Evidently, a development group recently announced plans to transform that vacant lot where UPMC Braddock Hospital once stood into a multi-use community complex.

The Hospital closed in January 2010 and demolition was later delayed to September 2010.

This new project, which is expected to be completed by the end of 2013, will feature housing units, a community plaza, commercial buildings, retail space, a medical facility and more.

Continue reading to learn more about this exciting new Pittsburgh development.

Living in Pittsburgh, PA

According to the recent article, Trek Development Group will invest about $20.3 million to renovate the site of the former hospoital.

First on the agenda will be to construct a 2.5 story office building in Summer 2012, valued at $6 million.

Among other things, the 26,000 square foot building will feature an urgent care medical center.

Down the line, the Community College of Allegheny County may even relocate to the new complex.

Here are some of the other investments that Trek is making to the site:

• 24 rental units including one-bedroom apartments as well as two- and three-bedroom townhomes. Rental rates will likely be set between $675 to $900 a month, including utilities.
• 11 single-family houses, which are expected to be built in Spring 2013
• A 20,000-square-foot community park on Braddock Avenue, including sidewalks, parking and more.

Relocating to Pittsburgh, PA

This new development at the former hospital site will add to a quality of life that’s already exemplary in the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania area.

Now residents will have one more option about where to go shopping and dining. Plus, the new development is likely to breathe new life in the local economy.

To learn more about why so many people are proud to call Pittsburgh their year-round home, contact me, Jim Dolanch, today.

While you’re at it, please feel free to check out some of my many relocation tools, such as:

• Free relocation package
• Help me find a home
• Pittsburgh buying guide

Until next time,

Jim

While this isn’t exactly good for those home owners who plan to stay in their home for a while, it is great news for those thinking about listing their home on the Pittsburgh area real estate market.

Continue reading to learn more about what these area experts recently predicted about property values in Allegheny County.

Pittsburgh Properties for Sale

Allegheny County recently mailed out new assessments to about 130,000 property owners in the city of Pittsburgh this week.

Here’s an overview of what these reassessments tell local residents:

• The median home price in Pittsburgh increased by 49 percent between 2001 and 2011.
• In Allegheny County, the median home price increased by 42 percent during that same period.
• Overall assessed value in Pittsburgh increased from $12.9 billion to $19.2 billion.
• Meanwhile, overall assessed value in Allegheny County increased from $60.3 billion to $85.6 billion.
• The reassessment is expected to drive up real estate taxes in about half of Pittsburgh’s 32 wards.
• And in the remaining 16 wards, real estate taxes are expected to go down.

Experts say that those areas that have seen the most dramatic improvements and developments over the last decade can expect to see the greatest increase in property taxes.

Selling Your Pittsburgh PA Home

People’s reactions to a recent property reassessment can vary widely depending on whether they’re a  home buyer, home owner or home seller.

For home buyers, an increase in value means that they may have to pay more for their dream Pittsburgh home.  For home owners, it means they may have to pay more on their annual property taxes.

But for home sellers, it’s great news because it means they can list their home for a higher price than before the reassessment.

For more information on how to use the recent property reassessment to your advantage as a home seller, contact me, Jim Dolanch, today!

Until next time,

Jim

A sad fact is that most people will end up breaking their New Year’s resolutions within the first several weeks of a New Year.

If your resolution was to spend more time with loved ones, I’m here to provide you with some extra reinforcement!

Continue reading to learn about some fun activities going on in the Pittsburgh area this month that you and your family can enjoy together!

Upcoming Community Events in the Allegheny County

Billy Elliot Performance: Come bring the whole family to this classic musical performance about a young boy who just happens to be a dancing prodigy.

• When: 7:30 p.m. on January 31
• Where: Benedum Center, 719 Liberty Avenue in Pittsburgh
• Admission: Prices vary
• More Info: Call (412) 456-6666

Dance Competition: Speaking of dancing, why not check out the 1^st Annual Burgh’s Best Dance Crew Competition? The winning dance crew will receive $1,000!

• When: 8 to 9:30 p.m. on January 14
• Where: Hill House Kaufmann Center, 1825 Centre Avenue in Pittsburgh
• Admission: $5 for kids, $10 General Admission
• More Info: Call 412-697-4660

Sesame Street Live: Come enjoy this upbeat and energetic performance with the characters from Sesame Street! Appropriate for all ages!

• When: 5:30 p.m. on January 14
• Where: CONSOL Energy Center, 1001 Fifth Avenue in Pittsburgh
• Admission: Prices vary
• More Info: Call (412) 642-1800

Salsa Lessons: For those couples looking to sneak out for a night on the town one night, consider checking out the free weekly salsa lessons offered at Southside-Carson Street. The venue offers plenty of room for dancing and doesn’t require any cover charge.

• When: 8 to 11:30 p.m. every Wednesday, including January 11
• Where: Villa Southside, 64 South Fourteenth Street in Pittsburgh
• Admission: FREE
• More Info: Call  (412) 390 1111

Your Pittsburgh, PA Real Estate Expert

If you get a chance to attend one of these fun events this month, let me know what you think of it!

For more information on what it’s like to live in Pittsburgh – or to begin the search for your dream Pittsburgh home today – contact me, Jim Dolanch.

As your Pittsburgh area REALTOR, I’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have as well as let you know about the various residential communities in and around the Pittsburgh area.

Until next time,

Jim

That’s because home sales prices dropped as well as the average listing price.

Continue reading to learn more about the latest Pittsburgh real estate market activity.

Pittsburgh Area Homes

Here’s what interested home buyers should be aware of before they enter the local real estate market:

• Currently there are 3,091 resale and new homes on the Pittsburgh market, including 853 in some stage of the foreclosure process.
• Between September and November, the median sales price was $122,000, which was based on 1,089 home sales.
• That median sales price has dropped 2.4 percent since last year, when it was $125,000.
• The median sales price for a 1-bedroom Pittsburgh home was $71,750
• The median sales price for a 2-bedroom home was $97,000
• And the median sales price for 3- and 4- bedroom Pittsburgh homes were $120,000 and $195,000 respectively.
• Here’s how neighboring communities stacked up in terms of median sales price in 2011:

• West Mifflin: $72,000
• Dravosburg: $26,000
• Glassport: $47,000
• West Homestead: $29,700
• Munhall: $52,000
• Homestead: $78,500

• The average price per square foot for a Pittsburgh home was $88, representing a 64.1 percent decrease from the same period last year.
• During the week ending on December 21, the average listing price was $218,618, down 0.3 percent from the week before.
• Here’s how nearby communities stacked up in terms of average listing price:

• West Mifflin: $98,993
• Dravosburg: $49,776
• Glassport: $56,264
• West Homestead: $90,900
• Munhall: $95,157
• Homestead: $89,399

Relocating to Allegheny County, Pennsylvania

For more information on the latest market trends here in the Pittsburgh area – as well as expert advice on how it may affect you as a home buyer – contact me, Jim Dolanch, today!

While you’re at it, make sure to check out some of my other helpful (and FREE) home buying resources that I offer, such as:

• Instant MLS Email alerts
• Successful home buying
• FREE buying guide

Until next time,

Jim

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

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

While the average price per square foot decreased, the median sales price increased.

Continue reading to learn more about current activity in Pittsburgh as well as how it may affect you as a Pittsburgh home buyer.

Pittsburgh, PA Properties

Here’s a look at the current state of the Pittsburgh real estate market, based on data from Trulia:

• Currently there are 3,059 resale and new home on the market, including 807 distressed properties.
• In November 2011, the average price per square foot for a Pittsburgh home was $92.
• Compared with last year, that price has dropped by about 78.3 percent.
• Between August and October, the median sales price was $128,500, which represents a 1.1 percent increase when compared to last year.
• During that same period in 2010, the median sales price was $127,150.
• During the week ending on Nov. 23, the average listing price for a Pittsburgh home was $219,281, which is a 0.4 percent decrease when compared to the week before.
• During that previous week, the average listing price was $220,257.
• For the week ending on Nov. 23, the median sales price for a 1-bedroom Pittsburgh home was $83,000
• During that same week, the median sales price for a 2-bedroom Pittsburgh home was $96,000
• And the median sales price for 3- and 4- bedroom homes were $123,000 and $210,500 respectively.

Your Pittsburgh Real Estate Expert

If you’re a home buyer, I hope you found the above information about Pittsburgh home sales helpful.

Knowing what homes are selling for in the area will make you a savvier home buyer, which will ultimately help you make a wise decision on the local housing market.

If you’d like help navigating the Pittsburgh real estate market as you search for your dream home, then contact me, Jim Dolanch.

As your Pittsburgh REALTOR, I’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have as well as tell you about available listings in the area.

Until next time,

Jim

Reassessments are important to both home buyers and home sellers.  For home sellers, the property valuation affects how high of a list price they can ask for.   For home buyers, it dictates what kind of deal they may be able to get on a home.

Recently, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette had an interesting article about where the county is currently at in its reassessment process.

Continue reading to learn more!

Pittsburgh, PA Properties

A staff member with Allegheny County recently said that all property assessments for Pittsburgh would be issued by mid-December, according to the recent article.

Since the county is focusing on issuing reassessments for the city of Pittsburgh, other communities and the unincorporated parts of Allegheny County are likely to get their reassessments after mid-December.

County staff calculate the reassessments by comparing appraisers’s valuations with algorithms – a process that’s known as iteration.

According to early estimates, the reassessment is likely to shake up the local housing market at least a little bit.

Last summer, the state Revenue Department said that some Allegheny County homes are selling for about 17 percent more than their assessed value.

And county staff have said that some Pittsburgh area home owners could see as much as a 20 percent jump in their assessed value in 2012.

Not only will these reassessments have an impact on home sellers and home buyers, but home owners as well.  That’s because property valuations affect county, municipal and school taxes.

Pittsburgh PA Real Estate

Although property revaluations can be a bit complicated at times, it certainly is an important topic for anyone actively navigating the Pittsburgh real estate market.

As your Pittsburgh real estate expert, I’ll make sure to keep you posted as more information comes to light about Allegheny County’s property reassessments.

In the mean time, please feel free to browse my website for helpful real estate resources.

If you’re a home buyer, make sure to check out my Successful Home Buying and my Pittsburgh buying guide.

And if you’re interested in selling your home, I recommend you check out my free home evaluation and MOVA assessment.

Until next time,

Jim

That’s because the current economic climate – and the subsequent sluggish housing market – has become an ideal bargaining tool for home buyers looking to get a great deal on a home for sale.

Plenty of home buyers have aready used the economy to their advantage in finding their dream home.

If you’ve been thinking about entering the Pittsburgh real estate market but haven’t yet, continue reading to learn more about why this is such a great time to be a home buyer.

Pittsburgh Real Estate for Sale

Although it’s a buyer’s market right now, several economic indicators are suggesting that the tides could start turning soon.

For instance, one 2010 Mortgage Rate Trend survey found that 64 percent of banking and mortgage industry experts predicted that interest rates would start rising soon.

Recently, experts have cited an uptick in home sales in various communities across the nation as an indication that the market was shifting.

After all, when home sales go up, that generally signals that demand has gone up as well.  When that happens, home sellers have more bargaining room to raise their list prices.

How Does This Affect Pittsburgh Home Buyers Like You?

Not only does a shift to a seller’s market mean that home prices will go up, but it likely means that interest rates on mortgages will as well.

That’s because demand will be so high for homes for sale that lenders will be able to justify raising the mortgage rate.

Thus, if you’re an interested home buyer, now may an ideal time to purchase a Pittsburgh home.

Need More Reasons to Invest in Pittsburgh Real Estate Now?

Still weighing your options about whether now is the right time to invest in a Pittsburgh home?

Here are some other reasons why it’s a great time to be a home buyer right now:

• Affordability: Affordability has reached record highs in recent months in various real estate markets across the country.
• Mortgage Interest Tax Deduction: You may qualify for a tax deduction on your yearly taxes right now if you’re a homeowner.  Talk with a financial advisor to see how this works.
• Appreciation: Not only are home prices considerably lower than they were a couple years ago, but they’re also likely to go up once the housing market rebounds.  Thus, you could stand to make a great profit from the appreciation on your house.
• Own your own home: As recent articles have indicated, rental rates have steadily increased over the last several months.  That’s because so many people are deciding to rent in this economy instead of purchase a home, even though it’s a great time to buy a home.  Besides, wouldn’t you rather to put your hard earned money toward something you can own completely one day versus something that will always be rented property?

Invest in a Pittsburgh, PA Home Today!

If you’re ready to take the next step and start searching for your dream home, then contact me, Jim Dolanch, today!

As an experience Pittsburgh REALTOR, I’ll work with you to find out what you’re looking for in a home, and then help you find it on the Pittsburgh real estate market.

Until next time,

Jim

Evidently, some local nonprofit groups want to buy and develop the schools in their communities.  As of right now, all that’s needed is the school board’s approval.

Continue reading to learn more about this Pittsburgh development, and why residents can expect it to improve quality of life in their community.

Living in Pittsburgh, PA

The four schools that are expected to be purchased by local nonprofits are valued at $5.9 million.  The schools owe $1.9 million on it.

These vacant schools are the Belmar building, Horace Mann School, Madison school, and Morningside building.  Here’s a look at how these schools will be used if the school board approves their purchase.

• The Cathedral of Praise Church of God, based out of Homewood, wants to use the Belmar building for a K-12 Christian school, day care, community outreach and counseling center.  They have bid $5,000 on the building.
• The non-profit group New Hope for Neighborhood Renewal, which is a faith-based group that works on community development, wants to use the Horace Mann building, although the group hasn’t specified what it would use the building for.  The group has asked the school district to hold the building through August so that they can gather the necessary funds.
• A real estate company, Forbes Trail Development, wants to purchase the old Morningside school and create a 16-unit apartment building.  The company has bid $50,000 for that building.
• And Schenley Heights Community Development Program, which is a non-profit based out of the Upper Hill District, wants to purchase the Madison school in order to expand its tutoring program after school.  There are even talks of creating a charter school there for special needs elementary students. The group has bid $50,000 on that building.