NAR sent out a Mythbuster bulletin recently to clear up several untrue facts that are circulating. One of the false claims circulating is that homeowners would be required to have an energy audit or make energy retrofits to their home before they can sell. This is a false claim. The real information as explained by NAR is as follows... FACTS: Here are the two REAL provisions in the bill: Section 202 (Building Retrofit Program) would offer matching grants for home improvements. State government would administer the program, which is voluntary and available to all property owners. Section 204 (Building Energy Performance Labeling Program) would apply to new construction only and prohibit time-of-sale labeling. The original energy audit and MLS listing provisions were deleted as the resul... 05/10/2010

I know that might sound a bit strange coming from a person who spends so much time focused on green and energy-efficient homes and building a green life. It's just that we hold up Earth Day as a time to focus on the environment, but does anyone really believe that one day is enough? The fact is everyday needs to be Earth Day. So how will I mark Earth Day 2010? I will recycle the paper my office generates I will recycle or refill the print cartridges my printer uses I will try to keep my files in digital form I will not print emails on paper I will turn off the lights in my home that the kids leave on I will change any light bulbs that burn out to CFLs or LEDs I will keep my computer set to sleep after 5 minutes of inactivity I will try to reduce the amount I drive my car I will take my ... 04/21/2010

1:00 - 3:30 PM United Methodist Church, 905 Mifflin Ave, at Whitney Ave. (Presentations from 1:30-2:30) Come join the Greater Park Place Neighborhood Association for our !THIRD! annual Spring workshop with the Community Design Center of Pittsburgh! I’m sure you’ve heard about all those tax credits and rebates out there for improving the energy efficiency of your home–well, we’ve rounded up a nice group of folks who can tell you all about them and help you decide what you should do and what will give you the most bang for your buck. The blurb: Eastern area neighborhoods are once again partnering with the Community Design Center of Pittsburgh to put on another free workshop for homeowners interested in improving the value of their homes. This year’s workshop will look at making homes more... 03/08/2010

Here is to Starting the New Year Off Right! Pittsburgh is one of the 5 markets expected to fare best in 2010 according to Moodys. They predict home prices to appreciate by .89% this year, not a big jump but way better than a decrease and much better than most of the rest of the country. One factor that is cited as a reason we are doing well is that prices basically stayed in sync with household income. Another mentioned is that we have managed to maintain a stable economy through the downturn. You can read the whole story here. Now is a great time to buy a home in Pittsburgh! Call Christa Ross from RE/MAX Select Realty, at 724-933-6300 x214 (office) or 724-779-1437 (direct) or visit my website at www.greenhomespgh.com. 12/29/2009

I can only speak for myself, but, I have heard enough about the sorry state of real estate in the country. Obviously, as real estate professional, I am biased, but what these national reports fail to point out is that real estate is a local animal that tends to travel more in line with the city and neighborhood trends than national or international ones. More specifically, Pittsburgh has faired extremely well in this economic tumult. Forbes high ranking of Pittsburgh in its least expensive city's to purchase and maintain a home in article and the Post-Gazette's recent article on the area's real estate health, all document what we, as real estate agents, have been trying to convey. All of this is great news for homeowners, but what about for buyers? The national real estate market and gl... 11/05/2008