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

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

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

If you’re thinking about relocating to the Pittsburgh, PA area, I highly recommend you check out one of these community events to get a feel for the Pittsburgh area. While you’re there, chat with some of our residents.

Living in Pittsburgh, PA

Here’s a look at some of the fun springtime events going on this month in Pittsburgh:

Community Play: Bricolage presents the Pittsburgh premier of Peter Sinn Nachtrieb’s play, Hunter Games.  This play is considered a dark comedy.

• When: Through May 7, times vary
• Where: Bricolage Production Company, 937 Liberty Ave 1st Floor in Pittsburgh
• Admission: Prices Vary
• More Info: Call 412-381-6999

Wine Dinner: Come out and enjoy the Yorkville Cellers Organic Wine Dinner. The wines will be paired with fine foods presented by Executive Chef Jacky Francois.

• When: May 4
• Where: The Terrace Room at The Omni William Penn Hotel
• Admission: Prices Vary
• More Info: Call 412-391-1709

Comedy Show: Enjoy the Comedy for a Cause show while knowing you’re helping someone else.  Proceeds benefit the Mainstay Life Services

• When: 8 p.m. on May 6
• Where: Carnegie Free Library and Music Hall in Carnegie
• Admission: $25 admission for comedy show, two drink tickets and free parking.
• More info: Call 412-344-3640

Thinking About Relocating to the Pittsburgh, PA Real Estate Market

I don’t blame you! With all that’s going on around here, it’s no wonder that so many people are proud to call Pittsburgh their home.

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

As your Pittsburgh real estate expert, I’ll provide you with several Pittsburgh home buying resources that have proven quite helpful for others in the past.  These tools include:

• Featured listings
• Instant MLS Email Alerts
• Successful home buying
• Pittsburgh Buying Guide
• Frequent Buyer Questions

Until next time,

Jim

Tomorrow is Earth Day.  First celebrated on April 22, 1970, many people consider Earth Day a symbol of the modern day environmental movement.  This day is all about celebrating and enjoying Mother Nature.

It’s also a great holiday to enjoy with your family in the great outdoors!  Here’s a look at some of the fun Earth Day events going on around Pittsburgh over the next few days.

Party for the Planet: Take your family to the local zoo to enjoy such fun activities as recycling games, eco-friendly crafts and more!

• When: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 23
• Where: Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium
• Admission: $14 dollars for general admission; $13 for age 60 and older, $12 for ages 2 to 13
• More Info: 412-665-3640 or www.pittsburghzoo.org

Earth Day Walks and Workshops: Listen to nature poetry, help plant a dogwood tree and more at this fun Earth Day event at the Frick Environmental Center.

• When: 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday April 23
• Where: Frick Environmental Center in Squirrel Hill
• Admission: Prices vary
• More Info: Contact the center

Nature Reserve Earth Day Celebration: Enjoy a bird walk, puppet show and tree hike at this family-oriented Earth Day Event at the Winnie Palmer Nature Reserve

• When:10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday April 23
• Where:The Winnie Palmer Nature Reserve at St. Vincent College
• Admission: Free
• More Info: 724-537-5284.

Green Lifestyles Expo: Participate in an eco-challenge game, get information on the latest eco-fashion trends and more at this environmental expo hosted by the Pennsylvania Resources Council.

• When: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 23
• Where: Robinson’s Grand Court
• Admission: Prices vary
• More Info: 412-488-7490 or www.prc.org.

Living in Pittsburgh, PA

As you can see, Pittsburgh, PA is one great place to live!  With a slew of recreational amenities, a family-focused mentality and a strong sense of community, what’s not to love about this amazing city?

If you’re thinking about relocating to the Pittsburgh, PA area, you’ll want an experienced Pittsburgh REALTOR to help guide you through the process.

Contact me, Jim Dolanch, to learn more about all of the excellent Pittsburgh home buyer resources we offer to those relocating to Pittsburgh, PA, including:

• Free relocation package
• School information
• Help me find a home
• Pittsburgh buying guide
• Moving with Kids
• And more!

Until next time,

Jim

RealStats, which is an independent company based in Pittsburgh, tracks residential real estate trends in the Pittsburgh area.  In its five-county coverage zone in Southwester Pennsylvania, only Washington County was shown to see a decline in foreclosure rates.

Butler County saw the smallest rise in foreclosures at 1.8 percent while Westmoreland County saw a whopping 9.8 percent jump in foreclosures.

While the current housing climate has been an incredible opportunity for Pittsburgh home buyers, it hasn’t been the best climate to put a Pittsburgh home for sale on the market.

But recently, CNNMoney.com released a list of the six cities that are expected to see some of the largest home price gains in 2011, and Pittsburgh made the list!

2011 Is a Great Year to Finally Put that Pittsburgh Home for Sale on the Market

Here is the data that CNNMoney.com recently released on the Pittsburgh housing market, which came in 5th on the list of 6 housing markets expected to rebound this year.

• Median Home Price on Pittsburgh Home: $133,000
• Projected increase by Sept. 2012: 4.6 percent
• Median Family Income: $62,400
• Foreclosure ranking: The Pittsburgh real estate market ranks 165th of 206 housing markets for foreclosure filings, which means the market has remained relatively stable.

The complete list of housing markets expected to have the biggest rebounds in 2011, from number 1 to number 6 are:

1. Tacoma, Washington
2. Palm Bay, Florida
3. Memphis, Tennessee
4. Rochester, New York
5. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
6. Seattle, Washington

All Signs Point to a Good Year for the Pittsburgh Real Estate Market

CNNMoney.com isn’t the only organization that has recently recognized Pittsburgh for its great potential for rebound in 2011.  Similar lists compiled by Clear Capital, a real estate research provider, as well as Trulia.com have also included Pittsburgh on their Rebound Real Estate Markets lists.

Interested in learning more about Pittsburgh real estate? Check out my Pittsburgh real estate market stats as well as my FREE Pittsburgh Info Packet.

When you are ready to learn more about relocating to Pittsburgh, or to begin checking out some of our wonderful area and communities, contact me, Jim Dolanch.  I’ll tell you everything you want to know about Peters Township, including information on the area schools as well as all of the community-oriented events here.

Until next time,
Jim

The Pittsburgh Steelers have won six Super Bowl championships since the team was created but experts are saying this isn’t going to be an easy match.  After all, we are playing against another NFL legend, the Green Bay Packers, which has won 11 Super Bowls themselves.

But I’m not too worried.  In fact I’m feeling pretty confident about how the Steelers will do on Feb. 6 at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Why? Of course we have excellent players with amazing skills on the field, but there’s something else that the Pittsburgh Steelers have on their side: their devout fans.

Living in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Pittsburgh Steelers fans are known for their enthusiasm and gusto for their team.  After all, who else could have pulled off making The Terrible Towel such a national symbol of fan-hood than  Steeler Nation. Our devotion to the Pittsburgh Steelers is so deeply impeded that you’ll find fans waving The Terrible Towel from here to Alaska.

But it’s not just the Pittsburgh Steelers we have such  enthusiasm for, it’s the city of Pittsburgh in general.  We Pittsburghers have so many wonderful amenities right at our fingertips, from several professional sports teams to the Carnegie Museum of Art.  There’s always something to do and see in Pittsburgh.

Purchasing a Pittsburgh Home for Sale

One thing is for certain, our residents love living in Pittsburgh.  With its world-class amenities, strong sense of community and beautiful neighborhoods, it’s easy to see why Pittsburgh is such a great city to call home.

If you’re interested in entering the Pittsburgh real estate market, contact me, Jim Dolanch, your expert Pittsburgh Realtor.  I’ll tell you everything you need to know about what it’s like to live in this beautiful Pennsylvania city and also let you know about any available listings in the area.

In the meantime, I hope you’ll help me cheer on the Pittsburgh Steelers as they compete for their 7th Super Bowl championship in franchise history.

Go Steelers!

Until next time,

Jim