About Somerset County, PA

Looking to buy a home in Somerset County, Pennsylvania?

You might want to make a quick check to see if you and the property are eligible for a Pennsylvania USDA Mortgage, also known as a Pennsylvania USDA Rural Development Loan. Here's Why... USDA home loans offer a few benefits that other mortgage programs cannot match, including no down payment and financed closing cost. If the home appraisal allows, the closing costs can also be wrapped into the mortgage resulting in no money needed at the closing table. USDA is the only mortgage program that allows for all closing costs to be financed into the loan amount on a home purchase. Interest rates for USDA mortgages are comparable and often lower than the low fixed rates of Conventional, FHA and VA financing. The USDA Mortgage program does have restrictions when it comes to location and income, so a quick check on this key qualifying criteria should be done first.

Benefits of the USDA Mortgage Program True 100% no money down financing. The ability to finance in your closing costs (if the appraised value supports the loan amt) The seller may contribute up to 6% of the purchase price towards your closing costs Low fixed interest rates. More flexible credit qualifying guidelines with minimum 620 credit score Often available for properties in towns and suburbs too

What areas of Somerset County are eligible for USDA Financing?

The USDA has zoned ALL of Somerset County as eligible for their USDA Rural Development Mortgage Program including the county seat of Somerset and other larger towns such as Windber and Meyersdale.

USDA Eligible Areas in Somerset County include...

• Acosta
• Addison
• Berlin
• Boswell
• Boynton
• Cairnbrook
• Central City
• Confluence
• Davidsville
• Fairhope
• Fort Hill
• Friedens
• Garrett
• Glencoe
• Gray
• Hidden Valley
• Hollsopple
• Hooversville
• Jenners
• Jennerstown
• Jerome
• Kantner
• Listie
• Listonburg
• Markleton
• Meyersdale
• New Baltimore
• Quecreek
• Rockwood
• Salisbury
• Seanor
• Shanksville
• Sipesville
• Somerset
• Springs
• Stoystown
• Tire Hill
• Ursina
• Wellersburg
• West Salisbury
• Windber
• all areas of Somerset County

What are the USDA Mortgage Income Limits for Somerset County?

Household Size: 1-4 Family Members 5 or more Family Members

Maximum Adjusted Income $74,050 $97,750

If at first glance, it appears your household income exceeds the above limits, it is worth checking the USDA Income Calculator on the USDA website (link below). The USDA allows for several deductions which may allow your Household Income to fit within their Maximum Adjusted Income Guidelines.

USDA Income Eligibility Worksheet

Ok, the Property is in a USDA Eligible Area and your Household Income is within the USDA Income Limits, now what?

Like all mortgages, USDA Mortgages do require an applicant to qualify based on recent credit history. USDA credit requirements are some of the most flexible of any mortgage program available. More detailed information about USDA Mortgage Credit Requirements can be found with the link below...

USDA Credit Requirements

For buyers looking to purchase a home in Somerset County Pennsylvania, the USDA Rural Development Mortgage is definitely worth a look. Feel free to contact me with any further questions about the program.

In support of the Laurel Mountain Volunteer Group's (LMVG) first of three 2010 trail care days, PTAG (Pittsburgh Trails Advocacy Group) will be hosting a "Laurel Mountain Work and Roll Weekend", June 19-20th, 2010.

This is a great opportunity for everyone who enjoys the beautiful trails at Laurel Mountain to kick something back, break a sweat and make the trails even better and more enjoyable!

After a hard day's work, PTAG will be providing cold, tasty, FREE Penn Brewery Craft beer!

The DCNR will be providing FREE camping on Laurel Mountain Saturday night!

On Sunday we FREE-ride and enjoy the fruits of our labor!

Details:
* When: Saturday, June 19th - Sunday, June 20th

* Work: Saturday, 9:30am - 2:30pm. Meet at the Warming Hut parking lot on Summit Road near the entrance to the Laurel Mt. Ski Resort.

* Camp: The DCNR has generously granted us permission to camp over for free Saturday night. PTAG will be providing free beer after Saturday's work session at the camp area. BYO Everything. Bring telescopes too as this site offers a tremendous skyline view. Camping will be located at "Motorized Site #1. Directions: http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/forestry/camping/forbes.aspx

* Ride: Sunday, 10am. Both brisk and casual-paced rides will be offered with multiple bail points. Everyone rides!

For additional information contact: Frank@dirtragmag.com, 724 433 4486

What a shame! This once to be, multi-million dollar property will be up for Sheriff Sale Friday May 21, 2010. The sale will be held in the main lobby of the Somerset County Courthouse, 300 North Center Avenue, Somerset, PA 15501 at 1:30 PM.

This 5.95 acre parcel was purchased in 2004 for $255,000. It's lot #5 known as 154 Ptarmagin Way. The building process began quickly and according to the sellers disclosure the roof was installed in 2005. However, the house itself has never been completed and has weathered several winters without heat.

This two story dwelling has 5 bedrooms, 6 baths, 5 fireplaces, and a 3 car integral garage. The deed book number is 1788 page 14. We see someone with their own construction company being the successful bidder of this one!

According to the sheriff's department all interested parties should do a lien search PRIOR to bidding to see who is in the first lien position. If you are the successful bidder you will need to have 10% down (cash or certified funds) and the remaining balance paid before the following Friday.

This is a rare occurrence at Seven Springs! One reason for that is that since real estate development began at Seven Springs there has NEVER been a case of overbuilding! It's all about supply and demand.

Pheasant Run is a gated community with 31 parcels ranging from 3 to 12 acres. There are still 8 parcels offered for sale according to the Seven Springs web site.

Seven Springs had a booth at the 2010 Home and Garden Show in Pittsburgh last month. They had a sign promoting a new community. Locally we haven't heard any new marketing concerning the newest offerings across the street from the Villages.

But when a home owner shared that there is to be a model open by this Thanksgiving we dug out the original materials. This community was first pitched back in 2008 and tagged "The next Premier Property at Seven Springs Mountain Resort." It's in Middlecreek Township, Somerset County.

According to the Feb 19, 2008 article by Kirk Swauger in the Somerset Tribune Democrat the "The townhomes and cottages were designed by renowned resort architect Jack Johnson Co. of Park City Utah. They will have 9-foot ceiling with vaulted family rooms, private patios, and decks."

Prices then were to range from the high $400,000s into the half million dollar arena. Two to four bedroom properties were in the plans, many with garages. With only a few Southwind properties undelivered the process of another community appears to be underway. The hand out we have has the following disclosure, "The material presented herein is conceptual only, for general information and does not constitute an offer to sell real estate. All details are subject to change at any time. Any decision to proceed with this or any other real estate project is subject to regulatory requirements, including but not limited to a Public Offering Statement and required municipal and State approvals."

Hidden Valley Resort will present the annual Spring Carnival March 6 - 7, 2010. More than 220 inches of snow this winter have provided awesome snow conditions this March, and the time has come to celebrate the fact that spring is just around the corner! Guests will enjoy a full schedule of games, activities, and entertainment at the third annual Spring Carnival.

Spring Carnival kicks off on Saturday morning with the opening of the Hidden Valley boardwalk. The Ski Lodge plaza level will be converted into a boardwalk scene. Vendors will be selling barbecued goodies, funnel cakes, chocolate delicacies and other treats. The entire family will enjoy contests and carnival games, free caricatures, face painting, and a strolling magician.

There will be a wide variety of events for everyone to participate in during the carnival. The events are all about having fun with the entire family. With seasonal temperatures in the 40s or warmer and hopefully plenty of sunshine, Spring Carnival will be the perfect time to get out and enjoy the incredible snow conditions.

A few events like the Family Obstacle Course and The Captains Awesome Pirate Adventure Race will require people to have skis or a snowboard and navigate various challenges as they descend the beginner area. Other amusing activities include a tug-o-war, snow volleyball, a hula hoop contest, snow rafting and a snow golf - closest to the pin contest. For the more competitive types, the resort offers a Giant Slalom race. The third and final event of the HV Park Series will take place on Sunday, March 7. This event will be a boarder/skier cross competition. There will be a registration fee for the HV Park Series event and the Giant Slalom race. Events that take place on the slopes do require a valid ski ticket.

The kids will also find plenty of fun beyond the boardwalk scene. Youngsters will have an opportunity to play on the Snowcano near the ski lodge or compete in the Kids Crazy Hat and Helmet Race. Hidden Valley is working with the Family Life Fund of Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh's Foundation to present the Family Fun Zone and Sweet & Treat Bar. This area will feature children's crafts, cookie decorating, smoothies and candy. There will be a nominal fee to the Family Fun Zone activities with proceeds benefiting the Family Life Fund.

Make plans to spend the entire weekend at Hidden Valley with our attractively priced lodging packages which start at just $118 per person and includes lodging and ski tickets. Call 814.443.8000 to make reservations.

For more information on the Spring Carnival and everything Hidden Valley has to offer visit our web site at www.hiddenvalleyresort.com.