Stroudsburg real estate

First-Time Homebuyers Need Guidance, Expertise

Just two weeks into the Chinese Year of the Tiger — many are wondering…Will this be the year that First-Time Home Buyers ROAR and purchase their first homes.

According to Mark Zandi, chief economist at Moody’s Economy.com, the answer is Yes, Yes, Yes. He says there will be 1.84 million homes sold to first-time home buyers in 2010, compared with 1.73 million in 2009. That’s good news for the economy and good news for buyers.

A few tips to those new to real estate who want to purchase a home:

1) From the National Association of RELATORS:
a. In order to take advantage of the Extended Home Buyer Tax Credit, you need to close by April 30, 2010. You can apply the credit to your 2009 taxes if you close and file your taxes on or before April 15 or you can file an amended 2009 return or apply the credit to 2010.

2) From the REALTORS at Commonwealth Real Estate Your Way with offices in Mt. Pocono and Stroudsburg, PA:
a. Find a REALTOR to work with. Do not try to purchase a home without the expertise, knowledge and guidance of a REALTOR. Using a REALTOR makes sense when its time to buy (or sell) a home. Particularly with the deadline for a major tax credit looming, many new to real estate will rush to judgment and make mistakes. For first time home buyers, REALTORS can look out for your interests and have experience negotiating and walking those in a real estate transaction for the first time through the process. REALTORS adhere to a strict code of ethics, they are constantly updating their skills, and they understand the marketplace.

It’s time to buy. There’s no doubt about it. The inventory is high, the prices are right and it you qualify as a first-time home buyer, the tax incentives are incredible.

Let this Year of the Tiger be your time to ROAR!

Stroudsburg real estate

What are your plans for Feb. 14th ,come to the Pocono Mountains

Couples Night to aid Haitian relief
Ris-K Lingerie is partnering with the American Red Cross to raise funds for Haitian Relief. A Couple’s Night for Valentine’s Day will take place 8 to 10 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 11.

A door donation of $10 minimum per person will go entirely to the Red Cross to be sent to Haiti.

The event will feature pole dancers, belly dancers, zumba and hooping demonstrators, as well as ladies in lingerie. Many local restaurants will donate food and prizes for the event.

Ris-K Lingerie is at 580 Main St., Stroudsburg. For information, call (570) 422-6900.

Valentine’s Dance in East Stroudsburg
The American Legion Auxiliary Post 346 will sponsor a Valentine’s Day dance at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 13, at the American Legion, 201 E. Fifth St., East Stroudsburg.

Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door. There will be complimentary beverages and snacks as well as a cash bar. Entertainment will be provided by The McWilliams Brothers.

For tickets and information, call (570) 897-6442.

Spring St. celebrates Valentine’s Day
Spring Street businesses have a full and varied schedule of events, contests and special offers for Pre-Valentine’s Day, Feb. 13, on Second Saturday.

Main Street, Newton, N.J., is hosting the first Newton Ice Carving Showcase in front of the Fire Museum, 150 Spring St., beginning at noon and featuring Bob Johnson from Decorative Flairs Ice Carving of Denville, N.J.; Jake Dominguez from the Lake Mohawk Country Club in Sparta, N.J.; and Brett McClain from Freehand Custom Carvings in Newton, N.J.

The carvers will begin at noon and will have four hours to complete their carvings and then the sculptures will be relocated along Spring Street in lighted displays until 8 p.m. for the Second Saturday Valentine’s Weekend Sweetheart Walk.

Other activities will include children’s Valentine’s Day crafts, a Word Jumble contest, a wedding day photo contest, a Valentine’s Day raffle and live music with singer-guitarist Omar Mendez playing love songs from 4 to 7 p.m. Several Spring Street eateries and area businesses will offer specials for the day.

For information, call (973) 940-3178.

Mountain View Vineyard Valentine special
Show that special someone just how special they are with an afternoon of sipping wines and sampling “Death by Chocolate” cheesecake and a variety of other treats dipped in chocolate from noon to 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 13, and Sunday, Feb. 14.

There will be an array of gift items available for purchase. This is a free event.

Mountain View Winery is at 1220 Neola Road, Neola. For information, call (570) 619-0053 or visit www.mountainviewvineyard.com.

Valentine Charity Ball
Shepherd’s Maternity House of Monroe County will host its eighth annual Valentine Charity Ball at 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 14, at Ridgecrest at Stroudsmoor Country Inn, Stroudsburg. All proceeds will benefit Sherpherd’s Maternity House.

Featured will be a social hour with hors d’oeurves and a cash bar. During the social hour, Susan Spannagel, a local harpist, will provide entertainment. A four-course dinner will be served at 5 p.m. Throughout dinner and the evening, DJ Mike Carmella will present music for listening and dancing. A silent auction will offer a variety of items donated by local businesses.

Cost is $75 per person or $750 per corporate table of eight, and includes a full-page display in the evening’s program. For information or to make a reservation, call Pat Stys at (570) 730-1163. Reservations must be made by Saturday, Feb. 6.

Music of bygone era at Valentine’s concert
Most people are unaware that Valentine’s Day had its origins in the 19th century, when young men left their homes to join the battle in the Civil War. Much of their longing and despair was expressed in the music of that era, which is the focus of Lehigh pianist Helen Beedle’s show, “A 19th-Century Soiree,” which she brings to Mauch Chunk Opera House in Jim Thorpe on Sunday, Feb. 14.

A professor of music at Lehigh for more than 20 years, Beedle has carved out a niche for herself at concerts and music festivals across the country with an emphasis on the salon music of the Civil War era.

A benefit for the Jim Thorpe Chamber of Commerce, Beedle’s performance begins at 5 p.m. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased online at www.MauchChunkOperaHouse.com or by calling (570) 325-0249.

Celebrate Valentine’s Day at Booklovers’ Ball
For the fifth consecutive year, the Booklovers’ Ball will be take place at Skytop Lodge on Valentine’s Day, Sunday, Feb. 14. Barrett Paradise Friendly Library in Cresco will be the beneficiary.

The night will begin at 5:30 p.m., with hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar. A four-course dinner will follow at 6:30 p.m. The eight-piece Doug Smith Band will play contemporary and classic dance numbers for most of the evening.

The highlight of the night will be a live auction. Among the “lots”— all donated by the community — are an original watercolor by John James, an original watercolor of Stroudsburg’s “Sweet Creams Café” by Tim Weaver, a night with Broadway’s “Mamma Mia” on March 24, a Penn State Football Weekend and more.

In addition, a silent auction will offer a variety of special treats, including gift baskets, golf packages, spa treatments, signed Penn State sports memorabilia.

Also, the drawing for the 2010 Heart’s Desire Car Raffle will be held. The holder of the winning ticket will get to choose one of three brand-new 2010 vehicles. Only 500 tickets will be sold, at $100 each. Tickets are available at the library.

The cost is $75 per person, $150 per couple, or $750 for a table of 10. Black tie is optional.

For information or to make a reservation, call Marion Weidman, at (570) 595-8909 or Cindy DeLuca at (570) 5957171 by Sunday.

Visit the paranormal on Valentines Day
“Haunted! Mind Mysteries & the Beyond” with supernormalist Dick Brooks will have a special Valentine’s Day showing at 8 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 14, at The Houdini Museum Theater.

This Psychic Theater presentation tells the tale of hauntings at 1433 N. Main Ave., Scranton, that were connected to the tragic murder/suicide/electrocution that occurred in the building.

Photos and newspaper articles of the happenings are on display. From notes found in the attic, participants are taken through the seven steps to a successful seance in the haunted building that’s more than 100 years old. Much of the story is based on real people and events including infamous area spiritualist George Valentine, “the man who challenged Houdini,” of Wilkes-Barre.

The performance includes experiments with audience members in mind control, telepathy, clairvoyance, telekinesis, psychometry and sightless vision. The story ends with a dark seance.

The presentation features paranormalist Dick Brooks and psychic investigator Dorothy Dietrich.

The show begins at 8 p.m. Reservations are required and should be purchased in advance. Tickets are $35 by reservation only. The presentation takes three hours or longer.

The Houdini Museum Theater is at 1433 N. Main Ave, Scranton. For information, visit www.Houdini.org or www.PsychicTheater.com or call (570) 383-9297.

Feb 14th has Tradtionally been a day for Lovers.  Start your own Tradition.  Say I love you to all your family and Friends.  What happened to the Secret Valentines?  Enjoy and Have Fun in the Pocono Mountains. 
Happy Valentines Day from the Staff at Commonwealth Real Estate Your Way, LCC

Stroudsburg real estate

Keith Gilpin Spirit Award

Three years ago a friend and real estate colleague, Keith Gilpin, passed away.
At first, it seemed like such a horrible time to go. It was right before Christmas. But on reflection, we realized that Christmas seemed the most appropriate time for Keith to pass – a time of great giving, joy and peace. When better to celebrate a life lived for giving, joy and peace?

Not long after his death, I renamed what was then known as the Coldwell Banker Phyllis Rubin Real Estate Spirit Award (I was broker of the region’s Coldwell Banker offices) to the Keith Gilpin Spirit Award. The award recognizes professionalism, positive attitude, a willingness to serve the community and the customer and make them the priority each and every day. It also recognizes excellence, team spirit and creativity.

Although we didn’t call it the Platinum Rule three years ago, the Keith Gilpin Spirit Award recognizes efforts of working within the Platinum Rule, which is one of the founding principles of Commonwealth Real Estate Your Way, LLC. The Platinum Rules says to treat the customer (and everyone else) the way they wish and need to be treated……It’s amazing to me how far ahead of his time Keith was. He personified the Platinum Rule long before it became a popular business and lifestyle model.

Keith taught us that life is to live and embrace every day, and most importantly, he taught us being a real estate agent and helping people find the place where they will lay deep roots and live is humble and important work.

Keith had an amazing passion for life. He would start projects and assignments strong — with creativity and fresh ideas, intent and energy and he would finish strong – - getting things done, delivering what he promised, giving more than was expected and he did it with energy, integrity and professionalism. For all that he was …. Keith remains the embodiment of the Award.

Commonwealth Real Estate Your Way, LLC, will continue to recognize an agent each year at this time with the Keith Gilpin Spirit Award.
We are honoring this year’s recipient on December 21, the anniversary of Keith’s death. This individual is always on, always at the ready to serve, whether community, customer, friend or colleague. This individual is diligent in the practice of real estate; will try new ideas with gusto and courage; always chooses to see the positive and understands that to accomplish great things, we must act, dream, plan and believe. With a great attitude and passion to serve, this individual has “Keith Gilpin’s style”; is a strong finisher and is the living personification of the Keith Gilpin Spirit Award.

This year’s recipient is Karen Wagner.

Stroudsburg real estate

Teach the Children

As the holiday season approaches and the activity begins of baking cookies, shopping , trimming the tree I wonder do we teach our children the real meaning of the season. I found this story and wanted to share it with my friends and clients in the Pocono region, and my sales associate in Mt. Pocono, Stroudsburg as well as folks thought-out the world that happen to come upon our website. May the blessings of this season be many. Vickie Brockelman

Teach the children…
Late one Christmas Eve, I sank back, tired but content, into my easy chair. The kids were in bed, the gifts were wrapped, the milk and cookies waited by the fireplace for Santa. As I sat back admiring the tree with its decorations, I couldn’t help feeling that something important was missing. It wasn’t long before the tiny twinkling tree lights lulled me to sleep.
I don’t know how long I slept, but all of a sudden I knew that I wasn’t alone. I opened my eyes, and you can imagine my surprise when I saw Santa Claus himself standing next to my Christmas tree. He was dressed all in fur from his head to his foot just as the poem described him, but he was not the “jolly old elf” of Christmas legend. The man who stood before me looked sad and disappointed, and there were tears in his eyes.
“Santa, what’s wrong?” I asked, “Why are you crying?”
“It’s the children,” Santa replied sadly.
“But Santa, the children love you,” I said.
“Oh, I know they love me, and they love the gifts I bring them,” Santa said, “but the children of today seem to have somehow missed out on the true spirit of Christmas. It’s not their fault. It’s just that the adults, many of them not having been taught themselves, have forgotten to teach the children.”
“Teach them what?” I asked.
Santa’s kind old face became soft, more gentle. His eyes began to shine with something more than tears. He spoke softly. “Teach the children the true meaning of Christmas. Teach them that the part of Christmas we can see, hear, and touch is much more than meets the eye. Teach them the symbolism behind the customs and traditions of Christmas which we now observe. Teach them what it is they truly represent.”
Santa reached into his bag and pulled out a tiny Christmas tree and set it on my mantle. “Teach them about the Christmas tree. Green is the second color of Christmas. The stately evergreen, with its unchanging color, represents the hope of eternal life in Jesus. Its needles point heavenward as a reminder that mankind’s thoughts should turn heavenward as well.”
Santa reached into his bag again and pulled out a shiny star and placed it at the top of the small tree. “The star was the heavenly sign of promise. God promised a Savior for the world and the star was the sign of the fulfillment of that promise on the night that Jesus Christ was born. Teach the children that God always fulfills His promises, and that wise men still seek Him.”
“Red,” said Santa, “is the first color of Christmas.” “He pulled forth a red ornament for the tiny tree. Red is deep, intense, vivid. It is the color of the life-giving blood that flows through our veins. It is the symbol of God’s greatest gift. Teach the children that Christ gave his life and shed his blood for them that they might have eternal life. When they see the color red, it should remind them of that most wonderful gift.”
Santa found a silver bell in his pack and placed it on the tree. “Just as lost sheep are guided to safety by the sound of the bell, it continues to ring today for all to be guided to the fold. Teach the children to follow the true Shepherd, who gave His life for the sheep.”
Santa placed a candle on the mantle and lit it. The soft glow from its one tiny flame brightened the room. “The glow of the candle represents how people can show their thanks for the gift of God’s son that Christmas Eve long ago. Teach the children to follow in Christ’s foot steps…to go about doing good. Teach them to let their light so shine before people that all may see it and glorify God. This is what is symbolized when the twinkle lights shine on the tree like hundreds of bright, shining candles, each of them representing one of God’s precious children, their light shining for all to see.”
Again Santa reached into his bag and this time he brought forth a tiny red and white striped cane. As he hung it on the tree he spoke softly. “The candy cane is a stick of hard white candy. White to symbolize the virgin birth and sinless nature of Jesus, and hard to symbolize the Solid Rock the foundation of the church, and the firmness of God’s promises. The candy cane is in the form of a “J” to represent the precious name of Jesus, who came to earth. It also represents the Good Shepherd’s crook, which He uses to reach down into the ditches of the world to lift out the fallen lambs who, like all sheep, have gone astray. The original candy cane had three small red stripes, which are the stripes of the scourging Jesus received by which we are healed, and a large red stripe that represents the shed blood of Jesus, so that we can have the promise of eternal life.
“Teach these things to the children.”
Santa brought out a beautiful wreath made of fresh, fragrant greenery tied with a bright red bow. “The bow reminds us of the bond of perfection, which is love. The wreath embodies all the good things about Christmas for those with eyes to see and hearts to understand. It contains the colors of red and green and the heaven-turned needles of the evergreen. The bow tells the story of good will towards all and its color reminds us of Christ’s sacrifice. Even its very shape is symbolic, representing eternity and the eternal nature of Christ’s love. It is a circle, without beginning and without end. These are the things you must teach the children.”
I asked, “But where does that leave you, Santa?”
The tears gone now from his eyes, a smile broke over Santa’s face. “Why bless you, my dear,” he laughed, “I’m only a symbol myself. I represent the spirit of family fun and the joy of giving and receiving. If the children are taught these other things, there is no danger that I’ll ever be forgotten.”
“I think I’m beginning to understand.”
“That’s why I came,” said Santa. “You’re an adult. If you don’t teach the children these things, then who will?”
(Author Unknown)

Stroudsburg real estate

Tree Lighting Celebration Itinerary –

Tree Lighting Activities

9:00 to 5:00
Stroudsmoor Inn Towne –
Offers samples of holiday baked goods available for gift giving
10:00 to 7:00
Village Common Gift Shop – Unique Holiday Gifts
10:00 to 1:30
Tree Lighting Brunch at The Main Inn
Reservations Required for Brunch 570-421-6431, Ext. 410
Visited by the Toyland Elves at 10:30
11:30 to 2:00
Toyland at Terraview
Stroudsmoor and Commonwealth Real Estate Your Way are proud to sponsor the US Marines“Toys for Tots”Program
Photos with Mrs. Santa Claus, the Elves and the US Marines – Children who bring a new unwrapped toy for “Toys for Tots” receive a gift from the Marines and Stroudsmoor
11:45 and 12:30
Reading with Mrs. Santa Claus “for children of all ages”
presented by the Eastern Monroe Public Library at Terraview
1:00 to 4:00
Art Reception at Auradell Gallery
Artists Susan Bernadette
sponsored by Commonwealth Real Estate Your Way
Works by Artist Nancy Bossert also featured
1:00 to 5:00
Refreshments at Lawnhaven – Compliments of the innkeepers
1:00 to 4:00
Horse-drawn Carriage Rides sponsored by Commonwealth Real Estate Your Way
3:00 to 5:30
Blackhorse Farms – brings us a Petting Zoo sponsored by Stroudsmoor
Pony Rides Sponsored by Commonwealth Real Estate Your Way
5:00 to 7:30
SBG Live at Lawnhaven – 5 Tree Lighting Attendees will qualify for the “Bill Free in December” drawing
3:00 to 8:00
Tree Lighting Grand Buffet at The Main Inn
7:00 to 7:30
Pictures with Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus and the U.S. Marines at Terraview
Pocono Choral Society – continues caroling in the Main Inn Lounge where guests sip holiday cocktails and select hors d’oeuvres from the
Inn’s new Gastro-Pub Menu. Don’t forget . . . The Tree Lighting Grand Buffet is served in the main dining room.
Terraview
7:00
Pocono Vocal Arts – continues caroling at Terraview

Stroudsburg real estate

Commonwealth Real Estate Your Way Promotes Agent

COMMONWEALTH REAL ESTATE YOUR WAY, LLC, PROMOTES AGENT

Mt. Pocono, Pa., — (October 2, 2009) –REALTOR Connie Foland of Stroudsburg, Pa., has been named office manager of  Commonwealth Real Estate  Your Way, LLC’s newest location at 606 Main Street in Stroudsburg in the JJ Newberry Company Building.

As associate broker and office manager of the new location, Foland will be responsible for operations management as well as hiring and training of agents.

Foland is a certified buyer’s agent and e-marketing specialist. She specializes in relocation, corporate and foreclosure properties and has worked for some of the top names in Pocono real estate. Foland earned her real estate license in 1986 and since then has earned numerous awards and accolades including membership in the International President’s Elite, the International President’s Circle, the Six-Million Dollar Club, and the Diamond Society for and area franchise organization she served for 12 years.

In addition, she has been recognized for highest company totals for listings taken, listings sold by volume and also by units and buyer controlled sales by units and she was presented with the Positive Income Growth Award recognizing outstanding production increases.

She is a member of the Pocono Mountains Association of REALTORS, the Pennsylvania Association of REALTORS and the National Association of REALTORS.

For more information, visit Commonwealth Real Estate Your Way, LLC’s website at www.creYourWay.com or call locally at 570-839-0411 or toll free at 1-888-333-0464.

Stroudsburg real estate

Commonwealth Real Estate Your Way Opens in Stroudsburg

COMMONWEALTH REAL ESTATE YOUR WAY OPENS IN STROUDSBURG

Mt. Pocono, Pa., — (September 28, 2009) – After more than six successful months in operation, Commonwealth Real Estate Your Way, LLC  has opened its second real estate office, this one located on Main Street in Stroudsburg in the history-rich JJ. Newberry Company Building.

Commonwealth Real Estate Your Way will occupy the space at 606 Main Street, which was previously Dollar General, to more easily service customers in the southern tier of the Poconos.

“We have 12 agents serving the region and the Stroudsburg location gave us a second base of operation to meet customers and help them with their real estate needs,” said Vickie Brockelman, broker/owner of Commonwealth Real Estate Your Way.

The new office will be equipped and decorated similarly to the existing office in Mt. Pocono and, also like the Mt. Pocono office, will feature a nearly paper-free environment and use the latest technology to showcase homes.

Since opening their doors in February, this new and innovative style of real estate agency has transacted more than $4 million in closed business and under contract business and continues to have average inventory listings of 100 or more homes.

The new Commonwealth Real Estate Your Way office location marks the birthplace of the first Newberry Co. store which opened in Stroudsburg in December 1911.

Learn more about Commonwealth Real Estate Your Way, LLC, at www.creYourWay.com, or call locally at 570-839-0411 or toll free at 1-888-333-0464.

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