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About Lackawanna County, PA

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100% USDA Mortgages in Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania.

11-23-11
Keith Landis - Pennsylvania Mortgages
Keith Landis - Pennsylvania Mortgages : Loan Officer in Pittsburgh, PA
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  • Office: (412) 567-6560

Looking to buy a home in Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania?

You might want to make a quick check to see if you and the property are eligible for a USDA Mortgage, also known as a USDA Rural Development Loan.

Here's Why...

USDA home loans offer a few benefits that other mortgage programs cannot match: including no down payment and financed closing cost. If the home appraisal allows, the closing costs can also be wrapped into the mortgage resulting in no money needed at the closing table.

USDA is the only mortgage program that allows for all closing costs to be financed into the loan amount on a home purchase. Interest rates for USDA mortgages are comparable and often lower than the low fixed rates of Conventional, FHA and VA financing.

The USDA Mortgage program does have restrictions when it comes to location and income, so a quick check on this key qualifying criteria should be done first.

Even if you do not believe the property you are looking to purchase is considered rural, it might be worth a quick property eligibility check. It is often surprising how many properties are actually USDA Eligible even though they are considered to be in a town or suburban area. USDA Mortgage Lackawanna County Pennsylvania

Lackawanna County USDA Mortgage

Benefits of the USDA Mortgage Program

  • True 100% no money down financing.
  • The ability to finance in your closing costs (if the appraised value supports the loan amt)
  • The seller may contribute up to 6% of the purchase price towards your closing costs
  • Low fixed interest rates.
  • More flexible credit qualifying guidelines with minimum 620 credit score
  • Often available for properties in towns and suburbs too

What areas of Lackawanna County are eligible for USDA Financing?

The areas in Lackawanna County that are not eligible for USDA financing can mainly be found in the highly populated region from Scranton through Carbondale on the Interstate 81 and Route 6 corridors. Large sections of the western and eastern portions of Lackawanna County are USDA eligible.lackawanna mortgage

USDA Eligible Areas in Lackawanna County

  • Moscow
  • Glenburn
  • Dalton
  • Quicktown
  • Mount Cobb
  • Scott
  • Fleetville
  • Clifton
  • any obvious rural locations

As always, if you want to find out if a specific property is eligible for a USDA Mortgage in Lackawanna County, simply type in the address on the USDA Eligibility Map below....

USDA Property Eligibilty Map

What are the USDA Mortgage Income Limits for Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania?

Household Size: 1-4 Family Members 5 or more Family Members

Maximum Adjusted Income $74,050 $97,750

If at first glance, it appears your household income exceeds the above limits, it is worth checking the USDA Income Calculator on the USDA website (link below). The USDA allows for several deductions which may allow your Household Income to fit within their Maximum Adjusted Income Guidelines.

USDA Income Eligibility Worksheet

Ok, the Property is in a USDA Eligible Area and your Household Income is within the USDA Income Limits, now what?

Like all mortgages, USDA Mortgages do require an applicant to qualify based on recent credit history. USDA credit requirements are some of the most flexible of any mortgage program available. More detailed information about USDA Mortgage Credit Requirements can be found with the link below...

USDA Credit Requirements

For buyers looking to purchase a home in Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania, the USDA Rural Development Mortgage is definitely worth a look. Feel free to contact me with any further questions about the program.

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Get Lost in the Scenic Gameland Surrounded Thornhurst PA!

11-11-11
Rick Cordisco ~ RS 275149
Rick Cordisco ~ RS 275149: Real Estate Brokerage in Pocono Lake, PA
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  • Office: (570) 234-0633 x301
  • Mobile: (570) 872-1340
  • Secondary: (570) 234-0634

Thornhurst PA is a big part of the Pocono Mountains, and it is very secluded in an almost Fairytale like setting! It is the Perfect Place for all of the Nature Lovers because it provides a number of Hiking Trails and much Wildlife including Whitetail Deer, Chipmunks, Groundhogs, Foxes, Owls, Turtles, Black Bear, Wild Turkey, Woodpeckers, and so much more! It is also the most Exclusive Place in almost the entire Pocono Mountain area for Hunters. Thornhurst is basically a Small Forest in the Mountains! It is Completely Surrounded by PA State Gamelands. The Lackawanna State Forest Engulfs this tight knit Community bringing you the Perfect Peaceful Serenity that the Pocono Mountains has to offer. Thornhurst Country Club Estates is also one of the many Amenity Filled Communities including a Swimming Pool, Basketball Courts, Tennis Courts, Clubhouse, and a 9 Hole Golf Course.

Ski Resort Housing is not far from Thornhurst! Only 30 minutes away, you will find the Legendary Jack Frost Mountain and Big Boulder Ski Resort! Thornhurst is great in location being only 30 minutes from the Best Ski Resorts in the Poconos, and the other way you can find Mohegan Sun Arena, Mohegan Sun Casino, and The Woodlands Night Club.

CLICK HERE for your Pocono Mountain MLS Search for FREE!!!!!!!!!!

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Fall Events in Schuylkill County, PA: October 21-23, 2011

10-17-11
Erica Ramus - SchuylkillRealEstate.com - Schuylkill County PA Real Estate
Erica Ramus - SchuylkillRealEstate.com - Schuylkill County PA Real Estate: Real Estate Brokerage in Pottsville, PA
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  • Office: (570) 622-6006 x301
  • Mobile: (570) 449-2131
October 21-23 Fall Festival at Pioneer Evergreen Farms Come and join us at the Fall Festival at Pioneer Evergreen Farms this weekend for great fall family fun, in our country setting. We have lots to do for the entire family. Enjoy the area's best Scenic Mountain Hayride, great food and 15 awesome attractions. The Fall Festival is open September 16 thru October 30, Fridays 5:00 -9:00, Saturdays 12:00 - 9:00, and Sundays 12:00 - 7:00. Saturday October 22, 2011 BILL CAKE performs from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. For more information, hayride reservations, or to plan your private party, call us today at 570-366-2619 or log onto our web site at www.PioneerEvergreenFarms.com or find us on face book.
October 21 DJ Chubb at The Greystone, 315 N. Centre St., Pottsville. Call 570-628-4220 for more info and fan us on Facebook.
October 21 Gentle Yoga $36/six week session. Drop in rate $7. In this gentle yoga course you will experience gentle yoga postures, yoga breathing techniques, progressive relaxation, guided relaxation and visualization, proper body alignment, and meditation techniques. Location: Pottsville Center - 201 North Centre Street, Pottsville. Fridays, 12:30 - 1:30 pm. Session one: Sept. 16, 23, 30, October 7, 14, 21. Session two: October 28, Nov. 4, 11, 18, Dec. 2, 9. Call Susan to register 570-624-3018
October 21 Harvest Hop Dancing to the oldies. Music by The Legends. Location: Foursquare Gospel Church Hall - 2300 Mahantongo Street, Pottsville. Admission: $8 advance ticket purchase recommended. Call Susan for tickets 570-624-301
October 21 Lizard Creek at Blue Mountain Summit 7 to 10 p.m. Blue Mountain Summit Restaurant and Bed & Breakfast. 2520 West Penn Pike Route 309, Andreas. 570-386-2003. Thursdays-Wing and Clam Night. Fridays-Prime Rib Night & Entertainment 7 to 10. Saturdays-Candlelight Dinner. Sundays-Open Mic last Sunday of each month hosted by Forward Thrust 5 to 8.
October 21 BAD MEDICINE Ultimate Tribute show to BON JOVI Show starts 9 pm Doors open 7 pm, Lakeside Ballroom, 40 Crystal Lane, Barnesville. $15.00 adv. $20.00 at door. Now Accepting VISA MASTERCARD and DISCOVER. Call 570-467-2630 for information and tickets. Office hours are 12 to 3 Monday thru Friday.
October 21 The Mazz Press Film Fest 7 p.m., Sovereign Majestic, 209 North Centre Street, Pottsville. Tickets: $5. Stephen Pytak, independent publisher, author and filmmaker, will present three of his short films. All three time into a series of novels he's writing, following the adventures of a low-rent mercenary called "The .40 Caliber Mouse". All three films feature performers from Schuylkill County and scenes filmed locally. www.sovereignmajestic.com
October 22 Painting Foliage $15/one session The world is full of lush greenery. This watercolor class will teach you how to portray some of the surprisingly diverse foliage that enriches our planet. Location: Pottsville Center - 201 North Centre Street, Pottsville. Call Susan to register 570-624-3018
October 22 Ways of Wildlife 10:00-11:00 a.m. Meets in the Waterfall Road parking lot of Sweet Arrow Lake. Our county park features a wide variety of wildlife from the Bald Eagle to the Short-tailed Shrew. Learn about facts and folklore about wildlife during a program and on the trail with Porcupine Pat of the Schuylkill Conservation District. All ages welcome.
October 22 Benigna's Creek Vineyard and Winery First Annual Chili Cook-Off noon to 6:00 p.m. at the winery, 1585 Ridge Road, Klingerstown. You can vote for your favorite chili. In addition to chili, we will (of course) have wine tastings, and there will be food and craft vendors, as well as horse-drawn wagon rides through the vineyard. We will be charging a $2.00 admission fee, which will be donated to the Children's Miracle Network. 570-425-3090 www.bcwinery.com
October 22 "Historic Tow Path Trail" Hike 2:00-4:00 p.m. This path is located along the Schuylkill River and meanders through a number of locks and stops at a beautiful example. Meets in the playground parking lot located on the west side of Port Clinton on Broad Street. (four miles - easy). It's Schuylkill County's 200th birthday! You can celebrate by attending walks that highlight significant historical moments and also our natural beauty. 570-622-4124 x 113.
October 22 All You Can Eat Spaghetti Dinner Hosted by Schuylkill County Motorcycle Club. Adults: $7.00, children 4 - 10 $5.00, 3 and under eat free. Includes spaghetti, salad, roll, and drink. Dessert will be available for purchase. Chinese auction, bake sale, and door prizes. All proceed benefit local cancer awareness programs. Sponsored by Deer Lake H. O. G. Ladies of Harley and Schaeffer's Harley-Davidson. For more information and tickets contact 570-366-0143. All donations are greatly appreciated!
October 22 An Evening of Poe Poe Readings at Schuylkill County Council for the Arts at 1440 Mahantongo St., Pottsville. Call 570-622-2788 Adults $8 Students $5
October 22 Peter Scott Ruben Sings Sinatra & Friends 7 p.m., Sovereign Majestic, 209 North Centre Street, Pottsville. Tickets: $15.00. Featuring the music of Frank Sinatra, Bobby Darin, The Rat Pack, and more, Peter blends this repertoire from the "best of the best" into a delightful musical performance. Recreating the great tradition of America's top nightclubs, Peter sets the tone for a truly memorable evening - the mood is intimate, the music is authentic, the show swings!www.sovereignmajestic.com
October 22 Brosky & Meyers at Blue Mountain Summit 7 to 10 p.m. Blue Mountain Summit Restaurant and Bed & Breakfast. 2520 West Penn Pike Route 309, Andreas. 570-386-2003. Thursdays-Wing and Clam Night. Fridays-Prime Rib Night and Entertainment 7 to 10. Saturdays-Candlelight Dinner. Sundays-Open Mic last Sunday of each month hosted by Forward Thrust 5 to 8.
October 22 Flaming Dick and the Hot Rods 8 pm to 11 pm Doors open 7 pm, Lakeside Ballroom, 40 Crystal Lane, Barnesville. $10.00 at door Oldies Band. Now Accepting VISA MASTERCARD and DISCOVER. Call 570-467-2630 for information and tickets. Office hours are 12 to 3 Monday thru Friday.
October 23 Haunted Halloween Road Rally $25.00 per car. This is a family-oriented event with no alcohol permitted. This is not a race! The road rally is a time-limited driving tour on public roads where teams of people compete with one another for points to win prizes. As each team leaves HSSC, they will receive a Rally Packet which includes clues and tour questions. The team who submits the highest number of correct answers with the best overall time wins the rally and all winning team members will receive a prize. Deadline to register is October 20. Historical Society of Schuylkill County, 305 N. Centre St., Pottsville. 570-622-7540
October 23 Rain Date for 4th Annual Autumn Foliage Ride Join Schaeffer's Harley-Davidson is raising proceeds for MDA. Registration is $10.00 in advance $15.00 day of ride, includes A collectible event pin, light breakfast prior to departure and a scenic ride through our countryside. At the conclusion of the ride, we will serve you a light lunch. Breakfast is from 9:00 - 10:30. The first group departs at 10:00 am. For more information contact Schaeffer's Harley - Davidson 1123 Brick Hill Rd Orwigsburg, PA 17961 570 - 366- 0143 or www.schaeffershd.com
October 23 High Point Hike 2:00-4:30 p.m. Visit our county’s high point (2094 feet) at Bear’s Head in Delano. The site hosts cable towers from Service Electric which is the nation’s oldest cable TV system. Meets in the carpool parking lot at the Delano exit of Interstate 81. (4 miles - moderate). It's Schuylkill County's 200th birthday! You can celebrate by attending walks that highlight significant historical moments and also our natural beauty. 570-622-4124 x 113.
October 23 In Association with Iron Age Theatre "The Anthracite Gridiron: The Story of the Pottsville Maroons and the NFL" 2 p.m., Sovereign Majestic, 209 North Centre Street, Pottsville. Tickets: TBA. By Dr. Ray Saraceni. Directed and Designed by Randall Wise and John Doyle. The Anthracite Gridiron is a brisk, funny and lyrical two-act play that celebrates the unique achievement of the 1925 Pottsville Maroons, as well as the grit and pride, moral bravery and moxie that characterized 1920s Pottsville specifically and the coal regional generally. For many, the lost title still rankles, and the play also explores a possible scenario as to what might have jeopardized the Maroons' status as 1925 champions.www.sovereignmajestic.com
October 23 Zumba at Lakeside Ballroom 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., Lakeside Ballroom, 40 Crystal Lane, Barnesville. $5.00. Call570-467-2630 for details. www.lakesideballroom.net
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A Word About The Upcoming 2012 Election From - JFK

10-09-11
Bonnie Vaughan CNE SFR - Buyers/Sellers Lackawanna & Surrounding Counties
Bonnie Vaughan CNE SFR - Buyers/Sellers Lackawanna & Surrounding Counties: Real Estate Agent in Scranton, PA
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  • Office: (570) 254-2244
  • Mobile: (570) 878-8120
  • Secondary: (570) 709-0278

Sometimes I'm in awe or utterly amazed when I read quotes from our forefathers or historical figures I admire.

  • I've always been a big fan of John F Kennedy. Tonight I was scrolling through some of his quotes. I found he had a typical dry New England sense of humor.


"Do you realize the responsibility I carry? I'm the only person standing between Richard Nixon and the White House."
John F. Kennedy

  • JFK believed in in our freedoms and our liberty. He was not boastful about our resolve, but stated it fairly simply.


"Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of liberty."
John F. Kennedy

  • One quote caught my eye tonight as we sit and debate who will oppose the current President.

I'm not always the most articulate person in the world. I've been trying to say this as we kick around Cain, Romney, Perry and the rest. Perhaps JFK saw our future much clearer then we realize.


John F Kennedy

"Let us not seek the Republican answer or the Democratic answer, but the right answer.

Let us not seek to fix the blame for the past. Let us accept our own responsibility for the future."

John F. Kennedy

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You Heard Of Men In Tights? How About Men In Wigs?

10-09-11
Bonnie Vaughan CNE SFR - Buyers/Sellers Lackawanna & Surrounding Counties
Bonnie Vaughan CNE SFR - Buyers/Sellers Lackawanna & Surrounding Counties: Real Estate Agent in Scranton, PA
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  • Office: (570) 254-2244
  • Mobile: (570) 878-8120
  • Secondary: (570) 709-0278

After reading these old guys in wigs, one must ask if they possessed a crystal ball?

"I Can See Clearly Now" must have been a pop standard in the 1700's


"We must not let our rulers load us with perpetual debt. We must make our selection between economy and liberty or profusion and servitude.

If we run into such debts as that we must be taxed in our meat in our drink, in our necessities and comforts, in our labors and in our amusements, for our callings and our creeds...our people.. must come to labor sixteen hours in the twenty-four, give earnings of fifteen of these to the government for their debts and
daily expenses; and the sixteenth being insufficient to afford us bread, we must live..
We have not time to think, no means of calling the mis-managers to account, but be glad to obtain subsistence by hiring ourselves to rivet their chains on the necks of our fellow suffers.


Our landholders, too...retaining indeed the title and stewardship of estates called theirs, but held really in trust for the treasury, must...be contented with penury, obscurity and exile.. private fortunes are destroyed by public as well as by private extravagance.

This is the tendency of all human governments.
A departure from principle becomes a precedent for a second; that second for a third; and so on, till the bulk of society is reduced to mere automatons of misery, to have no sensibilities left but for sinning and suffering... And the fore horse of this frightful team is public debt. Taxation follows that, and in its train wretchedness and oppression." Thomas Jefferson

How could seemingly ordinary men commit to writing over 200 years ago, that which we see today? It would seem the country got stupider the older it became.

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