MSNBC reported:   New-home sales fell slightly last month, in another sign that the housing market's recovery is likely to be gradual and prolonged.The Commerce Department said Wednesday that sales dropped 0.6 percent in May to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 342,000, from a downwardly revised April rate of 344,000. Sales were down nearly 33 percent from May last year.   Link for more info http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/31524636/ns/business-real_estate/         Keller Williams Real Estate 601 Bethlehem PikeBuilding B, Suite 100Montgomeryville, PA 18936Main Office: 215-631-1900Direct: 215-850-9640 · Contact Form 06/28/2009

  MSNBC said: Housing confidence is up increasing evidence that the market is turning around.The Adversity Index from MSNBC.com and Moody's Economy.com reported signs of a turnaround in 33 of the nation's metro areas.While that's less than 10 percent of metro areas, it still sounds significant.Vallejo, Calif., housing is up 440 percent compared from a year ago, which leads the list of improving areas Also in Longview, Tex., housing increased 263 percent. Others areas at the top  are Lawrence, Kan.; Ann Arbor, Mich.; Kokomo, Ind.; and Clarksville, Tenn.Housing prices increased in 140 metro areas compared to a year ago. The biggest increase was in Elmira, N.Y., where prices were up 10 percent compared to a year ago.         Keller Williams Real Estate 601 Bethlehem PikeBuilding B, Suite 1... 06/28/2009

The annual 4 th of July Summer Carnival is Rolling into Town this Coming Week at Arrowhead Lakes Community in Pocono Lake, PA. Homeowners and their guests as well as the summer vacationers will get to enjoy the Memories at the Midway down by the Island Pool. Kids will get to enjoy Games, Rides and Wonderful Carnival Food Items! The Carnival will run from July 2 to July 5 and the particulars are as follows: * July 2 --- 5 - 11pm - Rides, Games and Concessions * July 3 --- 4 - 11pm - Rides, Games and Concessions --- 7-11pm Family Night - $15 per person for Rides. * July 4 --- 4 - 11pm - Rides, Games and Concessions --- 7-11pm Family night - $15 Per Person For Rides --- Fireworks Display Around Dusk   * July 5 ---Noon - 5pm - Rides, Games and Concessions   Come on Out and Have Some Fun!   06/26/2009

  USA Today said: A first-time home buyer tax credit of up to $8,000 has helped to move housing inventory during an otherwise sluggish real estate cycle. Now both legislators and the business community are hoping to build on the incentive's success by expanding it. A number of bills have been introduced in the House and the Senate that lobby for an expansion of the measure. Among the proposed changes: Setting a new cap of $15,000. Extending the tax break into mid-2010. Making the benefit available to all home buyers, not just first-timers. Offering a separate tax credit to $3,000 for borrowers who refinance.     Keller Williams Real Estate 601 Bethlehem PikeBuilding B, Suite 100Montgomeryville, PA 18936Main Office: 215-631-1900Direct: 215-850-9640 · Contact Form 06/23/2009

   If you have not heard the RSPS Symposium for 2010 is going to be held in Lake Tahoe Nevada June 13-15. Its going to be at the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa and Casino. Attendance at the NAR Symposium counts as one elective towards your Resort and Second-Home Property Specialists (RSPS) Certification. Follow the link for details http://www.narresortsymposium.com/rsps.html?utm_source=Realtor&utm_medium=Banner&utm_campaign=RSPS    Keller Williams Real Estate 601 Bethlehem PikeBuilding B, Suite 100Montgomeryville, PA 18936Main Office: 215-631-1900Direct: 215-850-9640 · Contact Form   06/22/2009

Fortune said:   Housing analysts say that while sales are picking up, home prices are likely to continue dropping at least through mid-2010, and some prognosticators say until 2013. The pessimists point to a rising number of option ARMs and Alt-A mortgages that are likely to reset in the next 18 to 24 months, leading to still more foreclosures. "We're about two-thirds of the way through the pricing correction on a percentage basis," said Joshua Shapiro, chief U.S. economist with MFR Inc., an economic consulting and analysis firm. He predicts that prices will fall another 20 percent over the next 18 months. This is not good news for agents.   Keller Williams Real Estate 601 Bethlehem PikeBuilding B, Suite 100Montgomeryville, PA 18936Main Office: 215-631-1900Direct: 215-850-9640 · Contact... 06/22/2009

  BusinessWeek said here are the top 10 places to start over.   1. Anchorage, Alaska2. Provo-Orem, Utah3. Kennewick-Richland-Pasco, Wash.4. Yakima, Wash.5. Omaha, Neb.-Council Bluffs, Iowa6. Richmond, Va.7. Winston-Salem, N.C.8. Colorado Springs9. Amarillo, Texas10. Washington, D.C., Arlington-Alexandria, Va., plus areas in Maryland and West Virginia   Here is the link for more info. http://images.businessweek.com/ss/09/06/0611_cities_to_start_over/index.htm    Keller Williams Real Estate 601 Bethlehem PikeBuilding B, Suite 100Montgomeryville, PA 18936Main Office: 215-631-1900Direct: 215-850-9640 · Contact Form 06/22/2009

   Fathers Day Breakfast was packed at Arrowhead Lake Yesterday. The volunteers cooked an outstanding breakfast. They had made to order omelets. The menu was scrambled eggs, potato's, sausage, bacon, french toast, pancakes and more, more, more. All this and it was all you could eat! Too top it off dad's ate free as well as under 3 years of age and the rest of your family above 3 years old were charged $6 a person WHAT A DEAL!          Keller Williams Real Estate 601 Bethlehem PikeBuilding B, Suite 100Montgomeryville, PA 18936Main Office: 215-631-1900Direct: 215-850-9640 · Contact Form     06/21/2009

                                               July's Events Calendar    6/9/2009 to 9/1/2009 - 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM  Island Pool & Beach 2 will be open  6/20/2009 to 9/7/2009  Pools & Beaches Open  7/1/2009 - 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM  Swim Lessons  7/1/2009 - 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM  Water Aerobics  7/1/2009 - 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM  Day Camp - American Pride  7/1/2009 - 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM  Ladies Crafts  7/1/2009 @ 6:30 PM  Men's Poker Night  7/1/2009 @ 7:30 PM  Aerobics  7/1/2009 - 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM  Family Swim Night  7/2/2009 to 7/5/2009  Carnival  7/2/2009 @ 9:30 AM  Men's Horseshoes  7/2/2009 @ 7:00 PM  Adult Pool League  7/2/2009 - 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM  Evening Water Aerobics  7/3/2009  Deadline for Biographies & photos for Smoke Signal  7/3/2009  Deadline Submissions of Petitions  7/3/2009  Firewor... 06/18/2009

3rd annual tribute fest Date(s): Saturday, July 18, 2009 Location: Big Boulder  The 3rd Annual Tribute Fest showcases amazing renditions of classic rock supergroups in a natural amphitheatre setting. This must attend event includes vendors, food and beverage, scenic chairlift rides, and a spectacular fireworks finale. Tribute Fest Info   pocono blues festival Location: Big Boulder  Friday, July 24, 2009 - Sunday, July 26, 2009 18th Annual Pocono Blues Festival-July 24, 25, 26, 2009 This award winning 3 day national Blues Festival features 20 national acts on 3 stages. Each year thousands of music fans travel from 30 states and 10 countries to witness real deal American Blues Music. The lineup has been finalized. Pocono Blues Schedule   Follow link for more info http://www.jfbb.com/event... 06/18/2009

  Suburban REALTORS Alliance  sent to me a News brief for the week of June 15, 2009 PA REALTORS® laud Gov. Rendell and PHFA for creating initiative to benefit homebuyers The Pennsylvania Association of REALTORS® (PAR) commended Gov. Edward G. Rendell's plan to award a portion of the $380 million in federal economic recovery funds to assist Pennsylvania homebuyers. According to the governor, nearly 1,000 families will receive thousands of dollars to help make down payments on new homes, more than 5,000 families across Pennsylvania will find affordable housing and jobs will be created for some 3,000 workers. "By initiating this program, the governor and the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA) are making significant strides in helping reinvigorate the real estate market and the econ... 06/16/2009

 Did you read on realtor research? Low mortgage interest rates boosted pending home sales for the third consecutive month, with some benefit now from the first-time buyer tax credit, according to the latest numbers. "Housing affordability conditions have been at historic highs, but now the $8,000 first-time buyer tax credit is beginning to impact the market," he said. "Since first-time buyers must finalize their purchase by November 30 to get the credit, we expect greater activity in the months ahead, and that should spark more sales by repeat buyers."    Follow the link for more details.  http://www.realtor.org/press_room/news_releases/2009/06/phs_up           Keller Williams Real Estate 601 Bethlehem PikeBuilding B, Suite 100Montgomeryville, PA 18936Main Office: 215-631-1900Direct: 21... 06/16/2009

  We do not endorse any one contractor supplier or vendor but I wanted to pass on to you an inspector that has worked well for us for a few years now for both buyers and sellers. Brad of Safeguard Home Inspections he is knowledgeable and does continuing education all the time. He is priced reasonably and if you are a repeat customer he gives you a discount. He is also a few ActiveRain subscriber http://activerain.com/bchasse. Call Brad tell him we sent you. Here is their link http://www.safeguardhi.com/.         Keller Williams Real Estate 601 Bethlehem PikeBuilding B, Suite 100Montgomeryville, PA 18936Main Office: 215-631-1900Direct: 215-850-9640 · Contact Form 06/14/2009

  Here is an example of the recreation vehicles that are allowed in Arrowhead lake. You are allowed side by sides, moped scooters, snow mobiles,electric and gas golf carts, electric pontoon boats as well and any boat with an electric motor gas motors on the lake are prohibited. You must be at least 14 and take the RV class to be able to drive the golf cars and 50 cc mopeds.You must me 16 to drive the side by sides.    A big supplier of recreation vehicles is Pocono Motor Sports http://www.poconomotorsports.com/ call Lance today tell him I sent you he is the owner and a resident of Arrowhead. A big supplier of boats is Pocono Boat House http://www.poconoboathouse.com/ call and ask for Tom he's the owner of Pocono Boat House tell him I sent you.         Keller Williams Real Estate 601 Bet... 06/14/2009

Today is the beginning of the end of the old lodge. Demo begins today on the lodge. The demo project should last 2 weeks to a month. The RFP bid went to Christian Container http://www.christiancontainer.net/home.nxg The owner of Christian Container lives in the community. There are a few items that are being saved and put into the new lodge. A few large timbers from inside. They will be made into mantles for the new lodge. 200 SQ of the rough sawn siding will also be saved to be re-install in another area as long as the carpenter ants have not already been there. Also the 2 arrows see pictures below will be saved and re-install in the the new lodge as well.   If you are a resident you can look on the website click the link http://www.arrowheadca.org/outside_home.asp members section for ... 06/14/2009

 Here is a good example of family dining                          Family Dining               Alaska Pete's     J.R.'s Greenscene Restaurant Route 209     I-80, Exit 51 Marshalls Creek, PA     East Stroudsburg, PA 570-223-7333     570-424-5451 ~ 888-788-2833         Barley Creek Brew Pub and Restaurant     McDorff's Tavern Sullivan Trail & Camelback Road     5005 Poole Drive Tannersville, PA     East Stroudsburg, PA 570-629-9399     570-421-8212         Bailey's Grille and Steakhouse     Memorytown Restaurant Route 611 & Pocono Blvd.     HC 10 Grange Road Mt. Pocono, PA     Mt. Pocono, PA 18344 570-839-9678     570-839-1680         Brandli's Pizzeria & Italian Restaurant     Perkins Family Restaurant 6A Foxmoor Village     1215 West Main Street East Stroudsburg, PA     Stroudsburg, PA 5... 06/11/2009

 Here is just an example of fine dining                                       Fine Dining               Beaver House     Pines Cafe 1001 N. 9th St.     Corner of Routes 940 & 423 Stroudsburg, PA     Pocono Pines, PA 18350 570-424-1020     570-646-1313         Chateau Resort and Conference Center     The Pocono Brewing Company 300 Camelback Road     Route 611 Tannersville, PA     Tannersville, PA 570-629-5900     570-839-3230         Edelweiss     Stroudsmoor Country Inn Route 940, Between Mt. Pocono and Blakeslee     PO Box 153, RD4 570-646-3938     Stroudsburg, PA 18360       570-421-6431 ~ 800-955-8663 Evergreen's at Sheraton Four Points       1220 West Main Street     The Wolf Hollow Room Stroudsburg, PA     Delaware Water Gap Country Club 570-424-1930 ~ 800-777-5453     Off Route 61... 06/11/2009

The Washington Post said:   The Federal Reserve's Beige Book report released Wednesday found five of the Fed's 12 regions reporting improved business activity. Most reported an increase in home sales and some stabilization in new-home construction, albeit at low levels. Good news! The survey, which is based on phone interviews with businesses in all parts of the country, concluded that the recession is receding. The sense of improvement leaves observers wondering what the Fed will do about interest rates when it meets in two weeks.The Fed has left interest rates near zero for months, but fears that this approach will lead to inflation has increased the premium investors are willing to pay on long-term Treasury bonds. That has resulted in rising mortgage rates, making it possible that th... 06/11/2009

The Wall Street Journal  said: What can be done about appraisals missing the mark? If a home appraisal comes in dramatically lower than the agreed-upon sale price? Good Question. Lenders will consider an appeal, but sellers must provide them with evidence.Start by examining the appraisal carefully for errors. If the appraiser missed one of the bathrooms, miscalculated the square footage, or didn't note the garage, the seller has grounds for an appeal.Look at the comparables: Is the home used as a comparison in a different and more challenged school district? Is the comparable next door to something undesirable? If possible, pull some more realistic comps.   I have had this happen. Has anyone else had this problem?     Keller Williams Real Estate 601 Bethlehem PikeBuilding B, Suite 100Mo... 06/11/2009

Camp Koda Information Summer 2009Date: 6/9/2009CAMP KODA (Kid's Day Camp)Friendship. Learn it. Live it. Love it.Participate in sports, making crafts, making friends, learning new things & having fun!Fishing, Swimming, Tennis, & MUCH more!For kids up to 13 years of age!(MUST be potty-trained!)Mondays 9am-3:30pmWednesdays 9am-3:30pmJune 29, 2009- August 12, 2009$16/day, $30/week, $200/seasonIncludes simple lunch each day*Director & Counselors are CPR/AED and First Aide Certified.Monday June 29,2009 at the Clubhouse!(locations may vary, please see schedule)Sign up and make payment at theMember Services BuildingQuestions? E-mail Sara Lentowski (Director) at alca_daycamp@yahoo.com or call(570) 643-8101*See Recreation Guide 2009 for additional information 06/09/2009