Joan Seward

Try Anewalt's at 610-916-7070. They're right off Rt 183. - Wed Jun 4 2008, 10:51

Yes, you can. Start with zip codes 19601, 19602 and 19604. Those are the City of Reading. The neighborhoods are tremendously variable within the zip codes, so make sure to check them out in person once you've got your selections narrowed down. If you want to be out of the city, the inner suburban ring would be 19605, 19606, 19607, 19609 and 19611. Prices here will be higher, but the properties will have more amenities like bigger porches, front yards, off street parking, etc. - Tue May 20 2008, 09:27

Hi Linn,
If you have a real estate agent, they should go through the Agreement of Sale with you in detail. From a general perspective, your costs will be commissions (if any), transfer tax (Reading city is 2.5%, the rest of Berks is 1%), and miscellaneous fees such as notary fees, deed preparation, and tax certifications. Expect them to be $200-300. You should be reimbursed for prepaid property taxes. These figures are based on a "standard" contract. You will need to go through yours with a fine tooth comb, and make sure you're not being asked to pay other things, such as a seller assist, or the buyers transfer tax. In Reading, the city wants to do a property inspection at the buyers expense. Surrounding townships such as Muhlenberg and Mt. Penn will do them at the seller's expense. If you have more specific questions, let me know. - Mon Apr 28 2008, 07:03

Kate, I'll reference 19518 zip code specifically here. Douglassville (Amity Twp) has seen huge growth in the last 10 years due to all the new home developments going in. These new homes have terribly strained the infrastructure - just look at the traffic jams on Rt 422 going towards KoP. To cope with all these new homes, Daniel Boone School District has had to build new schools, funded by all the taxpayers. Amity Township has also had to hire more police, and improve the local roadways (not counting state + federal roads). At the same time, new industry hasn't moved in to take some of the burden. The 1992 baseline for property taxes doesn't help Amity either, as such a large proportion of the area is new construction. If you are looking for lower taxes, look at some of the older homes in Amity Gardens or in Monocacy Station. - Tue Apr 22 2008, 13:38

If you mean 512 feet from the 100 year flood plain, that should not be an issue. If you mean 512 feet from water, and the property is within 350 feet of the flood plain, you need to check out the new FEMA guidelines put in place since Katrina. Any property within 250 feet of a 100 year flood plain will require an Elevation Certification, requiring an new survey, and costing upwards of $1000. If you're looking at one of those homes along the Maiden Creek, you may want to talk with the neighbors before you make an offer. - Tue Apr 22 2008, 13:23