Uncertain Times For Investing Your Money

Ok, I know this isn't news. I am not here to beat a dead horse about the state of the economy, wall street, stocks, the Dow, main street, 401Ks, foreclosures, lending, fat-cat CEOs, or any of those subjects which bombard us every day online, on tv, in the paper and everywhere.

What I am here to say is, we've been here before. Sure, now might seem worse because we are seeing a combination of several unpleasant factors, which are scaring the beejeesus out of everyone and therefore making our economy a little 'unpredictable', but we have been here before. Change is the only thing we can count on in the financial and real estate markets.

What Have We Learned in Previous Rough Times?

Simple. Real estate investing makes a comeback when the stock market gets too unpredictable. Folks start to realize just how worthless those stock certificates seem in comparison to a piece of real estate that you can see, touch, feel, walk on, improve, rent, divide, sell and leverage. Times like those we are seeing now bring us all back to the reality of slow, steady, safe investing of our hard earned money in real property. Real estate makes the world go 'round!

The Poconos is an Investment Mecca

The real estate boom in the late 80's and early 90's is a perfect example of how a crappy stock market feeds a hungry real estate market. Here in the Poconos we saw a nice brisk real estate market coordinating with the stock market crash in 1987. Second homes and vacation homes became very much in demand, and development here exploded.

Again, the dot com bubble bursting in 2000 preceded another big boost in the real estate market here. That, combined with the events of 9/11/01, ensured us here in the Poconos of a solid reputation as the place for real estate investing. We have enjoyed a continuous flow of investors, primary home buyers and vacation home buyers over the years and, despite the problems occuring in other areas of the country, our values have held relatively steady (relatively :) ).

And now? The calls have begun to trickle in. People are regrouping. It's time to put that money elsewhere.

So Now What?

Bawldguy, one of my online real estate buddies from California, calls this the perfect storm for real estate investors. He's right...price, selection and favorable interest rates all combine to create a real no-brainer situation for those looking to invest wisely. I encourage you to read his article and peruse his website for all kinds of great insight in to building wealth through real estate investing. Other recent articles I found interesting include one with a really long title that I will shorten to Stocks vs. Real Estate and Where Would You Be If..., which examines investment scenarios involving 401Ks and what coulda been if money was put in to real estate instead. Check out Bawldguy, he is extremely knowledgable and a really fun read!

Then, once you are convinced, contact me at [email protected] to find some Pocono properties to invest in.

Arrowhead Is A Gorgeous Community In All Seasons

But, if you haven't been to Arrowhead Lake in the fall, you are really missing out. Here is a photo I took at the main lake when I was showing homes there this weekend.

If you'd like to see more, visit my Flickr page.

The North Lake Tells A Different Story

A drive by either of the two beaches on North Arrowhead Lake might be disappointing and even alarming to some. The water level is extremely low, with a few shallow pools of water here and there as the only evidence of it's past aquatic glory. Vegetation is starting to take hold in places and the area looks barren and bleak.

What's Going On?

An article in the Autumn 2008 Edition of Smoke Signals, Arrowhead Lake's community newspaper, has a detailed explanation of the recent issues plaguing the North Lake. Apparently there was some work on the dam that needed to be done. Specifically, the outlet structure, known as the North Lake Tower, had issues at the water line that required repair.

The Community obtained permit approval for this work in the fall of 2007 and began construction immediately. The water level of the lake was drawn down, leaving ponds of varying sizes in place in order to sustain the fish population while the work was being done. The Arrowhead Lake Board of Directors, according to the article, diligently sought advice from not only construction experts but also environmental experts, which included their lake management company and the process seems to have been very well planned and thought out.

Now We Wait For Snow

The article goes on to describe the trials and tribulations that were experienced during the process of repairing the Tower until the Department of Environmental Protection gave their blessing to refill the lake in April of 2008. The Homeowners' Association proceeded to do everything it could to fill the lake for the summer season, but fish spawning season and a rather dry stretch of weather hampered those efforts by making it impossible to draw water from the main lake to help bring the North Lake up to better levels.

With some significant precipitation this fall and a healthy range of snowfall this winter, the Arrowhead Lake community hopes that the North Arrowhead Lake will return to its normal water depth and once again offer its residents and guests "exceptional fishing and recreational activities."

Questions? Feel free to contact me via email at [email protected], IM PoconoBuyersRep, or toll free phone 888.794.5589, for more info or to request a copy of the article referenced here.

To search for homes in Arrowhead Lake, PA, try out my MLS /IDX search page.

The data relating to real estate for sale on this website includes listings held by MLS-IDX Participants of the Internet Date Exchange Program of the Multiple Listing Service of the Pocono Mountains Association of REALTORS. Listings marked with the Internet Date Exchange logo are not necessarily the listings of the owner of this web site. All listing data is the copyrighted property of the aforesaid Association and its MLS-IDX Participants with all rights reserved. The information contained herein is believed to be accurate but no warranty as such is expressed or implied.

Turn key vacation property, ideal for personal use or rental

12 Ogontz Drive (Arrowhead Community) Pocono Lake PA 18347

Gorgeous turn-key home for the discerning buyer-furnished and all! Beautiful upgrades throughout include fancy fixtures, hand-scraped hardwood floors, plush California berber carpeting & designer tiled baths. Huge master suite with a generously sized walk-in closet, double shower & a 'Juliet Deck' to enjoy some alone time under the stars. Private deck off of the den with a hot tub for melting your cares away. Princess suite with its own bath in the lower level is great for guests. Gas fireplace in the living room encourages snuggling. Home offers central air conditioning and much, much more.

Arrowhead Lake is one of the best known vacation home communities in the Poconos. It offers the perfect setting for anyone looking for a great place to get away from it all, bringing privacy and opportunity for interaction together in one place. Great amenities are only the beginning of all Arrowhead brings to the table. And if you are looking to rent your house out for vacationers, Arrowhead has a great reputation for attracting those vacationers looking for a short term rental.

For more information on this rare offering, contact me via email at [email protected], IM PoconoBuyersRep, or call 888.794.5589.

Search for other homes in Arrowhead Lake or other gated amenity communities in the Poconos via my MLS/IDX Search.

There's always something going on in the Poconos

But fall is especially spectacular because the beauty of the fall foliage creates a stunning backdrop for festivals, hiking and all other sorts of outdoor activities. Check out the Pocono Fall Foliage Report here.

Whether you are looking for a low- or no-cost outing for the family, are in to theater and the arts, or want to explore and learn about history and nature, we got it goin' on!!

But when all else fails, just take a walk or a drive!

Some highlights of things going on this fall in Monroe, Carbon & Pike Counties:

10/11 Stroudsburg Autumn Festival
10/11 Jim Thorpe Fall Foliage Weekend
10/18 Shawnee Mountain Timer & Balloon Festival
10/18 Bowfire at Sherman Theater
10/18 Jim Thorpe Fall Foliage Weekend
10/19 "PEEC" of Autumn with John Serrao
10/25 PEEC-a-Boo Halloween Trail
10/25 Jim Thorpe Fall Foliage Weekend
10/31 Rocky Horror Picture Show at Sherman Theater

Activities all month long at Jim Thorpe include haunted train display, ghost walk and more.

The Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau has an ever-updated calendar of things to do here in the beautiful mountains of northeastern Pennsylania.

Things to Do at Penn Estates

(Private Community - Members & Guests Only)

View Community Calendar of Events Here
Highlights for Fall:
10/11 Oktoberfest
10/18 Breast Cancer Walk-a-thon
10/24 & 25 Haunted House
11/15 Comedian Dave Reilly

Things to Do at Arrowhead Lakes

(Private Community - Members & Guests Only)

View Arrowhead Activity Calendar Here
Highlights for Fall:
10/11 Fall Fest/Flea Market
10/19 Sunday Breakfast Buffet
10/25 Haunted Clubhouse
10/31 Tailgate Trick or Treat

Commute by Bus to/from the Poconos and NY / NJ?

Starting Monday, October 6, 2008, the Pocono Pony of Monroe County Transit Authority will be shuttling residents from Penn Estates to the commuter bus stops that serve Martz Trailways and other Pocono buses which travel to New Jersey and New York every day. This is a great new service which we hope will enhance the quality of life of those commuting from Penn Estates to jobs in NY and NJ.

Public Transportation is Convenient & Economical

For only $2.50 each way (or less if you buy books of 20 one-way trips), residents can get a ride on weekdays from the front or back gates of the community to the Martz stations at 447 or Delaware Water Gap. We recommend riders walk or get dropped off (kiss n ride!) at either gate as parking is not available at this time. This is a two month trial of this service so please spread the word!

MCTA Pocono Pony Bus Schedule for Penn Estates

For more information, call the MCTA Pocono Pony at 570.839.6282.

EDIT 1/2/09: PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS PROGRAM HAS BEEN CANCELLED DUE TO LACK OF RIDERSHIP. IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN SEEING THIS RESUME, PLEASE EXPRESS YOUR INTEREST TO THE PENN ESTATES MANAGEMENT OR BOARD OF DIRECTORS. IF WE GET MORE PEOPLE TO RIDE, PERHAPS WE CAN RESUME AGAIN IN THE FUTURE.