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About Lehigh County, PA

203K Program in PA- Traditional vs Streamline

David Artigliere, ARTI Home Inspections, ASHI Certified Home Inspector: Inspector in Collegeville, PA

203K Program in PA- Traditional & Streamline

The FHA 203K loan program has become quite popular in Southeastern PA, particularly around Philadelphia, Easton, Reading & Lancaster. The FHA 203K loan allows homebuyers to get financing for the purchase and renovation of a home with the convenience of one loan and one mortgage payment.

Read more about the Benefits of the 203K program.old home PA

As a Home Inspector and 203K Consultant in PA, I sometimes get calls asking about the 203K Program in PA. I get questions like-

"What's the difference between the traditional and streamline 203K?"

"Do I need a 203K Consultant if I get the Streamline 203K?"

The Streamline 203K came along in 2005. HUD came up with this new FHA-insured mortgage program and they called it the “Streamline (K)” Limited Repair Program. This loan program allows homebuyers (and current homeowners who are refinancing) to borrow up to an additional $35,000 into their mortgage to improve or upgrade their home.


Traditional vs. Streamline 203K- so what's the difference?

With A Streamline 203k, there is no minimum borrowing threshold unlike a full or "traditional" 203K, but there is a maximum of $35,000, which must include a 10% contingency fund. Renovations over $35,000 will require a traditional 203K. Also, if you are doing foundation work, adding square footage to the property, making structural repairs, and other renovations along those lines, you will need a traditional 203K. It's best to speak with a 203K loan specialist about your plans and see which program is right for you!

Depending on your lender's requirement, you typically aren't required to use a 203k consultant and general contractor. I still have clients that contact me for a Feasibility Study. Some clients also contact me for a Home Inspection to make sure they understand the home's condition and aren't missing any important repairs. Of course, a home inspection or study is not required, but it might still be a good idea to protect yourself.

There are other differences between the traditional and streamline 203K program in PA and it's best to contact a 203k loan specialist to address your questions and get you qualified.


Once you've decided to proceed with getting 203k financing, contact us and schedule a home inspection or 203k consultation!

david the home inspector

David Artigliere with ARTI Home Inspections LLC is a 203K Consultant and Home Inspector in Reading, Philadelphia, Easton, Lancaster & Surrounding areas of Southeastern PA.

He can be reached 7 days a week at 610-220-1907 or by visiting www.203kpa.com.

Found Pony in Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania Looking For It's Owner

Brigita McKelvie, Horse Property REALTOR Eastern PA Horse Properties & Farms: Real Estate Agent in Lehigh Valley, PA

Friends, a small, brown pony with markings was found in the Rte. 309 area of the Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania about a week ago. We are searching for it's rightful owner. If anyone knows of anyone missing such a creature, PLEASE get them in touch with me ASAP. It is hard to believe no one is coming forward to claim this pony. However, with the times the way they are, one never knows what is the true story behind this pony.

Friends, please repost to the area. We do need to find this pony's owner!

UPADATE: On 3/1/2012 the pony and it's owners had been united. Happy Ending.

Store Front and 1 Unit Apartment in Allentown, PA

Dale Kessler - REO,Real Estate,HUD Owned Foreclosures,Investment Property,Realtor: Real Estate Agent in Allentown, PA
Store Front and 1 Unit Apartment in Allentown, PA





204 N 7th Street
Alentown City, PA 18102
Store Front and 1 Unit Apartment in Allentown, PA

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Dale Kessler


Mobile:610-573-9695
Office:610-437-0900
Website:Visit Website


Price : $39,900
Bedrooms : 1
Bathrooms : 2
Square Foot : 1,488
Lot Size : 958
County : Lehigh
Property Type : Condo or Townhouse
Year Built : 1870
MLS Number : 422982



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Property Description
LOCATION IS IMPORTANT..This 1st floor store with converted 1-unit apartment is within walking distance of the new Allentown Arena currently under construction. Wonderful opportunity to secure a centrally located building where you can have your business on the first floor and your residence upstairs. Alternatively, you could have a tenant for either the store front unit, the apartment or both - your choice! The possibilities are up to you. Take a look and see if this is the investment that you have been looking for.
Equal Housing Opportunity.
REOcomplete Real Estate, Inc : 516 W. Hamilton Street - Allentown PA 18101 : 610-573-9695

100% USDA Mortgages in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania.

Keith Landis - Pennsylvania Mortgages : Loan Officer in Pittsburgh, PA

Looking to purchase a home in Lehigh 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.

In addition, if you believe your household income may be too high to qualify for USDA, it worth a quick look at the USDA income requirements. The USDA allows for many deductions that may help you meet the USDA maximum income restrictions.

Lehigh 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 portions of Lehigh County are eligible for USDA Financing?

The main area in Lehigh County that is not eligible for USDA financing is in Allentown and the metro area running East through Bethlehem. Shortly outside of this area, the majority of Lehigh County is USDA Eligible.

USDA Eligible Areas in Lehigh County include...

  • Coopersburg
  • Alburtis
  • Fogelsville
  • Schnecksville
  • Lanark
  • Slatington
  • Jacksonville
  • Meyersville
  • Newside
  • Germansville
  • New Tripoli
  • Lynnport
  • Wanamakers
  • Steinsville
  • New Smithville
  • Slateville
  • Steinsville
  • any obvious rural locations

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

USDA Property Eligibilty Map

What are the USDA Mortgage Income Limits for Lehigh County?

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

Maximum Adjusted Income $83,150 $109,750

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 Lehigh County Pennsylvania, the USDA Rural Development Mortgage is definitely worth a look. Feel free to contact me with any further questions about the program.

Incredible Home for Sale on Large Property in Privacy - S Whitehall Twp

Dale Kessler - REO,Real Estate,HUD Owned Foreclosures,Investment Property,Realtor: Real Estate Agent in Allentown, PA
Incredible Home for Sale on Large Property in Privacy - S Whitehall Twp





2974 Victoria Lane
South Whitehall Twp, PA 18104
Incredible House on Large Property in Privacy

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Dale Kessler


Mobile:610-573-9695
Office:610-437-0900
Website:Visit Website


Price : $314,900
Bedrooms : 4
Bathrooms : 3
Square Foot : 2,550
Lot Size : 55,321
County : Lehigh
Property Type : Detached
Year Built : 1999
MLS Number : 420366



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Property Description
WOW!!!! ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A BEAUTIFUL HOME ON A PRIVATE SETTING???? LOOK NO FURTHER.......... COME TAKE A LOOK AT WHAT THIS PROPERTY HAS TO OFFER. LOCATED IN A SOUGHT AFTER NEIGHBORHOOD IN THE PARKLAND SCHOOL DISTRICT. CLOSE TO SCHOOLS,SHOPPING,DINING,RECREATION, AND MAJOR HIGHWAYS. BACK DECK, 4 BEDROOMS, FIREPLACE IN FAMILY ROOM, AND 2.5 BATHS. COME TAKE A LOOK TODAY!!!!!
Equal Housing Opportunity.
REOcomplete Real Estate, Inc : 1030 W. Hamilton Street - Allentown PA 18101 : 610-573-9695
Incredible Home for Sale on Large Property in Privacy - S Whitehall Twp