Though it is the middle of summer, learning should still be a part of the day for your children. Summer vacation is wonderful and great; however, you can’t deny that many of the skills learned through the school year can get rusty over the long summer months, even for students at our highly rated Pittsburgh area schools. Never fear though, there are numerous area school related camps and fun learning activities can cut down on summer boredom while reinforcing  school skills, as well.

Pittsburgh Community Schools

If you are are relocating to Pittsburgh, sending your children to our outstanding Pittsburgh area schools for the first time, or simply looking for learning oriented activities to keep summer boredom away, you will love these great ideas.

The activities are simple enough to enjoy at home-and very little cost beyond supplies, most you may already have at home or are able to print from the specific sites. All of these sites and activities have been put together by our wonderful school system, showing just one of the numerous reasons why Pittsburgh is a great place to raise a family.

Pittsburgh Family Learning Things To Do

Follow the following links to find school related activities on the topics that interest your child:

Art Games

Reading and Spelling Games

Math Games

Science Games

Other Games

Learn More About Pittsburgh

Not only is this a wonderful place to live, Pittsburgh was recently ranked 7th in the nation for best places to raise a family, so if you would like to browse Pittsburgh homes for sale, or learn more about our area, simply contact me, your expert Pittsburgh real estate agent.

Pittsburgh Zoo

The summer months are some of the best time to enjoy everything the Pittsburgh real estate area has to offer families. The Pittsburgh Zoo is one of my favorite places to recommend to clients relocating to Pittsburgh because it offers something for everyone.  From the extensive animal habitats to the stroller friendly trams, the Pittsburgh Zoo is perfect for a family adventure.

Family Fun in Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh home buyers often mention to me that they love how family friendly the city is, and our great local zoo is a perfect example. There are several regions to the zoo, with exhibits and entertainment geared to reach every member of your family, regardless of ages or stages. The regions include:

• African Savanna
• Asian Forest
• Kids Kingdom
• Bears
• PPG Aquarium
• Tropical Forest
• Water’s Edge

The Kids Kingdom makes it easy for little ones to embrace learning about the animals with exhibits and activity areas where kids can learn how to act like the very animals they are visiting. There are also animals native to Pennsylvania, a petting zoo, reptiles, small mammals and much more to keep your children entertained. For more mature family members, there is a special “Speak with a Zoo Keeper” area where you can observe them working, talk with them about animals, and how to care for the animals.

Pittsburgh Real Estate

The Pittsburgh Zoo is only one of the things that make the entire Pittsburgh communities and surrounding suburbs-like the Peters Township community a great place to raise a family. To learn more about our wonderful area, or to start your own home buying adventure, simply contact me, your expert Pittsburgh real estate agent.

Until next time,

Jim

Pittsburgh Education

Moving with children can be very stressful-especially if your children are in school, or getting ready to go to school.  While most moves are for jobs or job relocation, you will still feel pressure to find the best schools in your new area and you may feel at a loss on where to start.

Schools in Pittsburgh

If you are moving to Pittsburgh with children though, you actually are very lucky; all of our schools are amazing, and the school districts consistently rank well for performance, test scores, graduation rates and percentage of students and go on to college. In fact, our schools are so highly coveted and desired by people relocating to Pittsburgh, that new schools and school renovations are currently going on so as to ensure our low classroom ratios of students/teachers and superior learning environments with access to the latest technology and after-school activities.

Pittsburgh Featured in Parenting Magazine

The very popular Parenting Magazine July issue has a feature on Best Cities for families-and Pittsburgh is ranked in the Top 10 for Education and number 50 overall for Best Cities for Families.

About The Pittsburgh Area

The cities were all ranked based on health, safety, education, economy and recreation and overall, Pittsburgh is a well rounded city in all categories-offering a wonderful lifestyle for families and singles.  Pittsburgh homes for sale vary from luxury downtown condos to beautiful single family homes; you are sure to find the perfect fit for your needs after browsing the Pittsburgh MLS.

Contact A Pittsburgh Realtor

To learn even more? Simply contact me, Jim Dolanch. I am here to answer anything and everything about our area and our wonderful Pittsburgh real estate neighborhoods .

Until next time,

Jim

Pittsburgh Is One Of Best Cities for Education

I am quite honored to say that my home town Pittsburgh area has been voted by Parenting Magazine as one of the 2010 10 Best Cities in the Country for Eduction. Honestly though, it is not a huge surprise. After all, families are essential like and all of Pittsburgh and the surrounding areas, like Peters Township, take great pride in ensuring Pittsburgh is a wonderful environment to raise a family. if you are relocating to the Pittsburgh area, you will find great family activities and entertainment around every corner.

Pittsburgh Area Schools

Eduction is the key to success-and when you buy Pittsburgh real estate, you truly become part of a village that will help raise your children to be productive, educated, and confident members of society. From our 50 NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children) accredited preschools to our top ranked Blue Ribbon awarded schools with an average of 11.9 students per teacher, you can easily see why Pittsburgh Schools are highly desired.

Raising A Family in Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh is one of those cities that offers it all-a wonderful environment for families with all the amenities and entertainment for adults. From the outstanding numerous Peters Township area golf courses to the amazing Pittsburgh area shopping, you will find plenty to keep mom and dad happy, as well. Would you like to learn more about our schools? You can browse the Pittsburgh area communities, or simply contact me, Jim Dolanch, your expert Pittsburgh real estate agent, to find the answers to all your questions.

Until next time,
Jim

Pittsburgh Featured Real Estate Listings

339 Catalina Drive is a four bedroom, 2 1/2 bath 2154 sqft home located near Bethel Park and the St. Clair Country Club, with convenient access to hwy 19. It is also priced to move at $279,900, so it probably won’t be on the market for long.

What truly sets this home apart from other homes for sale in Pittsburgh are the amazing updates. The kitchen has been completely transformed into a cook’s dream, with cherry cabinetry, granite counter tops, stainless steel appliances, and stylish finishes.

Entertain In Your Amazing Back Yard

If you enjoy entertaining, then you will fall in love with the back deck that is perfect for grilling out for a crowd just as well as for an intimate date night. You will also enjoy the lushly landscaped patio and fire pit that leads out to a level, private wooded lot.

Request A Pittsburgh Home Tour

Would you like to come see 339 Catalina Drive in person? Simply contact me, Jim Dolanch, your expert Pittsburgh Real Estate agent, to set up a tour.

Until next time,
Jim

Pittsburgh Relocation

Relocating to Pittsburgh can be exciting and wonderful-but it can also bring up a lot of questions.

Like where are the  schools? What neighborhoods offer sidewalks? Is there shopping nearby? If you happen to be moving to Pittsburgh from far way, you may even be wondering where exactly a neighborhood is located in relation to the city and streets. Should you have any questions about any neighborhoods, be sure to ask an expert Pittsburgh Realtor.

Pittsburgh Neighborhood Information

There are many amazing neighborhoods in the city and suburbs of Pittsburgh, and by clicking on the map to the left, the map will enlarge so you can easily read the neighborhood names and identify where they are located.

Learn About Pittsburgh Communities

If you have been searching the Pittsburgh MLS real estate listings to find your Pittsburgh dream home, you will notice you can search based on chosen communities. Take a look at the map above to see the location of different communities you may be interested in touring homes for sale and simply contact me, Jim Dolanch, your expert Pittsburgh real estate agent, to learn more about the specific communities.

I hope you find the map helpful on your home buying journey. As always, feel free to ask me anything and everything about Pittsburgh real estate; I am here to serve you.

Until next time,
Jim

Pittsburgh Real Estate For Sale

While everything isn’t all roses, there aren’t too many thorns, either. Our market could be -and has been-better, but on the flip side it could also be much worse, as we can see in other large city markets around the nation. Pittsburgh is lucky it has been able to stabilize all the fluctuation of the national market. Our wonderful area, businesses,schools and great communities have kept our real estate market strong and helped to make Pittsburgh a great place to raise a family.

If you are interested in learning more about how to buy Pittsburgh real estate,  what steps are needed to make an offer on a foreclosed property, browse the Pittsburgh MLS or just want to know more about the market report, simply contact me, Jim Dolanch, your expert Pittsburgh real estate agent.

Until next time,

Jim

Pittsburgh Area Events

On April 14, 2010, David and Ryta will be hosting “The Scotch Tasting with the Wild Scotsman”, where you can enjoy 3 uniquely hand-crafted high end Scotches with the only man who makes Scotch in Scotland but resides in Ohio! He learned his craft from the only living Scotch maker to make Scotch in every region of Scotland-so you are in for quite the treat.  Te event would be a perfect date night, and it is $30.00 per person. You will get to enjoy the Scotch tastings along with specially paired taste plates. Reservations aren’t needed, but highly suggested -to save your spot or learn more call The Naked Grape at 412-741-6420.

Relocate To Pittsburgh

If you find yourself falling in love with the beautiful area of Pittsburgh around The Naked Grape, and would like to learn more about buying Pittsburgh real estate there, then feel free to contact me, Jim Dolanch, your expert Pittsburgh real estate agent. I am here to make your real estate journey smooth and easy, so be sure to take advantage of my Pittsburgh Home Buying Guide.

Any other questions about Pittsburgh homes for sale? Ask away, I am at your service.

Until next time,
Jim

The tax credit is for first time home buyers only,  which the IRS defines  as someone who has not owned a principal residence during the three-year period prior to the purchase. The credit does not have to be repaid unless the home is sold or ceases to be used as the buyer’s principal residence within three years after the initial purchase.

Pittsburgh Real Estate For Sale

What is also great? The tax credit can be taken for THIS YEAR, but simply submitting and amendment to your 2009 taxes, so you should get your tax credit before the end of the summer. The tax credit is for 10% of the home’s purchase price up to a maximum of $8,000 on homes priced at $800,000 or less. That is quite a nice sum of money to put towards your house, decorating your house, or even saving for a rainy day or a new roof down the road.

For homes purchased on or before April 30, 2010, single taxpayers with incomes up to $125,000 and married couples with incomes up to $225,000 qualify for the full tax credit. Additionally, so long as a binding contract is signed by April 30, 2010, the IRS will also grant the tax credit, so long as you close by June 30, 2010.

Relocate to Pittsburgh

So while I don’t want you to feel pressured or rushed into buying Pittsburgh homes for sale, if you are certain you will be buying a home in the next few months, it would be a shame to miss out on the tax credit by only a few days.  If you have questions, or want to put your Pittsburgh MLS home search into high gear, simply contact me, Jim Dolanch, your trusted Pittsburgh real estate agent, to learn more about Pittsburgh PA home buying and make sure you can get the Federal Housing Tax Credit.

Until next time,

Jim

For those of us here in Pittsburgh? We are weathering the storm quite nicely. In fact, Forbes Magazine just named Pittsburgh one of America’s Best Housing Markets.

Buying Pittsburgh Real Estate

If you are looking to relocate, here are some of the tings you should look for in the real estate market before you buy:

• Appreciating real estate prices-look at  6 month and 1 year figures, and remember that real estate can vary from neighborhood to neighborhood and even street to street.
• Affordable housing for middle-class, good credit families
• Very low foreclosures

Pittsburgh is a city with all three positive factors, so it is no surprise we were listed in Forbes. Pittsburgh suffered a decline when most of the big business manufacturing left; however, that ended up being a blessing. Since we had a bit of a slow start bouncing back from the manufacturing leaving, Pittsburgh actually avoided the huge jumps in home prices, that were artificially inflated by a seemingly endless supply of quick loans.

Pittsburgh real estate has come back stronger than ever from the small decline over a decade ago,  and Pittsburgh homes for sale have kept their great value, great prices, and steady market.

When you buy Pittsburgh real estate for sale, you know you are getting a strong and solid investment, because our home prices have not ever dropped they way they have in Phoenix, Miami, LA and NY, just to name a few.

Relocate to Pittsburgh

If you are ready to make a sound investment in one of the Best Housing Markets in America, then be sure to contact me, Jim Dolanch, your expert Pittsburgh real estate agent. I have a Pittsburgh Home Buying Guide and a Pittsburgh Relocation Guide that will help to make your real estate journey smooth and easy and as always, if you ever have any questions about real estate, the area, or anything at all, know that I am here to serve you.

Until next time.

Jim