Real Estate Tips Blog

Bowen Agency Realtors is excited to welcome two new realtors to our Lewisburg office – and they are a mother-son team! Meet Beth Robbins and Matt Derk. Together, these two agents will work together to ensure that you have knowledgeable and experienced service, plus the cutting-edge technology that will set your home apart. Beth offers 30+ years of real estate experience in multiple states including PA, CA, NY, and VA and Matt is a recently-licensed realtor. In fact, we understand that he’s the youngest agent in the Central Susquehanna Valley Board of Realtor’s history! Born and raised in Central PA,…

In June, we posted five market insights for summer. Now that summer is waning, how does the housing market look now? Let’s take a look. Loan Rates If you’ve been preparing to buy a home, but haven’t made the leap quite yet, good news – interest rates remain competitive locally. Some observers had predicted that mortgage rates would rise by this time in 2014, but any additional spikes in the late summer or early fall are unlikely. The Mortgage Bankers Association’s latest forecast says the 30-year fixed rate could average 4.9 percent by the third quarter and reach 5 percent…

We’re only a few days into June and the hum of air conditioning units is already in the air. So, what are some tricks to reduce summer energy bills? We have a few advises from our 24/7 electrician. But before we get started, the first item on your list should be to change the filter in your A/C unit. This is key in improving energy efficiency and keeping your unit running at optimal levels. – Related article: Benefits of HEPA Air Filters. Then, make sure you’re not losing precious cool air to cracks and leaks in windows, doors, and under…

Congrats – you purchased a new home! And now, the moving process. Don’t panic. If you’re planning to relocate this summer, take a few moments to read these moving tips and hire New Rochelle Moving Companies: Do-It-Yourself vs. Using the Pros Can you really “do it yourself”? Think seriously about enlisting professional help to move your items, even if you do the packing yourself. We suggest getting three estimates from local companies like the one in Ajax, ON etc, before proceeding. If you insist on moving yourself, take some time to use a packing calculator so you know how many…

If you’re thinking about selling a home, the condition of the local market is of great importance. As you make the decision to list your property, consider these insights: May to August Did you now that sixty percent of homes in 2014 will be bought and sold from May to August? Getting your home on the market now means that you will have increased chances of securing a buyer within those promising months…before buyers are thinking about the start of the school season. Since it’s still early, your home can have its ‘moment of glory’ in terms of marketing reach…

The key to having a thriving yard through the summer lies in the lawn-care techniques you implement during the spring. First and foremost, this is the time to call lawn mowing service Brisbane. Aeration allows the grass to breathe and ensures that nutrients reach the root system efficiently and consistently. Spring is a great time to rake up sticks, stones, and leaves. All of these items can smother grass and inhibit future growth. A nitrogen-rich fertilizer that you can get from Suppleplant is a good idea this time of year because the grass is just “waking up” from the harsh…

Spring has sprung and that means it’s time to give your yard, regardless of its size, a makeover. Whether you’re looking to list your property soon or simply want to improve its value, consider investing in native plants, trees, and shrubs. The term ‘native’ simply means that these varieties weren’t introduced to the region by humans, but rather they have naturally existed in the region on their own. Each region of the United States offers different native plants, and fortunately Pennsylvania is blessed with hundreds of beautiful options. Native plants are often less expensive than hybrid or imported varieties and…

Thanks to a perfect mix of rain showers and sunshine in April, May flowers are in full bloom throughout the region – and so are the farmers markets! The Susquehanna River Valley is home to many roadside produce stands and farmers markets from May through October, so get out and explore. Here are three local farmers markets that we suggest: Lewisburg Farmers Market off of Route 45 on Fairground Road This year-round indoor/outdoor Farmers Market has been located on Fairground Road, off of Route 45, for decades. Located just 1 mile outside of the downtown, the market is easily accessible…

Spring has arrived and if you’re a homeowner, there are a few things that you should be doing to maintain your home – whether you’re planning to list it for sale or not. After all, maintaining a home is an important way to retain its current value. Divert Water Now is the time to clean out gutters – leaves and tree limbs often accumulate over the winter months even after you’ve cleaned up the leaves in your own yard. Spring is a prime season for sudden downpours, so you want to make sure that your gutters can handle pop-up showers…

The 2013 tax season has passed, but it’s not too early to prepare for your 2014 taxes. Did you know that the tax code is 4 million words and over 70,000 pages long? Most Americans tap into fewer than 15 pages of it when filing their returns. To make sure you’re not missing anything you’re due, here are two of the real estate-related tax breaks that are often missed, overlooked and underused. State and Local Tax Breaks for Green Improvements If you’ve improved your home for efficiency, it’s important to keep track of those items, because they are often eligible…

One of the joys of living in this small-town community is that many of the downtowns come together throughout the year for festivals of all kinds. Soon, downtown Lewisburg will be host to the Celebration of the Arts, which is anchored by two main events: the Arts Festival on Saturday, April 26 and Lewisburg Live on Saturday, May 10. The Celebration is planned by the Lewisburg Arts Council, an all-volunteer group. The Arts Festival takes place on Saturday, April 26th primarily on Market Street but also in Hufnagle and Soldier Parks. Art, entertainment, and food encourage locals and visitors to…

It’s true that summer is an ideal time to sell a home in Central Pennsylvania. Lawns are lush green, trees have gorgeous foliage, and flower boxes and patio furniture charm even the pickiest buyer. But, home sales don’t always happen instantaneously. Late winter and early spring (that means now) is the best time to list a home and get prospective buyers’ interest. Let us guide you through the selling process. As we mentioned a few months ago in our blog, our region is experiencing lower than optimal inventory – it is indeed a “seller’s market”. Prices also continue to rise,…

We might still be buried in snow, but that doesn’t mean we can’t think spring. And in Central Pennsylvania’s Susquehanna Valley, that means spring festivals! We’ll highlight two of our favorites here: Susquehanna Heartland Wine Trail The Susquehanna Heartland Wine Trail offers year-round fun, but the entire month of March they host a month-long festival of sorts – “A Ticket to Good Taste and Adventure.” Take a trip to the Susquehanna Heartland and visit thirteen wineries awaiting you there. Wineries include: Armstrong Valley in Halifax, Benigna’s Creek in Klingerstown, Brookmere in Belleville, Buddy Boy in Duncannon, Fero in Lewisburg, Happy…

Valentine’s Day is quickly approaching – but no need to panic! Plan a quick trip to downtown Lewisburg and your mate will swoon over the thoughtful treasures that you bring home. Here are a few ideas to get you started: Hand-Dipped Chocolates and Sweet Treats Purity Candy and Catherman’s both offer hand-dipped chocolates of all shapes and sizes – truffles, dipped nuts and barks, chocolate covered crèmes, and as an added treat this time of year, chocolate covered strawberries. If you only make one stop, this should be it. But we’d encourage you to stroll down Market Street to visit…

As we enter 2014, we at Bowen Agency Realtors have a good deal of optimism in the real estate market. Pennsylvania home sales increased nearly seven percent in the fourth quarter of 2013 and they saw a gain of nearly 12 percent over the previous year, according to Pennsylvania Association of Realtors® (PAR). Here’s a snapshot of where the market currently is in Pennsylvania: Continuation of Lower than Optimal Inventory This trend will very likely continue in 2014, which means that prices should hold steady for sellers and as a result it will continue to be a “seller’s market”. New…

Each February, the town of Lewisburg comes together to celebrate the winter season. The Heart of Lewisburg Ice Festival takes place on January 31 and February 1 and includes a variety of events, including giant ice sculptures in Hufnagle Park and in front of dozens of storefronts, a Polar Bear Plunge into the icy Susquehanna River, shopping and dining specials, overnight packages, and much more. Here, we share some of the highlights, thanks to the Lewisburg Downtown Partnership. This is not an exhaustive list. For a complete list, please go to www.LewisburgPA.com Friday, January 31st Noon-3 pm: Ice Carving in…

As of January 10, there have been some significant changes to the nation’s mortgage rules. We wanted to take this opportunity to summarize them for you: Rule #1: Ability-to-Repay This rule ensures that lenders will be ask potential homebuyers for proof of income or assets. As Richard Cordray, Director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau recently stated, “…it can be difficult to figure out how much house – and how much mortgage – is the right amount.  Most people – at all levels of income – rely on real estate professionals to tell them how it all works.  And they assume…

Declutter Three Primary Rooms and Get that Home Listed! Happy New Year! A new year offers so many new possibilities – new goals, milestones, and challenges to tackle. It might also be the right time for you to list and sell your home. Let Bowen Agency Realtors help you through the process. But before you call us, consider taking the time to declutter your rooms, apply some fresh paint, and get your home ready to list! Let’s discuss three key areas of your home – the kitchen, master bedroom, and bathroom. Kitchen The kitchen can be the most daunting area…

Homebuilders are ramping up new-home construction at the fastest pace in more than five years, the Commerce Department reported in early December.  Construction of single-family homes and apartments in November rose to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1.09 million, a 23 percent increase over October’s pace. It marks the fastest pace since February 2008 (Check out the best Midland Handyman Company). This is very good news for the construction industry nationally and regionally, specially since these houses  have the MDF cut to size and are built with all the extras included, some features are just necessary. “Single-family and multifamily starts are at…

If you’ve been considering buying a home, believe it or not, winter may be the perfect time.  Here are a few reasons why: 1)    More Seller Accommodation, Less Competition: Generally speaking, there are fewer houses on the market and therefore fewer people look to buy homes during the winter. This lack of buyers usually pressures winter home sellers to accommodate potential buyers. Winter also has fewer potential buyers. Fewer buyers means less competition. 2)    Save Time: While your options may be more limited, that may also save you time. It may be simpler to view the handful of homes for…

Fall and winter can be challenging times to show a home, particularly on the outside. Once autumn leaves have fallen and green lawns fade to brown, it becomes even more important to focus on the immediate entryway into the home and the interior common spaces. Here are a few tips, inspired by the Best interior designers in scottsdale. Check to make sure that outdoor lighting is adequate. With shorter days and longer nights, prospective buyers often come at night. Make sure that walkways and driveways are well-illuminated. Line the entryway with bright potted mums, potted kale, and pumpkins of all…

Fall is the perfect time to maintain your home and prepare for the cold months ahead. Take some time to walk-around your property, inspecting not only your home, but also your property and outbuildings. Exterior Maintenance Walk around your home and check the foundation for cracks. Caulk those areas, as well as areas where the siding meets the masonry, where pipes and wires enter the house, and around windows and doors. Checking your insulation is also important and if you need to redo any insulation visit https://tatescoating.com.au/. This will prevent heat from escaping and water from entering these areas. Now…

While the sale of real estate often mimics what’s happening with interest rates and home buyer incentive packages, the seasons also influence the real estate cycle. And next to spring, fall is the busiest real estate time of year. According to Realor.com, “the fall real estate market offers certain benefits to home buyers, including year-end tax breaks, pleasant weather conditions for moving, wider selection of houses, and more.” Let’s take a closer look at a few of these advantages. Year-end tax breaks: Owning a home can lead to tax advantages on your tax returns, because both property taxes and mortgage…

Recently, the merits of the 30-year fixed rate mortgage (FRM) have been debated in some financial circles. However, there appears to be little dispute for consumers; the 30-year FRM is a valuable tool for budgeting and that value will only rise with mortgage rates over the coming decade. That, according to a recent blog post by economist Ken Fears. The reason why this discussion has occurred as of late is because there was a sharp rise in mortgage rates from May to July across the country, including Central PA. The 30-year FRM has benefits and drawbacks, like any other financial…