Where are the Poconos? The Pocono Mountains of Northeastern Pennsylvania. The Poconos are centrally located approximately 2 hours (depending on traffic) from several major cities in Northeast PA. Interstate 80 from the East and from the West runs through the Hub of the Poconos.  They begin west of the New Jersey/Pennsylvania border at Delaware Water Gap, PA. They extend North to the Lake Wallenpaupack region and West to the Lehigh Valley Gorge region. The Poconos are located 2 hours from Philadelphia PA. The Poconos are located 2 hours from New York City. The Poconos are located 2 hours from Newark NJ. The Poconos are located 2 hours from Harrisburg PA. The Poconos are located 2 hours from Middletown NY. The Poconos are located 2 hours from Williamsport PA. For this reason they are a p... 03/08/2013

Looking to buy a home in Somerset County, Pennsylvania? You might want to make a quick check to see if you and the property are eligible for a Pennsylvania USDA Mortgage, also known as a Pennsylvania USDA Rural Development Loan. Here's Why... USDA home loans offer a few benefits that other mortgage programs cannot match, including no down payment and financed closing cost. If the home appraisal allows, the closing costs can also be wrapped into the mortgage resulting in no money needed at the closing table. USDA is the only mortgage program that allows for all closing costs to be financed into the loan amount on a home purchase. Interest rates for USDA mortgages are comparable and often lower than the low fixed rates of Conventional, FHA and VA financing. The USDA Mortgage program does ... 02/04/2011

In support of the Laurel Mountain Volunteer Group's (LMVG) first of three 2010 trail care days, PTAG (Pittsburgh Trails Advocacy Group) will be hosting a "Laurel Mountain Work and Roll Weekend", June 19-20th, 2010. This is a great opportunity for everyone who enjoys the beautiful trails at Laurel Mountain to kick something back, break a sweat and make the trails even better and more enjoyable!After a hard day's work, PTAG will be providing cold, tasty, FREE Penn Brewery Craft beer!The DCNR will be providing FREE camping on Laurel Mountain Saturday night!On Sunday we FREE-ride and enjoy the fruits of our labor!Details:* When: Saturday, June 19th - Sunday, June 20th* Work: Saturday, 9:30am - 2:30pm. Meet at the Warming Hut parking lot on Summit Road near the entrance to the Laurel Mt. Ski... 06/07/2010

What a shame! This once to be, multi-million dollar property will be up for Sheriff Sale Friday May 21, 2010. The sale will be held in the main lobby of the Somerset County Courthouse, 300 North Center Avenue, Somerset, PA 15501 at 1:30 PM. This 5.95 acre parcel was purchased in 2004 for $255,000. It's lot #5 known as 154 Ptarmagin Way. The building process began quickly and according to the sellers disclosure the roof was installed in 2005. However, the house itself has never been completed and has weathered several winters without heat. This two story dwelling has 5 bedrooms, 6 baths, 5 fireplaces, and a 3 car integral garage. The deed book number is 1788 page 14. We see someone with their own construction company being the successful bidder of this one! According to the sheriff's dep... 05/17/2010

Seven Springs had a booth at the 2010 Home and Garden Show in Pittsburgh last month. They had a sign promoting a new community. Locally we haven't heard any new marketing concerning the newest offerings across the street from the Villages. But when a home owner shared that there is to be a model open by this Thanksgiving we dug out the original materials. This community was first pitched back in 2008 and tagged "The next Premier Property at Seven Springs Mountain Resort." It's in Middlecreek Township, Somerset County. According to the Feb 19, 2008 article by Kirk Swauger in the Somerset Tribune Democrat the "The townhomes and cottages were designed by renowned resort architect Jack Johnson Co. of Park City Utah. They will have 9-foot ceiling with vaulted family rooms, private patios, an... 04/22/2010

Hidden Valley Resort will present the annual Spring Carnival March 6 - 7, 2010.  More than 220 inches of snow this winter have provided awesome snow conditions this March, and the time has come to celebrate the fact that spring is just around the corner! Guests will enjoy a full schedule of games, activities, and entertainment at the third annual Spring Carnival. Spring Carnival kicks off on Saturday morning with the opening of the Hidden Valley boardwalk. The Ski Lodge plaza level will be converted into a boardwalk scene.  Vendors will be selling barbecued goodies, funnel cakes, chocolate delicacies and other treats.  The entire family will enjoy contests and carnival games, free caricatures, face painting, and a strolling magician. There will be a wide variety of events for everyone t... 03/03/2010

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. Reviewing the chart below you can see what a tough year this was and how much further up it can go!! Year 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 # of Resales 156 155 84 79 80 48 The average sales price here has also declined. In 2008 it went from $225,266 to $210,700 in 2009. When you look around the US at other resort areas and the hits they have taken on prices both of our Pennsylvania Resorts are holding their own!  Only one of the new South Ridge Place condos has transferre... 01/21/2010

By Larry Walsh, Pittsburgh Post-GazetteRick Garstka of Munhall waxed enthusiastic while describing the quality and quantity of snow that has fallen in the Laurel Highlands since Dec. 28:"Bonanza." "Heaven sent." "Phenomenal.""We've been waiting a long time for this," said Garstka, the president of the Pennsylvania Cross Country Skiers' Association. "The season has gotten off to a super start, the best in years."And downhill and cross-country skiers, snowboarders, snowtubers, snowshoers, sled-, saucer- and tray-sliders and tobogganists are reveling in it."We haven't seen snowfall like this since the 2002-03 season when we received a total of 208 inches," said Dick Barron, director of ski and snowboard operations at snow-blessed Seven Springs.As of 4 p.m. yesterday, the resort had receive... 01/19/2010

Celebrating its 15th year the Fire and Ice Festival in Somerset, PA will offer up its 48 creative ice sculptures throughout up town Somerset and the Georgian Place. Mastro Gourmet Quality Ice from Pittsburgh will once again be delighting the crowds with their one of a kind pieces! This is a three day weekend with the Martin Luther King, Jr Holiday on Monday. Both Seven Springs and Hidden Valley are expecting awesome crowds! Fireworks are set to begin tonight at 6 p.m. You may have caught,   Little Big Shots, the local company responsible for tonight's display on Dirty Jobs seen on the Discovery Channel. They are sure to delight everyone! New this year is the karaoke contest. We always enjoy Crazy Alice's Catering before checking out the carvings! They serve breakfast and lunch which you... 01/15/2010

2742 Powder Ridge   $273,500 471 Gardner Road   $230,000 1467 Gebhart Way   $154,000 533 Kooser Circle   $180,000 2407 South Ridge   $322,000 5034 Summit   $279,000 1736 Snowfield Drive   $320,000 2421 South Ridge Plaza   $310,000 1922 South Ridge   $250,000 Stayed tuned for the 2009 year end updates on market stats!! 01/10/2010

Last week I attended a public meeting regarding a deep mine application for New Enterprise Stone and Lime. This stone quarry is across the street from Hidden Valley. It wasn't a very large turnout and only three people shared their concerns. We were surprised not to see any representatives from Hidden Valley Resort or the Home Owners Association. When you're on top of the mountain you can see only a portion of New Enterprise surface mining operations. They propose to deep mine 240 acres for LIMESTONE, NOT COAL. Approximately five and a half additional acres would be surfaced mined to open up an entrance. Here is a link to an aerial map. Concern arises from the amount of impact the operations may have on the Shaffer Run watershed. Shaffer and Kooser Run are tributaries that may be impact... 12/21/2009

It seems these days lines are being drawn between those that "believe" in global warming and those that don't. Well guess what, I am not an environmentalist ("tree-hugger" as some might call me) because of global warming, although it is worth mentioning that I do believe the planet is warming, and I do believe that people do have some effect on that process. Here are the OTHER reasons that I think green practices are important: Because I think that dependence on foreign oil puts the country in a bad political position. Because I think that people waste to0 much and that our culture has become over-commercialized. Because I prefer quality over quantity, especially in houses. (and I don't want to clean a big house) Because I want to breath clean air and drink clean water. Because I believ... 12/09/2009

Like any other Saturday I had a zillion things on my to do list.  But this was November 9th. The ground turning day for the Fight 93 NATIONAL Memorial in Shanksville, PA. From the resorts it's a 40 minute drive one way but I knew I had to be there. The site chosen for the ground turning was very flat. There were risers brought in for the media. Three small sections were roped off, Family Members, Media, Invited Guests. There were no chairs set up so everyone was standing making it challenging to see anything. The weather was gorgeous! Blue skies, warm sunshine, a slight breeze, planes in flight overhead. Since I couldn't see I recorded the audio for the majority of the ceremony. The state and federal government have committed millions to this Memorial.  The plan is to have the first pha... 11/30/2009

1244 Tanyard         $182,500 1807 Eagles Ridge  $187,500 1807 Eagles Ridge  $187,500 1931 South Ridge   $292,000 62 Valley View        $133,000 1585 Snowfield       $200,000 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. 11/20/2009

PROPERTIES ON THE MARKET 3rd Quarter 2009 MLS 799234 528 Nebo Road Ext, Melcroft 1 BR 1B house on state stocked trout stream. New roof, windows, bath, lighting, insulation, electric bb heat, ONLY$59,000 MLS 797980 112 Hill view Lane, Melcroft 4BR, 1B Renovated home with newer siding, electrical panel, windows, furnace, and insulation. Room for 2 bath, garage $92,500 MLS 797487 8114 StoneGate, Seven Springs 4BR, 3B Furnished Emerald floor plan with custom 4th BR. Ski in and out. Awesome east views. $375,000 MLS 796532 2406 South Ridge Lane, Hidden Valley 3BR, 2B house with garage. Great condition, all furnishings and appliances, great deck and back yard. $323,000 MLS 795770 113 Chipmunk Court, 7 Springs. BIG 4BR, 4 1/2B, townhouse, beautiful furnishings, 3 fireplaces, 2 car GARAGE, over... 11/04/2009

Here's a first for our resorts! Hidden Valley has teamed up with Touchstone Center for Crafts to bring us this celebration. According to the web site "November 7 and 8 will feature interactive art demonstrations, arts and fine crafts exhibitors, children's workshops, live music, and great food." What makes this different than a regular "craft show" is the input from Touchstone Center for Crafts. When originally founded in 1972 their mission was to ‘foster interest in the preservation of traditional mountain crafts." That's where the demonstrations including metal working, blacksmithing, pottery, and painting come into the event. They have expanded their class offerings to include more modern arts and crafts. Check out their class schedules. Kelly, a good friend of ours is very excited t... 11/03/2009

One of our dear friends is a devoted fan of this Halloween tradition. We never really considered making an evening of this adventure until we were challenged to do so! The plan was met at 6:30 for a quick dinner, drive out, get in line, while he purchased tickets!  The line was Disney style with everyone following the serpentine ropes. We arrived around 7:30 and meandered for at least 30 minutes until we got to the front gate. Fifty foot towering pines earily cast shadows while swaying back and forth over the high wooden fence. No, there are NO peep holes to give us any indication of what's yet to come on the other side. Our only clues are the shouts and screams of those that have gone before us. There are three parts to this evening. You begin making your way through the haunted house,... 10/26/2009

1144 Tanyard $157,000 106 Four Seasons $25,000 1222 Veech Lane $118,000 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. 10/17/2009

  1616  Snowfield $194,500 1616 Snowfield $194,500   307 Imperial $390,000 2334 South Ridge  $515,000 1606 Snowfield $184,000   564 Pine $145,000 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. 09/04/2009

1610 Snowfield   $174,600 As this posting takes us through the first half of 2009 we thought you enjoy some other statistics. Total transfers for Hidden Valley are substantially off with Jan through June only seeing 18 sales compared to 56 last year. The average sales prices here have declined compared to the same time frame in ‘08. Active Listings by number of bedrooms and their price ranges! Below information is from the West Penn MLS. Bedrooms HV Price Range One 10 $65,000 -   $127,900 Two 17 $139,900 - $259,500 Three 28 $180,000 - $519,000 Four 15 $199,900 - $430,000 > Four 5 $499,000 - $3,500,000 Totals 75   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 ac... 07/03/2009