Pittsburgh, PA

If you haven't heard the news then let me be the first to tell you that Pittsburgh is "IN". That is according to the Washington Post's 2012 in and out list. And in Austin they even named us as one of America's next hipster cities. That really should come as no surprise, as a city we had a very good 2011, ranking us in the Top 5 markets in the country, according to MSN.

All this praise is thanks to our affordable housing, lower than average unemployment, great art scene, a diverse and growing employment base and a whole list of other reasons. A recent reportplaced Pittsburgh in the top echelon of cities that have already recovered the jobs lost during the recession, and projects overall growth by the end of the year.

The buying and selling season seems to have come a bit early this year, thanks in part to mild weather and super low interest rates. Inventory is low and nice homes, ready to move-in and priced right are getting snapped up. We have even started to see multiple offers come in on homes. That is great news for sellers who have been waiting for the market to pick up.

Buying or selling in Pittsburgh? Call Christa Ross from RE/MAX Select Realty, at 724-933-6300 x214 (office) or 724-309-1758 (direct) or visit my website at www.bestpittsburghhomes.com.

Here is a good website to check out... Pennsylvania residents have the right to shop for their energy supplier. This means you can find a supplier that has a lower price or one that generates their power from green or renewable sources. www.PAPowerSwitch.com gives you the information you need to make the best choice.

Buying or selling in Pittsburgh? Call Christa Ross from RE/MAX Select Realty, at 724-933-6300 x214 (office) or 724-309-1758 (direct) or visit my website at www.bestpittsburghhomes.com.

I did Yoga for years when I was big into martial arts and loved it. It truly improves the bodies strength and flexibility.

I am excited to announce that I recently published my Home Buyer's Guide and Home Seller's Guide on my website. Both guides were intended to help Pittsburgh buyers and sellers understand the details and decisions of buying or selling a home. These are not generic guides, but instead something that I put together and includes great Pittsburgh area resources and information. Covering Allegheny, Butler and Westmoreland counties with links for more information on a variety of real estate subjects. You can download either guide, for free, from my website at www.bestpittsburghhomes.com, just click on the "Planning to Buy" or "Ready to Sell" links to get the guide. I hope you find the guides helpful and feel free to call me with any questions about buying or selling your home in the Pittsburgh area.

Every year there is a Starving Artists Convention at three different locations here in the Pittsburgh PA area. Last year was the first year I went and it was three Saturdays in a row. Well this year it was only one Saturday and that Saturday was today. There are not paintings over $69. I picked up three paintings. Two big ones and a small one. It was well worth the $167.99.

The first two are for me and the last one is for my mom and dad.