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January Laurel Highlands Newsletter from Abe and Wags

You are on the private e-group of Adrienne “Abe” Wagner and Robert “Wags” Wagner, Realtors of Prudential Preferred Realty, Laurel Highlands Office, Donegal PA, in the Laurel Highlands of SW PA, USA.  If this message comes to you in error our apologies. Please let us know and we will clear you from this group. This update is not an attempt to solicit the offerings of other brokers and is for informational purposes only. Properties referred to are those listed or represented by our team and do not represent all properties in market area. All opinions are ours alone.

Before any substantive discussion about real estate with us refer to the PA Consumer Notice.

Thank you to all who enjoy our updates! Always know that we do post these updates on our Newsletters Page on our website so if in the future we may seem to be late please check our site, your spam system may be blocking our message.

January 2010 Newsletter

In this newsletter:

1. Market Overview: December Swing

2. Seven Springs: Market Update

3. Hidden Valley: Market Update

4. Local: Somerset Trust and Nemacolin Slots

5. State: Budget and Parks

6. National: Flight 93 National Memorial

7. Team News: Blogging, Teaching, Serving

8. Market Snapshot, Marketing updates for buyers and sellers

9. TEK TIP: Finding property at Hidden Valley, Tek page

1.Market Overview – Everyone always wants to buy BEFORE the market begins to recover! 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!

The Pittsburgh market has come around and that should mean ours will be following. With the stats we watch we believe that this year may very well be the upturn SELLERS have been awaiting. In other words if you are a buyer, NOW is the time to get into your mountain home!

Buyers have great selection with 99 active listings at Hidden Valley and 87 at Seven Springs. Many floor plans offer at least two properties to select from with interior conditions and location being key factors in the buyers’ decision making process.

If 2010 is our turn around then buyers will begin to see falling inventory which means fewer choices! Know that once inflation kicks in the interest rates will start to climb! We share much more in depth statistical information with our clients. We know it gives them a strong competitive edge as 53% of our 30 listed residential properties from 2009 were either SOLD OR PLACED INTO AN AGREEMENT THAT’S WAITING TO SETTLE!!!

2. Seven Springs – The good news is that the number of resale transfers is up! In 2008 there were only 28 sales recorded, in ‘09 that number climbed to 39. The catch here is that the average sales price has 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!!

There are several civil suits filed in Allegheny County against both the Villages and SunRidge Associations as a result of the fire in February 2008. You can find them on the Allegheny County web site. Over half of the 87 active listings belong to these Associations! Finding financing for these properties has become a challenge! Long time Association Manager, Linda Zellem, is no longer a part of the management team

3. Hidden Valley – We had hoped that the increased sales that we saw after the Buncher group purchased the resort in 2007 would begin a new trend. Unfortunately the economy, increased inventory, and declining prices at Seven Springs have derailed our expectations. In 2008 there were 80 recorded resale transfers. In 2009 there were only 48. The average sales price here has also declined from $225,266 in 2008 to $210,700 in 2009. Only one of the new South Ridge Place condos has transferred. Active listings total 98 with several properties headed into their second year on the market. Our advice is the same on this side of the mountain; make sure you are working with a designated agent!

4. Local – Welcome Somerset Trust! For those of you who use County Line Road to get to Seven Springs you’ll remember that the old post office building on the left has had its share of tenants! Whether it was ski or sandwich shops they never were able to keep their doors open for long. Somerset Trust completed their renovations and opened their facility right before the snow flew! This will mark their 14^th office with 49 ATMs throughout Somerset, Cambria, Fayette, and Westmoreland Counties.

President Cook shared the story back in the 40’s when a mountain man came into the Somerset Bank and applied for a loan to “hook up a rope that would pull people up the mountain on two wooden slats so that they could ski back down!” Bet you’ve guessed that it was Adolph Dupre of Seven Springs and the money was for the first rope tow!

Nemacolin resort has had a change of mind about acquiring the last gaming license available for the resort category. Back in 2006 they had submitted an application for a license, but before it could be awarded they withdrew!

At the time they cited the $25 per person charge requirement for their change of mind. That fee has been reduced to $10! Another change in the license is that the number of allowable slots has gone from 500 to 600. Add with table games being added to the mix the opportunity becomes much more interesting! They’ve announced that they already have a casino management and marketing agreement with Isle of Capri Casinos.

5. State – We know that the new budget will have an impact on the State Parks. Which ones will be closed or have their hours cut back has yet to be determined. Here is a link to PA State Parks to check for revised hours. Also, the bridge that crossed the Turnpike on the Laurel Highlands Hiking trail has been closed due to structural damage. This cuts the snowmobile trail system in half. Those of you on the southern side of the turnpike may want to go to the grill at the shooting course in Seven Springs for a bite to eat and drinks. Open on the weekends. Call 814-352-7777 X 7899 for more information and hours.

6. National – Flight 93 National Memorial: Saturday November 7 was the ground turning day for this 2,200 acre site. Dignitaries such as Secretary Ken Salazar, Governor Ed Rendell, U S Senator Robert Casey Jr, and others were there to share their commitment to seeing the project through. As locals with family roots and REALTORS, it is our intent to document the progress and impact this National Memorial will have on our area. Subscribe to our BLOG RSS to stay up to date with events in the Laurel Highlands.

As with September 11, 2001 the end result will be life changing. Understand that this area is rural. No city water, no city sewer, no stop lights, no zoning, no commercial businesses like hotels or major restaurants. We know that fundamental change will be coming. We welcome the world to this sacred site.

7. Team News - We’re going to be e-mailing our updates Bi-Annually beginning January 2010. Our Blogs have become our resource tool for sharing updated market information. They allow us to stay in touch with people who are concerned with mountain news. The new site is www.LaurelHighlandsLocal.com. We’re posting monthly sales reports along with community information. Make sure you sign up for the RSS feed! When you go to our BLOG click the RSS icon in your browser.

Wags has become a Director with the Mountain Watershed Association. This important group protects our pristine watershed and streams. Please support this organization by becoming a $5 member at www.mtwatershed.com. Abe has begun her work as 2010 Finance Vice President of the National Council of Real Estate Brokerage Managers. This association helps to optimize the potential of brokers, managers, team leaders and agents working under them.

The Visual Tour program we use to promote our sellers properties to the world has new applications for social media including a new format for Craig’s List postings. Our listings may be found on the Pittsburgh, Toronto, and Washington DC property pages. The views have increased EXPONENTIALLY and may be one reason why we’ve seen such awesome activity!

8. Market Snapshot We came across some new technology at the National REALTORS meeting that impressed us so much we subscribed. It is called Market Snapshot and you can get the actual feed from the West Penn MLS as to properties for sale, sold, days on market and more. This is the first time we have seen anything this sophisticated for the consumer. Also, we offer a program from Prudential and their affiliation with YAHOO that gives you the potential internet activity on a property if you are considering selling.

Both of these sites offer the prospective seller or buyer more information about actual market conditions than ever before. Of course, they don’t tell you the variables in property that we can, such as MARKET ABSOPTION, condition, floor plans, or stats from way back! That’s why REALTORS are still around! To try out the Market Snapshot program go to www.LaurelHighlandsPropertyvalues.com. Contact Abe@ABEandWAGS.com to be enrolled on the Prudential Market update.

9.Tec Tip We have learned that if you are trying to use a mapping system ( such as Bing.com) to find a property at Hidden Valley the trick is to use the Somerset Zip (15501) and not the Hidden Valley Zip of 15502. You must use a street address too, such as 123 South Ridge Somerset, PA 15501! Here is a link to our Laurel Highlands Map. Our technology newsletter has a great IPhone app and cooking resource. Go here for more.

We appreciate your feedback or questions. Please ask for Abe or Wags personally. Feel free to forward this newsletter in entirety to any other interested parties.

The Real Estate Team for all Seasons.

Adrienne “Abe” Wagner, Associate Broker

CRB, CRS, GRI, e-PRO, OA, RECS, RSPS, SRES, TRC

412-897-8535 cell    AB 065065

Robert “Wags” Wagner, Realtor

CRB, CRS, GRI, e-PRO, OA, RSPS

Prudential / Fine Homes/ Developments Specialists

412-551-1859 cell   RS 250265

Prudential Preferred Realty

3802 State Route 31 Suite 1

Donegal PA 15628

Office 800-419-7653

Fax 724-593-6123

e-Mail  rwagner@topproducer.com

Web Site: www.AbeandWags.com

The Big Mac Museum

For sandwich enthusiasts and fans of McDonald’s, the Big Mac Museum is a must see. Other mainstays of American culture such as baseball and rock and roll have their own museums, so why not the legendary sandwich that has become so iconic over the decades?

Believe it or not, the Big Mac was not always part of the McDonald’s menu. In fact, it was introduced in 1967 by franchise operator Jim Delligatti at his Uniontown, Pennsylvania location, and this was only after two years of development. To honor the occasion of the Big Mac’s 40th birthday, Mr. Delligatti opened the Big Mac Museum in Huntingdon, Pennsylvania (less than an hour from Hidden Valley) in August of 2007. Quite unlike other boring institutions, this museum is also a fully functioning McDonald’s restaurant and Play Place.

In addition to collections of McDonald’s memorabilia from the last half century, visitors will find multiple flat-screen television sets playing McDonald’s commercials that have aired over the years. The centerpiece of the restaurant, however, would be the museum’s 14 foot tall Big Mac replica, which comes complete with two all beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles and onions, all on a sesame seed bun. Also of interest is an exhibit on the various types of packaging used by McDonald’s over the years, ranging from paper wrappers, to the styrofoam cartons of the 1980s and 1990s, and the current environmentally friendly containers. The museum has a number of other exhibits that are sure to intrigue and delight fast food enthusiasts.

The Big Mac Museum is located at 9051 Route 30 in Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, just outside of Pittsburgh. It is open from 4:30am to Midnight on weekdays, 4:30am to 1:00am on Saturdays, and 5:00am to 11:00pm on Sundays. Visitors should bring their appetites.

Stay in touch with your renter’s

Most people that visit Hidden Valley return the following year. It has been my experience that most families go on vacation in the same area year after year. The beginning of the season is a perfect time to touch base with former renters and those who have inquired about your property in the past. Send them a brief email updating them on your property’s new amenities, availability rates, special local events for the coming year, etc. Don’t forget to include updated contact phone numbers, email addresses and web page addresses (URL) of your property.

Getting your renters to come back every year is a very easy thing to do. But you must still give them reasons why to return. One way to keep them coming is to promote the resort itself. If someone came last winter tell them about this winters ski deals. Let them know about the local snowmobile clubs and the great tubing park. It is also a good idea to offer them deals for booking early. My family deals to anyone that refers another renter to us. Network, Network, Network.

The Mt. Spa at Hidden Valley

Even the name sounds inviting, The Mt. Spa at Hidden Valley. It brings to mind a quiet place and a happy time, where everything is beautiful. The reality is very close to the fantasy the name instills. The Mt. Spa at Hidden Valley is nestled in the picturesque mountains of Hidden Valley, Pennsylvania and is the prefect locale for that special retreat to refresh the mind, body and the soul.

The Mt. Spa at Hidden Valley offers a full array of treatments to soothe you from head to toe, from a relaxing Swedish massage to ease away the tension or a soothing pedicure to wash a way the toils of the day, right down to a full day of beauty that includes a facial, manicure, pedicure, massage treatment and more. They even offer wraps and a wonderful romantic special for you and your special someone. Whatever you need the Mt. Spa at Hidden Valley has it all.

The benefits of massage are great and too numerous to mention all of the rewards, but some include an increase in circulation and a decrease of blood pressure and perhaps, most importantly, it just feels wonderful.

The Mt. Spa at Hidden Valley is the prefect choice for that little extra pampering we all deserve from time to time.

Johnstown Inclined Plane

The Johnstown Inclined Plane is the steepest incline in the world for vehicles. Its purpose was to link the residential areas of Johnstown, Pennsylvania with the Westmont Borough. The incline was originally built after a major flood in 1889. In subsequent floods in 1936 and 1977, the incline helped people escape the valley and ship needed supplies back in. Nearly a million passengers used this route when steel mills operated in the area. Now the Johnstown Inclined Plane is a tourist attraction and national historic site, drawing 100,000 passengers each year on the incline’s 30-foot cars. The incline is open daily except for Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

Many people visit this tourist attraction not only to see the spectacular incline, but to also check out the historic Johnstown area. There is a Visitors Center that provides tourists with extensive historical information about Johnstown and the Incline Plane. The center has two observation areas where visitors can see the motors and mechanisms that control Inclined Plane. Tourists that want to take in the whole view of Johnstown can make their was to the observation deck which is located in front of the point where water entered during the 1889 flood.

Visitors will appreciate the the restaurant and ice cream shop located on the observation deck. After a good meal and a cool treat, visitors can make their way to the Incline Gift Shop to pick out a souvenir or collectible to remember their visit to the Johnstown Inclined Plane.

Frank Lloyd Wright Fallingwater House

One of Frank Lloyd Wright’s most acclaimed accomplishments was built in 1936 for Edgar J. Kaufmann and his family in Ohiopyle, Pennsylvania. Fallingwater sits atop a waterfall where the house’s construction is based upon. Originally, the family had presented the idea of the architecture to be set around the waterfall but was surprised to hear Wright’s most innovative idea of building the house on top of it instead. Fallingwater continues to amaze visitors with its appearance of free-floating platforms and the house’s connection with the elements.

Fallingwater was constructed by local craftsmen who quarried sandstone from the property.  Stones are also used to separate and help create the illusion of the suspended platforms. The house was then built with a guest and service wing in 1939 and was open to the public starting in 1964. The house, its contents, and the ground are now the property of the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy and is still one of the only Wright houses preserved in its original state.

Fallingwater tours now offer dining and gift shop opportunities. A tour of the home is regularly available. For more information, please call (724) 329-8501 or visit the website at http://www.paconserve.org

Top Ten Differences between Hidden Valley Resort and Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing

It has come to our attention that the name “Hidden Valley Resort” is causing a certain degree of confusion. Apparently, some folks have been going to the supermarket to look for the resort. In the interest of clarity, we offer these tips to help avoid potential embarrassment.

The top ten differences between Hidden Valley Resort and Hidden Valley Ranch dressing:

1. Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing is great with vegetables. Hidden Valley Resort is great for vegetating.
2. Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing is creamy on salads. At Hidden Valley Resort, you can get creamed on the ski slope.
3. Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing comes in bottles and jars. Hidden Valley Resort has bottles in bars.
4. Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing mix comes in a packet. At Hidden Valley Resort, your meeting will be packed.
5. Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing is rich. At Hidden Valley Resort, so are you.
6. Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing comes in lots of flavors. Hidden Valley Resort offers a lot of variety.
7. Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing makes a great marinade. At Hidden Valley Resort, you can marinate in the spa.
8. Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing is smooth on your salad. At Hidden Valley Resort, you can be smooth on the golf course.
9. Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing makes a good dip. At Hidden Valley Resort, you can take a good dip in the pool.
10. Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing is spicy. Hidden Valley Resort will spice up your life.

Mountain Boarding at Hidden Valley

Learn to Mountain Board

Plenty of excitement is stirring at Hidden Valley resort in Pennsylvania with the arrival of mountain boarding. Many outdoor sport enthusiasts compare mountain boarding to snowboarding, but honestly, nothing is like mountain boarding because you can easily learn to ride on dirt, grass and rock. Hard packed dirt, damp dirt, wet dirt or even sloppy, wet dirt the mountain board swerves and turns with you in complete control. Sure it’s an extreme sport, but mountain boarding offers a keen ride that other substances never offer. At Hidden Valley resort in Pennsylvania you’ll find extensive trails where you can take your mountain board with the wheels under your feet, as you move and shift like your whole way of life is taking place right now. As one of the few east coast resorts offering full mountain board rental packages this is the place you want to start learning the new craze of mountain boarding.

Hidden Valley resort in Pennsylvania trails offers the best terrian for mountain boarding from beginners to the most advance crazed mountain boarders in the east coast area. Hidden Valley trails starts you on an adventure of conquering the dirt, grass and rock surfaces. Bring your own equipment or rent pads and helmets from the resort. Mountain boarding sets you apart from other extreme sports as you carve tracks on the trail in the sunny summer weather creating a playground unlike any other. Mountain Boarders ride the trails from sunrise to sunset starting from top of the trails to the bottom, and then back to the top of the trails again. Hidden Valley resort at Pennsylvania trails are available daily. Remember it’s an extreme sport, so wear the right gear that includes the helmet and special padding. Sure you’ll race your mountain board down on dirt, grass and rock; but you’ll also hit an ecstasy. Be ready for any terrain surprises because every nano second you will truly grip the mountain board rush. Find out why east coasters are coming to Hidden Valley resort in Pennsylvania to ride the best trails where you get plenty of turns, swerves and freestyle rush as you ride the mountain board to bottom this summer!

July Laurel Highlands Newsletter from Abe and Wags

Hidden Valley Home owners saw an increase in association dues across the board. These new fees are still under the association fees for comparable Seven Springs associations. Property owners here need to be watching the Seven Springs market closely. We believe you’ll see that as the prices continue to come down at Seven Springs the prices at Hidden Valley will also need to adjust.

Transfers for Hidden Valley are substantially off with Jan through June 30 only seeing 18 sales compared to 56 for the same time last year. Average sales prices here have declined too.

Watch for a new venue that previewed over the fourth of July. Hidden Valley has enlisted Double K Stables to provide guided trail rides and horsemanship camps on resort property. Their stables are only minutes away from the resort and there they offer boarding (60 stalls), ample pastures, Kids Kamps, riding lessons, and more! Should be a great addition!

Idlewild Amusement Park

If you are visiting Hidden Valley this summer make sure you make a trip to Idlewild park in Ligonier, Pennsylvania.From the PA Turnpike (I-76), take state route 711 north to route 30. Turn left onto route 30 west and the park is about 3 miles ahead on the left. The park is geared somewhat more for children but has quite a few rides for teens and adults. The park is owned and operated by Kennywood amusement. Idlewild Park, third oldest amusement park in the United States. Idlewild Park came into existence when William Darlington, owner of the property, gave “the right and privilege to occupy his land for picnic purposes or pleasure grounds” to Judge Thomas Mellon, owner of the Ligonier Valley Railroad. The date was May 1, 1878. The park is mainly for families but there is something for everyone to enjoy. Mister Rogers’s neighborhood is Idlewild’s signature attraction.

Idlewild & SoakZone is the oldest amusement park in Pennsylvania and third oldest in America. In addition, it’s rated the second best kids park in the world by Amusement Today magazine and one of the top five family amusement parks in the world by the National Amusement Park Historical Association.

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