Benjamin Said - Realtor

7 months after getting a plot of land in the area under agreement with my buyer we were able to finally close the deal.

Previous owner purchased the land at a tax sale and we had to contact the carbon county tax claim bureau to make sure the delinquent school taxes were cleared before closing.

Thank you to Monroe Abstract Company for helping us see this deal through to completion!

Pennsylvania Cannabis Festival ready to kick off on 4/20 Renninger's Farmer's Market has been turned into a cannabis lover's dream.

After 5 businesses depart, Lehigh Valley Mall set to welcome 4 new tenants The retail lineup continues to change at the Lehigh Valley’s largest shopping venue.

Home 2024 Allentown Film Festival Schedule

📈 Market Moments: Navigating the waves of change each month. 🌊💼 From trends to insights, stay in the know with our . Knowledge is power, and we've got your back! 💪📊

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Great to see the National Association of REALTORS® CEO Nykia Wright set the record straight on NAR and how commissions work in real estate. Learn more on how NAR promotes homeownership through efficient, transparent, and accessible marketplaces at www.competition.realtor.

Allentown Housing Authority renovating, selling former rental property as part of effort to provide affordable housing ALLENTOWN, Pa. - A five-bedroom house in the Lehigh Valley is hitting the market for $150,000.

How much did the Lehigh Valley’s economy grow? Here are the latest numbers If it were a country, the Lehigh Valley would have the 88th largest economy in the world.

Looking to get ahead in the real estate market? Our monthly report is the key to your success! 🏡📈 Packed with valuable insights and up-to-date statistics, our report is the ultimate resource for anyone looking to buy, sell, or simply stay informed. Don't miss out on the latest trends and market updates - check out our monthly report today!

Simply send me your email address & I’ll send you the 15-page report.

Home Join us at the second-annual Allentown Film Festival from April 6 - 14, 2024. Submit your film(s) now!

Did you ever wonder what it takes for a drone light show to occur?

Here are the production requirements necessary for us over to be able to successfully pull off such a captivating spectacle.

Drone shows are a fantastic way to connect with those around you in your community as you all collectively experience the awe-inspiring effect of an experience custom-designed to fit you & your story.

We are now booking shows for 2024. Do you have a special event approaching that you would like to heighten into a lifelong memory? Perhaps it's a birthday party, anniversary, wedding, or other celebration of some form. Or maybe the company you work for is looking for an innovative way to communicate & interact with the public they service.

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484-464-8864
[email protected]

A light at the end of the tunnel? Slumping Lehigh Valley home sales could be near rebound “While things are not the easiest for homebuyers — or sellers — there is light at the end of the tunnel,” Greater Lehigh Valley Realtors President Howard Schaeffer said. “We have been seeing first-…

Star Flight Drones at Shady Brook Farms on 8/27/23 Star Flight Drones at Shady Brook Farms on 8/27/232nd version I've uploaded. This updated version has music I licensed through .io & the original aud...

⭐️ SUBMISSIONS OPEN FOR 2024! 🎬

Submit your Narrative Features, Documentary Features, Narrative Shorts, Documentary Shorts, and Music Videos to the Allentown Film Festival. We’re committed to celebrating and promoting outstanding films from Eastern Pennsylvania and around the world!

Full details at AllentownFilmFestival.org

Former Brass Rail building sold for $2.65 million to Florida development company The former Brass Rail restaurant on Lehigh Street in Allentown has been sold for $2.65 million to a Florida firm that develops and invests in real estate.

Under Agreement! Congrats to my client on their accepted offer for this 1.58 Acre plot of land in the Poconos.

Are you looking for land in the backwoods of Pennsylvania to build your dream home on?

Reach out to start your journey today!

📲- 484-464-8864
📧- [email protected]
~ (Ben)jamin Said
Iron Valley Real Estate of the Lehigh Valley

Giant to move Allentown supermarket to former Bon-Ton at South Mall shopping center A Giant in Allentown will be moving to a new location in Salisbury Township, which is expected to begin construction in 2025.

🏀🏒🏈⚾️ Tonight we're in the sports capital of the world for the The Preston & Steve Show & 93.3 WMMR Philadelphia!

Drones fly at 7:30pm! Fireworks from Celebration Fireworks, Inc. at 8pm!

SO…YOU WANT TO BE A REALTOR???

There is a lot of talk in the news about the lawsuit with NAR and real estate agent commissions.
We LOVE what we do and we do it because we LOVE helping people, but there is almost always a huge misconception on what we do and how we get paid. It's not a secret so here ya go...😊

The average FULL TIME REALTOR’s earnings last year was $31,900 @ 40+ hours a week. (Notice I wrote full time 40+ hours not 0-20 hours a week) which is well below the living wage. As a REALTOR we do not get paid a hourly wage or salary and we only get paid if we sell a home and it closes. We can only get paid by broker to broker. As an agent you could work with someone days, weeks, months, or years with no guarantee of a sale ever.

Essentially realtors wake up each day unemployed going on “Job Interviews” and they deal with constant rejection. They dedicate time away from family, their time, gas, pay for babysitters, miss dinner and weekends and rarely take vacations. They are on 24/7! You constantly need to be on, or you could miss an opportunity. Once they do close a home, half goes to the other persons agent from the remaining half. They have lots of upfront expenses that must be paid out before they even get paid:

Broker Splits and Fees
Office rent and utilities
MLS Fees
NAR Fees
Local Association Fees
E&O Business Insurance
Extended Auto Insurance
Self-Employment Tax
State Licensing Fees
Advertising Fees
Showing Service Fees
Website Fees
Assistant's Salaries
Showing partners
Transaction coordinator
Yard Signs
Photographers
Videographers
Office Supplies
Business Cards
Property Flyers
Electronic Lockboxes
Continued RE Education
Legal Fees
Gas
Income taxes are not taken out so they have to put that aside around 25-30%.

Don’t forget health insurance if you don’t have a spouse who provides it.

As a listing agent they have lots of tasks far more than just selling a home.

1. Prepare Listing Presentation for Sellers
2. Research Sellers Property Tax Info
3. Research Comparable Sold Properties for Sellers
4. Determine Average Days on Market
5. Gather Info From Sellers About Their Home
6. Meet With Sellers at Their Home
7. Get To Know Their Home
8. Present Listing Presentation
9. Advise on Repairs and/or Upgrades
10. Provide Home Seller To-Do Checklist
11. Explain Current Market Conditions
12. Discuss Seller’s Goals
13. Share Your Value Proposition
14. Explain Benefits of Your Brokerage
15. Present Your Marketing Options
16. Explain Video Marketing Strategies
17. Demonstrate 3D Tour Marketing
18. Explain Buyer & Seller Agency Relationships
19. Describe the Buyer Pre-Screening Process
20. Create Internal File for Transaction
21. Get Listing Agreement & Disclosures Signed
22. Provide Sellers Disclosure Form to Sellers
23. Verify Interior Room Sizes
24. Obtain Current Mortgage Loan Info
25. Confirm Lot Size from County Tax Records
26. Investigate Any Unrecorded Property Easements
27. Establish Showing Instructions for Buyers
28. Agree on Showing Times with Sellers
29. Discuss Different Types of Buyer Financing
30. Explain Appraisal Process and Pitfalls
31. Verify Home Owners Association Fees
32. Obtain a Copy of HOA Bylaws
33. Gather Transferable Warranties
34. Determine Need for Lead-Based Paint Disclosure
35. Verify Security System Ownership
36. Discuss Video Recording Devices & Showings
37. Determine Property Inclusions & Exclusions
38. Agree on Repairs to Made Before Listing
39. Schedule Staging Consultation
40. Schedule House Cleaners
41. Install Electronic Lockbox & Yard Sign
42. Set-Up Photo/Video Shoot
43. Meet Photographer at Property
44. Prepare Home For Photographer
45. Schedule Drone & 3D Tour Shoot
46. Get Seller’s Approval of All Marketing Materials
47. Input Property Listing Into 2 MLS’s
48. Create Virtual Tour Page
49. Verify Listing Data on 3rd Party Websites
50. Have Listing Proofread
51. Create Property Flyer
52. Have Extra Keys Made for Lockbox
53. Set-Up Showing Services
54. Help Owners Coordinate Showings
55. Gather Feedback After Each Showing
56. Keep track of Showing Activity
57. Update MLS Listing as Needed
58. Schedule Weekly Update Calls with Seller
59. Prepare “Net Sheet” For All Offers
60. Present All Offers to Seller
61. Obtain Pre-Approval Letter from Buyer’s Agent
62. Examine & Verify Buyer’s Qualifications
63. Examine & Verify Buyer’s Lender
64. Negotiate All Offers
65. Once Under Contract, Send to Title Company
66. Check Buyer’s Agent Has Received Copies
67. Change Property Status in MLS
68. Deliver Copies of Contact/Addendum to Seller
69. Keep Track of Copies for Office File
70. Coordinate Inspections with Sellers
71. Explain Buyer’s Inspection Objections to Sellers
72. Determine Seller’s Inspection Resolution
73. Get All Repair Agreements in Writing
74. Refer Trustworthy Contractors to Sellers
75. Meet Appraiser at the Property
76. Negotiate Any Unsatisfactory Appraisals
77. Confirm Clear-to-Close
78. Coordinate Closing Times & Location
79. Verify Title Company Has All Docs
80. Remind Sellers to Transfer Utilities
81. Make Sure All Parties Are Notified of Closing Time
82. Resolve Any Title Issues Before Closing
83. Receive and Carefully Review Closing Docs
84. Review Closing Figures With Seller
85. Confirm Repairs Have Been Made
86. Resolve Any Last Minute Issues
87. Attend Seller’s Closing
88. Pick Up Sign & Lock Box
89. Change Status in MLS to “Sold.”
90. Close Out Seller’s File With Brokerage

As a buyers agent they also have many tasks.

1. Schedule Time To Meet Buyers
2. Prepare Buyers Guide & Presentation
3. Meet Buyers and Discuss Their Goals
4. Explain Buyer & Seller Agency Relationships
5. Discuss Different Types of Financing Options
6. Help Buyers Find a Mortgage Lender
7. Obtain Pre-Approval Letter from Their Lender
8. Explain What You Do For Buyers As A Realtor
9. Provide Overview of Current Market Conditions
10. Explain Your Company’s Value to Buyers
11. Discuss Earnest Money Deposits
12. Explain Home Inspection Process
13. Educate Buyers About Local Neighborhoods
14. Discuss Foreclosures & Short Sales
15. Gather Needs & Wants Of Their Next Home
16. Explain School Districts Effect on Home Values
17. Explain Recording Devices During Showings
18. Learn All Buyer Goals & Make A Plan
19. Create Internal File for Buyers Records
20. Send Buyers Homes Within Their Criteria
21. Start Showing Buyers Home That They Request
22. Schedule & Organize All Showings
23. Gather Showing Instructions for Each Listing
24. Send Showing Schedule to Buyers
25. Show Up Early and Prepare First Showing
26. Look For Possible Repair Issues While Showing
27. Gather Buyer Feedback After Each Showing
28. Update Buyers When New Homes Hit the Market
29. Share Knowledge & Insight About Homes
30. Guide Buyers Through Their Emotional Journey
31. Listen & Learn From Buyers At Each Showing
32. Keep Records of All Showings
33. Update Listing Agents with Buyer’s Feedback
34. Discuss Home Owner’s Associations
35. Estimate Expected Utility Usage Costs
36. Confirm Water Source and Status
37. Discuss Transferable Warranties
38. Explain Property Appraisal Process
39. Discuss Multiple Offer Situations
40. Create Practice Offer To Help Buyers Prepare
41. Provide Updated Housing Market Data to Buyers
42. Inform Buyers of Their Showing Activity Weekly
43. Update Buyers On Any Price Drops
44. Discuss MLS Data With Buyers At Showings
45. Find the Right Home for Buyers
46. Determine Property Inclusions & Exclusions
47. Prepare Sales Contract When Buyers are Ready
48. Educate Buyer’s On Sales Contract Options
49. Determine Need for Lead-Based Paint Disclosure
50. Explain Home Warranty Options
51. Update Buyer’s Pre-Approval Letter
52. Discuss Loan Objection Deadlines
53. Choose a Closing Date
54. Verify Listing Data Is Correct
55. Review Comps With Buyers To Determine Value
56. Prepare & Submit Buyer’s Offer to Listing Agent
57. Negotiate Buyers Offer With Listing Agent
58. Execute A Sales Contract & Disclosures
59. Once Under Contract, Send to Title Company
60. Coordinate Earnest Money Drop Off
61. Deliver Copies to Mortgage Lender
62. Obtain Copy of Sellers Disclosure for Buyers
63. Deliver Copies of Contract/Addendum to Buyers
64. Obtain A Copy of HOA Bylaws
65. Keep Track of Copies for Office File
66. Coordinate Inspections with Buyers
67. Meet Inspector At The Property
68. Review Home Inspection with Buyers
69. Negotiate Inspection Objections
70. Get All Agreed Upon Repair Items in Writing
71. Verify any Existing Lease Agreements
72. Check In With Lender To Verify Loan Status
73. Check on the Appraisal Date
74. Negotiate Any Unsatisfactory Appraisals
75. Coordinate Closing Times & Location
76. Make Sure All Documents Are Fully Signed
77. Verify Title Company Has Everything Needed
78. Remind Buyers to Schedule Utilities
79. Make Sure All Parties Are Notified of Closing Time
80. Solve Any Title Problems Before Closing
81. Receive and Review Closing Documents
82. Review Closing Figures With Buyers
83. Confirm Repairs Have Been Made By Sellers
84. Perform Final Walk-Through with Buyers
85. Resolve Any Last Minute Issues
86. Get CDA Signed By Brokerage
87. Attend Closing with Buyers
88. Provide Home Warranty Paperwork
89. Give Keys and Accessories to Buyers
90. Close Out Buyer’s File Brokerage

Whew…exhausting isn’t it!?! 🤯

✨You don't need to buy or sell a home to support your agents real estate business – here are just a few simple ways to show your support!⁣ By sharing one of their listings, sending a friend or family member their way, letting them connect you with agents outside their area for a broker to broker referral, or leaving them a positive comment or review, this helps them feel seen and supported - (thanks to you)! ❤️✨

If you’re a Realtor, please feel free to copy & paste and continue to share this information.

The "Once in a Blue Moon" mural located at the corner of 9th and Hamilton Street is officially complete! This 7 story piece is even more breathtaking in person. Check it out next time you're in Downtown West. 🎨: assisted by

Jaindls considering ‘high-end boutique grocers’ for Lehigh Valley Town Center project Developers are considering several “high-end boutique grocers” to be part of their Lehigh Valley Town Center project in Lower Macungie Township.