About Somerset County, PA

1242 Tanyard $190,000

Kicking off 2009 winterfest activities in the Laurel Highlands is KDKA-TV with their sister station Pittsburgh's CW and Hidden Valley. Beginning TODAY you'll find January 23 through February 1, jammed packed with games, contests, activities, food, and fun!

KDKA has video coverage posted and Hidden Valley has the line up of events posted on their site. This marks the first of an annual celebration and the weather is going to be AWESOME!! Bring the family and friends and give it a try!

Tonight is the Snow Blast Family Tubing Party from 5-7. Several of our office families are going over. We hope you'll let us know what a good time you had or send a picture of the fun things you did while you were here. We'll make a slide show and post them to share how much fun can be had in our Laurel Highlands!

Even though it's only a three day event the frigid air temperatures will guarantee that the ice carvings are going to last at least two weeks!! We're braving Mother Nature and headed for a Chamber Mixer at Crazy Alice's Catering before we check out the carvings! They serve breakfast and lunch which you can enjoy dinning in or taking out (101 West Main St, Glades Court Mall, Somerset). We'll be posting some of those ice carvings for your enjoyment tomorrow so check back.

Celebrating its 14^th year the Fire and Ice headquarters may be found at 113 East Main Street, (Across from the PNC Bank for those of you who don't have the GPS gadgets!) Somerset, PA 15501. Warm up there from 10-8 Friday and Saturday and 12- 4 on Sunday. Here's a schedule for all of the fun filled events! There are fireworks tonight at 6; you have to wonder if the temperature will have an effect upon their display.

New events this year include Wood Carvings by local and regional carvers along with Festival Themed window displays. Saturday has a "Hot Stuff Chili and Soup Cook-OFF" contest in the American Legion basement, 162 West Main. Note that this event and several others require admission by the Fire and Ice Pin. They can be purchased at Headquarters. Enjoy!

BEFORE we go any further know that the "GOOD NEWS STATISTICS" that we are about to share are calculated by adding ALL transfers together from MLS and Court House records. There IS a significant difference if you focus on any one style of property. Call us for more details! SO here goes, BOTH RESORT MARKETS SAW APPRECIATION AND AN INCREASE IN THEIR AVERAGE SELLING PRICE! Hummmm, stocks vs real estate?? Hidden Valley saw a 21.66% appreciation in the average sales price from $174,353 in 07 to $222,548 in 08. Seven Springs was right behind them with appreciation of 20.71% from 2007 average sales price of $310,532. to $391,648. (Only includes resale transfers.) Southwind (new sales) totaled 49 recorded transfers at $33,312,742 upping the average sales price to $679,852.

Total dollar volume for both resorts in 2008 (new and resale) came in at $62,415,169. Dividing it up, Hidden Valleys portion was $18,136,295. which left the lions share of $44,278,874 to Seven Springs. Let's talk number of transfers! Hidden Valley saw 80 and Seven Springs 77. Keep in mind though that Seven Springs is still closing out on the Southwind new construction properties. This significantly inflates the combined new and resale number compared to Hidden Valley's transfers which were 99% resales.

There are several factors that should be considered when trying to understand both market places. Hidden Valley saw a big jump in activity the first half of the year thanks to the new ownership of the resort.Their commitment to spend money bringing it into the 21st century sure has everyone excited! With Seven Springs there is now a resale market for the Southwind properties. These transfers substantially bring up the average sales price and resale dollar volume. If you are considering selling or buying you should give us a call to see how our market research gives you a competitive edge!

Buyers and sellers have an infinite amount of information (good and bad) available to them on the Internet. What you don't have is the market expertise to analyze and interpolate it to give you the upper hand when it comes time to negotiate. We've found sites that have dated, partial, or incorrect information posted! That's where we come into the picture! Because even though these numbers are very exciting there are strong indications that 2009 will not be so rosy.

In fact next year is shaping up to be an awesome BUYERS market. For those who still have jobs fixed interest rates under 5% and inventory that continues to expand should create a once in a life time buying experience. Buying or selling YOU should be represented by a designated agent who is looking out for ONLY your interests! Give us a call to see how we can help you maneuver through this changing market place.

Ring in the New Year at Hidden Valley. They are having a buffet in the ski lodge featuring a carving station with Priime Rib of Beef and Herb Encrusted Turkey. There's also a pasta bar with Broiled Salmon with a Porcini Mushroom Sauce. Of course there will be dessert!! $25 Adults $15 for kids 12 and under

OR

$10 will get you into the Yukon their new sports bar and the Clock Tower with accoustical sounds of Tim Roberts or DJ! Hats, noisemakers, and champagne toast at midnight! Must be 21 or older.

RESERVATIONS REQUIRED 814-443-8000 EXT 259

This is the first celebration here for many many years! Enjoy and BE SAFE!

Also John Harvard's has been replaced with the Pub and Grill at Hidden Valley. We haven't checked it out yet but here's the menu. Let us know what you think!