Lehigh Valley Real Estate Blog

Recent Bethlehem Home Sales

I thought it would be interesting to look at some Home Sale Statistics for Bethlehem. I was particularly interested in the sale of 3 bedroom homes since that is the most requested home type. How are Bethlehem Home Sales in 2009 comparing to 2008 sales?

Year	# 3 BR Sales	Avg List Price	Avg Sold Price	Days on Market
2008	325	$184,137	$177,194	64
2009	145	$171,413	$164,601	84
Data taken from the Lehigh Valley MLS (LVAR)

So, halfway thru the year, we see that sales in 2009 for 3 bedroom homes in Bethlehem are less than half of what was sold for the complete year of 2008. In addition, the Average Sale Price has dropped by over $12,000 and the average Days On The Market has gone up by 20 days.

Has the price on these Bethlehem homes actually dropped by $12,000? Are they going to drop more?

What I do know is that First Time Home Buyer's are very active right now! They are typically looking for homes in the $150,000 or less price range. This could be why we are seeing the decrease in the average price. Home owners are having to lower their asking price to the point that these very active buyers will make an offer on their home.

Bethlehem Home For Sale

This home has been totally redone from top to bottom. A New Kitchen, New Bathroom and refinished hardwood floors are just some of the many features you'll find in this home. Conveniently located within minutes of the Bethlehem/Hellertown exit on Route 78.

For more information about his home or any other, visit www.LehighValleyHomesOnline.com

Knob and Tube Wiring in Lehigh Valley Homes

Many of the older homes in Lehigh Valley (pre 1920) were originally wired for electricity using Knob and Tube Wiring (K&T) connected to fuse boxes. K&T uses two separate insulated wires (hot and neutral) for electrical connections. Ceramic Knobs were used to direct the wires to their destination and Ceramic Tubes were used when wires needed to go directly through wood. 

Over time, the fuse boxes have been replaced by circuit breakers and the K&T replaced by ROMEX (3 conductor - hot, neutral, ground).

Even so, many of the older homes in Lehigh Valley that have been electrically updated may still have knob and tube wiring. I have been in many homes, with new wiring, that have an attic light that is using K&T wiring. The home owner didn't think it was worth updating a light seldom used.

This is okay as long as the wiring is deemed safe by a cerified licensed electrician. FHA allows K&T as long as the wiring is in good shape (not brittle or frayed) and there are no questionable junctions.

A property inspection should discover and question any knob and tube wiring. If needed, an electrician should be brought in to inspect the wiring. This may be required by the mortgage company or insurance provider.