Pittsburgh PA Real Estate Blog

Steps to Take When Buying A Home in Pittsburgh

Liz Caplan, PA REALTOR® Pittsburgh, PA (Keller Williams, The Caplan Group) — Sat, 09 Mar 2013 18:48:52 -0800

Steps for Pittsburgh Home Buyers

Knowing the first steps to take when buying a home in Pittsburgh will help buyers find the best home with the shortest amount of time and effort.

Most Pittsburgh home buyers don’t know were to begin when starting the search for a home. While there are mortgage calculators on-line that show an estimate they don’t replace the need and accuracy of getting pre-approved for a loan. The Pittsburgh real estate market is very active and there is even more competition among first time buyers. I’ve seen many buyers loose out on getting an offer in because they weren’t pre-approved and didn’t realize how quickly the market moves and there are often other offers. Home buyers looking to buy a home in one of Pittsburgh’s East End neighborhoods like Regent Square, Shadyside, Sq. Hill, Point Breeze or Downtown should expect the most competition and the highest prices. Location is always going to be the most important factor that drives price and many buyers like the convenience these urban Pittsburgh neighborhoods offer.

Here are a few steps and tips that will ensure your Pittsburgh home search is as efficient as possible and help you find the best home in the shortest amount of time.

Step #1: Pittsburgh Home Buyers Should Get Pre-Approved for a Loan

First time and even experienced Pittsburgh home buyers can easily get caught up with touring properties before they are pre-approved for a mortgage and know what type of loan and the maximum loan amount they are qualified for. Getting pre-approved with an experienced mortgage broker or other lender is the first and most important step to take when buying a home. There are real estate agents who will spend time showing homes to clients who are not pre-approved so there is a range of standards in our industry but we know this isn’t in our clients best interests. “Pre-approval” means you have met with a loan officer, your credit files have been reviewed and the loan officer believes you can readily qualify for a given loan amount with one or more specific mortgage programs. Based on this information, the lender will provide a pre approval letter, which shows your borrowing power. You can visit as many lenders as you like and get several pre-approvals, but keep in mind that each one carries with it a new credit check, which will show up on future credit reports.

Step #2: Pittsburgh Home Buyers Should Choose an experience Buyers Agent who knows the market

Having an experienced Pittsburgh buyers agent is a huge benefit to any buyer. A buyers agent makes a commitment not only to finding properties that might meet your needs, getting you in quickly and negotiates offers. Having a buyers agent is a huge benefit and is much more efficient for buyers then trying to weed through properties on websites that often aren’t accurate. As an experienced Buyers Agents we ask all of our clients (those who aren’t paying cash) to get pre-approved before we begin touring homes. Being pre-approved takes about 15 minutes on the phone and a pre-approval doesn’t commit the buyers to use that lender to get their loan so there’s no risk. Buyers need to be pre-approved before they can write an offer and they also need time to digest the variety of loan options and terms they qualify for before finding the home of their dreams. As the buyers agent I want to focus only on the properties my buyers are qualified for and I want all my buyers to always be in the BEST position to present an offer quickly. Once buyers are approved we set them up with a search of all properties that meet their general criteria.

Elizabeth Caplan, REALTOR

Keller Williams, The Caplan Group

5425 Baum Blvd. Pgh PA 15232

412-302-2645- direct, 412-682-0120 -office

Visit www.Pittsburghhomesite.com for all your Pittsburgh real estate and relocation needs

Choosing a Pittsburgh Realtor to to sell your home.

Liz Caplan, PA REALTOR® Pittsburgh, PA (Keller Williams, The Caplan Group) — Thu, 07 Feb 2013 08:37:41 -0800

Our new home sellers guide will give you tools to find the best Realtor to sell your home.

It can be difficult deciding how to hire the best Pittsburgh Realtor to sell your home. Sellers often chose a Realtor solely on the recommendation of a friend or an ad in the newspaper. Here are some suggestions for finding the best agent to sell your home quickly for and for top dollar.

You must choose an agent who is a Pittsburgh Realtor.

Not all real estate agents are realtors or belong to any Realtor associations. It is very important that they are, because in doing so they are sworn to uphold a very strict code of ethics. The National Association of Realtors that I'm a member of has incredibly strict rules we must abide by. Like most professions, their are a lot of unethical Realtors out there who will tell you anything to win your business. Members of the National Association of Realtors face severe penalties if we do anything outside the code of ethics, so it allows you to trust that person much more deeply.

You must choose an agent who you trust.

Trust is very important when it comes to selling your home and you have a short window of time to research agents. Look at on-line profiles, see if the agent has a personal website and look for recommendations or complaints. While searching on-line the agent should be easy to find and be using a variety of on-line resources. When you speak with a Realtor, ask them questions about their business. Here are a few questions that will help you establish trust and rapport with a potential Realtor you’re interested in.

 How long they’ve been in business
 How they will market your property
 What they do that most other Realtors won’t do, to make sure they hit your goals and get the best price for your home.
 How well they know the market that you’re selling in
 How many homes they’ve sold in the past 6 months

Elizabeth Caplan, REALTOR

Keller Williams, The Caplan Group

5425 Baum Blvd. Pgh PA 15232

412-302-2645- direct, 412-682-0120 -office

Visit www.Pittsburghhomesite.com for all your Pittsburgh real estate and relocation needs

Pittsburgh PA Home Seller Guide

Liz Caplan, PA REALTOR® Pittsburgh, PA (Keller Williams, The Caplan Group) — Thu, 07 Feb 2013 06:45:56 -0800

Our new home sellers guide will give you the tools to find the best Realtor to sell your home.

You must choose an agent who is a Pittsburgh Realtor.

You must choose an agent who you trust.

Elizabeth Caplan, REALTOR

Keller Williams, The Caplan Group

5425 Baum Blvd. Pgh PA 15232

412-302-2645- direct, 412-682-0120 -office

Visit www.Pittsburghhomesite.com for all your Pittsburgh real estate and relocation needs

Solving Financial Issues First Time Home Buyers Face in Pittsburgh

Liz Caplan, PA REALTOR® Pittsburgh, PA (Keller Williams, The Caplan Group) — Fri, 21 Dec 2012 16:58:46 -0800

Pittsburgh first time home buyers often to have to deal with financing issues when applying for a loan. 1/5 Pittsburgh first time home buyers deal with financing obstacles before qualifing for a loan. Most financing issues can be resovled with good planning and professional mortgage advise from a top lender.

Here is a list of things buyers can do to resolve financing issues when buying real estate in Pittsburgh.

Removed incorrect negative information from credit report
Lowered debt
Family provided gift funds for down payment
Parent’s co-signed the loan
Used different lending program (VA, FHA, USDA, etc.)  that required smaller down payment
Switched to alternative loan products  (variable rate loan, etc.)
Worked with lender to iron out issues
Provided more documentation to lender
Switched lenders
Withdrew money from other investments to pay  for closing costs

Elizabeth Caplan, REALTOR

Keller Williams, The Caplan Group

5425 Baum Blvd. Pgh PA 15232

412-302-2645- direct, 412-682-0120 -office

Visit www.Pittsburghhomesite.com for all your Pittsburgh real estate and relocation needs

Keller Williams Opens New Real Estate Brokerage In City of Pittsburgh

Liz Caplan, PA REALTOR® Pittsburgh, PA (Keller Williams, The Caplan Group) — Tue, 11 Dec 2012 08:26:55 -0800

Keller Williams Realty the number #2 real estate broker in the country opens new office in City Pittsburgh. Keller Williams Realty opened a new real estate brokerage in the City of Pittsburgh to complement established offices in the suburbs. KW expanded pressence in Pittsburgh with the opening of the new office in Pittsburgh's Shadyside neighborhood located 5425 Baum Blvd. Phase one of the office is completed and phase two of construction which will add new offices for is underway. I joined the KW office in July of 2012 after learning about how KW could help me grow my business and better meet the needs of my clients and I have enjoyed seeing our office slowly grow.

About Keller Williams Realty | Best Real Estate Business Model

Keller Williams Realty was founded in 1983 and today has over 80,000 agents in more than 700 offices located throughout the United States and Canada. Currently the 2nd largest real estate franchise in the US, KW has flourished by providing the best possible education, training and culture a real estate firm can offer.

The Keller Williams Business Model

To maximize personal productivity and company profits, the Keller Williams Realty interdependent real estate business model allows agents and brokers to work together as a team; the Keller Williams difference outshines the competition in the areas of culture, education, profit sharing and technology. With the Keller Williams Realty interdependent real estate business model, both agent and broker succeed through teamwork, encouraging their best practices with each other and rewarding associates who help grow the company. These philosophies have fueled the recent growth of Keller Williams Realty, moving past older, more established companies to claim the #2 spot in the real estate industry. Contact me to learn more about a career in real estate with KW or assist with buying or selling a home.

Elizabeth Caplan, REALTOR

Keller Williams, The Caplan Group

5425 Baum Blvd. Pgh PA 15232

412-302-2645- direct, 412-682-0120 -office

Visit www.Pittsburghhomesite.com for all your Pittsburgh real estate and relocation needs

Bakery Sqaure In Pittsburgh's East End Begins Phase Two

Liz Caplan, PA REALTOR® Pittsburgh, PA (Keller Williams, The Caplan Group) — Fri, 07 Dec 2012 08:24:40 -0800

Bakery Square Development Continues with phase two of development. Bakery Square is located in Pittsburgh’s PA’s East End neighborhood of Larimer, adjacent to the neighborhoods of Shadyside and East Liberty. In the early 1900′s, East Liberty was a bustling urban neighborhood. The National Biscuit Company (Nabisco) had a large manufacturing plant for more than 80 years. The plant closed in the late 1980′s and in 2006 developer Walnut Capital began development of the $135 million dollar site which is proudly LEED-certified and environmentally friendly new construction.

The mixed-use development offers office, upscale retail, dining, a hotel and fitness center. Industry leaders in the fields of technology and health care – including Google’s Pittsburgh headquarters, UPMC Technology Center, University of Pittsburgh Science and Technology/Veteran Affairs and Human Engineering Research Labs have relocated to the site. It’s great to see this site being repurposed and impressively integrates historic architecture with new construction. Marriott SpringHill Suites opened in 2010 and my clients enjoyed the location. The Department of Commerce recently awarded a $2 million Economic Development Administration grant to the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) of Pittsburgh for additional redevelopment of Bakery Square. This will aid with phase two of development along with Walnut Capital. The $130 million project is approaching its projection for creating more than 2,000 jobs. According to congressman Mike Doyle, “Bakery Square has been a great example of a successful public-private partnership to redevelop and re-purpose an old industrial site and revitalize a distressed community”.

Elizabeth Caplan, REALTOR

Keller Williams, The Caplan Group

5425 Baum Blvd. Pgh PA 15232

412-302-2645- direct, 412-682-0120 -office

Visit www.Pittsburghhomesite.com for all your Pittsburgh real estate and relocation needs

Some great reasons to consider moving or relocating to Pittsburgh PA!

Liz Caplan, PA REALTOR® Pittsburgh, PA (Keller Williams, The Caplan Group) — Mon, 15 Oct 2012 12:03:00 -0700

Thinking of moving, relocating or visiting to Pittsburgh? According to the recent article I read, Pittsburgh is third only to Houston and Austin Texas when it comes to employment growth.

Here’s how that growth breaks down:

The city added 10,500 private-sector jobs since early 2008.
Broken down further, Pittsburgh had 999,300 private sector jobs in February 2008.
In February 2012, Pittsburgh had 1,009,800 private sector jobs.
That signals a 1.05 percent change during those four years.
Comparatively, Houston added 49,500 jobs, which is a 2.24 percent increase in that market.
And Austin added 29,600 jobs during that time period, which is a 4.87 percent increase in that market.

Experts believe that there were several factors that contributed to Pittsburgh’s job growth.

For one thing, the financial services industry in the city has held fairly strong over the last few years, especially compared to other cities of similar size.

What’s more, its educational and health care industries have continued to thrive, as have professional and business services.

Another two areas are also doing relatively well: energy and real estate.

As one expert noted, part of the secret to Pittsburgh’s success is its diversified jobs base.

And since the most recent recession was largely driven by falling real estate values, Pittsburgh was largely protected because it didn’t have the highs that other markets (such as Florida and California) had before the bubble burst.

Living in Pittsburgh, PA

As you can see, our lovely city really is doing remarkably well in a number of areas when compared to other communities around the country.

No wonder so many people are proud to call Pittsburgh their permanent home.

As an experienced Western Pennsylvania REALTOR, I’ll be more than happy to assist you in all of your home-buying needs. Contact Liz Caplan today to assist with your Pittsburgh real estate and Pittsburgh relocation needs.

Elizabeth Caplan, REALTOR

Keller Williams, The Caplan Group

5425 Baum Blvd. Pgh PA 15232

412-302-2645- direct, 412-682-0120 -office

Visit www.Pittsburghhomesite.com for all your Pittsburgh real estate and relocation needs

Pittsburgh Realtor Reviews For Liz Caplan, The Caplan Group

Liz Caplan, PA REALTOR® Pittsburgh, PA (Keller Williams, The Caplan Group) — Mon, 15 Oct 2012 10:18:09 -0700

Contact Liz Caplan, The Caplan Group today to assist with your Pittsburgh relocation or Pittsburgh area real estate needs. We service all areas of Western PA including Allegheny, Butler, Beaver, Washington and other surrounding counties. We look forward to hearing from you!

Elizabeth Caplan, REALTOR

Keller Williams, The Caplan Group

5425 Baum Blvd. Pgh PA 15232

412-302-2645- direct, 412-682-0120 -office

Visit www.Pittsburghhomesite.com for all your Pittsburgh real estate and relocation needs

Recent Home Sale in Pittsburgh's Shadyside Neighborhood

Liz Caplan, PA REALTOR® Pittsburgh, PA (Keller Williams, The Caplan Group) — Sun, 14 Oct 2012 18:20:37 -0700

Interested in recent home sales in Shadyside PA? Below are home and condo sales over the past 6 months in Shadyside from January 1, 2012- June 30, 2012. In the last six months there have been 99 homes sold in the Shadyside area. The lowest price paid was $75,000 for a 2-bedroom, 1-bath condo located at 420 South Aiken, and $75,000 for a 1-bedroom, 1-bath condo at 5 Bayard. The lowest price paid for a single family, 3-bedroom, 1-bath home at 351 Lamont Place was $135,000. The highest price paid for a home was $1,200,000 for a 7-bedroom, 3.5 bath house at 5131 Pembroke. The highest price paid for a condo was $899,000 for 2-bedrooms and 2.5 baths located at 537 North Neville in the Metropolitan. As a median point, 17 homes were sold for $500,000 and up, 48 homes were sold between $200,000 and $500,000, while 34 homes sold for under $200,000.

The following is a breakdown by price range.

$1,000,000+ … I home
$900,000 to $1,000,000 … 1 home
$800,000 to $900,000 … 1 home
$700,000 to $800,000 … 4 home
$600,000 to $700,000 … 6 homes
$500,000 to $600,000 … 5 homes
$400,000 to $500,000 … 12 homes
$300,000 to $400,000 … 18 homes
$200,000 to $300,000 … 18 homes
$100,000 to $200,000 … 26 homes
Under $100,000 … 8 homes

Contact Liz Caplan and The Caplan Group to assist with selling or buying a home in Shadyside PA.

Elizabeth Caplan, REALTOR

Keller Williams, The Caplan Group

5425 Baum Blvd. Pgh PA 15232

412-302-2645- direct, 412-682-0120 -office

Visit www.Pittsburghhomesite.com for all your Pittsburgh real estate and relocation needs

Recent Condo and Loft Sales in Downtown Pittsburgh PA

Liz Caplan, PA REALTOR® Pittsburgh, PA (Keller Williams, The Caplan Group) — Sun, 14 Oct 2012 17:32:44 -0700

Selling your Downtown Pittsburgh condo or loft, thinking about moving Downtown, relocating to Pittsburgh or just interested in recent condo and loft sales in Downtown Pittsburgh this past year? Downtown Pittsburgh living has never been in more demand and prices will continue to rise with the low inventory and very few new properties coming on the market until after 2013.

From January 1, 2012- June 30, 2012, 62 homes have been sold in the Downtown Pittsburg area (not all of these were condos). The lowest price paid was $34.900 for a 3-bedroom, 1.5 bath house at 314 Downing. The highest property that sold this year was $2,070,000 for a 4-bedroom condo at the Residences at 500 Market Street. As a median point, 54 condos/homes sold for under $500,000, while 8 sold from $500,000 and above.

The following is a breakdown by price range.
$2,000,000+ … 1 condo
$1,000,000 to $2,000,000 … 2 condos
$900,000 to $1,000,000 … none
$800,000 to $900,000 … 2 condos
$700,000 to $800,000 … 1 condos
$600,000 to $700,000 … 1 condo
$500,000 to $600,000 … 1 condo
$400,000 to $500,000 … none
$300,000 to $400,000 … 8 condos
$200,000 to $300,000 … 11 condos
$100,000 to $200,000 … 23 condos/homes
Under $100,000 … 11 condos/homes

Contact Liz Caplan, The Caplan Group to assist with your all of your Downtown Pittsburgh real estate or relocation needs. We can assist with selling your Downtown Pittsburgh loft or condo or loft or to assist with purcasing a new or existing Downtown Pittsburgh loft or condo.

Elizabeth Caplan, REALTOR

Keller Williams, The Caplan Group

5425 Baum Blvd. Pgh PA 15232

412-302-2645- direct, 412-682-0120 -office

Visit www.Pittsburghhomesite.com for all your Pittsburgh real estate and relocation needs

Recent Home Sales in Pittburgh PA Regent Sqaure

Liz Caplan, PA REALTOR® Pittsburgh, PA (Keller Williams, The Caplan Group) — Sun, 14 Oct 2012 08:05:52 -0700

Are you interested in recent home sales in Pittsburgh's Regent Sqaure Area? Here is a data from sales in the first 6 months of sale in Regent Square January 1, 2012 through June 1, 2012. The Regent Sqaure neighborhood includes 4 neighghborhoods: the City of Pittsburgh, Swissvale, Wilkinsbugh and Edgewood. Regent Sqaure offers a variety of housing mostly single family home but town homes and condos are also available for sale in Regent Sqaure.

In the last six months 37 homes have sold in the Regent Square area. The lowest price paid was $39,300 for a 3-bedroom, 1.5 bath house located at 218 Biddle Ave. The highest price went for a $435,000 6-bedroom, 2.5 bath located at 114 Biddle Ave.As a median point, 19 homes were sold for $200,00 to $435,000, while 18 homes sold for under $200,000.

The following is a breakdown by price range.
$400,000 to $500,000 … 1 home
$300,000 to $400,000 … 8 homes
$200,000 to $300,000 … 10 homes.
$100,000 to $200,000 … 16 homes
Under $100,000 … 2 homes

Contact Liz Caplan and The Caplan Group to assist with selling or buying a home in Regent Sqaure or anywhere in the Pittsburgh PA area. We speciailize in City of Pittsburgh and East End Pittsburgh Real Estate.

Elizabeth Caplan, REALTOR

Keller Williams, The Caplan Group

5425 Baum Blvd. Pgh PA 15232

412-302-2645- direct, 412-682-0120 -office

Visit www.Pittsburghhomesite.com for all your Pittsburgh real estate and relocation needs

LERTA Downtown Pittsburgh Tax Abatement

Liz Caplan, PA REALTOR® Pittsburgh, PA (Keller Williams, The Caplan Group) — Fri, 12 Oct 2012 13:24:48 -0700

Many Downtown Pittsburgh residents have enjoyed all of the benefits of living downtown while also enjoying a big savings in real estate taxes. New construction condo and loft projects in Downtown Pittsburgh qualify for the LERTA tax abatement which saves owners over $6,000 a year in taxes for 10 years and it's transferable to a new owner if the property is sold the new owner gets the remaining years of tax savings. 151 First Side, Piatt Place, The Carlyle and Otto Lofts are the main larger buildings that offer this abatement as well small new developing buildings on Penn Ave.

In July of 2007 Mayor Luke Ravenstahl approved legislation which encourage more development in downtown and 26 neighborhood growth zones with the enhancement of two existing tax abatement programs known as LERTA and Act 42. The Mayor's plan seeks to spur more development by increasing the life of the tax cut, applying it to renovations and rehabilitations, and expanding it to include more neighborhoods. The programs provide a 10 year tax-credit based on the increment between the pre-development tax assessment and the post development assessment.

The Enhanced LERTA program, which applies to downtown, the Strip District, Uptown and the North Shore, will benefit 181 rental and 147 for-sale condominiums. The Enhanced Act 42 program, which applies to the 26 neighborhood growth zones, has resulted in 30 more affordable housing units in more than 11 neighborhoods.

We would be happy to answer any questions you may have about the program, just contact us.

Elizabeth Caplan, REALTOR

Keller Williams, The Caplan Group

5425 Baum Blvd. Pgh PA 15232

412-302-2645- direct, 412-682-0120 -office

Visit www.Pittsburghhomesite.com for all your Pittsburgh real estate and relocation needs

WQED Explores Downtown Pittsburgh Living With PA Realtor Liz Caplan

Liz Caplan, PA REALTOR® Pittsburgh, PA (Keller Williams, The Caplan Group) — Fri, 12 Oct 2012 09:20:55 -0700

We have many clients currently living or interested in moving to Downtown Pittsburgh. WQED TV in Pittsburgh recently asked me to participate with a feature story about affordable downtown Pittsburgh living. Pittsburgh has often been named the nation's most livable city, but would you ever consider living downtown?

Downtown Pittsburgh is the midst of another major transformation and for the first time ever housing, new lofts and condos are a key part of the plans. WQED's Tonia Caruso, explores this growing real estate trend, introduces people people who live Downtown and shows the places they call home. From the practical to the posh, you might be surprised at what's available and what it means to the future of Pittsburgh.

If you are considering selling or buying a downtown Pittsburgh condo or loft contact us today to explore options. You will be surprised at how affordable downtown Piitsburgh can be and with incentives like the LERTA tax abatement with a savings of over $6,000 a year for 10 years your dollars go even farther! LERTA Enhanced LERTA is an acronym for Local Economic Revitalization Tax Act. Purchasing at 941 provides buyers with a unique and powerful incentive. Buyers receive a 10 year abatement of up to $250,000 on the improved assessed value of their property as applied to their city and school taxes. The county also offers an additional 3 year abatement on the first $86,750 of assessed value.

If eligible for the maximum amount, a buyer would receive a reduction of $6,180 on their city and school taxes per year, for 10 years, plus the additional county amount. It is a savings of over $60K during the life of the tax abatement.

We would be happy to answer any questions you may have about the program, just contact us. 412-302-2656, liz@pittsburghhomesite.com, www.Pittsburghhomesite.com

Elizabeth Caplan, REALTOR

Keller Williams, The Caplan Group

5425 Baum Blvd. Pgh PA 15232

412-302-2645- direct, 412-682-0120 -office

Visit www.Pittsburghhomesite.com for all your Pittsburgh real estate and relocation needs

Pittsburgh Residents excited about new develpment in the Strip

Liz Caplan, PA REALTOR® Pittsburgh, PA (Keller Williams, The Caplan Group) — Sat, 21 Jul 2012 17:34:56 -0700

The Strip District is considered a sub-division of the Downtown Pittsburgh real estate market. The old Reem water heater factory at 2901 Penn was one of the first renovated smaller loft style buildings in the Strip. The Cork Factory and the Brake House both enjoy high occupancy as more and more people move are looking for Downtown real estate for sale or to rent.

According to a recent article in the Pittsburgh Post Gazzette The Buncher Co proposed the addition of 750 townhouses and apartments to the Strip District as part of a mixed use development with retail and office space on 37 acres from Smallman Street to the Allegheny River between Veterans Bridge and 21st Street. The proposed plan to develop includes both townhouses and apartments, plus retail and office spaces. Currently there are 800 residents living in the Strip district up from less then 300 in 2000!

The Caplan Group, Liz Caplan, please like my Facebook page!

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Elizabeth Caplan, REALTOR

Keller Williams, The Caplan Group

5425 Baum Blvd. Pgh PA 15232

412-302-2645- direct, 412-682-0120 -office

Visit www.Pittsburghhomesite.com for all your Pittsburgh real estate and relocation needs

Pittsburgh Ranks #4 Most Livable Bargin Markets

Liz Caplan, PA REALTOR® Pittsburgh, PA (Keller Williams, The Caplan Group) — Mon, 04 Jun 2012 21:42:47 -0700

Moving to Pittsburgh? Pittsburgh ranks #4 as one of the nations most livable real estate markets according to MSN.com

Smaller. Smarter. Younger. Those are words you could use to describe Pittsburgh today. After 50 years of population loss, this former steel town is now growing again, as its economy has diversified into fields such as biotechnology, health care and software.

Several large research universities in the city are driving this growth — Carnegie Mellon University, Duquesne University and the University of Pittsburgh. High educational attainment along with a large number of bookstores, libraries and newspaper subscribers help rank Pittsburgh as one of the most literate cities in the U.S. in a study by Central Connecticut State University.

Endowments from Pittsburgh's industrial barons support its libraries, theaters and major museums, including one for that local pioneer of pop culture, Andy Warhol.

The city is also sports rich, with professional teams including the MLB's Pirates, NFL's Steelers and NHL's Penguins. And there's no shortage of hiking and biking trails, says real-estate agent Liz Caplan of Re/Max Realty Brokers.

"Every neighborhood has wonderful resources for hiking and biking or (is) close to resources for hiking and biking, even the urban neighborhoods," she says.

This architecture-rich city also is affordable. Housing in Pittsburgh didn't experience a bust like many other areas. Home values appreciated at about the same rate as income. Indeed, the city's peak for prices was posted in the third quarter of 2010.

Retirees love it because there's no state tax on money withdrawn from pensions. And locals can get a 10-year break on its high property taxes if they move to new construction downtown.

"That's a huge attraction," Caplan says.

There's also a high concentration of physicians, specialists and hospital beds. But the city is still working on cleaning its air. Trapped automobile exhaust in the steep Allegheny valleys has contributed to some of the highest levels of air-particle pollution in the country.

Cons: Pollution, older population, high property taxes, gray weather, snowy winters.

Population: 2.3 million
Affordability index: 2.8
Unemployment: 7.46%
Job growth: 0%
Median home price: $124,200
Cost-of-living index: 87.8
Median household income: $47,600
Average commute time: 27.8 minutes
Commutes longer than an hour: 7.2%

On our blog, 'Listed': Places where the bust is over: Start with Pittsburgh

Elizabeth Caplan, REALTOR

Keller Williams, The Caplan Group

5425 Baum Blvd. Pgh PA 15232

412-302-2645- direct, 412-682-0120 -office

Visit www.Pittsburghhomesite.com for all your Pittsburgh real estate and relocation needs

Tips for relocating to Pittsburgh

Liz Caplan, PA REALTOR® Pittsburgh, PA (Keller Williams, The Caplan Group) — Mon, 04 Jun 2012 21:00:34 -0700

Relocating to Pittsburgh PA? Check out the resources mentioned below to learn more about how to get around Pittsburgh.

Welcome to the Greater Pittsburgh Relocation Council

The Greater Pittsburgh Relocation Council (GPRC) is a non-profit professional organization comprised of relocation industry professionals from both corporations and service providers throughout the greater Pittsburgh area. We are affiliated with the Employee Relocation Council (ERC) as a regional group.

The goal of our council is to promote professional standards in the corporate relocation field and conduct education seminars addressing issues, concerns, best practices and trends as they relate to the complex issue of domestic and international relocation.

We provide our members with the opportunity to network with others who share the responsibility for facilitating the relocation of families transferred for business reasons. We do so on a regular basis in order to promote and enhance professional relationships within our industry.

About VisitPittsburgh.com

VisitPittsburgh.com is the website of the official tourist promotion agency of Allegheny County in the state of Pennsylvania. On this site, you will find up-to-date listings for Pittsburgh hotels, activities, events, festivals, transportation, sports, restaurants, cultural attractions, shops and more. Stop by one of our Welcome Centers, to pick up Pittsburgh brochures, maps, restaurant and shopping guides, walking tours, hotel information and more. Welcome Centers are located in Fifth Avenue Place downtown, at the Duquesne Incline, in the Heinz History Center or at Pittsburgh International Airport. Get Pittsburgh vacation ideas and suggestion on you way to a great time!

Neighborhoods

Pittsburgh is a city of neighborhoods—90 of them, each with its own character and history.

By national standards, rental housing here is affordable and plentiful. City of Pittsburgh resources help many faculty and staff members and students to purchase homes in neighborhoods close to Pitt’s campus and UPMC hospitals. Among those neighborhoods are:

Oakland, the heart of the city’s cultural, higher education, and medical communities.
Bloomfield (Pittsburgh’s Little Italy), Squirrel Hill (the city’s best-known Jewish neighborhood), and Polish Hill.
South Side, a hip-traditional haunt of coffee shoppers and bar hoppers, as well as families who’ve lived there for generations.
North Side, where Pittsburgh’s Steelers and Pirates play ball, and where Gertrude Stein and Heinz ketchup were born.
Lawrenceville, where traditional brick homes mingle with artists’ lofts and galleries, as well as the city’s most historically fascinating cemetery.

For details on these and other neighborhoods near Pitt and UPMC facilities contact the Caplan Group, www.Pittsburghhomesite.com, liz@pittsburghhomesite.com, 412-302-2645.

Elizabeth Caplan, REALTOR

Keller Williams, The Caplan Group

5425 Baum Blvd. Pgh PA 15232

412-302-2645- direct, 412-682-0120 -office

Visit www.Pittsburghhomesite.com for all your Pittsburgh real estate and relocation needs

Relocating, moving or investing in real estate in Pittsburgh PA?

Liz Caplan, PA REALTOR® Pittsburgh, PA (Keller Williams, The Caplan Group) — Mon, 04 Jun 2012 20:45:12 -0700

Relocating to Pittsburgh, PA?

Moving, retiring, relocating or looking for investment property or real estate in Pittsburgh or Downtown Pittsburgh? We can help with all of your Pittsburgh relocation and Pittsburgh real estate needs. Contact The Caplan Group to send you a relocation packet with detailed information about relocating to Pittsburgh, liz@pittsburghhomesite.com, 412-302-2645.

Not sure which Pittsburgh neighborhood is right for you? Deciding between living in the CIty of Pittsburgh or one of the convenient suburbs. Do you need information about local Pittsburgh schools, Pittsburgh employers, Pittsburgh local taxes, and financing? Whether you're relocating to Pittsburgh, PA for a new job, to further your education, retire or invest in real estate we can help make your move successful and stress free.

Contact the Caplan Group to continue the conversation and assist with your Pittsburgh relocation, moving and real estate needs.

liz@pittsburghhomesite.com, 412-302-2645, www.Pittsburghhomesite.com

The Caplan Group, Liz Caplan

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Elizabeth Caplan, REALTOR

Keller Williams, The Caplan Group

5425 Baum Blvd. Pgh PA 15232

412-302-2645- direct, 412-682-0120 -office

Visit www.Pittsburghhomesite.com for all your Pittsburgh real estate and relocation needs

Moving and Relocation Services Pittsburgh

Liz Caplan, PA REALTOR® Pittsburgh, PA (Keller Williams, The Caplan Group) — Mon, 04 Jun 2012 20:28:46 -0700

Top Pittsburgh Relocation Services. Moving to Pittsburgh? Pittsburgh is one of the nation's most livable cities! If you are considering a move to Pittsburgh let us assist with your real estate needs.

Contact The Caplan Group to learn more about the variety of real estate Pittsburgh has to offer as well as learn about school districts and other unique features to each neighborhood. From quiet suburbs to vibrant urban neighborhoods and an ever changing landscape, Pittsburgh is one special place to call home! Call or email today to continue the conversation, 412-302-2645, liz@pittsbughomesite.com.

Elizabeth Caplan, REALTOR

Keller Williams, The Caplan Group

5425 Baum Blvd. Pgh PA 15232

412-302-2645- direct, 412-682-0120 -office

Visit www.Pittsburghhomesite.com for all your Pittsburgh real estate and relocation needs

Moving or relocating to Pittsburgh Pa?

Liz Caplan, PA REALTOR® Pittsburgh, PA (Keller Williams, The Caplan Group) — Mon, 04 Jun 2012 20:12:50 -0700

Are you thinking of moving or relocating to Pittsburgh and need someone to assist with your real estate needs? Our team of Realtor can assist with showing you around and getting you aquainted with all area of Pittsburgh.

Contact Liz Caplan, The Caplan Group to assist with your Pittsburgh real estate needs.

Visit our website, www.Pittsburghhomesite.com to learn more about our services or call 412-302-2645 or email today liz@Pittsburghhomesite.com to continue the conversation!

Elizabeth Caplan, REALTOR

Keller Williams, The Caplan Group

5425 Baum Blvd. Pgh PA 15232

412-302-2645- direct, 412-682-0120 -office

Visit www.Pittsburghhomesite.com for all your Pittsburgh real estate and relocation needs

Pittsburgh Relocation Needs

Liz Caplan, PA REALTOR® Pittsburgh, PA (Keller Williams, The Caplan Group) — Mon, 04 Jun 2012 20:05:05 -0700

Moving or relocating to Pittsburgh and need someone to assist with your real estate needs? Contact Liz Caplan, The Caplan Group to assist with your Pittsburgh real estate needs. Visit our website, www.Pittsburghhomesite.com to learn more about our services or call 412-302-2645 or email today liz@Pittsburghhomesite.com to continue the conversation!

Elizabeth Caplan, REALTOR

Keller Williams, The Caplan Group

5425 Baum Blvd. Pgh PA 15232

412-302-2645- direct, 412-682-0120 -office

Visit www.Pittsburghhomesite.com for all your Pittsburgh real estate and relocation needs

HGTV House Hunters Looking For Pittsburgh PA Home Buyers!

Liz Caplan, PA REALTOR® Pittsburgh, PA (Keller Williams, The Caplan Group) — Sat, 25 Feb 2012 17:08:49 -0800

HGTV’s House Hunters Seeks Luxury Home Buyers in the

Pittsburgh Area To Star In National TV Episode

Pittsburgh, PA (PRWEB) February 15. 2012 -- House Hunters,

a weekly national TV show broadcast on The Home and Garden

Television channel is seeking to make several new Pittsburgh home

buyers famous.

The show has teamed with Pittsburgh Realtor Liz Caplan to find

buyers who want to star in a national TV show. House Hunters

contacted agent Liz Caplan after being impressed her website,

www.pittsburghHomeSite.com. Caplan is a Realtor® specializing in

homes for sale in Squirrel Hill, Fox Chapel, Shadyside, Downtown

Pittsburgh and luxury homes in greater Pittsburgh.

HGTV’s House Hunters continues as a ratings powerhouse on the

network lineup. House Hunters follows real buyers as they establish

a budget, tour homes for sale, weigh pros and cons, and make an

offer on the perfect home for their needs.

Although the show is offering a five-hundred dollar honorarium to

buyers for each taping day, no one should expect that starring in a

TV show is easy. Producer Ron Spitzer of Pie Town Productions

is contracted to produce House Hunter episodes explains, “Being

in front of a camera and a part of television show is hard work. It

can also be a lot of fun as long as you have a great attitude and are

flexible.”

The are several hurdles to overcome before House Hunters will

consider a prospective homebuyer as a candidate for a show in

Pittsburgh. They must first be signed clients of a Realtor like Liz

Caplan, and following Liz must submit the particulars for approval by

the producers. Homebuyers must sign an “Appearance Release” to

authorize their participation in the show. Furthermore, three days of

taping with the homebuyers is required to get the necessary footage

to make the show possible. But, as Spitzer explains, “this is an

experience like no other and we are sure that [homebuyers] will find

being part of this show to be a happy story [for them] tp tell for years

to come.”

Liz Caplan is an experienced multi-million dollar volume Realtor who

specializes in Pittsburgh luxury homes, and is the leading real estate

agent buying and selling homes for sale in downtown Pittsburgh.

For more information regarding participating in a House Hunter

episode in Pittsburgh, contact Realtor® Liz Caplan at 412-302-2645.

###

Contact Information:

Liz Caplan

RE/Max Realty Brokers

5608 Wilkins Ave., Suite 200

Pittsburgh, PA

Office: 412-521-1000 

Direct: 412-302-2645

www.PittsburghHomeSite.com

Liz@PittsburghHomeSite.com

Elizabeth Caplan, REALTOR

Keller Williams, The Caplan Group

5425 Baum Blvd. Pgh PA 15232

412-302-2645- direct, 412-682-0120 -office

Visit www.Pittsburghhomesite.com for all your Pittsburgh real estate and relocation needs

The truth about Allegheny County Reassessments

Liz Caplan, PA REALTOR® Pittsburgh, PA (Keller Williams, The Caplan Group) — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 15:47:33 -0800

Christa, thanks for your informative post and separating fact from fiction! Allegheny County has certainly seen it's share over proplems with property assessments since problems with the assesments in 2006-2007. Many, many people are upset and confused about how the new assessment will affect their taxes, you have explained the process quite sustickly and shown the relationship between the assesment and the new 1 mill tax rate increase for county property taxes starting in 2012 (thanks for point out that 1 mill is an increase of about $100 per $100,000 in home value).

View Elizabeth Caplan's profile

Via Christa Ross (RE/MAX Select Realty - REALTOR and Green Homes Specialist):

There is a lot of confusion related to the new Allegheny County Reassessments that will be presented to county residents in the near future. Unfortunately a large amount of the information you hear will also be wrong. Here is a bit of the truth...

Myth: The reassessment will cause my taxes to go up.
Fact: Reassessment is a re-evaluation of what your house is worth.

Because of the states' anti-windfall law, the taxing bodies are not allowed to get a huge revenue boost when they do new assessments. In fact they are MANDATED to reduce the tax rate (millage) to keep the total amount of tax collected in line with the previous year. If your assessment goes up, but the millage goes down, you may actually end up paying exactly the same amount, or even less.

However, if you live in an area that had seen good appreciation, or if you have made major renovations or additions to your home, your could see a tax increase, but that is because you also have seen a real increase in the value of your property.

Myth: The goal of reassessment is for me to pay more.
Fact: The goal of reassessment is to distribute the tax burden fairly, based on the market value of your property.

Right now, Allegheny County is operating on assessments that were done in 2002. A lot has changed since then, some areas have seen appreciation and others have seen depreciation. Without a reassessment, those areas that have seen a drop in home values are paying more than they should, and the areas with appreciation are not paying their fair share.

Most politicians continue to argue that any reassessment will make everyone's taxes go up, but the reality is that reassessment will simply redistribute the tax burden fairly. The only thing that makes everyone's taxes go up is an increase in the tax rate (or a new tax), not a reassessment.

In 2006, a reassessment of county values was done, and then later thrown out due to a variety of political maneuvers. In 2007, those values were the subject of a study by CMU professor Paul Fischbeck. He looked at how those values would have affected the tax rates of Allegheny County residents. You can read the entire story here. His conclusion was that if the 2006 numbers were used, 75% of the municipalities in the county would have seen their residents get a decrease in taxes. Only 14 communities in Allegheny County would have seen a increase in their taxes of more than 5 percent.

Understand, this is not a decrease in the tax revenue brought in as a whole, but rather a redistribution where those municipalities that saw a depreciation in their home values would have also seen a reduction in their tax burden, while those homeowners who had assessments lower than their value would have seen an increase.

Myth: Whoever assessed my home made the value as high as possible.
Fact: The 2002 numbers that we currently work with were determined by a combination of 7 prices.
Based on 1 computerized estimate of value for your home + 5 comparable sales + one weighted value, with the 2 highest and 2 lowest of the seven thrown out, and then the remaining 3 averaged to get the amount used. It is likely that a similar method will be used to determine the 2011 values that will be coming out shortly.

Fact: The tax rate is going up.
This isn't related to the reassessment, although I am sure the politicians will be happy to blame it on reassessment, rather than take the blame themselves. Coinciding with both the reassessment and the new county administration is a brand new 1 mill tax rate increase for county property taxes starting in 2012. 1 mill is an increase of about $100 per $100,000 in home value. For more information on the increase you can read more here.

The bottom line:
For residents of Allegheny County who will be seeing the new reassessment values in the coming weeks, it is important to first calculate your actual taxes before jumping to the conclusion that your tax bill has gone up due to the higher assessment. This will be directly related to new tax millage rates for each municipality and school district, so be sure to get those before you worry about the bill. You just might be surprised at what you find.

Elizabeth Caplan, REALTOR

Keller Williams, The Caplan Group

5425 Baum Blvd. Pgh PA 15232

412-302-2645- direct, 412-682-0120 -office

Visit www.Pittsburghhomesite.com for all your Pittsburgh real estate and relocation needs

Relocating, How to find a great Realtor® in Pittsburgh PA

Liz Caplan, PA REALTOR® Pittsburgh, PA (Keller Williams, The Caplan Group) — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 15:31:39 -0800

Relocating to Pittsburgh Pa and looking for a great real estate agent?

Our team of Realtors® are knowledgeable relocation experts, experieinced working in all areas of Pittsburgh and can help with all your relocation and moving needs. Look for an agent who is experienced and works in the area/s or niche market you are interested in buying. I'm licensed in the state of PA, but I specialize in several niche areas in Pittsburgh such as Downtown, Sq. Hill, Shadyside, Mt. Washington, South Side, Fox Chapel, Oakmont and other surrounding suburbs.

Before relocating to Pittsburgh do your homework, research on-line which Realtors® specialize in the area/s you are interested in. Working as a buyers agent requires a lot of COMMUNICATION, trust and commitment. Personalities must also align, you should feel confident and comfortable with your agent from the start. A good Realtor® listens to your needs, clarifies questions, helps you find homes that meet your criteria, responds quickly with assists with setting up showings, prepares and presents contracts and helps to negotiate the best price.

Contact Liz Caplan, The Caplan Group, www.Pittsburghhomesite.com, liz@pittsburghhomesite.com, 412-302-2645

Elizabeth Caplan, REALTOR

Keller Williams, The Caplan Group

5425 Baum Blvd. Pgh PA 15232

412-302-2645- direct, 412-682-0120 -office

Visit www.Pittsburghhomesite.com for all your Pittsburgh real estate and relocation needs

SELLING YOUR PITTSBURGH PA HOME: 5 TIPS TO GET TOP DOLLAR

Liz Caplan, PA REALTOR® Pittsburgh, PA (Keller Williams, The Caplan Group) — Sat, 08 Oct 2011 16:26:58 -0700

SELLING YOU PITTSBURGH PA HOME: 5 TIPS TO SELL YOUR HOME FOR TOP DOLLAR

DESPITE THE MARKET CONDITIONS, HOMES ARE STILL SELLING AND SOME

HOMEOWNERS HAVE BEEN ABLE TO SUCCESSFULLY BEAT THE ODDS AND

SELL FOR TOP DOLLAR. TO MODEL THE SUCCESS OF THESE SAVVY

HOMEOWNERS, LET'S TAKE A LOOK AT 5 TIPS TO SELL YOUR HOME FOR TOP

DOLLAR:

1. PRICE YOUR HOME AGGRESSIVELY

SETTING THE RIGHT PRICE FOR YOUR HOME IS THE SINGLE MOST IMPORTANT

DECISION YOU WILL MAKE WHEN YOU DECIDE TO SELL. GO TOO HIGH AND

YOU RISK TURNING OFF EVERY BUYER IN THE MARKETPLACE, GO TOO LOW AND

YOU LEAVE MONEY ON THE TABLE. ONE SIMPLE BUT POWERFUL TECHNIQUE

FOR PRICING YOUR HOME AGGRESSIVELY IS TO SPEND THE DAY LOOKING AT

2. HIRE AN AGGRESSIVE/EXPERIENCE LISTING AGENT

NOT ALL LISTING AGENTS ARE CREATED EQUAL. TO FIND AN AGGRESSIVE FULL TIME AGENT, TAKE THE TIME TO RESEARCH THE MARKET, TALK TO FRIENDS, NEIGHBORS, AND COLLEAGUES ABOUT WHO THEY RECOMMEND, AND INTERVIEW MULTIPLE AGENTS BEFORE MAKING A HIRING DECISION. DON’T HIRE AN AGENT JUST BECAUSE THEY TELL YOU WHAT YOU WANT TO HEAR. MAKE SURE YOUR AGENT GIVES

YOU A TRUE PICTURE ABOUT VALUES IN YOUR MARKETPLACE, EVEN IF YOU DON’T WANT TO HEAR IT. IN ADDITION, BE SURE TO COME TO AN AGREEMENT ABOUT A SPECIFIC, DOCUMENTED MARKETING PLAN BEFORE SIGNING A LONG TERM LISTING AGREEMENT.

3. STAGE THE HOME & USE CURB APPEAL

BUYERS WON'T PULL THE TRIGGER UNLESS THEY BECOME EMOTIONALLY INVESTED IN YOUR HOME. TO HELP BUILD A STRONGER FIRST IMPRESSION, START FROM THE OUTSIDE FIRST BY WORKING HARD TO IMPROVE YOUR HOME'S CURB APPEAL. REMOVE THE WEEDS, PLANT FRESH FLOWERS AND SPRUCE UP YOUR EXTERIOR PAINT IF NEEDED. NEXT MOVE INSIDE AND STAGE EACH SPACE BY CREATING

A FOCAL POINT AND A STORY FOR EACH ROOM. A SET DINING TABLE, A BOOK BY THE BED, OR A GAME IN THE KIDS ROOM ARE ALL SIMPLE EXAMPLES OF STAGING.

4. OFFER INCENTIVES & PRE-PAIDS

A BUYER WHO HAS NARROWED THEIR SEARCH DOWN TO TWO OR THREE TOP CHOICES MAY NEED A LITTLE PUSH TO MOTIVATE THEM TO TAKE ACTION. TO ENCOURAGE BUYERS, MANY SELLERS OFFER INCENTIVES LIKE BUYING THE INTEREST RATE DOWN ON THE PURCHASER'S LOAN, PAYING FOR CLOSING COSTS, INSPECTIONS, OR REPAIRS, OR PROVIDING ALLOWANCES OR CREDITS FOR HOME UPGRADES AFTER

CLOSING. IN ADDITION, MANY SELLERS PREPAY FOR SERVICES LIKE INTERNET SERVICES FOR A YEAR, TAXES, HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION

DUES, OR EVEN GOLF CLUB MEMBERSHIPS.

5. GET YOUR HOME PRE-INSPECTED

MANY SELLERS DO PRE-INSPECTIONS OF THE HOME TO PROVIDE BUYERS WITH A CLEAR WHOLE HOME INSPECTION OR PEST AND DRY ROT INSPECTION. (A WORD OF CAUTION: ANYTHING DISCOVERED DURING A PRE-INSPECTION WILL LIKELY NEED TO BE DISCLOSED WHETHER YOU FIX THE ISSUE OR NOT). IT’S OFTEN EASIER AND CHEAPER TO DO NEEDED REPAIRS IN ADVANCE THAN TRYING TO

NEGOTIATE THEM LATER WITH AN EMOTIONAL BUYER.

Elizabeth Caplan, REALTOR

Keller Williams, The Caplan Group

5425 Baum Blvd. Pgh PA 15232

412-302-2645- direct, 412-682-0120 -office

Visit www.Pittsburghhomesite.com for all your Pittsburgh real estate and relocation needs

Pittsburgh Real Estate Market Update August 2011

Liz Caplan, PA REALTOR® Pittsburgh, PA (Keller Williams, The Caplan Group) — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 15:33:29 -0700

Elizabeth Caplan, REALTOR

Keller Williams, The Caplan Group

5425 Baum Blvd. Pgh PA 15232

412-302-2645- direct, 412-682-0120 -office

Visit www.Pittsburghhomesite.com for all your Pittsburgh real estate and relocation needs