A quick review of the MLS statistics showed that 3,113 resale homes (single family homes, townhouses and condos) were sold in Northern Allegheny County in 2011, with the average days on market of 88 days and the average sales to list price ratio of 94%.  Average selling price was $217,358 in 2011.  In 2010, the numbers were very similar as noted in the chart below.  Average selling price was $205,200 which shows an average increase in prices of close to 6% as compared to 2010. The trend continued from 2009, with a few less homes being sold but with a fairly steady selling time, ratio and increased average price. 

Northern Allegheny County Real Estate

Butler County’s housing sale statistics (noted below) are fairly consistent throughout the years and while average selling days were slightly higher than Northern Allegheny County, their selling ratio and average selling price were both higher. 

Butler County Real Estate 

Experts are predicting 2012 to be a “transitional” year in Real Estate, where things start to slowly stabilize and pave the way for improvement.   In fact, a recent report included the Pittsburgh housing market as one of the 5 best in the country for 2012 (Melinda Fulmer, MSN Real Estate).   For more detailed township statistics, give me a call or check my website: www.PittsburghNorthernHomes.com  .

A Great Place to Retire

Home prices are affordable too with the median home sale price below the national average (less than $150,000 in 2011). David Crowe, the National Association of Home Builder’s chief economist, said that Pittsburgh was among the top two largest improving housing markets in the country. The city has also shown improvements in housing permits, employment and housing prices for at least six months. So, while Pittsburgh made the list for the best mix of affordability and amenities, I didn’t see the weather mentioned anywhere. Why not have the best of all worlds and buy a home in Florida (at a great price) for the winter months and avoid the grey, snowy days of winter.

Sellers usually don’t choose to put their homes on the market during the holidays but there are reasons why it actually may be a good time to sell your home. So, if you find yourself on the market at this “joyous” time of year, here are some things to consider:

1. The pool of ever-present real estate tire-kickers is drastically reduced during December and January. They are too busy shopping, wrapping and decorating to bug their agent to show them homes they probably won’t buy. So, that leaves MOTIVATED buyers in the market who really need a home to buy — either due to relocation or a sale of their current home. As a seller, you will have fewer showings during the holidays but these buyers are much more motivated and serious.

2. The supply of homes available for purchase is lower in December and January. Many of the homes on the market are stale, vacant, not properly staged or overpriced. If your home hits the market priced properly and showing well, it will stand out like a holiday star and may be snapped up by one of the motivated buyers who are still out there looking!

3. Holidays bring out warm feelings of family and home. Tasteful decorations can add sparkle and spice to the home and may foster buyers’ fantasies about holiday dinners and entertaining in the home. Just remember a few “de’s of staging—declutter, depersonalize and desecular. Set the dining room table for a festive holiday dinner, place a beautiful wreath on the front door and strive for understated elegance. Keep your religious decorations to a minimum (to help the buyers visualize their family living in your home) and the kid’s holiday pictures from year one need to stay packed away this year!

Expect some inconvenience showing your home during the holidays but prepare by setting guidelines for showings that your agent can post on the MLS. For example, post a no show message for 12/25, 12/26 and whatever you need for your New Year Celebration. Make it as easy to show as possible but enjoy a few days of “freedom” too. Remember to turn every light in the home to counter act the grey days of winter and keep the thermostat at a comfortable temperature. Holiday smells like spiced apple, pumpkin pie and cinnamon are comforting and evoke positive karma so olfactory staging in your home can help set the mood as well. Selling a home during the holidays may be a challenge but a SALE will certainly make it all worthwhile. Good Luck!

Quick Links What is your home worth? Search All Homes For Sale Wexford, PA Homes for Sale Gibsonia, PA Homes for Sale Cranberry Township, PA Homes for Sale Allison Park, PA Homes for Sale Pittsburgh, PA Homes for Sale Mars, PA Homes for Sale See Property Details Call: 412-369-6914 for more information on this or any other property. Information valid for the date of this posting only. Please contact us for the most current information and status of this property. Visit Property Website		Welcome home to an updated charmer located in a convenient McCandless Township neighborhood. Enjoy the open floor plan, new flooring, fresh paint, new windows and so much more. Cook and dine in style in the brand new kitchen that features granite counters, stainless steel appliances and hardwood flooring. Both stylish and functional, this fully equipped kitchen offers lots of cabinets for storage and plenty of counter space for cooking. A spacious family room with stone fireplace offers a great space for family time too. Outside, a covered patio offers a shaded space for dining or relaxing while overlooking the private back yard. Located in the award winning North Allegheny School District, close to town, Ross Park Mall, North Park, schools and highways, youll love living at 8690 Washington Heights Avenue. Why delay . . .make it yours today!		8690 Washington Heights Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15237 3 Bedrooms Bathrooms : 1 Full / 1 Half List Price : Get Current Price Living Area Approx : 1500 I want to see this property.
		Courtesy : Diane Tifone Email Me Now 412-369-6914

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