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

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

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

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

Moving can always be a little stressful. Whether you have been in a home a long time or a short while, going through all your items and packing can be the least favorite item on your moving list. At the holidays though, the idea of packing up a home can be very overwhelming. If you find yourself in relocation mode right now, I have a few tips to help make your move easier.

Pittsburgh Relocation Tips

Get moving quotes and make reservations early. This is huge for cutting out stress. Holidays mean short staffs and reduced work time for many movers.  To make sure equipment and drivers are available when you need help moving, place your reservation as early as possible. It may cost more to move on some days than others, so for best prices, discuss holiday peak times with your movers. If you need to receive your shipment before the holidays, ask about guaranteed transit or expedited services. Also spend some time looking for discounts, coupons, or specials your movers might have the in local papers. ,

Consider moving help alternatives. Rather than only looking into truck rentals, consider moving containers with storage options and flexible load and unload schedules, like a Pack Rat. This is convenient when you want to reduce the pressure to load or unload quickly. In fact, if you need a break before unloading the entire shipment, you can start with holiday decorations and necessities and save the rest for later. If your budget allows, you can get more help moving by hiring labor to do all the packing and loading or just some of it. Combining moving labor with a self-move is often a money saving alternative to full service movers. If you are coming across a lot of items in your home you don’t want to move, but need to get rid of, you can save time by hiring a junk removing company, as opposed to taking everything to a charity or dump yourself.

Purchase gifts online and have them shipped directly to your friends and family. With the clutter of moving boxes, it might be tough to add a slew of gifts to the chaos and traveling to relative’s homes  might be out of the question. If so, consider purchasing gifts online and shipping them directly to a relative’s home or your new home – wherever you will be celebrating the holidays. Not only is this more convenient, it also means less moving boxes, which results in a money-saving opportunity. In most cases, the less you move, the less you pay.

Decorate with less. Although it is nice to have all of your decorations out for display, consider paring them down while in the midst of moving. Choose those decorations that hold the most tradition and meaning for your family, and pack the rest in moving boxes ready for the movers to ship to your new home. You could even consider doing “green” decorations, like with all evergreen boughs and wreaths, so that you an still decorate a lot, but none of it will need to be packed up and moved when the big day comes-it can be recycled into mulch by your town’s yard waste pick up.

Pack holiday essentials separately. Have everyone put their holiday “must haves” together in specially labeled boxes. Then load these boxes last. That way the decorations, fuzzy slippers, hot cocoa, cameras, holiday music and other special items are easy to locate right away on arrival. You won’t have to unload everything and dig through moving boxes to find just what you need. Wardrobe boxes are well suited for a small tree with trimming and traditional favorites. You can also have a huge decorating party with your family at your new house as you unpack all your holiday items.

Make it a fun family adventure. Incorporate your favorite traditions in new ways. Spend the day in your pajamas rather than unpacking clothing from the moving boxes. A tree in the corner of an otherwise empty room becomes even more special. Camp out in your new living room rather than moving the furniture in. It can wait until another day. Hang on to your traditions and maybe create some new ones. You may find that “different” can be special and memorable.

Pittsburgh Real Estate

Moving over the holidays may not be the best scenario but it can be an opportunity to embrace change and adventure together as family. Making the most of a potentially stressful situation can make this holiday season your best one yet and if you have questions about moving to Pittsburgh, would like to browse the Pittsburgh MLS or take advantage of the Jim Dolanch Relocation Guide, simply contact me. I am here to help make sure your holiday move is successful.

Until next time,

Jim

All of us at Jim Dolanch Real Estate Team want to extend a heartfelt “Happy Thanksgiving” to everyone. The Pittsburgh and Peters Township areas have come alive with preparation for the holiday-and I am even starting to see Christmas excitement build and decorations appear.

The Pittsburgh area has some great shopping to offer any and all of you who will be partaking in the “Black Friday” madness.

Pittsburgh Homes for Sale

The last thing Peters Township home buyers need to add to the holiday is a stressful home buying experience. If you are ready to search the Pittsburgh MLS for your dream home, be sure you request our Pittsburgh home buying guide or inquire about our personalized Peters Township relocation guide; our tips, advice, help and information will make home buying simple, easy and smooth. You can learn more about our amazing area by simply contacting me, Jim Dolanch, your expert Pittsburgh REALTOR.

I hope your Thanksgiving is filled with joy!

Until next time,
Jim

It has been a season of ups and downs for the Pittsburgh area real estate; however, October showed signs of a turnaround as last-minute buyers apparently scrambled to take advantage of the $8,000 federal tax credit that was originally set to expire in November.

Pittsburgh Homes For Sale

Pittsburgh home sellers will be excited to learn that buying activity in Allegheny County jumped 18.1 percent in October, resulting in $227.1 million spent on housing, as compared with October 2008’s $192.3 million.

Pittsburgh Home Buyers

The substantial jump in Allegheny County sales, combined with a 6.4 percent increase in Westmoreland County, offset modest drops in Beaver, Butler and Washington counties to boost the five-county region 9.7 percent. Those of you searching for a Pittsburgh area home can request the Pittsburgh home buying guide to learn more details and tips on home buying in our areas right now.

Other questions about the Pittsburgh real estate market? Simply contact me, Jim Dolanch, your expert Pittsburgh real estate agent to find all your answers.

Until next time,
Jim

Peters Township Area

The kickoff meeting is set for the 2010 Peters Township Relay for Life. If you want to learn how to get involved or ways to volunterr, then be sure to come to the first meeting at 7pm, October 27 at the Scout House behind Trinity Methodist Church at 530 Center Church Road.

This year’s Relay For Life theme will be “movies”  and participants are asked to bring written suggestions for a slogan to tie the relay in with the theme.

Peters Township Relay for Life teams raised a total of $90122.05 at the June 2009 event and we hope that this year we can raise even more to help the American Cancer Society.

Anyone interested in joining at team, forming a team, or volunteering in onther ways need to try to make this kickoff meeting. The Peters Township Relay for Life is tentatively set for May 15-16, 2010 at the Peters Township High School Stadium, and for more information you can contact Margie Smith at the American Cancer Society office at 724-222-6911.

Peters Township Communities

The Relay for Life is sure to be a huge hit; Peters Township Neighborhoods are  very close knit and family oriented. Every year Peters Township residents step up to support each other in helping to fight cancer.

Peters Township Homes For Sale

To learn more about the Peters Township area, search the Peters Township MLS, or request a Peters Township home buying guide, simply contact me, Jim Dolanch, your Peters Township Realtor.

Until next time,

Jim

Going trick-or-treating in the Pittsburgh Area?

Follow these tips to ensure your family has a wonderful, fun night trick-or-treating in our Pittsburgh neighborhoods:

• Swords, knives, and similar costume accessories should be short, soft, and flexible.
• Avoid trick-or-treating alone. Walk in groups or with a trusted adult.
   Fasten reflective tape to costumes and bags to help drivers see you.
   Examine all treats for choking hazards and tampering before eating them. Limit the amount of treats you eat.
• Hold a flashlight while trick-or-treating to help you see and others see you. 
• Always test make-up in a small area first. Remove it before bedtime to prevent skin and eye irritation.
• Look both ways before crossing the street. Use established crosswalks wherever possible. 
• Lower your risk for serious eye injury by not wearing decorative contact lenses.
• Only walk on sidewalks or on the far edge of the road facing traffic to stay safe.
• Wear well-fitting masks, costumes, and shoes to avoid blocked vision, trips, and falls.
• Eat only factory-wrapped treats. Avoid eating homemade treats unless you know the cook well.
• Enter homes only if you’re with a trusted adult. Otherwise, stay outside.
• Never walk near lit candles or luminaries. Be sure to wear flame-resistant costumes.

 Throwing a Party in your Pittsburgh Community?

 
Individual packs of raisins, trail mix, or pretzels are great, healthy options to feed your guests, as well as, fruits, vegetables, and cheeses. To help curb some of the energy your younger guests will have, use active party games and trick-or-treat time as an opportunity for kids to get their daily dose of 60 minutes of physical activity.

Pittsburgh Real Estate

If you are looking to relocate to Pittsburgh and would like to search Pittsburgh homes for sale, then be sure to contact me, Jim Dolanch, your expert Pittsburgh Realtor.

Until Next Time,

Jim

If you feel you can’t buy any of the Peters Township homes for sale right now because you don’t think you could afford a mortgage payment, you will be pleasantly surprised.

In the Peters Township area, it is actually cheaper to buy a home than it is to pay rent! For added value, you don’t have noisy upstairs neighbors and you have a yard for pets, children and entertaining friends!

Find out if you qualify for a mortgage by contacting a Peters Township expert REALTOR and if you do, we can guide you on the journey to owning your own Peters Township real estate for less than you are paying to rent!

Until next time,
Jim