Pittsburgh Real Estate and Peters Township Blog» Peters Township Area Information

Foreclosure Sales Up on Pittsburgh, PA Real Estate Market

jimdolanch — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 17:30:35 +0000

The Wall Street Journal recently had an interesting article about how foreclosures are affecting the national housing market – including the Pittsburgh real estate market.

Evidently, nearly one-third of all U.S. homes sold in the second quarter of 2011 were in some stage of the foreclosure process.

Continue reading to learn more about how this affects the Pittsburgh real estate market – and what it means for Pittsburgh home buyers.

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Real Estate

Here are some of the latest figures on foreclosures on the Pittsburgh real estate market – as well as the national housing market, according to RealtyTrac, a real estate data provider:

Between the first and second quarter of 2011, the portion of foreclosure sales on the market dropped by 5 percent – from 36% to 31%.
Between the second quarter of 2010 and the second quarter of 2011, however, the portion of foreclosure sales on the market jumped from 24 percent to 31 percent.
During the second quarter of 2011, the number of pre-foreclosure sales increased by 19 percent.
Between the second quarter of 2010 and the second quarter of 2011, sales of bank-owned homes (or REO homes) fell 10 percent nationally.
The Pittsburgh real estate market – in addition to Sebastian-Vero Beach in Florida, Milwaukee and Saginaw and Kalamazoo in Michigan – saw some of the largest foreclosure discounts on homes for sale in the country.
Nevada, Arizona and California have the highest proportion of foreclosure sales on their real estate markets.

Pittsburgh PA Homes for Sale

The recent news from RealtyTrac suggests that now is a great time to be a Pittsburgh, PA home buyer.

“With average prices on distressed real estate trending down and average discounts trending up, this report is clearly good news for well-positioned buyers and investors looking for bargain real estate,” said RealtyTrac chief executive James Saccacio, in a prepared statement.

Plus, as the inventory of homes for sale on the market continues to dwindle, prices will likely start to rise. When that happens, the market here in Pittsburgh – and elsewhere in the country – will likely shift to being a seller’s market.

Thus, if you’re thinking of investing in a Pittsburgh PA home for sale, contact me, Jim Dolanch.

As your Pittsburgh real estate expert, I’ll help you find your dream Pittsburgh property for sale by employing all of my helpful Pittsburgh home buying tools, including:

Until next time,

Jim

Pittsburgh Real Estate Market Update for August

jimdolanch — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 00:44:36 +0000

If you’ve been thinking about entering the Pittsburgh real estate market as a Pittsburgh home seller or Pittsburgh home buyer lately, I recommend that you stay as updated as possible on the state of the Pittsburgh real estate market.

Understanding what’s selling and for how much will make you more savvy as you navigate the Pittsburgh real estate market, which will save you both time and money.

To help you make the most out of your Pittsburgh real estate market experience, I’ve compiled some recent data on home sales and sale prices.

Continue reading to learn more!

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Homes for Sale

Here’s a brief overview of the current state of the Pittsburgh real estate market:

The average list price for Pittsburgh homes for sale during the week ending in July 27 was $225,080, which was the same price it was the week before.
The median sales price for Pittsburgh homes for sale between April and June 2011 was $129,900 – which was a 3.9 percent increase when compared year-over-year. During that same period last year, the median sales price was $125,000.
There were 1,616 home sales on the Pittsburgh real estate market, which was a 1.6 percent decrease when compared year-over-year.
According to Trulia, the most popular neighborhoods in the Pittsburgh area to sell a home were Mount Lebanon and Mount Washington, which saw average listing prices of $278,342 and $263,922 respectively.

Investing in Pittsburgh Area Real Estate

The Pittsburgh real estate market is a constantly evolving arena. Thus – it truly does pay off to work with an experienced Pittsburgh area real estate agent who can keep you abreast of any changes on the market.

Contact me, Jim Dolanch, and I’d be happy to answer any questions you have about the Pittsburgh real estate market as well as let you know about available listings.

While you’re at it, I recommend you check out some of my helpful Pittsburgh home buying resources, including:

Until next time,

Jim

Pittsburgh Real Estate News: Seven Schools May Close in the Pittsburgh, PA Area

jimdolanch — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 00:37:16 +0000

I recently read an article in the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review about several Pittsburgh-area schools.

According to the article, seven of the 64 schools in the Pittsburgh school district may close if the school board approves the superintendent’s budget plan.

The closing of the schools is expected to save the district $8 million annually.

Continue reading to learn more about this developing Pittsburgh story, and what it means for Pittsburgh area home owners and Pittsburgh home buyers.

Living in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

According to the recent article, the Pittsburgh superindentent’s plan to cut some schools comes after Republican Governor Tom Corbett cut K-12 funding by $900 million in order to help reduce the state’s deficit.

In Pittsburgh, that translated to a loss of $25 million in state funding for this fiscal year, which has a budget of $540 milliion.

Here’s a list of the schools that Pittsburgh’s school board would like to close:

Northview
Langley High in Sheraden
Oliver High in Marshall-Shadeland
Fort Pitt PreK-5 in Garfield
Schaeffer intermediate

Primary campuses in Crafton Heights and Sheraden, Stevens K-8 in Elliott and Murray K-8 in Mt. Oliver

The Pittsburhg superindent’s plans also call for the opening of a k-8 school where Langley is now and expanding Morrow’s Pre K-5 in Brighton Heights to Pre K-8.

Additionally, special education studetns and administration would move to Oliver.

The schools that the superindent is proposing to close are under-used buildings, according to the article. For instnace, 2,200 studetns will be displaced with the closing of those seven schools.

Those schools were built to hold 4,900 students total.

The plan – if approved – is expected to go into effect for the 2012-12 school year.

Investing in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Real Estate

Pittsburgh public schools has long been championed for its top-quality teachers and students.

It will be interesting to see what the school board ultimately decides on next year’s budget. I’ll keep you posted as I learn more.

As your Pittsburgh real estate expert, I work hard to give interested Pittsburgh home buyers and home sellers the most up-to-date information when it comes to the Pittsburgh real estate market and Pittsburgh quality of life.

If you’ve been thinking about relocating to the Pittsburgh real estate market and would like to learn more about what it’s like to live here, then contact me, Jim Dolanch.

I also recommend you check out some of my other Pittsburgh PA home buying features, including:

Until next time,

Jim

Enjoy This 4th of July in the Pittsburgh, PA Area

jimdolanch — Mon, 04 Jul 2011 20:24:04 +0000

Are you still in search of the perfect place to send your 4th of July? I recommend you check out the Pittsburgh, PA area.

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

Plenty of Fun Family Events to Do In Pittsburgh, PA

jimdolanch — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 18:39:36 +0000

If you’re thinking about visiting the Pittsburgh area soon, I recommend that you check out some of the many Pittsburgh area events going on over the next few weeks.

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:

Until next time,

Jim

Another Reason to Invest in Pittsburgh, PA Real Estate: Jobs

jimdolanch — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 18:12:22 +0000

Pittsburgh’s unemployment rate is noticeably lower than the national average, according to recent data released by the U.S. Department of Labor.

While the national unemployment rate has risen to 9.1 percent from 9 percent last month, most of the communities in Western Pennsylvania area showing lower unemployment rates than that.

Buying a Pittsburgh Area Home for Sale

Although no community has been completely immune to the national economic crisis, western Pennsylvania – including Pittsburgh – seems to be more protected than another parts of the nation:

14 million people are unemployed in the United States currently.
The Pittsburgh Metropolitan Statistical area, which includes 7 counties, all saw year-over-year decreases in unemployment rates in March.
Allegheny County had the lowest unemployment rate in the Pittsburgh area with 7 percent.
Butler and Beaver counties both had unemployment rates of 7.2 percent.
Washington and Westmoreland counties had unemployment rates of 7.8 percent.
Pennsylvania’s state unemployment rate in April was 7.5 percent, which was a decrease of 1.3 percent when compared to April 2010.
The year-over-year decrease in Pennsylvania’s state unemployment rate refelects the largest single year decrease since 1987.

Investing in Pittsburgh, PA Area Real Estate

As you can see, there are plenty of reasons why so many people choose to live in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania – not the least of which is a relatively healthy job market.

Have you been considering purchasing a Pittsburgh area home for sale lately? Then contact me, Jim Dolanch, your Pittsburgh area real estate expert, today.

I’ll tell you everything you need to know about living in beautiful Pittsburgh, PA as well as answer any questions you might have.

While you’re at it, please check out some of my FREE Pittsburgh home buyer resources, including:

Until next time,

Jim

Pittsburgh Area Museum to Receive Major Renovations

jimdolanch — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 17:47:49 +0000

The Westmoreland Museum of American Art, a popular museum located in the greater Pittsburgh, PA area, is expected to receive some major renovations soon from NY-based company Ennead Architects.

The expansion and renovation project will cost about $15 million and will nearly double the size of the museum.

Right now, the museum is 35,000 square feet.

Construction is not expected to begin until 2013.

Relocating to Pittsburgh Pennsylvania

The Westmoreland Museum of American Art is a popular attraction for Pittsburgh area home owners.

The museum, which opened in 1959, features the works of American artists between the mid-18th century through the 20th century. These artists include Mary Cassatt and John Singer Sargent.

We here on the Jim Dolanch Team are happy to see that Pittsburgh city officials and Pittsburgh residents care enough about this important Pittsburgh area attraction to invest in its renovations.

The Westmoreland Museum of American Art is just one of many great family-friendly attractions in the Pittsburgh area. In addition to museums, Pittsburgh is also well known for its professional sports teams, expansive parks and recreation amenities and more!

Purchasing a Pittsburgh Area Home for Sale

More than just a place to enjoy the weekend, however, Pittsburgh is the kind of place you’d want to raise your family.

Pittsburgh guarantees its residents a fantastic quality of life by providing such amenities as:

If you’re thinking about relocating to Pittsburgh, PA, contact me, Jim Dolanch, your Pittsburgh area real estate expert, today.

When you call, I’ll tell you about all of the helpful Pittsburgh home buying resources I provide to my clients, including:

Until next time,

Jim

Fun Pittsburgh Events in June

jimdolanch — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 23:00:41 +0000

One of the best things about living in a major metropolitan community such as Pittsburgh, PA is all of the fun activities available to residents all day, every day.

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:

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

Pittsburgh Real Estate Market Update

jimdolanch — Mon, 06 Jun 2011 22:28:54 +0000

The real estate information company Zillow recently released data on the national housing market as well as the Pittsburgh real estate market.

The data suggests that the national housing market won’t bottom out until 2012.

It also noted, however, that the Pittsburgh real estate market is in fairly good condition relative to most other major metropolitan real estate markets in the country.

Pittsburgh, PA Real Estate

Here’s a snapshot of the national housing market, according to data gathered by Zillow, a Seattle-based company:

Home values nationwide have dropped by 8.2 percent during the first quarter of 2011 when compared with home values from the first quarter of 2010.
The home value index estimate nationwide is $169,600 for the first quarter of 2011.
Nationwide, home values fell by 3 percent between the fourth quarter of 2010 and the first quarter of 2011.
28.4 percent of homes in the United State had mortgages that were underwater during the first quarter of 2011.
Home values have declined in 97 percent of the 132 housing markets that Zillow waters.

Meanwhile, Zillow reported that Pittsburgh, PA saw the smallest decline in home values between the last quarter of 2010 and the first quarter of 2011. That figure was a mere 0.2 percent.

The Pittsburgh real estate market also saw the smallest decline in home values between the first quarter of 2010 and the first quarter of 2011. That year-over-year figure was just 0.1 percent.

Purchasing a Pittsburgh, PA Home for Sale

While the national housing market continues to recover from the housing market bust a couple of years ago, Pittsburgh home owners have enjoyed a relatively stable Pittsburgh housing market.

Still, Pittsburgh home values are lower than what they were a couple of years ago, making this an ideal time to enter the Pittsburgh real estate market as a Pittsburgh home buyer.

Not only are you likely to get a great deal on a Pittsburgh home for sale, but you’ll also have access to some record low interest rates that have become common in the national housing market post-housing bust.

If you’re interested in investing in a Pittsburgh home for sale, contact me, Jim Dolanch, your Pittsburgh area real estate expert, today.

I’ll provide you with an array of exclusive Pittsburgh home buying resources, including:

Until next time,

Jim

Pittsburgh PA Known Nationwide for Its Housing Bargains

jimdolanch — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 21:37:01 +0000

ABC News recently did a fascinating story on the attractiveness of purchasing a home in Pittsburgh, PA, as well as Rochester, N.Y.

The article described a report completed by Zillow.com, which ranked the best places to live in America based upon affordability, unemployment rates, foreclosure rates and year-over-year housing price trends.

Because places like Pittsburgh and Rochester did not see the exponential jump in home prices during the national housing market bubble, they were also less susceptible to the catastrophic aftermath of the market post-bubble burst, experts said.

Living in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

ABC News provided a snapshot of what life is like in Pittsburgh PA and why quality of living is so high here.

It found that Pittsburgh relies heavily on its major university employers, which include the University of Pittsburgh as well as Carnegie Mellon.

Not only do these universities help to employ a large number of Pittsburgh area residents, but they also improve our quality of life with their intellectual programming and activities that they offer to the public.

An extensive health care sector also keeps our city’s unemployment rate low.

The study also found that Pittsburgh’s median home price is $103,900 – a rather attractive sales price for interested Pittsburgh home buyers!

Entering the Pittsburgh Area Real Estate Market

Given the recent analysis completed by ABC News and Zillow.com, it’s no wonder that Pittsburgh was named the best place to move and live in America.

Not only are Pittsburgh homes affordable for nearly everyone, but the city also provides its residents with a number of amenities to improve quality of life, including:

To learn more about purchasing a Pittsburgh area home for sale, then contact me, Jim Dolanch.

As your Pittsburgh area real estate expert, I’ll let you know about all the available listings in the Pittsburgh area as well as answer any questions you might have.

Until next time,

Jim