Frequently Asked Questions About Groundhog Day

Thanks to Joyce Hafer of Orrstown Bank for passing this on:

1. Yes, Punxsutawney Phil is the only true weather forecasting groundhog. The others are just imposters.

2. There has been only one Punxsutawney Phil. Punxsutawney Phil gets his longevity from drinking “groundhog punch” (a secret recipe). One sip, which is administered every summer at the Groundhog Picnic, gives him seven more years of life.

3. On February 2nd, Phil comes out of his burrow on Gobbler’s Knob, in front of thousands of faithful followers from all over the world, to predict the weather for the rest of the winter.

4. According to legend, if Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow, there will be six more weeks of winter weather. If he does not see his shadow, there will be an early spring.

5. No, Punxsutawney Phil’s forecasts are not made in advance by the Inner Circle. After Phil emerges from his burrow on February 2nd, he speaks to the Groundhog Club President in Groundhogese. His proclamation is then translated for the world.

6. The celebration of Groundhog Day began with the Germans, Pennsylvania’s earliest settlers. They brought with them the legend of Candlemas Day, which states “For as the sun shines on Candlemas day, so far will the snow swirl in May…”. The settlers found that groundhogs were plentiful and were the most intelligent and sensible animal to carry on the legend of Candlemas Day.

7. Punxsutawney held its first Groundhog Day in the 1800’s. The first official trek to Gobbler’s Knob made on February 2nd, 1887. In 2008 it will be the 122nd prediction.

8. So the story goes, Punxsutawney Phil was named after King Phillip. Prior to being called Phil, he was called Br’er Groundhog.

http://www.groundhog.org/uploads/pics/groundhog_day_1.jpg

Posted in Everyday World | Comments Off on Frequently Asked Questions About Groundhog Day

15 Most Popular Closet Luxuries

Posted in Home Care/Improvement | Comments Off on 15 Most Popular Closet Luxuries

Open House this Sunday at 2027 W Trindle

current imageOpen House this Sunday, 9/16,  from 1 to 3 PM. If you like the South Middleton area, quick access to highways, and Carlisle shopping, stop in and say hello.

Posted in Real Estate | Comments Off on Open House this Sunday at 2027 W Trindle

Bureau offers tips to avoid moving scams

Selecting a mover is something most of us seldom do. Better Business Bureau offers tips to help head off issues when selecting a company to do your move.

Bureau offers tips to avoid moving scams.

Posted in Real Estate | Comments Off on Bureau offers tips to avoid moving scams

Survey reveals must-have home features

Survey reveals must-have home features.

Posted in Real Estate | Comments Off on Survey reveals must-have home features

FHA Announces Increases to Mortgage Insurance Premiums

You may have heard talk in the news lately regarding some increases FHA is making to both its upfront and annual mortgage insurance premiums. I wanted to reach out to you and let you know why FHA is doing this…and what this could mean to you.

It’s important to understand that mortgage insurance premiums for new purchases and regular refinances are increasing to help keep FHA financially strong. FHA’s cash reserves hit a record low of $2.6 billion last year–and since approximately one-third of all residential home loans in the U.S. are FHA loans, it is important for FHA to be in a strong position.

So what does this mean to you? FHA case numbers assigned after April 9, 2012 will be subject to the higher mortgage insurance premiums. Interest rates are still very low and home pricing is very competitive so, even with this, it’s a good time to buy a home.

Posted in Financing | Comments Off on FHA Announces Increases to Mortgage Insurance Premiums

Do people buy homes over Christmas?

This question comes up frequently during the holidays. In fact, people who are looking during the holidays are very serious about buying a home. They are choosing to give up this time because it is a priority. It can have to do with end of year, relocation or some other change in their lives. Typically prices are good with the winter coming on and they have the best selection. The process is usually slower because so many of the needed support is off (mortgage, inspection, title, insurance, etc.) Have a Merry Christmas

Posted in Everyday World | Comments Off on Do people buy homes over Christmas?

Homes at Christmas

Have you seen the many idyllic homes and cottages on holiday cards or pictures. They’re not usually new homes, but homes with a character and a few years under their belt. The give a sense of family and togetherness. They have a warm yellowish light reflecting on the snow and pines or fences highlighted with ice crystals. Home buyers do sense these feelings as they visit homes during the holidays and they can see themselves enjoying a life there.  It is interesting that many homeowners who want to sell their homes at this time of year don’t seem to pick up on this subtle impact…. some even take their home off the market for a couple weeks. mmmm… what are we missing here?

Posted in Everyday World | Comments Off on Homes at Christmas

What’s “Andy’s View” all about?

We all have many worlds that we live in every day. This blog tells about one of them, Real Estate. Most of us visualize looking at houses or signs on lawns when the topic is mentioned.  That’s really just a small part of it as you will learn if you choose to visit this world with me.

Posted in Everyday World | Comments Off on What’s “Andy’s View” all about?