Green Homes Pittsburgh

1:00 – 3:30 PM United Methodist Church, 905 Mifflin Ave, at Whitney Ave. (Presentations from 1:30-2:30)

Come join the Greater Park Place Neighborhood Association for our !THIRD! annual Spring workshop with the Community Design Center of Pittsburgh! I’m sure you’ve heard about all those tax credits and rebates out there for improving the energy efficiency of your home–well, we’ve rounded up a nice group of folks who can tell you all about them and help you decide what you should do and what will give you the most bang for your buck. The blurb:

Eastern area neighborhoods are once again partnering with the Community Design Center of Pittsburgh to put on another free workshop for homeowners interested in improving the value of their homes. This year’s workshop will look at making homes more energy efficient. There will be presentations and then open time for participants to talk with the presenters. In addition, volunteer architects from the Community Design Center of Pittsburgh will offer a limited number of individual free “mini-consultations” on selecting the proper windows and doors for your home. So, bring pictures of the outside of your home to show them.

For more information.

Share on Facebook

Just posted on ActiveRain: Pennsylvania Consumers Could Save $457 Per Year If Energy Efficiency Policie… http://activerain.com/t/1515351

Share on Facebook

RT @USATODAY With city loans, homeowners go green now, pay later http://usat.me?37615270

Share on Facebook

RT @USATODAY Green homes red-hot: 17% of new builds get Energy Star seal http://usat.me?36957868

Share on Facebook

Just posted on ActiveRain: New Energy Efficient Mortgages Coming Soon from Fannie Mae and ENERGY STAR http://activerain.com/t/1479677

Share on Facebook

Existing-home sales fell as expected in December after first-time buyers rushed to complete deals during the months leading up to the original November deadline for the tax credit. However, prices rose from December 2008 and annual sales improved in 2009, according to the National Association of REALTORS^®

For most of the past year there has been a lot of talk about where the “bottom” of the market is. In my interpretation, it may have been in November. This week NAR published data, quoted above, that shows prices beginning to rise. It is true that activity went down in December, but I personally see that as a result of the extension of the tax credit and the lessening of the urgency to buy and close before December.

As the year turned, activity also seemed to pick up. A few good signs in the economy, low interest rates and the tax credit have gotten people who were on the fence and waiting to buy into the game. Right now prices are still low but as seller start to feel better about the activity in the market there is no doubt they will begin to hold their line on prices, even opting to price them a bit higher.

Sure a downturn in the economy could slow things down again, and if you are unsure about your financial condition you should proceed with caution but signs seem to indicate that the worst in the residential market may be behind us.

Share on Facebook

I uploaded a YouTube video — FeaturedProperties.mpg http://youtu.be/1pJtR_4BgKQ?a

Share on Facebook

Can you feel the winds blowing? The Perfect Real Estate Storm is coming

Prices are Low – Sellers have had to drop their prices over the last year, making the time right for buyers.

Interest Rates are Low – Matter of fact, they can’t be much lower and most experts agree that as the economy shows signs of life, the rates will start to creep up.

The Tax Credit was Expanded – $8,000 for first-timers, $6,500 for those that owned for at least 3 of the last 5 years, for homes under contract between now and April 30th and closed by July 30th.

Pent Up Demand – All those buyers who have been waiting for the economy to improve to buy their next home (or first home) are getting ready to jump in.

What Should You Do?

If you are a buyer: It’s time to get moving. This isn’t an “everyone’s buying and prices are high” kind of thing – this is the real deal – Buy Low Now, Sell High Later!

If you are a seller: It’s time to spruce up, dust off, get serious, make sure you are priced competitively and get ready to pack. This is your best chance to sell this year.

If you are thinking about selling: You need to get listed NOW. The rush has already begun, you can’t afford to miss it.

Now is the best time to buy and sell in the Pittsburgh area. Call Christa Ross from RE/MAX Select Realty, at 724-933-6300 x214 (office) or 724-779-1437 (direct) or email to christaross@remax.net. Visit my website at www.greenhomespgh.com

Share on Facebook

Just posted on ActiveRain: Then There Is Pittsburgh… http://activerain.com/t/1421333

Share on Facebook

Share on Facebook