Ben Baker - Lehigh Valley Realtor

06/15/2026

The June market update from the Greater Lehigh Valley Realtors Association opens with this statement, and I'm sharing it because I feel it's an accurate description of the Spring 2026 R/E market in the Lehigh Valley:

"The Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS® reported May housing data reflected steady buyer activity, limited inventory, and sustained price pressure."

Below is my most recent listing to go Under Contract, with multiple offers, and all offers were over the list price of $275k. Agreement signed last week, it should be settled by mid-July.

06/07/2026

While not having a dedicated foyer can feel awkward, there are ways to elevate your space with careful furniture placement.

Eight spaces that pull double duty.

06/05/2026

Rates are staying relatively stable at the moment, but the rate your lender will provide you is based on your credit, debt, income, etc. Whether you're a Buyer or a Seller, you would prefer to see rates dropping in general. Use a lender recommended by your REALTOR (if you've got one you trust.) Consider a rate buydown.

Here's the info on the chart below - note this is today's snapshot... rates are always fluctuating:

Rates are provided by Mortgage News Daily. The MND Rate Index is the best way to follow day-to-day movement in mortgage rates. The index is driven by real-time changes in actual lender rate sheets. This has two huge advantages, timeliness and accuracy. A "top tier" scenario is used as a baseline (75 LTV, 780 FICO, etc.). We use proprietary methodology to adjust the rate to account for points. That can mean that lenders are quoting 6.125 with points while our index is at 6.25, hypothetically.

06/04/2026

Did you know that planting certain flowers in your vegetable garden could help growth?

There's no rule that says vegetables and flowers have to be grown separately. Add these blooms to your vegetable garden to boost your yield.

06/04/2026

1-bedroom apartment available on my block in Catasauqua… don’t call me, call the landlord at the number on the sign. (It says no texts - it’s a land line.)

06/01/2026

Everyone has different tastes, but if you're looking for added value, these projects may not be a good fit.

Thinking about upgrading your home? Avoid these renovation mistakes that can hurt your home's value.

05/29/2026

If you're selling your home, you want to impress potential buyers -- both online and in person. Here's how you can improve the property's appearance.

Let the exterior shine with these tips.

05/26/2026

See how much of a difference some new windows and wallpaper can make.

The “after” adds color and drama but still feels bright and cheery.

05/24/2026

Whether you're looking for the right features in your next home or considering a remodel, here's what to consider when it comes to the layout of the kitchen.

The kitchen work triangle is beloved for its ease of transitions between prepping, cooking, and entertaining. Here's how to make the most of it.

05/21/2026

Having the right amount of home insurance coverage can help save you from incurring more costs if something happens.

Many homeowners don't have enough insurance to rebuild if disaster strikes. Use a rebuilding costs calculator to estimate what you'd need to replace your home.