About Westmoreland County, PA

Can you feel the winds blowing? The Perfect Real Estate Storm is coming

Prices are Low - Sellers have had to drop their prices over the last year, making the time right for buyers.

Interest Rates are Low - Matter of fact, they can't be much lower and most experts agree that as the economy shows signs of life, the rates will start to creep up.

The Tax Credit was Expanded - $8,000 for first-timers, $6,500 for those that owned for at least 3 of the last 5 years, for homes under contract between now and April 30th and closed by July 30th.

Pent Up Demand - All those buyers who have been waiting for the economy to improve to buy their next home (or first home) are getting ready to jump in.

What Should You Do?

If you are a buyer: It's time to get moving. This isn't an "everyone's buying and prices are high" kind of thing - this is the real deal - Buy Low Now, Sell High Later!

If you are a seller: It's time to spruce up, dust off, get serious, make sure you are priced competitively and get ready to pack. This is your best chance to sell this year.

If you are thinking about selling: You need to get listed NOW. The rush has already begun, you can't afford to miss it.

Now is the best time to buy and sell in the Pittsburgh area. Call Christa Ross from RE/MAX Select Realty, at 724-933-6300 x214 (office) or 724-779-1437 (direct) or email to christaross@remax.net. Visit my website at www.bestmurrysvillehomes.com

The good news is that the number of resale transfers is up! As you can see in the chart below in 2008 there were only 28 sales recorded, in ‘09 that number climbed to 39.

We know that EVERYONE ALWAYS wants to buy BEFORE the market begins to recover! The increase in number of transfers is one indicator of a shift in the market!

We are here to tell you that in the last six weeks of 2009 we personally negotiated 7 agreements! This is the first sign of a pulse for our markets. NEVER HAVE BUYERS HAD THE PRICES, INVENTORY, AND INTEREST RATES THAT ARE NOW AVAILABLE!

Average sales prices have come down from $391,648 in 2008 to $326,534 in 2009. Swiss Mountain carried 41% of the 39 resales with Southwind following with 15%.

Speaking of the Southwind community there were 19 new construction town homes that transferred at an average sales price of $786,738. The average in 2008 was $679,852. Resales totaled 6 with an average sales price of $660,000, the 2008 average was $674,800.

Not all sellers have embraced the fact that the numbers are lower and that is why, once again, we strongly encourage you to work with a designated BUYERS AGENT. And if selling, consider us as your listing agent for cutting edge market information!!

Always ask your DESIGNATED REALTOR about the other stats you should be considering PRIOR to making an offer! Remember there are great properties available for sale or rent in ALL price ranges in the Laurel Highlands!

Stay tuned for the 2009 update on year end market stats!

Telepalooza Telemark Ski Event is the Largest in the Mid-Atlantic for the Eighth Year Running.

January 30 and 31^st 2010

Seven Springs, PA

Telepalooza, a weekend gathering of telemark or "free heel" skiers is being held at Seven Springs Mountain Resort in Seven Springs, PA.

The event features two days of races, lessons, prizes, food, beverage and fun.

This is the eighth year the Appalachian Telemark Association (ATA) has sponsored Telepalooza and it is anticipated to be bigger and better than ever.

This multi-day, multi-event, multi-fun festival celebrates "free heel" or telemark skiing, a style that originated in Norway.

Telemark skiing is the predecessor of today's downhill skiing and is experiencing a resurgence of interest. The skis are similar to downhill, yet the bindings and boots allow the boot heel to come off the ski.

There will be lessons for children and adults, from beginner through expert from certified instructors. Children sixteen and under are free and discounted lift tickets are available. Demo equipment is available from Karhu, K2 and Garmont. Prizes awarded from great producers such as Cloudveil, Kahru, Leki and more.

The price for two days is $99 and $79 for a single day (Saturday or Sunday). Early payment discount of $10. Tickets available on the web site www.telemarker.org Pay Pal is accepted. Discount lift tickets to Seven Springs Resort are available.

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To learn more about Appalachian Telemark Association and see the Telepalooza 2010 PDF flier go to www.telemarker.org

Jim Kapp is the founder of Telepalooza and available for additional information at 724-989-8913, or he can be contacted at kapperzootie@aol.com