Gray is a popular neutral, blue is the symbol of the environment, and yellow adds energy and optimism to your surroundings. At least those are the trends reported by the Color Marketing Group (CMG), a not-for-profit association of color design professionals. Experts at CMG say the top color choices this year are influenced by the public's concern about the economy and their optimism for the future. People are looking for colors that are safe, familiar and comforting. Consumers also are drawn to colors that reflect a growing desire for an environmentally greener world. See CMG's list of top color trends.  But remember, if you're getting ready to sell your home, choose a color palette that will suit a range of buyer tastes. 07/07/2009

As everyone knows, fireworks are a big part of the July 4th festivities in many Pittsburgh communities.  I hope you have some time to check out a fireworks show near you.  Have a great holiday! Downtown Fireworks - July 4th, 9:35 pm, Point State Park Ambridge Fireworks - July 3rd, 10:00 pm, Walter Panek Park Bethel Park Fireworks - July 4th, 9:40 pm, South Hills Village Butler Fireworks- July 4th, Dusk, Big Butler Fairgrounds Canonsburg Fireworks - July 4th, Dusk, Canon-MacMillan Stadium Crafton Fireworks - July 4th, 9:30 pm, Crafton Park Dormont Fireworks - July 4th, 9:30 pm, Dormont Pool Lot Ellwood City Fireworks - July 5th, 10:15 pm, Ewing Park Hampton Township Fireworks - July 3rd, Dark, Hampton Community Park Monongahela Fireworks - July 4th, 9:45 pm, Monongahela Aquatorium Monroe... 07/01/2009

The majority of people over the age of 45 want to continue living in a familiar environment throughout their maturing years.  According to AARP, older homeowners overwhelmingly prefer to age in place, which means living in their home safely, independently and comfortably, regardless of age or ability level. The National Association of Home Builders in collaboration with AARP developed a Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS) program to address the needs of these consumers. These specialists are trained in:   The unique needs of older people; Home modifications that can help people live independently in their homes longer; Common remodeling projects; Solutions to common barriers. The CAPS program goes beyond design to address common remodeling projects and their costs, product ideas,... 06/30/2009

Pittsburgh was ranked #16 by the American College of Sports Medicine in their second annual American Fitness Index, a list of the fittest of America's 50 largest metro areas. Cities were ranked by a number of individual factors and local health resources. The percentage of residents who smoke or who are overweight are factored into the index along with statistics on regular physical activity and number of servings of fruits and veggies eaten daily. These personal details are counted up alongside information on the number of parks, farmer's markets, primary healthcare providers, and crime rates of the region. Washington, DC took the top ranking.  Read the press release.  Related Posts: Pittsburgh Ranked as #3 Arts Destination Pittsburgh Is the Most Romantic City for Baby Boomers Pittsbur... 06/30/2009

If you don't love your house, then maybe it's time to sell.  Here are some of the top reasons that people move on to a new home: Home is too small.  Increased family size is the main reason home owners say they need a larger home. Time to upgrade.  People often want what they don't have and long for a grander, more upscale home. Purchase mistake.  Owners might believe they made a mistake when purchasing their present home. Commuting distance.  If the drive to work exceeds an hour, some people may want to move closer to their employer. Personal relationships.  Moving in with a partner can mean one of the parties will need to sell, and break-ups cause owners to sell as well. Neighborhood changes.  The neighborhood might have changed for the worse, economically, socially or physically. Emp... 06/30/2009

Pennsylvania Credit Repair National Credit Fixers: 330 Roberts Street 4th Floor East Hartford CT 06108 phone: 860-282-6181. National Credit Fixers boasts of 13 years experience repairing low FICO scores. Whether your credit has been damaged by a foreclosure, bankruptcy, slow credit, collections, judgments, repossessions, etc. we can help. We are the experts in credit restoration and credit repair. We have helped numerous residents of Pennsylvania and are experts in Pennsylvania credit repair. If you want to improve your credit but don't want to do any of the work then call National Credit Fixers today and let us do it for you!  We have credit repair specialist that work to remove negative credit items and show you how ti build good, positive credit!  Dont' wait any longer to find out wh... 06/25/2009

Now that school is out, you're probably planning for a much-deserved summer vacation.  But keep in mind: this is the peak season for home burglaries, with most typically happening in July and August.  According to The Money Pit home improvement website, here are just a few of the things you should do to make sure your home is safe while you're away: Breakers Off - To prevent electrical fires, switch off all non-essential circuit breakers in your home's electrical box. Disconnect Appliances - Unplug all appliances, large and small. Lights on Timers - In main living areas, put lights on timers to simulate occupancy. Don't Broadcast Your Absense - A burglar can easily be tipped off to your absence by an unanswered phone, so turn off the ringer. Secure Valuables - Stow important papers, jew... 06/17/2009

Down from 17 homes sold in April, Upper St. Clair real estate sales dropped to 13 for the month of May: Address                           List Price   Sold Price 1623 Watterson Court 1,099,000 950,000 100 Thousand Oaks Drive 549,900 524,900 2661 Cedarvue Drive 349,900 330,000 1660 Little Meadow Road 319,900 313,000 2382 Engelwood Drive 309,900 305,000 1774 Quigg Drive 260,000 253,000 109 Saxony Drive 234,900 226,000 2610 Siesta Drive 185,000 177,000 2672 Sunnyfield Drive 159,500 165,000 2338 Aetna Drive 159,900 162,000 2342 Lambeth Drive 157,500 151,000 111 DeArment Parkway 139,899 137,050 2671 Sunnyfield Drive 110,000 95,000 Call me today if you are ready to buy or sell a home in Upper St. Clair, or in any of our great Pittsburgh communities. Related Posts:  Upper St. Clair Real Estate... 06/16/2009

In honor of National Flag Day on June 14, here are some rules for displaying and handling the flag at your home: When the flag is displayed from a staff projecting from a window, balcony, or a building, the union should be at the peak of the staff unless the flag is at half staff. The flag should be raised briskly and lowered slowly and ceremoniously. Ordinarily it should be displayed only between sunrise and sunset. It should be illuminated if displayed at night. When the flag is lowered, no part of it should touch the ground or any other object; it should be received by waiting hands and arms. To store the flag it should be folded neatly and ceremoniously. The flag should be cleaned and mended when necessary. When a flag is so worn it is no longer fit to serve as a symbol of our count... 06/16/2009

According to Kiplinger, here are 7 crucial tips to keep in mind when buying your first home: 1. Lay the groundwork.  The first step is figuring out how much house you can afford and how much you can borrow. 2. Take your time.  You might not find your dream home, but you don't have to settle for any old house just because you feel under the gun to buy something. 3. Realize you won't find the perfect home.  You won't find a house that has everything you want. Make a list of what's important so you can zero in on a home that comes closest to suiting your needs. 4. Accompany the inspector.  If you're present during an inspection, you can see problems with your own eyes, get an idea of how serious they are and ask how much it will cost to repair them. 5. Pay attention to the little things.  ... 06/10/2009

Up from 15 in March and 29 in April, Mt. Lebanon real estate sales climbed to 41 for the month of May: Address                         List Price   Sold Price 4 Mission Drive 749,500 710,000 80 Longuevue Drive 634,900 579,300 146 Woodhaven Drive 348,750 345,000 616 Beverly Road 339,000 325,000 1275 Lakemont Drive 335,000 325,000 114 W. Marlin Drive 279,900 275,000 361 McCully Street 279,900 270,000 890 N Meadowcroft Avenue 269,900 252,200 156 Mayfair Drive 264,900 252,000 216 Dan Drive 250,000 235,000 113 Elatan Drive 229,900 221,500 238 Dan Drive 234,900 221,000 327 Sleepy Hollow Road 218,500 218,500 295 Fieldbrook Drive 219,900 218,000 552 Sunset Drive 214,900 214,500 511 Duquesne Drive 199,999 195,000 463 Haverhill Road 174,900 185,394 264 Morrison Drive 189,900 184,000 432 S Meadowc... 06/09/2009

According to the National Association of the Remodeling Industry, there are lots of reasons to go green when you remodel your home: Lowers energy consumption Reduces operating costs in the home by increasing efficiency Conserves natural resources Increases the value of the home Improves indoor air quality and in turn, overall health Reduces waste and emissions Lowers pollution, causing less harm to the environment Increases productivity of occupants Improves quality of life and raises comfort Saves money Learn more, including ways you can implement green concepts into your home in small ways. 06/03/2009

Pittsburgh appears on two lists related to relocation, so it looks like people are continuing to see the benefits of our city. U-Haul released the results of its annual  National Migration Trend Report called "The 2008 Top 50 U.S. Destination Cities." According to moving data for the last calendar year, Pittsburgh came in at #26. Also, Relocate-America compiled its list of the Top 100 Places to Live using data regarding education, employment, economy, crime, parks, recreation and housing. Pittsburgh  was in the top 10! Related Posts: Pittsburgh Ranked as #3 Arts Destination Pittsburgh Is the Most Romantic City for Baby Boomers Pittsburgh Ranks as a Top City for Hiring Pittsburgh Recognized as a Real Estate Safe Haven Pittsburgh Named Best City in the State to Raise Your Kids Pittsburgh ... 06/02/2009

Even though you like your house the way it is, it might not appeal to others who have different tastes.  So put aside your personal feelings and try these 5 simple home styling steps to get a potential buyer to fall in love with your home. 1. Target your possible buyersBefore adjusting your home's style, it's important to know who's the most likely group of buyers.  Consider what type of home you have and who it would suit best. Decorating may be different for a family compared to a retired couple.  2. Highlight the good and "hide" the bad Think about the best features of your home and those that are less favorable. Remember what made you buy your home. All homes have good and bad sides, just highlight the good and downplay the bad.   3. Limit furniture and personal decor Move out some ... 05/29/2009

For the second year in a row, AmericanStyle Magazine has named Pittsburgh as the #3 arts destination among the nation's mid-sized cities: "You may think that sports rule in a city still ringing from its sixth Super Bowl win, but a recent survey by a local statistical tracking group proved that the arts are king in Pittsburgh. Pittsburgh Today's report showed that more people attend art events than sporting events in the city each year." The magazine mentioned our annual Three Rivers Arts Festival, one of the longest multidisciplinary art festivals in the country (scheduled for June 5-14 this year).  And it named the Andy Warhold Museum as a city steal due to its half-price Friday evenings. Read the entire article. Related Posts: Pittsburgh Is the Most Romantic City for Baby Boomers Pitt... 05/29/2009

With today's economy, many families are reviving the tradition of a home vegetable garden. Not only is the back-to-garden movement saving money on grocery bills, but it's putting healthier food on the table.  Here are a few more benefits from the Nutrition Data Blog: Fresh vegetables are more nutritious. When they're harvested just moments before you serve them, you're getting the absolute maximum nutritional benefit. You can grow organic a lot cheaper than you can buy it.  Organic produce may feel like a luxury you can't afford. But you can grow your own organic produce using composted kitchen scraps as natural fertilizer. Eating local saves energy and fossil fuels-and it doesn't get any more local than your own back yard.  This translates into lower food costs and a lower carbon footp... 05/29/2009

South Side home sales in April (11) were higher than the first three months combined.  Here's the list of houses that sold: Address                   List Price  Sold Price 6062 Gregory Street 255,000 242,000 1907 Jane Street 189,000 186,000 2320 Carey Way 185,000 185,500 134 South 16th Street 179,900 171,000 132 Pius Street 159,000 160,000 15 Monastery Street 149,900 139,000 1812 Carey Way 95,000 60,000 2617 Stella Street 55,000 55,000 2311 Salisbury Street 46,000 46,000 2714 Cobden Street 39,900 25,000 1615 Sterling Street 30,000 16,000  Related Posts:  Which South Side Houses Sold During the First Quarter? South Side Real Estate Sales Were Low in January Pittsburgh's South Side: Real Estate Sales Didn't Change Much from Previous Year 05/29/2009

Yet another hand-out I've created for buyers.  Let me know if I've missed anything or you have any suggestions.  Feel free to use this or repost it, please include my email and website address though. Buyer Checklist •1.       Read and sign the Consumer Notice.  (The Consumer Notice is a summary of an agent's duty to you the consumer and required to be delivered to the client before any substantive discussion regarding real estate occurs.  If this is not done before a substantive discussion occurs, the agent is breaking Pennsylvania law.) •2.      Get Pre-approved for a mortgage.  (Getting pre-approved is the first main step in buying a home.  When buying a home it is important to take into consideration the value of a timely offer and negotiation... the faster your offer is placed, the... 05/21/2009

Another hand-out I created for buyers.  Let me know of any suggestions or needed fixes.  Feel free to use this or repost it, just be sure to include my email and website with it please. First-time Homebuyer Credit FAQ •1.       Is this an actual payment or just a tax write-off? This credit is an actual payment that you can receive with your next tax return.  It is not a tax write-off or deduction. •2.        Do I have to repay this home credit? No.  Unlike the previous year's $7500 credit, a pay back is not required unless the buyer moves from the home before occupying it for 3 years. •3.       Do I have to wait until next year to receive this money on my tax return? No.  You could receive this credit this year.  To do this you will have to amend your current tax claim.  Theoretically, ... 05/21/2009

This is something I created as a hand-out for buyers I work with.  Let me know if I'm missing anything or if something could use a fixin.  Please feel free to use this as well, but I ask that my email and website be attached if you are going to use or repost this. Thanks, Dustin Nulf www.dustinnulf.com   Buyer FAQ This page is an attempt to answer some popular questions that buyers tend to have when thinking about purchasing a new home.  Please feel free to contact me with any other questions or comments via the "contact me" link on the top right-hand side of this page. •1.        Where do I start?  What is the first step in the home-buying process? I would say that a good first step would be to talk to some lenders to see "how much house you can afford".  It's a good idea to talk to th... 05/21/2009