It looks like Kendall Jenner is changing up the look inside her house.
The 28-year-old model spent the afternoon shopping for rugs at the Tufenkian Artisan Carpets store with a friend on Tuesday (January 16) in Los Angeles.
PHOTOS: Check out the latest pics of Kendall Jenner
For her afternoon of shopping, Kendall looked effortlessly cool in a dark olive-green jacket over a white T-shirt and jeans paired with a Yankees baseball hat and sunglasses.
After nearly a year of dating, it was revealed in early December 2023 that Kendall and Bad Bunny had split up. However, they reunited to celebrate New Year’s Eve together in Barbados.
Kendall was recently in Aspen where she was spotted hanging out with a ton of her famous friends.
If you missed it, Kendall made her debut on Forbes 30 Under 30 list! In a new interview accompanying the revelation, she opened up about momager Kris Jenner and shared some advice for her younger self.
MBA’s current president and CEO Bob Broeksmit said in a statement that the real estate finance community was mourning the loss of one of its “great leaders and fiercest advocates.” “Dave Stevens grew up in the mortgage business before serving the industry and its customers both as FHA commissioner during and immediately after the 2008 … [Read more…]
If you’re considering a loan on a home you own outright, it’s important to note that when you own your home without any current mortgage, its entire value is equity.
You can utilize this equity by securing a loan against the home’s worth. Multiple mortgage loan options are available, such as a cash-out refinance, home equity loan, or HELOC.
To make the most informed decision, delve deeper into each option and discover which suits your needs best.
Check your loan options. Start here
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Can I get a loan on a house that’s paid for?
Yes, you can get a loan on a home you own outright through a home equity loan, a home equity line of credit (HELOC), or a cash-out refinance.
A home equity loan allows you to borrow a fixed amount of money using your home as collateral and pay it back with interest over a set term. A HELOC, on the other hand, works like a credit card where you can borrow money as you need it up to a certain amount, and pay it back with interest.
When you take out a home equity loan or a HELOC, the lender will determine the amount of equity you have in your home and use that as collateral for the loan. The amount of equity you have is determined by the difference between the current value of your home and the outstanding balance on your mortgage
Cash-out refinancing allows you to borrow up to 80% of your home’s appraised value. You’ll repay the loan via monthly payments, just like you did before you paid off your mortgage balance
Keep in mind that taking out a loan on a paid-off house puts your home at risk if you are unable to make payments. If you default on the loan, the lender may foreclose on your home to recoup their losses.
So, before taking out a home equity loan, or HELOC, make sure you can comfortably make the monthly payments and understand the risks involved.
Verify your eligibility. Start here
Home equity loans for a paid-off house
Getting a loan on a house you already own lets you borrow against the value of your home without selling.
The type of loan you’ll qualify for depends on your credit score, debt-to-income ratio (DTI), loan-to-value ratio (LTV), and other factors. But assuming your personal finances are in good shape, you can likely choose from any of the following loan options that we summarized above.
Check your loan options. Start here
1. Cash-out refinance
Cash-out refinancing typically involves applying for a new mortgage to replace an existing one and borrowing cash from your home equity. When you already own your home outright, you aren’t paying off an existing mortgage. So most or all of the loan will come to you as a lump sum of cash.
You can typically borrow up to 80% of your home’s value using a cash-out refinance. However, with the VA cash-out refi, you could potentially get up to 100% of your home’s value. But only veterans and active-duty service members have VA loan eligibility.
Refinancing requires a home appraisal to measure your home’s market value. Unless your home is worth over $1 million, in which case you may be able to get an appraisal waiver. You’ll also pay closing costs, ranging between 2% and 5% of your loan balance.
You can pay closing costs out of pocket, or your lender might be willing to cover part of them in exchange for a higher interest rate. Alternatively, you could roll the closing costs into your loan balance.
Cash-out refinancing typically requires a credit score of at least 620. But a higher score (720 and up) will earn you a lower mortgage rate and help you save on interest costs.
2. Home equity loan
Another option is a home equity loan. As with a cash-out refinance, the amount you can borrow is based on your home’s value. Your loan terms will also depend on your credit score.
Homeowners can typically borrow up to 80% of their home’s equity with a home equity loan, which is also known as a second mortgage. However, some smaller banks and credit unions may allow you to pull out up to 100% of your equity.
Once approved, you’ll receive the entire loan amount in cash to use as you wish. Then you’ll repay the loan with interest by making monthly payments.
Home equity loans have higher interest rates than refinancing but lower interest rates than credit cards or personal loans. Since it’s an installment loan with a fixed interest rate, you’ll also have a fixed monthly payment.
Many lenders set their minimum credit score for a home equity loan between 620 and 700.
Verify your home equity loan eligibility. Start here
3. Home equity line of credit (HELOC)
A home equity line of credit is similar to a home equity loan. But rather than receiving a lump sum of cash, borrowers can draw from a line of credit as needed.
Home equity lines of credit often have a draw period of 10 years, meaning you can borrow from the credit line and repay it as often as you want within that time frame. After the draw period ends, there’s typically a repayment period of up to 20 years, during which you cannot borrow from the HELOC and must repay any outstanding balance with interest.
Check your HELOC options. Start here
A HELOC is a revolving account, like a credit card, so the amount borrowed determines your monthly payment. HELOCs usually have variable interest rates.
How to choose a loan on a home you own outright
Although you have several options when getting a loan on a home you own outright, the right mortgage depends on your specific goals. Here’s how to choose the best loan for your financial situation.
Talk to a lender about your mortgage options. Start here
You need cash to buy another property. You can purchase a new property with the aid of a cash-out refinance or a home equity loan. Both loans give you a lump sum payment up front and let you extend the fixed repayment term over a longer period of time. HELOCs can have higher interest rates and variable rates, leaving you with less certainty about your future rate and monthly payments HELOCs can have higher interest rates and variable rates, leaving you with less certainty about your future rate and monthly payments
You want to make home improvements. Home equity loans and HELOCs can be used to improve your home by making renovations or repairs. A home equity loan is great for a single project, while a HELOC is better for completing several projects over many years. You can also use a cash-out refi, but if you extend your loan term, you may pay more in interest over the life of the loan. This could make it harder for you to pay off your mortgage and add value to your home.
You want to consolidate high-interest debts. A cash-out refinance is a way to use home equity to pay off high-interest debts, such as credit card debt or personal loans. It can be a smart way to save money on interest, but it has risks, such as a risk of foreclosure and using a long-term asset, the value of your real estate, to pay for shorter-term needs
Regardless of the type of loan you choose, request quotes from at least three mortgage lenders to compare interest rates, discount points, and upfront fees. This will help you get the best deal.
Pros and cons of getting a loan on a home you already own
Leveraging a fully paid-off home for a loan comes with its own set of benefits and drawbacks. Here’s what you should consider before opting for a home equity loan.
Verify your home equity loan eligibility. Start here
Pros
Enjoy cost-effective borrowing. Home loans, when taken against a fully-owned property, typically offer more competitive interest rates than personal loans or credit cards. This is due to the house acting as a guarantee. Moreover, when opting for a new loan like a refinance, the associated closing expenses might be on the lower side
Unlock most of your home’s value. With no existing liens on your property, such a loan lets you access a large part of your equity. Lenders find this arrangement favorable, knowing you’ve successfully cleared a first mortgage. It’s important to keep in mind that the property’s valuation and your credit history will still determine the loan amount
Benefit from fixed-rate repayments. Such home loans usually come with fixed interest rates, ensuring consistent monthly outflows throughout the loan’s tenure
Flexibility in how you use your money. The loan amount can be channeled into various needs, be it home refurbishments, debt clearance, or any significant expenditure
Potential tax benefits. If the loan amount is reinvested into property enhancements, the interest might be deductible, giving it an edge over other financial products like personal loans or credit cards
Cons
Your property is on the line. If you default on the home equity loan repayments, you risk losing your fully owned home to foreclosure
It might cost more than other home loans. Generally, home equity loans have steeper interest rates compared to refinancing options and Home Equity Lines of Credit (HELOCs), making them potentially pricier
Be prepared for closing costs. Typically, these can range from 2% to 5% of the loan value, adding to the overall cost
Repayment terms might be rigid. Unlike some other options, such as HELOCs, which offer flexibility in repayment and re-borrowing, home equity loans have a fixed repayment schedule
Risk of the loan exceeding the property value. If you secure a loan on a home you own outright prior to a downturn in the property market, you might find yourself owing more than the property’s worth
3 things to consider before getting a loan on a home you already own
Considering taking a loan on a home you own outright? It’s an important decision with several facets to consider. Let’s delve into three key aspects:
1. Do you really need the liquidity?
What’s your primary motivation for tapping into equity? If you’re planning significant home improvements that could enhance its market value, that’s a strategic approach.
However, if the goal is to address other debts or make purchases that won’t hold their value, exercise caution. You wouldn’t want to jeopardize your home without good reason.
2. How much do you need to borrow and for how long?
The size of your loan will directly determine your monthly commitments. When considering a larger loan amount, it’s important to evaluate the monthly payments, interest rate, and the loan’s lifespan. If you’ve been enjoying a mortgage-free status for a while, it’s worth reflecting on whether you’re ready to recommit to a long-term debt.
3. Are you financially stable?
A few things to consider here. First, ensure that the monthly payments of the new loan align with your budget without overstretching. You should also ensure the offered rate is competitive and aligns with current market rates.
Lastly, always consider if there might be more suitable alternatives. Sometimes, continuing to save or exploring other financing avenues might be more beneficial.
Remember, leveraging your home’s equity is a significant step, and it’s essential to make decisions that resonate with your long-term goals and financial well-being.
How to get a loan on a home you own outright
Getting a home equity loan on home you own outright can be a smart financial decision, allowing you to tap into the equity you’ve built. It can be used for various purposes, such as home improvement, debt consolidation, or funding a significant purchase.
Verify your home equity loan eligibility. Start here
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to obtain a home equity loan on a fully paid-off house:
Determine your needs: Before applying for a home equity loan, identify why you need the loan and how much you want to borrow. Keep in mind that borrowing more than you need might lead to increased costs and interest rates.
Calculate your equity: Equity is the difference between your home’s current market value and any outstanding debts secured by the property. Since your house is paid off, your equity is equal to the current market value of your home. You can calculate your home’s equity using online tools or consulting a local real estate agent.
Check your credit score: A good credit score is essential for obtaining a home equity loan with favorable terms. Check your credit report for any errors and take steps to improve your credit score, if necessary, by paying off outstanding debts and ensuring timely bill payments.
Shop around for lenders: Research various financial institutions, including banks, credit unions, and online lenders, to find the best home equity loan terms and interest rates. Compare loan offers and choose the one that best suits your needs.
Gather necessary documents: Prepare the required documentation, including pay stubs, W-2 forms, bank statements, and tax returns.
Apply for the loan: Fill out the loan application and provide the required documentation. The lender will review your application and determine whether you qualify for the loan.
Close the loan: If you are approved for the loan, you will need to sign the loan documents and pay any closing costs or fees associated with the loan.
Once the loan is closed, you will receive the loan proceeds in a lump sum, which you can use for any purpose. Remember that you will be required to make monthly payments on the loan, and failure to do so could result in foreclosure on your home.
Alternatives to getting a loan on a home you own
Mortgages on your current home aren’t always necessary when buying a second home, vacation home, or investment property.
Verify your eligibility. Start here
“You may already have enough savings for a down payment without tapping into your equity,” says Jon Meyer, The Mortgage Reports loan expert and licensed MLO.
Before getting a loan on a home you own outright, look into mortgage loans that allow low down payments. Home buyers should consider the following types of loans.
Conventional loans
If you’re buying a new home to use as your primary residence, conventional loans allow financing with as little as a 3% down payment. You could qualify with a credit score as low as 620.
At least a 10% down payment is required for a vacation home, 20% to avoid private mortgage insurance, and 20-25% for a rental or investment property.
Check your conventional loan eligibility. Start here
FHA loans
FHA loans require only a 3.5% down payment, allowing FICO scores as low as 580. You cannot use an FHA loan to purchase a vacation home or an investment property. But you can use one to buy a multi-unit property with up to four units, live in one of the units, and rent out the others.
Check your FHA loan eligibility. Start here
VA loans
VA loans are the best option for eligible veterans and service members due to their low mortgage rates, lack of mortgage insurance, and no down payment. However, they can only be used for a vacation or investment home when buying a multi-unit property with up to four units. You can also use a VA loan to buy a second home, but only if the second home becomes your primary residence.
Check your VA loan eligibility. Start here
Interest rates for a second home
If you’re using cash from your equity to buy another home, make sure you understand how interest rates work on a vacation home, second home, and investment property.
Check your loan options. Start here
Since the new home won’t be your primary residence, you can expect a slightly higher mortgage rate. This rate increase protects the lender because these properties have a higher risk of default. That’s because mortgage lenders know that in the event of financial hardship, homeowners prioritize paying the mortgage on their primary home before a second home or investment property.
But although you’ll pay a higher rate when buying a second home, shopping around and comparing loans can help you save. To see the impact of higher mortgage rates, you can experiment with a mortgage calculator.
FAQ: Loan on a home you own outright
How do you get a loan on a home you own outright?
To obtain a loan on a home you own outright, you can approach a financial institution or lender and apply for a home equity loan, HELOC, or cash-out refinance. The process typically involves an assessment of your property’s value, a review of your credit history, and verification of your income sources. Once approved, you can use your home as collateral to secure the loan.
What does it cost to get a loan on a house you own outright?
The costs associated with getting a loan on a house you own outright can vary based on the lender and the type of loan. Common expenses include appraisal fees to determine the home’s value, origination fees, title search fees, and potential closing costs. If you’re considering a reverse mortgage, there might be additional fees and insurance costs involved.
How much can you borrow against a house if you owe more than it’s worth?
If you owe more on your home than its current market value, you’re in a situation known as being u0022underwateru0022 on your mortgage. In such cases, borrowing additional funds against your home can be challenging. Lenders typically want the home’s value to exceed the loan amount to minimize their risk. However, some government programs might assist homeowners in this situation, but a reverse mortgage might not be an option unless there’s sufficient equity in the home.
What is the maximum amount I can borrow against a home that I own outright?
Typically, for home equity loans, lenders allow you to borrow up to 80-90% of your home’s value. But the maximum amount you can borrow against a home you own outright depends on several factors, including the home’s appraised value, your age (especially if considering a reverse mortgage), current interest rates, and lender-specific guidelines.
Should you mortgage the house you own?
Owning your home outright provides a valuable equity cushion, and it’s exciting when you no longer shoulder the burden of monthly mortgage payments. The good news is that you don’t have to sell your home to access your equity.
Using a cash-out refinance, home equity loan, or home equity line of credit, homeowners can pull cash from their equity and use the money for many different purposes.
Make sure you understand the pros and cons of each type of financing and choose the best one for you based on your specific goals.
Time to make a move? Let us find the right mortgage for you
Ryan and Jessica Sartor’s living room has been transformed into a workshop, as they went all-in into the small business world.
“It shortens to WOOD, so that’s perfect,” Jessica Sartor said.
The couple started their business five years ago, creating a variety of products, from small ornaments and sun catchers to charcuterie boards and wall art flags.
“It rabbit holed from there,” Jessica Sartor said. “Next thing we know, we’re getting a laser.”
The laser takes up the most space in the couple’s makeshift workshop. Ryan Sartor describes the laser as a robot that traces a design onto the material placed inside of it.
While the laser does some of the work, both Ryan and Jessica have work to do both before and after, whether that’s creating designs, painting, or putting together various layers.
They estimate that they can make around 150 different products. The couple does all of this on top of full-time jobs.
Refinance applications increased 11% week over week and 10% year over year. Despite the overall rise in mortgage applications, the refinance share of total activity slightly decreased to 37.5% from 38.3% the week before. Purchase mortgage applications climbed 9% week over week on a seasonally adjusted basis and 28% on an unadjusted basis. However, purchase … [Read more…]
Commercial/Multifamily Mortgage Delinquency Rates MBA Research Mortgage Credit Availability Index Press Release Residential
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WASHINGTON, D.C. (January 16, 2024) — Delinquency rates for mortgages backed by commercial properties increased during the fourth quarter of 2023, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association’s (MBA) latest commercial real estate finance (CREF) Loan Performance Survey.
“Ongoing challenges in commercial real estate markets pushed the delinquency rate on CRE-backed loans higher in the final three months of 2023,” said Jamie Woodwell, MBA’s Head of Commercial Real Estate Research. “Delinquency rates jumped to 6.5 percent of balances for loans backed by office properties and to 6.1 percent for lodging-backed loans. Delinquencies for loans backed by retail properties remain elevated from the onset of the pandemic but were unchanged during the quarter. Delinquency rates for multifamily and industrial property loans both increased marginally but remain much lower.”
Woodwell continued, “Long-term interest rates have come down from their highs of last year, which should provide some relief to some loans, but many properties and loans still face higher rates, uncertainty about property values and – for some properties – changes in fundamentals. Each loan and property faces a different set of circumstances, which will come into play as the market works through loans that mature this year.”
The balance of commercial mortgages that are not current increased in December 2023 (compared to September 2023).
96.8% of outstanding loan balances were current or less than 30 days late at the end of the third quarter, down from 97.3% at the end of the third quarter of 2023.
2.3% were 90+ days delinquent or in REO, up from 2.2% the previous quarter.
0.3% were 60-90 days delinquent, up from 0.2% the previous quarter.
0.6% were 30-60 days delinquent, up from 0.3%.
Loans backed by office properties drove the increase.
6.5% of the balance of office property loan balances were 30 days or more days delinquent, up from 5.1% at the end of last quarter.
6.1% of the balance of lodging loans were delinquent, up from 4.9%.
5.0% of retail balances were delinquent, flat from the previous quarter.
1.2% of multifamily balances were delinquent, up from 0.9%.
0.9% of the balance of industrial property loans were delinquent, up from 0.6%.
Among capital sources, CMBS loan delinquency rates saw the highest levels.
5.1% of CMBS loan balances were 30 days or more delinquent, up from 4.4% last quarter.
Non-current rates for other capital sources remained more moderate.
0.9% of FHA multifamily and health care loan balances were 30 days or more delinquent, up from 0.8%.
0.9% of life company loan balances were delinquent, up from 0.7%.
0.5% of GSE loan balances were delinquent, up from 0.4%.
MBA’s CREF Loan Performance survey collected information on commercial and multifamily mortgage portfolios as of December 28, 2023. This month’s results build on similar surveys conducted since April 2020. Participants reported on $2.7 trillion of loans in December 2023, representing 58 percent of the total $4.6 trillion in commercial and multifamily mortgage debt outstanding (MDO).
Home Deco Expo International (HDX) will feature HGTV star, designer and expert carpenter Ty Pennington as the headline speaker of its ground-breaking furniture trade show which opens Feb. 29 at the Miami Beach Convention Center.
Open exclusively to industry professionals, Home Deco Expo is the first of its kind to bring suppliers from around the world, offering residential and commercial furniture, lighting and décor, rugs and floor, and a diverse assortment of materials to create beautiful interior and exterior spaces.
Pennington will share with HDX attendees his unique stories and insights from the many interesting home improvement projects from his more than two decades of popular TV shows, as well as his personal projects away from the camera. He will be available to answer questions from attendees.
Pennington first garnered national attention as the quirky and creative carpenter on the groundbreaking home improvement series “Trading Spaces.” Later, as host of “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition,” he helped transform the lives of hundreds while inspiring millions more around the world to volunteer their time to help others. He’s hosted a series of other shows and traveled the country breathing new life into homes and communities, including several current series with HGTV that include Battle on the Beach, Rock the Block, Hometown Takeover, with other projects upcoming.
In addition to his extensive television work, Ty is recognized for his design expertise and style. He has launched fabric, furniture and flooring lines, and has written multiple books, including “How Good Design Can Change Your Life,” an intimate look at his design inspirations with décor advice and tips, and the New York Times bestseller “Ty’s Tricks,” which is part reference and part behind-the-scenes in his own home, which he completely remodeled himself. His most recent book, “Life to the Extreme” details his initial struggle with, and story on how he overcame, the challenges of living with ADHD.
Free registration for HDX is open to the trade only and more information is available at www.hdxintl.com or by email at [email protected].
A&D Mortgage has expanded its licensing to include Maine as part of its efforts to extend its presence across the United States. Customers in Maine can now access the company’s various mortgage offerings, including conventional loans, FHA loans, and non-QM loans. A&D said this expansion “aligns with the company’s strategy to adapt to diverse housing … [Read more…]
As global central banks raised interest rates to tame inflation,
home prices have cooled relative to the start of the hiking cycle. However, despite the
sensitivity of the residential market to higher policy rates, prices are
still above historical averages. Home prices in advanced economies,
including most European Union countries, as well as Africa and the Middle
East are 10 percent to 25 percent higher than pre-pandemic levels.
Rising interest rates have passed swiftly to residential mortgage markets,
impeding affordability for current and prospective home buyers.
Additionally, scarce home supply is limiting purchases in some regions. In
all, housing affordability is more stretched amid still-elevated home
prices and higher interest rates.
In the first half of 2023, mortgage rates in advanced economies climbed by
more than 2 percentage points compared to the previous year. During this
period, countries like Australia, Canada and New Zealand witnessed
substantial declines in real house prices, likely due to a high share of
adjustable-rate mortgages and home prices that have been stretched since
before the pandemic. Comparatively, home prices have fallen more than 15
percent in some advanced economies while the drop in emerging economies was
less significant. But, on net, real house prices will need to keep cooling
from the 2021 and 2022 highs to reach pre-pandemic levels.
Higher borrowing costs are likely to see the largest impact on household
debt service ratios—a measure of borrowers’ loan repayment ability—in
countries where housing markets remain overvalued and average lifespans for
mortgage loans are shorter, according to our latest
Global Financial Stability Report.
Approvals and repayment
For instance, for some advanced economies such as Norway, Sweden, Denmark,
and the Netherlands with pre-existing double-digit households’
debt service ratios, borrowers’ debt servicing costs could increase by up to 1.8 percentage
points given the surge in interest rates. That would have consequences for
loan approvals and borrower repayment capabilities. But borrowers are also
less indebted, and underwriting standards have been strengthened since the
global financial crisis, tempering the risk of a surge in loan defaults.
This may have also limited instances of forced selling or foreclosures of
homes, helping to support home prices.
In the United States, the Federal Reserve’s interest rate hikes brought big
changes to the mortgage loan market, with the average rate on a 30-year
fixed mortgage recently reaching a two-decade high of 7.8 percent. For
prospective buyers, entry costs are putting homeownership further out of
reach as the required down payments have also become a prohibitive factor
because savings have shrunk since the pandemic.
Existing homeowners, deterred from purchasing new properties due to larger
monthly mortgage payments, stay put causing a reduction in supply of
existing homes. This phenomenon, known as “lock-in” effect, is particularly
evident in the United States, where long-tenured fixed-rate mortgages are
most popular. With average 30-year mortgage rates currently at 6.6 percent,
around 3 percentage points above pandemic lows, mortgage originations
remain 18 percent below last year’s levels while refinancing applications
increased 8.5 percent over the year as mortgage rates continued to ease.
Rates and refinancing
The 30-year fixed-rate mortgages accounted for 90 percent of new US home
loans at the end of last year, according to ICE Mortgage Technology. Almost
two-fifths of all US mortgages were originated in 2020 or 2021, ICE data show,
as the low interest rates during the pandemic allowed many Americans to
refinance their home loans.
Higher interest rates also raise rental costs. Many people prefer to rent
instead of buying given median house prices have been slow to adjust. In
this context, the combination of higher rates and still-scarce housing
supply creates a vicious circle that complicates central banks’ fight
against inflation. US monthly home prices continued to rise in October
compared with a year ago, with shelter contributing to one-third of the
change of consumer prices in November.
mortgage rates will continue to adjust, and pent-up housing demand could be
unleashed. A sudden increase, as the result of rapid rate cuts, could
offset any improvements in housing supply, causing prices to rebound.
RICHLAND TWP., Pa. – Eagles, Flyers, 76ers and Phillies fans will soon have a new spot to score jerseys, hats and other fan gear in upper Bucks County.
Rally House, a specialty sports store chain offering an expansive selection of apparel, gifts, home decor and other types of merchandise representing local NCAA, NFL, NBA, MLB, NFL and MLS teams, is planning to open a new location in a few months at 244 N. West End Blvd. in Richland Township.
The new store will fill the space previously occupied by Tuesday Morning, a home goods retailer, in the Trainer’s Corner shopping center, just outside Quakertown.
“We are opening a new Rally House location in Quakertown and excited to get it open to residents and fans,” stated Colin Novick, Rally House’s media and production manager. “We are aiming to have this store open in early spring in April.”
Rally House traces its origins to 1989, when Tim and Mabel “Peg” Liebert started “Mabel’s Kitchen,” a catalog featuring Kansas-related apparel, gifts and other merchandise.
Mabel’s Kitchen evolved into another business, “Kansas Sampler,” which featured five Kansas City area stores selling Kansas Jayhawks, Kansas State Wildcats, Kansas City Chiefs and Kansas City Royals gear.
The company experienced great success, and the Lieberts eventually decided to expand the business to other markets under the “Rally House” name in 2008, according to a company description.
Today, Rally House has more than 180 locations across 18 states. The new Quakertown area store will supplement more than a dozen other regional locations, including a Lehigh Valley shop in Lower Macungie Township, two other Bucks County stores and several locations in Montgomery County.
Rally House stays true to its roots by providing “an impeccable selection of local and team-related apparel and gifts, including exclusive designs available only at Rally House,” according to the company’s website.
Regional stores offer a wide array of merchandise, including clothing, blankets, glassware and signs, featuring logos and designs of Philadelphia and surrounding area teams.
Customers at the Lehigh Valley store, for example, can shop plenty of Philadelphia Eagles, Flyers, 76ers and Phillies items, along with merchandise showcasing designs of various regional universities, including Lehigh, Kutztown, Penn State, Temple, Villanova, Drexel, St. Joseph’s and West Chester.
Other area sports teams, including Lehigh Valley IronPigs and Philadelphia Union, are also represented.
Philadelphia area teams are primarily featured, but there is also a selection of merchandise featuring other popular teams such as the New York Yankees, Pittsburgh Steelers and New York Giants.
Customers can browse apparel such as T-shirts, sweatshirts, coats and shorts, along with footwear and fashion accessories such as slippers, hats, scarves and jewelry.
A wide variety of other gifts and home décor include items such as glassware, coasters, garden gnomes and flags, foam fingers, stuffed animals, keychains, pens, pennants, ornaments, cornhole boards, trash cans, calendars and umbrellas.
“Much like each person, no two Rally House stores are identical,” a message on the company’s website reads.
“They each carry merchandise customized and tailored to the specific collegiate and professional teams in that area. In additional to team apparel, Rally House offers a wide selection of local styles. This includes our very own exclusive line of RALLY Brand™ merchandise. The same items we have in our stores can also be found online at any time. We want to make things as easy and seamless as possible for fans who want to show their unique team spirit, regardless of wherever they live or shop.”
In addition to selling items relating to local sports teams, Rally House also works in conjunction with local sports stars and celebrities. These partnerships manifest themselves in the form of ticket giveaways, autograph sessions, radio remote contests and meet-and-greet events.
For the latest Rally House updates, follow the business’ pages on Facebook and Instagram. Info: rallyhouse.com.
Allentown updates
New Wawa could take Brass Rail’s spot next to Sheetz
ALLENTOWN, Pa. – The Allentown Planning Commission discussed a preliminary/final land development plan for a proposed Wawa convenience store Tuesday afternoon at city hall.
The proposal is offered for 3015 Lehigh St., the site of the former Brass Rail property. The plan involves consolidating two of the three existing lots, demolishing existing features on the consolidated lot and constructing the convenience store.
Should the proposed Wawa come to fruition, it would operate about 100 yards away from a Sheetz convenience store and gas station. Sheetz opened in August 2023 at the southeast corner of Lehigh Street and 29th Street, near Auto Zone. Additional nearby convenience stores and gas stations include a Turkey Hill on the other side of Sheetz and another Wawa about a mile north on Lehigh Street. Full story here.
Downtown Allentown Market welcomes new food vendor, says goodbye to another
ALLENTOWN, Pa. – The new year is bringing more changes to the Downtown Allentown Market, with one food vendor recently setting up shop and another bidding farewell.
Joining the 27 N. Seventh St. market is Randevoo, offering a twist on traditional Asian fusion cuisine.
Randevoo held a soft opening on Jan. 5 in space that was previously occupied by two other Asian concepts, Shinsen and Honmono Sushi, the latter of which closed in June following the owner’s move to Florida. Read more here.
Lower Macungie news
Lower Macungie planners recommend approval for Topgolf
L. MACUNGIE TWP., Pa. – The Lower Macungie Township Planning Commission recommend approval of a preliminary/final plan of an open-air entertainment facility Tuesday night at the administration building.
The plan, offered by Jaindl Land Co., involves the proposed Topgolf facility at the Lehigh Valley Town Center, slated for 361 Schantz Road and 4511 Cedarbrook Road. The proposed Topgolf and Town Center have already received conditional use approval.
Tuesday night’s recommendation involved the Topgolf facility, which includes a 72-bay golf driving range with a two-story, 20,460-square-foot building and associated parking on 11.5 acres within the Lehigh Valley Town Center. Topgolf will have site access from a private drive in association with the Town Center development. Read more.
New Lehigh County car wash to open later this month, joining 2 sister locations
LOWER MACUNGIE TWP., Pa. – Drivers looking to keep their vehicles in tip-top shape will soon have a new car wash to frequent in the Lehigh Valley.
The Car Wash on Hamilton, committed to providing customers with a “seamless and efficient car wash experience,” is expected to open by the end of January at 6794 Hamilton Blvd. in Lower Macungie Township.
The newly constructed car wash, totaling around 4,000 square feet, will supplement two sister locations: The Car Wash on Broadway, which opened in 2015 at 4540 Broadway in South Whitehall Township, and The Car Wash on West Main, which opened in October at 200 W. Main St. in Macungie. Full story here.
Bethlehem area buzz
Bethlehem restaurant closes, but owners continuing to serve customers via food trailers
BETHLEHEM, Pa. – The owners of a Bethlehem restaurant, serving up burgers, ice cream and more, have closed their eatery to focus on mobile operations.
Husband and wife Norman and Jill Matthews of Bangor have decided to shutter their 3.5-year-old south Bethlehem eatery, Dinky’s Ice Cream Parlor & Grill, and transition to a “completely mobile” business model, according to a post on Dinky’s Facebook page.
“That means we have two trailers, one that is just purely ice cream and the other is a food/ice cream truck,” they announced on the business’ Facebook page. “We will be going to different events, fairs, parties, food truck gatherings and hopefully breweries in the in the surrounding areas. Then we can get caught up with our loyal customers. Read more here.
Family-run restaurant rebrands with new name, look in Bethlehem
BETHLEHEM, Pa. – A popular fast-casual eatery, serving “gourmet quality comfort food,” is kicking off the new year with some changes in Northampton County.
Hummus House, a family-run restaurant known for its fresh sandwiches, salads, wraps and more, has rebranded to HandHeldz at 518 E. Third St. on Bethlehem’s South Side.
New signage was installed on Monday, and the business’ first day as HandHeldz was on Tuesday. Read more.
New expansive facility offers prime training space for athletes, teams in Northampton County
BETHLEHEM TWP., Pa. – A new indoor training facility is helping sports teams, clubs and athletes stay at the top of their game in the Lehigh Valley.
Powerballers Athletic Center, offering year-round training opportunities and a top-tier environment where youth and individuals of all ages can passionately pursue and enjoy their sport, opened in late November at 2550 Brodhead Road in Bethlehem Township.
The 14,000-square-foot facility features 10,000 square feet of flexible turf space, over 1,200 square feet of strength training space, batting cages, certified coaches and a climate-controlled environment. Full story here.
Expanding businesses
HiJinx Brewing Company to bring ‘fun and friendly’ vibe to 2nd Lehigh Valley location
A popular Allentown brewery is expanding its footprint in Lehigh County.
HiJinx Brewing Company, producing a wide array of craft beers that include IPAs, pilsners, porters and stouts, on Thursday announced plans to open an additional location at Sports Factory of the Lehigh Valley, 6616 Ruppsville Road, Upper Macungie Township.
The new location will supplement HiJinx’s original taproom and production facility, a 4,000-square-foot venue that opened in 2014 at the Allentown Economic Development Corporation’s Bridgeworks Enterprise Center, 905 Harrison St., Allentown. The brewery is in Suite 111. Read more here.
A-Treat Birch Beer expands as a fountain soda option at more Lehigh Valley restaurants
A month after announcing a partnership with Lehigh Valley hot dog shop chain Yocco’s, Jaindl Beverage Company – owner of A-Treat soda brand – has announced more local venues carrying A-Treat soda on tap.
In addition to being served at all five Yocco’s locations, A-Treat Birch Beer is now available as a fountain drink at Westside Grill in Upper Macungie Township, Wild Turkey Grill (at The Club at Twin Lakes) in North Whitehall Township and Moselem Springs Golf Club in Richmond Township, Berks County.
Westside Grill, Wild Turkey Grill and Moselem Springs Golf Club are owned by Jaindl Land Development. Read more.
Odds and ends
‘The store of the future’: Dave & Buster’s gears up for grand reopening after remodel
WHITEHALL, Pa. – A popular entertainment facility is ready to level up its services in Lehigh County.
Dave & Buster’s, the entertainment and dining chain that invites guests to “eat, drink, play and watch,” on Friday debuted its reimagined Lehigh Valley location on Friday.
The Whitehall Township location, at 1491 MacArthur Road, opened in October 2020 at a Lehigh Valley Mall outparcel, which was previously home to Friendly’s and Wendy’s restaurants as well as an office building. Full story here.
The Promenade Shops welcomes new tenant, hosting ‘Wonderland on Main’ event
UPPER SAUCON TWP., Pa. – The new year has brought a new tenant to The Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley.
Fulton Bank, offering a broad array of financial products and services in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, Delaware and Virginia, on Monday opened its newest Lehigh Valley branch at 3060 Center Valley Parkway, Suite 839, Upper Saucon Township.
The branch offers a variety of services, including deposits, loans, check cashing and safe deposit boxes. Read more here.
Schuylkill County winery earns ‘best white wine’ in Pa. distinction from prominent wine critic
WEST PENN TWP., Pa. – A Schuylkill County winery is making a splash in 2024, with high praise on a well-known wine media platform.
Galen Glen Winery, at 255 Winter Mountain Drive in the Andreas section of West Penn Township, earlier this week received acclaim on JamesSuckling.com, a prominent wine media platform and events company with offices in Hong Kong.
Senior Editor Stuart Pigott labeled the Galen Glen Riesling Lehigh Valley Stone Cellar 2022 as “the best white wine he has ever tasted from Pennsylvania,” according to a Weekly Tasting Report. Read more.
Berks buzz
‘Stay and sip a while’: Folino Estate owners open 2nd Vintner’s Table wine bar and restaurant
WYOMISSING, Pa. – The owners of Folino Estate Winery near Kutztown have opened another tasty venue in Berks County.
Husband and wife Marco and Andrea Folino, who opened Folino Estate in Greenwich Township in 2015, on Tuesday opened a second location of Vintner’s Table – a wine bar and restaurant serving up Folino’s hand-crafted, award-winning wines along with charcuterie and light bites – at 945 Hill Have. Suite 100 in Wyomissing.
“We welcome you to reserve a seat at our table,” an announcement on Vintner’s Table’s Facebook page reads. “Our menu was a labor of love carefully curated to bring you an elevated dining experience full of rustic Italian flavors paired with our award winning wines in a chic and cozy atmosphere that invites you to stay and sip a while.” Full story here.
New golf simulator at Sly Fox has golfers hitting the virtual links
WYOMISSING, Pa. – There’s a new gathering place inside an already familiar spot in Wyomissing that can transport you to dozens of golf courses around the world.
While it’s winter outside, the basement of Sly Fox Brewing, dubbed the Foxskeller, features a whole different vibe.
Golfers are teeing up and taking their swings on brand new golf simulators. Read more here.
Vinyl enthusiasts to descend on Leesport Farmers Market this weekend for ‘Record Riot’
ONTELAUNEE TWP., Pa. – It’s about the search for something special.
“Number one, I’m a collector. All these guys that sell records they all are interested in records, so I’m looking at his records saying ‘What does he have?’ And I saw something I want to buy,” said Record Riot event organizer Stephen Gritzan.
Thumbing through crates of creative work put to vinyl is a physical interaction that seems increasingly rare. Read more.
‘Heavy heart’: Moe’s Southwest Grill location to close after 10 years in Berks County
EXETER TWP., Pa. – An eatery serving up made-to-order burritos, quesadillas, nachos and tacos is ending operations this weekend in Berks County.
A location of Moe’s Southwest Grill, a fast-casual restaurant franchise serving “high quality and fresh southwestern food,” will close on Sunday at 4725 Perkiomen Ave. in Exeter Township.
The restaurant is located in the Exeter Commons, between a Fine Wine & Good Spirits store and L.A. Nails Day Spa. Full story here.
Closing notes
Rite Aid closes Bethlehem store, with another Lehigh Valley location set to shutter on Jan. 15
Two Rite Aid stores in the Lehigh Valley are ceasing operations this month, joining several other regional locations of the pharmacy chain that closed in 2023.
First, a Rite Aid store at 104 E. Third St. on Bethlehem’s South Side shuttered on Wednesday, Jan. 10, according to storefront signage, addressed “Attention: store closure.” Read more here.
American Eagle Outfitters closing Lehigh Valley store
PALMER TWP., Pa. – A well-known clothing retailer is reducing its brick-and-mortar footprint in the Lehigh Valley.
American Eagle Outfitters, a leading global specialty retailer offering high-quality, on-trend clothing, accessories and personal care products, will close its American Eagle store at the Palmer Park Mall in Palmer Township on Jan. 20, a store manager said.
The manager could not comment on the reasons surrounding the upcoming closure. Read more.
Discount variety store closes in Easton area
PALMER TWP., Pa. – A destination for affordable snacks, household items, party supplies and more has closed in Northampton County.
One Dollar Zone!, a discount variety store “where you can find trusted brands and thousands of great quality items for as low as $1.00,” closed a couple of weeks ago at 785 S. 25th St. in Palmer Township.
It’s unclear what led to the store’s closure. A company representative did not return a message seeking more information, and a sign on the door simply reads, “WE ARE CLOSED.” Full story here.