State College PA Real Estate

2009-02-14T09:45:00.008-05:00

NEW LISTING IN SNOW SHOE, PA.

This maybe "THE PERFECT HOME". Lovely setting on just under 1/2 acre w/mature landscape. Simply bring the family since all the work is done. New windows Sept 08, new bath & kitchen floors Jan. 09. Central air, detached 2 car insulated garage.

The home is located one mile from the elementary school (http://www.beasd.org/education/district/district.php?sectionid=1)

An easy commute to State College and Penn State University are available via I-80 and I-99.

Visit KW.com for all the details and call Tim Rogers for all the first-time home buyer loan programs available for this beautiful home.

2009-02-12T11:50:00.003-05:00

JUST LISTED in HOWARD, PA

Beautiful .98 acre building lot in Lake View Estates in Howard, PA. The site is situated on a quiet cul-de-sac with views of the surrounding mountains and the lake in the distance. Public utilities are available on site.

Bring your own builder and blueprints and think about the potential for a lower level walkout when designing your dream home.

Walking distance to the new State Game Land 323 that provides terrific hunting and the lake offers fishing and boating (unlimited horsepower). The location provides an easy commute to State College and Penn State University and your kids will attend the Bald Eagle School District.

Use our builder and save money on the purchase of the home and lot as a combination.

Call Tim Rogers at Keller Williams directly at 814-280-0054 or 814-272-3333.

2009-02-02T14:40:00.003-05:00

Sometimes in life you just need to face your demons. As many of you know, I'm a runner and love to take off and run when I get the chance. Recently, I found myself in Pensacola, Florida and I was challenged to return to University of West Florida for a late afternoon run on a recent Saturday. Several years ago I stared into the late afternoon shadows of the same running path and took off for an easy run. I found myself in the forest just weeks after the destruction that Ivan wrought on the area (he was a hurricane). To make a long story very short, the woods were torn apart with shattered tree's but I pushed on until I was completely lost, straddling an oozing stream, just as darkness gripped the trail. Lost like I never imagined possible, I cut the run short and managed to shred my legs and arms on the flora and fauna as I struggled to find my way out of the damp gator-infested woodland. As a student many years before, I remember seeing many a ten foot alligator in this area.

I finally made it out of the swamp and cut the run short but it left a bad taste in my mouth. So, there I was heading back to the swamp and much to my suprise I was greeted by the sign that you can read above. Now I was faced with a decision. Push on through the fear and ignore the sign or just turn around and find the running track to circle like a frustrated hamster.

I did push past the fear and had a great run, gators and poisonous snakes not withstanding. It just proves that you can return and face your demons.

2008-12-11T17:03:00.010-05:00

If you take a peaceful drive through the tranquil Amish valley that is Penns Valley you may stumble upon a new neighborhood perched on the edge of Millheim. And for you Elk Creek Cafe and Aleworks lovers (http://www.elkcreekcafe.net/I'm one too), you can walk to the brew pub from this cozy little neighborhood.

Mensch Estates is a "builder exclusive" project of Brookside Homes (http://www.brookside-homes.com/) and there are 14 buildings lots available that offer public water and sewer in a quiet neighborhood setting on the edge of Millheim. In addition to walking to the brew pub, active families can jump on their mountain bikes and start pedaling through the countryside in about 90 seconds. There are several world class trout streams within minutes of the neighborhood and two state forests are ten minutes away.

The neighborhood is located in the desirable Penns Valley school district and is an easy drive to Penn State University or Bucknell University. Check out the Brookside Homes web site to view the quality constrution available in this new neighborhood.

For more detailed information about this new Penns Valley neighborhood give me a call.

2008-11-25T14:34:00.003-05:00

Are You Selling a $300,000 Bellefonte Home?

If you are thinking about selling your Bellefonte home and you think the price is in the $280 to $320K price range, following are numbers that you need to know.

5 houses sold in’08 in your price range in Bellefonte School District

Avg. List Price—$302,761

Avg. Sold Price—$287,480

List to sale % - 95.0%

Visit—www.BuyBellefonte.com
For additional information about the Bellefonte real estate market or for a FREE market evaluation of your home, give Tim Rogers a call at 814-280-0054.

2008-11-24T16:29:00.003-05:00

Dateline - Mifflintown, PA. 11/21/2008 @ 10:30 pm.

Driving back from state football playoff game I stopped to top off the tank and much to my surprise, I found regular unleaded at $1.86.90 per gallon. So, in our digital world I grabbed the camera and snapped a photo in the inky cold night just to prove to myself that prices have retreated from the $4.29 a gallon of a few months ago.

The gas price was the good news. The bad news was our team lost the game but there is always next year.

2008-11-06T09:23:00.006-05:00

JUST SOLD!

468 Miller Rd.

Philipsburg, PA.

$268,500

Top Gun Tim Rogers at Keller Williams Realty successfully sold this beautiful home on Miller Rd. in Philipsburg, PA. The closed sales price was $268,500 and the home sold at 95.9% of list price. The average list to sale ratio in Philipsburg is 83.5% of list price.

This home was a featured home on Top Gun Tim's Ask the Realtor radio show airing every Saturday morning from 8:00 to 9:00 am on News Talk 970 AM WBLF.

By selecting Tim Rogers of Keller Williams Realty to handle the sale of their home, the sellers put an extra $34,784 dollars in their pocket.

If you need to sell your house in Philipsburg, you need to talk to Tim Rogers about is unique and successful home selling system. The direct number is 814-280-0054.

2008-11-04T14:09:00.003-05:00

Election day photo's of the lines of eager voters in State College, PA. The photo's were taken at the Friends Meeting House in the borough and the lines were thick with eager college students anxious to cast their first ballot.

It may be a record turnout for the Obama vs. McCain prize fight but more voters were eager to throw out the rancid BCS to save their beloved Nittany Lions from another undefeated season and a third place finish in the BCS Bowl Challenge.

2008-11-04T12:26:00.003-05:00

Fistfights and threats at Centre County Polls…

...Have not been reported this morning during what appears to be a record voter turnout for an historic election. Do you ever wonder why the pundits tell us every four years that this is the most important election since…..? Aren’t they all important with special importance assigned to off-year elections?

But what a great country we all live in when voters of every persuasion go to the local precinct and stand in a long line to testify to the world about their personal political beliefs and there isn’t a single fight to break up. In my local precinct, I stood in line with republicans, democrats, and independents and there was a sense of pride among all the would-be voters anxiously awaiting their private moment of truth. There was amicable conversation and not a single incident of name calling. No fights, no threats, no coercion, and not a single soldier threatening the line with a machine gun.

This is what makes our country great. Well defined differences of opinion to be sure, but a coming together none the less. I trust that we will wake up tomorrow morning to a united American electorate and a single-minded purpose to continue to make this country the greatest country in the history of the planet Earth.

Tune in Saturday morning to Top Gun Tim’s Ask the Realtor on News Talk 970 AM WBLF from 8:00 to 9:00 a.m. as we talk about private property rights—a major factor that elevates our country above all others.

2008-11-03T16:43:00.008-05:00

AUDOBON NATURE SETTING...

MINUTES TO PENN STATE UNIVERSITY

1211 Sylvan Circle

Bellefonte, PA. 16823

The best part about this house may be....

The $2,000 seller credit towards closing costs (acceptable offer before November 30, 2008).
The dream private location with no through traffic.
The massive screened-in porch for wildlife watchers.
The finished walk-out lower level.
The cozy woodburning stove.
The proximity to all the Bellefonte Schools.
The easy commute to Penn State University.

The large 2,356 finished square feet of living area.

I really can't decide but I'm sure you can help me pick the BEST feature associated with this home. Visit www.BuyBellefonte.com or call me for your private tour.

2008-11-03T10:09:00.005-05:00

PENN STATE RETREAT

Penn State Alumni, hunters, and outdoor recreational enthusiast's. Don't miss this rural retreat that is perfectly located in the tranquil Amish valley of Brush Valley. Minutes to great hunting on State Forest and State Game Lands, close to the best trout fishing in the Eastern United States, and still just a half hour to Beaver Stadium and the GREATEST SHOW ON EARTH (according to Sports Illustrated) that is Penn State Football.

If mountain biking is your thing or you enjoy trail running and swimming in ice cold mountain lakes, RB Winter State Park is minutes to the east and Bucknell University is only 25 minutes away too.

Give me a call today for your private preview of this cozy PENN STATE RETREAT.

2008-11-01T09:13:00.003-05:00

THERE IS NO NEW CONTRUCTION IN STATE COLLEGE, PA...

or so I'm told almost on a daily basis by the naysayers that think the real estate and contruction industries are dead and buried in an election year economy. This is the group of people that listen to the national news and make the assumption that if things are bad every where they must be bad here too.

Nothing could be more opposed to the truth. The photo above was taken about two weeks ago in a local develop of new homes that has almost completely sold out and the construction is at a break neck pace. The builder isn't building spec homes but there are plenty of custom home buyers to keep them busy.

A quick check of building permits in Centre County shows that through the end of August, only 6 fewer permits were issues than in 2007. This would reflect a flat market rather than a horribly down market.

For information about the local building industry, give me a call or tune in to my weekly radio show on 970 AM WBLF. Ask the Realtor airs every Saturday morning from 8:00 to 9:00 a.m. You can always call me at 814-280-0054.

2008-09-23T09:33:00.007-05:00

GREAT HOME FOR FIRST-TIME HOME BUYERS

Price - $69,900

Qualifies for Centre County Grant Money

Up to $10,000 available for first-time homebuyers to assist with downpayment and closing costs on this 3/1.5 home in Philipsburg.

A must see! Two story, completely remodeled and ready to move in. Tile floors in foyer, kitchen, dining room and bathrooms. New carpet and windows. Double foyer with large storage room.

Call Tim Rogers at Keller Williams Realty for your exclusive preview of this home at 814-280-0054.

This home has been featured on Top Gun Tim's "Ask the Realtor" radio show airing every Saturday morning on 970 AM WBLF radio from 8:00 to 9:00 a.m.

2008-09-08T12:54:00.012-05:00

SPRING CREEK RENTAL FOR PENN STATE FOOTBALL WEEKENDS!

You could spend $350 a night for a tiny motel room or you could bring the fly rods and rent this cozy stream side cottage with 100' along famous Spring Creek. Sleeps ten, with full kitchen and bath, and wood burning stove. Lovely quiet rear porch overlooking the stream. Enjoy a bonfire stream side after the game and stalk the famous trout that are hiding in the shadows. You can't miss them...they are huge.

One mile to Fishermans Paradise and minutes to Beaver Stadium and downtown State College.

Available immediately with a two night minimum stay. Temple weekend - $1,000 for the weekend

All other home weekends - $1,200

Non football weekends - $1,000

Call Tim Rogers at 814-280-0054 for more information.

2008-08-20T09:49:00.002-05:00

What is your excuse?

Born the twentieth of twenty-two children, in a small, rural Tennessee town in 1940, she contracted polio as a four year old and was told she may never walk again. She lost the use of her left leg and was in such a weakened state she was shackled with leg braces. Living in a house with no money for special medical treatments, her TEAM of siblings took over. Thus, her legs were massaged a number of times each day, helping her to regain strength. Her confidence may have flagged at times in her childhood when it seemed she might spend a lifetime in leg braces or even a wheelchair. Through the efforts of her devoted family—and her own steely determination to strengthen herself—she rose from disability to Olympic glory in a few short years.

After five years of leg massage treatment, she one day stunned her doctors when she removed her leg braces and walked by herself. Soon she was challenging her brothers to races in the back yard.

Her love of basketball led her to try out for the ninth grade team where her coach cut her and told her not to bother with the sport. As a tenth grader she was added to the roster simply because the basketball coach wanted her older sister on the team and her father told the coach that the older sister could play if he allowed the younger girl to be a part of the team. The girl with the leg braces that was cut as a ninth grader went on to score 803 points that year which is still a Tennessee record for sophomores.

As a fourteen year old she started running track after the track coach saw her on the basketball court and encouraged her to run.

You see, WILMA RUDOLPH, the girl with the leg braces had never heard of the Olympics as a fourteen year old and two short years later she was toeing the line of the 100 meter dash in Australia where she won a bronze medal.

Four short years later the poor girl from Tennessee that stunned her doctors by removing those leg shackles shocked the world in Rome, Italy.

At the 1960 Olympics, Rudolph won all three of her gold medals in very dramatic fashion. In both the 100-meter dash and the 200-meter dash, she finished at least three yards in front of her closest competitor. She tied the world record in the 100-meter and set a new Olympic record in the 200. Rudolph also brought her 400-meter relay team from behind to win the gold. The French called her "La Gazelle." Without question, Rudolph's achievements at the 1960 Olympic Games remain a stand-out performance in the history of Olympic competition.

Are you hurting today? There is nothing you can’t overcome without a singleness of mind and purpose. And I ask again, “What is your excuse?”

2008-07-31T09:35:00.004-05:00

GREAT AFFORDABLE HOUSING IN PHILIPSBURG!

Don't miss this great home with an excellent location in the heart of Philipsburg. This house was gutted and completly rebuilt on the inside and shows like a brand new home. You will find three bedrooms and a large bath upstairs and a large eat-in kitchen, living room and bonus room with a half bath on the first floor.

Check out the hypothetical financing:

Result:
Monthly payment:
30 Years
Interest rate:
6.250%
Loan amount:
$ 74,900.00
$ 461.17 a month

Call me today for a free preview before this home sell's. Remember, interest rates are still at historic low's so give me a call at 814-280-0054.

2008-06-04T09:31:00.009-05:00

Fly Fishing pinnacle - The Green Drake hatch on Penns Creek!

Early June on Penns Creek just east of State College, PA. provides for some of the most exciting limestone trout fishing in the Eastern United States. The section of stream from Coburn down to Poe Paddy and about six miles south of Poe Paddy provides scenic beauty and trophy trout fishing in early June. The drive through tranquil Penns Valley and the Amish communities is worth the price of admission.

The famous Green Drake hatch smothers Penns Creek with millions of flying morsels that the trout gorge on from about 8:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. Generally, the first and second week in June is the prime time and you will be catching 16" and larger trout.

For specific information about the current hatch and stream conditions you can visit several web sites including:

Penns Creek Angler http://www.pennscreekangler.com/

The Feathered Hook http://thefeatheredhook.com/

TCO Fly Shop http://www.tcoflyfishing.com/1sc_pennsconditions.cfm

I live on a tributary to Penns Creek and I'm happy to answer any questions you may have about catching the Green Drake hatch on Penns Creek.

2008-05-31T10:17:00.003-05:00

JUST SOLD!

Great home for first time homebuyers looking for nice neighborhood in good Centre Hall location and a lucky buyer just moved in.

This home sold in 47 days for $97,850.

If you are considering buying a home for the first time and need help with the process of finding a home or navigating the maze of first-time home buyer loan programs, including PHFA and Centre County Grant programs, give Tim Rogers at Keller Williams a call at 814-280-0054.

2008-05-09T08:12:00.005-05:00

Spring is finally making an appearance in Happy Valley and just as the tulips are blossoming so is the real estate market as buyers come in to the market at a time when interest rates are at historic lows.

ActiveRain Real Estate Network

2008-05-01T19:48:00.000-05:00

ActiveRain Real Estate Network

2008-02-22T12:55:00.007-05:00

WINTER HANGS ON IN CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA

Just when our thoughts turn to planning spring break getaways we received a solid reminder about why we need to get away from the cold winter blues. Of course, my son would go out of his way to drive into the winter blues if it meant good snow boarding or "riding" as those in the know call it. I think at this point in the calendar the Florida Keys are looking pretty good although it has been a fairly mild winter.

The photo's were taken along Fishing Creek as it flows down the mountain from Centre to Clinton County in the midst of a fairly strong snow storm.

2008-02-22T10:41:00.002-05:00

AFFORDABLE HOUSING IN CENTRE HALL
Featuring:
* Double lot - .28 acres
* 3 Br 1 Bath
* Quiet neighborhood
* 1,400 Sq. Ft. Living Area
Monthly P & I Payment - $668.37*
* Utilizing Centre County Grant Money

Great first time home in comfortable neighborhood. Move right in and update each room at your leisure. Large double lot for gardening. Walk to Centre Hall Elementary and the Centre Hall Library.

2008-01-16T08:46:00.000-05:00

Lovely 2 bedroom home in PENNS VALLEY School District

1.20 acres bordering state forest land

Meets criteria for affordable housing and first time homebuyers programs

1.20 acres bordering State Forest land. Large 2 bedroom home close to State College and Lewistown. Nice opportunity to move right in and stop paying rent. Currently tenant occupied.

Call me for a preview of this home and stop paying rent.

2007-12-26T12:29:00.000-05:00

NEW YEARS EVE 2007

Think about the new Years Eve party you could host in this gorgeous bed & breakfast in Victorian Bellefonte. Located on Linn Street amid the splendor of historic B & B's, the stately "Garret" is awaiting its new owners with measured excitement. The new owners may want to continue the profitable operation catering to a loyal clientele built over the past thirty years or return it to a private residence and host private parties for friends and family.
No matter what you choose to do with the elegant residence, call me now to schedule a private tour of the residence and a review of the books. Seldom does an opportunity present itself that can satisfy your dream of owning a part of Bellefonte history.
Call me directly at 814-280-0054.

Visit http://buyBellefonte.com for many additional photo's and details relating to this beautiful home.

2007-12-24T09:20:00.000-05:00

The For Sale by Owner Conundrum

I've been talking to quite a few For Sale by Owner property owners recently and I thought I would provide some interesting information and a quick story from the past year. First the statistics taken from the NAR database so they are not tainted by my possible bias as a Realtor.

Average sales price w/Realtor - $247,000

Average sales price FSBO - $187,200

Realtors obtain an average 32% higher sales price than a FSBO on an identical property.

FSBO Methods used to market home

* Yard Sign....................51%

* Friends/neighbors....53%

* Newspaper ad...........31%

* Open house...............29%

* Internet.....................22%

Most difficult tasks for FSBO sellers

* Getting the right price.....................11%

* Understanding paperwork..............16%

* Preparing home for sale...................18%

* Attracting potential buyers............. 9%

* Time management relating to sale...9%

So what does it all mean? I suppose it depends on your viewpoint and my guess is that if you asked a hundred people you would get a hundred different viewpoints.

Now the story. I was representing a buyer earlier this year and he wanted to buy a FSBO property. So I happily scheduled a meeting with the seller and we visited her home. She greeted me at the door and quickly explained that she didn't need a Realtor because she had an attorney. I thought that was a great idea and told her that I was acting as a buyers agent on behalf of my buyer and that my interest was that of my buyer and I would do everything in my power to get the best deal possible for my buyer. She agreed that I would be a buyers agent and she would be a FSBO with a local attorney as her counsel. She agreed to pay me a buyers agent fee and we signed a statement outlining our roles.

We then sat down at the kitchen table and started to negotiate the sale of her house. Of course her attorney wasn't present (it was 7:30 in the evening) and I continually reminded her that I was representing my buyer quite possibly at her expense. She kept telling me not to worry that she had a great local attorney that would handle everything on her behalf. We kept negotiating until we had hammered out a very favorable contract filled with numerous items to help my buyer. She very happily signed the offer and asked for 24 hours for her attorney to review it. I granted the 24 hours knowing that the contract would come back drastically changed after the attorney's review.

The next day the attorney called me and asked me to pick up the executed contract that he had approved with her consent. A bit surprised I headed over to the office and picked up the contract without a single change to it.

I called the buyer and told him it was time to implement all of the items we requested in the contract. To shorten the story a bit, we did as we promised in the contract and the seller kept calling me asking why we wanted or needed to do a variety of things that she thought we shouldn't address. I reminded her that she had signed a legally binding contract that allowed us the options we were requesting, and oh by the way, she would get to pay for some of it as well. She called her attorney about the matter and the attorney explained to her that we could do the things requested, and in fact, we were not asking for anything unethical or illegal. We were simply asking for things that any excellent buyers agent would ask for on behalf of his client.

I'll never forget the final walk-through the day before closing. The seller was present and pulled me aside as the proud new buyer walked through the house prior to closing. She said to me and I'm paraphrasing but the point was very clear, "You have cost me more in this transaction than if I had hired a Realtor to represent my interests. I really think that you asked me to pay for items that you shouldn't have and I wished I had retained the services of a sellers agent but I didn't know you would cost me so much money."

The truth is I did an excellent job representing my buyer and her attorney didn't really pay attention to much of the detail nor did he explain things to her as they were happening. She ended up spending more than she would have saved on commissions with a sellers agent. I love attorney's and have several that are very good friends but they don't do this every day and it cost the seller real dollars.

2007-12-11T18:44:00.000-05:00

Keller Williams Realty wins Stevie® Award for Real Estate Sales Organization of the Year

Could this be the best company in America? Recently, Keller Williams innovative business model was added to the core MBA curriculum at both Yale and Stanford. The company has donated $5.0 million dollars to Baylor University to fund a center to advance the study of residential real estate. “The goal of the Keller Center will be to study the issues that are pressing for real estate companies and agents in today’s marketplace,” Keller says. “For all the awesome research that is already out there, there is an equal amount that is still not being done.”

Keller Williams Realty was recently honored with a Stevie Award in the Best Run Sales Organization category as the Real Estate Sales Organization of the Year at the second annual Selling Power Sales Excellence Awards in Las Vegas, Nev.

The awards were jointly presented by Selling Power magazine, the leading sales management publication with 145,000 subscribers in 67 countries, and The Stevie® Awards, which have been hailed as “the business world’s own Oscars” (the New York Post, April 27, 2005).
More than 400 entries from companies of all sizes and in virtually every industry were submitted for consideration in more than 40 categories this year.

I can't imagine a better place to work and I can't imagine a buyer or seller finding a more dedicated company of trained professionals to represent them in a real estate transaction.

2007-12-11T18:30:00.000-05:00

SANTA CLAUS HAS THIS HOME ON YOUR SHOPPING LIST FOR CHRISTMAS

Don't miss the best buy in Penns Valley and it may be the best buy in all of Centre County real estate. The home features 3 br 2.5 baths located in a picturesque valley with views of the adjacent Amish organic dairy farm. There are 2.3 acres to call your own. Enjoy Spring and Summer on the sprawling decks that offer more than 1,000 sq. ft. of outdoor relaxation. A finsished basement offers additional opportunities and if you are a sportsman, there is a self-contained luxury gun safe that will house your collection of firearms or other collectibles in a fireproof room. There is a brand new septic system, a Koi pond, and for those looking for additional space don't miss the detached garage with office and workshop.

Santa's elves told me you could wrap this home up and put under the tree for Christmas for $229,000. Yes, that is not a mistake. $229,000 if you get to it before the Grinch does.

As the saying goes, "Call me now."

2007-12-05T13:03:00.000-05:00

Here is the headline in today's Centre Daily Times, "Rules may raise housing prices." The subheading state's, "County looks at easing ordinances to create more affordable dwellings."

I have blogged on at the mouth about my perspective relating to Affordable Housing in the Centre Region. The speech police want us to call it "work force housing" and I will bring that to the attention of Anne Danahy before the rath of the work force housing god's descend upon her and threaten to move her into a palatial Centre region abode.

The government wants to come up with a game plan to adjust, tweak, reduce or eliminate any number of encumberances on affordable housing. What are the reigns holding back Affordable Housing (Work Force housing) in the Centre region? According to the experts they may include regulations such as zoning, land development, park land and street standards. Maybe we should mandate a wind farm in each AH development to help reduce electric bills (oops, I forgot, we all love that stuff just not in the Centre Region or in our backyard--I'm sure we can arrange some carbon offsets to make us all feel better). I didn't notice they were mandating a Starbucks in every new affordable housing development but what is a worker to do without one down the street from his/her house? The answer in some people's eyes is to ship off taxpayer dollars ($35,000 of them to be exact) to their friends that live somewhere else, maybe even in another state, to study the dilemma for twenty-four months.

Again, I know I am a simple minded country boy that resides in the hillbilly country of Penns Valley, but allow me to offer a better solution for the $35,000. Let's create a vehicle whereby those in need can meet with and discuss their options with those of us that actual place people in affordable housing every day as a vocation. We are Realtors in the local community and some of us don't limit our practice to those professionals with a minimum income of $200,000 per year. I know of a Realtor in our town that won't even talk to a buyer unless they are willing to spend a minimum of $200,000 on a home.

I have placed buyers in homes as low as $14,500 and currently I have three properties that can be purchased for under $130,000. If we use the USDA rural housing guide that tells us that low income (they didn't get the memo from the speech police either because that is what they call the loans) mortgages can be used on a property priced at $179,900 or less, there are currently as of December 5, 2007, 121 homes that meet this guideline. That represents 26% of all the homes currently for sale in the State College, Penns valley, Bald Eagle, and Bellefonte school districts meet the low income (there it is again) guidelines as set forth by USDA. Not all of the homes will qualify because they won't make loans in several of the elite neighborhoods of the Centre Region, however, almost one in four houses currently for sale would work for those considered Work Force (I'm getting it) housing.

Now the dirty little secret. Not all of the homes are across the street from University Park. You can't walk to the mall or Wegmans from most of the houses. And this is where the esteemed leadership comes in. Another simple minded idea from that hick Realtor in Penns Valley. Let's ask our government to provide for mass transportation to some of the areas where the housing is available but the commute is a burden. Maybe they could work on infrastructure improvements in some of those areas so the $10,000 septic tanks and the soon to be imposed septic tank taxes and inspection wouldn't burden the homeowners. More public water would help alleviate the $4,000 water well costs associated with building homes in those areas. Just a couple ideas. I have many more but we will save them for another day.

One final comment before we revisit the CDT headline. One of those organizations mentioned in a recent CDT article that is so interested in assisting people with "work force housing" has enacted some of the most ridiculous regulations on those same people when they want to take advantage of the grant money. They actual increase the costs to the buyer for using the money but I don't want to point fingers at anyone in particular. I've had two clients use this money this year and those stories will be re-capped in another post.

So, back to the headline. The county wants to ease ordinances to create more affordable housing. Haven't the cumulative effect of a hundred years worth of ordinances helped to get us into this situation? I want to attend the meeting when the elected officials explain to their campaign contributors exactly why the ordinances won't apply to them. Now that will be a fun blog post to write about.

2007-12-01T11:08:00.000-05:00

DAY SPA FOR SALE

CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA

Successful day spa operation with eleven year history of growth and profitability. An entrepreneurial individual will find a thriving business with an opportunity to grow sales and profits.

You are buying the business, contents and supplies, and the existing client base numbering more than 300. The existing lease can be continued with a new owner.

Call me for an exclusive showing on this business.

2007-12-01T10:59:00.000-05:00

Thought for the week!

As a student of history, I always admired and respected Winston Churchill. He said,

"Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts."

If we only had the courage to believe that when faced with life's difficulties.

2007-11-29T10:09:00.000-05:00

FOR SALE

Mifflin County

Liquor License

$35,000

Don't miss this opportunity to buy a Mifflin County liquor license to start or add to your business. Call me at 814-280-0054.

2007-11-29T10:01:00.000-05:00

I certainly have much to be grateful for in this season of Thanksgiving. A healthy and happy family including all three children. A new business venture that is growing daily. A great group of clients to work with this year and in the coming years. The many new friends that I have met through the real estate business.

God has blessed us and I am very grateful for all of his blessings.

2007-10-12T11:45:00.000-05:00

DNM Contracting, KSM Log Homes & Tim Rogers of Keller Williams...

will feature a joint marketing and sales event at the auction of recreational properties in Clearfield County on Saturday, October 13, 2007 starting at 8:00 a.m. There will be 40 tracts of recreational use property to be sold and the event is the perfect opportunity to review and discuss your potential log home that you have always dreamed about building.

Call me for directions at 814-280-0054.

2007-10-12T11:27:00.000-05:00

CHECK OUT MY NEWEST WEB SITE!

http://www.statecollege-pa-realestate.com/

Searching for a new home? Need comparable sales for your home or neighborhood? Just curious about the sales price of your neighbors home?

It's all there so use it as a tool to increase your local real estate knowledge.

http://www.statecollege-pa-realestate.com/

2007-10-11T08:51:00.000-05:00

August Surprise Impacts September Mortgage Rates!

Just when mortgage rates had ticked down a bit and it appeared they would remain in the low 6% range the Labor Department played a trick on the mortgage market. Last week the Labor Department released the September jobs report showing an increase of about 110,000 jobs for the month. No surprise there. The surprise came in the next paragraph when the LD announced a revision of the August jobless numbers. A huge revision.

In August the LD reported a loss of about 4,000 jobs (the first negative trending in years) and a trend that caught the attention of the mortgage market and led to lowering of 15 and 30 years mortgage rates. The revised August numbers reflected a 93,000 job swing since the real number was 89,000 new jobs created in August. This large number took the financial markets by surprise and immediately long term interest rates jumped.

30 year fixed rate mortgages rose to a national average of 6.5% versus 6.2% four weeks ago. National averages for this week's rates are as follows:

30-year fixed - 6.5%

15-year fixed - 6.18%

5 year ARM - 6.37%

If you need information about current rates in the local market feel free to give me a call.

2007-10-03T21:09:00.000-05:00

New Construction Log Cabin

30 Minutes to Penn State

New construction log cabin on 20 acres in Northern Centre County and close to Penn State University. Adjacent to Sproul State Forest and surrounded by woodland with several acres of open fields offering beautiful views of the surrounding valley, the new log cabin is the perfect spot for a weekend getaway.

Wildlife abound and the location is known for excellent hunting. There are snowmobile trails and miles of ATV trails right out the front door.

The log cabin features one bedroom on the first floor and an open loft on the second floor. There is a fireplace and a beautiful front porch built for relaxation. This is a turnkey build and includes gas refrigerator and range, Bosch endless hot water, gas heat and electric generators. There is a new well and new septic system.

Just bring the kids and the toys and enjoy the best in outdoor recreation. Visit http://www.campsnowshoe.com/.

2007-10-02T13:28:00.000-05:00

TOP RETIREMENT PLACES TO LIVE

STATE COLLEGE, RANKED #5

According to a just published report on top retirement towns to live in, State College, PA was ranked the 5th best place for retiree's. Following is a preview of the article or go here http://money.aol.com/usnews/general/great-retirement-spots for the complete story.

The following recap is taken from the article and are not my words.

State College, Pa.

The flagship campus of Pennsylvania State University dominates this central Pennsylvania city. Retirees can enroll in Penn State classes free of charge without worrying about exams or grades.

Total Pop. 38,720

Med. Home Price $195,000

Med. Income $38,799 Avg.

Jan./Jul. Temp 25.4° / 71.2°

Climate
State College has a humid continental climate, with four distinct seasons and rapidly changing weather.

Cultural Attractions
Retirees can enroll in university classes free of charge, and the Penn State Center for the Performing Arts presents music, dance, and theater.

Economy
The university has helped make the town an attractive place for families and retirees.

Geography
The town is located in the Nittany Valley.

Recreation
The town’s recreation is centered on Penn State's sports teams.

Of course those of us living here already know what a great town this is. Don't wait. Move to State College, PA. and give me a call to assist in the relocation.

2007-09-13T09:44:00.000-05:00

BELLEFONTE COUNTRY LIVING AND MINUTES TO EVERYTHING!

Garbrick Rd. Features

* 4 BR 2 Bath
* LARGE COUNTRY KITCHEN
* HARDWOOD AND PINE FLOORS THROUGHTOUT
*GORGEOUS WRAP AROUND DECKS FOR OUTDOOR LIVING
* GAS FIREPLACE
* PARTIALLY FINISHED BASEMENT

VISIT http://www.buybellefonte.com/ for all the details and photo's. This is a completly updated home in a great location adjacent to the Payne Soccer Fields and minutes to Bellefonte schools, Nittany Mall, and Penn State University. Perfect setting for entertaining with the large wrap around decks and lush landscaping. Large country kitchen with warm oak cabinets.

Take the chill off crisp Fall evenings with the gas fireplace surrounded by custom built-in Oak mantle and cabinets.

2007-08-22T11:45:00.000-05:00

RAVING FANS REDUX

One more satisfied client and another RAVING FAN. I try to live my life in real estate as reflected in the famous quote by Vince Lombardi:

"The quality of a person's life is in direct proportion to their commitment to excellence, regardless of their chosen profession"

-Vince Lombardi

Dear Tim,

We can't begin to express our gratitude for all of your help during what can only be described as a difficult transaction. We firmly believe that your unending patience, negotiating expertise, communication skills, and professionalism were often the only things holding this contract together. You never pressured us at any juncture, and you were always willing to intelligently discuss issues with us instead of telling us exactly what we wanted to hear. Both of those qualities are difficult to find in a buyers agent, and they distinguish you as an honest and outstanding Realtor. We won't hesitate to recommend both you and Keller Williams to everyone within earshot.

After all, we love telling the story how you turned a potentially nightmarish transaction into a successful home purchase!

To thank you , we were going to include.....with this card.

Enjoy and Thank You,

Sara & Jasun

I edited the information that describes the gift the buyers wanted to bestow upon me. Certainly an unnecessary action on their behalf. I must say that you were probably the most educated buyers I have ever worked with and Sara knows more about real estate than most agents in this town.

I do look forward to working with all of your friends in the coming years and I will be honored to receive any referrals from you.

2007-08-17T21:55:00.000-05:00

THE INCREDIBLE TRIPLE CLOSING HIGH WIRE ACT or,

(In the words of Dierks Bently) WHAT WAS I THINKIN'?

So there we are squirming at the closing table at 10:45 a.m. on a Friday morning. The sellers are anxious because they must step into their U-Haul and drive three hours to a walk-through and the closing of the new house they are purchasing. The closing company told us we could pop in at 10:00 a.m. and sign the HUD-1, drop off the deed, collect the proceeds from the sale of the clients existing home, and have them off in time for them to attend the closing of their new home hours away.

A funny thing happened on the way to the triple closing. No, that is not a new sport in the upcoming Olympics. It is a daring high wire act performed by Realtors, attorneys, and closing agents when there are three contingency contracts in play and all scheduled to close on the same day.

The single overriding important factor in maintaining your balance on the high wire and not tumbling to earth in agony in this situation is HONESTY. A secondary factor in this performance is for the type A personalities to take a chill pill and allow the professionals do their jobs. Unfortunately in the real estate business, the population of successful pros seem to be littered with overbearing type A's. I'm not sure the cause but that will be a post for another day.

A quick description of the choreography involved in our high wire act is as follows. Client A is relocating 3 hours away and agrees to a contingency purchase offer from client B. Client B must sell their existing home prior to purchasing client A's home. The contingency is removed in a week and client A places a contingency offer on a property hours away owned by client C. Of course the flaw in the performance exists because all three homes must close on the same day. Another problem arises with the Client C property 3 hours away. Since the Realtor representing client C does not know any of the actors in the first two transactions, and because she is an overbearing type A personality that treats other Realtors she doesn't know as school children, she constantly harasses and complains to the parties involved in the first two transactions.

For all of you type A Realtors out there I offer the following. Just because they do "IT" a certain way in your market, and just because certain lenders, attorneys, Realtors, and mortgage brokers are oily in your market, does not make it "SO" in my market. So, in an effort to improve our professional image I suggest that you take a chill pill and allow the pros to do their jobs. Enough of the editorial and back to the main feature: the high wire triple closing on a single day.

After awaiting the HUD-1 that turned out to be 45 minutes late, the broker walks in with the correct documentation and a big fat check for my sellers. They happily jump into an overstuffed U-Haul truck and head down the highway to the final closing of the day.

A successful triple closing pulled off by a group of professionals in State College, PA. with a bit of static coming three hours away. It is incredible to think how real estate transactions are so connected and what a web they weave.

The pros pulled off a triple contingency closing on a single day without any difficulty and at a total value of more than $700,000. Of course some of us never doubted the outcome.

2007-08-10T18:52:00.000-05:00

INTERNET AD SPENDING SET TO OVERTAKE ALL OTHER MEDIA

That is not a headline I created but it dovetails with my last post relating to the source of buyers in a real estate transaction. A recent article (http://publications.mediapost.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=Articles.san&s=65282&Nid=33013&p=204904 ) detailed the emerging trend in advertising. The headline was in the industry periodical, ONLINE MEDIA DAILY, and the article describes the trend of advertising dollars flowing away from printed media and traditional television and into the new media relating to the internet.

The most important point to remember for sellers of real estate is quite simple. By 2011, spending of advertising dollars will reach $61.98 billion dollars and overtake newspapers as the number one medium for advertising dollars.

Sellers, please remember this point. If you want to reach buyers for your homes you will continue to reach them via the internet rather than in the printed media. Find a Realtor that has the best internet strategy and have them detail the strategy to you. If they tell you their internet strategy is a listing on Realtor.com run quickly away.

Of course you can find an internet savvy Realtor by calling Tim Rogers at Keller Williams Realty in State College, PA.

2007-08-04T23:07:00.001-05:00

ATTENTION HOMESELLERS!

WHERE DO BUYERS COME FROM?

WHY DO REALTORS SPEND HUGE DOLLARS IN THE NEWSPAPER?

A recent AP story (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/20025015/) highlights the trend of real estate advertising away from print and classified advertising in newspapers. This comes as no suprise to those of us at Keller Williams but I know it may be a shocker to sellers in the local market.

Full page real estate print ad's in the Sunday paper sure look nice and provide sellers with an insurance policy, but the truth is the printed "BLING" does little to actual sell houses. In fact it is little more than comfort food for sellers. They open the paper and feel comforted to know that their Realtor is doing everything they can to sell their home.

The truth is sellers need to start ordering their comfort food from a different menu and the menu is the internet. Statistics show that more than 80% of buyers begin and continue their home search online. Yes, that's 80%. Sellers, the big question you need to ask your Realtor is, "What is your internet strategy and how will the internet sell my house?"

For those sellers that take comfort in opening the Sunday paper to see a photo of your residence, I would hope that photo doesn't lead to a nasty case of indigestion and an unsold home.

Of course, cutting edge Realtors interested in selling homes quickly will be spending advertising dollars in places where the buyers will be spending their time; online. So, don't be too concerned when you open the Sunday CDT and you don't see a full page ad sponsored by Tim Rogers or Keller Williams. Rest assured that we are ahead of the trend and we are selling houses on the internet.

We will leave the printed indigestion to the competition.

2007-08-02T20:52:00.000-05:00

ARE THEY CRAZY OR JUST UNEDUACTED?

Several days ago I was driving through Georgia when I stopped to run in Savannah. I found a nice subdivision on the run and as I ran around the lake I had a chance to read many of the real estate for sale signs. Most of them had a sign rider stating: PRICE REDUCTION. No great surprise in the current real estate market. You could say it is a sign of the times in real estate.

The sign that grabbed my curiousity and would not let go for the balance of the sultry run (humidity had to be 100%) was the FOR SALE BY OWNER. Not the FSBO sign itself; that would be unremarkable. The note scribbled on the bottom of the sign pleading for a buyer and prohibiting realtors-that grabbed my imagination and held on tight. The hand-written note on the bright red FSBO sign stated, "MUST SELL IMMEDIATELY, ABSOLUTELY NO REALTORS!"

My first thought:

OXYMORON

defined by Wikipedia as - An oxymoron (plural oxymorons or more rarely oxymora) is a figure of speech that combines two normally contradictory terms.

That sounded about right to me but (in full disclosure) I'm a licensed Realtor in Pennsylvania. So as I continued to pound the pavement and have the blanket of humidity squeeze my lungs, I wondered what may cause a rational person (probably a professional) to be desperate to sell a house but prohibit Realtors from assisting him? That would be akin to needing a root canal but refusing the services of all dentists. Heart surgery but declining the help of all physicians, etc., etc, you get the point.

The story gets better. It bothered me so much I drove back to the house after my run and caught the owner at home. He saw my PA plates and Penn State Nittany Lion Club sticker and thought it was safe to talk to me. Long story short. He is facing foreclosure but had a bad experience with a Realtor once so he thinks we are all evil. He is going to show us (Realtors). He would rather lose his house to foreclosure than seek out the assistance of a professional Realtor that may just bring him the buyer he so desperately needs.

So, I continue to ponder the original question, "ARE THEY CRAZY OR JUST UNEDUCATED?" I have my own biased opinion of course but I've never filled one of my own cavities.

What do you think?

2007-07-27T16:15:00.000-05:00

ANNOUNCING

Keller Williams Advantage Realty

State College, PA.

Last month Keller Williams opened it's newest Pennsylvania office in State College, PA. Keller Williams, a Texas based franchisor is the 4th largest and fasting growing real estate company in America. More than 70,000 agents have joined the company in the past dozen years and KW is on track to become the largest real estate franchisor in the next three years.

The growth and business model have been noticed by corporate America as well as some of the best business schools in Academia. Yale has just announced it's intention to include the KW business model in it's business school and Stanford will do so next year as well. Both schools will teach the business model in addition to studying the phenomenal growth generated by the business model.

I am proud to have affiliated with the local Keller Williams office and look forward to growing the KW franchise into the number one company in Centre County.

To learn more about the KW business model and how it can help buyers and sellers please feel free to give me a call.

2007-05-09T14:14:00.000-05:00

Testimonials

RAVING FANS!

There is no greater compliment in business than an unsolicited "YOU ROCK" from a satisfied customer. Following is an e-mail I recently received from a satisfied client. Only the names have been changed to protect the innocent (or guilty).

Tim,

I just wanted to let you know that you are the man.
I really appreciate all the time you have given us with this move. I am sure we were a little more high maintence then the usual buyer.
I can't thank you enough for going to bat for us with ***** homes. Your email definitely got the job done. S***** has not responded so quickly since we have started this whole process!!
I will make sure to tell EVERYONE I come in contact with what a fantastic real-estate agent you are and can't thank you enough for all your time and effort.( I don't know if M*** told you but I have a really big mouth!).

Thanks again!!!!!

J***** and M***

M*** and J*****

I must say it was a pleasure working with you and I will donate a percentage of my commission in your name to a local school library in Bellefonte to support literacy in your community.

2007-05-07T09:54:00.000-05:00

Several Sobering Market Statistic's

224

2001 - Q1

224 - Total closed transactions in the first quarter 2007.

2001-Q1 - The last quarter that total closed sales in MLS recorded a smaller number.

24 - Total number of quarters that exceeded the number 224.

Is there anything else to say about the current market?

2007-04-26T20:40:00.000-05:00

WE'VE GOT LOSERS....
....WE'VE GOT WINNERS

We appreciate the following markets or....

THE TOP 10 MARKETS W/GREATEST 2006 HOME APPRECIATION

Market 2006 Appreciation (%)

Salem, OR. 19.8

Virginia Beach/Norfolk 19.4

Spokane, WA. 17.7

Salt Lake City, UT. 16.7

Eugene/Springfield, OR. 16.7

Baton Rouge, LA. 15.9

Gainesville, FL. 15.9

Ocala, FL. 15.5

Dover, DE. 14.7

Portland/Beaverton, OR. 14.7

Source: NAR Existing Home Sales Report

It's interesting to note that 4 of the Top 10 markets are home to large universities. Only one market is in the northeast (barely) and half of the hottest markets are in the Pacific Northwest. Perhaps the stampede is on as California "Goldrushers" abandon ship for the tranquility to the north.

Compare the winners with the previous list of losers. 6 of the top 10 losers markets were in Ohio and Michigan and 9 of the 10 biggest losers are in the rust belt. So as things rust in the upper midwest, the boom is on in the Pacific Northwest. Or so it appears for at least one year;2006.

2007-04-17T19:37:00.000-05:00

WE'VE GOT WINNERS....

WE'VE GOT LOSERS

TOP 10 MARKETS w/ Greatest loss in home value

2006

Rank
Metropolitan statistical area
One-year loss (%)

1.Detroit-Warren-Livonia, Mich. -7.4

2.Toledo, Ohio -6.2

3. Sarasota-Braden-Venice, Fla. -5.6

4. Akron, Ohio -4.9

5. Youngs-War-Brdman, OH/Pa. -4.8

6. Bloomington-Normal, Ill. -4.4

7. South Bend-Mishawaka, Ind. -4.0

8. Indianapolis -3.6

9. Cleveland-Elyria-Mentor, Ohio -3.2

10. Lansing-E.Lansing, Mich. -3.2

Isn't it interesting that three or four of the markets are home to large universities? I think that should help put the Centre County market in perspective. Although we are home to a large Big 10 University, we are a small market removed from the metro areas and insulated from the huge price fluctuations of larger metro areas.

2007-04-16T16:48:00.000-05:00

NEW LISTING - BELLEFONTE SCHOOL DISTRICT

First Time Homebuyers

1.51 acres surrounded by woodland

Great starter home! Cute 2 bedroom 2 bath house on 1.5 acre wooded lot - perfect for first time buyers. New windows, new hot water heater.

2007-04-03T21:32:00.000-05:00

NEW LISTING

THE COUNTRY LIFESTYLE BUT CLOSE TO PENN STATE

Gorgeous saltbox style 3/2.5 on 3+ acres in the Penns Valley School District but minutes to State College and Penn State University. Located on a quiet country cul-de-sac and surrounded by a thriving fruit orchard and lush perennials, the spacious interior lends itself to a growing family. First floor master bedroom, dining room with french doors and woodburning fireplace, and a beautiful country kitchen with cherry cabinets and an island, make this home the perfect country farmette. Post card views of the surrounding countryside and breathtaking view of Egg Hill. $269,900

2007-03-06T22:09:00.000-05:00

What’s selling in Millheim?

The data reflect primarily E. Main St. and not the entire town for calendar year 2006.

$953,700 is the value of the property sold in your neighborhood in 2006.

$125,564 Average selling price

$69,000 Low Price

$146,500 High Price

83 – Average Days on Market

HOMES SOLD FOR 92.2% OF LIST PRICE

2007-03-05T22:59:00.000-05:00

COMING SOON

An overview of the real estate market in Steeplechase.

2007-03-05T22:23:00.000-05:00

What's selling in PARK VIEW HEIGHTS Real Estate?

$2,154,500 is the value of Property sold in your neighborhood in 2006!

9 HOMES SOLD AVG DOM-39

AVG PRICE-$239,389

Low Price - $161,000 High Price - $319,000

923 Woodland Dr. - $161,000 951 Tanney - $178,000

1239 Shady Ln. - $219,500 1239 Sylvan Cr. - $222,500

901 Woodland Dr. - $220,000 1308 Laura Ln. - $262,000

1316 Joanna Dr. - $285,000 1316 Joanna Dr. - 287,500

1209 Sherwood Ct. - $319,000

Note: 1316 Joanna Dr. sold twice in 2006.

HOMES SOLD FOR 97.5% OF ASKING PRICE

2007-02-26T21:39:00.000-05:00

NEW PRICE in AARONSBURG - $139,900

Large 4 bedroom center hall farmhouse w/impressive country kitchen w/fireplaces in kitchen and dining room. Large rooms make for comfortable living. Perfect setting with 1 3/4 acres set on a hill and surrounded by several large shade trees.

This is a must see home - don't be fooled by a dreary winter exterior photo. Call me now before it is SOLD.

2007-02-14T14:47:00.000-05:00

IF YOU WANT TO BE RICH, DON'T BE A RENTER!

With apologies to all of the landlords in the Centre Region and you folks graciously paying them...

STOP IT ALREADY!!

Even if you don't aspire to be rich, you should still make financial decisions that will benefit you and your family today and in the future. I promise you that paying rent on the first of every month is not good for your financial future.

Did you know that the average homeowner is 34 times RICHER that the average renter? I'm talking about the average. I'm not comparing renter's to the owners of the million dollar McMansions that are quickly polluting suburban America. I'm telling you that the average tenants net worth is LESS THAN $5,000 and the average homeowner is worth almost $172,000.

Step off the renter treadmill and launch your financial future. You don't need much money and you don't even need great credit. You simply need the desire and the assistance of an expert.

Don't think you can fire your landlord?

I challenge you to call me and fire your landlord.

Remember, IF YOU WANT TO BE RICH, DON'T BE A RENTER!

2007-02-02T19:49:00.000-05:00

NEW LISTING - Bellefonte, PA
Affordable Housing in Bellefonte

3br/1.5 bath

$155,500 List Price

*Monthly Payment P & I - $912.39

$56,000 Annual Joint Family Income Needed#

Don't miss this cozy home on a quiet dead-end street in Bellefonte. Huge 1/2 acre fenced yard. Snuggle by the wood burner on crisp winter evenings or soak in the hot tub on the screened-in porch on cool spring mornings. New wood laminate in the kitchen and new roof 2 years ago. Close to schools, shopping and the historic district in downtown Bellefonte. Don't wait long on this very comfortable home.

*Based on 30 yr fixed with $5,000 dp and 6.125% interest rate. #Based on Mortgage101 calculator.

2007-02-01T08:04:00.000-05:00

WORD OF THE MONTH

And you thought it would be related to Love and Cupid. There is lot's of love behind this word in a strange kind of way.

Jumper
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jump to: navigation, search
The word jumper has many meanings:
A jumper is a garment.
In the United Kingdom and Australia, it is similar to the US sweater or a jersey.
In the US, it refers to a sleeveless collarless dress; see jumper dress.
A jumper is a type of horse, used in the sport of show jumping.
A jumper in computer electronics is a conductor used to connect two pins.
A jumper is also a slang term for someone who commits (or attempts) suicide by jumping from a great height.
A jumper is a parachutist; a smokejumper is a firefighting parachutist.
Jumper (novel) is a science fiction novel by Steven Gould.
Jumper (film) is the film adaptation of the novel.
Jumper (band) was a swedish pop band during the late 90's.
A jumper in basketball terms means a jump shot.
A song by Third Eye Blind on their first album.
The Citroën Jumper (Relay in the UK)
The word as it refers to garments comes from the Quechua language in which chompa means "a loose, outer jacket". It was first applied to a sailor's jacket.Jumpers may refer to:
Jumpers is a satirical play by Tom Stoppard
"Jumpers", a song by Sleater-Kinney from their album The Woods
Jumpers, a nickname for a member of the Welsh Methodist revival

Wikepedia did not inlcude the meaning that I was looking for or the one real estate brokers would understand.

2007-01-23T21:56:00.000-05:00

7 For '07 - 7 Selling tip's for selling a home in 2007

So the market has been in correction mode the second half of last year and I'm continually asked when the market will pick up. The market is self-correcting as is the high risk mortgage market. The market correction in Centre County will be more about a softening in price, longer days on market for sellers, and educated buyers having more power in negotiating than in the giant price swings into negative territory that other markets are experiencing at the moment.

1. Market timing - When should I put my house on the market?

There is no time like the present. The market is heading in the direction of increased activity and will build every month into June and July. If you can picture a bell curve with early July the zenith and January and December representing points at the bottom of the curve on either side of July, you have a visual. What this means to sellers is that to reach the maximum number of buyers they should have their home on the market by the end of April. Sellers must realize that there will be more competition at this time, so I counsel sellers to list just ahead of the peak season in hopes that your property will be "sale pending" just prior to the onslaught of properties coming into the market.

2. Pricing

This is always the most important factor when selling your home no matter what the market. Please remember this; the market establishes the price of your home. The economics of home buying/selling mirror that of the commodities market in that sellers come to market with pricing based on availabilty and demand for their product and buyers purchase offers are based on the same knowledge plus the intrinsic value they place on the home

3. Home Inspection

Bite the bullet and pay for a home inspection prior to listing your home. In a competitive market it may come down to the minor details and the easy negotiations to get a home sold. If the buyer has the inspection in hand when considering an offer, it could save valuable time in the negotiation process and eliminate needless delays after a purchase offer is accepted.

4. Offer a Home warranty

When a buyer has narrowed the selection to one or two homes it may be something small like providing a one year home warranty to push the buyer to write on offer on your home and not the one down the street.

5. Prepaids

Be willing to offer buyers assistance with closing costs, inpsections, and interest rate buydowns. Maybe you will prepay the first years real estate taxes and insurance. Don't be afraid to tell them in the marketing material that you are offering items that your competition may not. Remember, you are competing with a limited number of savvy buyers that are aware of market conditions.

6. Negotiate

Sellers that have a serious interest in actually selling their home must be willing to engage buyers when they present an offer. I have been on both sides of the negotiation process when a seller reacts with disdain when presented with an offer that they consider to be insulting. If you simply bury your emotion and engage the potential buyers in a negotiation process, you may be surprised with the ultimate result. If you react like a teenager and refuse to respond, it will be the sellers loss. Remeber, almost 80% of the first offers are the best offers so at least take the time to counter-offer no matter how upset you may be with the initial offer. This is a business transaction. Remove the emotion and treat it as such.

7. Stay another year

If there is no urgent need to sell you may want to stay another year as the market bottoms out and completes the correction. What are your motives for moving? Do you want to trade up to a larger home? Are you empty nesters? You may find a more friendly market next year than you do at the moment. If selling this season is a luxury more than a necessity, you may want to re-think your strategy.

The trick is to get a great realtor, price the property well, and eliminate in advance as many potential problems as you can without spending a fortune.

For help in selling your home feel free to give me a call directly at 280-0054.

2007-01-17T22:54:00.000-05:00

TOP 5 MYTHS FOR FIRST-TIME BUYERS

1. Prices have exploded so we should wait until they come down next year to buy.

Fact: Prices for closed sales rose 5.0% in 2006. They rose 3.0% in 2005.
Prices have appreciated in Centre County but not at the rate of certain "hot" markets across
the country. Our market over the past 30 years has averaged about 1% appreciation per
year. If you wait until next year hoping prices will fall you will be disappointed. Prices may
level off or drop a bit this year and next but any savings you may realize in waiting will be
offset by the increasing cost of mortgage money as rates are certain to be higher in 2008.
The important point to remember is that higher rates next year will negate any savings realized by price fallback.

Fact: The differences in a 30 year 200K mortgage comparing the current rate of 6% versus a potential rate in 2008 of 7.75% is $234 a month and $84,139 over the life of the loan. (P&I only). Will you save 84k on a $200k home by waiting until next year? NOT!

2. The market in Centre County real estate is slow so we can get a great deal from a seller.

Fact: Days on market or the average time it takes to sell a home was up 18.4% in 2006.

It did take longer to sell homes in 2006 but the market hardly slammed into a brick wall.
The market in Centre County could be described today as it could years ago; nice and steady and not too heady. It will take longer to sell a home in 2007 but the homes will sell. You may get a great deal from a seller but you may simply pay a fair price for a home that meets all of your search criteria and you can't live without.

3. I should contact the listing agent

Fact: Seller agency law in PA. states that the listing agent owes the fiduciary responsibility to the seller to get them the best price and overall deal. That will be at the expense and best interest of the BUYER.

Many buyers think they should call the listing agent of the property they want to preview. Buyers agents work with buyers to get them the best possible deal in the transaction. They owe the fiducuary responsibility to the buyer and not the seller. If you work with the listing agent on a transaction they will not have your best interests in mind as they are legally bound to the seller. Buyer agency was intended to negate the old adage; "let the buyer beware." When you call the listing agent you are by default renewing the "old adage."

Don't put yourself in that position by dealing with the listing agent.

4. As a buyer I need to pay a fee to my buyers agent before searching for homes.

Fact: Sellers brokers pay the fee for both sellers agents and buyers agents.

Only pay a fee to a buyers agent if they will entertain you by performing in a Mardi Gras costume while singing the Macarena and drinking green beer on St. Patricks Day morning. Otherwise, buyers agents work on your behalf and are paid at closing via funds provided through the selling broker.

5. Can we just go look at houses today?

Fact: The law requires agents in Pennsylvania to have signed buyer agency agreements in place prior to previewing homes.

The answer to the question is possibly. You are required to sign the PA Disclosure and buyers agency agreement. If you are serious about buying you should have your buyers agent get you prequlaified with a mortgage professional. Many sellers request 24 hours notice to view their homes. So, yes, you can go look at a few homes today if:

A. You have signed the required paperwork as requested by the state of Pennsylvania.
B. You have prequalified with a mortgage professional.
C. The sellers agree to a short notice showing.

If you need answers to other buyers myths or help buying or selling a home call me. I will give you the facts and the truth.

2007-01-08T12:08:00.000-05:00

Fourth Quarter 2006 sales data for the Penns Valley School District.

4th Quarter 2006
Penns Valley Overview
16 Homes Sold Avg. DOM - 110
Avg. Price - $196,564

Low Price - $69,000 High Price - $336,350

Millheim
259 E. Main - $69,000
144 E. Main - $142,500

165 Penn St. - $148,050

Spring Mills

689 L. Georges Valley - $78,000

105 Fieldstone Court - $217,000

173 Ayva Ln. - $295,000
132 Bilmar Ave. - $310,000
296 Harter Rd. - $366,350

Rebersburg

134 W. Main - $92,000

277 White Deer Rd - $269,000

Centre Hall

123 Schaeffer Ave. - $146,000

128 Pennsylvania Ave. - $159,000
411 Pennsylvania Ave. - $162,000
100 Water St. - $150,000
113 Charles St. - $221,000

Woodward
209 Whitetail Rd - $167,000

www.MyPennStateHome.com
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2007-01-08T10:27:00.000-05:00

Builders in trouble?

This morning I was doing some research on new home construction in Centre County when I stumbled across another article relating to the Florida building business. The only reason I mention this in my blog is that it supports my recent blog post relating to builders and developers carrying a substantially greater share of infrastructure costs in Florida. Read the post titled, "Who pays this tax anyway?" on December 30, 2006.

The builder states in the latest news release that 218 employees will be FIRED (layoff would be the politically correct term) between Feb. 16 and March 1, 2007. Merry Christmas to all - they were told on December 18, 2006. The builder "trimmed" 135 jobs on November 15, 2006. The company blamed the downturn in housing construction as new construction homes wallow on the market for months.

I wonder how much government regulation has impacted the sales of new construction housing? A billion dollars in new government regulations paid directly by builders must impact the costs (increasing them) to builders that are passed on to consumers in the form of higher prices. The higher prices slow demand because potential buyers may buy a resale at a lower price rather than buy the new higher priced home. Or trade-up buyers don't trade up and stay in their homes for additional years.

The losers? Employees of the builders and developers that lose jobs because builders and developers are not charity operations. I'm sure the employees sent packing have no idea their local elected officials have impacted their lives in this manner.

The good news is that government can take the "savings" they have realized from infrastructure taxes and use the money to keep the FIRED employees afloat while they search for new jobs in the state.

So, again I ask, "Who pays this tax anyway?" And now we know that empoyee's of builders "pay" this tax as well.

2007-01-04T17:14:00.000-05:00

What is "Green Building" anyway?

The first thing I think of when someone mentions "green building techniques" is the old bi-level house in our neighborhood that sported the beautiful green aluminum siding so popular in the early seventies (the 20th century). You probably remember the era when the cars wouldn't fit in the garages because they were the size of large boats and the coal delivery guy showed up several times in winter. I remember how grateful I was that we had oil heat when my friends had to haul coal ashes in the middle of winter.

"Green building techniques" have nothing to do with the color of the aluminum siding (or any other siding) on the old houses back in the day. According to the B.E.S.T. Green Building Primer green buildings:

Green Buildings are really resource efficient buildings and are very energy efficient, utilize construction materials wisely -- including recycled, renewable, and reused resources to the maximum extent practical -- are designed, constructed and commissioned to ensure they are healthy for their occupants, are typically more comfortable and easier to live with due to lower operating and owning costs, and are good for the planet. The overall environmental impact of new building and community development and the choices made when we either reuse or demolish existing structures is very important.

Green Building Construction Techniques:

1. Create minimum site impact

One wouldn't clear cut a lot prior to building a home. Selective cutting and site planning are considered. Water containment and run-off are minimized. Solar consideration is given when considering solar heat availability throughout the day. Shade availability is considered when thinking about additional cooling in warmer months.

2. Use renewable, recycled, or reused building materials.

Construction materials including insulation, framing, sheathing, and some roofing material are manufactured using recycled, renewable, and reused materials in concentrations ranging from 25% to nearly 100% in their overall content of recycled materials*

3. Maximize energy efficiency

Insulation is used in every available space. There are new renewable insulation sources builders can apply including a soy based foam insulation product that fills all cracks and crevices as it expands during the application process. An agent is added to deter rodents and other critters from "lunching" on the insulation. Caulk is applied to gaps and crevices in the framing of the home.

Energy efficient lighting, windows, furnaces, appliances, and boilers or heat pumps should be implemented in the design build.

Geo-thermal heat pumps should be used when they can be implemented within the overall design. Consideration should be given to the responsible use of the additional water available from the geo-thermal heat pump.

4. Use water efficiently

Low-flush toilets, well insulated hot water piping, low-flow shower heads and faucets, and dishwashers and clothes washers that have "water-miser" features are all important to lower home water use*

Water conservation should be carried outside the home into the landscape as well. Plant material and placement should be carefully planned based on the water needs of the exterior site plan and environment.

5. Indoor air quality

Certain air quality issues such as Radon gas and Mold have been addressed by the state of Pennsylvania. Other items to be addressed inlcude excesive moisture, mildew and dust mites.

6. Use local when possible

Green builders use local materials when available because they reduce transportation costs and environmental effects of transporting materials great distances. Many local building products are renewable or are second time use (recycled).

This is a brief overview of the green building process. Believe it or not there are no national standards that the industry has developed and adhere too when considering green building. There are several organizations that are working toward national standards and certifications so it is a matter of time before the industry takes this important step.

For additional information please check the green building link.

*Material provided by http://www.energybuilder.com/greenbld.htm

2007-01-01T22:34:00.000-05:00

Bayberry Candle Tradition on New Years Eve

Happy New Year and following is a poem that is used in conjunction with burning Bayberry Candles. Some burn the candles on Christmas Eve and others on New Years Eve. We burned our candles on New Years Eve.

This Bayberry candle comes from a friend. So on New Years Eve burn it down to the end. Because a Bayberry candle burned to its socket, brings good luck, good health and wealth to your pocket.

2006-12-30T23:41:00.000-05:00

Who pays this tax anyway?

The headline states, "Burden of Growth Shifting to Developers." My thoughts immediately were directed to local and state government and how they are finally doing something on behalf of the rest of us. The sub-heading, "Over 2 Years, State Law Nets Millions for Roads." Wow, how cool is that? Our government is finally coming through for us. YESSSS!

But, I'm never one to draw a conclusion from the headline so I made the mistake of reading the body of the article. Darn it. Why did I ruin my feel-good attitude with the content provided. It turns out that during the past two years developers have funded nearly $1 billion in new or improved county roads, bridges, lights, drainage systems and sidewalks.

The expenditures mark a fundamental shift in who carries the burden of paying for new development. For decades, most of those costs fell to the county. The results of the study look like this:

FY 2004 - Developers share of infrastructure - $8 million
FY 2005 - Developers share of infrastructure - $368 million
FY 2006 - Developers share of infrastructure - $554 million

Now that is a state law we can embrace. Right? Right?

The law requires builders and develepors to pay for infrastructure impovements not only in their development but within a five mile radius if the government determines the development will impact the given radius. The law was passed because consumers (users of government programs) have been complaining about too many tax increases and the burden those consumers are facing with ever escalating taxes. It said so right in the article. Interesting.

So, are developers now responsible for building schools, 24 hour emergency care, and Starbucks coffee houses? What is a development without a Starbucks two minutes away. But I digress.

The first question that popped into my simple mind was; what has the county government done with the $1 billion in savings during the past 24 months? I know, I know. We are not supposed to ask government officials those kinds of questions. We would't want them creating a silly answer.

The second question. Do government officials and newspaper editors really think that their constituency is so oblivious to reality to believe the headline. Apparently, the answer is yes.

For one to understand the operation of a business one must understand that the bulk of government imposed regulation will be passed on to the the end user via increased prices. I understand that many of my friends think that is such a simpleton approach but it is the truth. Will the builders pay some of the increased costs? Yes. Will they pass the bulk of the costs to the end user? Yes. Otherwise, they would operate on razor thin margins and the money used to fund the developers would flow to other activities and industries.

The strange twist to this story is that the state referred to in the article is Florida and the county is Hillsborough. The article was featured in a recent edition of The Tampa Tribune and I had the opportunity to read it as I was relaxing by the canal on a warm December morning during my trek to the Outback Bowl.

Now, without completing an in-depth analysis of the Florida real estate market let me tell you what is happening in Florida. Prices sky-rocketed in the past three years and have recently nose-dived. Much of the cost has been market-driven. For developers building new subdivisions, part of those increased costs are driven by government regulation. I stopped by a new development and talked with rep's from four different builders. To say the market for new homes is slow would be the understatement of the year in Florida. They will do almost anything to sell a new home in inventory. They are not building many spec homes at this point because it takes too long to sell them. Imagine making interest payments on 50 spec homes that sit on the market for the next 12 months. DOM for inventory is approaching one year.

Market forces are at work but what part of government regulation has impacted the new developers? I saw a billboard from a developer in the Tampa area that offered "UP to 60% off New Home Purchase." I laughed when I saw it but I'm sure the builder wasn't laughing.

I'm sure the politicians are laughing. The press and the public think that they have saved consumers $1 billion in taxes in the past couple years and no one has bothered to ask the officials what they have done with the $1 billion in savings.

So, who really pays the cost of development in Florida or elsewhere. It's obvious I think. And so do the laughing politicians.

2006-12-30T23:24:00.000-05:00

Just Sold

Listed and Sold by Tim Rogers

Picture perfect home less than 2 yrs old on almost 1 acre minutes to everything. Barely lived in 4/2.5 with a huge deck to watch the deer. Upstairs bdrm has a private deck for peaceful summer evenings. Shows like a model home. Brand new 30x40 shop.

$269,000

Need to sell? Call Tim for marketing expertise.

2006-12-28T09:03:00.000-05:00

NEW LISTING

Almost 2 acres and 2400 sq. ft. located in the historic town of Aaronsburg, PA.

Large 4 bedroom farmhouse with impressive country kitchen complete with fireplace. Center hall entry that leads to a large dining room with another fireplace. Very large rooms complement the 2400 sq. ft. of living space. The home is perched on a hill with lovely views of Aaronsburg.

www.MyPennStateHome.com

2006-12-19T22:19:00.000-05:00

A quick look ahead into the 2007 crystal ball and a quick look back in time.

One more reason to BUY a home. Did you know that according to the new 2005 American Community Survey analysis of data released in October by the U.S. Census Bureau the real cost of renting a home increased by 6.7% from 2000 to 2005. A quick survey of several cities showed Detroit +22.5%, San Diego +27.2%, and Dallas -3.0%. Home ownership not only provides the potential for substantial equity appreciation, but the ability to offset some income by filing itemized deductions on your annual taxes. Items related to home ownership that may be itemized on Schedule A include mortgage interest, points paid on a new loan, some home improvements including insulation for 2006, and property taxes,

Non deductible expenses include private mortgage insurance, property insurance, homeowners association dues, local assessments such as sidewalks to improve your neighborhood, and every day homeowner repairs.

Mortgage brokers believe that 2007 will bring an additonal crush of borrowers refinancing their exotic mortgages or borrowers jumping from a variety of ARM's to more traditional loan products while the rates are still at historical levels. Who knows what the FED will do next year? Looking back to January 2006 most experts thought that rates would rise steadily throughout the year. And they did for about half the year and then rates surprisingly fell back to the historic levels that they maintain today.

Industry experts believe as they did twelve months ago that interest rates will rise steadily throughout 2007. But will they rise in the short term and level off for the balance of the year? Will they gradually rise month after month ending the year at a high unseen in recent years? The fact remains that nobody knows what will happen with interest rates in 2007. It is possible that rates could fall in 2007.

So the question becomes - should I buy a house in 2007 or should I wait? The answer is simple. If you have the inclination and the resources to buy don't wait. Interest rates are at historically low levels. Property values in Centre County have fallen a bit in recent months. The chances are pretty good that prices won't go much lower. Even if they do and you buy a home, the annual rate of appreciation in the Centre Region will offset any short term price fallback.

2006-12-14T17:20:00.000-05:00

Thank you to the United States Armed Forces Around the Globe!

Those of you that know me know that I have the priviledge to coach a boys high school soccer team. When one has the opportunity to spend hundreds of hours with a group of kids during a four year span, you develop a certain bond with most of the kids that transcends sports and school. This morning I was standing in line to pay for a few things at a Convenience store when a tall guy grabbed me from behind. I whirled around to see a Marine in full dress staring down at me. As I turned I heard the words "Hey Coach." I was looking up at a former goalkeeper on our team and now a newly minted U.S. Marine.

What happened to that little boy I knew in youth soccer? Where did the young man go that spent so many hours goofin' on his coaches and teammates? The little guy is now a chiseled United States Marine. After I collected my thoughts I remembered that another member of the same team is now in the U.S. Army and left for Iraq about three weeks ago for a one year tour. I told the Marine to keep his Army teammate in his thoughts and as we departed I spent some time contemplating what a great country we live in. I remembered another teammate of their's that even as a sophomore would run around the field shouting Hoora! Hoora! We would break from the halftime huddle and he would always lead us in a big Hoora. Needless to say, he is now a United States Marine.

What makes America great? Its people I think. Its ideals as well. Without interjecting politics I can't imagine living anywhere else on the planet. We didn't go looking for a fight with terrorists. We didn't invade another country unprovoked. We don't sit around the Pentagon thinking of ways to burn billions of dollars just to see if the war machine still works. (Do we?)

What an amazing country we live in when there are still young people that are willing to volunteer to serve in the Armed Forces of the United States to serve and protect the freedoms of their families, friends and neighbors. They are not just good young men. They are the best kids from the nicest families. They come from all economic backgrounds and incomes. The kids are the cream of the crop. They have VOLUNTEERED to protect us. They are serving so I may take my young son to the wrestling matches he loves. They are serving so my wife and kids can vacation at the beach even if I am working. They are the best kids in America. I know. I've been around them for years.

I would like to thank them all and wish all of them godspeed and a healthy, safe return home.

Thank you all and in your honor I will post St. Crispin's Day to honor the Band of Brothers held so dearly by our soccer team over the years. This is for you.

St. Crispin's Day - Ye Band of Brothers

What's he that wishes so? My cousin Westmoreland? No, my fair cousin; If we are mark'd to die, we are enow To do our country loss; and if to live, The fewer men, the greater share of honour. God's will! I pray thee, wish not one man more. By Jove, I am not covetous for gold, Nor care I who doth feed upon my cost; It yearns me not if men my garments wear; Such outward things dwell not in my desires. But if it be a sin to covet honour, I am the most offending soul alive. No, faith, my coz, wish not a man from England. God's peace! I would not lose so great an honour As one man more methinks would share from me For the best hope I have. O, do not wish one more! Rather proclaim it, Westmoreland, through my host, That he which hath no stomach to this fight, Let him depart; his passport shall be made, And crowns for convoy put into his purse; We would not die in that man's company That fears his fellowship to die with us. This day is call'd the feast of Crispian. He that outlives this day, and comes safe home, Will stand a tip-toe when this day is nam'd, And rouse him at the name of Crispian. He that shall live this day, and see old age, Will yearly on the vigil feast his neighbours, And say 'To-morrow is Saint Crispian.' Then will he strip his sleeve and show his scars, And say 'These wounds I had on Crispian's day.' Old men forget; yet all shall be forgot, But he'll remember, with advantages, What feats he did that day. Then shall our names, Familiar in his mouth as household words- Harry the King, Luke, David, Jake- Be in their flowing cups freshly rememb'red. This story shall the good man teach his son; And Crispin Crispian shall ne'er go by, From this day to the ending of the world, But we in it shall be remembered- We few, we happy few, we band of brothers; For he to-day that sheds his blood with me Shall be my brother; be he ne'er so vile, This day shall gentle his condition; And gentlemen in England now-a-bed Shall think themselves accurs'd they were not here, And hold their manhoods cheap whiles any speaks That fought with us upon Saint Crispin's day.

MERRY CHRISTMAS to the United States Armed Forces.

2006-12-04T23:51:00.000-05:00

There is NO Affordable Housing in State College/Centre County.

Or so the experts and politicians would have us believe. I've never been a politician but I have been in a position where I needed to sell a lot of newspapers so I understand the local press' fascination with reporting the story. What I don't understand is an editorial board bloviating without all of the facts. And what about the local political scene? A certain august body is tripping over itself to give away state prison land to the downtrodden or unlucky. Before the fat-cats start giving away economic opportunities to their campaign contributors and greasing the "old boy network," I think we need to take a step back and look at the situation through the barrel of a shotgun rather than the barrel of a .22 caliber rifle. For those non-hunters among you (after all it is the middle of deer season in PA.), we will look at the larger, wider housing pattern and not just focus on what the political class and journalists want us to believe.

I'm all for helping those that have a real need for affordable housing. After all, as a full time professional realtor I do it every day. Contrary to the stereotype that casts all realtors rubbing elbows with the ritzy elites and driving to Wegmans in their $90,000 BMW's and Mercedes Benz's, I have actually listed and sold a home as low as $14,500. I'm currently working with a client that called me after the trailer park he lives in morphed into prime commercial development land. So I'm out there where the rubber meets the road. I can tell you there is affordable housing available in the Centre Region. I will take you there. I will show you around. I will arrange financing for the buyer. Are there a small few that have a dire need? Absolutely! Let's invite the politicians and editors to help this small number. I can help the rest and without housing summits and wasted newspaper ink.

Before reviewing the MLS statistics I did a quick internet search (maybe the CDT doesn't allow their reporters access to the world wide web), but following is data I found in less than three minutes on an economic web site. The data are compiled from among other sources the Government Census and the numbers are as of 12/31/2005.

*56,954 Housing units available
*33,936 Owner occupied housing units.
* New construction growth since 2001 +5.7%
*3.1% of homes w/values greater than $500,000
*+25.5% increase in value since FY 2000
* 39.8% of residential real estate is valued at under $125,000
* Median price of owner occupied housing in 2005 - $144,200
* Median price of O/O property nationally in 2005 - $167,500

Following is a direct quote from the material: It can be understood that there is a fair amount of real estate that is affordable in Centre County, Pennsylvania. In 2005, 39.8 percent of residential real estate was valued under $125,000. An interesting observation for a bunch of folks that don't even live here.

Now, lets do the math. If there are 33,936 housing units available and 39.8% of them are priced below $125,000, then the total number of affordable housing units available is about 13,507. Of those, how many are on the market at any given time? Using the data provided we could assume that about 2% (% of total owner-occupied housing units on the market at any given time) or 270 affordable housing units are for sale in Centre County. Can we check our math. Of course we can or so my algebra teacher taught me a hundred years ago. Let's go to MLS statistics. Reviewing the current MLS data there are 135 homes for sale priced under $125,000. Using the HUD number of $179,900 there are 246 homes currently for sale in MLS. The numbers provided reflect 12/05/2006 which is the slowest time of the year in real estate. If we looked at the numbers this past summer there were over 200 homes priced at under $125,000 and 270 homes priced under $179,900. The math check does't work exactly but then we are talking about the real world as opposed to academia. The fact remains that there are 135/246 homes for sale in the affordable housing segement in Centre County. I can assure you that we have never run out of supply of these housing units.

Again, using HUD guidelines (they back up there guidelines by making mortgage money available), affordable housing to them is any home priced under $179,900 so there are 246 homes available in the affordable housing segment. The math almost works.

The questions then become; where are the affordable housing units located, how do we match those in need with those of us in the position to help, and finally, how do we arrange financing for those people that will need to purchase the affordable housing? Good questions all.

As I ponder those questions I'm reminded that I bought a home thirteen years ago in Spring Mills because it met my search criteria including affordability. Is it next store to the Wegmans? No. Is it across the street from the body politic in Bellefonte? No. Can I walk to my luxurious CDT editors office after having tea in the morning? No. Am I inconvenienced by the thirty minute drive to work every day? Sometimes. Do I complain about it? Never. After all I made a sacrifice to buy a home.

I'm sure many potential buyers in the affordable housing market contemplate this challenge. If they can barely afford a house and it is located miles away from essential services how can they afford to own a home and incur the commuting expenses? Excellent questions.

This is where our esteemed leaders can begin their search. Suppose the CDT and the politicians get together and looked at the infrastructure of Centre County. They could define those areas where affordable housing exists. They could create and execute a plan bringing much needed infrastructure services to those areas. Potential ideas could include CATA bus transportation, ride-sharing tax incentives, expanded public sewer and water service, etc. You get the idea. After all, isn't that what we expect of government services? We want them providing infrastructure rather than buying land and building homes.

When the infrastructure is improved perhaps they could make low-interest and low downpayment mortgage money available to those that need it most. I think the county has made an attempt at this but it is the best kept secret in the County. I'm a full time professional and if I don't know about it how will the people that need it ever find the resource? Sure, the CDT could promote it in their pages but who will pay that advertising bill? Perhaps the editors that tell us there is no affordable housing.

Now that we know there is affordable housing available let's get on with buying and selling it. For those few in dire need, let the CDT and the body politic help them or involve the private sector to do it more efficiently. Call me or visit www.MyPennStateHome.com for assistance in buying or selling affordable housing.

2006-12-02T09:36:00.000-05:00

Don't miss this family home in the Bellefonte historic district. http://statecollegeparealestate.vflyer.com/1/index.html

2006-11-30T17:07:00.000-05:00

FSBO OR NOT?

So I spent the Thanksgiving holiday in Bergen County, New Jersey and since I'm an addicted runner I logged about six hours running the neighborhoods of Leonia and Glen Ridge, New Jersey. In all of those miles I didn't see a single For Sale By Owner sign in either town. I did see many houses for sale all represented by licensed real estate brokers. So, the more I ran the more time I had to consider the FSBO paradox.

In the State College/Centre County market one couldn't run down two streets in one neighborhood without seeing a handful of FSBO signs in front yards. As I put one foot in front of the other my mind drifted off into that place where runners minds go when the breathing gets hard and the miles pile up and I pondered the possible differences that lead one market to have many FSBO's and another market to have almost none. What are the differences? Are they cultural? Maybe. The neighborhoods reflect a much greater diversity in New Jersey than in Central PA. Are they financial? Maybe. The average list price for the NJ homes is over $600,000 and the average list price in Centre County is a bit over $200,000. Is it a safety issue? Certainly I would think that the safety issue would play a larger role in New Jersey than in Central PA. Is it convenience? Perhaps sellers in New Jersey value their time more than those in PA. and don't want to be bothered with all of the inconveniences associated with selling their own property.

So the question is; what do the affluent people of New Jersey know about professional real estate representation that the people of Centre County don't know, or do the people of Centre County reflect the pioneer spirit of forge ahead, self-reliance and oh, by the way, look at all of the money we put in our pocket by doing it ourselves? Or do they save huge money? That is a topic for another day.

So, as my mind wanders back to the task at hand I'm running up a tough hill of a historic tree-lined street in Leonia but I really haven't solved the FSBO paradox. Maybe you can help solve it or perhaps it is unsolvable.

2006-11-21T10:45:00.000-05:00

Attention all listeners to Top Gun Tim's "Ask the Realtor" show:

Because of the Thanksgiving holiday on Thursday, Top Gun Tim's "Ask the Realtor" show will not air during the normal time slot from 9:00 am to 10:00 am. Be sure to tune in next week on 970 AM WBLF to catch the latest in real estate news and information featuring special guests and timely topics relating to Centre County real estate.

I, for one, am thankful for so many blessings and I ask you to keep all of America's armed forces in your prayers this holiday season.

2006-11-20T22:19:00.000-05:00

Tim Rogers and Prudential First Choice Realty were the proud sponsors of the Rock Solid Performance Awards given to outstanding high school football players every week during the football season. All five Centre County high schools participated in the awards; State College, Bellefonte, Penns Valley, Philipsburg Osceola, and Bald Eagle High School. Players were selected by their respective coaching staff's each week and we had the opportunity to present the award at halftime of the following weeks game. The awards ceremony included the award winner, his parents, and the head coach. The players were honored during a fifty yard line ceremony minutes before the start of the second half of each game.

I had the opportunity to attend the Penns Valley High School banquet with the awards co-sponsor, Tom Broeren, of Mortgage Advisors Group. We had the opportunity to speak at the banquet and honor all of the kids for their dedication and the excellence they displayed on the field.

The Rock Solid Performance Award is held in high esteem by the players and several former award winners are now playing in the NFL including Kansas City Chiefs running back Larry Johnson.

Photo's will be posted shortly on my web site at www.MyPennStateHome.com. To learn more about the awards or to consider adding another Centre County sport for next year feel free to contact me via e-mail at terprime@aol.com

2006-11-09T16:24:00.000-05:00

Kaboom! Is that the sound of the real estate market imploding? You've heard the stories. You may have seen the numbers. Sales of previously owned homes plunged over the summer to the lowest level in more than two years. The supply of existing homes for sale reached a new record high and is at its highest level since 1993. New home inventory is at a record level of 132,000 unsold homes. New builder optimism is at its lowest level in fifteen years and earlier this week several national home builders announced disappointing results; There is a huge spike in foreclosures up more than 25% this year. The numbers and the stories keep coming and it isn't a pleasant picture.

What are home buyers and sellers to do?

First, and most important to remember in Centre County is that our market highs are never as high and our lows are never as low as the national market (thank you Penn State). The fact remains that homes are still selling in Centre County, albeit, at a slower rate than in previous years. Reasonably priced homes in good condition will sell in good and bad markets. Home sellers, listen to your listing agent when discussing price. The professionals do know what they are talking about and by heeding there advice you won't be disappointed. Buyers, I can’t imagine a better time to buy than right now. The seasonal selling cycle is winding down. Sellers are facing long days on market and many are anxious to sell. But foremost in the decision process is the cost of money. Current interest rates are still very good and provide buyers with the opportunity to buy a nice home at a reasonable cost. Although, in the face of inflation pressure with low unemployment and rising wages, I can’t be certain how long the rates will stay in the low 6% range so now is the time to act. The longer you wait the more expensive it may become.

Buyers, when faced with the decision to wait the market out in hopes of seller price cuts or buy now while rates are still good, I encourage you to buy now. Seller price reductions are occurring almost daily. The most frequently appearing sign in Centre County yards is “Price Reduction.”

That kaboom at the beginning of this story could be the celebration sellers and buyers will have when they complete a satisfactory transaction.