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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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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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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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