More new homes, please...

Valley Pulse
More New Homes, Please…

When I consider new construction and its relationship to the inventory struggle we are still experiencing in the Lehigh Valley, I think of it as a costly guessing game… 

When builders build homes, they take 1 to 2 years to finish. This means that they are effectively guessing how many they will need when they start building.

Think about how much life changes in just a year… This also happens with the real estate market, so no wonder there are always too many or not enough new construction homes being built!

This is what is happening now. For the last couple of years, we have been struggling with a lack of inventory, especially in new construction. Now, we see many communities that are either unfinished or just finished.

During the pandemic in 2021, we saw extremely low rates (some as low as 2%!).. This, combined with the newfound “work from home” movement, caused many people to buy homes in the Lehigh Valley in DROVES.

We are talking full-on about Black Friday in the late '90s! People were fighting over homes, paying way over asking and waiving inspections.

During those times, we had a significant lack of new construction homes being completed; I mean, who would have guessed that coming, right?

Ever since, the builders have been playing catch-up, as they have put tons of new projects underway due to the surge in buyers and a lack of homes. The only issue is that we are two years later here. As many of those communities went through permitting, development, building, and selling, we saw interest rates rise to 7%!

What will happen? Well, we don’t know.

If I had a crystal ball, I would be playing the lottery for a living. My best guess is that this will help ease many of the low inventory issues we have seen for the last couple of years while giving buyers more options.

The rising interest rates were already starting to cause this, but in the future, we could see many sellers competing with a ton of overstocked new construction, which could cause homes to sit and potentially lose some value.

Either way, I will be here to keep you updated, so look for these each week and forward them to anyone who may benefit from them…

AND as always, remember to reach out to me and my team if you need anything at all!

Can’t-Miss Events

Art, Architecture and Design Faculty Exhibition (Lehigh University)

• When: February 23, 2025

• What: An engaging exhibition at the Lehigh University Art Galleries featuring innovative works by faculty members in art, architecture, and design.

• Why Attend: Ideal for art enthusiasts and anyone interested in contemporary creative expressions emerging from the academic community.

  Kids: Create Comics Inspired by Planet Earth

  • When: February 23, 2025 (sessions available around early afternoon)

  • Where: At an Apple Store in the Lehigh Valley area (check specific location details)

  • What: This free workshop invites kids (and their parents) to design their own comic strip focused on protecting our planet. It’s a creative, interactive way for families to collaborate and learn about environmental awareness.

    Family Farmyard at Garrett Williamson Farm

    • When: 1st and 3rd Saturdays (10:00 AM – 12:00 PM) through March 2, 2025

    • Where: Garrett Williamson Farm, Newtown Square

    • What: A hands-on farmyard experience where families can enjoy meeting farm animals, exploring outdoor activities, and learning about farm life in a relaxed setting.

Local Gems
Top Notch!

Nestled in Allentown, Pennsylvania, Notch Modern Kitchen & Bar offers a distinctive dining experience that artfully blends modern American cuisine with Asian influences. Since its opening in 2019, this family-owned establishment has become a local favorite, known for its inventive dishes and welcoming atmosphere.

Culinary Excellence

At Notch, the menu features a variety of fusion dishes that showcase the creativity and skill of the culinary team. Signature offerings include:

• Notch Chicken Wings: Crispy wings seasoned with a Szechuan lemon pepper rub, served with house-made ranch dip.

• Miso Glazed Cod: A delicate cod fillet glazed with miso, delivering a perfect balance of flavors.

• Strip Steak Burrito: A hearty burrito filled with tender strip steak, combining comfort food with a gourmet twist.

For those seeking a more personalized experience, Notch offers a Chef’s Table—a 4-6 course private dining experience overlooking the kitchen. Guests can enjoy off-menu creations and interact with the culinary team.

Atmosphere and Service

The restaurant features first—and second-floor dining rooms, a spacious outdoor patio, and a six-course specialized chef's table. The attentive staff ensures a memorable dining experience for casual meals and special occasions.

Location and Hours

Located at 5036 Hamilton Blvd, Allentown, PA 18106, Notch Modern Kitchen & Bar is open:

• Sunday – Thursday: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM

• Friday – Saturday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM

Reservations are recommended, especially for the Chef’s Table experience.

Whether you're a local or visiting the Lehigh Valley, Notch Modern Kitchen & Bar offers a culinary journey that delights the senses and exemplifies the region's diverse dining scene.

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