A sad fact is that most people will end up breaking their New Year’s resolutions within the first several weeks of a New Year.

If your resolution was to spend more time with loved ones, I’m here to provide you with some extra reinforcement!

Continue reading to learn about some fun activities going on in the Pittsburgh area this month that you and your family can enjoy together!

Upcoming Community Events in the Allegheny County

Billy Elliot Performance: Come bring the whole family to this classic musical performance about a young boy who just happens to be a dancing prodigy.

• When: 7:30 p.m. on January 31
• Where: Benedum Center, 719 Liberty Avenue in Pittsburgh
• Admission: Prices vary
• More Info: Call (412) 456-6666

Dance Competition: Speaking of dancing, why not check out the 1^st Annual Burgh’s Best Dance Crew Competition? The winning dance crew will receive $1,000!

• When: 8 to 9:30 p.m. on January 14
• Where: Hill House Kaufmann Center, 1825 Centre Avenue in Pittsburgh
• Admission: $5 for kids, $10 General Admission
• More Info: Call 412-697-4660

Sesame Street Live: Come enjoy this upbeat and energetic performance with the characters from Sesame Street! Appropriate for all ages!

• When: 5:30 p.m. on January 14
• Where: CONSOL Energy Center, 1001 Fifth Avenue in Pittsburgh
• Admission: Prices vary
• More Info: Call (412) 642-1800

Salsa Lessons: For those couples looking to sneak out for a night on the town one night, consider checking out the free weekly salsa lessons offered at Southside-Carson Street. The venue offers plenty of room for dancing and doesn’t require any cover charge.

• When: 8 to 11:30 p.m. every Wednesday, including January 11
• Where: Villa Southside, 64 South Fourteenth Street in Pittsburgh
• Admission: FREE
• More Info: Call  (412) 390 1111

Your Pittsburgh, PA Real Estate Expert

If you get a chance to attend one of these fun events this month, let me know what you think of it!

For more information on what it’s like to live in Pittsburgh – or to begin the search for your dream Pittsburgh home today – contact me, Jim Dolanch.

As your Pittsburgh area REALTOR, I’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have as well as let you know about the various residential communities in and around the Pittsburgh area.

Until next time,

Jim

While losing weight and quitting smoking are typically the number 1 and number 2 resolutions in the country, thousands of people each year also resolve to work less and enjoy family time more.

If that sounds like the kind of resolution you plan to make, you’ve come to the right Pittsburgh real estate site!

Every month I tell you about fun and family-friendly events going on in the area.

Continue reading to learn about what’s going for the rest of December.

Enjoy Living in Pittsburgh, PA Everyday

Harlem Globetrotters: Come see this legendary team (which has become well-known for all their basketball-related tricks) perform at the CONSOL Energy Center the day after Christmas.  This event is perfect for an enjoyable family day out on the town!

• When: 7 p.m. on Dec. 26
• Where: CONSOL Energy Center, 1001 Fifth Avenue in Pittsburgh PA
• Admission: Prices vary
• More Info: Call 412-642-1800

Nutcracker Performance: For many Pittsburgh families, no holiday would be complete without seeing a professional performance of the Nutcracker.  So take in as much holiday spirit as you can before the holiday season ends by attending this performance of the classic ballet.

• When: 7 p.m. on Dec. 22
• Where:  Benedum Center, 719 Liberty Avenue in Pittsburgh
• Admission: Prices Vary
• More Info: Call (412) 471-6070

Book Club: Looking for a new hobby to try out in the new year? The nonfiction book group meets regularly at the Shaler North Hills Library in Glenshaw.

• When: 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. on Dec. 27
• Where: Shaler North Hills Library, 1822 Mt. Royal Blvd in Glenshaw, PA
• Admission: FREE
• More info: Call (412) 486-0211

Sunday Brunch: Come enjoy weekly brunch at the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. Guests enjoy a gourmet, buffet-style meal in Special Events Hall.  The organization even provides vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options.

• When: 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. on Dec.25
• Where: Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, 1 Schenley Park in Pittsburgh
• Admission: Adults, $24.95; children 5-12, $11.95; children under 5, free.
• More Info: Call (412)622-6914

Relocating to Pittsburgh, PA

The events that I listed before showcased what a diverse range of recreational amenities that Pittsburgh residents have to choose from.

Pittsburgh residents truly do enjoy a superb quality of life!

If you’re interested in making Pittsburgh your permanent home but have no idea where to begin, then contact me, Jim Dolanch.

As your Pittsburgh REALTOR, I’ll be happy to tell you even more about living in the area as well as let you know about available listings.

In the meantime, I recommend you browse some of my real estate resources, which have proven invaluable to other Pittsburgh home buyers like you.  These are:

• Pittsburgh buying guide
• Pittsburgh home finder
• Moving kit

Until next time,

Jim

With Thanksgiving just two weeks away, the holiday season is officially underway!  If you’re like me and want the most of the season, continue reading to learn more about some family-friendly events going on around Pittsburgh this month!

Enjoy These Family-Friendly Activities This Month in Pittsburgh

Here’s a sampling of Pittsburgh area events that will help you and your family get in the mood for the holiday season!

Fall Festival: Come enjoy the sights, smells and tastes of the holiday season during the 3^rd annual Bounty of Boyce Mayview Park Festival.  Festivities include cider tasting, pumpkin decorating, covered wagon rides, live music, and so much more!

• When: Nov. 12
• Where: Community & Recreation Center at Boyce Mayview Park at 1551 Mayview Road, Upper St. Clair, PA
• Admission: Prices vary
• More Info: Call 412-221-1099

Flower Show: Come enjoy the an array of vibrant colors at the Fall Flower Show, which will showcase thousands of chrysanthemums of different colors.

• When: Recurring daily throughout November
• Where: Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, One Schenley Park, Pittsburgh, PA
• Admission: Prices Vary
• More Info: Call 412- 622-6914

Holiday Light Show: Come be amazed by a spectacular display of holiday lights at Downtown Pittsburgh’s 51st Light Up Night  holiday season kick-off event.

• When: November 18
• Where: Venues throughout Downtown Pittsburgh, including Market Square
• Admission: FREE
• More Info: Call 412- 566-4190

Investing in Pittsburgh Real Estate

Hopefully you and your family can take in all the magic of the holiday season by attending one of these local events.  If you do, let me know what you thought of it!

And if you find that Pittsburgh PA is the kind of place you’d like to call home year-round, then contact me, Jim Dolanch, today.

As your Pittsburgh REALTOR, I’ll let you know about available listings in the area as well as provide you with such useful resources as:

• Buyer FAQs
• Relocation Package
• FREE buying guide

Until next time,

Jim

That’s why we take the time each year to support several local charities throughout the greater Pittsburgh, PA area.

This month, the Jim Dolanch Team and CENTURY 21 Frontier Realty will get together to help raise money for Easter Seals Western Pennsylvania.

This incredible charity helps more than 21,000 infants, children and adults with disabilities in 20 counties throughout Western Pennsylvania.

Continue reading to learn more about this worthy cause – and how you as a Pittsburgh PA home buyer or home seller can help!

Getting Together for a Cause on the Pittsburgh Real Estate Market

Here are the details on the 6th annual “Casino Night” happening this month:

• What: A night to raise money for Easter Seals Western Pennsylvania.  The event will include hot appetizers, a silent auction, wine tasting, and various games such as roulette and black jack.
• When: 7 to 10 p.m. on Oct. 27
• Where: Bella Sera, 414 Morganza Road in Pittsburgh.
• Admission: Cost is $25 per person.

Do Your Part to Help Those In Need on the Pittsburgh Real Estate Market

Easter Seals Western Pennsylvania is a charity that I’ve supported for years a Pittsburgh REALTOR.  That’s because I find the cause so touching and impactful.

Just consider these facts about how Easter Seals helps those individuals with disabilities:

• Over 21,000 infants, children and adults with disabilities and their families located in 20 counties throughout Western Pennsylvania receive services from Easter Seals each year.
• Individuals with disabilities benefit from more than 88 percent of the total budget for the program’s services.
• Easter Seals topped the National Health Council’s list of health organizations, for the 25th year in a row, as the agency that allocated the largest amount of program dollars nationwide by all other member organizations.

Contact me, Jim Dolanch, today to learn about our upcoming Casino Night and to see how you can help!

And if you do end up attending the event, please let me know what you thought of it!

As I said before, I don’t consider myself just a Pittsburgh REALTOR – I consider myself a Pittsburgh neighbor as well.

If you’re thinking about buying or selling your Pittsburgh home, I’d be happy to help with that as well!

Contact me today to see how I can make the Pittsburgh real estate process easier for you and your family, today!

Until next time,

Jim

And if you’re a Pittsburgh home seller busy navigating the Pittsburgh real estate market, the year has probably gone by exceptionally fast for you!

To help you slow down and really enjoy the holiday season with your family, I recommend you check out some of the fun Pittsburgh area community events going on this month.

They’ll help you take some much-needed time for you and your family – which will leave you refreshed and ready to tackle the Pittsburgh real estate market once again.

Enjoy these Family-Friendly Activities in Pittsburgh, PA This Month

Here’s a brief overview of just some of the Pittsburgh community events going on this month that you and your family will enjoy:

Celtic Performance: This show-stopping performance by Celtic Thunder will have your family on the edge of their seats!  This group has received critical acclaim from a number of media.  For instance, The Virginian-Pilot said, “no matter what they tackle they do it with ‘beaucoup’ energy” and The New York Times described the group as “a Fab Five peddling Celtic stylings.”

• When: 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 4
• Where: Benedum Center for the Performing Arts in Pittsburgh, PA
• Admission: Prices Vary
• More Information: Call 412-456-6666

Light Show: Come enjoy a dazzling presentation of Pretty Lights, which is a musical vision by a Colorado-based producer who is accompanied live by a drummer.  This awe-inspring light show and eclectic musical performance is something you won’t want to miss!

• When: 8 p.m. on Oct. 4
• Where:  Stage AE in Pittsburgh, PA
• Admission : $25.00 Advance / $27.00 Day of Show
• More Info: Visit www.pittsburghlive.com

Quidam by Curque Du Soleil: Everyone should see a Cirque Du Soleil performance at least once in their lives!  This perfomrance follows a young Zoe, who is bored with her life.  Seeking to fill the emptiness she feels, she slides into an imaginary world—the world of Quidam — where she meets characters who encourage her to free her soul. The incredible performance that follows will certainly impress every member of your family!

• When: 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 12
• Where: Petersen Events Center in Pittsburgh
• Admission: Prices range from $35 to $90
• More Info: Visit www.cirquedusoleil.com

Pittsburgh Real Estate Experts

I hope you and your family get a chance to check out one or all of these Pittsburgh area community events going on this month.

If you do – please let me know what you thought of the event!

In the meantime, if you’d like help navigating the Pittsburgh real estate market as a Pittsburgh home seller, I’d be happy to help!

Contact me, Jim Dolanch, today to learn more about how I help life easier for Pittsburgh home sellers like you every day by providing such tools as:

• FREE home evaluation
• MOVA assessment
• FREE Moving kit

Until next time,

You deserve a break!  This Labor Day, I recommend you check out some of the fun community events going on all over the Pittsburgh, PA area with your family.

These community events will give you an idea of what Pittsburgh PA has to offer young families – and why so many choose to reside in the Pittsburgh area.

Fun Things to do on Labor Day in Pittsburgh, PA

Football Event: Enjoy the Pittsburgh Steelers’ Kickoff and Rib Festival the entire Labor Day weekend.

• When: Noon to 7 on Sept 5
• Where: Heinz Field
• More Info: www.steelers.com

Pittsburgh Labor Day Parade: This annual event will start outside Civic Arena at Crawford Street and Centre Avenue, traveling down Centre to Sixth Avenue, to Grant Street, to the Boulevard of the Allies, finishing on Commonwealth Place.

• When: 10 a.m. on Sept. 5
• Where: Downtown Pittsburgh
• More Info: Visit www.livingpittsburgh.com

South Park Rib and Wing Challenge: At this annual event, residents can enjoy live music, a children’s zone, crafter’s market, Wild World of Animals shows,  pony rides, and of course – barbecue tastings! Visitors decide who wins the event’s 1st place trophy for barbecue.

• When: Noon to 8 p.m. on Sept. 5
• Where: Allegheny South Park Fairgrounds
• Admission: $8 for pre-sale tickets, $10 at the door
• More Info: Visit www.southparkrib.com

Allegheny County Musical Festival: Come enjoy some of the best in regional music at this annual event, which will feature the bands Rusted Root, City Dwelling Nature Seekers and Crossing Boundaries.

• When: 5 p.m. on Sept. 4
• Where: Hartwood Acres Park
• Admission: Prices vary
• More Info: Visit www.alleghenycounty.us

Family Festival: The Pennsylvania Arts & Crafts Colonial Festival is a great opportunity for parents to teach their children about various art forms – and maybe even get a cool souvenir from the day!  Concessions are also available.

• When: Sept. 2 through  Sept. 5
• Where: Westmoreland Fairgrounds
• Admission: Prices vary
• More Info: Visit www.familyfestivals.com

Relocating the Pittsburgh PA Real Estate Market

I hope you and your family get a chance to check out at lease one of the great Labor Day weekend events going on around the city of Pittsburgh.

If you do – please let me know what you thought of it!

And when you’re ready to resume your search for your dream Pittsburgh PA home for sale, then contact me, Jim Dolanch.

As your Pittsburgh real estate expert, I’d be happy to answer any questions you might have as well as let you know about available listings on the Pittsburgh real estate market.

Until next time,

Jim

Evidently, several high-profile commercial and office buildings in downtown Pittsburgh have been put on the market recently.

Analysts are now saying that if these buildings can find interested buyers in the next several months, it will stir a flurry of action in the Pittsburgh area real estate market – consequently stimulating the local economy.

Continue reading to learn more about what this means for interested Pittsburgh home sellers.

Pittsburgh, PA Real Estate

According to the recent article, several high-profile downtown Pittsburgh buildings were listed soon after the U.S. Steel Tower was sold for an estimated $250 million.  These buildings include:

• The 1.5 million square foot PPG Place, which was listed in May
• The 629,000-square-foot K&L Gates Center
• The 557,000-square-foot Penn Avenue Place

The article also cited the recent sale of the 11 Stanwix St building for $66.2 million as another indicator that downtown Pittsburgh buildings are becoming increasingly desirable.

One expert even said that Pittsburgh ranks among the strongest midsized markets in the country.  He credited this to favorable rental rates and high office absorption.

Entering the Pittsburgh real estate market

But what does all of this mean for Pittsburgh area home sellers?

As more companies invest in these downtown Pittsburgh high-rises, more jobs will be created.

As more jobs are created, more people will start moving to the area.

As the demand for Pittsburgh real estate rises, Pittsburgh area home sellers will have more bargaining room to set the price on their home.

Thus, now is a great time to list your Pittsburgh home for sale.

If you’ve been thinking about entering the Pittsburgh real estate market as a Pittsburgh home seller, then contact me, Jim Dolanch.

As your Pittsburgh real estate expert,  I’ll  give you even more information about the current state of the Pittsburgh real estate market, as well as provide you with a number of invaluable Pittsburgh home seller resources, including:

• Free Home Evaluation
• MOVA Assessment
• Free Moving Kit
• And more!

Until next time,

Jim

There are a ton of great, family-oriented events going on around the entire metropolitan region.

Continue reading to find out where you can see the best fireworks shows and enjoy the best festivities.

4th of July Events in the Pittsburgh Area

Here’s a sampling of all the fantastic Pittsburgh area Independence Day celebrations that you and your family might enjoy:

When: 9:35 to 10 p.m. on July 4
Where: Point State Park

When: 9:40 p.m. on July 4
Where: South Hills Village in Bethel Park

When: Dusk on July 4
Where: Butler County Fairgrounds in Butler

When: 9:30 p.m. on July 4
Where: Crafton Park in Crafton

When: 9:30 p.m. on July 4
Where: Dormont Park in Dormont, PA

When: Dusk on July 4
Where: Elliot Overlook Park in Elliot, PA

When: 10:15 p.m. on July 4
Where: Ewing Park in Ellwood City

When: 10 p.m. on July 4
Where: Ford City Athletic Field in Ford City, PA

When: Dusk on July 4
Where: Riverfront Park in Franklin, PA

When: 9:45 p.m. on July 4
Where: Pearson Park in Lawrence, PA

When: 10 p.m. on July 4
Where: Idlewild Park in Ligonier, PA

When: Dusk on July 4
Where: Renziehausen Park in McKeesport, PA

When: 9:45 p.m. on July 4
Where: Monongahela Aquatorium in  Monongahela

When: Dusk on July 4
Where: Gumtown Park in New Bethlehem, PA

When: 9 p.m. on July 4
Where: Ross Township Municipal Center in Ross Township, PA

Relocating to Pittsburgh, PA

While it’s true that Pittsburgh, PA has some stellar Fourth of July events each year, the truth is that Pittsburgh, PA has a ton of family-friendly, community-oriented events going on throughout the year.

If Pittsburgh, PA sounds like the kind of place that you would like to call home, then contact me, Jim Dolanch, your Pittsburgh area real estate expert.

I’ll answer any questions you might have about living here as well as let you know about available listings in the area.

To get things started, feel free to check out some of my helpful Pittsburgh PA home buying resources, including my FREE Moving Kit and FREE buying guide.

Until next time,

Jim

These events – many of which are suitable for the entire family – will give you an idea of how great life is when you’re living in the Pittsburgh PA area.

Upcoming Events in Pittsburgh PA

Here’s just a sampling of some of the amazing events going on in Pittsburgh PA soon:

Rev’Em Up for Kids Mega Car Cruise: This annual event will benefit the Bethel Park recreational sports groups.  Last year, there were more than 700 cars on display for the thousands of visiting spectators!

• When: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on July 17
• Where:South Park County Fairgrounds in  South Park, PA
• Admission:$5.00 per vehicle; $2.00 donation per adult recommended
• More Info:Call 412-831-6800 ext 730

Westmoreland Arts and Heritage Festival: This annual Fourth of July celebration features a petting zoo, entertainment, food, artists market, and more! More than 160,000 people are expected to attend.

• When: 11 a.m. on July 1
• Where:Twin Lakes Park in  Greensburg, PA
• Admission: Prices vary
• More Info: Visit ArtsAndHeritage.com

EQT Pittsburgh Three Rivers Regatta: This free and annual event takes place on the banks of the Allegheny River, as well as on the lawns of historic Point State Park, and on the river-walk of the North Shore.  This festival, now in its 34th year, celebrates air, land and water entertainment.  More than 600,000 spectators are expected to attend.

• When: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on July 2
• Where: Point State Park in Pittsburgh, PA
• Admission: FREE
• More Info: Visit www.threeriversregatta.net

Country Concert: Enjoy the musical stylings of Kenny Chesney and the Zac Brown Band at their tour stop in Pittsburgh, PA

• When: 4:30 p.m. on July 2
• Where: Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, PA
• Admission: Prices vary
• More Info: Visit ticketmaster.com

Relocating to Pittsburgh, PA

As you can see, there’s always something new and exciting to do in the Pittsburgh PA area.

If you’re thinking about making Pittsburgh, PA your permanent home, then contact me, Jim Dolanch, your Pittsburgh area real estate expert today.

I’ll help make the transition to Pittsburgh easier by providing you with all of my FREE Pittsburgh relocation materials, including:

• About Pittsburgh
• FREE relocation package
• School information
• Pittsburgh Buying Guide
• Moving With Kids
• And more!

Until next time,

Jim

If you’re in the Pittsburgh area this June and want to see what living here is truly like, I recommend you check out these upcoming Pittsburgh area community events.

Living in Pittsburgh PA as a Pittsburgh Homeowner

Whether you have a passion for the arts or for sports, there’s a fun activity that matches your interests to the “t” in Pittsburgh PA this month.

Here’s a look at some of these fantastic upcoming events in Pittsburgh:

Art Gallery Exhibit: The fifteenth installment of the Mattress Factory’s Gestures: An Exhibition of Small Site Specific Works,” will feature the works of such local and regional artists as  Chris Craychee, Jerstin Crosby, Will Giannotti and  Deborah Hosking.  The exhibit celebrates the collaboration that helps bring a work of art to life.

• When: Through July 24, 2011
• Where: The Mattress Factory Art Museum, 500 Sampsonia Way in Pittsburgh, PA
• Admission: Regular museum prices apply
• More Information: Call the art museum at (412) 231-3169

Fitness in the Park: This outdoor boot camp is for women only and is guaranteed to get you in fantastic shape as well as help you meet new friends in the greater Pittsburgh community.

• When: Through September 30, three days a week
• Where: Blueberry Hill Park in Franklin Park, 604 Blaine’s Way
• Admission: Prices vary.  If you bring a friend, you can receive a $20 discount.
• More Information: Call (724) 467-0599

Ghost Tour of Pittsburgh: Wind through Pittsburgh’s many famous boroughs while listening to some of the city’s most famous ghost tales.

• When: Saturday evenings through Oct. 29
• Where: Tour starts at Station Square, 125 West Station Square Drive in Pittsburgh
• Admission:$16 per person
• More Information: Call (412) 302 – 5223

Pittsburgh Baseball History Walking Tour: Learn about all of the baseball greats who played in Pittsburgh on this one-of-a-kind walking tour

• When: Through Oct. 1
• Where: Tour starts at Roberto Clemente statue outside of PNC Park, 115 Federal Street in Pittsburgh
• Admission: $15
• More Info: Call (412) 302-5223 or visit www.pittsburghbaseballtours.com

Entering the Pittsburgh PA Real Estate Market

See what I mean? There’s always something exciting going on in this wonderful city that I’m proud to call my home!

Interested in learning more about what it’s like to live in Pittsburgh, PA year-round? Then contact me, Jim Dolanch, your Pittsburgh real estate expert.

I’ll provide you with my exclusive Pittsburgh relocation materials for free.  These materials will tell you everything you need and want to know about living in Pittsburgh, PA.  They include:

• Free relocation package
• School information
• Pittsburgh buying guide
• Moving with kids
• And more!

Then when you’re ready to start looking for your dream Pittsburgh home for sale, I’ll be happy to help you with that step as well!

Until next time,

Jim