GLVR eMag 2018 Winter Edition

Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS MAGAZINE

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The Official Magazine of the Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS®

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Winter 2018

2018

Holiday Gift Guide The perfect gift for every kind of individual, courtesy of GLVR staff

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A Letter from the CEO Winter 2018 2018 can be wrapped up in three words: What a year. But, let’s dive a little deeper into the meaning of those three words.

In 2018, prospective homebuyers (with their trusty Realtors® by their side) fought through a lack of inventory and rising home prices to find the homes of their dreams. It was a year filled with more buyers than sellers, multiple bid situations, and homes lasting, on average, just 38 days on the market.

The Association wasn’t any calmer. MLS membership grew to more than 2,800 participants, more than 300 new Realtors® made their way through New Member Orientation, 207 classes were held at the Greater Lehigh Valley Real Estate Academy, nearly 700 people attended the Signature Event with Penn State’s James Franklin, and so, so much more.

I’ll write it again. What a year.

The winter edition of the Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS® eMagazine helps us bring closure to 2018 with a wrap-up article on the housing market and what Realtors® and consumers can expect come 2019. This issue also has a little bit of holiday cheer, with a gift-giving guide, a feature on Luminaria Night in Bethlehem, and a list of holiday traditions in the Greater Lehigh Valley that you are sure to enjoy with your friends and family. I urge you to also peruse the department updates and learn what the Association has in store as we enter the New Year.

Happy holidays and, as always, thank you for reading!

Justin Porembo

CEO, Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS®

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Contents cover story

Winter 2018

28 2018 Holiday Gift Guide he perfect gift for every kind of individual, T courtesy of GLVR staff

ceo letter 4A Message From Our CEO

features 18 Administrators: The glue that holds it all together

20 C arl Billera

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Realtor, Entrepreneur, 2019 GLVR President

26 P RIDE - LGBT Real Estate Professionals Give Back 30 H ouse Cleaning for the Holidays 36 L uminaria Night 40 H oliday Traditions How GLVR members celebrate with unique traditions

42 C ommunities Across the Valley Keeping Time-Worn Traditions Alive

20

department updates 10 Real Estate Academy Leadership Academy

11 Professional Standards 22 Government Affairs Advocacy, Accountability. Action

38 MLS

guest writers Jim Honochick, Lehigh Agency Angela Zanelli, Allentown Art Musuem

36

Jim Andrews, JDog Junk Removal & Hauling Patrick Rooney, Supreme Lending Karen Smith, Volunteer Center of the Lehigh Valley Adrian Shanker, Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center Kalyn Kratzer, Lehigh County Humane Society Basil Leonetti, American Financial Network Corp Edward J. Easterly, Norris McLaughlin, PA Attorneys At Law

Interested in becoming a guest writer? e-mail tammy@glvr.org

Victor Cimerol & George B. Lehr, First United Land Transfer

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GLVR Magazine | Winter 2018 {5}

Happy Holidays

WELCOME YOUR NEWEST HOMEOWNERS WITH

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Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS MAGAZINE

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Publisher Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS® CEO Justin Porembo | 484-821-0501 Sales Director Tammy Lerner | 484-821-0511 Art Director Melissa Arranz | 484-821-0509 eCommunication Specialist Mallory Siegfried | 484-821-0504 Billing Sharon P. Adams | 484-821-0503 The Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS® eMagazine is published quarterly by Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS® 10 S. Commerce Way, Bethlehem, PA 18017 Board of Directors Sean LaSalle, President

Charles R. Haley

Cass Chies, Past President

Craig Liles

Carl Billera, President-Elect

Kimberly Lucas-Mantz

Barbara Gorman, Secretary

Timothy Mahon

Donna Bartholomew-Sacco, Treasurer

Mark Molchany

Thomas Cramer

Michael J. Walters

Glen Paisley

Kathleen Gregory Jack Gross Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS® reserves the right to edit or refuse any advertising submitted to this publication. The Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS® eMagazine is the official publication of the Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS®.

All advertising published in the Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS® eMagazine is believed to be truthful and accurate. However, Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS® assumes no responsibility whatsoever for typographical errors or omissions in the Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS® eMagazine. All real estate advertising in this publication is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act of 1968, as amended, which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation, or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin, or intention to make any such preference, limitation, or discrimination.”

This publication will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of this law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this publication are available on an equal opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination, call HUD toll-free at 1-800-424-8590.

Any reference made to the Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS® is not to be construed as making representations, warranties, or guarantees concerning the information on properties advertised in the Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS® eMagazine. All ads contained herein are solely the responsibility of the advertiser. The opinions and statements contained in advertising or elsewhere in the Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS® eMagazine are those of the authors of such opinions and are not necessarily those of the Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS®.

This magazine is published to inform GLVR members of matters of general interest and give reports of current events relating to real estate.

Copyright © by Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS® All rights reserved.

Reproduction in whole or in part without the consent of Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS® is prohibited.

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Welcome New Members!

August 25, 2018 - November 20, 2018

Jason A. Adams RE/MAX Unlimited Real Estate Richard C. Afflerbach Jr Coldwell Banker Hearthside Ravichandra R. Anantasagar Keller Williams Real Estate Hiam Araj Real Estate of America Khloud M. Assran Keller Williams Real Estate Mellisa Bach Keller Williams Real Estate Roger D. Bachman Weichert Realtors Raju Bains Howard Hanna The Frederick Group Tara L. Banninger Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Valley Partners Joshua P. Barnhart BHHS Fox & Roach - Macungie Brian L. Bennett Real Broker LLC Tracy L. Bennicoff Iron Valley Real Estate of Lehigh Valley Allison M. Berger Weichert Realtors Julian H. Berkeley Compass Pennsylvania LLC Shawn Bernstein BHHS Fox & Roach - Easton Tanya Blanchet Keller Williams Real Estate Samantha Bonnett RE/MAX of the Poconos Austin Brown Homeway Real Estate Ebony Brown Keller Williams Real Estate John W Budd Keller Williams Real Estate Allyson C. Carey Homeway Real Estate Kathy Cydis Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Valley Partners Paul D. Dougherty RE/MAX Central - Allentown Brandi M. Durbin BHHS Fox & Roach - Allentown Ashley Evans Coldwell Banker Heritage Real Estate | Dorothy T. Faurl Keller Williams Real Estate Christine M. Figler Weichert Realtors | Jaika N. Fuentes Coldwell Banker Hearthside David L. Gilbert BHHS Fox & Roach - Easton | Pamela Gontram Weichert Realtors James J. Goodman WRI Property Management LLC Jacqui A. Gordon Keller Williams Real Estate Joseph J. Grady BHHS Fox & Roach - Coopersburg | Larry M. Greenberg DLP Realty Joseph E. Guido BHHS Fox & Roach - Bethlehem | Preap T. Ham Morganelli Properties LLC Jeffrey A. Hammel Weichert Realtors | George P. Haring CENTURY 21 Pinnacle Danny Hazim Real Estate of America | Thomas Heil Weichert Realtors Alexandra R. Herman Weichert Realtors | Christine N. Hofstaedter Keller Williams Real Estate Adele Irving Weichert Realtors | Kausar Jaffer RE/MAX Real Estate Rawan A. Katz Keller Williams Real Estate | Kyle S. Keck Iron Valley Real Estate of Lehigh Valley April C. Keifer RE/MAX Real Estate | Stephanie L. Kelly Keller Williams Real Estate Kathleen M. Kerstetter Coldwell Banker Heritage Real Estate | Colin J. Kessler Realty Executives Gaylemarie Kolb Equity MidAtlantic Real Estate | Shana S. Kremus Weichert Realtors - Allentown Malisa Kuehn Home Team Real Estate | Rebecca A. Kuhnel Carol C. Dorey Real Estate Sandra Labarre Realty World Benchmark Realty Mary S. Lambert RE/MAX Diamond 1st | Joseph M. Lanasa Jr Real Estate of America Jesse P. Lobb Realty Solutions of Pa | Lisa A. Manescu Weichert Realtors - Allentown John E. Martin Weichert Realtors | Juan L. Martinez Keller Williams Real Estate Richard Martinez CENTURY 21 Ling Realty, Inc. | Jessica L. Matthews Bellman & Radcliff Linda R. McCarthy People First Realty | Miriam Y. Mendez Weichert Realtors Barbara Miller Keller Williams Real Estate | Meredith Misko Weichert Realtors Rose M. Molinaro Iron Valley Real Estate of Lehigh Valley Jennifer L. Moll Weichert Realtors - Allentown | Amanda Moltke Free Bridge Realty LLC Rakelmi R. Montas Weichert Realtors | Christine L. Murzdeck Keller Williams Real Estate Jason Navilliat Keller Williams Real Estate | Linda Nazario BHHS Fox & Roach - Coopersburg Lynda C. Nguyen CENTURY 21 Keim Realtors | Jasmine J. Padilla Keller Williams Real Estate Michael Polinsky Homeway Real Estate | Raquel Ponce Keller Williams Real Estate Sabrina Z. Pritchard Coldwell Banker Heritage Real Estate Jackeline Ramos Century 21 Ramos Realty | Anna Rodionov Keller Williams Real Estate Shannon Rosa Keller Williams Real Estate | Bassam Safi Coldwell Banker Heritage Real Estate Jody E. Sam Coldwell Banker Heritage Real Estate Kimberly A. Schmidt BHHS Fox & Roach - Allentown Amber L. Sechler BHHS Fox & Roach - Allentown Nataliya Semenovych Keller Williams Real Estate | Deborah Sexton Keller Williams Real Estate Nidhi Sharma Weichert Realtors - Allentown | Antonio J. Silverio Keller Williams Real Estate Tonya D. Skoda Keller Williams Real Estate | Barbara E. Smith Equity MidAtlantic Real Estate Dustin D. Snyder RE/MAX Real Estate | Debra A. Sypawka Keller Williams Real Estate Ashley B. Szapacs Weichert Realtors Dustin Taff Quaint Oak Real Estate Julissa M. Tejeda Weichert Realtors - Allentown Christine M. Thomas Keller Williams Real Estate Laura Tkac Weichert Realtors Maati Tohry Real Estate of America Francesco Tramonte DLP Realty Leslie A. Troup BHHS Fox & Roach - Coopersburg David E. Valencia Keller Williams Real Estate Joe Vazquez Keller Williams Real Estate Andrew Vollo Wesley Works Real Estate Jeremy E. Wheeler Keller Williams Real Estate Lee F. Wolff Slatehouse Realty Andrea Zalamea BHHS Fox & Roach - Allentown

Be the Leader You Were Meant to Be. Get the Edge on Your Competition.

Apply for the 2019 Leadership Academy Program Through a recently launched Leadership Academy Program, the Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS® (GLVR) and the Greater Lehigh Valley Real Estate Academy (GLVREA) are working together to provide Realtors® with the tools and resources needed to become the future leaders of the real estate profession.

Five days of classes and sessions, which will be held weekly from February 12 through March 14, 2019, will include: • GLVR Past President Panel • Leadership and Professionalism: If You Do the Right Thing, You Can Do No Wrong • Developing and Presenting “Knock Your Socks Off” Presentations • The Need for Emotional Intelligence (EQ): Is it Really More Important than IQ? • GLVR: The Winding Road from Member to Volunteer • Legislative Day in Harrisburg • Community Day: Why Serving Your Community Reaps Rewards and Benefits Beyond Your Expectations The Leadership Academy Program is limited to 10 Realtors®. Tuition for the program is $350 per participant (due in late January if accepted into the program). upon completion of the program, students will receive a $200 credit toward furthering their education at GLVREA. A graduation ceremony will be held at the May 2019 General Membership Meeting, where graduates of the program will receive a certificate of completion and will be recognized in front of their peers.

Applications are due by Wednesday, January 9, 2019. To learn more and/or to apply for the Leadership Academy Program, go to http:// bit.ly/2019LeadershipAcademyProgram.

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DepartmentUpdate Professional Standards Here is a case interpretation related to Article 16 of the Code of Ethics, which states: Realtors® shall not engage in any practice or take any action inconsistent with exclusive representation or exclusive brokerage relationship agreements that other Realtors® have with clients.

(Amended 1/04)Case #1-4: Fidelity to Client (Originally Case #75. Revised May, 1988. Transferred to Article 1 November, 1994.

Cross-reference Case #4-5.)

Case #16-5: Solicitation of Expired Exclusive Listing (Reaffirmed Case #21-11 May, 1988. Transferred to Article 16 November, 1994. Revised April, 1996.)

A property was exclusively listed with REALTOR® A who advertised it widely and invited cooperation from other REALTORS®. The property was not sold during the term of REALTOR® A’s listing, although both REALTOR® A and REALTOR® B, a buyer representative, had shown the property to prospects.

Sometime after the expiration of REALTOR® A’s listing, the listing appeared on REALTOR® B’s website. Shortly thereafter, the property was sold by REALTOR® B. REALTOR® A confirmed that it was listed with REALTOR® B and then charged REALTOR® B in having failed to respect his exclusive representation status with the client by soliciting the listing. The Grievance Committee referred the complaint for hearing by a Hearing Panel of the Professional Standards Committee. Upon due notice to the parties, a hearing on the complaint was called with REALTORS® A and B present.

REALTOR® A’s specific charge was that REALTOR® B knew that the client had originally listed the property with him, REALTOR® A, because he had discussed the property with REALTOR® B during the term of the original listing contract; that during the term of REALTOR® A’s listing, REALTOR® B had shown the property to the same individual who had now purchased the property through REALTOR® B; and that with this knowledge REALTOR® B’s action in soliciting the listing, even after it had expired, was a violation of Article 16.

REALTOR® A told the Hearing Panel that when he had asked for an extension of the original exclusive listing, the client told him that because of a family problem he intended to take the property off the market for a few months, but would consider relisting at a later date.

REALTOR® B conceded that he had known of REALTOR® A’s exclusive listing at the time the listing contract was current; that he had known the term of the listing contract and, hence, knew when it expired; and that he had shown the property to the

individual who eventually purchased it. However, he explained, he had no continued contact with the prospect to whom he had originally shown the property. After the expiration date of REALTOR® A’s listing, he was approached by the individual to whom he had originally shown the property and who was still actively interested in purchasing a home. In reviewing the purchaser’s stated requirements and reviewing the market, the property in question seemed to correspond more closely than any other available properties. Knowing that the original listing with REALTOR® A had expired some time ago, REALTOR® B simply called the owner to ask if the property had been relisted with REALTOR® A. Upon learning that REALTOR® A’s exclusive listing had not been extended, REALTOR® B told the owner of his prospective buyer, solicited the listing, and obtained it. REALTOR® B said he saw nothing unethical in having solicited the listing when it was no longer exclusively listed with another broker and felt that REALTOR® A was without grounds for complaint.

The panel concluded that it was not the intent of Article 16 to provide any extended or continuing claim to a client by a REALTOR® following the expiration of a listing agreement between the client and the REALTOR®. The panel concluded that REALTOR® A had not been successful in his efforts to sell the client’s property and that neither the property owner nor other REALTORS® should be foreclosed from entering into a new listing agreement to sell the property.

The panel concluded that REALTOR® B was not in violation of Article 16 of the Code of Ethics.

Have a question on Education or Professional Standards?

Contact Diane Fetzer, Director of Professional Development, at Diane@GLVR.org.

DepartmentUpdate Professional Standards

A Reminder to Follow Your Pathways to Professionalism

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he Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS® would like to remind members about the National Association of REALTORS® Pathways to Professionalism. These professional courtesies are intended to be used by REALTORS® on a voluntary basis and cannot form the basis for a professional standards complaint. However, we strongly urge our members to take the Pathways to Professionalism from voluntary to mandatory in their day-to-day work activities.

RESPECT FOR THE PUBLIC 1. Follow the “Golden Rule”: Do unto other as you would have them do unto you.

2. Respond promptly to inquiries and requests for information.

3. Schedule appointments and showings as far in advance as possible.

4. Call if you are delayed or must cancel an appointment or showing.

5. If a prospective buyer decides not to view an occupied home, promptly explain the situation to the listing broker or the occupant.

6. Communicate with all parties in a timely fashion.

7. When entering a property ensure that unexpected situations, such as pets, are handled appropriately.

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8. Leave your business card if not prohibited by local rules.

9. Never criticize property in the presence of the occupant.

10. Inform occupants that you are leaving after showings.

11. When showing an occupied home, always ring the doorbell or knock—and announce yourself loudly before entering. Knock and announce yourself loudly before entering any closed room.

12. Present a professional appearance at all times; dress appropriately and drive a clean car.

13. If occupants are home during showings, ask their permission before using the telephone or bathroom.

14. Encourage the clients of other brokers to direct questions to their agent or representative.

15. Communicate clearly; don’t use jargon or slang that may not be readily understood.

16. Be aware of and respect cultural differences.

17. Show courtesy and respect to everyone.

18. Be aware of—and meet—all deadlines.

19. Promise only what you can deliver—and keep your promises.

20. Identify your REALTOR® and your professional status in contacts with the public.

21. Do not tell people what you think—tell them what you know.

RESPECT FOR PROPERTY 1. Be responsible for everyone you allow to enter listed property.

2. Never allow buyers to enter listed property unaccompanied.

3. When showing property, keep all members of the group together.

8. Use sidewalks; if weather is bad, take off shoes and boots inside property.

9. Respect sellers’ instructions about photographing or videographing their properties’ interiors or exteriors.

RESPECT FOR PEERS 1. Identify your REALTOR® and professional status in all contacts with other REALTORS®.

2. Respond to other agents’ calls, faxes, and e-mails promptly and courteously.

3. Be aware that large electronic files with attachments or lengthy faxes may be a burden on recipients.

4. Notify the listing broker if there appears to be inaccurate information on the listing.

5. Share important information about a property, including the presence of pets, security systems, and whether sellers will be present during the showing.

6. Show courtesy, trust, and respect to other real estate professionals.

7. Avoid the inappropriate use of endearments or other denigrating language.

8. Do not prospect at other REALTORS®’ open houses or similar events.

9. Return keys promptly.

10. Carefully replace keys in the lockbox after showings.

11. To be successful in the business, mutual respect is essential.

12. Real estate is a reputation business. What you do today may affect your reputation—and business—for years to come.

NAR Code of Ethics and Arbitration Manual (Revised 11/13)

4. Never allow unaccompanied access to property without permission.

5. Enter property only with permission even if you have a lockbox key or combination.

6. When the occupant is absent, leave the property as you found it (lights, heating, cooling, drapes, etc.) If you think something is amiss (e.g. vandalism), contact the listing broker immediately.

7. Be considerate of the seller’s property. Do not allow anyone to eat, drink, smoke, dispose of trash, use bathing or sleeping facilities, or bring pets. Leave the house as you found it unless instructed otherwise.

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By Karen Smith, Volunteer Center of the Lehigh Valley their story, they will tell you that they could not do what they do without volunteers.

As Kassie Hilgert, CEO of ArtsQuest recently said, “Volunteering is one of the best ways to get to know your community. We could not do all that we do without volunteers.”

V

olunteers are all different and yet they have one core commonality: They want to make a difference in their community, in the life of a child, in our environment, in our pets, or in the many other areas they might choose.

The Volunteer Center of the Lehigh Valley just celebrated its 16th Annual Spirit of Volunteerism Awards and were fortunate to receive over 20 nominations for organizations and nonprofits wanting to recognize an individual, a team or an entire organization for their volunteer spirit.

Recognizing and celebrating volunteers is a great motivator for people to learn more about how volunteering is a way of life for so many and that the opportunities are both small and large.

To hear the stories and comments from the winners at this event provides a glimpse into the life and personal passions of volunteers.

From the song lyrics of Josh Wilson’s Dream Small, “These simple moments change the world; Of course, there’s nothing wrong with bigger dreams; Just don’t miss the minutes on your way, your bigger things, no ‘Cause these simple moments change the world; So dream small; Don’t bother like you’ve gotta do it all”.

We encourage individuals, families, clubs, teams and companies to just take the first step. Do something. Volunteering looks different for everyone and sometimes the energy and excitement generated from one individual can motivate a whole team or organization to come along and participate. From adopting a shelter apartment to working with youth, seniors or animals, there is always something that can be done. Volunteers are the life blood for so many nonprofits. When you hear the nonprofits tell

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Volunteering also comes with many benefits. The Mayo Clinic Health System published an article in May 2017 titled, “Helping people, changing lives: The 6 health benefits of volunteering.”

In this article and in many other publications and postings on volunteering, we hear that volunteering can provide a sense of purpose, teach new skills, help people stay physically and mentally healthy, can reduce stress, and can also be an avenue for making new friends.

From the nonprofit perspective, the aid of a volunteer can bring new energy, skills, financial support and many other benefits.

At the Volunteer Center, we engage volunteers to help us run programs, speak on topics for our training programs and provide support for annual fundraisers. Without the extended reach and capacity, we, like most nonprofits, would not be able to successfully live out our mission.

When volunteers are passionate about the work of the nonprofit, they can make an incredible difference. One small idea, opportunity or experience can change the world for both the volunteer and the constituents that are served. Many times, people come through life having overcome hurdles and burdens.

They use those experiences to make things better for those coming behind them. The reward for the volunteer is knowing they can contribute to an organization or a mission that is truly aligned with who they are and what they feel strongly about.

As we enter the holiday season there is always an increased need.

We encourage our community to give their time, talents and support to make a difference in the lives of others. Volunteers are welcome to reach out to the Volunteer Center through VC@ volunteerlv.org or 610-807-0336. You can also visit www.volunteerlv.org.

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GLVR Members Choose Their 2019 Board of Directors

Realty

By Mallory Siegfried, E-Communications Specialist

• Michael Walters, Keller Williams Real Estate

he Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS® is happy to announce who has been elected to serve on the Board of Directors beginning in 2019. The newly elected Board members are:

T

After being selected by their peers and being recognized as highly respected leaders in the real estate profession, these Board members now carry a broad range of responsibilities, including:

• Lyn Hufton, BHHS Fox & Roach, Macungie

• Directors are responsible for governing, developing policies and setting a course for the future of the Association.

• Howard Schaeffer, RE/MAX Real Estate • Robert Ritter, Weichert Realtors, Allentown • Cass Chies, RE/MAX Diamond 1st • Mark Lutz, RE/MAX Unlimited • Tarrant Booker, Century 21 Keim

• Chuck Haley, Howard Hanna The Frederick Group • Sean LaSalle, BHHS Fox & Roach, Macungie • Glen Paisley, BHHS Fox & Roach, Easton

• Directors should be strategic thinkers and maintain focus on the “big picture” of advancing the Association’s mission, vision, and strategic initiatives.

• Directors are fiduciary agents for the Association’s operations and finances.

• Donna Bartholomew-Sacco, Coldwell Banker Hearthside

• Directors are expected to serve as liaisons to the general membership. They have a responsibility to become involved, attend events, and recruit and encourage others to attend Association activities.

• Carl Billera, Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate, Valley Partners

• Directors are expected to engage, participate and contribute to discussions and debates.

• Thomas Cramer, Home Team Real Estate

We congratulate the 2019 Board of Directors and look forward to seeing how they help set the direction of the Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS® and develop policies and programs to benefit REALTORS® and the industry!

Returning Board members include:

• Barbara Gorman, Weichert Realtors, Allentown • Jack Gross, Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate, Cassidon

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Guidance

Administrators: The Glue that Holds It All Together

By Jennifer Khawam, GLVR Marketing Department Intern

T

he ability to function and do your job in any office depends on a lot more than just making sure the coffee machine is working, and the internet doesn’t go out. It’s a lot more than keeping up with emails, ensuring files are stored properly, and making certain the resident stapler thief doesn’t get away with more office supplies than they need. These mundane tasks may be what come to mind when you think of office upkeep, but in reality, keeping an office running smoothly consists of so many more vital tasks than that.

This is especially true for our real estate administrators. These individuals don’t have time to worry about silly things such as keeping the coffee flowing or tracking down the stapler thief (that is its own job entirely). No, real estate administrators are not the people to worry about those humdrum problems.

Their positions exist as the foundation of a real estate office. They are the glue

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that keeps it all together, and by “it,” we mean everything.

“By definition, the administrator manages an office or, at the very least, performs the duties of bookkeeping, file maintenance and general office duties associated with a real estate office,” explained Jacqualine Morgan, an administrator at Teel Realty in Mount Bethel. “Office managers, according to the Real Estate Commission, must be brokers, so as administrators, we have a lesser management function and a more record keeping function.”

The functions of an administrator vary in the real estate world. For Morgan, her role is overseeing files for compliance, ensuring agents have the tools required to perform their functions to the best of their ability, and to provide a level of customer service that ensures their clients the most positive experience in dealing with their office.

In addition, Morgan performs some of the marketing and advertising functions for Teel Realty.

Joel Diaz from RE/MAX Real Estate in Allentown also noted the several duties of real estate office administrators, adding how much they take on and how essential they are to any and every office.

“I believe administrators are the pulse of any company,” Diaz said. “They are the eyes and ears of the whole operation, they are the first point of contact, and they provide support not only for their agents but for the staff as well. They also help, along with the broker/owner, with creating culture for their environment and coordinate and implement office policy, procedures, and services.

Along with the above, Diaz adds, “I, in particular, as Director of Operations, am

involved in consulting, education and training. I consult with the agents in determining what need they have and provide solutions to help them succeed in their business. I oversee all departments, which include marketing, advertising, technology, transaction, accounting and recruiting.”

Where would our offices be without our administrators making sure forms come in properly and association requirements are met? How would we be certain that MLS listings are up to date?

Where would we be without administrators keeping up with our education progress and taking care of involvements with the real estate commission?

We would be “lost,” said Amanda Belletieri from One Valley Realty in Allentown. “Our office administrator helps each and every agent in so many ways and wears many different ‘hats,’ depending on the situation… They are the insurance that great plans and great transactions stay together and are followed through.”

So, to our administrators, we would like to say thank you.

Thank you for being the magic behind the curtain, the cogs and gears in the clock, the secret spice in that special recipe, the glue that holds it all together. Thank you.

Special messages of support from some of your real estate colleagues!

“Thank you for doing the things you do that allow us to keep doing what we do best – selling!

You are a great conduit connecting us to our customers, other agents, businesses and most importantly, our success.” – Rob McCann, Assist 2 Sell Buyers & Sellers, Northampton

“Thank you for all of the countless hours and dedication you have given to every one of us!

You are the reason for all our successes!” – Cass Chies, RE/MAX Diamond 1st, Palmerton

“You are the glue that holds our office, ideas and transactions together and we appreciate you so much and would be lost without you.” – Amanda Belletieri, One Valley Realty, Allentown

“I couldn’t do what I do without them.” – Jack Gross, Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate, Cassidon Realty, Bethlehem

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GLVR Magazine | Winter 2018 {19}

CARL

BILLERA

Realtor, Entrepreneur, 2019 President of GLVR

By Mallory Siegfried, E-Communications Specialist

ON JANUARY 17, 2019, weather permitting, the Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS® (GLVR) will install Carl Billera of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Valley Partners as its next president.

CARL’S STATS Carl, who obtained his real estate license in 1993 and his broker’s license in 1996, has been in a management or ownership role throughout his career with Prudential Patt, White Real Estate and now with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Valley Partners, which he started in 2012.

Prior to serving on the Board of Directors, Carl served on the Professional Standards, Bylaws and Grievance committees for the Association.

Carl earned a degree in business management from Moravian College.

THE DEEPER CONVERSATION While this is all great information to know about your incoming president, what else is there to know about the man who will lead the Association for an entire year? Below is an interview in which Carl takes us a little deeper into his career, his involvement, and his passions.

Q&A

GLVR: TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOU AND HOW YOU GOT YOUR START IN REAL ESTATE.

Carl: While working at Dun & Bradstreet in 1993 and studying for my bachelor’s degree, I figured out that nowhere in my DNA was the ability to work out of a 6x6 cubicle. So, as fate would have it, I was working a second job sweeping floors for a local builder.

While sweeping, I would strike up conversations with people and, without

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even trying, I was responsible for selling some new homes.

The builder said I should get my license, and a career was born!

GLVR: You had a long career in real estate before you made the leap into getting involved with local committees and then running for the Board of Directors. What made you take that leap into further involvement?

Carl: I believe anyone who has a passion for their industry and pride in what they do for a living should always be searching for ways to get more involved

and to donate some time and energy to the betterment of their industry.

GLVR: What is your advice to newer agents who may be hesitant to get involved in their local association or who aren’t sure where to start?

Carl: Newer agents should start with learning the business, being professional, and making money. Once all of that is accomplished, they should start to attend any meetings, events or gatherings held by the Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS®. This will allow them to meet their peers and learn how to get involved with the Association.

GLVR: As president, is there an issue that you plan to focus on and work to address?

Carl: I would like to continue with the “unfinished” goals of past presidents, which include leading the charge on Association Health Plans, further integration of our Carbon County agents, etc. Twelve months is usually not adequate to fully complete many goals, so I feel it’s important to continue what others have started. Beyond that, I would like to focus on improved cooperation between all members as well as the professionalism of members. How all of us are perceived and respected in the public eye is vital to our success and future as Realtors®.

GLVR: Each president has a charity or special organization that they focus on for the year. Will you have a charitable focus and, if so, what will it be?

Carl: I’m undecided, at this time, on a specific charity. However, I would like to continue our efforts with the Boys and Girls Club of Bethlehem.

GLVR: What/who inspires you the most in your work?

Carl: Honestly, I’ve always had an inner drive and the ability to inspire myself. I believe life is too short not to be inspired or passionate about something. Also, even though my sons are 25 and 27, they have always and continue to inspire me – and they don’t even know it!

GLVR: Some folks may not know that you’re an entrepreneur in the restaurant business. You are the current owner of House and Barn and The Burgery Company, both of which are located in Emmaus. Tell us about this passion you hold outside of real estate.

Carl: I’ve been very lucky with restaurants. It started as a means to diversify and make money during the slower months in real estate, but it really has turned into a passion. To have a concept in your mind and see that concept come to life is extremely rewarding on many fronts. Also, I get to drink and eat – for free! – any time that I like.

GLVR: Do you have a life motto or a motto you follow for your business?

Carl: In real estate – “Loose lips sink ships.” In life: “Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection, we can catch excellence.”

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DepartmentUpdate Government Affairs

ADVOCACY. ACCOUNTABILITY.

By Matthew Marks, Government Affairs Director, Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS®

ACTION.

Local

GLVR Awarded NAR Smart Growth Grant for Lehighton Downtown Initiative: The Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS® NAR Smart Growth grant application was approved for $3,000.

The monies secured Teresa Lynch, one of two Main Street® specialists who led a Main Street® Community Assessment Visit to Lehighton in August 2013 (also funded by a grant awarded by the National Association of REALTORS®), and funded the follow-up Assessment Report.

As part of the program, Lynch gave a presentation on the Main Street Four Point Approach to downtown revitalization as developed by the National Main Street Center more than 35 years ago and hosted a public forum to discuss in detail the program and answer any questions from the community. The Main Street® approach has been the primary tool for guiding communities across the nation in their efforts to restore economic and social vitality to their downtown business districts.

Apart from the forum, Lynch’s three-day visit included the provision of downtown revitalization technical assistance and training sessions for Borough leaders and community volunteers. The visit and program were funded with matching support from the Lehighton Borough Council.

The analysis and implementation will take 9 to 12 months to complete, and Realtor® members and staff will serve an integral role in the program

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moving forward.

State

First-Time Homebuyers Savings Account Legislation Fails to Pass: The First-Time Homebuyers Savings Account Program would have allowed Pennsylvanians to save money toward the purchase of a home and the money saved would qualify as a tax deduction for their state income tax return. Parents and grandparents would be eligible to save for children and grandchildren as well.

However, the companion bills to the First-Time Homebuyers Savings Account Program will need to be reintroduced next year, as they did not pass before the end of the 2017-2018 Pennsylvania General Assembly session. More than 5,200 messages were sent by Realtors® and consumers throughout the commonwealth urging legislators to move the bills.

Senate Bill 1066 (Mensch, R-Montgomery/Fontana, D-Allegheny) passed out of the Senate in September and House Bill 1981 (Bizzarro, D-Erie/Brown, R-Lehigh) passed out of the House in October. SB 1066 needed to go before the House for approval, and HB 1981 awaited the same fate in the Senate.

Federal Deduction Should Apply to Rental Income: The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act includes a 20 percent deduction from the net business income of sole proprietors and owners of S corporations,

partnerships, and limited liability companies. The new deduction is intended to provide roughly the same tax rate cut the Act provided to regular corporations.

However, it is unclear whether owners of rental real estate will be able to claim the deduction. NAR has asked the Treasury Department and Internal Revenue Service to treat all real property rental activity as eligible for the 20 percent deduction. The letter asserts that without this change, the 10 million American owners of rental real estate will be forced to wade through voluminous and confusing tax cases and conflicting IRS positions in order to determine for themselves whether their rental activity constitutes a “trade or business,” which is a requirement for the deduction. The letter also lists factors that indicate Congress intended the deduction to be available to the great majority of owners of rental property without the burden of excess complexity.

IRS says Entertainment-related Meals still Deductible: You can still deduct your business meal expenses even if they’re part of an entertainment activity, the IRS clarified in temporary guidance issued in October. Effective on January 1, 2018, the tax reform law enacted last year retained the 50 percent deduction for business meal expenses but ended deductions for business-related entertainment, amusement, or recreation. The changes created uncertainty over whether meals remain partially deductible if they were part of entertainment, amusement, or recreation activities.

Under the temporary guidance just released, those meal expenses remain 50 percent deductible provided you can show those expenses were incurred separately from the entertainment expenses. The meal expenses are eligible, the guidance says, when “the cost of the food and beverages is stated separately from the cost of the entertainment on one or more bills, invoices, or receipts.” The deduction is 50 percent of the costs. The clarification is a win for real estate, because businessrelated meal expenses are common in the industry.

Here are some of the key points in the guidance: 1. The meal expense must be ordinary and necessary and paid or incurred in a trade or business context.

circumstances.

3. The taxpayer, or an employee of the taxpayer, is present at the furnishing of the food or beverages.

4. The food and beverages are provided to a current or potential business customer, client, consultant, or similar business contact.

5. In the case of food and beverages provided during or at an entertainment activity, the food and beverages are purchased separately from the entertainment, or the cost of the food and beverages is stated separately from the cost of the entertainment on one or more bills, invoices, or receipts. The entertainment disallowance rule may not be circumvented through inflating the amount charged for food and beverages.

The temporary guidance is in effect until the IRS issues formal rules on the deductibility of expenses for business meals, expected later this year.

FAIR HOUSING CASE STUDY In an effort to educate our members about the Fair Housing Act, we ask that you review the situation below. While this situation happened in a different state, the Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS® feels it can bring further fair housing knowledge to local Realtors®.

Massachusetts Housing Providers Settle Claims of Discrimination Against Voucher Holders Several housing providers, Realtors® and rental agents in Massachusetts recently agreed to pay a total of $40,000 to settle three unrelated claims of alleged income-based discrimination. The settlements resolve three different complaints alleging that the defendants, mainly property owners and Realtors®, violated the state’s anti-discrimination laws by denying prospects the opportunity to rent apartments because they were receiving public assistance through the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program.

Under Massachusetts law (and under Pennsylvania law), it is illegal to discriminate against any individual who receives federal, state, or local housing subsidies, including rental assistance or rental supplements, because the individual is receiving such benefits. State law also prohibits housing providers from discriminating against current or prospective residents based on the requirements of any public assistance program.

If you have any questions related to fair housing, please contact GLVR’s Government Affairs Director, Matthew Marks, at Matthew@GLVR.org.

2. The expense is not lavish or extravagant under the

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OCTOBER 2018

The Critical Connections Between Housing and Health Where we live has an enormous impact on our health and well-being. Recent research has demonstrated that the neighborhood in which a person lives can be a more important predictor of health than his or her genetic makeup. If an individual or a family’s health depends on their zip code, it is more important than ever to understand the links between housing and health, and to help find ways to improve housing and neighborhood opportunities for all.

Why Housing Opportunity is Important to Health It has been estimated that the “social determinants” of health—behaviors, environment, and social circumstances—are more important than our genetics or even our level of health care in explaining overall health.

Housing is a critical component of those social determinants and housing quality, location and affordability impact individual physical and mental health.

Furthermore, there is growing understanding that prior discrimination in housing markets, including redlining and door slamming, have had persistent impacts over generations and can partially explain the continuing health disparities between white and minority residents in the U.S. Households with poor quality housing face significantly more health problems than do other families. Living in substandard housing puts residents at risk of harm including falls, other accidental injuries and lead poisoning. Children and adults living in poor housing

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quality have much higher rates of asthma and greater likelihood of asthma-related emergency room visits.

More broadly, research has shown that living in lowerpoverty neighborhoods is significantly related to better physical and mental health. People living in higher-income neighborhoods have lower rates of obesity, diabetes and asthma, and higher levels of personal satisfaction and mental well-being.

While the links between homeownership and physical and mental health are not always clear in the research, it has been established that well-being is improved when families have access to stable housing and have the opportunity to build wealth through homeownership.

Check how your zip code relates to life expectancy on the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s website: https://www.rwjf.org/en/library/interactives/whereyouliveaffectshowlon gyoulive.html 2 Burrowes, K., J. Ladet, A. Livingston and M. Brennan. 2018. Rethink Housing and Community Development to Advance Racial Equity and Inclusion. How Housing Matters online https://howhousingmatters.org/articles/rethink-housing-communitydevelopment-advance-racial-equity-inclusion/ 3 Maqbool, N., J. Viveiros and M. Ault. 2015. The Impacts of Affordable Housing on Health: A Research Summary. Washington DC: National Housing Conference.

4 Ludwig, J., G. Duncan, L. Gennetian, L. Katz, R. Kessler and L. Sanbonmatsu. 2014. Moving to More Affluent Neighborhoods Improves Health and Happiness Over the Long Term among the Poor. Housing Housing Matters: MacArthur Foundation 5 Yun, L. and N. Evangelou. 2016. Social Benefits of Homeownership and Stable Housing. Washington DC: National Association of Realtors® Research Division.

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LGBT Real Estate Professionals Give Back

By Adrian Shanker, Founder and Executive Director, Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center

R

eal estate professionals are very busy, but a number of members from the Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS® (GLVR) find ways to give back and support their community as a whole, in addition to supporting their local LGBT community, throughout the year.

I asked Amy Zanelli, an LGBT Realtor® with Keller Williams who also serves on the Lehigh County Board of Commissioners, why it’s important to her to support LGBT cultural programs in the Lehigh Valley. She says, “Because I work where I live. I’m not just selling a house. I’m selling a home, a community – MY community. I want to be safe and comfortable here, and I want everyone else to feel that way as well.”

Rob Ritter, an LGBT Realtor® with Weichert Realtors® in Allentown who was recently elected to serve on GLVR’s Board of Directors, adds, “It’s important to support LGBT cultural programs to enrich the culture of the overall community.”

In discussing how they like to give back, Rob enjoys doing so through his leadership and event planning. “I enjoy giving back and supporting the LGBT community through programs

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and events I’ve coordinated through GLVR committees on which I serve, by volunteering as a Board member, chairperson and Committee member of the LGBT Business Council of the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce, and through financial support and the supporting of events and programs offered at BradburySullivan LGBT Community Center.”

Amy also gives back through a combination of time, talents and finances. “My wife and I have volunteered our expertise in yoga to Project SILK, the LGBT youth program at Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT

Community Center, and I come down to the center to help with cleaning or moving things any time I happen to have a spare hour or two. It gives me a sense of pride to care for my community. I also have to say that guest calling Drag Queen Bingo to raise funds for Fighting AIDS Continuously Together - Lehigh Valley at the 25th Annual Lehigh Valley Pride festival was the best public speaking engagement I’ve ever had!”

But the real question is: Why give back to the community when real estate professionals are so busy helping their clients buy and sell properties?

At the end of the day, it’s about what our community should look like. Rob wants to see public policies that support the diverse communities Realtors® help to create. “As a Realtor®, I feel strongly that community support is needed for an all-encompassing – state wide and federal – non-discrimination law for the LGBT community in housing, employment and services, and that it would make a huge impact in creating a more inclusive and vibrant community overall.”

Amy says, “I think we already ‘look’ beautiful. The more difficult task is to create a community that is equitable and inclusive. That’s my vision. I don’t want my kids to be the only ones in school with two moms. I don’t want the term ‘gay’ to be an insult. I don’t want to explain three times a day, ‘Yes, I said wife.’ A rainbow sidewalk wouldn’t hurt either.”

ROB RITTER

Weichert Realtors®

AMY ZANELLI

Keller Williams Real Estate

During this holiday season, how will YOU give back to support a welcoming, diverse and inclusive community here in the Lehigh Valley? Here are some simple ways: Donate: Support programs and services for a vibrant LGBT community. www.bradburysullivancenter.org/donate Sponsor: Brand yourself as an LGBT-welcoming Realtor® by sponsoring LGBT community events.

E-mail oliver@bradburysullivancenter.org for more information!

Be Visible: Make sure LGBT clients know you’re open for business to all by being a vendor at Lehigh Valley Pride 2019. E-mail Ariel@bradburysullivancenter.org for more information!

Volunteer: Get a group of Realtors® together to volunteer for a project at Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center! Email oliver@bradburysullivancenter.org for more information!

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2018

Holiday Gift Guide The perfect gift for every kind of individual, courtesy of GLVR staff

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2

for the traveler

1

3 for the sports fan

for the party host

4

for the movie enthusiast

for the TV show enthusiast

7

for the bookworm

6

5

for the pet lover

8 for your boss

10

9 for the foodie

for your co-workers

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T

he Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS® knows how difficult it can be to find the perfect gift for someone during the holiday season, so we’ve rounded up our own recommendations to help you out! Check out what some of our staff has recommended for each type of person in your life, making this year’s holiday gift shopping easier than ever.

1

For the sports lover, Office Manager Marsha recommends…

Cullen

Tickets to a local sports outing or winter gear like hats, gloves, and scarves with their favorite team’s logo on it.

SCORE A GOAL WITH THIS GEAR

2

MAKE THOSE HARRY POTTER FANS SWOON

7

A matching friendship pet collar and bracelet or pre-purchasing a block of time from the local doggie daycare.

YOUR DOG REALLY IS YOUR BEST FRIEND

8

NEVER WAIT FOR DINNER AGAIN

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10

For the TV show enthusiast, E-Communications Specialist

For the bookworm, Editorial and Marketing Intern Jennifer Khawam recommends…

A book subscription box. Some options include Book of the Month Club, Litjoy Crate, Owlcrate (or Owlcrate Jr. for little ones), all of which include books and fun goodies every month.

HOURS OF FUN READING For the movie enthusiast, Membership Administrator Cheryl Graham recommends…

Movie tickets or memorabilia from a movie. Do they love Lord of the Rings? Get them a replica of the One Ring. Do they love

Naratil

MAKE THE OFFICE A HAPPY PLACE

Mallory Siegfried recommends…

CANCEL THE CABLE TODAY

For your co-workers, MLS Director Michael recommends…

A coffee gift box, because everyone knows how hard it is to get through a work day without a cup of joe.

For the holiday party host, Office Administrative Assistant Gina Saraceni recommends…

The Amazon Fire TV Stick. It’s time to cut the cord (your wallet will thank you). Download apps like Hulu, Netflix, DirecTV NOW, Amazon Prime Video, and more. Watch what you want, when you want. Throw in a gift card to a streaming service for good measure.

6

For the foodie, Director of Professional Development Diane

Fetzer recommends…

This rose gold scratch off world map, so your traveler can see where they’ve visited all over the world and make plans for their next adventure.

YOUR APRON WILL BE HERE SOON

5

Lerner

An instant pot – AKA the best-known cooking appliance to mankind.

A personalized cooking apron so your host can get food ready for the party without having to worry about dirtying their party clothes.

4

For the pet lover, Sales Director Tammy recommends…

For the world traveler, Chief Operating Officer Mia Mecleary recommends…

PLAN YOUR NEXT TRIP TODAY

3

Harry Potter? An encased Sorcerer’s Stone or a Time-Turner would be a fun gift.

For your boss, Art Director Melissa recommends…

Arranz

The Ellison Tech Portfolio Collection from Pottery Barn. It keeps all of your boss’s electronics neatly organized and in place so they can always stay connected.

I SEE A RAISE IN YOUR FUTURE

By Courtney Craig | houselogic.com

I

f you think wiping down countertops and fluffing a few pillows in advance of the guest onslaught will land you on Santa’s “nice” list this holiday season, check that list twice. The extreme cleaners (telephone buttons! vacuum brushes! remote controls!) featured in this New York Times article may make you feel like a slacker.

But you can bring your home to sparkling guest-readiness without going overboard. A few tips from the “Times” will keep your home merry, bright, and clean:

1. Scrub your entryway. Wipe down your front door, give the doormat a good shake, and make sure dust and dirt haven’t collected on floors and furniture legs. These are the first things guests will see when they arrive, so keeping them clean will guarantee a good first impression.

2. Focus on the kitchen. People tend to gather around the food during the holidays, so make sure your kitchen

looks and smells nice. Don’t forget to dust the light fixtures and flush sink drains with boiling water.

3. Whatever you do, don’t neglect the loo. Don’t just wipe surfaces; break out the stiff-bristled brush and scouring powder to really scrub things clean.

4. Sniff out bad smells. If you clean your home and something still doesn’t smell quite right, brew some coffee. The aroma will cover it up.

5. Give your garbage disposal some love, considering how much it will “consume” this season. To cut down on odors, chop up a whole lemon — rind and all — and let the disposal gobble it up. Throw in ice cubes to sharpen the blades.

6. How about one soap for everything?

If you’ve got a bottle of castile soap ($10 for a 16-oz. bottle), you’re ready for anything. It can be laundry detergent, mopping solution, and shampoo, just to name a few.

7. Make sure you can see the guests coming. Keep windows clean and streak-free on the cheap with an easy mixture of vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Wipe down windows with a reusable microfiber cloth.

8. With all your holiday cooking, stovetops and ovens are bound to get dirty. Baking soda and water make a simple scouring solution that can scrub off that baked-on gunk.

9. To save money, make your own bathroom cleaning products. For example, to unclog a drain for pennies, pour half a cup of baking soda followed by half a cup of vinegar down the drain.

Cover the drain for at least 30 minutes, then flush it with boiling water.

What are your tips for keeping your home guest-ready during the holiday season?

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Garage Cleanout Tips: What Not to Store in Your Garage Avoid storing these items in your garage

G

arage cleanouts are major undertakings that often require you to take every item out to the driveway and reassess everything you store there. Some items do well when they are stored in a garage, but many are better suited to the house.

Garages are vulnerable to the temperatures and humidity of the environment, so it’s wise to take that into consideration when editing down your belongings. Here are some items that you should avoid storing in a garage after you’ve completed a garage cleanout.

What Not to Store in Your Garage • Paper of any kind should be stored inside the house. This includes documents, photographs, and other important paper items. This is because of the risks moisture and fluctuating temperatures pose. Paper products can grow mold, stick together, or warp when not properly stored.

• Finally, food storage of all kinds is a bad idea. Food invites pests to feed in your garage. The fluctuating temperatures are also bad for the longevity of your food’s shelf life. Store food items indoors where the temperature can be controlled.

• Cardboard boxes are a bad choice for a storage container in a garage. A number of insects like to feed on cardboard.

Additionally, cardboard is more susceptible to rain damage.

After Your Garage Cleanout…

If you’re like most Americans, you’ll be left with piles of junk after you complete your garage cleanout. You can count on the team at JDog Junk Removal & Hauling to treat you and your property with Respect, Integrity, and Trust. Contact Jim Andrews of your Lehigh Valley-based JDog Junk Removal & Hauling at 267-898-4555 to schedule a pickup.

• Garages are rarely temperature-controlled. Therefore, a refrigerator won’t be able to keep up with its constantly changing temperatures. A refrigerator needs to work harder during the summer. It won’t be able to work hard enough to keep food cold enough in the winter, either.

• Paint is another item that won’t do well in the extreme temperatures of a garage. Additionally, cement floors cause paint cans to rust faster.

Schedule an appointment, ask us a question, or get a free junk removal estimate. Fill out our contact form, email us, or give us a call to talk about your particular project.

JDog Junk Removal & Hauling 258 N. West End Boulevard, #353, Quakertown, PA 18951 267-898-4555 | jandrews@jdog.com

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A Busy Year for the

Humane Society

By Kalyn Kratzer, Lehigh County Humane Society

2018 was a year of firsts for the

staff at the Lehigh County Humane Society. From first-ever fundraisers to unprecedented media coverage in response to the numerous high-volume cruelty cases, the life-saving animal shelter has had an incredible impact on the Lehigh Valley community. Over the summer, the first annual Barks and Bikes event brought bikers and vendors to the facility grounds in an effort to raise funds for new kennels and medical expenses for the animals. Staff and leadership changes brought fresh eyes to the cause and are expected to continue the shelter’s mission to rescue, care, protect and educate.

Arguably the most notable highlight of 2018 was the culmination of efforts and media coverage initiated by what is now affectionately monikered “Beaglemania.” Multiple calls reporting violations of animal law resulted in an influx of 65 beagles that were seized in a cruelty investigation. The social media posts went viral, which flooded the shelter with an outpouring of support from the community in supplies, donations, and adoptions. The Lehigh County Humane Society was featured across the nation on multiple news sources and received thousands of dollars in donations and inquiries from around the world. As incredible as the community support turned out to be, the real heroes were the staff and

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volunteers who worked tirelessly to care for and treat the animals received. Their heart, valor, and dedication are apparent in the everyday operation of the shelter, but especially shined in these critical moments.

In a second cruelty investigation merely two weeks after the beginning of “Beaglemania,” dozens of exotic animals were seized from a local residence.

Pythons, an Anaconda, exotic birds, dogs and potbellied pigs were among the animals collected. Once again, the incredible staff and fleet of volunteers rose to the occasion, working with exotic animal rescues and coordinating transport for medical care. Cases like these brought a new challenge each time, but they were met with a passion for the welfare of these species and a determination to see them properly homed.

Though more high-volume cruelty cases emerged as the year went on, it was the flood of support received from the Lehigh Valley and surrounding communities that allowed the Lehigh County Humane Society to push through the great need and set its focus on the future. In 2019, there is expected to be even greater impact on the animals in our community through spay and neuter clinics, vaccination clinics, and fundraisers to contribute to the welfare of this worthy cause.

HOW YOU CAN HELP: Monetary donations are most needed at this time.

If you would like to volunteer, donate, or adopt a pet, please visit www.thelehighcountyhumanesociety.org.

NAR Approves S.M.A.R.T. Budget, Increases National Dues I

n a major move to keep REALTORS® positioned for success into the future while ensuring the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) no longer needs to use reserves to cover expenses, the NAR Board of Directors approved a budget that sets national association dues at $150 per year per member beginning in 2019.

That’s a $30 increase. Seventeen dollars of the increase is for REALTOR® Party advocacy programming. The remaining $13 will fund programs such as the new Commitment to Excellence professionalism initiative, the popular forms and transaction management benefit ZipLogix, and to cover the costs associated with building maintenance and renovation at NAR headquarters in Chicago.

The new package of measures, called the S.M.A.R.T. Initiatives (for Strategic Measures Advancing REALTORS® to Tomorrow), was approved by NAR’s Budget Review Committee in March and association leaders have been getting member feedback on them since then. For more information on the S.M.A.R.T. Budget Initiative, visit https://www.nar.realtor/smartbudget.

The NAR budget underwent a comprehensive review after Bob Goldberg became CEO of the association last August. The spending plan for 2019-2021 reflects more than $2 million in annual savings, achieved by reducing association staff, cutting global travel, and making across-the-board cuts.

NAR is also realizing savings from a decision Goldberg made earlier this year to end the Advanced Multi-List Platform (AMP), formed in 2015 by NAR’s wholly owned Realtors Property Resource® (RPR®) subsidiary to provide customized back-end technology services for small- to mid-size multiple listing services. The elimination of the program saved NAR $1.7 million in 2018 and, along with other reductions at RPR®, will save $5.25 million in 2019.

A key element of the financial blueprint involves replenishing NAR’s reserves, which have fallen 45 percent since 2015. In recent years, NAR used savings to fund activities such as a popular forms and transaction management platform benefit and for creation of Upstream, an innovative data management platform for brokers.

The increase also funds needed upgrades and repairs to the association’s Washington and Chicago office buildings. In addition, the board voted to establish a reserve fund to cover maintenance costs for the buildings in the future.

Local dues through the Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS® are NOT increasing.

Your local dues, which have not been increased since 2011, will remain at $120 in 2019.

Luminaria Night A tradition connecting SouthSide Bethlehem neighborhoods for two decades

By Jennifer Khawam, GLVR Marketing Department Intern

B

ethlehem, Pennsylvania, 1998: Three Bethlehem women created something without knowing the immense impact it would have years later. What Donna Acerra, Joanne Anderson and DeAnn Artim created was Luminaria Night, now a staple holiday spectacle in the Lehigh Valley. The event happens every year in December, when residents of the Bethlehem area purchase their Luminaria kits – paper bags, sand, and candles – to light up the sidewalks of their neighborhoods for one night each year, turning the streets into luminous aisles of holiday wonder.

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The annual display not only gives residents something to marvel at as they walk or drive down the glowing roads, it gives them a chance to help someone in need. From the very beginning, Acerra, Anderson and Artim wanted to make this event about bringing people together. By donating the money that was being made through kit sales to charity, Luminaria Night became so much more than just getting to know your neighbors and coming together to put on an event.

“While connecting with the neighbors we have on our own streets has always been important to us, and may have been the impetus for starting Luminaria Night, we have always been keenly

aware that our ‘neighbors’ are not just the folks next door,” said Anderson.

“Our neighbors are the people we share all of the Lehigh Valley with, and even beyond. It was important to us that the connection we make with lights translates into a connection with people as well. At the holiday time of year our hearts are full, and we who are fortunate wanted to share that feeling with those who are, through circumstances we can’t often know, not as fortunate.”

The call to purchase Luminaria kits and donate all of the proceeds to charity was so immense that the team of creators decided to recruit New Bethany Ministries, an inter-faith non-profit organization located on the SouthSide

of Bethlehem, to help. New Bethany supports those in need throughout the Lehigh Valley, providing food and hygiene support, permanent affordable housing, transitional housing and wellness programming. In 2003, they joined the women and volunteers of Luminaria Night to form a joint effort in helping those in need.

Anderson recalled what it was about New Bethany that made them want to join hands for Luminaria Night: “What New Bethany does better, we think, than any other place, is give our neighbors who are struggling not only a meal and a place to be, but most importantly, New Bethany gives them back their dignity. Imagine living on the streets, and now there is a place you can shower, be clean, and clean your clothes. We can’t imagine any of that, but we know it must be hard, and we are proud to say we are a part of a place that is trying, day after day, to make the lives of our less fortunate neighbors better in every way they can.”

From that initial idea and start in 1998 to now, Luminaria Night has been the impetus to hundreds of thousands of dollars being donated to those in need in the Lehigh Valley. In 2017, Luminaria had nearly 4,000 participants, sold 10,000 kits, and raised $108,000 for New Bethany Ministries.

The mission has grown so large that block captains are assigned to streets and regional captains are assigned to entire areas to make sure all goes smoothly and successfully. The event has also

stretched beyond Bethlehem, moving into Easton, Hanover Township and the Saucon Valley. Having to use over 70,000 pounds of sand and hundreds of volunteers to make it a success only scratches the surface of the immensity of this project.

“We believe that Luminaria Night is getting more and more successful every year,” said Anderson. “How do we define that success? Certainly, by the numbers – every year we gain more neighborhoods, light up more streets, and we have been blessed with being able to raise more and more money for New Bethany. Our true success comes in the fact that more and more people know about New Bethany, know about their neighbors on the SouthSide and beyond and know how great the impact of one little bag of sand and light can be when it’s put next to another little bag, and another, and so on.”

Luminaria Night celebrated its 20th anniversary last year and doesn’t have any plans to slow down. Production for the 2018 Luminaria Night has been in progress since September, and the 21st annual Luminaria Night is slated for Saturday, December 15.

“This little ‘grass roots’ event has shown a lot of folks what can be accomplished a little at a time if we all care about the connection we have to one another,” Anderson concluded on the continuing success of Luminaria Night. “I can’t think of a better measure of our impact and success.”

GET TO KNOW NEW BETHANY MINISTRIES They started in the 1980s and have been in operation for over 30 years.

• They impact 7,000 people annually • They aim to help people who cope with mental illness, disabilities and/or extreme poverty • They have sites in Bethlehem, Allentown and Coplay • In 2017, they served almost 35,000 meals to more than 2,230 unique individuals e

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DepartmentUpdate MLS

Apartments.com Added to List of Syndication Options On October 16, Apartments.com, the leading rental listing network that can put you in touch with millions of renters, was added to the list of destinations for your residential leases/rentals. In addition to Apartments.com, the feed also sends listings to Apartamentos.com, Apartmentfinder.com, Apartmenthomeliving.com, and Forrent.com. If a broker was previously opted into Apartments.com through ListHub, they will automatically be opted into the feed.

Brokers are able to opt out of sending listing data at any time. Through the Matrix Input Control Panel, data will be sent (or not) to the Zillow Group, Realtor.com, Apartments.com and/or RPR with broker approval.

Directions on how to access and use the Matrix Input Control Panel are available on the MLS homepage under the External Links section.

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MyRental™ from CoreLogicŽ offers tenant screening solutions to help brokers and agents identify top quality applicants, which can lead to happy landlords and repeat business.

The direct-to-consumer website, MyRental, provides effective renter screening tools that aid in evaluating tenants based on their ability to repay a lease. Real estate agents have the option to purchase screening or to pass the fee on to applicants instead -- with no sign-up fee or minimum order.

GLVR MEMBERS: Save 20% on all purchases when you create your account through https://myrental.net/m/glvr!

If you have any questions, contact MyRental directly: Call - 877.496.3352 Email - customerservice@myrental.com

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How GLVR members celebrate with unique traditions

T

he holidays are a time of love, giving and tradition. These holiday themes are no different for members of the Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS®. When asked what holiday traditions they share with their loved ones, there were a myriad of responses. Some admitted to not doing anything particularly special (but still great in their own, personal ways), while others shared what is unique about what they do around the holidays. Here’s what our members had to say:

Our holiday traditions with family start with Thanksgiving at my house when we all gather for the big holiday meal. Before eating, we all join hands at the table and each person says what they are thankful for from the past year. At Christmas, we have a casual Christmas Eve dinner, followed by candlelight services at our family church, after which we go to one of our favorite restaurants for a holiday cocktail. The next day we gather to exchange gifts, enjoy a holiday meal, and enjoy a day of each other’s company.

- Rob Ritter, Weichert Realtors

We have many traditions for the holidays including eating latkes, playing dreidel and decorating our home for Christmas- but our favorite would be planning and acting out the epic adventures of Morris; our Elf on the shelf. We have overarching storylines and little games in between as the month plays out. The plot thickens every year!

- Amy Zanelli, Keller Williams Real Estate

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Starting with Thanksgiving, it’s a trip to Dallas and the Thanksgiving Day game. It was a tradition to watch our beloved Cowboys on TV but we have now made it a bit of a tradition to actually go to the game! It’s always lots of fun to tailgate on Thanksgiving regardless of the outcome!

Christmas is much more traditional with a Christmas Eve seven-fish dinner and midnight mass, then lots of food and visiting on Christmas Day. For no apparent reason, we destroy a coconut with a hammer for all the younger kids. I’m not sure why, but they can’t wait for this coconut destruction on Christmas!

- Carl Billera, Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate Valley Partners

Growing up, the holidays hav and my family, as well as Ma families have blended both ou and have added a few of our o been important to us; we put u decorate every possible piece of have always done a classic wh We have been featured most ye and the RCN Christmas and shows. Attention to detail is im We celebrate Christmas Eve w house and attend midnight m becomes the place where both f about 15-18 people over for C

- Glenn Paisley, BHHS Fo I’m from Russia and the biggest winter celebration is New Year. A live Christmas tree must be in any household and decorating it is a part of most family’s traditions. The head of the household has the privilege to top the tree with a star or an angel. Usually all the members of the family gather together on New Year’s Eve. Around 8-9 p.m. a late evening dinner begins. First, everyone says goodbye to the going year. A lot of food, drinks, and desserts accompany this tradition. At 11:50 p.m. we all prepare to meet a New Year. Champagne glasses are ready and on the 10 second mark everyone counts down and everyone wishes each other a good and prosperous year ahead. After 12:01 a.m. we play games, make a visit to neighbors to wish them the best in the New Year, and/or any other fun activities. The celebration usually ends around 2-3 a.m. and could go up to 6 a.m. It is the most likeable holiday in Russia.

- Marina Brekhounets, Keller Williams Real Estate

Our traditions are very tradit revolves around food and, of c time of year that we are all ab All of the recipes that I make a father’s mother) and my Gram gnochetti soup, roasted leg of l spinach, candied yams, bread/ and for dessert, my Nonna’s tw Midnight mass is a tradition by a gathering of our closest fr the wee hours of the morning, every single weekend we have

- Barbie Andretti, BHHS F

ve been important to myself att and his family. Our joined ur families’ holiday traditions own. Decorating has always up thousands of lights and f the outside (and in). We hite theme in our decorating. years in The Morning Call Service Electric Christmas mportant both inside and out. with a dinner at my mom’s mass. Christmas day our home families come. We average Christmas Dinner each year.

ox & Roach – Easton

tional. Christmas Day course, family. It is the one ble to be in one place together. are from my Nonna Rina (my mmy (my mom’s mom). Oxtail lamb, crispy roasted goose, /potato stuffing, garlic peas, wo-layered walnut torte! on Christmas Eve followed riends and family going into , and snowmobiling ensues e snow at the lake.

We traditionally celebrate Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s. We make it a point to feast together with all of them. Sometimes we have other family members drive in to break bread with us. There is really nothing unique about our holidays… we just love the time together throughout the holiday season.

- Tarrant Booker, Century 21 Keim

For the winter holidays it’s mainly about being around the people who have made my year spectacular. Thanksgiving is usually spent with my friends and family where we have a couple of drinks, play some trivial and competitive games, and depending on the weather, either sit outside by a fire and catch up on the year or stay inside and watch seasonal movies. For Christmas, I take to the gym with my workout crew. We see each other three times a week every week in the year, so they are my second family. Christmas afternoon is usually spent lifting some heavy weights and joking around with them while looking back on the year.

After that my dad and I head over to my uncle’s restaurant, The Starlite Diner, and put together our very own Christmas dinner before we go to church for the midnight mass. Nothing spectacular, no gifts, just the presence of friends and family is all we love to appreciate.

I typically host a small Christmas party with 2-3 of my closest friends and we make turkey or ham, and everyone will bring something potluck-style. Winter Solstice is typically around December 22 and is celebrated by Chinese families. My sister-in-law cooks up a feast and we have my aunt and uncle for dinner as well. Christmas Eve we usually do something small and we either make a roast or my husband will make a nice dinner. For as long as I can recall, we have always celebrated Christmas Day dinner. As everyone grew up, we started having our family Christmas dinner at restaurants or at a hotel and enjoy a nice Christmas buffet. Then comes New Year’s Eve. We usually celebrate with our friends with a New Year’s Eve party. Wrapping up the year, we celebrate Chinese New Year. That could happen anytime in January or February depending on the lunar calendar. My husband makes a nice big feast for Chinese New Year’s Eve dinner. Then the first Sunday following Chinese New Year, there’s a Chinese New Year parade and lion dances in Chinatown or in Atlantic City that we attend with our friends.

- Amy Ling, Century 21 Ling Realty, Inc.

- Photis Zographou, iLehigh Valley Real Estate

Fox & Roach – Easton

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GLVR Magazine | Winter 2018 {41}

Lights in the Parkway www.lightsintheparkway.com

Allentown’s Lights in the Parkway is a Lehigh Valley tradition! Drive through more than a mile of thousands of lights and sparkling holiday displays featuring beautiful animated scenes and familiar characters, all while listening to classic holiday music.

Lehigh Valley Zoo - Winter Light Spectacular www.lvzoo.org

The Winter Light Spectacular at the Lehigh Valley Zoo is another fantastic lights display that will fill you with magic and wonder.

For this light show, you have the opportunity to walk through treelined pathways that are lit up by over 1.1 million sparkling lights.

There are also places to stop and enjoy outdoor firepits, hot cocoa and delectable s’mores. To top it off, be sure to bring your camera to take pictures with your favorite characters like Elsa, Olaf, Minions, and Santa Claus.

Miller Symphony Hall Allentown Symphony Holiday Events www.millersymphonyhall.org/site/ events/our-partners-events

Miller Symphony Hall is the home of the Allentown Symphony – and a ton of great holiday shows! Check out their website to see a list of shows that include performances such as the Nutcracker ballet, holiday jazz concerts, and more!

State Theatre Holiday Shows https://statetheatre.org/events/thewizards-of-winter-2

The State Theatre in Easton is the place to be for holiday shows and performances.

Holiday performances this year include the Nutcracker ballet, A Magical Cirque Christmas and the Wizards of Winter. Each performance is sure to entail a night of enchantment and awe for all audiences.

Chriskindlmarkt www.christmascity.org

Another Lehigh Valley tradition, ArtsQuest’s annual holiday market is one that keeps the true, communal spirit of Bethlehem alive. Over 150 artisans set up at the holiday market each year, surrounded by a cozy, holiday atmosphere that makes you feel like you’re walking through a holiday market somewhere in Europe. Visiting Chriskindlmarkt is a tradition you’re going to want to continue (or start!) this year.

Christmas Classic Matinees at Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas www.steelstacks.org/christmasclassics/

Christmas movies are a classic way of getting into the spirit of the holidays. What better way to watch them than in a big movie theater? Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas, located at SteelStacks, is putting on your Christmas movie favorites this holiday season, including films like Christmas in Connecticut and It’s a Wonderful Life. Bring family and friends to put yourselves in the Christmas spirit!

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Lehigh Valley Phantom Games

PEEPSFEST at ArtsQuest New Year’s Event

Olde Time Christmas in Jim Thorpe

www.phantomshockey.com/tickets/

www.steelstacks.org/festivals/

www.jimthorpe.org/christmas

Winter sports are a great way to get excited for the holiday season! Be sure to check out the Lehigh Valley Phantoms ice hockey home games, which are always fun for the whole family (especially for the sports fanatics in your life)!

Celebrate the end of 2018 with ArtsQuest’s PEEPSFEST® New Year’s Event! The annual event at SteelStacks is well known for its 400 pound, 4’ 9” lit PEEPS® chick that descends from the sky to help celebrate the coming of a new year. The event also includes fun for the family, with activities like balloon making, a family disco lounge, magicians, kid friendly bands and, of course, the PEEPSFEST® 5K. Ring in the New Year with PEEPS®!

single-game-tickets

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peepsfest

Head to Jim Thorpe to celebrate Christmas every December weekend from December 1 to 16 to get into the holiday spirit!

There are tons of activities each weekend, like a Christmas decoration and display contest, breakfast with Santa, holiday train rides, Christmas carols, and a Nutcracker Holiday Display at the famous Harry Packer Mansion. Cookies and cocktails are featured on the 15th of December, plus more! Be sure to bring extra mittens for the mitten tree donation to help others have a safe and warm holiday as well.

figure out who’s going to be out of town by listening to conversations in public or searching online profiles that aren’t set to private.

Upgrade your security - While cameras and security systems aren’t always a guarantee, they can definitely keep your home safer than it would be without them. Recent advances in home technology also make this a great time to upgrade to equipment like a doorbell that connects to your smart phone.

Keeping Your Home Safe and Secure in Winter Whether it’s due to shorter daylight hours or the decrease of people out and about, studies have shown that crimes against property (such as theft) increase during winter months.

Check out these tips to help you leave burglars out in the cold.

Increase your lighting - Shorter days and longer nights give would-be thieves a natural advantage. Installing additional exterior lighting and keeping your interior lights on a timer if you work late can help deter them.

Collect your packages - With more and more holiday shopping being done online, it’s easy for your front door to turn into a pile of packages. If possible, schedule deliveries at a time when you will be home to receive them.

Be careful warming your car - Many people leave their car running in the morning to help it de-ice and heat up, but doing so can leave you vulnerable to carjacking. Lock your car doors (make a copy of your key if there is only one for both the ignition and the locks) and keep an eye on your vehicle while it’s warming up.

Get to know your neighbors - When asked, former burglars claim that they have tricks to get around most security systems, but it’s difficult to escape watchful eyes. This is especially helpful when you know you’re going to be out of the house for long periods of time.

Shovel your drive and walkways - Much like piles of mail, piles of snow in front of your doors can be a signal to thieves that you aren’t home and haven’t been for a while.

Vet your visitors - It’s a best practice to always verify who is at your door before opening it, but it can be tempting to rush and open your front door when it’s cold out. After all, you don’t want to leave someone standing in the cold, do you? However, it’s still best to not open the door for any unexpected visitors.

Call Patrick Rooney for mortgage information!

NMLS# 203265 Cell: (610) 973-4173 Patrick.Rooney@SupremeLending. com www.PatrickRooney@ SupremeLending.com 79 West Market Street, Suite 400 Bethlehem, PA 18018

Keep blinds and shades closed - No, you don’t need to live completely without natural light, but keeping your window coverings open all the time, especially when you’re away, can give the bad guys the opportunity to window shop your home.

Limit your posting… and bragging - It’s tempting to tell all of your friends that you’re jetting off to the mountains for a ski weekend, but you’re putting yourself, and your home, at risk. Burglars can

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REALTORS®® POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE 2017 2018 INVESTORS Theresa Abramson Peter Adams Christina Adams Sharyn Adams Jason Adams Wajeeha Ahmed Pamela Adams Theresa Alfano Peter Adams Phillip Allen Scott Adams Michael Ameer-Beg Sebastian Amico Sharyn Adams Kori Andralis-Erceg Catharine Albertson Debra Andrews Phillip Allen Paula Antario Edward Alosi Belinda Asmar Dianne Altieri Albert Attieh Laura Aurigemma Jennifer-Lyn Amantea Debra Michael Bagarozzo Ameer-Beg Paveet Bali Sebastian Amico Suchismita Banerjee Jeffrey Amore Donna BartholomewSacco Jeffrey Amsler Lori Bartkus Christine Amspacher LeeAnn Baumer Kimberly Anderson Susan Beattie Kori Andralis-Erceg Raymond Behan Barbra Andretti David Beil Debra Andrews Randall Beitler Janice Benner Ettore Angelo Christopher Bennick Katelynn Anthony Diann Benscoter Elias Aoun Merrill Beyer Latisha Aponte Nancy Bischoff Nayda Aponte Cynthia Bishop Richard Hiam Araj Bogdanski Mary SharonBeth ArnoldBohri Zoltan Boldizsar Sunita Arora Mary Lynn Bonsall Belinda Asmar Tarrant Booker Lisa Assad Alan Bosch Barbara Bottitta Nunzia Assante Di Cupillo Lou Julia Bottitta Atiyeh Faith Brenneisen Karen Axt Catherine Breslin Debra Bagarozzo Darcel Bridges MujahidJo BaigBromley Bobbi Tara BakerBrown Michael Marissa Burkholder Tara Banninger Robert Bury Joshua Barnhart Frank Calabrese Christopher Barr Theresa Calantoni ArthurCampbell Barrett Lori Lisa Bartholomew Suzete Campos Jon Capobianco Donna Bartholomew-Sacco Dean Carnes Gerard Carpinello Lori Bartkus Carmelo Sallie BartosCarrasco Melissa Carreras Karen Basak-Carey James Carroll Kerry Bassett Gabriel Casas LeeAnnCastro Baumer Sonia

Heather Davis Craig Evanko Janice Benner Michael Gillis Kim Capers Kathy Hendricks RobertBennick Clarke Fritchman Roger ReisLou Henninger Kayla Davis Patricia Karedis Ashley Evans Paula Meilinger Christopher Larry Ginsburg Jon Capobianco Monna Elissa Clausnitzer Mitchell Fry Susan Karper FrankLeah Renaldi Alyssa Davoli Patrice Fabozzi Sylvia Merkel Diann Benscoter Nicholas Glackin Caden Caracciolo Henry Jo Ann Clyde Sherri Fucito Therese Kelley Diane Mertz Frank Renaldi George Dayoub Louis Falco Allison Berger Lorraine Glaessgen Kenneth Carey Alicia Hernandez Brian Coffman Beverley Galtman Victoria Kemmerer Christopher Mesch Samantha Rendine Michael Falcone Dezzarae ClaraCarol Bergstein Michel Glower Doreen Hershey Colangelo Dean Carnes Adam Gamble Trisha DeBeerJennifer Kennedy Meyers Emma Reynolds Julian Berkeley John Gober Charles Hillenbrand Ronald Coleman Gerard Carpinello Melissa GarcsarKathy DeBellis Jayme Kerr Mario Famularo Garett Michaels Carlos Ribau Robin Colon Dale KesslerDavid Feaver RebeccaRebekah MiklasGoldenberg Rachel Riccobono William Deibert Christine Bertie CarmeloMeredith Carrasco Gardner Pamela Hissner Meryl Miksits Denise Rich Michele Fedorov ElizabethAnne Merrill BeyerCooper Goldstein Melissa Denise Carreras Garrity Susan Deily Shane Keyser Diana Hodgson Alesia Coulter Karen Gehringer Lisa Kishbaugh David Miller Julie Rich Jennifer DeJesus Heather Fehr Carl Billera Antonio Gonnella Desiree Carroll Barbara Hodick Evonne Courduff Todd George Betty Klein Debra Miller Carol Richard Stephanie DelGrosso Jason Ferkh Anthony Bisconti Cowen MarcellaLisa Gontram CarterGerstenblith Hoffman Catherine Susan Knoble KimberlyPamela MitchellDulceBonnie Ridder Goerlich Kessia Fernandes Susan Blair Jane Gonzalez StephenCynthia Carvelli Gilbert Robert Dell Elba Christopher Hoffman MaryEllen Cox Jill Koch Teresa Riggs-Fejes Thomas Michael Gillis Deborah DeLong Jason Kocsis Kathleen Rittenhouse Kathryn Fetzer Alfred Moll Angela Bock Cramer Gabriel Casas Mary Gonzalez Christine Hofstaedter Gloria Monks Roger Cressman StephenLorraine Glaessgen Robert RitterHohl Diana DeloreyDouglas Koffel Carmen Fiallo Eugene Bodogh Toshya Gonzalez Casey Thomas Juan Morales Alick Cutrona Michel Glower Joseph Kolarik Kyle Roberts Marilyn Demendoza-Conte Barbara Filaseta David Bohning James Goodman Sonia Castro Gail Hoover Rose Mott Karen Daley John Gober Shannon Kolling Myra Rodriguez Elizabeth FilasetaJosh Mrozinski MarySusan Beth Bohri Ira Gordon Marlene Jane Catalano Russell Horn Dalius Gonzalez Tai DeSa David Kopes Victoria Roelke Brian Desmarais Sharon Finn LisaMark BolashDamiano Jacqui Gordon Peter Cerruti Horton Sean Mulrine Mary Gonzalez Joseph Kospiah StuartGregory Rogers Linda Danese Barbara Gorman Phyllis KozeJoseph Finnerty Dwight Musselman Deborah Cesanek-Nothstein Michael Desnoyers Joseph Bonner Barbara Gorman Horton JesseLaurie Roldan DeBellis Graul-Oswald Heather Kramer JohnAubrecia RosarioHouston CatherineLisa Chies Barbara Detres A. Louise Finney Robert Natkie MaryKathy Lynn Bonsall Joseph Grady William Nesbitt Andrea Decker Alyssa Graves Gay Krauss Rosner Christopher Christian Daniel Detrick Mary Lou Fiske Tarrant Booker Lisa Graul-Oswald SarahDana Huber Danny Nimeh William Deibert Kathleen Gregory Karen Kucharik Robert Ross Bradley Christman Bethany Devine Erin FleckensteinKristen Obert Alan Bosch Alyssa Graves Daniel Huber Deborah DeLong Michael Gregory William Kuklinski Thomas Roth Gail Christman Katrina DeVito Deborah FlemingMarie Obert Barbara Bottitta DelVecchio Dennis Greenzweig Christopher AlexanderRowe Hubickey Christine John Gross Douglas Kuntz James Christman Maureen FletcherRonald Ondishin Lou Marilyn Bottitta DemendozaKathleen Gregory Michelle Andrew Hudak Kenneth Gross Ravi DhingraStephanie LaBella Rowe Conte Terry Oplinger Beth Guadagnino Hershel Ruhmel Tiffani Christman Jonah Diaz Joanna LaFaver Joy Flood Jennifer Bowen Michael Gregory Bonnie Lynn Hufton Orlando Diaz Kathryn Orlando Joseph Guglielmo Tzuying Lai RobinRandal Ruhmel Stefan Cihylik Orlando Diaz Connie Foland Robert Boyer John Gross Hughes Michael Dickinson Richard Orloski Norman Gundrum Carol Landis-Pierce Peter Ryan Robyn Cimerol Antonio DiCianni Joyce Folsom William Ortiz Vincent BoyleDieter Kenneth Gross Tammy Huk Robert Andrew Gusick Margaret Larter Nadya Salicetti Jessica Cincilla Terence Ford Carla Ortiz-Belliard Sharon Bradley Jaclyn Grynaviski Katarine Patricia Husted Brooke Dietrick Jason GutierrezSarajoy Dickey Sean LaSalle Sanchez MaryBrago Beth DolinichElissa Clausnitzer Ouf Michael Dickinson Casey Foreman Mohamed Gretchen Beth Guadagnino Osvaldo AnnaSanchez Huynh Robert Hackman Vibeke Lavan Juan Pagan KarenThomas Sands GeraldineGeorge Clinchy HahalisRobert DieterTome LazaroChristopher Forister AmyCarol Bray Dorey Matthew Guedes Huzela Stephen Dreisbach Theresa Panik Chuck Haley Nancy Leary Santana Brenda Clowser Brooke Dietrick Warren Fowler Benjamin Breidinger Norman Gundrum Andres Shannon Hyland Jennifer Duarte Charalambos William Hall Maryann Lebus Patricia Saunders Fred DiLorenzo Rebecca Francis Papageorgiou Charles Breidinger Andrew Gusick John Iannitelli Anne Stuart DubbsJo Ann Clyde Tiffany Hallett Joseph Lepeta Eric Schatz Brian Coffman FaithEva Brenneisen Jason Gutierrez Adele Irving Dugan Donna HarmonyMary Beth Dolinich Ari Lester Brandy Franco Ellen Passman Nicholas Schiavone Pathan Helene Easterday Carol Colangelo Catherine Breslin Haaland LyndaSchmoyer Ivarsson Scott HarringtonCarol Dorey Barry LewisJason Freeby ShabanaCaitlin Matthew William Eckert Richard HartzellMichael Dorney Cliff Lewis Arden Freeman Andrea Patterson Ronald Coleman Arnold Bridgeman Barbara Hacker Joseph Jackson Agnes Schoenberger Kelsey Elliott Kathy Hendricks LilesFreeman Claudia Paulino Susan Jeffrey Colfer Richard DottaJames CraigBecky Terese Brittingham Martin Hacker TylaSchrader Jackson Cheryl Penuel Jared Erhart Monna Lou Maryann Liles Iona Jeffrey Schwartz Robin Colon Paul Dougherty David Fretz Stacey Brobst Robert Hackman Jacobs Carrie Petrovich Dina Evangelou Henninger Salvatore Lisinichia Kent Seagreaves Frank Comunale Courtney Downs Glenn Fretz Janet Brown George Hahalis Amber Jankowitsch John Philapavage Craig Evanko Alicia Hernandez Sureya Lococo Michael Seitz Janice Pigga Lisa Conover John Fretz Michael Brown Trixie Hailye Jaquith Louis Falco Jessica Hilbert Cindy Doyle Andrea Lohman PurviHeidi Shah Pat Pignitor Horace Bonnie HoffmanMichele Dragani Meryl Cooper Fretz Christina BryanFarber Charles Haley Bashar Jarrah Christopher Kurt Long Cheryl Sharayko Lucy Pilovsky Michele Fedorov Robert Cornelius Christopher Hoffman Boabdil Louison EllenPaul Shaughnessy Stephen Dreisbach Arjay Frey Wendy Buchanan Preap Ham Johnson Amanda Pitts Kenneth Felix Thomas Hohl Michael Madden Barbara Shelly Joyce Cornell Anne Stuart Dubbs Chad Fritzinger Sarah Buck Jeffrey Hammel Kenneth Jones Selena Polidura Barbara Filaseta Michael Howard Gail Magnant Michael Shelton Evonne Courduff Eva Dugan Linda Furnari-Rose Eileen Budd Ilyse Hampton Trevor Jones Richard Pongracz A. Louise Finney Richard Hrazanek Stanley Majewski Laurie Shenkman MaryEllen Cox Huber Hugh Dugan Mark MarinaMelissa Garcsar Tamra Poust SeanLouis BurkeFisher Heather Hansler Daniel Joseph Dana Dandie Shiffert Mary Lou Fiske Bonnie Lynn Hufton Claudia Cramer Hugh Dugan Jon MarkleyMeredith GardnerGale Pring Marissa Burkholder Donna Harmony Kaczor LauraSarah Shimer John Pryslak Erin Fleckenstein Thomas Tammy Matthew Marks Thomas Shive Cramer Huk Margaret Dugan Jacob Garnjost Robert Bury Scott Harrington Nicholas Kalogeras Carolyn Qammaz Jie Floyd Patricia Husted Elizabeth Martinez MarcJoseph Sholder Roger Cressman Mark Duignam Denise Garrity Carolyn Butera Robert Hartman Kaminski Kristen Quijano Joyce Folsom Anna Huynh Michael Martinez Susan Shortell Jamie Gassler Leticia Quinones Sydney Buxton Richard Hartzell Michael Kaminski Christopher ForisterJeremy Cummings John Iannitelli Spurgeon Dunbar Frank Mastroianni Judith Shuman Alick Cutrona Helene Easterday Karen Gehringer Kristina Bzura Cheryl Haughney Mary Kane Christopher Raad Kathleen Fosbenner Lynda Ivarsson Ladonna Mayo Kimberly Sidlar Philip Fowler Joel Ivory Elie Daher William Eckert Robert Gemmel George Raad Frank Calabrese Robert Hay Kapoor-Atiyeh Joseph Mazurek DavidPriya Simoes ChristineTiffany Rader Jamie Frailey Jeffrey Jacobs Philip Edmiston Arthur Mazzei Kristie Daku Rosa Genao Petrina Calantoni Hayward Timothy SKutnik William Kappauf Anthony Ramos Mary Ann Baunach Deborah CesanekKim Frailey Tina Jago Muchugia Mbugua AishaSusan Smith Karen Daley Mirtha Eduardo Michael Gensey Bruce Campbell Danny Hazim Karper Nothstein Peter Ramos Rebecca Francis Heidi Jaquith Susan Beattie Richard McCauley Cheryl Smith Lisa Dalition Ronald Eichenberg Todd George Lori Campbell Michelle Heckman Daniel Kastelnik Janice Chrinko Lauren Ranzino Brandy Franco Bashar Jarrah Chad McConnaha Erin Smith Kelsie Beck John Dally Kelsey Elliott Lisa Gerstenblith Campbell Amanda Heffelfinger Rawan Katz Christopher Christian Meredith Janet Rasely James Francois Daniel Joseph Kristine McCreary Gregory Smith RaymondChristman Behan James James Raub Joseph D’Ambrosio Jared Erhart John McDermott Athena Gil Calvara Campos Thomas Heil Nicholas John Fretz Nicholas Kalogeras Robert SmithKavounas David Beil Tiffani Christman Kurt Fretz Joseph Kaminski Linda Danese Sherry Ann Erney Cynthia Gilbert Daniel Rawleigh Suzete Campos Nicholas Heist Melissa Keck Michele McDonaldSteven Smith Stefan Cihylik Randall Beitler Lisa Razze Michael Kaminski Lee Snover Marina EstevezHeinze Farrah Gildner BethRichard Cannon Freyling Diane Davidson Dineen Henderson GloriaLee Kelechava Jessica Cincilla Deborah Reinhard Christopher Mary Kane Lori Measler Matthew Bell Snyder-Hare Shahla Davies Dina Evangelou Nicholas Gildner David Capece Aubrey Hendricks CarolTherese Kelley Dean Benner

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Stephanie Kelly Janice VictoriaSobieski Kemmerer Reis Xiaoxi Song Lisa Kennedy Matthew Sorrentino Stephen Kerecman Caroline spears Jayme Kerr Earl Stafford Kathleen Kerstetter Joanne Stahl Matthew Starr Brooke Kerzner Robert Stephens Dale Kessler Douglas Sternberger Clarence Kistler Michael Strickland ChristineSutch Kizer Luanne Betty Klein Joseph Szivos Pamela Szivos David Klein Peter SusanTabarani Knoble Justin Taglioli Jill Koch Barbara Taylor Joseph Kochan Christa Taylor MatthewTognoli Kochan Sandra Scott Tomlinson Colleen Kochik Christina Trabosci Jason Kocsis Julie Turylo-Wargo Thomas Kocsis Nancy Unangst Eileen Koehler Kristine Vanderpool Douglas Koffel Theodore VanWert Zhanna Ved Joseph Kolarik Ethel Velopolcek Gaylemarie Kolb Marcia Villamil Elizabeth Kotyuk Daniela Villarejo Frank Kozo Joseph Vlossak Damon Ann VlotKramer Heather Vogt Kramer William Jessica Vooz Kalyn Kratzer Katrina Wachob Sierra Krause Amy Wakefield Gay Krauss James Wakefield Shana Kremus Jennifer Wales Manuela Kucharczyk Dale Wallace Theodore Wallace Karen Kucharik Shih-Chiung Malisa Kuehn Wang Carrie Ward Rebecca Kuhnel Robert Weber William Weir Kuklinski Colette Gerhard Kumfert Erika Wells Betsey SuzanneWenger Kunda Steven DouglasWerley Kuntz Charlene White Mary Lambert Denise Whitney William Lambert David Wignovich Joseph Lanasa Sally Wildman Vickie Landis Thomas Williams Filomonia WilliamsCarol Landis-Pierce Freeman Shirley Lang Audrey Winton Thomas Wojtynski LaPella Monika Murline Larrieux Thomas Woodring Yvonne Worman Sean LaSalle Kimberly Yandrisovitz Michael Laudone Paul Yoder Alexander Lazo Daniel Young Eric Leadbetter Judi Youssef Leary DNancy Martin Zawarski Joseph Lepeta Weston Zelenz Jennifer Ziegler Jennifer Lessard Theresa Ziegler Bernadette Lewandoski Barry Lewis

Cliff Lewis

Lori Mcfarland

Tammy Nicotera

Martha Prieto

Joseph Ruane

David Simoes

Catherine Tien

Robert Weber

Amy Liaw

Lisa McHale

Tanya Niland

Gale Pring

Hershel Ruhmel

Lauren Skinner

Robert Timlin

Bruce Weidenbaum

James Liles

Daniel McIntosh

Danny Nimeh

Sabrina Pritchard

Peter Ryan

John Smigo

Laura Tkac

Michael Weinstein

Maryann Liles

Brigita McKelvie

Cody Nimeh-Chapkovich

Rori Prushinski

Rachael Rymon

Barbara Smith

Mark Tocket

Betsey Wenger

Amy Ling

Brian McKendry

Shari Noctor

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Engels Zapata

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GLVR Magazine | Winter 2018 {47}

“The current market conditions are fundamentally different than what we were experiencing before the recession 10 years ago,” said Yun. “Most states are reporting stable or strong market conditions, housing starts are under-producing instead of over-producing and we are seeing historically low foreclosure levels, indicating that people are living within their means and not purchasing homes they cannot afford.

This is a stronger, more stable market compared to the loosely regulated market leading up to the bust.”

Yun’s words on foreclosure levels hold true for the Greater Lehigh Valley. According to October market statistics for Lehigh and Northampton counties, only 1.1 percent of the available market (23 properties) were labeled as lender-mediated. In Carbon County, lendermediated properties came in at 0.6 percent (two properties). Lendermediated properties are those marked as foreclosed, REO, bank owned, preforeclosure or short sale.

Looking Back to Look Ahead: 2018 Market Wrap Up and What to Expect in 2019

By Mallory Siegfried, E-Communications Specialist

C

onsumers should expect home sales to flatten and home prices to continue to increase, though at a slower pace, according to a residential housing and economic forecast session at the National Association of Realtors® (NAR) 2018 REALTORS® Conference & Expo in November.

As Lawrence Yun, chief economist for NAR, presented his 2019 housing and economic forecast, he was joined onstage

by Lisa Sturtevant, President of Lisa Sturtevant & Associates, LLC, who discussed the importance of affordable housing in the U.S. Much of Yun’s presentation focused on recent declines in home sales, but in the context of long-term trends to illustrate the housing market’s actual performance.

“Ninety percent of markets are experiencing price gains while very few are experiencing consistent price declines,” said Yun. “2017 was the best year for home

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{48} GLVR Magazine | Winter 2018

sales in ten years, and 2018 is only down 1.5 percent year to date. Statistically, it is a mild twinge in the data and a very mild adjustment compared to the long-term growth we’ve been experiencing over the past few years.”

In Lehigh and Northampton counties, year to date, home sales are up 0.1 percent, according to the Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS® most recent market report released for October. The Median Sales Price is up 8.1 percent. The Lehigh Valley is known, as seen here, for following national housing trends. Carbon County, which is its own unique market, has been experiencing a stellar year, partly due to homebuyers looking for inventory not currently available in the AllentownBethlehem-Easton area. In Carbon, home sales and home prices, year to date, are up 13.4 percent and 17 percent, respectively.

As to the possibility that we are currently experiencing a small bubble, Yun was quick to shut down any speculation.

Housing affordability was also discussed by both panelists. While the U.S. is experiencing historically normal levels of affordability, potential buyers may be staying out of the market because of perceived problems with affordability.

“NAR research shows that a lower percentage of consumers think that now is a good time to buy, while more are indicating that it is a good time to sell,” said Yun. “Problems could arise if the market is flooded with too many sellers and not enough buyers. Fortunately, that does not appear to be the case, as indicated by months’ supply of inventory at below five months.”

Again following the national trend but marching a tad lower, the Months Supply of Inventory for Lehigh and Northampton

counties in October came in at 3.0 months. In Carbon County, the Months Supply of Inventory was 6.1 months. Carbon has been a more balanced market between buyers and sellers throughout the year, while Lehigh and Northampton counties have seen more buyers than there are sellers.

The national median existing-home price is expected to rise to around $266,800 in 2019 (up 3.1 percent from 2018 this year and $274,000 in 2020. “Home price appreciation will slow down - the days of easy price gains are coming to an end - but prices will continue to rise.”

Sturtevant discussed the importance of homeownership on a social level - how homeowners tend to be in better physical and mental health and have greater opportunity for economic selfsufficiency. Additionally, communities with more homeowners tend to be more economically prosperous and better able to attract and retain workers.

All of these forecasts, however, are dependent on higher levels of home production. “All indications are that we have a housing shortage. If you look at population growth and job growth, it is clear that we are not producing enough houses. This is often a local issue, not a national one, so NAR has created a website where local associations and Realtors® can go for information on how to advocate for increased supply in their communities,” Said Yun.

“I am a researcher, not an advocate; but the results of my research have compelled me to see the importance of affordable, stable housing, and the positive economic impact to local communities,” said Sturtevant.

Looking to next year, Yun shared his forecast for home sales and median home prices. “The forecast for home sales will be very boring - meaning stable,” said Yun. With a few months of data remaining in 2018, Yun estimates that existing-home sales will finish at a pace of 5.345 million—a decrease from 2017 (5.51 million). In 2019, sales are forecasted to increase to 5.4 million, a 1 percent increase.

Commenting on the overall health of the U.S. economy, Yun noted that the economy is “good.” He noted that we have low unemployment, record high job openings, historically low jobless claims, job additions for eight straight years and wages beginning to increase. “This type of activity in the economy should support the housing market, even as interest rates rise,” said Yun. * National data and slides provided by the National Association of Realtors® and Lawrence Yun, NAR’s Chief Economist and Senior Vice President of Research

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How to Make the Homebuying Process Less Stressful for Buyers

By Basil Leonetti, Branch Manager with American Financial Network Corp., NMLS # 1059094

W

hether your clients are firsttime homebuyers or seasoned investors, the home buying landscape has changed dramatically over the past 10 years. This is especially the case here in the Lehigh Valley where we have seen incredible growth in both new business and development. This has translated in a 20,000+ growth in the workforce, or almost a 10 percent increase from January 2008. This, combined with higher wages and a decrease in unemployment, has led to a boom in real estate. What does all of this mean? More people need mortgages and homes! I recently read an article that said 40 percent of Americans felt “buying a home was the most stressful event in modern life.”

How do we alleviate this problem? We do it by building good rapport, setting clear expectations, educating the buyer and keeping them in the loop each step of the way.

Having direct communication during the homebuying process is critical.

Being accessible seven days a week by phone or email has been essential to success in this business. Most importantly, taking the time to ask the right questions and to listen when first starting the process are key. Everyone has different expectations when working with a mortgage professional or real estate agent.

Another necessary component to have in a lender is flexibility. The wide range of diversity here in the Lehigh Valley means your lender needs to have the right program to fit your needs.

This is where many people run into challenges. Not all lenders offer the same programs or are able to structure mortgages in the same ways. One group

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{52} GLVR Magazine | Winter 2018

of people who can benefit from more attention is physicians. Lehigh Valley is considered a regional healthcare mecca with a tremendous amount of healthcare facilities and medical professionals, and these numbers are growing exponentially. Many of these healthcare providers are coming into the housing market with hundreds of thousands of dollars in student loan debt. Under traditional income and debt calculations for determining mortgage eligibility, this level of student loan debt can be prohibitive, even with a physician’s salary. Fortunately, some lenders, myself included, have programs in place to work with physicians in this exact situation. In many cases we can exclude some or all of the student loan debt from their monthly obligations in order to help them qualify. For medical residents about to complete their residency, often we can use their new higher salary upon completion of their residency program. Physicians account for a huge part of the local economy; it is imperative to offer programs such as these in order to make their dreams of home ownership a reality.

Another area that is underserved in the Lehigh Valley is our self-employed business owners. They have always been a major contributor to our country’s growth and well-being. Unfortunately, they struggle to qualify for mortgages in a lot of instances and are turned down by their banks because they do not meet traditional requirements or guidelines.

Recognizing this, there are a handful of mortgage bankers out there who will cater to these folks by using alternative documentation to source their income.

By doing this, we can get a very good picture of their overall credit worthiness, ability to repay the mortgage, and are

then able to help them buy a home.

We offer similar programs for investors who are looking to expand their rental property holdings but are ‘maxed out’ in the number of financed properties they can qualify for through conventional financing. These programs are part of a growing recognition of the importance of being able to help everyone who is financially responsible and can afford a home, even if they don’t fit into the metaphorical box.

Last, but certainly not least, is our veteran population here in the Lehigh Valley. Eligible veterans are in a better position to buy a home than most.

The VA mortgage program is by far the most flexible and easiest to qualify for. Surprisingly, there are a lot of veterans who do not take advantage of this opportunity. Like anything else, much of this comes down to lack of awareness and having a reliable source of information that can be trusted.

Many new buyers out there, especially millennials, have been misinformed about what is needed to buy a home or to qualify for a mortgage. There are many options to help people buy homes (no down-payment options, downpayment assistance programs, grants, etc.). You just have to know where to look for them.

Basil Leonetti is a Branch Manager with American Financial Network Corp. here in the Lehigh Valley. He has over 20 years of experience in the mortgage and financial industry. He specializes in helping all types of buyers, but truly views working with veterans as an honor and a privilege.

Please feel free to contact him directly at 610-442-3331 if you have any questions.

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To Listen or Not to Listen: Does a homeowner have a right to “listen in” on a showing?

By Edward J. Easterly, Esq., Norris McLaughlin, P.A. Attorneys At Law

SCENARIO: After multiple showings and no offer, a homeowner decides that she wants to get more information on what potential buyers think of her home. As such, she installs multiple cameras throughout the home to watch and listen in on showings. Are there any issues with this homeowner’s actions?

ANALYSIS: There are certain factors that must be considered when determining if the homeowner violated the law when installing cameras into her home to conduct surveillance on a showing. The first consideration is: Where did the recording take place?

Every state has different laws as it pertains to recording someone without his or her knowledge and each state’s law is different as to what is or is not permitted.

What the homeowner is recording is also key. Does the camera in the home merely record video or is audio recorded by the camera or surveillance equipment as well? If the camera is

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{54} GLVR Magazine | Winter 2018

merely recording video, the homeowner is subject to less stringent requirements.

Video cameras should not be placed in any locations where an individual could be recorded fully or partially nude (i.e. a bathroom), but otherwise if a homeowner is solely recording video in their own home, they are generally permitted to engage in such an act.

If, however, the camera or surveillance equipment also records audio, a homeowner is required to comply with the applicable law or face both criminal and civil penalties. In this regard, Pennsylvania is governed by the Wiretapping and Electronic Surveillance Control Act (the “Act”).

Under the Act, both parties to a conversation must generally consent to being recorded (what is known as a “two-party consent” law). The Act makes it clear that it is a crime to intercept or record a telephone call or conversation unless all parties to the conversation consent. When a conversation occurs outside of a phone call, the law is a bit more unclear.

With regard to oral communications outside of a phone call, the Act does not generally protect such oral communications when a speaker does not have an “expectation that such communication is not subject

to interception under circumstances justifying such expectation.” In other words, an individual must have an expectation of privacy when making the oral communication in order for it to be protected by the Act. By way of example, if two people are having a conversation in a public place with others around, such a conversation may not be protected by the Act. Communications which occur in the privacy of a home, however, regardless of whether the home is owned by the people involved in the conversation, will likely be afforded protections under the Act. The foregoing is due to the nature and location of the conversation.

Individuals going through a showing and commenting on a home do not expect to have such communications recorded. Accordingly, it is generally not recommended that homeowners record the audio of those going through showings of a home. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if a homeowner wants to audio record a showing, the homeowner should inform the potential buyers, in multiple locations and forms, that audio recordings are being conducted in the home. By way of example, such notifications should be included in postings around the home and in writing to the Realtors® prior to a

showing. Even if a homeowner is only recording video, it is still recommended that notification is provided to those entering the home.

While Realtors® should be mindful to inform their clients of the potential issues of illegally recording an individual, they should also be weary of the law as well. The law does not merely subject the individual who made the recording to potential liability but “any person who intercepts, discloses or uses or procures any other person to intercept, disclose or use, such communication.” As such, if a Realtor® encourages such recordings or views and “uses” such recordings after the fact (for example, listening to the recordings to see how the home could be improved), the Realtor® may be subject to liability under the Act even if they were not the one who actually engaged in the recording activity.

2018 RPAC STATS

Dollars invested

$68,085

With regard to the Act, it is better to be safe now than sorry later, as a violation could constitute a felony and expose an individual to monetary damages from those they illegally recorded.

Number of investors

888

First time investors

194

All information reflects statistics for RPAC investments in 2018

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Five new Emeritus recipients were recognized at the Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS® General Membership Meeting on October 17, 2018.

An Emeritus is any person who has held membership in the National Association as a REALTOR®, REALTORASSOCIATE®, or a combination of both, for a cumulative period of 40 years in one or more Associations of REALTORS®.

Congratulations to Gail Magnant of Keller Williams Real Estate, Ken Snyder of Real Living Spectrum Real Estate, Frank Posocco of RE/MAX Real Estate, Martha Segel of Keller Williams Real Estate, and Robert Mertz of BHHS Choice Properties for achieving the status of Emeritus!

GLVR recognized a total of 17 new Emeritus recipients in 2018. This latest group brings GLVR’s total of Emeritus recipients to 99! For a full list of Emeritus recipients, visit www.GreaterLehighValleyRealtors.com and click on About > Leadership & Staff.

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{56} GLVR Magazine | Winter 2018

Sponsor Highlights W

elcome to the first installment of Greater Lehigh Valley Realtors Sponsor Highlight feature in our e-magazine!

This section of the e-magazine is here to provide you with any and all updates and announcements from our sponsors. That includes new offers for our members, updates in leadership, and anything in general that our sponsors want to share with you!

Read on to find out more.This month’s sponsor highlights:

VAST Abstract, LLC Alayna Danni is a new member of the VAST Abstract, LLC team. She recently joined them as their new Staff Processor.

Congratulations, Alayna!

Jenny’s Gift Baskets Jenny’s Gift Baskets has new wine and gift baskets for the holiday season!

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Liberty Mutual Regina Wagner from Liberty Mutual was recently promoted to a Lead Sales Representative Role, where she has the opportunity to help members with their own personal insurance needs, as well as help their clients. Congratulations, Regina!

HomeSpot Media As of August 1st, Chad Clauser became the full owner of HomeSpot Media, the Allentown-based full service Real Estate Marketing and Media Company. Congratulations, Chad!

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JDog Junk Removal and Hauling Lehigh Valley is thankful for its strong base of Realtors as we have grown into two separate locations in 2018 and purchased 3 additional trucks, including a roll-off service.

JDog has opened a branch office and warehouse space in Bethlehem, PA to help its continual outstanding customer service along with efforts to Recycle, Re use, and Re purpose.

The four thousand square foot facility will now along better sorting of unused items collected throughout the Lehigh Valley and find new homes for these items to our neighbors in need of such things.

With JDog being a Veteran Operated franchise, they work closely with other Veteran organizations in the community that focus on our current on prior military members and their families. JDog Junk Removal specifically supports the VALOR Clinic Foundation and Hope For Veterans (which recently lost its funding due to VA Benefits cut backs) who help homeless veterans along with Lehigh Valley Property Heros with helps find funding for military and first responders in purchasing a home.

The purchase of the new equipment and warehouse space will help in the commitment of JDog to the environment in staying green along with helping those who need to “clear the clutter” and in turn helping those in need. JDog is forever grateful to The Greater Lehigh Valley Realtors Association along with every Realtor in the Lehigh Valley as they all have been huge advocates of our mission.”

Caliber Home Loans has a new video for you to check out! The video will help you understand how they can help you sell more homes “HGTV style.” Check out their video by following the link below!

Watch Video

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GLVR Magazine | Winter 2018 {57}

Are you building trust while adding value to your services?

By Victor Cimerol and George B. Lehr, First United Land Transfer When consulting with your clients, you are looked upon as the professional and trusted advisor. You are counted on to help make the right decisions during what might be one of the biggest transactions your clients will ever make in their lifetime. In their eyes you are not only their Realtor®, you are an educator, a new friend (sometimes you serve as their therapist), and the person who will do the right thing to help them as a consumer and as a loyal customer.

During the next few months of working with your client, you will develop a new relationship, earn their trust, and give them advice. They also trust that you will be working with the right team of professionals who will help with financing, home inspection, homeowner’s insurance quotes, and title insurance. Being well rounded and knowing what each partner does and how they play a hand in the transaction is key.

On the topic of title agencies, here are three major facts about title insurance that could add extra value and help you gain your client’s trust.

1. What is tile insurance?

Title insurance is indemnity insurance that protects the holder from financial loss sustained from defects in a title to a property. The most common type of title insurance is lender’s title insurance, which the borrower purchases only to protect the lender. Another policy type

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{58} GLVR Magazine | Winter 2018

is the owner policy. This policy protects the buyer’s equity and rights to their property.

By searching, clearing and insuring the title to the home they’re about to purchase, the owner’s title policy offers protection of the property rights for as long as the buyer and their heirs own the home.

the cost of the search, title examination, escrowing the funds, conducting the settlement, issuing the title policies (lender’s policy and owner’s policy), and recording the documents. The cost for the premium is based on the coverage amount and is the same for all title agencies throughout the state.

You are probably wondering: If the cost for premium is the same, then why does the cost differ between agencies?

Some agencies will have a menu of extra charges like bank/wire fees, notary fees, printing fees, tax certification fees, courier fees, settlement fee outside the office or after hours, and so on. Ask the title agent for a title quote of all their fees.

2. How title insurance works:

What should you know when choosing a title agency?

As a property changes hands, mistakes and irregularities (often made long before a client expresses interest in the property) can place a buyer’s ownership in dispute. The seller may have failed to pay real estate taxes, fraudulently claimed to be the sole owner, or avoided disclosure of using the property as collateral for an unpaid loan.

Are they able to handle last minute changes at the settlement table? Do they have the ability to reprint checks or even hand them out at settlement? Will my clients be happy? Should cost be the deciding factor when choosing a title agency?

Even a simple mistake in the recording of legal documents, improper execution of legal instruments, or the reappearance of undisclosed or missing heirs can result in the loss of your client’s home.

3. How much does title insurance cost?

The one-time premium is directly related to the cost of the home and the insured amount. For more information and rate calculation, visit www.

FirstUnitedClosing.com. This one-time premium is paid at settlement, yet it continues to provide complete coverage as your clients or their heirs own the property.

Pennsylvania is one of the few states where the title rate is all-inclusive. So, when you pay the premium, it includes

The hope is that your clients will never have to use the policy. But if they do, you should know that the standard in the industry is to search the chain of title back 60 years. Some agents buy the search, or production, as it is called from the underwriter. Some underwriters may not go back as far when considering the cost for labor verses the cost of paying a claim. When your clients buy title insurance, they are also buying title assurance. Ask if the chain of title was examined back as far as 60 years.

First United Land Transfer is an independent title agency located at 3500 Winchester Road, Suite 202, Allentown, PA 18104.

FEDERAL TAXATION

BREAKING NEWS: Infrastructure Reform Among 2019 NAR Policy Priorities NAR is working to be at the forefront of discussions as Congress and the White House seek agreement on a comprehensive national infrastructure package next year.

The effort to ensure the voice of REALTORS® is heard as the federal government turns its attention to infrastructure is a top federal public policy priority of NAR in 2019.

Other priorities include making recent tax law changes better and ensuring REALTORS® have a leading voice in efforts to reform the country’s secondary mortgage market.

The priorities were announced today at the 2019 REALTOR® Party Training Conference in Minneapolis. The priorities were developed following a process that included feedback from the NAR Public Policy Coordinating Committee and results of the 2018 NAR Member Survey.

INFRASTRUCTURE Infrastructure ranked high on the NAR Member Survey and a number of NAR committees will be reviewing issues related to it. The issue is expected to be one that Congress and the White House will take up in 2019 and it’s crucial that REALTORS® be leaders in the conversation.

The Federal Taxation Committee will consider changes to improve last year’s tax reform law. On the commercial side, the Federal Taxation Committee and the Commercial Committee will seek to advance qualified opportunity zones as a path for real estate investment.

ACCESS TO CREDIT Alternative credit models such as rent payment history will be a focus as NAR works to improve access to credit. NAR will also educate lawmakers about the importance of protecting the availability of 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage financing. NAR President-elect Vince Malta will testify next week before Congress on the issue and NAR will be showcasing its role as the thought leader on reform of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac in a policy forum it hosts in Washington next year.

HEALTH INSURANCE The Insurance Committee will work to protect and promote the U.S. Department of Labor’s rule on association health plans, which expands the use of AHPs but faces hurdles.

FLOOD INSURANCE The Insurance Committee will continue to work with the Federal Emergency Management Agency to finalize comprehensive reforms to the National Flood Insurance Program and modernize flood mapping. In addition, NAR will be working with FEMA to raise public awareness of disaster preparedness.

TECHNOLOGY The Federal Technology Committee will promote NAR’s innovation agenda, which includes responsible data security protections, restoration of net neutrality to help maintain an even playing field online, and advancement of remote notarization.

More on NAR’s federal policy priorities.

More on the REALTOR® Party Training Conference.

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