Katelyn Mayer Realtor - Iron Valley Real Estate of Central PA

  What is it? LTVR compares the loan amount to the property’s value to measure lender risk. Formula: LTVR = ( Loan Amount Home Value ) × 100 \text{LTVR} = \left(\frac{\text{Loan Amount}}{\text{Home Value}}\right) \times 100 LTVR= ( Home Value Loan  Amount​) × 100 Example: Home price: $100,000 Down payment: $10,000 Loan amount: $90,000 L T V R = ( 90 , 000 100 , 000 ) × 100 = 90 % LTVR = \left(\frac{90,000}{100,000}\right) \times 100 = 90\% L T V R = ( 100 , 000 90 , 000 ​ ) × 100 = 90% A higher LTVR means higher risk for the lender. Loan Origination Fees What are they? Fees charged by lenders for processing a new loan, typically between 0.5% and 3% of the loan amount. Calculation: Origination Fee = Loan Amount × Origination Percentage \text{Origination Fee} = \text{Loan Amount} \times \text{Origination Percentage} Origination Fee = Loan Amount X Origination  Percentage Example: Loan amount: $225,000 Origination f...

  By Katelyn Mayer, PA & MD REALTOR® When it comes to investing in real estate, minimizing taxes is key to maximizing your returns. Two powerful tools investors use are the Capital Gains Exclusion and the 1031 Tax-Deferred Exchange . Each serves a different purpose and fits different investment strategies — knowing how they work can help you make smarter decisions. What Is the Capital Gains Exclusion? The Capital Gains Exclusion allows homeowners to exclude up to: $250,000 of capital gains if single $500,000 if married filing jointly from taxes when they sell their primary residence — as long as they have lived in the home for at least two of the last five years . How Investors Use It Some investors live in their investment property for two years before selling, which lets them avoid capital gains taxes on up to the exclusion amount. This “move every two years” strategy can be a great way to legally reduce taxes while managing properties. Builders, fix-and-fli...

  By Katelyn Mayer, PA & MD REALTOR® Investing in real estate can be a powerful way to build wealth, but like any investment, it comes with its own set of advantages, risks, and strategies. Here’s a straightforward guide to help you understand the basics of real estate investing. Advantages of Investing in Real Estate Leverage: Real estate allows you to control 100% of a property’s value with only 20-30% down by using financing (bank or private lenders). This means you can amplify your returns. Tangible Asset: Unlike stocks or bonds, you can physically see and touch your investment — the bricks and mortar. Versatility: There are many ways to invest, from rental properties to partnerships, corporations, and real estate investment trusts (REITs). Inflation Hedge: Real estate values and rents tend to keep pace with or outperform inflation. Tax Benefits: Investors can take advantage of deductions, depreciation, and other tax incentives. Cash Flow and Appre...

  By Katelyn Mayer | PA & MD REALTOR® When it comes to beach getaways, Ocean City, Maryland has become our family’s favorite tradition. With its endless boardwalk, oceanfront views, and familiar food spots we’ve grown to love — OCMD feels like our second home. We’ve stayed in a handful of places over the years, each one giving us something new to appreciate. Whether it’s a long weekend or just a couple of nights, Ocean City always delivers memories that stick with us. 🏖️ Our Ocean City Stays Rideau Oceanfront Motel 📅 July 22–25, 2021 Our post-COVID summer reset. A great location close to the action — simple, beachy, and right where we needed to be. Hilton Garden Inn Ocean City 📅 May 28–29, 2023 A quick and cozy overnight trip. Clean rooms, good food, and a view of the water made it the perfect short escape. Miramar Condominiums 📅 September 1–4, 2023 (Labor Day Weekend) One of our favorite stays. These oceanfront condos were clean, quiet, and convenient. We’d ...

  By Katelyn Mayer | PA & MD REALTOR® | Iron Valley Real Estate of Central PA In August 2023 , Brad and I took a weekend getaway to Boston , and it was packed from start to finish. From an early flight and Red Sox game to boat rides, haunted history, and more walking than I’ve ever done in my life — it was the kind of trip that reminded me how much there is to explore just a short flight away. ✈️ Getting There & Around We took off from Philadelphia (PHL) bright and early on August 4, 2023 , at 6:10 AM and landed in Boston (BOS) by 7:42 AM — giving us the whole day to hit the ground running. We rented a 2019 Hyundai Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid through Turo (hosted by Nick P.) and  had a great experience overall. The only challenge was walking to the pickup point — something to consider if you're traveling with bulky luggage. Luckily, we packed light. 🏨 Where We Stayed Our home base was the Hyatt Place Boston / Seaport District , checking in at 3:00 PM on August 4...

  By Katelyn Mayer | PA & MD REALTOR® | Iron Valley Real Estate of Central PA In November 2024 , Brad and I took a quick weekend getaway to New York City . It was a much-needed change of pace with a scenic train ride, a Broadway show, good food, and some unexpected moments you just can’t make up. Sometimes you don’t need a long vacation — just 48 hours , a good pair of shoes, and the willingness to wander. 🚆 Train Travel from Harrisburg to NYC We boarded Amtrak’s Keystone Service at 7:20 AM on Saturday, November 30 , and arrived at Moynihan Train Hall at Penn Station around 10:49 AM . Parking near the Harrisburg station made the whole process simple and stress-free. It was such a relaxing way to kick off the trip — no traffic, no TSA lines, just a quiet ride into the city. 🛏️ Hilton Club – Central at 5th We stayed at the Hilton Club The Central at 5th New York — a sleek, modern hotel in a prime Midtown location . It was close to everything we needed, from Broadway...

 Hey everyone, Katelyn Mayer here, your PA & MD REALTOR®! As someone who helps families find their perfect home base, I know how important it is to plan for a life full of moments that matter. And sometimes, those moments are on vacation! We're gearing up for another exciting trip to Virginia this year, and it got me thinking about how it compares to our last visit in August 2022. Let's break down the differences and upgrades for our upcoming family adventure! The 2022 Virginia Getaway: A Quick Dip Our August 2022 trip was a split adventure, focusing on two distinct experiences: Williamsburg (August 12-14, 2022): Accommodation: We stayed at the Wyndham Garden Williamsburg Busch Gardens Area . While it served its purpose for a couple of nights, I rated it a 3 out of 5 and honestly, wouldn't choose to stay there again . It was adequate, but lacked that extra something. Activities: Our main focus was Busch Gardens and Water Country USA . We utilized all-day passes w...

 Hey everyone! Katelyn Mayer here, your PA & MD REALTOR®, sharing another one of our memorable getaways. This time, I want to tell you about a birthday celebration back in August 2022 , when we swapped the beach for the mountains and headed to the Poconos for a night of fun and adventure! Our Poconos Basecamp: Comfort Inn & Suites For a quick birthday getaway on August 6th, 2022 , we decided on a short, one-night trip to the beautiful Pocono Mountains. We stayed at the Comfort Inn & Suites Near Pocono Mountains , checking in on Saturday, August 6th, and checking out the following day, August 7th. It was just two adults in one room , perfect for a short, focused escape. The Comfort Inn & Suites was a solid choice for our needs. It offered all the amenities you'd expect from a reliable chain hotel – clean, comfortable, and a good base for exploring the area. After a full day of celebrating, it was great to come back to a consistent and easy experience. Getting Dirty...

 Back in August 2021, Brad and I took a quick weekend getaway to Atlantic City to celebrate his birthday. It was one of those trips that didn’t go exactly how you’d expect — Brad was dealing with a ruptured disc and truly not feeling his best, but we made the absolute most of it. Sometimes it’s not about perfect timing — it’s about making memories anyway. And that’s exactly what we did. 🏨 Where We Stayed We stayed at the Tropicana Atlantic City from August 6 to August 8, checking in Friday afternoon at 3:00 PM and checking out Sunday morning at 11:00 AM. The hotel had everything we needed right on site — entertainment, food, and a great location by the boardwalk. 🎤 Comedy & Nightlife Even with Brad in rough shape, we still managed to catch a comedy show — and it was exactly the kind of laugh we both needed. We also stopped by Kiss Kiss Nightclub , mostly out of curiosity (if you’ve been, you know the vibe is something else!). It wasn’t a wild party weekend, but it was the k...

  By Katelyn Mayer | PA & MD REALTOR® | Iron Valley Real Estate of Central PA Back in July 2018 , Brad, the kids, and I took a summer getaway to Fort Myers Beach, Florida . It wasn’t the ideal beach vacation we’d pictured, but it turned out to be one of those trips filled with real-life moments — from poolside fun and an unexpected lottery win to a deeply meaningful visit I’ll always hold close. ✈️ Travel Details We flew from Philadelphia (PHL) to Fort Myers (RSW) on July 22, 2018 , departing at 8:30 AM and arriving at 11:34 AM . Our return flight on July 29 left at 12:34 PM , and we landed back home at 3:17 PM . 🏨 Where We Stayed We checked into Pierview Hotel & Suites on July 22 and stayed through July 29 . At the time, it was a convenient beachfront hotel for our family — though looking back now, it’s not a place I’d likely choose again. Tastes and expectations shift as we grow, and that’s part of the travel journey too. 🌊 Red Tide & Poolside Plan B...

  By Katelyn Mayer | PA & MD REALTOR® | Iron Valley Real Estate of Central PA Real estate can be fast-paced, and life in general doesn’t always slow down. That’s why I always try to carve out time to recharge, reconnect, and make memories. One trip that really stuck with me? A quick but unforgettable getaway to West Palm Beach with Brad back in February 2022 . Even though it was just a few days, it was exactly what we needed—and I still think about how perfect it all was. ✈️ How We Got There We flew from Philadelphia (PHL) to West Palm Beach (PBI) on February 4, 2022 , taking off at 3:59 PM and landing by 6:51 PM . On the way back, we flew out of PBI on February 8 at 2:00 PM and were home in Philly by 4:42 PM . 🏨 Where We Stayed Our home base for the trip was Palm Beach Waterfront Suites , where we stayed from February 4 to February 8 . It had a great location and peaceful vibe—exactly what you want on a short escape. 🚗 Getting Around This was also our first t...

  By Katelyn Mayer | PA & MD REALTOR® | Iron Valley Real Estate of Central PA When I’m not helping families buy or sell homes, I’m focused on building meaningful memories with my own. This past Spring Break 2024 , my fiancé Brad and our two kids, Peyton (11) and Paisley (9) , took off on an unforgettable adventure — first to Arizona for rugged beauty and snow-covered surprises, then to Hawaii for whales, waterfalls, and way too much chocolate (no regrets). Here’s a look at our journey — what worked, what we’d skip next time, and why a solid plan (and a flexible attitude) makes all the difference. ✈️ Flight Times Depart Philadelphia (PHL): March 22, 2024, 5:25 PM → Arrive Phoenix (PHX): 7:52 PM Depart Phoenix (PHX): March 24, 2024, 11:06 AM → Arrive Kona (KOA): 2:44 PM Depart Kona (KOA): March 29, 2024, 9:44 PM → Arrive Los Angeles (LAX): March 30, 6:06 AM Depart Los Angeles (LAX): March 31, 2024, 6:50 AM → Arrive Philadelphia (PHL): 2:50 PM 🚙 Arizona ...

By Katelyn Mayer, PA & MD REALTOR® Sometimes the best way to stay sharp in business is to give yourself space to relax and refocus. As someone juggling real estate, supply chain management, notary work, and continued education, I’ve learned how powerful intentional planning can be — not just for my clients, but in life, too. Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at how I mapped out a winter getaway to sunny Miami , with just the right balance of structure and spontaneity. Whether you're a fellow busy professional or just planning your next recharge, this itinerary might inspire your next escape. 🛣️ Friday – 2/14/25 Drive & Overnight Stay in Arlington, VA We kicked things off with a 2-hour drive from Central PA and an overnight stay near the airport to make our early morning flight smoother. 🏨 Hilton Garden Inn Reagan National Airport 📍 2020 Richmond Hwy, Arlington, VA 🅿️ Self Parking: $42 ✈️ Saturday – 2/15/25 Flight to Miami + Spa Time 4:00 AM: Parked at Reagan Natio...

       Business Quote Notes AB Quality Cleaning LLC (Angi Bolton) $28/hour Hourly rate — final cost depends on time required. CarolAnn's Daughter's Cleaning Service $375 flat Full house clean without in-person estimate. Damaris (Licensed & Insured) $250 flat Full house clean without in-person estimate. L&L Cleaning $250–$300 Range based on current cleanliness of the home. OQS LLC (Vanessa) $374 or your own budget Offered to work with your proposed budget, which is a flexible option.           For my cleaning services project, I selected Angi Bolton of AB Quality Cleaning LLC , who charged $28 per hour . I chose her based on her flexibility, hourly pricing, and positive communication. She completed the cleaning of the 4-bedroom, 1-bathroom house and did a good job —thorough, professional, and reliable. I was satisfied with both the quality of her work and the overall value for the price.

  Getaways full of charm, culture, and excitement—all within 2–3 hours 🏛️ Philadelphia, PA (~2–2.5 hours from Chambersburg) A historic city with endless layers of culture, food, and energy. Top Attractions: Independence Hall & Liberty Bell – Walk where the nation began. Philadelphia Museum of Art – Iconic steps (Rocky-style) + world-class art. Reading Terminal Market – One of America’s best indoor food halls. Eastern State Penitentiary – Historic prison turned eerie museum. Spruce Street Harbor Park (summer only) – Hammocks, lights, and riverfront fun. Franklin Institute & Please Touch Museum – Top-tier for kids. Great for: History lovers, foodies, families, and museum hoppers. 🌉 Pittsburgh, PA (~3 hours west) Steel City has transformed into a hip, scenic, and family-friendly destination. Top Attractions: Duquesne Incline – Ride the historic funicular for city skyline views. PNC Park – Catch a Pirates game with riverfront seats...