About Pittsburgh's Shadyside

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.

These days it seems like every time you turn on the news you get the “sky is falling” perspective on the economy and the real estate market. I’m happy to say that hasn’t been my experience this summer. Sales have been strong and some of our local industries are doing quite well, so I thought I would start today with a glass-is-half-full perspective.

Pittsburgh’s real estate market continues to do well. In fact, during the first quarter of 2011 the average home price was up 3.5%, compared to a 3.6% drop in the average home price during the same period nationwide. In June 2011, Clear Capital® Reports ranked Pittsburgh the #3 Highest-Performing Major Housing Market in the country.

Interest rates are amazingly low. If you have good credit and a down payment you can get rates in the 3%’s.

The number of foreclosures in Pittsburgh has fallen to its lowest point in 6 years, which in time should result in fewer low priced foreclosures competing with sellers, leading to better prices.

The area’s unemployment rate is 7.4%, much lower than the national rate of 9.2%, and down .6% from this time last year.

Pittsburgh's diverse industries of healthcare, energy, technology and education match up well with the biggest growth industries in general. So while we don’t mind doubling as Gotham City in the movies, in real life we really don’t resemble the dark and dreary manufacturing city.

The 7-county Pittsburgh region totaled $115.6 billion in annual gross product in 2010, up 6% since 2007. That's more gross product than the country of Vietnam, the state of Maine or the city of Cleveland.

The Marcellus Shale boom holds the potential for big economic gains and tens of thousands of jobs for our region. The real question is can it be accomplished without destroying the clean and green environment that Pittsburgh has struggled so hard to reclaim? That will be one of the most important questions for our region, and a debate that all Pittsburghers who remember our history need to take part in.

And last but not least, we are America’s most Livable City for 2011, America’s leading location of the future” in 2011 and 6th on Forbes list for most affordable U.S. Cities.

So the next time you feel overwhelmed by the bad economic news remember how lucky we are to be living here in the ‘burgh!

This information got sent to me by a friend and I wanted to pass it on...

Fighting cancer is difficult enough, but living with it is even tougher - and that's where the Cleaning for A Reason Foundation steps in. This nonprofit offers free professional housecleaning, and maid services to improve the lives of women undergoing treatment for cancer.

If you know any woman currently undergoing chemotherapy, please pass the word to her that there is a cleaning service that provides FREE housecleaning - once per month for 4 months while she is in treatment. All she has to do is sign up and have her doctor fax a note confirming the treatment. Cleaning for a Reason will have a participating maid service in her zip code area arrange for the service. This organization serves the entire USA and currently has 547 partners to help these women.

Pass the word and let them know that there are people out there that care. The website for more information is: http://www.cleaningforareason.org

Planning to buy or sell a home in Allegheny County? Call Christa Ross from RE/MAX Select Realty, at 724-933-6300 x214 (office) or 724-779-1437 (direct) or visit my website at www.bestpittsburghhomes.com.

Oh, the benefits of being boring! Actually that's not really true, Pittsburgh is a very exciting city but when it comes to housing we are stable, low risk, maybe even downright dull. And while Kennywood (our local amusement park for you out-of-towners) may be the roller-coaster capital, our housing market has weathered the housing storm with rolls more common on the kiddie rides. I guess that is why MSN real estate called Pittsburgh the #2 lowest-risk housing market in America.

According to MSN, while the coasts were booming, cities like Pittsburgh were seeing much more moderate appreciation in value which benefited us greatly when prices started to drop. And while prices could still go down, Pittsburgh only has about a 12% chance of seeing further depreciation in prices. Matter of fact, some hot areas of the city have continued to grow even while the rest of the country has suffered. And for buyers, now is a great time to jump in. Lower home prices, low interest rates and signs of a stronger economy are good reasons to consider a purchase here in Western PA.

Buying or Selling a home in the Pittsburgh area? Call Christa Ross from RE/MAX Select Realty, at 724-933-6300 x214 (office) or 724-779-1437 (direct) or visit my website at www.bestpittsburghhomes.com.

Wishing everyone a great holiday and a happy new year! A little video I whipped up and sent out as a video e-card!

Buying or Selling a home in the Pittsburgh area? Call Christa Ross from RE/MAX Select Realty, at 724-933-6300 x214 (office) or 724-779-1437 (direct) or visit my website at www.bestpittsburghhomes.com.