Home > News

News

October 14, 2021 GLVR Holding Donation Drive for the Children's Home of Easton The Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS® Diversity and Community Involvement Committee is collecting items for the Children's Home of Easton.

October 12, 2021 Fall Slowdown Hits Lehigh Valley Housing Market, but Homes Still Selling in 16 Days The Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS® (GLVR) reported September data showed a decline in existing home sales coinciding with rising sales prices, which have continued to soar into fall.

September 20, 2021 Allentown Tax Bills Getting a New Look Allentown real estate tax bills are taking on a slightly new look aimed at expediting the processing of payments.

September 14, 2021 Lehigh Valley Homes Selling, On Average, for 102% of List Price The Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS® reported August data showed that even though a record wasn’t broken for a third straight month, the housing market, year over year, continues to see homes moving in two weeks’ time and selling for over ask.

August 30, 2021 REALTOR® Group Gives $2,500 to Help Support Palmerton Community Festival Leadership with the Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS® (GLVR) on Saturday, August 28, 2021, presented a $2,500 check to the volunteers behind the Palmerton Community Festival.

August 16, 2021 New Record: Lehigh Valley Homes Selling, On Average, in 13 Days The Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS® (GLVR) reported July data showed the tying of a record-breaking Median Sales Price first seen just one month ago and a new record for Days on Market, showing that summer isn’t the only thing that is hot around the Lehigh Valley.

August 09, 2021 GLVR Donates $1,000 for Lehigh Valley Pride Event The Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS® recently donated $1,000 to support five non-profits who would otherwise not be able to financially secure a vendor space at the Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center's upcoming Lehigh Valley Pride event.

August 09, 2021 Lehigh Valley: Apply for Emergency Rental Assistance Here's how to apply for the Emergency Rental Assistance Program if you reside in the Lehigh Valley.

July 13, 2021 Record-Breaking Median Sales Price Comes to Lehigh, Northampton Counties Multiple offers, well over asking price, has led to a new record-breaking median sales price for Lehigh and Northampton counties: $275,000.

July 12, 2021 Bethlehem Announces Homebuyer Assistance Program Bethlehem Mayor Bob Donchez announced the City is unveiling a new and improved – and forgivable – homebuyer program

July 08, 2021 WATCH: National, Lehigh Valley Residential Housing Market Insights with NAR's Lawrence Yun NAR's Chief Economist provided his perspective and outlook for residential housing -- he also touched on commercial -- both overall for the country and for the Greater Lehigh Valley.

June 28, 2021 GLVR Past President Presents $4,500 to St. Luke's Hospice and Palliative Care Program Director Leadership and staff with the Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS® were honored to attend the Judith Adele Agentis Charitable Foundation’s dinner dance and auction to support the JAACF Palliative Care Education Fund

June 28, 2021 GLVR Recognizes Three New Emeritus Recipients Learn about the careers and accomplishments of Sal Lisinichia of BHHS Paul Ford in Easton, Len Smith of Real Estate of America in Allentown, and Bruce Whitesell of ERA Rudy Amelio Real Estate in Allentown.

June 21, 2021 Allentown Public Meeting to Discuss Guidelines for the Preservation of Historic Districts The City of Allentown Bureau of Planning and Zoning, with consultant Easton Architects from New York City, will hold a virtual public meeting to introduce the city’s ongoing project to update its Guidelines for the Preservation of Historic Districts.

June 14, 2021 Realtors® Group Launches Grant for Non-Profits to Honor 100th Anniversary The Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS®, a trade association that represents over 3,000 real estate professionals throughout Lehigh, Northampton and Carbon counties, is celebrating its centennial in 2021.

June 11, 2021 Homes in the Lehigh Valley Selling, on Average, in 15 Days The Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS® (GLVR) reported May data showed some continued odd statistical increases, skewed by real estate being shut down in Pennsylvania for 19 days of May in 2020, and also showed a not-so-surprising record that was broken.

May 12, 2021 Lehigh Valley Sellers Receiving, on Average, 101.3% of List Price The Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS® (GLVR) reported April data showed statistical increases never seen before, skewed by real estate being shut down in Pennsylvania for all of April in 2020.

April 13, 2021 New Listings, Pending Sales Increase as Spring Upswing Hits Lehigh Valley Housing Market The Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS® (GLVR) reported March data showed that normal spring increases in sales activity, coupled with relaxing COVID-19 policies, created a very busy real estate market as buyer demand continued largely unabated in the face of rising home prices and mortgage rates.

March 12, 2021 Low Inventory Creating Lehigh Valley Housing Market Stalemate The Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS® (GLVR) reported February data showed that while the Lehigh Valley housing market has been performing exceptionally well throughout the pandemic, the severe lack of inventory has created a bit of a stalemate.

February 22, 2021 Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS® Release 2020 Annual Report As the premier source of real estate information in the Lehigh Valley and its surrounding communities, the Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS® (GLVR) is pleased to provide an in-depth report on the 2020 local housing market.

February 12, 2021 GLVR Holding Donation Drive for Bradbury-Sullivan Youth Programs The Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS® Diversity and Community Involvement Committee is collecting items for the Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center’s youth programs.

February 12, 2021 Lehigh Valley Buyers Undeterred by Near-Record Snow, Closed Sales Increase 8.9% in January The Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS® (GLVR) reported January data showed REALTORS® busily bringing buyers to the closing table, even as near-record snow coated the Lehigh Valley.

January 31, 2021 Tim Tepes Named President of Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS® Tim Tepes, the broker and co-owner of Assist 2 Sell Buyers & Sellers Realty, was sworn in as the new president of the Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS® (GLVR) on January 28, 2021.

January 12, 2021 Normally Slow December Sees Lehigh Valley Homes Sell, On Average, in 19 Days The Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS® (GLVR) reported December data showed a healthy sales pace in the face of a new wave of COVID-19 infections and a softening jobs market.

January 04, 2021 Allentown Revises Business Privilege Tax Regulations The revisions neither create a new tax nor establish a new subject of taxation, rather they provide an updated set of rules and filing guidelines for subjects of taxation that had been previously restricted by Supreme Court rulings.

December 11, 2020 Lehigh Valley Home Prices in November Jump 19.1% to $243,573 The Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS® reported November data showed that another round of record-low mortgage rates provided encouragement for buyers to move forward on home purchases, which continued to remain strong overall for the month.

December 08, 2020 GLVR Holding Donation Drive for VALOR Clinic Foundation The Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS® Diversity and Community Involvement Committee is collecting much-needed necessities for the VALOR Clinic Foundation.

November 20, 2020 Lehigh Valley Sellers Receiving, on Average, 100.2% of List Price The Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS® (GLVR) reported October data showed that the local housing market continued to be busier than the calendar normally suggests.

November 16, 2020 Valley Youth House Seeks Help in Finding Affordable Housing Valley Youth House, a Bethlehem non-profit that provides support for vulnerable, abused and homeless youth, is looking to the local REALTOR® community for assistance in finding a home for a young, soon-to-be mom with a housing voucher.

November 02, 2020 GLVR Gifts $4,500 to JAACF Palliative Care Nursing Education Fund at St. Luke's University Health Network The education fund provides scholarships for nurses to participate in professional certification programs, attend conferences and seminars, and earn continuing education credits in the field of palliative care.

October 26, 2020 GLVR Members Choose the Association's 2021 Board of Directors The Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS® is thrilled to announce who has been elected to serve on the Board of Directors beginning in 2021.

October 13, 2020 September Data: Lehigh Valley Homes Sold, On Average, in 21 Days The Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS® reported September data showed that there are no signs of the usual seasonal slowing of the housing market, as strong buyer activity continues into the fall.

October 02, 2020 Solicitor's Corner: New Federal Regulations Effecting Landlords and Borrowers with Federally Backed Mortgages David Berger, Esquire, of Norris McLaughlin, P.A., Attorneys at Law, details the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's order under Section 361 of the Public Health Services Act to temporarily halt residential evictions to prevent the further spread of COVID-19.

September 28, 2020 REALTOR® Safety: Are any of us doing enough? Real estate agents have been attacked and murdered right here in the Lehigh Valley. GLVR members share their stories, their safety tips, and their reasoning behind not sugarcoating the dangers of working in real estate, even if it means new agents being spooked out of their career aspirations.

September 28, 2020 Six Safety Products and Apps that will Protect You and/or Your Agents It’s important you have a personal safety protocol in place that you use every day with every client, like when meeting new clients, showing properties or sharing information online.

September 20, 2020 Don’t Let House Keys Fall Into the Wrong Hands A reliable, secure lockbox system improves real estate agent safety and ensures that keys don’t fall into the wrong hands.

September 14, 2020 With Low Inventory, Higher Prices, Lehigh Valley Sellers Receiving 99.7% of List Price August data showed that pending sales and showings remained at strong levels while housing inventory remained limited, continuing the competitive bidding market we have seen for many months now.

August 28, 2020 Analysts: Lehigh Valley Industrial Market Well-Positioned to Weather Pandemic The Lehigh Valley industrial real estate market is well-positioned to weather the economic downturn expected to result from the coronavirus pandemic, according to analysts from the commercial real estate research organization CoStar.

August 12, 2020 Healthy Buyer Demand Keeps Lehigh Valley Housing Market Moving During Pandemic The Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS® (GLVR) reported July data showed that healthy buyer demand and constrained supply continue to be the story for much of the country and the Lehigh Valley at large.

July 30, 2020 Where to Shop and Eat Local During COVID-19 Now that we’re in the green phase and somewhat free to move about, what can we do to help support our local businesses?

July 30, 2020 Graphics: Impact of COVID-19 on Real Estate Showings The initial drop in showing activity experienced throughout much of the country in the early weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic has given way to modest signs of stabilization.

July 30, 2020 Fair Housing Case Study Focuses on Bethlehem Senior Housing Complex Apartment complex allegedly violated the U.S. Fair Housing Act.

July 14, 2020 Pending Sales Jump During First Full Month of Open Real Estate Pending sales in June show that Lehigh Valley-area REALTORS® are busily working at getting their clients to the closing table.

June 11, 2020 May Numbers Tick Upward as Real Estate Reopens May data showed the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on an industry in Pennsylvania that was deemed non-essential, but the numbers also show an improvement over the previous month, as Governor Tom Wolf finally reopened real estate – with precautions – on May 19.

June 08, 2020 Academy Reopening for In-person Classes The Greater Lehigh Valley Real Estate Academy is again permitted to hold in-person classes and will reopen its physical location to students on June 17.

June 03, 2020 New Lehigh Valley Guide Released as Real Estate Transactions Resume The Made Possible in Lehigh Valley Alliance’s new 16-page guide is for newcomers to the region or those who are curious to learn more about why the Lehigh Valley is a great place to live, work, visit, and learn.

May 25, 2020 A Guide to Clutter Removal: How to Get Your Home Organized Stuck in quarantine and contemplating clearing out the odds and ends piling up around your home? We’ve compiled a few tips to improve the clutter removal process.

May 21, 2020 Coronavirus Guide for REALTORS® in the Greater Lehigh Valley The association is providing guidance to help REALTORS® -- and consumers -- in the Greater Lehigh Valley respond to the coronavirus's impact on the real estate industry.

May 18, 2020 COVID-19 Opens Door to New Scams Like many other situations, scammers have found ways to utilize the coronavirus as a way to gain access to people’s sensitive information and money. It’s important to be aware of the various ways that scammers are using to exploit individuals.

May 12, 2020 Real Estate Shutdown: April Market Stats Drop Dramatically April was the first full month of real estate being shut down in Pennsylvania, and the statistics show the effect in staggering detail.

May 11, 2020 Professional Standards Case Study: Denial of Equal Professional Service A professional standards case study that dives into the denial of equal professional service.

May 04, 2020 House Bill 2412: How Your Reps Voted and What's Next House Bill 2412 is legislation that would allow real estate services to be conducted uniformly across the state. The bill should be up for consideration on the floor of the Senate when they reconvene on May 11.

April 27, 2020 Allentown City Offering Rental Assistance Program The city of Allentown is establishing a $400,000 rental assistance program from funds allocated to the city as part of the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

April 24, 2020 Jack Gross: Get to Know Your 2020 President What else is there to know about the man who will lead the Association for an entire year? The following is an interview in which Jack Gross takes us a little deeper into his career, the lessons he’s learned over time, and his love for a good prank.

April 24, 2020 Solicitor's Corner: Real Estate Transactions in a COVID-19 World The COVID-19 pandemic has upended life as we know it. In particular, it has caused the real estate industry to grind to a near halt due to COVID-19 and the orders and directives that have resulted in its wake. Let’s review the events that have recently unfolded and their effect on the real estate industry.

April 24, 2020 Take Care of Your Financial Wellness Financial planning experts, and NAR’s Center for REALTOR® Financial Wellness, offer tips on cash management and tax planning to help you through these turbulent times.

April 14, 2020 Effects of Pandemic on Real Estate Industry Begin to Show in Market Stats The Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS® (GLVR) reported March data showed familiar trends in the local housing market but also the beginning effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on an industry in Pennsylvania deemed non-essential.

March 30, 2020 GLVR Closes Real Estate Academy Through April With the nationwide social distancing guidelines being extended another 30 days, the Greater Lehigh Valley Real Estate Academy is suspending all classes through and including April 30.

March 16, 2020 Months Supply of Inventory Dips Again; NAR Issues COVID-19 Guide for REALTORS® The Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS® (GLVR) reported February data showed tight inventory and another record low for Months Supply of Inventory.

March 16, 2020 GLVR Closes Real Estate Academy Amid COVID-19 Pandemic With the declaration of a National Emergency and the closure of all K-12 schools across the state, the Greater Lehigh Valley Real Estate Academy is suspending all classes through and including March 27.

March 16, 2020 GLVR Transitioning Staff to Working Remotely With the declaration of a National Emergency, the closure of all K-12 schools and non-essential businesses across the state, the Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS® has begun the process of transitioning all staff to working remotely.

February 14, 2020 Dos and Don’ts of Social Media as a REALTOR® It’s important to consider the dos and don’ts of social media before creating a post, messaging someone, commenting on someone else’s photo, and so on and so forth. Check out our handy guide to learn whether you should hit that “enter” key.

February 13, 2020 Tight Housing Inventory Constrains Buyer Activity The Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS® (GLVR) reported January data showed tight inventory continuing to constrain buyer activity, with new construction still below levels required to fully supply the market’s needs.

February 10, 2020 Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS® Release 2019 Annual Report As the premier source of real estate information in the Lehigh Valley and its surrounding communities, the Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS® (GLVR) is pleased to provide an in-depth report on the 2019 local housing market.

February 10, 2020 Disclaimer: Social Media & Online Marketing isn’t Everything When you connect with a client through your online endeavors, your relationship won’t remain online. You’ll eventually come face-to-face, and you’ll need to bring the same consistency and professionalism you employ online into the physical world. With this is mind, we want to take the opportunity to remind our real estate professionals about the Pathways to Professionalism.

February 03, 2020 Using Video to Your Advantage as a REALTOR® You should be using video across all of your chosen social media platforms. Let’s dive into how you can get started and prove to you that video isn’t all that scary, expensive or time consuming.

January 27, 2020 Jack Gross Named President of Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS® Jack Gross, the president of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Cassidon Realty, was sworn in as the new president of the Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS® at an induction ceremony held in the Musikfest Café at SteelStacks on January 23, 2020.

January 27, 2020 6 Tips for Staging a Home in the Winter 50 percent of real estate professionals say that staging a home before a sale increases the amount of an offer by 1 to 10 percent—and that was regardless of the season.

January 17, 2020 Allentown Health Bureau Offering Free Radon Test Kits The program is in cooperation with the PA Department of Environmental Protection and the American Lung Association. Those who have never completed a prior radon test in their home are eligible for the program.

January 17, 2020 Trash Removal: Dumpster Rental Versus Hiring a Junk Removal Company When you’re left with more garbage than you can take to the curb for one week’s pickup, you’re basically left with two choices: renting a dumpster or hiring a junk removal company. Which option is best for you?

January 15, 2020 GLVR Accepting Donations for Valley Youth House The Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS®, in its quest to support its neighbors and make its communities stronger, will hold its first charitable drive of the year to benefit Valley Youth House.

January 14, 2020 Housing Market Hits Record Low for Months Supply of Inventory The Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS® (GLVR) reported December data showed the Lehigh Valley housing market ending the year on a high note, with increases in closed sales, prices, and the percentage of list price received.

January 13, 2020 The Importance of Being Consistent, Professional and Engaging in an Online World Without consistency, your online endeavors will prove futile and your hopes of getting more clients through the many outlets of the internet will fail.

January 13, 2020 NAR Leaders Approve Sweeping New Fair Housing Plan Leadership from the National Association of REALTORS® met with U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson and other senior HUD officials on January 8 in Washington to discuss fair housing just hours after unanimously passing a new plan to tackle the issue.

January 10, 2020 Window Guard Grant Reimbursement Available for Allentown Property Owners Allentown property owners and landlords can be reimbursed for supplies and time for installing pre-approved Window Opening Control Devices (WOCDs) in residential housing units.

January 06, 2020 Blogging for REALTORS® 101 This is not only the first step into a new hobby that you will (hopefully) enjoy, but a step to marketing yourself online and exposing your talents to potential clients.

December 27, 2019 Help NAR Identify Barriers to Affordable Housing HUD is seeking public comment on federal, state, local, and tribal laws, regulations, land use requirements, and administrative practices that artificially raise the costs of affordable housing development and contribute to shortages in America's housing supply.

December 16, 2019 How Much Snow is Too Much Snow on Your Roof? Check your doors. They’ll warn you first if you’ve got too much snow on your roof.

December 16, 2019 Professional Standards Case Study: Misleading Use of “MLS” in URL A case study that dives into the use of "MLS" in a domain name and whether its use violates the Code of Ethics.

December 16, 2019 Marketing Yourself as a REALTOR® on Social Media We break down each social media platform and provide clear insight on how to approach each of them as a REALTOR®.

December 16, 2019 GLVR Members, Sponsors Donate Nearly 150 Coats to Carbon County School District Nearly 150 coats, in addition to a plethora of hats, gloves, socks and underwear, were donated to the Panther Valley School District in Carbon County.

December 12, 2019 Despite Increase in New Housing Permits, Inadequate Inventory Stalling Buyers The Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS® (GLVR) reported November data shows more of the same with prices up, inventory down, and closed sales steady.

November 25, 2019 National Association of REALTORS® Supports Investigation into Emotional Support Animals On Friday, November 8, the Department of Housing and Urban Affairs (HUD) sent a letter to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), asking them to investigate websites selling assistance animal documentation.

November 25, 2019 GLVR Members Earn C2EX Endorsement Eight members of the Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS® have committed themselves to excelling in professionalism by earning the National Association of REALTORS® C2EX endorsement.

November 13, 2019 Lehigh Valley Housing Market: Low Supply Holding Back Sales The Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS® (GLVR) reported October data shows that while economic indicators portend a strong housing market, low supply on the lower end—which leaves first-time home buyers with few options—is helping to hold sales back.

November 11, 2019 Allentown Apartment Complex Pays $60,000 for Discriminating Against Families with Children The Housing Equality Center of Pennsylvania (HECP) and a Lehigh County resident have entered into a settlement agreement resolving allegations that Devonshire Park Apartments in Allentown violated the federal Fair Housing Act by refusing to rent to families with children.

November 11, 2019 Marketing a Listing? MLS Submission Will Soon Be a Must At its November 11 meeting, the National Association of REALTORS® Board of Directors approved MLS Statement 8.0, also known as the Clear Cooperation policy.

November 05, 2019 GLVR Collecting Coats for Panther Valley Students

The Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS® is holding a coat drive to benefit students who attend the Panther Valley School District in Carbon County.

November 04, 2019 GLVR Presents Housing Equality Proclamation to Bradbury-Sullivan Center At the request of the Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center and Pennsylvania Youth Congress, the Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS® readily agreed to join a coalition of organizations and associations in the promotion of anti-discriminatory practices in housing.

October 28, 2019 Election Day is November 5: Who are the RPAC-Supported Candidates? The 2019 municipal election in Pennsylvania is Tuesday, November 5. As REALTORS®, it is important to back candidates who support private property rights and the real estate industry.

October 18, 2019 GLVR Members Choose The Association's 2020 Board of Directors The Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS® is thrilled to announce who has been elected to serve on the Board of Directors beginning in 2020.

October 14, 2019 Not-so-scary Start to Lehigh Valley's Fall Housing Market The Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS® (GLVR) reported September data showed buyer and seller activity remaining strong, buoyed by low mortgage rates and a strong economy.

October 11, 2019 Prescription Drug Take-back Information The Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs, in cooperation with local police departments and businesses, offers a list of drug take-back locations.

October 10, 2019 Window to the Law: Flood Insurance & Disclosures: What You Need to Know Now Flood-related disclosures can generate a deluge of legal and ethical questions. What needs to be disclosed? How should you advise your sellers? What should you tell buyers about flood risk and flood insurance?

October 04, 2019 What Type of REALTOR® Are You Based on Your Favorite Fall Starbucks Drink? Starbucks fall seasonal drinks are finally back! Find out what type of REALTOR® you are based on popular fall beverages.

September 27, 2019 Middle Smithfield Township Introduces MapLink for Zoning Information Middle Smithfield Township has announced the introduction of eCode360^®MapLink^™, a new interactive website focusing on community growth through simplified zoning information that is more accessible and user friendly to the public and business community.

September 26, 2019 Fair Housing: HUD Settles Housing Discrimination Case Involving Child with Respiratory Disability The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) recently announced resolution of a housing discrimination case from California for just under $11,000.

September 20, 2019 An Update on Short-term Rentals and Legislation In the past decade, the popularity of short-term rentals has grown at a rate that has far outpaced governmental regulation. Learn where things currently stand on short-term rentals.

September 12, 2019 Calling All Homebuilders: The Lehigh Valley Housing Market Needs More Supply The Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS® (GLVR) reported August data showed another impressive summer month, but also showed how new construction could greatly improve the real estate market – both locally and nationally.

September 11, 2019 Millennials vs. Baby Boomers: The Great Housing Market Debate There’s a debate surrounding the current buyer-seller stalemate, for lack of a better phrase, and who, exactly, is to blame. Let’s dive into the details and act as referee.

September 11, 2019 Q&A with Emmaus Mayor Lee Ann Gilbert We chat with Lee Ann Gilbert, the mayor of Emmaus, about her vibrant community that features a diverse mix of residential, commercial, and light industrial uses. Emmaus is a hub of productivity in southwestern Lehigh County that offers a variety of housing opportunities in a true community atmosphere.

September 11, 2019 Get Cozy with Fall Décor If you have a seller (or you are a seller) preparing to put their house on the market in the fall, check out these décor ideas to get the home looking cozy and ready for the cooler season.

September 09, 2019 Seller Beware: Legal Issues Arising from Seller’s Disclosures (or Lack Thereof) in Residential Real Estate Transactions While the seller’s disclosure statement may fit into the process like just another form document to be signed, it is, in fact, a legal document of great significance that, if not addressed properly, can give rise to various legal issues.

September 05, 2019 Easton: A Community Highlight Even with all that Easton has to offer, the city continues to strive toward bigger and better things for their residents and visitors.

September 03, 2019 Tips for Organizing an Estate Cleanout Estate cleanouts can happen for a number of reasons, like death, divorce, or downsizing due to debt or higher costs of living. Follow these tips to help organize an estate cleanout and ease the stress of liquidating an entire house’s belongings.

August 29, 2019 Patios, Pools & Hardscaping: What do they mean for home value? The homes we renovate don’t always end up being our forever homes. When it comes to selling, will hardscaping hurt you or help you in terms of home value?

August 26, 2019 Selling Homes with Pools: Tips and Tricks When it comes to closing a deal when a pool is involved, it comes down to aesthetics, maintenance, transparency and safety.

August 21, 2019 GLVR Members Help Pack 100 Backpacks for Bethlehem and Allentown YMCA Back to school is finally here! Members of the Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS® made sure that children who are a part of the YMCA in Bethlehem and Allentown were fully stocked and ready to learn.

August 13, 2019 Housing Prices in July Set Lehigh Valley Record The Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS® (GLVR) reported July data showed that, for the second month in a row, the Lehigh Valley’s housing prices broke records.

August 12, 2019 GLVR Awards $2,000 Scholarship to Local Student The Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS® (GLVR) Diversity and Community Involvement Committee has awarded Christine Nicholson, a student at Easton Area High School, its first REALTOR® scholarship in the amount of $2,000.

August 05, 2019 School Supply Drive and Backpack Stuffing to Benefit YMCA Back to school is right around the corner! Join the Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS® at its next community event, Back to School Backpacks, benefiting the children who are a part of the Bethlehem and Allentown YMCA.

July 30, 2019 GLVR Welcomes New Director of Professional Development With over 15 years of project management and compliance experience, Allyson Lysaght brings a plethora of knowledge and skill to her role as Director of Professional Development for the Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS®.

July 22, 2019 Monroe County Reassessment Clarification and Information Property owners throughout Monroe County received mailed notices last week from the Monroe County Assessment Office containing their final assessed values for their residential and commercial properties. Here's what you and/or your clients need to know.

July 15, 2019 Summer Housing Market Continues Trend of Low Inventory, Higher Prices The Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS® (GLVR) reported June data showed that the Lehigh Valley’s residential real estate market continues its stable pace, partially due to the economy performing well and low unemployment.

July 01, 2019 Scam Hits Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program A scam targeting seniors and people with disabilities who receive rebates through the Property Tax/Rent Rebate (PTRR) Program is making the rounds.

June 17, 2019 Nearly $10,000 Raised for Local Cancer Support Organizations The Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS® 7th Annual Signature Event with Amy Robach included live and silent charity auctions, in addition to basket raffles, in support of the Cancer Support Community of the Greater Lehigh Valley and the Women’s 5K Classic.

June 12, 2019 Lehigh Valley Homes Averaging 36 Days on the Market The Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS® (GLVR) reported May data showed that the local housing market isn’t particularly exciting, but it remains desirable.

June 05, 2019 Local Cancer Support Organizations to Benefit from Signature Event Auction The Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS® 7th Annual Signature Event with Amy Robach will include a charity auction in support of the Cancer Support Community of the Greater Lehigh Valley and the Women’s 5K Classic.

June 04, 2019 From Devastation to Transformation: Amy Robach Reflects on Life Before, During and After Breast Cancer Lessons and change that Amy Robach learned and implemented during and after what she calls a devastating, transformative and inspirational cancer journey.

May 24, 2019 Redesigned Home Search Widget Coming May 28 The Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS® (GLVR) on Tuesday, May 28, will launch a redesigned public-facing home search on its website, www.GreaterLehighValleyRealtors.com.

May 24, 2019 GLVR Recognized for Support of Local Special Olympics The Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS® (GLVR) on May 18 was presented with a plaque in recognition of the Association’s support of the Carbon County Special Olympics.

May 16, 2019 2019 Pennsylvania Primary: Who are the RPAC Supported Candidates? The 2019 primary election in Pennsylvania is Tuesday, May 21. As REALTORS®, it is important to back candidates who support private property rights and the real estate industry.

May 14, 2019 Spring Housing Market Brings Increases in Sales, Prices The Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS® (GLVR) reported April data showed buyers starting to come out of hibernation.

May 13, 2019 Share an Inspirational Message in the Signature Event Program Booklet The Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS® 7^th Annual Signature Event with Amy Robach will include multiple ways to raise money for the Cancer Support Community of the Greater Lehigh Valley and the Women’s 5K Classic.

May 13, 2019 Suspicious Person Reported at Open Houses A member of the Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS® has recently reported a suspicious individual who fits the characteristics and actions of a person reported to the Association back in 2017.

April 15, 2019 Optimism Remains Despite Soft Start to Spring Housing Market The Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS® (GLVR) reported March data showed a soft start to the spring selling season.

April 08, 2019 Borough of Emmaus Adopts Sewer Lateral Ordinance On January 21, 2019, Emmaus Borough Council adopted Ordinance No. 1185, requiring testing, inspection, repair, and replacement of building sewer laterals for all real estate transfers within the Borough of Emmaus. The ordinance takes effect on April 21, 2019.

March 27, 2019 NAR Backs Fair Housing Act Change Amendment would add protections for sexual orientation and gender identity.

March 25, 2019 PAR Capitol Report Gives Legislation Update The PAR Capitol Report gives an update on the First-Time Homebuyers Savings Account legislation, a carry-over CE bill, and Private Road Act legislation.

March 19, 2019 The Renaissance of a School District How Bethlehem Area School District re-branded itself to "Ignite, Encourage, Empower" its students.

March 12, 2019 Spring Market Enthusiasm Begins as Weather Stalls Some Home Buying and Selling Actions The Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS® (GLVR) reported February data showed that some impressively cold, rainy and snowy days stalled some buying and selling actions.

February 25, 2019 First-Time Homebuyers Savings Account Legislation Passes the House The First-Time Homebuyers Savings Account program legislation was voted out of the House on Thursday, February 21.

February 20, 2019 Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS® Release 2018 Annual Market Report As the premier source of real estate information in the Lehigh Valley and its surrounding communities, the Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS® (GLVR) is pleased to provide an in-depth report on the 2018 local housing market.

February 14, 2019 Winter Brings a Chill to Local Housing Market The Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS® (GLVR) reported January data showed a flat – but stable – start to 2019.

January 25, 2019 2018 - A Year in Review A look back at 2018 events and accomplishments.

January 23, 2019 Keeping Your Home Safe and Secure in Winter

Whether it’s due to shorter daylight hours or the decrease of people out and about, studies have shown that crimes against property (such as theft) increase during winter months.

January 18, 2019 NAR Asks Trump Administration to Reopen Rural Loan Program The National Association of REALTORS® has asked the Trump administration to jump-start the Rural Housing Loan Program, which has been unable to process mortgage applications since the partial federal government shutdown began nearly a month ago.

January 18, 2019 GLVR Member Discounts (Phantoms and PPL Center) As a member of the GLVR, please enjoy these discounted offers to the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, as well as the Harlem Globetrotters!

January 18, 2019 Update on new Supra eKEY app release We are excited to share an update with you on the release of the new Supra® eKEY® app. The rollout is going well and thousands of key holders are updating their app each day.

January 15, 2019 December Data Shows Inventory Will Improve in 2019 The Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS® reported December data showed that inventory will improve in 2019.

January 15, 2019 To Listen or Not to Listen: Does a Homeowner Have a Right to “Listen in” On a Showing?

Wanting more information on what potential buyers think of her home, a homeowner installs multiple cameras throughout the home to watch and listen in on showings. Are there any issues with this homeowner’s actions?

January 11, 2019 Chris Raad Inducted Into PA RPAC Hall of Fame PAR Treasurer and former GLVR President, Chris Raad has been inducted into the PA RPAC Hall of Fame.

January 11, 2019 IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR SUPRA EKEY USERS Supra is pleased to announce that we are beginning the release of the new Supra® eKEY® app for iOS (iPhone®) users on Monday, January 7.

January 03, 2019 Flood Insurance Extended Until May 31 Congress passed an extension of the National Flood Insurance Program until May 31, avoiding a lapse that would have impacted closings throughout the nation. The President is expected to sign the bill.

January 03, 2019 Updated and New Standard Forms Are in Effect this Month! Beginning this month, the Standard Forms Committee of the Pennsylvania Association of Realtors (PAR) has made changes to several existing forms, and have added one new form.

December 17, 2018 Mention GLVR at Barnes & Noble to Get a Discount! The Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley Barnes & Noble is offering 20% off to GLVR members when you mention GLVR at that specific location.

December 13, 2018 November Data Shows Low Unemployment Helping Housing Industry The Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS® reported November data showed that low unemployment the U.S. is helping the housing industry as 2018 begins to come to a close.

December 03, 2018 Flood Insurance Extended Two Weeks While Longer Extension is Considered The U.S. House of Representatives and Senate today passed a two-week extension of the National Flood Insurance Program, avoiding a lapse tomorrow at midnight. The President is expected to sign the measure.

November 14, 2018 October Data Shows Calm, Balance Settling Over Housing Market The Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS® (GLVR) reported October data showed that a trend of market balance is emerging as we approach the end of 2018.

October 29, 2018 GLVR Collecting Coats for Panther Valley Students The Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS® will hold a coat drive now through the end of the year to benefit students who attend the Panther Valley School District in Carbon County.

October 19, 2018 GLVR Members Choose The Association's 2019 Board of Directors The Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS® is happy to announce who has been elected to serve on the Board of Directors beginning in 2019.

October 15, 2018 Lehigh Valley Housing Market Wraps Up Summer on a Solid Note The Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS® (GLVR) reported September data showed continued buyer demand and sales excitement, despite the usual end-of-year cool down.

October 11, 2018 Updated Pennsylvania UCC Now in Effect REALTORS®, homeowners, contractors and building tradesmen are reminded that an updated Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code went into effect on October 1, 2018.

September 24, 2018 GLVR to Support Upcoming JDRF Walk in Allentown The Greater Lehigh Valley Realtors is walking and raising money to end type 1 diabetes (T1D).

September 21, 2018 Managing Stress Can Lead to Success Mental health professionals recognize that a certain amount of stress is necessary for people to succeed at any task. The Yerkes-Dodson Law says that human performance improves with physiological or mental arousal.

September 14, 2018 Lehigh Valley Homes Spent an Average of 30 Days on the Market in August The Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS® (GLVR) reported August data showed that while home prices are at or approaching record highs in many markets, mortgage default and foreclosure rates sit near historic lows.

August 24, 2018 FREE Wellness Expo in Bethlehem The Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS® (GLVR) will hold a FREE Wellness Expo -- Beyond Healthcare: Taking a Proactive Approach to Personal Wellness -- on Wednesday, September 12, 2018, at the ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks in Bethlehem, Pa.

August 23, 2018 Buyer Beware: Craigslist Rentals Is that Craigslist rental the real deal or a scam?

August 14, 2018 Lehigh Valley Home Prices Continue Upward March The Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS® (GLVR) reported July data showed a continued upward march of home prices as housing demand continues to outpace what is available.

July 24, 2018 Tips for Buying and Selling a Home Buying or selling a home is a big commitment. It’s important to be prepared no matter what side of the transaction you are on.

July 12, 2018 Lehigh Valley Home Prices Reaching Toward 2007 Levels The Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS® (GLVR) reported June data showed buyer competition manifesting itself into quick sales above asking price.

July 10, 2018 GLVR Launches New Website, Member Portal The Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS® (GLVR) is excited to announce the roll out of a new website and Member Portal.

July 02, 2018 Art & Architecture: When the Two Collide, City Growth Prospers Identifying their preferences for the type of home and neighborhood to live in is typically among the first things potential homebuyers do. Debating between the convenience of a short commute versus the spaciousness of suburban living can be challenging when deciding upon the right home.

June 13, 2018 Lehigh Valley Sees Homes Selling in just 41 Days The Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS® (GLVR) reported May data showed more of the same but with the addition of improved buyer confidence that is due, in part, to payrolls trending upward and unemployment trending downward month after month in an extensive string of positive economic news.

June 12, 2018 GLVR Board Member Selected to Participate in LeadershipPAR Program Kathy Gregory, a Realtor® with Coldwell Banker Heritage Real Estate and a member of the Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS® Board of Directors, was selected to participate in the 2018-2019 LeadershipPAR Program.

May 14, 2018 Home Prices Rise as Spring Market Faces Continued Inventory Battle

The Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS® (GLVR) reported April data showed a spring housing market in Lehigh and Northampton counties trying to come alive as the battle for inventory continues. Carbon County, meanwhile, had an impressive month.

March 13, 2018 Home Prices Rise in Inventory-strapped Lehigh Valley Market

The Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS® (GLVR) reported February data showed the Lehigh Valley following national market trends for residential real estate, including lack of abundant inventory, steadily upward movement of home prices, and year-over-year declines in home sales.

February 14, 2018 Tame Winter, Low Inventory Lead to a Solid January Housing Market

The Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS® (GLVR) reported January data showed what a tame winter and a lack of inventory can do for a housing market – keep it hot.

January 12, 2018 Seasonal Slowdown Can't Stop Climbing Prices, Fast-moving Homes

The Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS® (GLVR) reported December housing data showed a seasonal slowdown, but homes are still moving quickly and selling at higher prices.

December 12, 2017 November Housing Market Sees Rise in Sales, Prices, Listings

The Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS® (GLVR) reported housing data showed an active market that brought in never before seen statistics for the month of November.

October 17, 2017 Summer Selling Season Ends with Modest Gains in Home Prices, New Listings

The Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS® (GLVR) reported September data showed a modest month after home prices reached a near-decade high in August.

September 29, 2017 Securing Prescription Drugs During Open Houses

A member of the Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS® has recently reported an individual who may be attending open houses with the sole purpose of stealing prescription medications.

September 17, 2017 Lehigh Valley Home Prices Climb Toward Decade High

The Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS® (GLVR) reported August data shows a median home price that hasn’t been seen in nearly a decade. This is caused by the continuing trend of low supply and high demand.

August 14, 2017 It's a Seller's Market in the Greater Lehigh Valley

The Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS® (GLVR) reported July data shows that the shift to a predominantly seller’s market is mostly complete.

July 11, 2017 Homes Sales Move Quickly as Inventory Drops, Prices Rise

The Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS® (GLVR) reported June data shows that the inventory slump is driving up home prices and sellers are almost always receiving asking price.

June 14, 2017 Inventory Shortage Doesn't Quell Optimism for Summer Home Buying and Selling The Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS® (GLVR) reported May data shows that, although we continue to battle an inventory shortage in the Lehigh Valley and much of the country, optimism remains high for a successful summer for buying and selling homes.

June 14, 2017 October Sees Active Housing Market Despite So-called Off-season of Home Sales

The Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS® (GLVR) reported October data showed an active housing market, even during the so-called off-season of home sales.

May 12, 2017 First-time Buyers Feeling Pinch of Low Inventory, Higher Prices The Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS® (GLVR) reported April data shows that the squeeze on inventory may be putting prices just out of reach of first-time homebuyers, but the market remains strong as we close out the second month of spring.

April 11, 2017 Greater Lehigh Valley Real Estate Market Sees 1st Quarter End on a High Note The Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS® (GLVR) reported March data shows that we can comfortably consider the first quarter to have been a good start for residential real estate in 2017.

March 14, 2017 Greater Lehigh Valley Real Estate Sees Heavy Lean Toward Seller's Market The Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS® (GLVR) reported February data shows that the start of the year ushered in a wave of good news with a hot stock market, higher wages and an active home sales environment.

February 14, 2017 Winter, Low Inventory Slow Down January's Real Estate Market The Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS® (GLVR) reported January data shows that sale totals inevitably started off slow, and may continue to do so in the first half of the year, due to ongoing inventory concerns.

January 12, 2017 December Real Estate Market Sees Home Prices Rise as Inventory Continues Slump The Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS® (GLVR) reported December data shows that most of 2016 offered the same monthly housing market highlights. The number of homes for sale was drastically down in year-over-year comparisons, along with days on market and months of supply. Meanwhile, sales and prices were up.

December 13, 2016 Consistent Lehigh Valley Housing Market Sees Inventory Down, Higher Prices, Fast Sales The Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS^® (GLVR) reported November data shows that, as we we’ve seen with regularity throughout 2016, inventory was down, homes were selling in fewer days, and homes were selling for higher prices.

November 14, 2016 Lehigh Valley Housing Market Continues Battle Over Inventory The Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS^® (GLVR) reported October data shows that, as we enter the final quarter of 2016, not much has changed since the year began.

October 16, 2016 Closed home sales in the Lehigh Valley see slight boost as demand booms The Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS^® (GLVR) reported September data shows that, as anticipated at the outset of the year, demand has remained high through the first three quarters of 2016, propping up sales and prices despite heavy reduction in inventory and months of supply.

September 13, 2016 Closed home sales in the Lehigh Valley cooled off during August; could be the norm for remainder of 2016 August data shows dwindling inventory numbers are beginning to adversely affect the valley’s real estate market — cooling down the sales hot streak the market’s been riding most of the year, but luckily not extinguishing rising prices.

August 05, 2016 Lehigh Valley homes are selling faster than they have in the past several years, despite rising prices The Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS^® (GLVR) reported July data that shows the valley’s real estate market took off like a firework, with homes staying on the market for far fewer days, even as home prices rose in many communities.

July 13, 2016 As Predicted: Greater Lehigh Valley Housing Market Continues to Sizzle The Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS^® (GLVR) reported June data shows the Valley housing market triumphantly ended the first half of 2016 on a high note — riding a wave of positive transaction figures and sales activity that has been gaining steam since the first of the year.

July 07, 2016 How to Host a Sizzling Summer Open House There are so many reasons why summer may be the perfect time to put your home on the market - families are trying to settle into a new place before the school year starts and buyers have their tax refunds firmly in hand. But with so many others reaching the same conclusion, how do you make your home stand out?

June 15, 2016 Second quarter of 2016 proves to be an equally rewarding period for home buyers and sellers The Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS^® (GLVR) reported May data shows that all the early-year forecasts were correct — spring of 2016 has been a vibrant period for both home buying and selling, often with quick multiple offers that are near, at or even above asking price.

May 13, 2016 A healthy real estate market continues its resurgence, fueled by favorable economic conditions The Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS^® (GLVR) reported April data shows that as predicted at the beginning of the year, the valley’s real estate market is continuing the success of 2015 well into 2016.

April 13, 2016 Despite another month of falling inventory numbers, home prices remain affordable March data shows the number of homes for sale on the market continues to shrink, but despite the decreasing inventory and a strong homebuyer demand, home prices have remained relatively steady.

March 14, 2016 Housing Market Enters March Like a Lion Despite Inventory Concerns The Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS^® (GLVR) reported that the February data shows the local housing market is doing well despite a dwindling inventory of homes.

February 12, 2016 Housing Market Kicks Off 2016 Sure and Steady The Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS^® (GLVR) reported that the January housing data solidifies predictions that both prices and home sales should be on the upswing for the year.

January 12, 2016 Healthy Housing Market Accepts Rate Increase The Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS^® (GLVR) reported that the December data shows that the housing market is willing to accept the much-anticipated rate increase with continued optimism.