If you are looking for Pittsburgh PA deals, you will want to check out the latest fad that has everyone talking when it comes to savings. A way of finding deals in your city for a variety of items, Groupon will provide you with a whole new way of shopping. Savings of 50% to 90% can be realized by going to the Groupon site to find Pittsburgh PA deals.

It is easy to do. Go to the site, put in your age, gender, zip and how you want Groupon Pittsburgh PA deals sent to you. They can be sent to your email, Facebook or Twitter account. In addition, they can be sent to your mobile phone. The deals for the area in which you live will be delivered everyday allowing you to purchase items or services and all at a discount. In addition to the deals that are sent to you, there is always a daily deal.

Deals on restaurants, health and beauty services, gift ideas and more are available every day. Look at some of the recent Pittsburgh PA deals that have been offered to residents of the area. A $2 pretzel sandwich from Vinnie’s Pretzel Shop is one that was recently featured. This is regularly a $4.95 sandwich, but Groupon users could purchase it with a voucher from the site for only $2.

There are many others that area residents took advantage of recently. For example, an $84 panoramic wall mural was offered for only $35 on the Groupon site. Another recent savings included two adult and two student tickets to the Motordrome Speedway for only $12. This is more than half off the regular price of $36. Ibiza Tapas & Wine Bar recently offered $25 worth of international food for $12. These and many more Pittsburgh PA deals are available when you join Groupon and start saving.

The great thing is you can purchase them for yourself and friends or you can give them as gifts. This is a great way of shopping for gifts without ever leaving home and with the large number of Pittsburgh PA deals that you will see daily, it will be easy to find something for almost anyone on your shopping list.

If your Pittsburgh mortgage is through Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, you will be interested in knowing the latest decisions made by the Obama administration on remaking the mortgage market. The plan to cut back on the government’s role in housing finance included the winding down of these two programs and was officially announced on February 11, 2011. The plan outlined the administration’s plans to target federal support for borrowers, stop unfair lending and help to get private investors to return to the mortgage market. What does this mean for those who have a Pittsburgh mortgage?

The plan would include starting the reform now, but doing it in stages over the next several years. This would include the more dramatic changes being put on hold until 2018. Three possible resolutions are being considered for restructure once Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are not around. A Pittsburgh mortgage, as well as others could be guaranteed by the Federal Housing Administration as well as other programs.

The creation of a “backstop mechanism” that would be in place for support in the event of a crisis is one consideration. Another is providing insurance for securities that are mortgage-backed. The Secretary of the Treasury, Tim Geithner, estimates it could take five to seven years to provide a permanent solution and phase out Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

In addition, the way people shop for their Pittsburgh mortgage would be another change that the government would focus on starting now to begin the process. Requiring Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to match the loan guarantees that private banks use is one recommendation of the plan. The current amount that these two entities are allowed to purchase loans for currently is $729,000. The temporary increase, if allowed to expire according to recommendations under the plan would reset the limit to $625,500.

Additionally, the plan asks that the down payments required by loans for Freddie and Fannie be increased. Another part of the plan by the administration is asking for an increase in the federal insurance premiums on mortgages. The raise proposal is for a hike on FHA loans by 0.25%. Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae are enterprises sponsored by the government that are behind the Pittsburgh mortgage for many as well as others across the nation. In 2008, due huge losses on bad loans, they were bailed out by the federal government.

If you would like more information about Pittsburgh homes, please feel free to contact us at (724) 933-8505 or visit our Contact Us page where you can send us a message.  We’ll get back to you right away!

Allegheny County residents enjoy the atmosphere of their community. They have all the amenities of the ‘big city’ without the hustle and bustle or the problems. Today, the warmth and ambiance of small town living is one of the qualities sought by many as people look for safer, more affordable places to live. Allegheny County is one of the areas that is considered to be desirable for a variety of reasons.

One of the things that gives Allegheny County the charm that is desired by many is the North Park Latodami Nature Center. The establishment of North Park in 1927 provided a number of benefits from work during the Great Depression to a game reserve for buffalo. Today, there are many programs available to acquaint those who live in Allegheny County with the natural environment and the preservation of the history of the area.

Learning to make maple syrup is one of the programs provided at the North Park Latodami Nature Center. The next program will be held between February 1, 2011 and March 11, 2011 and pre-registration is required. The available hours are morning, afternoon and after school. This maple syrup making demonstration is also eligible for fulfilling the Love Maple Syrup Try-it for Brownies and the Forestry Badge for Webelos.

The demonstration is open to Allegheny County schools, private groups and scout groups. The “home style” methods will be demonstrated for the purpose of learning how to tap trees as well as the collection methods. In addition, boiling down the sap to make it ready for consumption will be demonstrated. Everything you need to know about how to make maple syrup for your own use at home will be covered.

On March 5, 2011 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. and from noon to 1 p.m., a maple syrup demonstration will be held at the North Park Latodami Nature Center. On March 12, 2011 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., a maple syrup making demonstration will be held at the Marshall Township’s Ellis Frye Barn. This program is open to the public and groups. The program should be pre-registered for and this can be done by calling 724-935-3090. For more information on the programs and registering for the “How to Make Maple Syrup” workshops, you can call 724-935-2170.

If you would like more information about Allegheny County homes, please feel free to contact us at (724) 933-8505 or visit our Contact Us page where you can send us a message.  We’ll get back to you right away!

Gibsonia Pennsylvania homeowners live in an area of the country where a large number of strategic defaults are occurring. The latest trend that is thought to be a result of the huge numbers of homeowners who are underwater on home loans is strategic default. This is when borrowers who own homes that are not worth the amount of the loan that is being paid decide to stop paying their mortgage. They continue to pay other debts, such as auto loans and credit cards. Gibsonia Pennsylvania homeowners have joined other homeowners in many parts of the U.S. that have decided the wait for the equity to return in their home is not worth it.

The trend is believed to be contagious. Gibsonia Pennsylvania homeowners watch others default and they begin to see this option as worthwhile. They look at the prospect of waiting for years for the home to provide a positive equity and strategic default becomes even more of an attractive option. CoreLogic, a consumer, financial and property information provider, believes the high number of foreclosures today plays a large part in the decision as well. In the past, it was considered socially unacceptable to walk away from a home loan, however today so many are doing so that it is no longer considered dishonorable to do so.

The likelihood of strategic default is even more prevalent in areas where the home prices are weak. This could lead to the default becoming more of a normal practice than an exception. If this happens, the outlook for Gibsonia Pennsylvania prospective homebuyers as well as others across the country could be hugely affected. In the future, lenders would feel the need to add this element into the risks associated with home loans and the result would likely be higher interest rates and larger down payments.

A recovery in home prices for those in Gibsonia Pennsylvania and other areas would help at this point. However, if homeowners believe they are facing another ten years before the positive equity returns in their home, they are more likely to strategically default on the home loan. CoreLogic estimates place the time limit for borrowers at approximately five to seven years before a return on the equity in their homes will be regained.

Most people love where they live and Gibsonia Pennsylvania is no exception. Why they care so deeply for their communities is another thing. It is not necessarily that there is a lot of building going on when it comes to new business. It is more of the feeling of welcome they get and the pride they feel in the features they would tell others about when it comes to things to do and see. The aspects that make people feel as if they belong to the neighborhood in Gibsonia Pennsylvania in which they live are the reasons people love living here.

The features they can show off to visitors and the beauty that surround their community are the things that make those living in Gibsonia Pennsylvania happy that they live here. A recent survey, “The Soul of the Community” studied 26 communities and took surveys from those who lived in the communities. The Gallup and Knight Foundation found that welcoming surroundings, places that are fun for people to get together and open, green space is important.

In addition to Gibsonia Pennsylvania, some of the communities that were studied were Biloxi, MS, Columbus, GA, Fort Wayne, IN, Philadelphia, PA, Myrtle Beach, SC and Miami, FL among others. The areas of the country where people were more connected to their communities were ones where they were content with their jobs. The least attached to a community were new residents, as is expected.

Those areas of the country with the highest percentages of people who felt very impassioned about their chosen home were Aberdeen, S.D., Long Beach, CA, State College, PA, Grand Forks, N.D. and Bradenton, FL. The lowest percentages were in Wichita, KS, Akron, OH, Macon, GA, Detroit, MI and Gary, IN.

The report is also beneficial for community leaders who want to know what people are looking for in the communities in which they live. What are they seeking when it comes to the most desirable neighborhoods? What makes Gibsonia Pennsylvania home to the many residents that live here?

The recession has taken its toll; however, there are many issues that determine how people feel about their neighborhoods. The positive feelings they have about their community leads to better job performance and this in turn is most beneficial for the community.

The new year has come and gone and if selling your Wexford home is a priority within the first few months of the year, it can be accomplished, but it will take some work. Presently it is a buyer’s market, so the first thing you will need to do is realize the current market value of your Wexford home may not be what you thought. Many buyers look for a new home during the first few months of the year. This allows them to be in the home before fall when school starts and the holidays are just around the corner.

One of the best things a seller can do is to price their Wexford home right the first time to reduce the time that it spends on the market. The longer the home is on the market, the more price reductions you may have to make. This causes prospective buyers to wonder what is wrong with the home. Everyone wants to make a profit from selling their home, however in today’s market, overpricing a home can mean it will not sell.

Checking homes in the neighborhood and getting a good idea of the value of your Wexford home can help you to price it right the first time. Providing good information on the home will help. Buyers are interested in how energy efficient the home may be, when updates to the home were made and a floor plan can be beneficial.

Of course, preparing your Wexford home is crucial. It is essential to clear out the clutter and have the home as bare as possible. Buyers are interested in being able to envision their belongings in the home. Correcting problems and showing your Wexford home in the best possible light will help it to sell faster.

Access to the home is another important aspect. Make sure your Wexford home is accessible at all hours and easy for the real estate agent to show. Keep it clean and ready at a moment’s notice and increase your odds of selling. The first impression is always the one that people remember.

Flexibility can work in your favor. If a prospective buyer wants you to include the lawnmower, be prepared to do so. Maybe they would like you to leave some of the furnishings or the glider on the front porch. Today’s buyers are more in control of the deal on a home and they know it, so be prepared for unusual requests.

If you would like more information about Wexford homes, please feel free to contact us at (724) 933-8505 or visit our Contact Us page where you can send us a message.  We’ll get back to you right away!

A program that may help Allison Park home owners who did not qualify for a loan modification is the Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternative (HAFA) program. This was launched by the Obama administration as a way of providing another alternative to foreclosure. Including incentives that may encourage lenders to allow more short sales for Allison Park home owners, HAFA is streamlining the program to benefit homeowners more.

The HAFA program had been criticized by many saying it was too strict and overly complicated. In a short sale, the lenders allow the Allison Park home to be sold for less than the loan value and they take a loss financially, however they avoid a foreclosure, which can be quite costly. The borrowers also get a cash incentive to leave the home.

HAFA has made the short sale process for Allison Park home owners more efficient, however feedback from many including realtors, servicers, housing counselors and many others have stated that the process could use additional   improvements, including simplifying the short sales and further benefiting homeowners.

Some of the changes included are that borrower’s finances no longer need to be verified, their monthly payment no longer needs to be checked to see if it is more than 31% of the debt-to-income ratio and second lien holders no longer have to accept 6% of the unpaid balance. The servicer would decide who is paid and the amount although the cap for second lien holders would still be $6000. HAFA does require that borrowers who are attempting a short sale get an agreement  within 30 days if the short sale is approved or an answer if not.

The changes are necessary to end the delays that have stymied deals that could have been beneficial for Allison Park home owners as well as the mortgage holders. With numbers approaching 11 million homeowners who are under water when it comes to their mortgages and the number still on the rise, the housing prices are going even lower.

Opponents of the new requirements fear that the program will be used by those who do not need to sell their home, but will use the new less stringent requirements to get out of a bad investment. For Allison Park home owners who are facing foreclosure, requirements that are more lenient may be the answer.

If you would like more information about Allison Park home, please feel free to contact us at (724) 933-8505 or visit our Contact Us page where you can send us a message.  We’ll get back to you right away!

A Cranberry Township business has many aspects that are beneficial to growth. One of the major ones is the location. With two major interstate highways – the Pennsylvania Turnpike providing east-west (I-76) and north-south (I-79) routes as well as U.S. routes 19 and 228, the access for commercial deliveries is a plus. None of the major routes has restrictions for weight or clearance. Butler County, the location for Cranberry, has one of the lowest tax bases in the country. This is another beneficial aspect for a Cranberry Township business since the township itself also has one of the lowest municipal tax rates.

In addition, commercial developers in Cranberry are only assessed a one-time transportation impact fee. This is based on the cost of improvements to roadways and intersections needed to provide for excess traffic that is a result of the new construction. Cranberry Township is located only a half hour from Pittsburgh. Cleveland is two hours away and 45% of the U.S. and Canadian population is within a 500 mile radius.

A Cranberry Township business also has the advantage of being 40 minutes from the Pittsburgh International Airport. This airport has several air express freight carriers and direct flights for passengers to over 50 U.S. destinations. The river ports and railways are another method of transport that is readily available.

The community supports CommuteInfo.org, which is a ridesharing option for residents who work at a Cranberry Township business. Several employers offer ridesharing incentives. A $230 tax free payment per month if the employees vanpool to work or use the local transit is a benefit that is offered.

One of the attractions for a Cranberry Township business include the quality of life for those who live and work in the township. The attractions include a low crime rate, an absence of environmental problems, several cultural assets, a public school system that is well-respected as well as several outstanding recreational amenities that available in the region.

At a time when the country is facing major economic and business related problems, Cranberry Township is moving forward and attracting more business. The community does not use the typical tax deductions and increases for economic development. Rather than limited tax-incentives and subsidization, the fact that this is a great place to do business is the reason a Cranberry Township business decides to locate in this area.

One of the best activities for winter is sledding in the Alleghenies. The scenery is beautiful and there are many who find the winter months an invigorating time to get out and enjoy the snow. There are a variety of parks in Pennsylvania that have areas specifically for those who enjoy sledding. It is a great family activity and when the snow begins to fall, sledding in the Alleghenies is something everyone can look forward to.

Where are the best places to go if you want to go sledding in the Alleghenies? Here are a few of the state parks that you will find have great slopes for this activity. Follow the safety guidelines so you can have a terrific and safe time.

Kettle Creek – This state park includes 1,793 acres in western Clinton County. There are a number of slopes that are perfect for sledding and the entire park is surrounded by mountains and wilderness.

Little Pine – A state park in the Tiadaghton State Forest, there are 2,158 acres of parkland. There is a main day use area that has two acres of slopes that are a thrill for those who want to go sledding in the Alleghenies. Parking is provided by the bathhouse.

Locust Lake – This state park is by Locust Mountain and contains 1,772 acres. Known as a great place for camping, sledding is available and the forest surrounds this mountainous terrain.

Shawnee State Park – A fabulous scenic view just west of Bedford, there are 3,983 acres of park for your enjoyment. Near Clearfields Picnic Area #2, there is a large area that is perfect for sledding in the Alleghenies.

Tuscarora – This park is 1,618 acres and has a park office as well as a visitor center. There you may find information on the various aspects of the park as well as the lake. The park has many winter activities for the enjoyment of residents and visitors alike. Sledding is one of the activities and the park office has information on snow depth as well as ice conditions.

If you would like more information about Allegheny County homes, please feel free to contact us at (724) 933-8505 or visit our Contact Us page where you can send us a message.  We’ll get back to you right away!

Ice Skating in Allegheny County this Winter

Ice skating in Allegheny County is a wonderful way of enjoying the brisk weather. Make certain that you dress warmly; wear several layers for the best protection from the icy fingers of Jack Frost and have a terrific time at one of the parks listed below. Follow all the safety guidelines and ensure the ice is four inches thick before venturing anywhere the ice is not monitored for safety.

When planning on ice skating in Allegheny County, check out their Winter Report, which is updated regularly, and find out the thickness of the ice in the area where you want to go ice skating, although not all lakes are monitored. Take your safety equipment along and enjoy!

Canoe Creek – Just 12 miles east of Altoona, Canoe Creek State Park is 958 acres including a 155 acre lake. There are two ponds located to the north of the Beaver Dam Road Boat Launch that are terrific spots for ice skating in Allegheny County.

Cowans Gap – Included is this 1,085 acre park with a 42-acre lake located in Allens Valley. A part of the lake by the beach is reserved just for ice skating and the thickness of the ice is monitored here.

Greenwood Furnace – Ice skating in Allegheny County will include 423 acres in Greenwood Furnace State Park. This area has a six acre lake and the ice depth is not monitored.

Locust Lake – This is 1,772 acres of park to enjoy with a 52 acre lake that is located between two campgrounds, Locust Lake ice conditions are not monitored.

Poe Valley – This park is 620 acres with a 25 acre lake. The winter conditions may limit access to this park. Ice conditions are not monitored here.

Shawnee – An area at Colvin Boat Launch in this 3,983 acre park is a popular spot for ice skating in Allegheny County. Shawnee Lake is 451 acres and the ice conditions are not monitored so ensure the ice is at least 4 inches thick.

Tuscarora – A park of 1,618 acres and Tuscarora Lake is a popular ice skating area. The ice conditions are not monitored and visitors should check with the park office for snow and ice conditions.

Whipple Dam – This is a 256 acre parks and the lake is 22 acres. Ice fishing is permitted although the ice conditions are not monitored.