Peters Township Blog


Pittsburgh is a Great Place to Raise a Family

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I love and enjoy my town; that is why I live here and chose to work by selling Pittsburgh real estate. While most people probably conjure images of a large, mostly industrial, city, Pittsburgh has evolved into a thriving, beautiful and vibrant metropolitan area with entertainment to rival New York City and night life to rival Miami Beach.

But you know what Pittsburgh has that you can’t get in those other super fast and super crowded cities? A huge focus on family life.

Pittsburgh Area Information

In Pittsburgh, everywhere you turn, you will find family activities, children’s entertainment and  fun parent events. Pittsburgh schools are among the best in the state, and when you browse Pittsburgh homes for sale, you will find that most communities offer locations convenient to playgrounds or activity fields.

Family Events in Pittsburgh, PA

These are only a few of the events that will be taking place during March at the National Aviary. You and your family are sure to enjoy them-and after a day of fun wearing out the kids, the downtown Pittsburgh area is perfect for some date night fun for mom and dad.

Hoots in the Night
March 13, 11 am – 2 pm
You can celebrate spring with the National Aviary as you and your children learn about birds that wake up as the sun goes down. Meet nocturnal feathered friends and learn about the unique adaptations that help them thrive in the night.

St. Patrick’s Day – Green Bird Scavenger Hunt
March 17, 10 am – 5 pm
Pick up a scavenger hunt sheet at the admissions desk and embark on a search for the green birds in the Aviary flock. You will get to explore the exhibits and keep track of the birds that you spot. Children under 12 who participate receive a takeaway treat.

Meet the Easter Bunny
March 27 and April 3, 11 am – 1 pm
Bring your camera and meet the Easter Bunny at the National Aviary. Children will also receive a takeaway treat

Relocate to Pittsburgh Real Estate

When you are ready to learn more about Pittsburgh real estate, or would like to request my Pittsburgh Relocation Guide, feel free to contact me, Jim Dolanch, your expert Pittsburgh REALTOR. I am here to serve you, so if there are any questions you have or anything you need to know about Pittsburgh, I am here to help.

Until next time,
Jim

Categories: Local Events, Pittsburgh Home Buyers, Relocating to Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh Home And Garden Show

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Are you selling Pittsburgh real estate? Has your home been on the market for awhile? Don’t feel despair, instead, take the opportunity to really showcase your home this spring. To begin with, get your yard in order.

Pittsburgh Homes For Sale

Increase your curb appeal. What is the first thing a Pittsburgh area home buyer will see? The outside of your house.

Power wash the siding and driveway, put fresh paint if needed, wash the windows, and get rid of all the cobwebs or fall debris that might still be hanging around. The best way to showcase a yard is to plant flowers and bushes to show off the yard’s best assets. Have a nice sunny patch? Get some bright flowers to draw attention to it. Have a large shady area? Get some great shade loving ferns and plants-show potential home buyers that the shade is a good thing, and show them what can be done.

Getting your Pittsburgh Home Ready To Sell

If you don’t have a green thumb, or don’t know the first thing about plants that will work in your yard, you are in luck. The 29th Annual Home and Garden Show starts today at the Pittsburgh Convention Center, and there are over 9 acres of everything and anything you ever wanted to learn about gardening.

You will also find great ideas for showcasing the inside of you home to its best advantage. If you take care of getting a great yard going and spruce up the inside with some quick cleaning and lighting tricks, you are sure to finally get an offer.

Relocating to Pittsburgh

If you are ready to move, but don’t know much about the Pittsburgh area, be sure to request my Pittsburgh Relocation Guide and my Pittsburgh Home Buying Guide, both are full of the important information that will make your real estate journey smooth and easy. Any other questions? Feel free to contact me, Jim Dolanch, your expert Pittsburgh real estate agent-I am here to serve you.

Until next time,
Jim

Categories: Local Events, Marketing Your Peters Township Home, Peters Township Home Sellers, Pittsburgh Home Buyers, Pittsburgh home sellers, Relocating to Pittsburgh

Get Your Pittsburgh Property Sold

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Selling a Pittsburgh home can be exciting, fun, and a great way to de-clutter before you move to your new home! It can also be a headache, take forever, and never see results IF you DON’T follow the advice of an expert Pittsburgh real estate agent. Not all agents are as skilled with home selling-and certainly if you need quick results, there are many things you can do to get your home sold, even in a slower market.

Selling Pittsburgh Real Estate

There is a top ten list that I tell all my home owners to follow, at the minimum. These quick and easy tips will help you tremendously when it comes to making your home appeal to the buyer.

1.  REMEMBER THAT FIRST IMPRESSIONS LAST. So if you have a mail box that is rusted,  crooked and falling over, even if that is the only broken thing in the house, you are already setting the buyer up to expect your house to have maintenance issues, so they will be looking with an even more critical eye. And you certainly don’t want them to refer to your home as “the one with the broken stuff” when they buyers sit down to go over their options. Lesson? Fix everything that is broken.

2. LEAVE YOUR HOME. I can never say this enough. You may feel like it is no big deal, but psychologically for the home buyer, they are much more likely to feel “at home” in your home if you ARE NOT there. By seeing you there, and having you around, the home buyers stop thinking of the home as where they will live, but instead, as where you live. And that makes them less likely discuss wall colors or new flooring, or even new curtains, because, again, they are thinking of it as your home and aren’t as comfortable to discuss the things they hate or would change. By letting them have the freedom to discuss items they dislike about the house, they will also be free to discuss how they could easily fix it-like wall color and curtains and how fun getting all the friends together to tear up carpet might be.  Again, can’t say it enough-Go away when buyers come to see your Pittsburgh home for sale.

3. GET RID OF CLUTTER. Take out extra furniture, clear off tables, keep decorations to a minimum, and clean, clean, clean. Buyers, right now, have a lot of choices, so you want them to see the full potential of your home by showing off all the space and beauty. Piles of magazines should be put away, furniture and baseboards should be dusted.

4. CLEAN THE BATHROOMS AND KITCHEN. Kitchens and bathrooms sell a home, but don’t worry if your home has small ones. Play up the space you do have by getting everything out of the bathroom, deep cleaning, and putting out nice, new towels.  In the kitchen, clear off as much counter space as possible, but your appliances you don’t use everyday away, put away papers and mail, and show off the space. New towels and a deep cleaning can do wonders to show off a space.

5. SHOW OFF STORAGE. Clean out closets, but everything that isn’t necessary away, and show off just how much space your Pittsburgh real estate for sale has. Home buyers are going to look everywhere, so make sure your closets are neat and show off space.

6.  PUT PETS AWAY. The best senerio is to take your pets with you when you leave the house, but if that isn’t an option, make sure you have them secured in crates or a storage room that is locked. You don’t want a buyer-who may scared to death of dogs or cats-to accidentally let your pet out in the middle of a home tour. Not only would that perhaps cause a huge scare for the home buyer, but if your dog or cat gets aggressive with strangers in its home, you could have an animal bite issue on your hands and we certainly don’t want that to ever happen.

7. MAKE YOUR HOME SMELL LIKE HOME. If possible, I suggest baking a pumpkin or apple pie in the oven a few hours before a home tour-you can buy ready to bake pies in the freezer section, and then you home will smell like home baked goodness as Pittsburgh home buyers tour it. Don’t have time? Sprigs of lavender, or even some lavender scented spray can spread a calm and relaxing atmosphere in your home.

8. OPEN THE WINDOWS. Letting in sunlight is a huge plus in showing off space and comfort in a home. Letting in the light makes the house feel warm and airy, and can really show off the home. A dark home is never appealing, and home buyers may not realize how great a home’s views are, or just how much light a home receives, if you have all the shades drawn.

9. PLANT FLOWERS. A well taken care of yard can add tons of appeal to a home, and leaves the home buyers with a great first and last impression. If you are selling in the winter, Pansies are great, hardy choices, and summer offers a wide range of flower colors, so choose something that compliments your home color and really pops. Bright flowers create and add to a bright, well cared for feeling of a home.

10.  DON”T BLOCK YOUR DRIVE WAY WITH STORAGE. Right now, the movable storage units are very popular when people are selling their homes, but I suggest actually renting a place away from your home, if at all possible.  Not only are they about the same price, but the movable storage pods really take way from front yard appeal and space-especially if your whole drive way is taken up with one.  It also serves as a reminder to home owners that there wasn’t space in your home for all your stuff to be neat and organized. If you have to use one, see if the company can store the movable storage for you until your home sells, most companies do for very small rental fees-and keeping your yard and drive looking neat, clean and large is well worth the rental fee.

Selling Pittsburgh Homes

These are only a few ideas, but if you would like even more tips, simply request my Pittsburgh Home Selling Guide. You can also contact me, Jim Dolanch, to learn even more about making your Pittsburgh home selling smooth and easy.

Until next time,

Jim

Categories: Uncategorized

Buying Pittsburgh Real Estate

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When you start the journey to Pittsburgh, PA home ownership, you have many options and choices to make-and sometimes it can be hard to tell which decisions are the best for you, your finances and your situation.

Pittsburgh Homes For Sale

First off, when you start browsing the Pittsburgh MLS home search through www.jimdolanch.com, you have the choice of also browsing Pittsburgh real estate for sale by area or zip code, so if there are certain community or area amenities and aspects you would like to enjoy, be sure to learn more about Pittsburgh area communities. By spending a little bit of time researching the areas, you can narrow down your home search by seeing homes that are only in the communities that interest you.

Pittsburgh Real Estate Financing

Second off, you must think about what kind of financing you will be using. If you are an “empty nester” you may be coming to the home buying table with a full cash offer, or if you are a first time home buyer, you may have 10% down. If you are a Pittsburgh first time home buyer, you may not have much credit history on your side; however, if what you have is in fantastic order, you can still get a great rate. As a second or third (or fourth) time home buyer, you do come to the bale with a boost up on the credit, as you have already proven yourself as a responsible home owner, capable of making reliable Pittsburgh real estate mortgage payments.

All of these aspects change the way your lender or bank will set up or mortgage, what interest rate you have, and  how much you can borrow.However, if your credit is questionable, now is the time to get it in order. A good year (or more!) of solid, reliable credit can do wonders to your home buying power, approval with lenders, and your mortgage rates. The longer you have a positive credit score, the more power you have to pick and choose your mortgage, your lender, and your rates.For even more guidance, you can request my Pittsburgh Home Buying Guide or contact me.

Selling Pittsburgh Real Estate

Lastly, For most home buyers, selling Pittsburgh property is the very first step that must be done before getting serious about buying a new home. How do you work out this process? What if a home you love comes on the market, but you  haven’t gotten an offer on yours yet, or the offer isn’t settled yet? With the help of an expert Pittsburgh real estate agent, you can easily make and offer that is contingent on the selling of your current home.

Pittsburgh Real Estate Questions and Answers

Do you have other Pittsburgh real estate questions? Feel free to contact me, Jim Dolanch, your expert Pittsburgh Realtor, to learn everything and anything about the Pittsburgh area.

Until next time,

Jim

Categories: First Time Home Buyers Tax Credit, Marketing Your Peters Township Home, Mortgages, Peters Township Buying Tips, Peters Township Home Sellers, Pittsburgh Home Buyers, Pittsburgh Home Search Tips, Pittsburgh home sellers, Relocating to Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh Area Entertainment

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These snowy, cold months can wreak havoc on the energy of young children. Somehow, being stuck inside for a few days seems to drastically increase their energy levels by 152.5%. Yes that is a fact.

If you recently bought Pittsburgh real estate for sale, or will be soon relocating to Pittsburgh from a not so northern area, you may find yourself wondering how you will keep your family entertained.

Pittsburgh though, is an area that never fails to entertain. Not only are we used to the cold and snow (and thus have clearing the roads and mastering safe winter driving down to a science) we also know that not everyone enjoys skiing every day. So the Pittsburgh real estate area is filled with things to do for every interest, hobby, and occasion.

Right now, the Carnegie Science Center is hosting RoboWorld, where you can discover how robots sense, thing and act in the world’s largest robot exhibition! You can also enjoy the IMAX dome theater, the Digital Planetarium, Cold War submarine history, and experience a world renowned miniature railroad and village display.

For those with children, the Pittsburgh Children’s Museum is always an excellent choice for letting out energy. Families will also enjoy the National Aviary, with birds from all over the world and for the outdoor adventure types, Kayak Pittsburgh is the tour for you. On Kayak Pittsburgh you get to-you guessed it-kayak around the city. It is definitely a view of the city you can only get from the water!

Pittsburgh Real Estate Information

Buying a Pittsburgh home? Ready to search the Pittsburgh MLS? Want to learn more about Pittsburgh, PA? Simply contact me, Jim Dolanch, your expert Pittsburgh real estate agent. I am here to help you with every aspect of your relocation, home buying and home selling journeys, as well as answer any and all questions about Pittsburgh.

Come experience Pittsburgh, it’s the place to be!

Until next time,
Jim

Categories: Local Events, Pittsburgh Home Buyers, Relocating to Pittsburgh

Haiti Orphans Come to Pittsburgh Area

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This past Tuesday a team of medical personnel, our gov. Ed Rendell and our U.S. Rep. Jason Altmire all headed to the rescue  orphans from a collapsed orphanage in earthquake-ravaged Haiti.

Many of the orphans in Haiti are stuck in limbo because their paperwork, identification cards, and adoption process information was completely destroyed or lost during last weeks earthquake.

The rescue mission was in response to messages last week from orphanage caregivers pleading for help to get the orphans out, as there weren’t nearly enough caregivers or supplies to now care for the children, aged 1-6 years at the BRES orphanage in Port-Au-Prince.  Of the 143,  90 have been sent to places in Denmark and France and 53 have now been brought to our beautiful Pittsburgh area.

The mission, food, clothing and medical aid for the children once they reached their new Pittsburgh homes were all funded by  an anonymous donor and Catholic Charities has made arrangements for the orphans’ care until they can be adopted. Many organizations are coming forward to volunteer in helping the orphans settle into their Pittsburgh relocation.

Relocating to Pittsburgh

It is wonderful the Haitian orphans were able to get away from all of the chaos to get the medical attention, food, and care they need, as well as, the Pittsburgh real estate space to house them until forever families are found.

To see how you can help, contact the Red Cross at redcross.org or Catholic Charities at catholiccharitiesusa.org.

Buying Pittsburgh Real Estate

Should you be interested in learning more about Pittsburgh homes for sale, browsing the Pittsburgh MLS, or relocating to Pittsburgh, simply contact me, Jim Dolanch, your expert Pittsburgh real estate agent.

Until next time,
Jim

Categories: Local Events, Peters Township Area Information, Peters Township Events, Pittsburgh Home Buyers, Pittsurgh Real Estate News, Relocating to Pittsburgh

Peters Township Real Estate

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Peters Township is a wonderful area, nestled outside of Pittsburgh. If you enjoy city activities, but want to live in a small community, then Peters Township real estate is perfect for you.


Peters Township Area Information

Peters Township offers real estate prices with great value, a small town feel with the large city conveniences, as well as, family oriented events mingled with perfect for date night activities. When you buy Peters Township real estate, you are buying not just a great home, but a wonderful lifestyle.

Peters Township Communities

There are many neighborhoods and communities to choose from, and you can search the entire Peters Township MLS, search Peters Township homes for sale by school, by Peters Township neighborhood, or search Peters Township featured real estate for sale.

Peters Township Real Estate

Would you like to learn more about Peters Township, PA? Then simply contact me, Jim Dolanch, your expert Peters Township real estate agent. Feel free to ask any and all questions-if I don’t know the answer I will find it for you.

If you are getting ready to relocate to Peters Township, be sure to request our Peters Township Relocation Guide-full of the local information, numbers, and addresses you’ll need to make your relocation stress free and smooth. We hope to see you around town!

Until next time,
Jim

Categories: Peters Township Area Information, Peters Township Buying Tips, Pittsburgh Home Buyers, Relocating to Pittsburgh

Peters Township: Have You Gotten Your Swine Flu Shot?

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The buzz word this winter season has been the Swine Flu, also called the H1N1. If you live in the Peters Township area, then you will be happy to learn that the Department of Health will be holding an H1N1 flux shot clinic at the Washington County Agricultural Fair and Expo Center, located at 2151 North Main Street on Jan. 8th and 9th from 8am to 4pm.

Peters Township Communities

Peters Township neighborhoods are glad to be able to offer the flu shot clinic. You can get shots for yourself and your family, or even go down and talk to the nurses and doctors there to learn more information, should you still be debating about getting the shot.

You can also get the regular flu shot anytime by going to the Department of Health during working hours, 8am to 4pm.

Peters Township Real Estate

One of the best things of living in Peters Township is that we are such a close knit community with a great, involved township council, which brings us events like the H1N1 flu clinic. If you would enjoy living in a family oriented community, then feel free to browse Peters Township homes for sale, request our Peters Township relocation guide, and contact me, Jim Dolanch, your Peters Township real estate agent.

Until next time,

Jim

Categories: Local Events, Peters Township Area Information, Peters Township Events, Relocating to Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh Area Schools

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Relocation to Pittsburgh

Often, relocating to Pittsburgh is due to a job opportunity or pursuing higher education. Your family may or may not have much choice about the move, especially if the move is for a job. Not having much choice may worry you, but you are, in fact, lucky to be moving to the Pittsburgh area.

Pittsburgh and Peters Township


Pittsburgh is a fantastic area to raise a family
. Not only do we offer many great suburb lifestyles to choose homes in, but we also offer outstanding school systems, with choices ranging from public, private, religious, and home schooling. You can browse the Pittsburgh and Peters Township school system to learn even more.

Pittsburgh Areas

So you know you are going to buy Pittsburgh real estate, but do you know what area you want to be in yet? I personally think the Pittsburgh and Peters Township areas are all fantastic, but each has unique community amenities and events to offer, so you can learn more about the Pittsburgh neighborhoods, search homes by Pittsburgh schools, or find what schools are in the different communities.

Want to learn even more? Simply contact me, Jim Dolanch, your expert Pittsburgh real estate agent, and we will find the perfect home for you in the perfect neighborhood for your family.

Until next time,
Jim

Categories: Peters Township Area Information, Peters Township Buying Tips, Pittsburgh Home Buyers, Relocating to Pittsburgh

Buying Pittsburgh Real Estate

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Buying Pittsburgh Real Estate can be a valuable investment.  Unless you are living somewhere for free, you are paying rent-which we all know is just money down the drain-so if you are able to be approved for a mortgage, then the smartest thing you can do is put that money towards home ownership.

Pittsburgh Homes For Sale

If you know you will be moving in 2 years, then an Adjustable Rate Mortgage makes the most sense for you, as you will be able to get a very low introductory interest rate and low payment until you move. If you plan to be staying put for a long time, then you will want a Fixed Rate Mortgage.

Pittsburgh Home Mortgage

What is the point of buying if you’ll be moving in  2 years? For one, you get equity out of the home, and will most often be able to sell it for at least a little more than you bought it for, giving you more to put down on your next home purchase. Also, having been a home owner gives your credit score a huge boost and opens you up to better fixed mortgage rates on your next home.

Search Pittsburgh MLS

Ready to quit renting and start owning? Begin by browsing Pittsburgh area homes for sale, and contact me, Jim Dolanch, your expert Pittsburgh real estate agent, for answers to any and all questions you have about Pittsburgh and real estate.

Until next time,
Jim

Categories: Mortgages, Peters Township Buying Tips, Pittsburgh Home Buyers, Pittsurgh Real Estate News, Relocating to Pittsburgh


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