Robert Wagner

Fifteen of the 26 resales at Seven Springs this year have been in the Swiss Mountain community.

Recorded sales transfers for the resorts are acquired electronically from records inputted at the Somerset County Court House, Office of the Recorder of Deeds. We review sales in Jefferson (Hidden Valley) and Middlecreek (Seven Springs) Townships on a weekly basis.

Prices do not reflect bill of sales and other out of settlement transfers. Furnishings, which are included in the majority of sales are assigned no monetary value. We do not post transfers that carry $1.00 values.

No matter where you go, eventually, if you are buying or selling real estate you will come face to face with a Home Owner Association, (HOA). According to Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, they are "legal entities created by a real estate developer for the purpose of developing, managing, and selling a development of homes..."

Before buying you may want to stop by and visit with the people who coordinate and run the day to day activities of the association you may soon belong too. We suggest this meeting because this important relationship will begin once you sign the deed and ends ONLY when you sell!!

Some fees that are included are heating costs, grass cutting, snow removal, insurance for the building, maintenance of the building, common area upkeep, security, shuttle service, the list varies and goes on! Make sure you compare and feel comfortable with the monthly fees BEFORE signing an agreement!! These fees are not included in your mortgage payment!

Hidden Valley has one Master Association and Four Condominium Associations. You may belong to one or two of them depending upon the type of property you purchase. They just revamped their Association web site and have a home owner only side that's pass word protected. Eventually we believe you will be able to see the bylaws and declarations posted here!

Seven Springs properties offer multiple associations. The Mountain Villas and Southwind only have Master Associations. Swiss Mountain has a Master Association and one Condo Association. The Villages have a Master Association and Five Condo Associations.

The Uniform Condominium Act of Pennsylvania was designed to protect you. So please make sure you review the Certificate of Resale and at least scan through the declaration, bylaws, rules and regulations of the association when you decide to buy!

This month the Donegal Community Design Workshop was held at the local community center. The 24 page DRAFT crafted from the last charette was shared with those of us who attended. This Draft is a large PDF with tons of pictures so if you are linking to it go grab a cup of coffee! Anyway if you exit 91 off of the PA turnpike to partake in any of the resorts activities or to visit any part of the Laurel Highlands YOU should REVIEW the draft.

We keep sharing what is happening at the local community levels that 10 to 20 years from NOW will be making huge impacts on our visitors impressions of areas. What type of community will we grow up to be?

The attendees at the workshop were given the opportunity to select a table topic from six or seven hot issues ranging from a visitors center to signage. One of our personal and professional passions is seeing a viable Visitors Center to WELCOME all of the guests that come through our GATEWAY TO THE LAUREL HIGHALNDS. Pay special attention to pages 12 through 14 as there are aerial photos highlighting areas of great interest.

The Donegal Township web site list important contacts for anyone considering a business opportunity. Remember we have an incredible commercial offering right along Rt 31 across from the Family Dollar Store. It has over 6,000 square feet of space to work with, a flat parking lot, new roof.... And 2 acres the possibilities are endless!

The Tribune-Review Local last month had a very interesting article on Ohiopyle's history and future. We have long loved the natural resources and beauty offered within Ohiopyle State Park. One of our first dates was hiking to Cucumber Falls.

The Park offers a little over 19,000 acres with the main attraction being the Youghiogheny River Gorge. White water enthusiasts from all over the world have taken the challenge of the 14 miles of class I through IV rapids that this river offers. Kayakers, rafters fishermen, water lovers there is a section of the river just waiting for your visit!

Speaking of visits this park draws 1.5 MILLION visitors every year. According to the Trib article there are ONLY "76 YEAR ROUND REISDENTS" that call Ohiopyle home. If you've been following our Blog posts you'll recall that the Laurel Highlands area is one of seven areas that have been targeted by the state to ensure the natural environment is protected while substantially growing the tourism industry.

Water isn't the only draw that brings visitors here! There are 79 miles of hiking trails, 13.2 miles of biking trails including being a part of the Great Allegheny Passage and 9.4 miles of horseback riding trails. Let's not forget that this is a four season recreation facility with hunting, cross-country skiing, sledding, snowmobiling, camping, and wildlife watching.

Infrastructure is in dire need of repair. With the boroughs budget running between 30-35 thousand a year the "to-do list" just keeps growing. Water, sewage, road maintenance are just a few of the projects. Enter DCNR with the targeted tourism growth plan. Fix ups are in the works but will take time. Be forewarned that if you're coming up on a weekend you may not find parking!

Pittsburgh? Yes, Pittsburgh! According to Anne McGinn of Fox News,' White House Views, when this group last meet in London this past spring they realized that many of them would be in the country for the United Nations General Assembly meeting. That's when President Obama offer to host the meeting.

Here's the reason that was given as to "WHY" Pittsburgh. "it's an area that has seen its share of economic woes in the past, but because of foresight and investment is now renewed, giving birth to renewed industries that are creating the jobs of the future," shared Press Secretary Robert Gibbs. "And I think the president believes it'd be a good place to highlight some of that stuff."

Back in 1999 is when the G20 originated. In September finance ministers and central bank governors from Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, Turkey, United Kingdom, USA, and the European Union will be welcomed by our three rivers. Their goal is to bring together industrialized and developing economies to discuss key issues in the global economy. That means Financing and their agenda has got to be jammed packed!!

The Huffington Post summed up what we believe are many non-locals perceptions of our city, "steel, sports, smoke, and smog." We welcome the world to Pittsburgh and know that you will be very impressed with our turn around process.

Bringing this post back to the Laurel Highlands, Nemacolin and Seven Springs will be hosting dignitaries during their time here. We are thrilled that the world will be exposed to our mountains! Logistically speaking there is much work to be done to ensure a safe and memorable visit for all. We'll keep you posted!