The good news is that the number of resale transfers is up! As you can see in the chart below in 2008 there were only 28 sales recorded, in ‘09 that number climbed to 39.

We know that EVERYONE ALWAYS wants to buy BEFORE the market begins to recover! The increase in number of transfers is one indicator of a shift in the market!

We are here to tell you that in the last six weeks of 2009 we personally negotiated 7 agreements! This is the first sign of a pulse for our markets. NEVER HAVE BUYERS HAD THE PRICES, INVENTORY, AND INTEREST RATES THAT ARE NOW AVAILABLE!

Average sales prices have come down from $391,648 in 2008 to $326,534 in 2009. Swiss Mountain carried 41% of the 39 resales with Southwind following with 15%.

Speaking of the Southwind community there were 19 new construction town homes that transferred at an average sales price of $786,738. The average in 2008 was $679,852. Resales totaled 6 with an average sales price of $660,000, the 2008 average was $674,800.

Not all sellers have embraced the fact that the numbers are lower and that is why, once again, we strongly encourage you to work with a designated BUYERS AGENT.  And if selling, consider us as your listing agent for cutting edge market information!!

Always ask your DESIGNATED REALTOR about the other stats you should be considering PRIOR to making an offer! Remember there are great properties available for sale or rent in ALL price ranges in the Laurel Highlands!

Stay tuned for the 2009 update on year end market stats!

Telepalooza Telemark Ski Event is the Largest in the Mid-Atlantic for the Eighth Year Running.

January 30 and 31^st 2010

Seven Springs, PA

Telepalooza, a weekend gathering of telemark or "free heel" skiers is being held at Seven Springs Mountain Resort in Seven Springs, PA.

The event features two days of races, lessons, prizes, food, beverage and fun.

This is the eighth year the Appalachian Telemark Association (ATA) has sponsored Telepalooza and it is anticipated to be bigger and better than ever. 

This multi-day, multi-event, multi-fun festival celebrates "free heel" or telemark skiing, a style that originated in Norway.

Telemark skiing is the predecessor of today's downhill skiing and is experiencing a resurgence of interest.  The skis are similar to downhill, yet the bindings and boots allow the boot heel to come off the ski.

There will be lessons for children and adults, from beginner through expert from certified instructors.  Children sixteen and under are free and discounted lift tickets are available.  Demo equipment is available from Karhu, K2 and Garmont.  Prizes awarded from great producers such as Cloudveil, Kahru, Leki and more.

The price for two days is $99 and $79 for a single day (Saturday or Sunday).  Early payment discount of $10.  Tickets available on the web site www.telemarker.org   Pay Pal is accepted.  Discount lift tickets to Seven Springs Resort are available.

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To learn more about Appalachian Telemark Association and see the Telepalooza 2010 PDF flier go to www.telemarker.org

Jim Kapp is the founder  of Telepalooza  and available for additional information at 724-989-8913, or he can be contacted at kapperzootie@aol.com

After 8 years with Kettler Forlines Resort Homes and two years with Seven Springs SeResort Realty Kathy has become an independent contractor for Prudential Preferred Realty. Bill Hammill Jr, Manager for Prudential, is excited to offer another EXPERIENCED RESORT agent to the office. Kathy, Abe, Robin and Kelli go back years at Seven Springs.

Kathy shared, "My goal is to continue to provide accurate, ethical, and prompt service that my homeowners and clients have come to expect and deserve from their REALTOR. Prudential Preferred offers a multitude of seller, buyer, and agent services that will enhance the service I can provide. I am very excited to be a part of such a respected and conscientious group of agents!"  

The Donegal office of Prudential Preferred Realty offers real estate brokerage throughout the Laurel Highlands. This includes areas such as Mt. Pleasant, Connellsville, Donegal, Ligonier, 7 Springs, Hidden Valley, and Somerset.

We're located .8 miles on the right side of Rt 31 after exiting off of the Donegal Turnpike. You pass us on the way to Hidden Valley, Seven Springs, and the Laurel Highlands! Make a point to stop in the office December 5^th from 11am to 2pm to meet your mountain agents and share some holiday cheer! If you already have plans stop in another day for a print out of the properties for sale that might be of interest to you!!

Ron Croushore  CRB Broker of Record

Bill Hammill Jr Manager

Abe Wagner Associate Broker, CRB, CRS, E-PRO, GRI, OA, RSPS, RECS, SRES, TRC

Wags Wagner CRB, CRS, E-PRO, GRI, OA, RSPS, QSC

Erin Mikolich ABR, CRS, RSPS, QSC

Mike Mikolich QSC

Robin Byard

Doug Bryga ABR, QSC

Kelli Winwood

And newest Kathy Corbett e-PRO!

106 Southwind         $675,000

2907 Swiss Mtn        $100,000

Recorded sales transfers for the resorts are acquired electronically from records inputted at the Somerset County Court House, Office of the Recorder of Deeds. We review sales in Jefferson (Hidden Valley) and Middlecreek (Seven Springs) Townships on a weekly basis.

Prices do not reflect bill of sales and other out of settlement transfers. Furnishings, which are included in the majority of sales are assigned no monetary value. We do not post transfers that carry $1.00 values

For the locals on the Seven Springs side the "old post office" located across from the ICV Trail has had its share of residents. Ski and sandwich shops never seemed to be able to make a go of their business models there. Now we are very excited to WELCOME locally owned, Somerset Trust as our newest mountain neighbor!

We have great faith that they will be here for a very long time. For over a century they've been serving Somerset County. They currently have 13 offices along with 49 ATM's. You'll find them in Somerset, Cambria, Fayette, and Westmoreland counties! Here's their story! 

September 2, 1889 the doors were open to the First National Bank of Somerset. During it's first year of operation it showed earnings of $4,002.12 Two years later their first dividend was declared and every year there after too!

In 1900 Somerset Trust Company was founded as a Pennsylvania chartered bank. This allowed them to undertake fiduciary and bonding activities which at the time national banks were generally prohibited. In 1953 the two banks merged as regulations and laws had changed.

Two families have lead with steady hands through challenging times including the great depression, double digit interest rates, and the current can of worms! Edward, George, John, and Lucy Scull along with Ernest Cook (married to Lucy), George S., and now George Henry Cook have provided steadfast leadership. Henry is the fifth generation of his family to head up this institution.    

Henry's official title is President, CEO, and Chairman of the Board. He's not one for pomp and circumstance though and has been out with several employees meeting the neighbors and inviting folks to the local chamber mixer. Here he is with Abe visiting the Prudential Preferred Realty office!

Take a look at their web site and see if you have a need for any of their services!  You can follow the progress of the Champion office there too!

116 Southwind         $580,000

4607 Swiss Mtn        $151,000

We keep a multitude of statistical information and welcome the opportunity to share our market knowledge with motivated parties.

Recorded sales transfers for the resorts are acquired electronically from records inputted at the Somerset County Court House, Office of the Recorder of Deeds. We review sales in Jefferson (Hidden Valley) and Middlecreek (Seven Springs) Townships on a weekly basis.

Prices do not reflect bill of sales and other out of settlement transfers. Furnishings, which are included in the majority of sales are assigned no monetary value. We do not post transfers that carry $1.00 values.