 5 Steps to Buying a Home was helpful to them getting started and How When and Why to get Prequalified in Lehigh Valley as well as What is the Lehigh Valley MLS.

Copyright © 2009 Moriah Martin RE/MAX real estate All Rights Reserved * Lehigh Valley Homes - Insider Secrets for Interviewing a Lehigh Valley REALTOR® a Home Buying Video Series*

Lehigh Valley Homes & Real Estate – What is the Lehigh Valley MLS

Video Tips for Buying a Home in Lehigh Valley Pa - Find out how Lehigh Valley Home Buyers can get more information on  Lehigh Valley Homes and get direct access to the Lehigh Valley MLS and learn what exactly is the Lehigh Valley MLS?Lehigh Valley MLS & Lehigh Valley Homes

MLS stands for multiple listing service. Every home for sale that is listed by a real estate agent is uploaded to the Local Lehigh Valley MLS (unless the seller does not want it there) there are over 650 MLS throughout the US. The Lehigh Valley MLS is only one of 3 MLS systems in our Area. The Lehigh Valley MLS primary focus is covering all Homes for Sale in Lehigh & Northampton County area. Although there are also homes listed in the LV MLS that are listed In Carbon, Monroe, Bucks and Berks county...this is NOT the primary market area.

View The Lehigh Valley MLS what is it but make sure you check out the information below as I have added some additional Lehigh Valley Home Buying information for you.

 

TREND MLS Primary Market area is Berks and Bucks County areas.

FLEX MLS Primary Market area is Carbon and Monroe County areas.

Only real estate agents and other professional affiliates can access direct access to the Lehigh Valley MLS directly by paying a fee to use and access this information.  But that doesn't mean a Lehigh Valley home buyer can't get the same information - You just can't do it on your own.

This is how the Lehigh Valley MLS works..

A Seller's Agent enters the information about a home for sale in the Lehigh Valley which then offers to share the commission with a Buyer Agent who brings the Home buyer. It's an online software that contains all the specifics about a home, from the address, age, square footage, number of bedrooms, baths, upgrades and schools districts to types of financing the seller will consider, and more.

Lehigh Valley Home buyers make the mistake of believing they can access this information through any online website and/or Feed.  but the data the public can receive is:

•·         Limited information -You see only what the website wants you to see

•·         Can be outdated - You are not getting direct information

•·         Websites lead you to believe what they want you to believe - "Showcase Listings" for example is not a special deal ...it is because the Lehigh Valley REALTOR® paid for advertising on the website.

•·         Many Times you need to register to get information.

•·         The searches you setup are also limited.

The most accurate way to find a home in the Lehigh Valley MLS at NO Charge to you is to find a Lehigh Valley REALTOR®  AKS Buyer Agent to represent you and have them setup a home search that fits your financial and Lifestyle needs.  This way you will received up-to-the min information about Lehigh Valley Homes for sale that you can't get anywhere else. Also, Contacting a Seller's Agent is really not in the Home Buyers best interest as the Sellers Agents job is to get the Seller the most money they can for the Lehigh Valley Home. View a short video of the Lehigh Valley MLS client portal and see exactly how this can benefit a Home Buyer.

Lehigh Valley Home Buyers have told me that The First 5 Steps to Buying a home was helpful to them getting started with the Home Buying process and also they enjoyed viewing the Home Buying video called How When and Why to get prequalified in the Lehigh Valley also gave them more confidence about purchasing a home.

Copyright © 2009 Moriah Martin RE/MAX real estate All Rights Reserved * Lehigh Valley Homes - What is the Lehigh Valley MLS a Home Buying Video Series *

Lehigh Valley Homes & Real Estate – How much money does a Home Buyer need to Buy Lehigh Valley Homes

Video Tips for Buying Lehigh Valley Homes - Not only for First Time Home Buyers. Home Buyers getting familiar with the costs involved with buying a home in the Lehigh Valley area.Lehigh Valley Homes & Lehigh Valley Mortgage

I wish I could give every Lehigh Valley Home Buyer that same Blanket answer to this question but the truth is - "It Depends" It Depends on your specific Home Buyer needs, goals and situation. What I can share with you is what the factors are that makes this answer so different from every Lehigh Valley Home Buyer.

Take a look at this Lehigh Valley Home Buyer video that reviews what 4 Factors make this a different situation for every home buyer.  Then if you would like I have some additional Tips for Buyers below that will help you know what other general costs/fee's are involved with Buying a Home in the Lehigh Valley.

 

 

Home Buyers should be aware of the following costs that are associated when buying a Lehigh Valley Homes.

1) If you are a Home Buyer who has decided to get a Mortgage to purchase your Home than you should be aware of the following costs associated with a Mortgage.

            - You will need a Down payment for your Mortgage - The amount of money required down will all depend on the type of mortgage that fits your needs as a Lehigh Valley Home Buyer. Home Buyers find more information on FHA Mortgages - VA Mortgages - and Down Payment & Closing Costs assistance program information was helpful to them.

 2) Home Buyers should be prepared to put down a deposit with your Lehigh Valley Home offer once you find a home.  How much also depends on your specific needs and financial situation.  Lehigh Valley rule of thumb is - you put down as much as you can afford to put down.  Remember, when you make an offer on a home, you are asking the seller to take their home off the Market.

3) Lehigh Valley Home Buyers should be prepared to have money in the bank for a few out of pocket expenses before settlement.

- The Lehigh Valley Home Inspection - $350.00 to $500.00 in the Lehigh Valley area.

- The Lehigh Valley Home Appraisal - $375.00 to $450.00 This depends on what Mortgage company choose to work with as some require you to pay for the appraisal before it scheduled and others allow you to pay this at closing.

- Lehigh Valley Homeowners Insurance - $650 year - This depends on what coverage you get. This will need to be paid in Full at least 2 weeks prior to settlement.

4) Home Buyers should be prepared to pay for closing costs in addition to the Down payment and Lehigh Valley Home purchase price.  A good rule of thumb to use for closing costs in the Lehigh Valley area is 6% of the purchase price.  This is ONLY a rule of thumb.  You should confirm all your numbers during the First Consultation with your Buyer Agent.

Copyright © 2009 Moriah Martin RE/MAX real estate All Rights Reserved * Lehigh Valley Homes - How much money does a Home Buyer need to Buy Lehigh Valley Homes a Home Buying Video Series *

Lehigh Valley Real Estate: Morals & Values in the Lehigh Valley Real Estate Business - What Commitments should look for?

As a Lehigh Valley Home buyer you should be asking yourself, What is really important to me when looking at Lehigh Valley Real Estate? When it comes down to it...you should be working with a Lehigh Valley Buyer Agent that gives you written commitments...let's be real for a min.  Morals and Values are everything when buying your Lehigh Valley Home.  So, the reason I am sharing this information with you.

I remember long, long ago well, it was not too long ago...only about 10 years...before I was in Lehigh Valley Real Estate and I was a "normal" consumer...I use to think..man oh man those sales people, all they want is to tell me what I want to hear and line their pockets with as much cash as possible...all they care about is selling me the most expensive item and they really do not care about what we need or want! 

I use to think...man oh man don't they know that I will tell everyone I know how they treated me?  I still see it all the time...no customer service,  no respect, no patience, what happened with the golden rule?  Do unto others as you would have them do onto you? I guess these types of people you run into from time to time are NOT in the looking for word of mouth referral business....The best kind of Advertising, In my book!

Our goal is to become your Lehigh Valley Real Estate Buyer Agent for LIFE!  Yes, that is a huge goal....because everything we do will need to prove to you that you will want us to stick around for Life!  So, what would it take to achieve a goal like this? 

Well, Think about what it ....What would you be looking for? 

I have come up with a We WILL & We WILL NOT list!  Most of these things have been developed by me with the consumer hat on....just sick and tired of the way most conduct business....I am breaking through all the Bologna and getting straight to the point...That is why I came up with these to Lists!

My goal is NOT to help EVERY Home Buyer who wants to purchase a home in the Lehigh Valley, just those who would like to cut through the bologna and only be provided services from the WE WILL LIST BELOW.

We will - TOP 10 (not in order of importance, as this is up to you)

1.       We will help you at YOUR Pace and YOUR Terms NOT ours.

2.       We will reply to all YOUR requests within 24 hours. IF NOT THE SAME DAY.

3.       We will walk you through every step of the home buying process by Video Tutorial for FREE.

4.       We will want to become your Buyer Agent for Life.

5.       We will give you a written list of Buyer Agent Services you can count on.

6.       We will give you any and all  information you need to purchase a home

7.       We will represent ONLY Buyers.

8.       We will listen to YOUR goals and develop a plan to help you achieve them.

9.       We will give you the POWER to make YOUR own decisions.

10.   We will be HONEST with you ALL THE TIME.

 We will NOT- TOP 10 (Not in order of importance, as you must decide this)

1) We will NOT show you homes that DO NOT fit your needs.

2) We will NOT spam you.

3) We will NOT give out your personal information.

4) We will NOT force you to register on our site to get FREE information.

5) We will NOT tell you what you want to hear.

6) We will NOT tell you that we will call you ASAP or return your call ASAP! (we will give you a time)

7) We will NOT try and convince you to purchase a home over your price range.

8) We will NOT take the easy way out.

9) We will NOT pass the buck, EVER!

10) We will NOT lie to you to get what we want.

I hope this information has helped you get to know more about who we are and what we believe in...or at the very least gets you thinking about what kind of people you would like to work with in the purchase of your next Lehigh Vally Home for sale.

Copyright © 2009 Moriah Martin RE/MAX real estate All Rights Reserved *Lehigh Valley Real Estate: Morals & Values in the Lehigh Valley Real Estate Business - What Commitments should look for?

3 commentsMoriah Martin - Lehigh Valley REALTOR® • September 27 2008 07:53AM

Lehigh Valley Real Estate & Homes - Buyer Agent Real Estate Services, FREE??!!

Hello there and thank you for visiting my Blog!

So, are you thinking about Buying a Home in the future? There are many questions that may come up concerning this life changing event.  But, the very first step is to have someone who represents you in the entire transaction....somone who is going to walk with you through the entire process step by step at YOUR PACE!

Most people I talk to are not familar with the type of Services you can get from a Buyer's Agent...That's me...I only work with Buyer's!  Also, How do I get paid?  Well....let's take a look at the video below and let me explain how it works!

 

Other Links that might interest you in the Home Buying Process

More Home Buying Video's: www.MyHomeHunter.TV

Email Me to help you personally.

More Online Resources

10 ways to prepare for Homeownership

Why should you work with a REALTOR®

7 Reasons to Own your own Home

I hope this information has helped you.

PLEASE REPORT TYPOS, Comments & Suggestions are always welcomed and appreciated.

 

2 commentsMoriah Martin - Lehigh Valley REALTOR® • September 18 2008 10:57AM

Why do I need a Real Estate Agent to buy a home in the Lehigh Valley, PA Area?

 

1) Because you, AS A CONSUMER have not been trained in Real Estate Law and Practices and have no clue what  should be considered when making a 22 page offer on a home. InReal Estate agent studing order to obtain a Real Estate license an agent must have extensive training pertaining to the real estate laws and procedures, and in order to maintain his/her license the agent is required to have ongoing education. Besides the fact that this training is extensive it is also very expensive. Laws and procedures are constantly updated, every agent must stay on top of the game or loose out.

 

 

2) Just because you have had a baby, changed the washer on your kitchen sink, will you now deliver a baby for family and friends or repair a major plumbing catastrophe for a babyneighbor? The same applies for buying and or selling a home. Just because you have purchased and/or sold that property in the past does notPicture of man doing plumbing mean this has made you a Real Estate professional. Your full time concentration should be spent on your job, family, and showings, corresponding with your agent and finally making offer/s on your new home.

 

 

 

3) Because you can be represented by a FULL TIME Professional Exclusive Buyer's Agent at no out of pocket cost to you.  The seller's agent is willing to split their commission with me to get paid after you settle on your new home.  WHY NOT WORK WITH A REAL ESTATE AGENT? It costs you nothing out of pocket.

 

4) Because you need all of these services when purchasing a home: CLICK HERE.  This is another Blog.

5) When looking to purchase a home the last person you want "representing" you is the seller's agent.  Yes, this is the person you meet, Most of the time, at the open house sitting in the home greeting you.  Would you use the same Attorney in Court as the opposing side?  How can anyone represent YOUR best interests if they are already working to obtain the most money possible for the seller's home? Best thing to do in that situation is.......Sign in and tell them you are already working with an Agent.  IF YOU ARE NOT, CALL ME and I will help you.

 surprised woman

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

shoe house

I hope this helps! 

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