Many are saying that it’s going to be a very good year.

Continue reading to learn about what the outlook is for the Pittsburgh real estate, commercial and industrial sectors.

Enjoy the New Year in Pittsburgh

During the 32^nd annual Pittsburgh Business Times Corridors of Opportunity series, many local business owners predicted that local unemployment will fall in the new year.

Here’s what else experts predicted:

• There will not be much growth in construction
• The local real estate markets in Cranberry, Oakland and Southpointe will continue to expand.
• The cost of renting properties will rise.
• Vacancies on the Pittsburgh real estate market will fall.

While only time will tell if these predictions will come true during the year 2012, here’s a look at current real estate market activity in the area:

• Currently there are 2,998 resale and new homes on the Pittsburgh real estate market, including 764 in a foreclosure stage.
• Between September and November, the median sales price for Pittsburgh homes was $121,500, down 2.8 percent when compared to last year.
• The average price per square foot for a Pittsburgh home was $89, down 63.7 percent when compared to last year.
• Meanwhile, the number of home sales dropped 18.5 percent during that same period.
• During the week ending on December 7, the average listing price for a home was $219,524, down 0.3 percent when compared to the week before.
• During that same week, the average price for a 1-bedroom home was $77,500
• The average price for a 2-bedroom home was $96,000
• And the average price for 3- and 4- bedroom homes was $120,000 and $195,000 respectively.

Investing in Pittsburgh Real Estate

As you can see, current real estate market data does not support expert predictions for 2012.  It is still very much a buyer’s market.

We’ll have to wait and see if the market ends up turning around during the year 2012.

In the meantime, if you’ve been thinking about investing in Pittsburgh real estate, now would be an excellent time to do so.

Not only are listing prices dropping, but sales prices as well.

Contact me, Jim Dolanch, today to see how I can help make navigating the market easier for you with such helpful home buying tools as:

• Featured listings
• Help me find a home
• Successful home buying

Until next time,

Jim

After all, the summertime is generally the busiest time of year for housing markets around the country.

But as I mentioned in a previous blog, the home buyers who ARE navigating the market during this time of year are serious about finding a home.

And your home for sale may just be the right fit for them.

The key to optimizing your chanc of selling your home in the time you want to is staging your home for success.

Continue reading to learn more about how to prepare your Pittsburgh home for buyers.

Pittsburgh Area Properties for Sale

Here are some tips on how to stage your home to ensure that it leaves the best impression on home buyers:

• Make Minor Repairs:  In order to ensure that you get the best price for your home in as little time as possible, you’re going to want to make sure your home is in pristine condition.  Thus, before you start having any showings, give your home a mini-makeover.  This may include fixing a leaky faucet, replacing a burnt out light bulb or repairing the crack in your bathroom tile.

• De-Clutterize:  There are a few reasons why you want to get rid of all the clutter in your home.  First of all, too many things in a room can take the attention away from its beautiful design and layout.  And since you’re selling your home and not your furniture, you want to make sure the room’s layout takes center stage.  Also, less clutter makes a room look bigger. And finally, a cluttered house sends a subtle message to the buyer that you may not have taken good care of the rest of the home.  And that’s a doubt that you don’t want lingering in a home buyer’s mind.

• Organize Your Cabinets and Closets:  Home sellers should do this for the same reasons they de-clutterize the home.  And this doesn’t necessarily require a lot  of work at all.  For instance, making sure that your clothes are all hanging in the same way can make a world of difference on the overall impression a buyer gets from your home.

• Don’t Forget to Improve Your Home’s Curb Appeal.  The exterior of a home can make or break a first impression on a prospective buyer.   So take the time to make sure your home’s curb appeal is in top condition.  Mow the lawn, Trim the hedges, give your window shutters a fresh coat of paint, etc.

• Help Buyers Visualize Themselves Living There.  Too many personal effects strewn about your home can distract buyers from visualizing themselves living there.  While subtle accents like a set dining room table or a wreath hanging on the door create an inviting warm atmosphere, you want to make sure you don’t overdo it.

 Selling Pittsburgh PA Homes

As an experienced Pittsburgh REALTOR, I’ve seen these minor home improvements pay off significantly for area home sellers.

I hope you found them helpful as well.

To learn more about the best way to navigating the Pittsburgh real estate market as a home seller, contact me, Jim Dolanch.

I’ll answer any questions you may have as well as offer you such real estate resources as:

• E-Newsletter signup
• When to list
• 10 Common Seller Mistakes
• And more!

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 Halloween almost over, the holiday season is officially underway.  This can prove to be a stressful time for Pittsburgh home buyers as they try to juggle listing appointments, holiday planning, work and family life.

As your Pittsburgh REALTOR, I understand that home buyers like you may not always have the chance to research how the housing market is doing. That’s why I regularly provide updates on the market to help you stay in-the-know.

Pittsburg Homes for Sale

Here’s an overview of the current state of the Pittsburgh real estate market, based on the most recent data available on the real estate website, Trulia.

• Currently, there are 3,251 resale and new homes on the Pittsburgh housing market, including g842 in the pre-foreclosure, auction or bank-owned stages.
• Between July and September, the median sales price for Pittsburgh homes was $135,500, which is an increase of 4.3 percent when compared to the same time last year.
• During that same time, the number of home sales increased by 11.5 percent.
• For the week ending on Oct. 26, the average listing price for Pittsburgh homes was $219,903, which is a 0.1 percent decrease when compared to the previous week.
• During that same week, the median sales price for a 1-bedroom home in Pittsburgh was $98,000.
• The median sales price for a 2-bedroom home was $100,000
• And the median sales price for 3- and 4- bedroom Pittsburgh homes were $130,000 and $225,000 respectively.

Your Pittsburgh REALTORS

I hope you find the above Pittsburgh real estate data helpful as you continue navigating the market.

If you would like help finding your dream Pittsburgh home for sale and getting the best price possible for it, then contact me, Jim Dolanch, today.

I’ll  be happy to answer any questions you might have as well as provide you with such helpful home buying tools as:

• Help me find a home
• Successful home buying
• Pittsburgh buying guide
• Frequent buyer questions
• And more!

Until next time,

Jim

Rounding out the Top-5 list were Minneapolis, Boston, Cleveland and Denver.

Continue reading to learn more about this recent award – and how it affects the Pittsburgh real estate market at large.

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Real Estate

Bankers Life and Casualty Company Center For a Secure Retirement conducted the recent study which listed Pittsburgh as a top US city in which to retire.

“We weren’t interested in another study on where to enjoy your retirement, but instead wanted to find cities that did the best job in providing the services and support that seniors need,” said Scott Perry, president of the company, in a statement.

The study finalized its list of ideal retirement cities by considering a number of factors, including:

• Health care
• Economy
• Health and Longevity
• Social
• Environment
• Spiritual Life
• Housing
• Transportation
• Crime

The purpose of the study was to identify those cities that did the best job of providing seniors with services and support that would enhance their quality of life during the Golden Years.

For instance, in the healthcare category, surveyors looked at the number of physicians, nursing homes, specialty hospitals, and continuing care retirement communities.  They also looked at the  average nursing home ratings.

Cities were event ranked based on the number of sunny days, the number and size of rivers, lakes, and parks and the cleanliness of the air and water.

Other factors such as housing prices, property taxes and rental opportunities were also factored.

Pittsburgh Homes for Sale

I think it’s rather impressive that – out of all the cities in the United States – Pittsburgh was named as a top city in which to retire.

It just goes to show you that, no matter what age you are, the Pittsburgh real estate market has something to offer you and your family!

If you’ve been thinking about relocating to the Pittsburgh real estate market, then contact me, Jim Dolanch, today.

I’ll be happy to answer any questions you might have, let you know about available listings and provide you with all of my helpful Pittsburgh relocation resources, including:

• Help me find a home
• Pittsburgh buying guide
• Moving with kids

Until next time,

The article cited a recent report titled High-Technology Industry US Office Outlook Fall 2011, which ranked  Pittsburgh as an emerging market.

Other cities named were Portland, Ore., Chicago, Los Angeles and Philadelphia.

Continue reading to learn more about this emerging job sector on the Pittsburgh real estate market and how it will likely affect the local housing market.

Pittsburgh, PA: An Emerging High-Tech Market

According to the recent High-Technology Industry report, Pittsburgh ranks 17 out of 18 markets nationwide for technology industry outlook.

Researchers considered a variety of factors when deciding on the emerging markets ranking.

Pittsburgh fared well because of local universities’ commitment to helping grow the tech economy.  As I’ve noted in previous blogs, there are several high performing universities in Pittsburgh, including Carnegie Mellon University.

Researchers also factored in the recent expansion of Google in the city, as well as other major industry leaders, such network services company Black Box Corp.,   simulation software maker ANSYS Corp., and enterprise software maker Ariba Inc.

Pittsburgh, PA Real Estate

Pittsburgh’s recent recognition is an emerging high-tech industry is great news for interested Pittsburgh home sellers.

After all, as more high-tech businesses decide to locate here, they’ll bring with them more potential home buyers as well as more investors.

This will inevitably drive up the cost of Pittsburgh real estate, which will increase home sellers’ chances of getting their asking price for their Pittsburgh home for sale!

If you’ve been considering listing your Pittsburgh area home on the Pittsburgh real estate market, contact me, Jim Dolanch, today.

I’ll be happy to walk you through the Pittsburgh home selling process as well as provide you with all of my helpful Pittsburgh home seller resources, such as:

• Free moving kit
• Before you list
• 10 Common Seller Mistakes

Until next time,

Jim

If so, I recommend you take just a few minutes to read this Pittsburgh real estate blog, which will provide you with the most up-to-date information on the Pittsburgh housing market.

This data will ultimately help you make wise decisions as you navigate the Pittsburgh real estate market.

Pittsburgh, PA Homes for Sale

Here’s a look at the current state of the Pittsburgh real estate market, according to the most recent data released by the real estate website, Trulia:

• Compared with the same period last year, the average price per square foot for a Pittsburgh PA home for sale has decreased by 80.6 percent – to $96,
• Between June and August 2011, the median sales price for a Pittsburgh PA home for sale was $139,000, which is a 7.3 percent increase when compared to the same time last year.
• During that period last year, the median sales price for a Pittsburgh PA home for sale was 129,500.
• Year over year, the number of home sales on the Pittsburgh real estate market has decreased by  9.7 percent.
• Currently, there are 3,321 resale and new homes on the Pittsburgh real estate market, including  920 homes in the pre-foreclosure, auction, or bank-owned stages of the foreclosure process.
• During the week ending on Sept 21, the average listing price for a Pittsburgh PA home for sale was $223,324, which is a 0.2 percent decrease when compared to the week before.
• During that previous week, the average listing price for a Pittsburgh PA home for sale was $223,781

Navigating the Pittsburgh PA Real Estate Market

As with real estate markets across the country, the Pittsburgh real estate market is a complex arena that is constantly changing and evolving.

To make your life easier as a Pittsburgh home buyer or home seller, I recommend that you work with an experienced Pittsburgh REALTOR such as myself.

I’ll help you understand what the current Pittsburgh real estate data means to you and how you can use such data to your advantage on the Pittsburgh real estate market.

Contact me, Jim Dolanch, today to learn more about how I can make navigating the Pittsburgh real estate market a breeze for you and your family!

Until next time,

Jim

Evidently, McKnight Realty Partners was recently approved for a $32.25 million loan to renovation the 461,935-square-foot Grant Building.

Continue reading to learn more about the changes in store for this building on the Pittsburgh real estate market, and how it will affect Pittsburgh home owners and home buyers like you!

Pittsburgh Real Estate

Big changes are in store for the 37-story Grant Building, which is located at  310 Grant St. between Third and Fourth avenues, within walking distance  of several light-rail transit stops.

Originally developed in 1927 and completed in 1930, The Grant Building features some incredible architectural features such as an art deco façade with Belgian granite, limestone and brick.

Currently, the building is about 92 percent occupied, and offers business and commercial tenants a number of amenities, including:

• The Grant Club Fitness Center
• Grant Street Tavern
• Nicky’s Grant Street Restaurant
• John Anthony Jewelers
• Shoe Shine & Repair by Arnie
• 24-Hour Security
• Valet Parking within the Garage
• Auto Detail Services
• And more!

Plus, an underground walkway connects tenants to the Pittsburgh City-County Building, Allegheny County Office Building and county courthouse.

Although McKnight Realty Partners hasn’t revealed yet what sort of renovations are in store for this historic Pittsburgh building, you can bet that it will greatly enhance the working downtown experience.

Investing in Pittsburgh, PA Real Estate

Many people who live in Peters Township or Pittsburgh work in the downtown area.  Thus, renovations like the ones at the Grant Building have a significant impact on resident quality of life.

I’ll keep you posted as more information is revealed about the upcoming Grant Building renovations.

And if you’re thinking about investing in your own piece of Pittsburgh real estate as a Pittsburgh home buyer, then contact me, Jim Dolanch, your Pittsburgh real estate expert.

I’ll provide you with a number of helpful Pittsburgh home buyer resources that will make navigating the Pittsburgh real estate market easier, including:

• Help me find a home
• Successful home buying
• Pittsburgh buying guide
• Frequent buyer questions
• And more!

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,