Christine Bell, CRMS

Some circa 1800 properties around our office in Historic Bethlehem:

Lehigh University:

In an effort to restart the economy by giving the housing market a boost, those who buy a home any time this year (you must close this year) will receive a $8,000 tax credit.

A tax credit is not a write off, or a deduction, it is a rebate, or a 100% check.

I have posted my idea on how to get that money this year, instead of waiting until you file your taxes next year: http://www.pottstownmortgage.com/$8000-Home-tax-credit.htm

The housing industry is the backbone of our economy. Many jobs were lost as a result of the slowdown we are seeing, hitting the construction and home improvement industries hard. It is more than just plummeting values. It's a domino effect.

The tax payers are paying $8000 to anyone with an income under $75,000 who buys a home ($150,000 for joint filers). IT IS NOT A LOAN like the last stimulus credit for $7,500.

Get your piece of the pie and buy a home. And help the country out doing so!

Money Magazine's Annual Top 100 Places to Live is now Top 100 Places to Live and Launch a business.

Pittstburgh, PA was ranked #60 in the USA and was the second highest PA city on the list (after Bethlehem). They say the Pros are "Top-ranked research universities, affordable homes".

They note: "Urban amenities like first-rate museums and a lively music and arts scene are abundant - and if you like golf, championship fairways are just a fifteen minute drive from downtown."

http://money.cnn.com/galleries/2008/fsb/0803/gallery.best_places_to_launch.fsb/60.html

Christine Bell, CRMS
http://www.pamortgagepros.com/

Money Magazine's Annual Top 100 Places to Live is now Top 100 Places to Live and Launch a business.

Bethlehem PA was ranked #58 in the USA and was the highest PA city on the list. They call it a "Business-friendly environment in a university town".

They note: "Low real estate prices (the median home price hovers around $160,000) make it a popular bedroom community for the larger cities, but also an advantageous spot to launch. Hiking and biking trails wind through several parks, and the Lehigh River provides opportunities for boating and fishing."

Speaking from experience, homes under $250,000 are plentiful and sell pretty quickly without much discounting. There is a limited selections of homes in Bethlehem over $400,000 at this time (people who live there never leave until they really leave!) but if you have patience, flexibility, and a good agent you should be able to find something.

http://money.cnn.com/galleries/2008/fsb/0803/gallery.best_places_to_launch.fsb/58.html

Christine Bell, CRMS
www.PAmortgagePros.com

My daughters have attended the school since age 3 in 1998. I could not be happier with the school and how safe, informed, and well-rounded, and confident my daughters are. They are leaders. If anyone is considering this school, you should know it is worth every cent and I think one of the best things you can give to your children. I have been monitoring how their peers are doing in public school and there is a world of difference. At Wyndcroft, they grow up slower, are exposed to less of the bad stuff, and the teachers are very in tuned and concerned for each child. Any problems are given attention right away. There is a nice balance of nurturing, especially for the younger children, and academic challenge. I am so thankful there is no girl-boy craziness at all in the school like many other schools. I think that starts too early with other schools, as 6th graders should not be focused on the opposite sex. That type of peer pressure does not exist. These kids care about their grades, doing their best, and extracurricular activities. That is the culture. Each student's individuality creates a wonderful synergy at the school. THERE ARE NO BULLIES. If you want your kid to be exposed to the cruel aspects of life, being beat up, teased, locking things up so they don't get stolen, cursing, smoking, etc, this is not the school for you. If you want common values to exist at school as they are at home, this is the school for you.

The children are not overworked. When I first enrolled my children I heard stories about hours of homework each night. I hear the same stories about private high schools we are looking into. That is not the case. The homework is manageable and not a negative factor to this school.

To keep balance, if I had to say something could be improved...Anything I might suggest would likely increase the tuition cost, which is comparatively low for a school of this caliber.

The Wyndcroft School is an independent, coeducational, non-religious affiliated school. They have a non secular chapel each Friday. The school goes to 8th grade. Over half the students rank as gifted on their standardized test, which is at least in part attributable to the school. There are no specific gifted programs because most of the kids are gifted.

My girls know everyone's name in the school and they are all like family.

It is an independent branch spun off of the Hill School, a private high school that many of the Wyndcroft kids choose to attend, in Pottstown.

Wyndcroft is located in the Rosedale section of Pottstown, an old, cared for, safe, tree lined streets area of big single homes. Some of the nicest homes in the area are located there. If you are looking for a home near Pottstown, and like historic areas, check out the Rosedale section.

http://www.wyndcroft.org/

Head of School: Kathleen E. Wunner, Ph.D.

The Wyndcroft School
1395 Wilson Street
Pottstown, Pa 19464
Telephone 610-326-0544
Fax 610-326-9931
email: info@wyndcroft.org