Bob Kelly

The Poconos has lost a well-known real estate brand today. Coldwell Banker Phyllis Rubin Real Estate has merged with Better Homes and Gardens - Wilkins today. The current Coldwell Banker offices will move into the existing BH&G-Wilkins offices, leaving the Poconos landscape with one less nationally recognized brand.

Part of this deal gives BH&G-Wilkins ownership of the rights to the names and territories that the Coldwell Banker name had. That means no other Coldwell Banker office will be able to open in the company's market. Additionally, the agreement was to take in all of the Coldwell Banker employees. For the agents, this will result in an increased franchise fee from 6 or 7% to 8%.

Both Better Homes & Gardens and Coldwell Banker brands are owned by Realogy, a global real estate and relocation provider.

As you may know, aside from the winter activities at Shawnee Mountain in the Poconos, the summer brings a different crowd. Not only is there an outdoor water park and kids play area, but there are many festivals throughout the rest of the year! Always something to do year 'round in the Pocono Mountains! Head out and enjoy our area! Currently, the schedule is:

June 27-28, Shawnee Celtic Festival

Celtic music, a bagpipers parade and fiddlers jam, Irish and Scottish dancers, sheepdog demonstrations, Celtic food and craft.

July 4, Shawnee Annual Fireworks Display

The annual Independence Day Celebration and Fireworks, which benefits the Shawnee Volunteer Fire Company, includes an outdoor DJ, Uncle Sam Stilt Walker, a magic show, food and craft vendors, barbecue and fireworks at dusk.

July 18-19, Poconos' Wurst Festival

New this year. Specially crafted beer with brats, wursts, wieners, kielbasa and pierogies plus dancing with polka legend Jimmy Sturr and his Orchestra on Saturday, and the 14-piece Shippensburg German Band on Sunday. Whet your appetite on the Wurst 5K Trail Run.

Sept. 5-6, Pocono Garlic Festival

The 15th Annual Pocono Garlic Festival. Foods liberally laced with Pocono-grown garlic and a variety of live music.

Sept. 26-27, Rodeo & Chili Cook-Off

Bronc riding, bull riding, calf roping and a chili cook-off with live country music and line dancing.

Oct. 16-18 Timber & Balloon Festival

Hot-air balloons, skydiving exhibitions, lumberjack competitions, scenic chairlift rides, craft and food vendors.

Shawnee Ski Mountain is discussing a plan that within the next 5 years would end in a a hotel, ice area event center and new runs. The existing lodge could have an addition, or more buildings next to it. These buildings would be used for lodging, conference & meeting facilities, resort related retail or office space. Additionally, the ice skating arena with a smaller event center might also handle small boutique shows and conferences.

And speaking of skiing, there are only a couple more weeks left of the season. Grab your skis or snowboards and take advantage of how well Mother Nature treated us this winter! Whether it's Shawnee Ski Area, Camelback Mountain, Alpine Mountain or the Jack Frost/Big Boulder areas in the Poconos, enjoy!

On February 17, 2009, President Obama signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. What this $780 Billion package means to you as a home buyer:

- An $8,000 tax credit for first time home buyers (or upto 10% of the purchase). This primary residence purchase must occur between January 1 and December 1, 2009. It does NOT have to be repaid, either, if you don't sell within 3 years!

- You are not eligible if your modified adjusted gross income as a joint filer is $170,000 or greater, or $95,000 or greater for other filers.

-If you haven't owned a home during the 3 years prior to your 2009 purchase, you qualify as a "first time" home buyer

This nationwide bill of course applies to home purchases here in the Poconos! In Monroe County, we currently have 2,207 residential homes on the market. And with spring time right around the corner, more inventory will build! If you have any questions about this First Time Home Owners Tax Credit, or available homes in our area, just give me a call or drop me an email.

The 3 day President's Day weekend brought much relief to area ski resorts here in the Poconos. Not only have we had a great ski season so far, thanks to Mother Nature, but this past hoiday weekend brought one of the best crowds in recent memory for our ski resorts like Shawnee Mountain, Camelback Mountain, Alpine Mountain and Big Boulder/Jack Frost. One of the driving factors is the Pocono Mountains' close proximity to New York City and Philadelphia. Since we are just a short drive away, people are still enjoying their skiing and snowboarding without spending the money on a plane ticket and flying west. We'll still be enjoying the skiing and snowboarding until the end of March here in the Poconos, so take advantage of the great winter we've had, grab your skis and snowboards, and head to the mountains!