Horse Properties in Lehigh Valley, PA

Brigita McKelvie, REALTOR

Pennsylvania License #RS297130

Residential, Rural and Horse Properties and Farms

Cindy Stys Equestrian & Country Properties, Ltd.

The Premier Equine and Country Realty Firm covering Eastern Pennsylvania from back yard to world-class facilities.  We also handle farms for different farm animals and large properties that can be converted to horse properties or farms.

What a day I had on Friday! 

The morning began with no internet connection.  That is a REALTOR’s absolute nightmare!!  I had a listing appointment and I had no way of completing the work for it without the internet.  HORRORS!!!

After about 2 frustrating hours, I finally was able to fix the problem.  Whew!!  I’m able to move on with completing the work.  The rest of the morning was uneventful except for a few calls. 

After lunch, I headed out for my listing appointment.  Since it was a Friday, I left a little earlier.  I was on schedule.  The home was located on a quiet, curving back road.  I found the property, but I had pulled a little too far ahead in order to be able to pull into the driveway.  I had to back up slightly so that I could make the turn.  I put my vehicle in reverse and I hear a big “THUMP”.  Oh, oh!!  That didn’t sound good! 

I gave the car the gas and nothing.  It didn’t move.  OH NO!!  I placed it in drive and still nothing!!  YIKES!  It must be my transmission.  What do I do now??  This is such an emabarrasing way to start a listing appointment. 

I called the seller and mentioned to him that I was on the road in front of his driveway, broken down.  He came out to see if he could help me out.  He was able to use his vehicle to get me off the road and pull me into his driveway until the auto club got there. 

While waiting for the auto club, we went into the house and I began my presentation.  About an hour later the flat bed arrived.  We went out to meet him.  Told the driver what happened and he got into the car to see if he could fix the problem.  Long story short, he checked my 4-wheel drive and found the problem.  It was in neutral.  When I put it in reverse, it had popped out of gear.  He placed it in 2-wheel drive, and, voila, it worked.  He drove it down the drive, turned it around to be sure and, lo and behold, the vehicle was back up and running.  Whew!!  What a relief!  Thank God it was a simple problem!  (I want to add that the seller was willing to take me home if I was unable to get a ride home.) 

I completed the presentation and had a tour of the property.  Upon leaving, the seller said that he really liked me, but he had one other agent he promised to see the next week before making a decision as to whom he will list with.  I had made it really tough for him to decide.  Unless the other agent can top me, he will be listing with me and would get back to me in a couple of weeks.  Got through it on a positive note.  I was happy with it.

After the appointment, I was off to my son’s wedding rehearsal (I was about 20 minutes late to that), and the rehearsal dinner, both of which went well.

Even though the day started out on the wrong foot, it ended well. 

Brigita McKelvie, REALTOR

Pennsylvania License #RS297130

Residential, Rural and Horse Properties and Farms

Cindy Stys Equestrian & Country Properties, Ltd.

The Premier Equine and Country Realty Firm covering Eastern Pennsylvania from back yard to world-class facilties. 

Perhaps you would enjoy reading what the scholars of the dead Sea Scrolls might have discovered to be an addition to the Book of Genesis.  It has been in the family for many years and goes like this:

Adam said, “Lord, when I was in the garden, you walked with me every day.  I do not see you anymore and I am lonely.  It is difficult for me to remember how much you love me.”

God said, “I shall create a companion for you who will always be with you and shall reflect My Love for you.  His love shall be unconditional: regardless of how selfish, childish, or unlovable you may be.  He will accept and love you.”

God created an animal for Adam, and it was good.  And God said, “Because I have created this animal to be a reflection of my love for you, his name shall be a reflection of My name.  And you will call him  DOG.”

The dog lived with Adam.  Adam was comforted.  The dog was content and wagged his tail.

Then it came to pass that Adam’s guardian angel came to the Lord and said, “Lord, Adam has become filled with pride; he struts and preens and come to believe that he is worthy of adoration.  He has learned from the dog’s devotion that he is loved, but has no humility.”  And the Lord said’ “I shall create another companion for him who will see him as he is and remind him of his limitations, so that he knows that he is not worthy of adoration and will become humble.”  So God created the cat.  The cat did not obey Adam, and he was reminded he was not the supreme being.  He learned humility.

Adam was greatly improved.  God was pleased.  So was the dog.  The cat did not care one way of the other.

- Courtesy of the Lehigh Valley Horse Council Newsletter

Brigita McKelvie, REALTOR

Pennsylvania License #RS297130

Residential, Rural and Horse Properties and Farms

Cindy Stys Equestrian & Country Properties, Ltd.

The Premier Equine and Country Realty Firm covering Eastern Pennsylvania from back yard to world-class facilities.

Dee Mayers posted this video from YouTube I’m sure all of you will enjoy. 

This is a Musical Freestyle and it is ridden almost perfectly.  It is beautiful to watch.  It almost seems like the rider is just sitting atop the horse and the horse is dancing to the music on his own.  This is a true artform.

I have always believed riding to be an art.

I’m sure you will all agree on the performance. 

Enjoy.

Brigita McKelvie, REALTOR

Pennsylvania License #RS297130

Residential, Rural and Horse Properties and Farms

Cindy Stys Equestrian & Country Properties, Ltd.

The Premier Equine & Country Realty Firm covering Eastern Pennsylvania from back yard to world-class facilities.

Brigita McKelvie, REALTOR

Pennsylvania License #RS297130

Residential, Rural and Horse Properties and Farms

Cindy Stys Equestrian & Country Properties, Ltd.

The Premier Equine & Country Realty Firm covering Eastern Pennsylvania from back yard to world-class facilities.  We also handle farms for different farm animals and large properties that can be converted to horse properties or farms.

You and your friends are invited to our 3rd Annual Polo Social at the Tinicum Park Polo Club  in Bucks County, Pennsylvania (located at 974 River Rd./ Route 32 in Erwinna) on Saturday, August 14th, 2010, from 2-4 PM.

Come and meet us all and enjoy this complimentary networking event while watching some great polo!

Plenty of food & beverages!

Register here by August 12th, 2010.  Hope to see you there.

Brigita McKelvie, REALTOR

Pennsylvania License #RS297130

Residential, Rural and Horse Properties and Farms

Cindy Stys Equestrian & Country Properties, Ltd.

The Premier Equine & Country Realty Firm covering Eastern Pennsylvania from back yard to world-class facilities.

Would anyone like to climb a mountain to see a home??

Don’t laugh!  True story.  It happened to me just this past weekend.

A buyer I am working with is relocating to this area and is searching for a horse property.  They searched the internet and saw this property listed for a great price.  The home is on 43 acres, zoned agricultural, is secluded and has privacy.  Sounds nice.  Certainly plenty of room for horses. 

I called the listing office to set the appointment.  The receptionist confirmed it and mentioned to me that a 4-wheel drive vehicle is a must to go up to see the home.  I asked about the road and she said that it is a dirt road with a couple of hairpin turns.  From what she told me, I didn’t think there would be a problem.  I have a 4-wheel drive Chevy Tahoe which I’ve used for a couple of properties before.  I’m sure I could handle it.  It didn’t even look too bad on the aerial map.

The time came to see this property.  I was to meet my buyers at this house.  I turned into the driveway.  Yes, it was most definitely dirt.  I continued driving and saw a clearing with a small car parked along the side.  Didn’t pay any mind to it.  It may have had engine problems.

I continued driving and the road began a steep climb.  OK.  As I said, I’ve driven in 4-wheel drive before.  Onward and upward. 

I came across my first hairpin turn.  It was quite steep with a mountain on one side and a cliff on the other.  No choice but to continue on at this point. 

After going around the hairpin turn, I saw an area up ahead that looked like it had washed out and was filled.  This is where I started wondering what I got myself into.  I hope I don’t bottom out on this road.  That is all I need.  As I’m going through the “washed out area” my phone rings.  No way am I answering that now.  It doesn’t matter who it is. 

Came upon another hairpin turn and another spot that had washed out and filled in.  At this point I was praying to God to get me through in one piece. 

I finally reached a point where it began to level off a bit.  Then, in a distance, I saw the house.  Yipee!!  The end of the drive is near.  I made it!!  I would like to add that the drive was about half a mile long.  It felt more like 5 miles.

Parked the car at the house and took a few deep breaths.  I checked my phone to see who called.  It was my buyer.  They were lost.  They finally arrived at the property and it turns out they do NOT have a 4-wheel drive vehicle.   Yipes!!  That means I have to drive down and pick them up and drive up this road again.  The seller happened to be there and he offered to drive my vehicle down so we could pick up the buyers.  Without hesitation, I agreed.  After all, he has driven this road so many times.

The buyers parked the car in the clearing, and we picked them up and brought them to the house.  We walked around and viewed the home.  Great views from the property and a nice house.  But, where do we put the horses??  With some discussion, we decided this property will not work.  Maybe, if we placed a barn at the bottom of the drive and one at the top with the house, they could ride up and down the drive instead of driving.  (It’s an idea!?!)  Nah!  It’s great property for mountain goats.

We moved on to the next home.  Instead of taking the shorter route, I took them around the long way.  The short way had a gravel winding road over a mountain.  I had enough of mountain climbing for one day.  The easier, scenic route sounded much better.

Brigita McKelvie, REALTOR

Pennsylvania License #RS297130

Residential, Rural and Horse Properties and Farms

Cindy Stys Equestrian & Country Properties, Ltd.

The Premier Equine & Country Realty Firm covering Eastern Pennsylvania from back yard to world-class facilities.

The Northampton County 4H Fair 2010 is right around the corner. 

It will run from July 30th, 31st and August 1st.  Join us as 4H youth from across Northampton County demonstrate thier skills and talents at the County 4H Fair held at the Northampton County 4H Center, in Bushkill Township just north of Nazareth, PA.  4H youth will participate in competitions ranging from handicrafts and foods to project animals.

In the exhibit hall, many 4H projects will be on display for all to see what they have worked on all year.  Other activities will be family games, silent auction, cake walk, etc.

Food will be available during this whole event.  The BBQ chicken dinners on Sunday are yummy and a best seller.  Get there early for yours before you miss out.  It sells out quickly. 

Plenty of parking available and is FREE.

The Fair is open to the public.

Schedule of Events for 2010

9AM – 7PM  The exhibit hall will be open to the public, family games silent auction and food stands open all 3 days.  Also, 4H members will be giving demonstrations for Round-Up Community Days on Friday only.

Friday, July 30th

10:00 AM             Beef Show
1:00 PM                Dairy Beef Show
2:00 PM                Poultry Show
5:30 PM                Reptile Presentation
6:00 PM                Dog Show and Agility

Saturday, July 31st

9:00 AM               Swine Show
11:00 AM             Rabbit Show
1:00 PM                Sheep Show
2:00 PM            Goat show
6:00 PM                Fashion Revue
6:30 PM                VIP Best In Show Presentations
7:00 PM                Cake Walk
7:30 – 9:00 PM    Family Games

Sunday, August 1st

9:00 AM                 Horse Show
12:00 PM               Chicken BBQ
1:00 PM                 Silent Auction Closed
2:00 – 4:00 PM     Silent Auction Pick-Up and payment

Due to the nature of animal related events, scheduled times may be subject to change or delay.

Click here for more information or call 610-746-1970.

Hope to see you there.

Brigita McKelvie, REALTOR

Pennsylvania license #RS297130

Residential, Rural and Horse Properties and Farms

Cindy Stys Equestrian & Country Properties, Ltd.

The Premier Equine & Country Realty Firm covering Eastern Pennsylvania from back yard to world-class facilities.

Over the weekend I was contacted by someone that has (or I should say had) a 15 acre property with a house, a barn, and a couple of large buildings used for garages and storage.  The property is quite nice and suitable for horses or any farm animal. 

The reason I said “had” a 15 acre property is because it was subdivided into 2 parcels.  The one parcel is about 5.5 acres with the home and buildings.  The other is about 9.5 acres of vacant land. 

Now, these properties have been on the market for a very long time, and are priced reasonably.  Why haven’t they sold?  The seller is even willing to sell both properties for a discount.  It would make a very nice property for farm animals.

If the seller is willing to sell both parcels at a discount, then why was it subdivided in the first place? 

Most buyers are searching on-line.  If they are searching for a property for their horses and farm animals, they usually search for 10+ acre properties.  There are tax advantages for properties that are over 10 acres and used for agriculture.  Even if both parcels are bought by one buyer, some township zoning boards will consider these as 2 separate parcels, therefore, not allowing the advantages of 10+ acres.

I specialize in rural and horse properties and farms and I have a number of buyers I am working with.  Some searching for properties for their horses or farm animals, others just want large acreage for privacy.  Even though they are working with me, they still do their own searches on the internet.  So, this property will be missed, which is unfortunate.

As you can see, subdividing a large property like this makes it more difficult to sell.  The seller may be able to reverse the subdivision, depending on the township, but it will cost money to do it.  Is it worth it?  Only the seller can answer that. 

Before subdividing your large acreage, think twice about it.  Ask questions before spending the money on subdividing.  Contact an agent that specializes in large properties and farms, and find out what their opinion is.  After all, they deal with these types of properties most of the time and have the knowledge.

Brigita McKelvie, REALTOR

Pennsylvania License #RS297130

Residential, Rural and Horse Properties and Farms

Cindy Stys Equestrian & Country Properties, Ltd.

The Premier Equine & Country Realty Firm covering Eastern Pennsylvania from back yard to world-class facilities.   

The Lehigh Valley Market Update – The Year in Review

Comparison of Activity from June 2009 to June 2010

The number of sales during June 2010 increased by 13.8% with 670 sales reported as compared to 589 in June 2009.

The Average Sales price for June 2010 was recorded at $211,000, down approximately 3.2% from June 2009 when the Average Sales price of the month was recorded at $218,000.  The Average Sales price is obtained by dividing the number of sales into the total sales dollars.

The Median Sales Price for June 2010 was recorded at $191,000, which is a decraese compared to June 2009 with a medain of $196,000.  The Median indicates the mid-point of the range of prices – half the homes sell for less, while half the homes sell for more.

The average time on the market for properties sold during June 2010 was 75 days, which is a decrease compared to June 2009 at 81 days.

The average sale price compared to list price for residential properties sold during the month of June 2010 is 97%, which is an increase compared to June 2009 at 96%.

Brigita McKelvie, REALTOR

Pennsylvania License #RS297130

Residential, Rural and Horse Properties and Farms

Cindy Stys Equestrian & Country Properties, Ltd.

The Premier Equine & Country Realty Firm covering Eastern Pennsylvania from back yard to world-class facilities.