Oct. 5, 2020

5 Tips For Moving During Coronavirus in the Lehigh Valley

While it may be best to stay in place, putting off a move during a pandemic, it isn’t always possible. We’ll share 5 tips for moving during coronavirus in the Lehigh Valley to help keep you and your family safe.

Professionals or On Your Own

Just as difficult as the decision may have been to move at this time, the choice of who will actually move you can be just as tough. By moving yourself, you won’t have to be concerned about your belongings carrying illness into your new home. For many moving on their own is not feasible, in any event, should you decide to work with a mover, here are some tips for using a moving company during coronavirus in the Lehigh Valley. Meeting you halfway in the moving business, there are companies which offer to bring a storage container to you to pack yourself, while they handle the actual transport. If you’ve decided to use the services of a traditional professional mover, you’ll want to ask about the policies they have in place, such as the use of masks, gloves and other protective gear. Share with the movers when you reach out to them if anyone in your household has been ill in order that they can be properly prepared.

Gear

It may be worth the expense of using new boxes, to ensure that they haven’t been exposed to any virus. In order to keep healthy during your move, take a look at these tips for safety while moving during coronavirus in the Lehigh Valley. Clean items carefully as you pack, ensuring you’ll get off to a great start once you’ve unpacked. Be prepared for being on the road, have masks, hand sanitizer, and spray sanitizers are a good start, bring along any other protective gear that you may need on hand, given the current mandates in place when your move occurs.

Inform

Keeping others aware of your plans is another tip for moving during coronavirus in the Lehigh Valley. Should you be relocating into a close community, or moving from one, such as a condo with indoor hallways to the front entry, you’ll want to ask about the policies of the condominium. Specifically, if they’ll notify your neighbors of the date of your move so that they can make any preparations necessary to keep safe distances. If you’ve been renting, ask about the steps to drop off keys, how they plan to perform inspections, and if you must be present their safety precautions. Should you need to make repairs, remember that some services are not considered essential and may only offer emergency repairs during the pandemic.

Downsize

Another tip for moving during coronavirus in the Lehigh Valley is to consider having the movers drop off everything inside a garage or front room, and you’re taking it from there. This minimizes having your new home exposed to other people as much as possible. lightening the load. Consider Let’s face it, the more cubic square feet of belongings you have, the more you going to be moving from the central location into the proper rooms. Downsizing the amount of the load will also cost less, as you pay for the size of the moving truck, to the fuel to pull it. If you’re moving to another state, consider donating your foodstuffs to a local pantry and restock with fresh supplies in your new home. Because of the costs of moving, especially long distances, carefully consider if you have an overabundance of possessions that you could donate or sell.

Once You’ve Arrived

Due to the changes in how business is done, you’ll want to consider these tips for moving during coronavirus in the Lehigh Valley. Make certain you’re aware of the current mandates regarding masks and any other pertinent information you may need to be aware of regarding COVID19. Reach out to the schools that your children will be attending as early in the process as possible, in this way you can be prepared for any of the gear you’ll need for your children to attend school. You’ll also want to handle any business online that is possible, and make an appointment to register in person if required.  if you’re moving out of state, consider setting up your new services well in advance, you’ll want to know their policies should any technician need to enter your new space. Additionally, appointments to change over your driver’s license and other documents should be made well in advance, as most states no longer allow you to simply walk into their offices.

While we can’t cover all of the precautions you can take to protect yourself and your family here, we understand your concerns. We’re more than happy to answer any questions or concerns you may have and share even more tips for moving during coronavirus in the Lehigh Valley. To see the latest Lehigh Valley homes for sale head over to the home page here at Lehigh Valley Listed.

Sept. 28, 2020

How To Label and Organize Your Moving Boxes When Buying or Selling in The Lehigh Valley

Whether you are buying or selling, there is a move in your future and things are going to get hectic. While there are a few common-sense tips for making a move a little easier, such as using sturdy, clean moving boxes and packing lighter objects in larger boxes and heavier items in small boxes, organization is the key to success. One of the best ways to lessen moving day chaos is knowing how to label and organize your moving boxes when buying or selling in the Lehigh Valley.

Moving Binder

The last thing you need on moving day is to be searching for a list or anything else you need to help get through the process of packing the moving truck. Using a binder to control the stress level is a great way to organize your moving boxes when buying or selling in the Lehigh Valley. You can keep important papers, lists, and labels here until it is time to start packing. You may want to grab a clear pencil pouch for the binder to keep any small items of importance during the move together as well.

Labels

Knowing how to use the power of labels when buying or selling in the Lehigh Valley will be of enormous help when it is time to organize your moving boxes. Labels can be hole punched as close to the outer edge as possible, in order to put them into your moving binder in preparation for moving day. Be sure not to put labels on anything other than boxes, unless you are sure it is easily removable. For furniture or larger belongings, you will want to tie on labels or easy-peel labels to save precious finishes. It also would not be a bad idea to place labels on more than one side of the box, in order to quickly locate information during the rush of unloading the moving truck or unpacking.

Supply Kit

You will want to keep a large, preferably clear container that will fit your moving binder along with any supplies you will need for packing and moving. This will make the job of labeling and organizing your moving boxes much more efficient when buying or selling in the Lehigh Valley

Fragile stickers that are red can be added to boxes that require a more gentle touch. You may also wish to use color-coded stickers for every box from one particular room. you will want to have markers, packing tape, and material to fill in open spaces and to wrap any fragile items. Consider using environmentally friendly options for this purpose, such as biodegradable peanuts. 

Box Index

Creating a box index that coordinates with the labels is another helpful way to organize your moving boxes when buying or selling in the Lehigh Valley. While it may sound like an overwhelming task to write down the contents of each box, you will thank yourself for the effort. Trying to remember what box you have already packed something away in can be nearly impossible sometimes. Once you get started, you’ll see that the job of jotting everything down actually goes quite quickly.

Open Me First

Keep in mind that the order of loading the boxes is important when you organize your moving boxes when buying or selling in the Lehigh Valley. You will want to have special labels to denote the boxes which are of “open me first status” and be sure these are the last boxes loaded. you will want to keep in mind what you may be in need of on your first night in your new home, in addition to the clothing and personal sundries you’ll want to have on hand. You’ll want your bedding, towels, and bathing supplies. Remember some food for staving off hunger and especially your coffee for the first morning. 

Don’t Delay

While it is advisable to begin packing as early as possible, allow yourself 2 – 3 weeks, if possible to label and organize your moving boxes when buying or selling in the Lehigh Valley. There is a formula that you can use to estimate the size and number of boxes that you will likely need to successfully pack your home. This will also help in making proper arrangements for the size of the moving truck used in transporting your belongings.  Whatever your plan of attack, you will want to set a goal of completing the night before the move with your “open me first” boxes. You could decide to finish room by room, with a certain date in mind for each room. Otherwise, you could have a goal of a certain number of boxes per day, until you have completed your task.

If your looking to make the move to a new Lehigh Valley home this year, head over to our search and see all the homes for sale in the Lehigh Valley now to get started.

Sept. 14, 2020

5 Things You Can Do To Confidently Buy A Lehigh Valley House Sight Unseen

It has become common to shop online, including ordering groceries or food, and having them brought to your door. While it sounds rather strange and slightly unsettling, very often homes are bought and sold long distance. This is accomplished virtually through the internet, without the buyer ever having stepped foot on the actual property. We will explain 5 things you can do to confidently buy a Lehigh Valley house sight unseen.

Virtual Tours

A virtual tour can allow you to see a property just as if you were walking through the home yourself. Using this technology allows you to view a home before you buy it. The lack of a virtual tour in the advertising could already be a signal that there could be something wrong. There may be something about the home they would rather you didn’t see before the deal closes and they’ve already disappeared with your money. Watching a virtual tour is a wise thing for you to do to confidently buy a Lehigh Valley house sight unseen. Drones, used by professionals, enable you to not only have a walkthrough of the interior but can lift up above the home showing the condition of the roof and the surrounding property. You will also be able to see the immediate neighbors or lack thereof.

Make a Checklist

Request a virtual tour be provided showing you everything you would want to see “as if” you were there yourself. Take the time to write out everything about the property you may want to see for yourself or ask about, by being prepared prior to requesting your personalized video, you can feel more confident about buying a Lehigh Valley house sight unseen.

New Construction

In addition to the advantages virtual tours can offer when purchasing an existing home, today virtual tours can provide the same benefit, prior to the home being built. Many buyers prefer to purchase a home that is brand new, avoiding any underlying issues that can appear in homes as they age. Likewise, you can often select the materials for countertops, flooring and even wall colors, among many options that technology now allows you to control. Taking advantage of this technology can help you choose just the right home and is another thing you can do to confidently buy a Lehigh Valley house sight unseen

Data

In the past, you would’ve had to make a trip to find the home and learn more about the neighborhood by seeing it for yourself. If you’re moving a long distance, you’ll want to save time and money by doing all of your footwork through the internet, this is also something you can do to confidently buy a Lehigh Valley house sight unseen. Another advance in technology is the ability to view maps of the area online, enabling you to imagine your drive to work, the grocery, or picking up your children from school. You can also see what type of amenities may be located nearby, such as parks or other community-based facilities. Likewise, you can see how closely the homes in the area are together. Using the data that is available at your fingertips through the use of technology can help you to learn more about the area. Statistics about crime in the area, ratings for the schools near the home you’re interested in, and information on registering your children. Additionally, you can review transactions of properties in the same area to familiarize yourself with the prices that homes are selling for. All of this data can help to ensure that you’ll be happy in your new home and is just some of the information you can learn, prior to being in your new city and selecting a home.

Work With Professionals

Unless you’ve got an abundance of time and knowledge about your target market to purchase a home, it’s wise to seek help. When you consider all of the required procedures for the real estate industry and all of the laws that pertain to transactions, working with an experienced professional is a very good move to make if you want to confidently buy a Lehigh Valley house sight unseen. Real estate is an industry that has been forced to evolve quickly. If you can’t devote the time to keeping pace with using the advances in technology you risk falling behind the competition and missing out on your dream home.

The best thing you can do to feel secure about your transaction and take full advantage of the ever-changing technology of real estate is to work with us. We can assist you by handling all of these things and more, we’ll help you through every step to confidently buy a Lehigh Valley house sight unseen! Learn more about how we can help you by sending us a message today!

Sept. 10, 2020

Things To Know Before You Buy Rent To Own In The Lehigh Valley

Are you thinking about buying a house in the Lehigh Valley? If so, a rent to own agreement can be a great way to do it! Learn more about what to expect so you can understand the process before you buy rent to own property! And if you have any questions, we are always here to help! 

Buying a house via a rent to own agreement can be a wonderful way to buy a house in the Lehigh Valley. The process benefits both buyers and sellers who are serious about a sale. People selling their homes this way will be able to reach a whole new audience when selling this way, helping them to sell faster and for their asking price.

Those who choose to buy via rent to own will be able to become a homeowner even if they currently lack the credit or the down payment needed for a traditional home loan. While every agreement is structured differently, buying and selling in this manner can be very beneficial to both buyers and sellers. Keep reading to learn more about what you can expect before you buy rent to own in the Lehigh Valley.

Things To Know Before You Buy Rent To Own in the Lehigh Valley

The Agreement

There are different types of agreements that can be used. Lease-option and lease-purchase are two of them. Lease-option gives the buyer the option to buy after the agreement, whereas lease-purchase ensures they will. Knowing which type of agreement to use and how to set it up is critical when buying a house via rent to own in the Lehigh Valley. At Lehigh Valley Listed, we will make sure you are using the right agreement and that the terms make sense for all parties involved. We are happy to explain the different kinds of contracts, answering any questions you have before you buy rent to own in the Lehigh Valley.

The Down Payment

Typically, when you buy a home via a rent to own agreement, you will need to pay the homeowner a down payment. While this doesn’t need to be 20% as with a conventional loan, it doesn’t need to be enough to ensure you are serious about following through with the home purchase. Depending on your agreement, this down payment may not be refundable. You can however structure it so that a portion of this payment goes toward your down payment with the bank when the time is right. Remember, the terms of the agreement can be negotiated so that both the buyer and seller can come out ahead.

Your Monthly Payments

In many cases, the monthly payments are slightly more than what you could expect to be paying each month in traditional rent. This is to help provide security while making it worth it for the homeowner. In some cases, a portion of the higher monthly payments can be put toward the buyers down payment to the bank when a traditional loan is taken out. Remember, all terms of the agreement can be negotiated before you sign. You don’t want to find yourself with monthly payments that are so high you can’t save up or that you risk not being able to make the payment one month and risk forfeiting your down payment and the ability to buy the home.

Maintenance, Repairs, and Responsibilities

Your rent to own agreement should be very clear about who is responsible for what. What if the water heater breaks a week after the contract is signed? Or what happens if the house suddenly becomes infested with termites? All of these details need to be ironed out ahead of time. You don’t want a discrepancy to come between you and the seller, causing you to miss out on buying the home you really love. Nor do you want to find yourself making a ton of expensive repairs after you’ve signed your rent to own agreement.

Time frame

Typically rent to own agreements are only drafted to last a year or two. The idea is that while you are putting down roots, you can also improve your credit, save for your down payment, and do all of the things you need to do to qualify for a traditional loan to buy the house outright from the owner. Rent to own agreements don’t last forever. They are put in place to help buyers prepare while offering tremendous benefits to property owners. Setting up a rent to own agreement with this sort of time frame can set up all parties for success.

Buying a home via rent to own agreement can be extremely beneficial to both buyers and sellers. That said, it is important that the agreements are properly set up so there aren’t any disagreements or discrepancies in the future. If you are looking to purchase a home in the Lehigh Valley, the best place to start is by using our Lehigh Valley Homes For Sale search here on the homepage of LehighValleyListed.com

May 21, 2020

Five reasons you need to hire a real estate professional in the Lehigh Valley, PA

If you’re thinking about buying or selling a property in the Lehigh Valley then you might be wondering if you should hire a real estate professional to help you.

In this blog post, you’ll read 5 reasons its in your best interest to hire a real estate professional in the Lehigh Valley – these are our recommendations about why a real estate professional can help you buy or sell your real estate!

It used to be that everyone hired a real estate professional when they needed to buy or sell. Times have changed and many people are now exploring other options. So now, the first step is to decide whether or not you even need to hire a professional to help you.

5 reasons you need to hire a real estate professional in the Lehigh Valley, PA

Reason #1

A real estate professional knows what to do. If you try to do it yourself, you may not realize all the steps or “ins and outs” required of you, which could mean your transaction takes longer, costs more, or gets stopped because of some obstacle you didn’t know about.

Reason #2

A real estate professional has “insider knowledge” of the market. They’ll know whether now is a good time to buy or sell, who is buying and who is selling, where the best places are to buy or sell, and what will increase your chances of buying or selling.

Reason #3

A real estate professional has access to tools which might help them to find a buyer or seller for you faster. The tools might include technology, systems, and a network of other professionals that they can rely on to help them provide you with the service you need.

Reason #4

Many people think they can handle the process of buying or selling a house without the help of a professional but when it comes time to negotiate, they realize they really miss that help! A real estate professional can negotiate on your behalf to help you and the other party find a price that will work for you both.

Reason #5

Once the transaction is almost complete, you’ll need to complete the paperwork. Do you know what paperwork you’ll need? Do you know how to make sure that you don’t get ripped off by the other party?

A real estate professional’s job is to help you understand the paperwork and check to make sure that there are no surprises.

Summary

If you’re wondering whether or not you should hire a professional these are 5 reasons you need to hire a real estate professional in the Lehigh Valley.

Looking for a recommendation of a great real estate professional?

Looking for an honest agent who can help you? Call Lynne Kounoupis with Remax Unlimited in Bethlehem, PA at 610-704-8826.

  To talk to us about your next move, click here now and fill out the form , head over to the home page of Lehigh Valley Listed to see the newest listings to hit the market.

May 18, 2020

Buying A House? Demand These 3 Things From Your Agent In the Lehigh Valley, PA.

If you’re thinking about buying a house in the Lehigh Valley,PA and if you’re going to buy one with the help of an agent, make sure you get the service you need. Read this blog post for information about buying a house? Demand these 3 things from your agent in the Lehigh Valley…

If you’re planning to buy a house, you might want to think about getting help from an agent. An agent provides many different benefits and services and they should be focused on serving you and help you.

So, buying a house?

Demand these 3 things from your agent in the Lehigh Valley. (And if you don’t get them, find another agent who can help you).

#1. Ask for their track record.

Find out how good your agent will be in representing you. See if they can provide you with testimonials and success stories, or some other kind of indicator of how well they represent you. Remember, they should be able to find you plenty of houses to look at and then negotiate well on your behalf.

#2. Ask to look at lots of houses, multiple times.

An agent wants to get you into a house as soon as they can. Although they want you to be happy, of course, they also want to minimize how long they take to work with you. Demand that they spend all the time you need.

One way to get their help here is to ask to see lots of houses, and, ask to see some houses multiple times. The reason is simple: An agent might want to show you five houses… but what if you find your dream home after looking at the fifteenth house?

Or, what if you look at ten houses and realize that you want to go back and look at the first house again? A good agent will comply with your wishes.

#3. Ask to drive around the neighborhood.

Agents can often be focused on houses and they forget all the other reasons you want to buy a house. For example, you might want to know that there are good schools and parks nearby for your children; so, ask your agent to show you a house and then drive around the neighborhood to view what the neighborhood is like. Both pieces of information are essential for you to make an informed decision.

Summary

Agents are not all the same. Some will do more for you and some will do less. But if you want an agent to serve you make sure you know ahead of time what you want and ask the agent if they’ll do it. Buying a house? Demand these 3 things from your agent in the Lehigh Valley… and you’ll love finding the house of your dreams!

 

If you are considering buying a home in the Lehigh Valley? We want to help. To talk to us about buying your next house, click here now and fill out the form , head over to the home page of Lehigh Valley Listed to see the newest listings, or call Lynne Kounoupis with Remax Unlimited in Bethlehem, PA at 610-704-8826

May 15, 2020

5 Tips For Downsizing Your House In The Lehigh Valley

Moving is stressful for many people, but downsizing your house is a great way to save money and save it or invest it into something else. Here are 5 tips for downsizing your house in the Lehigh Valley. 

Use a Tape Measure

The first tip to downsizing your house is to make sure the furniture you want to keep will fit properly into your new digs. You also need to make sure the furniture will fit through the door and navigate any hallways or corners you may encounter on the way to its new home. It would be terrible to take the time and effort to move a large sectional couch into your new house and come to find out that it is ridiculously oversized for the new space. 

Get Rid of Duplicates

Another tip for downsizing your house in the Lehigh Valley would be to organize all of your belongings with like things. Gathering similar or related objects will help you determine if you have an overabundance of objects like kitchen utensils or extension cords. Don’t be too hasty; if you are known for your annual light display, maybe you do need 12 extension cords. Make sure you keep objects you will use in the near future. Don’t hang on to things you don’t need. If you are going through an extreme downsize, you will also have to try to get rid of less sentimental objects than some of your extremely sentimental objects. Consider taking pictures of some of the less sentimental items and keep them in a special album, that way you will still have the memories without the physical objects.

Sell Your Stuff

Moving costs money. Selling your unnecessary items will be a great way to drum up some extra funds for the move, or maybe some new landscaping, fresh paint or other decorative elements. You could hold a garage sale to make some extra money, or consider selling online bulletin boards. You will want to start selling things early, finding buyers for specialty items may take some time, especially if you are listing your items one by one. A yard sale is a great way to sell your stuff a little faster. You can also advertise your yard sale on the online bulletin boards too. This will open up your potential customers well beyond your neighbors.

Give Your Stuff Away

The fastest way to get rid of extra stuff is to give it away! You have multiple options on how to give your stuff away. You could simply chuck it to the curb. This might be the best solution for some older and worn-out stuff. You could also put usable items at the curb with a sign that reads “free stuff.” You can also post a curb alert to the online bulletin board. You could also donate the items to your local thrift stores and help out a great cause. Giving the items away means they disappear instantly and you don’t have to store them or try to barter with anyone about pricing. It is also a very freeing feeling.

Fill Your New Space

If you can, it would be advisable to have some overlapping time between your current house and your new house. You can make some trips over to the new house with items you are for sure keeping. Make sure they all fit in their intended homes, fill out the closets and garage. Take measurements of your new space and current furniture to make sure it fits before getting rid of it or purchasing new furniture that doesn’t fit. This will be the best way to make sure extra stuff doesn’t get to the new house.

Contact us here on Lehigh Valley Listed today or call Lynne Kounoupis with Remax Unlimited at 610-704-8826 to discuss these and other tips for downsizing your house in the Lehigh Valley, PA.

May 15, 2020

Four reasons why home ownership is a good investment in the Lehigh Valley, PA

Maybe in the past, you’ve thought about owning a house but you’re not sure if it’s right for you. Well, aside from owning your own home instead of renting, one consideration is that it’s a sound financial investment. Here are 4 reasons why homeownership is a good investment in the Lehigh Valley.

There are many kinds of investments out there – from stocks to bonds, from funds to art – but one of the best investments out there is real estate.

It’s a stable, solidly performing investment. If you are curious about whether it’s right for you, here are 4 reasons why home ownership is a good investment in the Lehigh Valley…

Reason #1. It’s a Real Asset

Some investments, like stocks, are just “paper” assets. That is, they represent an investment but they don’t have any real value themselves. If the company collapses, you’re left with nothing but a worthless piece of paper. However, with real estate, you have a real asset (something you can touch and see) and it has real value.

Reason #2. Upward Trend

One of the things that make real estate a great investment is that the price tends to go up. Sure, the price might fluctuate depending on the economy or what else is going on in the neighborhood, but in general, real estate prices tend to rise over time.

Reason #3. You Can Increase Value

A very powerful reason why real estate is a good investment is that you have control over the value of the property. If you buy a house for a certain price and them improvements, you’ll increase the value of the house.

A new paint job or an upgraded bathroom can raise the resale value of your home. (This is preferable to a stock, which you can’t really improve with a paint job!)

Reason #4. Stability

If you’re currently renting a place to live and not sure if a property will give you a good return, then consider this: one often-overlooked return is the stability you get from living in one house that you own.

And that stability translates into a better credit score. And that credit score is a valuable outcome that can improve your ability to borrow, and even your ability to find a job (since some employers will check your credit score before hiring you.)

So just my moving into a home and staying there for a while, you’ll get some stability and be able to increase your credit score.

Summary

If you’re currently renting and debating about whether you should buy a property, then think about the return you could get on that property. Real estate is often a solid investment and here are 4 reasons why home ownership is a good investment in the Lehigh Valley.

Ready to invest in your next home in the Lehigh Valley? We want to help. To talk to us about buying your next house, click here now and fill out the form , head over to the home page of Lehigh Valley Listed to see the newest listings, or call Lynne Kounoupis with Remax Unlimited in Bethlehem, PA at 610-704-8826.

May 11, 2020

How To Quickly Pay Off Your Student Loans If You Are A Homeowner In The Lehigh Valley

There are a lot of people who have student loan balances hanging over their heads. Are you one of these people? Here are some ways to quickly pay off your student loans if you are a homeowner in the Lehigh Valley, PA.

Stick to the Plan

If you can afford the original repayment plan, do it! Most student loan repayment periods are 10 years. If you try to lower your payment or refinance, this could add another 20-25 years of repayment! 10 years doesn’t sound very quick in general, but it is way faster than 30 years! You may also want to consider making biweekly payments. You will end up paying an extra month every year which will shave off extra interest and time of repayment.

Take on a Second Job

Another way to quickly pay off your student loans is to take on a second job. Since your current job can cover all of the necessities now, your second job income can go straight to your student loan balance. You may lose some of your spare time, but just think of your financial freedom! Apply at least half or ideally all of that money to your student loan balance to speed up repayment. Make sure you communicate with your lender that you want the money applied to the principal so they don’t apply it to the next payment instead. This will also lower the overall interest paid of your loan since you are taking big chunks out of the balance. If you do not want to commit to a second job with a schedule, you could pick up side gigs. There are online bulletin boards where people can post random odd jobs they need help with and you can put that extra cash straight towards your balance. This will be a lot of work, but the benefits would be nice.

Sell Your Extra Stuff

Take advantage of online yard sale type apps and list your extra stuff for sale. Go through your closets and get rid of unneeded clothing or collectible items that may be worth some extra money. Maybe consider selling your car to get a more affordable one with better gas mileage or refinancing your current auto loan to have a lower payment each month. You could also hold garage sales as often as your community allows and ask friends and family for their unwanted belongings to add to your sale. 

Sell Your House

If you are a homeowner in the Lehigh Valley, the easiest and quickest way to pay off your student loans with a big chunk of money is to sell your house! You may even be able to negotiate the buyer paying a majority of the fees to have more money to put towards your balance. Take into consideration downsizing now to pay off those student loans and have more money for the future. You can also take advantage of the low-interest rates when you are looking for a loan for your new home. You can put thousands of dollars towards your student loans, or hopefully, pay off the balance in full, and find a different house to live in and save extra money with the lower interest rates on mortgages. You will also save in some unexpected places, like the electric and water bill and the actual time it takes to clean your house. You might be able to find a smaller, more energy-efficient home closer to your work and save you time and gas money every day! 

Call Lynne Kounoupis with Lehigh Valley Listed & Remax Unlimited at 610-704-8826 or send us a message today to discuss how to quickly pay off your student loans if you are a homeowner in the Lehigh Valley. 

April 8, 2020

5 Ways Buying Investment Property In The Lehigh Valley Is Different From Buying A Home To Live In Yourself

Buying investment property in the Lehigh Valley, PA is much different than buying a home of your own. Many new investors make the mistake of looking at these types of properties in the same way which can really hurt profits. In our latest post, you will learn more about how the purchase of an investment property and the purchase of a home of your own are very different processes! 

Investing in Lehigh Valley real estate is one of the best financial decisions you can make. Finding the right property may feel like a challenge, especially when you are just starting out. When buying your first investment property in the Lehigh Valley, PA, it’s important to understand that buying real estate for investment is much different than buying a home of your own. Keep reading to learn what makes the process so unique!

You Don’t Have To Like It

A great investment property may lack amenities you would prefer, it may be too small, and it may not be in your preferred location. But guess what? You don’t have to live there! If the demand is high and you have done the research to guarantee you’ll be able to get a great tenant or resell the property at a profit, that is all you need to know! A great investment property will suit the needs of your renter, not necessarily you. You can hate the cabinets, hate the wallpaper, and hate the yard, but if a property is going to provide you with an extra income each month, it will likely be the perfect addition to your portfolio.

The Numbers Have To Be There

When buying investment property in the Lehigh Valley, the numbers have to be there. It might be the most hideous home you have ever seen, but if it is generating a high rent or if you can fix and flip for a huge return, you should go for it. When it comes to buying the right investment property, it doesn’t matter so much as what it looks like in person, it matters what it looks like on paper. Do the math and if it fits the parameters you are after… it might be time to make an offer! When you work with our team to buy investment real estate in the Lehigh Valley, we’ll provide you with a wealth of market and property information. We’ll break down your potential ROI, costs, cash flow, sustainability, and more. Using the 2% rule, the 50% rule, and many others, you’ll be able to tell if the investment property is right for you, or if you should wait and purchase another property.

You Don’t Have To Feel Committed

Remember, this is an investment property, not your forever home. If the property doesn’t work out as you had hoped, it will be easy to sell it without any real attachment. You can sell it and move on to something that may work better for your needs. When buying investment property in the Lehigh Valley, if the numbers are there and the purchase makes sense, you can buy, without having to feel as committed as you would to a home of your own. You will be able to be free to take a shot at something that could end up being a real game-changer for your portfolio without feeling like you need to live there for the rest of your life.

Prepare For Competition From Other Investors

If you are looking for investment property in the Lehigh Valley, you’re on to something good. The problem is, there are other investors just like you who are also looking to invest in this great area. You’ll need to be prepared to deal with competition from other investors. You’ll need to be able to make great offers, negotiate, and do all the research required so you don’t make a poor investment decision. It can be a lot of work to keep up with what other investors are doing, especially when you are just starting out. By working with us, you’ll have access to the best investment properties available in the Lehigh Valley, PA, and surrounding areas without having to deal with all the hassles and competition.

You Can Avoid The MLS Completely

If you are thinking about buying investment property in the Lehigh Valley, one of the best ways to do it is to work with a top Lehigh Valley real estate agent who also sources off market deals. A great agent also has the ability to acquire properties off market at a tremendous value and pass those savings on to their buyers. We make it easy for you to avoid the work, competition, and run around people often face when looking for deals on investment property in the Lehigh Valley. In some situations, we can help you avoid the MLS and save you time and money when buying investment real estate in the Lehigh Valley!

To learn more about buying investment property in the Lehigh Valley, PA, reach out to our team! We are happy to answer all of your questions about the process!