Sunday, September 8, 2024 / by Sharon St Clair
Pittsburgh and the Ferris wheel—a love story that has experienced its fair share of highs and lows—seems to be gearing up for an exciting new chapter.
The romance between Pittsburgh and the Ferris wheel first soared to new heights in 1893 when George Ferris, a Pittsburgh resident, designed the world’s first Ferris wheel for the World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago. Ferris conceptualized and brought his iconic creation to life right from his home on Arch Street in Pittsburgh’s North Side, cementing the city’s place in amusement park history.
However, like any relationship, there have been some dips. One notable low point came in 1999 when Kennywood, the beloved local amusement park, removed its Ferris wheel, leaving Pittsburgh without its towering, rotating symbol of joy for years.
But the wheel of fortune is turning once again for Pittsburgh! This October, the city is set to welcome back the thrill and wonder of the Ferris wheel as a 60-foot-ta ...
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Wednesday, September 4, 2024 / by Sharon St Clair
When it comes to selling luxury homes, the stakes are incredibly high. Every decision, from pricing to marketing strategy, can significantly impact the final sale price and, ultimately, your return on investment. Many homeowners mistakenly believe that any real estate agent can handle the sale of a luxury property, but that’s far from the truth. Luxury home sales are a specialty niche requiring a unique set of skills, deep market knowledge, and a tailored approach. Hiring a real estate agent without experience in selling luxury homes can lead to costly mistakes—mistakes that could cost you hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars.
The Pitfalls of Overpricing and Underpricing
One of the biggest challenges in selling a luxury home is pricing it correctly. Overpricing a property can cause it to linger on the market, leading to a stale listing that buyers might assume has something wrong with it. The longer a luxury property sits unsold, the more likely you’ll ...
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Tuesday, September 3, 2024 / by Sharon St Clair
When it comes to buying a home, the journey from browsing listings to closing the deal can be both exciting and daunting. A key step in this process is securing a mortgage, which often involves two critical steps: getting pre-qualified and pre-approved. Although these terms are often used interchangeably, they represent different stages in the home-buying process and have distinct implications for both buyers and sellers. Understanding the difference between being pre-qualified and pre-approved for a home purchase loan is essential for any potential homebuyer.
What Does It Mean to Be Pre-Qualified?
Pre-qualification is an initial step in the mortgage process where a lender gives you an estimate of how much you might be able to borrow. This step is relatively quick and informal and can often be completed online or over the phone.
Process: During pre-qualification, you provide the lender with a general overview of your financial situation, including your income, assets, debts, and cree ...
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Monday, September 2, 2024 / by Sharon St Clair
Just yesterday, we received a call from a frustrated home seller whose property hadn’t sold. The homeowner shared their experience, detailing feedback from potential buyers, the low turnout at open houses, and their disappointment with the overall results. As we listened, one detail stood out: their agent had offered to reduce their commission. At first glance, this might have seemed like a great way to save money, but as we reviewed the listing online, another glaring issue became clear. The presentation of the house simply did not support the list price.
This scenario illustrates a critical point many sellers overlook. While saving on commission fees may seem like a smart financial move, the hidden costs of being underserved by an agent who provides less-than-full service can far outweigh those savings. The true cost of being underserved in a real estate transaction goes beyond the commission rate and affects your bottom line, your peace of mind, and the overall success . ...
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Wednesday, August 28, 2024 / by Sharon St Clair
The Montour Trail is a must-visit destination for outdoor enthusiasts in Western Pennsylvania, offering an extensive network of scenic paths perfect for biking, hiking, running, and winter activities like cross-country skiing. Spanning over 63 miles, the trail winds through picturesque landscapes, historical sites, and vibrant communities, making it one of the region’s top spots for recreation and nature exploration.
Rich History and Heritage of the Montour Trail
The Montour Trail follows the historic route of the Montour Railroad, once a crucial transport line supporting the coal mining industry in the 20th century. Today, this former rail line has been beautifully repurposed into a recreational trail, maintained by the Montour Trail Council, a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the area’s heritage while providing a natural space for outdoor activities. This transformation celebrates both the industrial past and the natural beauty of the area, making it a ben ...
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