Brigita McKelvie - Lehigh Valley, PA, Residential, Rural & Horse Properties

During August 2009 sales were down apporximately 7.6% at 542 sales from 586 in July 2009.

The average sales price for August 2009 was recorded at $210,000 down approximately 1.4% from July 2009 when the average price of the month was recorded at $213,000. The average sales price is obtained by dividing the number of sales iinto the total sales dollars.

The median sales price for August 2009 decreased also from $190,000 in July 2009 to $185,000. The median indicates the mid-point of the range of prices - half the homes sell for less, while others sell for more.

The average time on the market of properties sold during August 2009 saw a decrease at 74 days, down from 77 days in July 2009.

Newly constructed homes, with 4 bedrooms and 2 1/2 baths, fared a little better. With 2 construction properties sold during the month of August 2009, the average sales price reported is $443,000, up from $338,000 reported in July 2009. The median price for August 2009 is $443,000, also up from $350,000 in July 2009.

August Sales Distribution

Sale Price Number of Sales
Under $70,000 32
$70,001 - $100,000 27
$100,001 - $150,000 126
$150,001 - $200,000 129
$200,001 - $250,000 85
$250,001 - $300,000 65
$300,001 - $350,000 25
$350,001 - $400,000 18
$400,001 - $450,000 10
$450,001 - $500,000 7
$500,001 - $600,000 8
$600,001 - $700,000 5
$770,001 - $800,000 3
$800,001 and above 2

Are you a garlic lover like me? If you are, then you should check out this event.

It is the 15th Annual Pocono Garlic Festival in Pennsylvania. Here everyone can eat, drink and celebrate garlic this weekend at the Shawnee Mountain Ski Area in Shawnee. There will also be an education tent to learn more about the garlic.

Highlights at the education tent will be 2 cooking demonstrations daily, one for adults and the other for children. Also, 2 talks will be given daily about "Growing Your Own Garlic" and "Garlic History, General Health and Cooking Issues".

This festival will run from 10AM until 6PM this Saturday and Sunday, rain or shine. It is a garlic-lovers heaven, with food ranging from garlic beef brisket to garlic ice cream. (Yes, that is right! Garlic ice cream.) There will also be music crafts and lots of fun for the kids.

The Poconos are about 30 - 45 minutes from the Lehigh Valley, depending on where in the valley. It is a short drive from the Lehigh Valley and it is well worth the trip.

Click here for more information.

Here is what's happening in the Nazareth, Pennsylvania area for July 2009 in Real Estate:

Recommendation:

If you're buying a home, it is important that you work closely with a highly-motivated agent who understands what's going on with the real estate market and local economy. He/She will be able to advise you on how to get the most for your money and what homes you may want to avoid, as there are homes on the market that are not priced at their fair market value.

If you're selling your home, it's also important that you work closely with a highly-motivated agent who understands what's going on with the market and local economy. Your goal is to net top dollar - which you may not achieve if you over price or under price your home.

The figures for the Lehigh Valley market update have come out for July 2009. Here are the statistics:

The number of sales during July 2009 were reported at 586, down approximately 1/2% from June 2009 at 589.

The average sales price for July 2009 was recorded at $213,000, down about 2.3% from June 2009 when the average sales price was recorded at $218,000.

The median sales price for July 2009 was recorded at $190,000, which is a decrease compared to June 2009 with a median price of $196,000.

The average time on the market for properties sold during July 2009 was 77 days, which was a decrease compared to June 2009 at 81 days.

For newly constructed homes with 4 bedrooms and 2 1/2 baths the average sales price is $338,000 in July 2009, a decrease from the month of June 2009 of $370,000. The median price for July 2009 on new construction is $350,000, an increase from $329,000 in June 2009.

July Sales distribution:

Sale Price Number of Sales

under $70,000 35
$70,001 - $100,000 33
$100,001 - $150,000 107
$150,001 - $200,000 144
$200,001 - $250,000 100
$250,001 - $300,000 69
$300,001 - $350,000 39
$350,001 - $400,000 23
$400,001 - $450,000 15
$450,001 - $500,000 7
$500,001 - $600,000 10
$600,001 - $700,000 3
$700,001 - $800,000 0
$800,001 and above 1

In October of 2008, my husband's best and closest friend died tragically on the job site. (Click here to read the post I wrote about this accident.)

Dave Kotash, my husband's best buddy, loved to go to Musikfest. In 26 years, he never missed a night attending this great musical festival in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.

On opening night, July 31st, Dave's brothers released butterflies in honor of their late brother.

I'm sure Dave is still attending Musikfest and is continuing his tradition.