Will the Market Rain Or Shine On YOU?

Short video sharing a CURRENT competitive advantage sellers have NOW! Reasons why if you haven’t used your place this ski season or had multiple rental cancelations because of the weather conditions, YOU should catch up with Abe or Josh to talk about HOW your property fits into todays market.

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7S JAN Market 2023 Update

2023 begins another year of watching the real estate market at Vail Resorts Seven Springs. The existing listing inventory has a high entry price. Come see how the New Years numbers start off our monthly reports!

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HV JAN 2023 Market Update

So begins another real estate market at Vails Resort Hidden Valley. Lack of listing inventory continues to hold the market back.

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7S, HV, Laurel Mtn VP & GM Brett Cook on plans for Resorts

Stuart Winchester of The Storm Skiing Journal and Podcast recently interviewed Brett regarding Vail Resorts future plans for the resorts. It is titled, “Podcast #116: Seven Springs, Laurel, & Hidden Valley VP & GM Brett Cook” and runs about 9an hour and a half. Of course the future info is towards the end. Look for more trees in the future!

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Historical Active Listing Info for 7S & HV

For ALL of 2022 I have relentlessly been updating you on the lack of listing inventory. BOTH resorts are experiencing this phenomena and YOU really need to understand that this has been a ONCE in a LIFETIME market. As inventory increases buyers will have more selections and there will be fewer multiple offers. We are already beginning to see these sings in certain segments of of the market. Watch the video and catch up if have questions! Find us on Facebook!

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7S 2022 END OF YEAR UPDATE

So Long 2022! Inside this real estate market update for Vail Resorts, Laurel Highlands Seven Springs and Hidden Valley you’ll find some new thought provoking details! Remember if you are Selling or Buying in the Laurel Highlands the Josh Crowe TEAM is here to help YOU reach YOUR real estate goals! Find us on Facebook!

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HV 2022 END OF YEAR UPDATE

So Long 2022! Inside this real estate market update for Vail Resorts, Laurel Highlands Hidden Valley and Seven Springs you’ll find some new thought provoking details! Remember if you are Selling or Buying in the Laurel Highlands the Josh Crowe TEAM is here to help YOU reach YOUR real estate goals! Find us on Facebook!

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Bowling Anyone

If the weather isn’t making you want to hit the ski slopes REMEMBER that there is a bowling alley with 3 lanes at Seven Springs. However, if they are all booked there’s another option in our local town, Somerset just a short ride away. Here’s an article from Salena Zito, a recent visitor who’s family found their way to Terrace Lanes. Here’s their website, Enjoy!

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Laurel Highlands Snags Best Family Travel Awards Recognition

More and more people are falling in love with our Laurel Highlands. Good House Keeping declared that the Laurel Highlands offers the Top Scenic Road Trip in their 2023 Best Travel Awards. Here’s a recap from GO Laurel Highlands. A reminder that in September 2022 USA Today’s 10- Best Reader Choice Awards for Best Destination of Fall Foliage, the Laurel Highlands came in at 7. This was the third year year that we made the top ten list!

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Days On Market

Ever wonder what Days on Market (DOM) means to YOU as a buyer or seller? It can tell you what the current market is all about. What type of financing is winning multiple offers, how quickly an offer needs to be presented, the length of time the listed property is on the market. Check out this short video of a few of the November sales at Hidden Valley and Seven Springs.

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Skiers and Technology

From the Colorado Sun we learn that new technology from skiers iPhones are adding calls to 911! The new “crash and fall detections” are sending details about “snowy tumbles not car wrecks”! This is diverting attention from true emergencies.

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HV Market Update NOV 2022

Check out how the numbers fared in the November Market Update. New slide shows insight into Days On Market!

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E-BIKES Policy for State Parks and Forests

From DCNR, “they received more than 640 comments from the public on the draft policy,” Dunn said. “Based on the review of the comments, we have made some minor adjustments and will now move forward allowing e-bikes on trails already open to traditional bicycle usage on the lands managed by the department, as long as users follow some guidelines.”  Read the announcement from the Pennsylvania Pressroom.  Here’s the link to the policy

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MUST READ NOW IF BUYING OR SELLING

BUYERS AND SELLERS NEED TO BE AWARE OF THIS PRACTICE! According to the Philadelphia Inquirer MV Realty out of Florida is being sued by the PA Attorney Generals Office. They have texted homeowners offering a “PAYMENT” to the homeowner for their services. That PAYMENT is then recorded as a MORTGAGE on the property with multiple restrictions including one that follows the listing of that property for the next 40 years requiring the new homeowner to use MV REALTY services or face fines! READ THE FINE PRINT!! Here’s another report from Action News Jax sharing more insight and more lawsuits.

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Donate Your Harvested Deer to Help Reduce Hunger in Pennsylvania

From the November DCNR newsletter, Hunters Sharing the Harvest is Pennsylvania’s venison donation program. Hunters can share their extra venison through a statewide network of participating butchers to food pantries and community assistance centers across the state.

Hunters can drop off a whole field-dressed deer at one of the participating processors. There is no fee to donate a deer thanks to sponsorship support from the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, Pennsylvania Game Commission, business partners, sportsmen’s clubs, and thousands of individuals who provide much needed financial contributions each year.

All Pennsylvanians, whether they hunt or not, are urged to donate tax-deductible financial contributions to the Hunters Sharing the Harvest program to help meet the cost of processing deer for the program. For every $25 donated, 100 meals can be served.

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NEW SKIS & SNOWBOARDS FOR THE HOLIDAY?

Something very new, skis and boards that can “change physical performance characteristics on demand.” So say Verispellis Skis + Snowboards Inc. check out the article as found in Yahoo Finance. The magic happens with “digital electronics and metallurgical technology. The shape shifting skis and snowboards allow them to change in response to the temperature ups and downs.” Nitinol is the material that allows this to happen.

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HV & 7S AVERAGE SALES PRICES

Sellers and Buyers may want to see these numbers! Sellers, to see how much the prices have jumped. Buyers, to see where the may be able to afford a mountain get away! Number of bedrooms was used for the category and data was pulled and compared from 2021 through October 2022. Remember there are still a few weeks left for the numbers to be totally even but you will see the differences!

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7S MARKET UPDATE OCT 2022

The lack of listing inventory continues to produce very low sales. Come see what the numbers are telling us and where the real estate resort market may be heading…

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WHO REALLY OWNS THE SKI RESORTS

Here’s an interesting article found in

Visit houselogic.com for more articles like this.

© Copyright 2022 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®

“> SNOW BRAINS showing who owns the ski resorts. According to the write up “473 ski areas in the United States operated during the 2022-23 season.” And corporations own about 22% of them.

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Green House Gas Emissions Map

Have I piqued your curiosity? Yes, there is a NEW map called “CLIMATE TRACE” with NEW technology that is tracking who is producing and how much green house gas emissions they are releasing. Read the story from NPR. Or have fun checking out the MAP! Yes, Pennsylvania is easily found.

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Contingent Versus Under Contract

Here’s a short video that recaps the Oct real estate market. In the process explaining the differences between “contingent” and “under agreement” status within the Vail Resort Hidden Valley and Seven Springs resort markets.

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Seven Springs Market Update SEPT 2022

It’s the Jan through Sept real estate market update with insights into where the market is at Vail Resort Seven Sprigs so far. Selling or buying you really need to be working with a agent as listings that come into the market are being sold within days! Take a look and catch up!

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Hidden Valley Market Update SEPT 2022

It’s the Jan through Sept real estate market update with insights into where the market is at Vail Resort Hidden Valley so far. Selling or buying you really need to be working with a agent as listings that come into the market are being sold within days! Take a look and catch up!

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7S MAKES US NEWS TOP 22 SKI RESORTS

For the Northeast Region of the United States Seven Springs Mountain Resort shares the recognition with Killington Ski Resort, Bretton Woods, Sugarloaf, and Whiteface Mountain Resort. Check out the story here!

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Southwind HOA Market Update 2022

Today is the Southwind homeowners association annual meeting. We prepared this market update for them and thought our readers may have an interest too. Remember buying or selling the JOSH CROWE TEAM wants to be your FOREVER AGENTS. Whether it’s land, 1st, 2nd  homes, and or commercial properties we can help you!!

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Fitting Tribute to Legends of Seven Springs

Note: We had the honor of having Mayor Lois Dupre marry Abe and me at the top of Stowe Slope on September 18, 1998. Thanks to Pat McCloskey for the timely report on this significant resort event. Bob Wagner

 

Sitting at one of the tables reserved for friends of Lois Dupre Schuster, I was engaged in a conversation with Angel and Andy Michanowicz and Willis Croker. Willis is a bright young guy involved in commercial real estate in Pittsburgh and I ended up apologizing to him for Andy and I rehashing 50 year old ski stories of friends and events. That is kind of the way it was at the induction ceremony this weekend at Seven Springs Resort for the Pennsylvania Snow Sports Museum Hall of Fame. Willis’s grandmother Lois and her late husband Phillip were inducted this year into the Hall of Fame and it was a fitting award for two people who really shaped the soul of Seven Springs back in the day.

Lois Dupre Schuster

Lois not only developed the rental shop at Seven Springs back in the day, as well as many other services, but served as the mayor of Seven Springs Boro for 50 years. Her enthusiasm for the ski area and the people who came as guests was only matched by her late husband Phillip who was the “go to” guy for a lot of daily things at the resort in the early days. Lois said that if you needed anything, you called Phillip. He was just that kind of guy who always had a resolution for any issue and was always willing to help. Lois had a great story about the early days when a congressman and his wife arrived at Seven Springs. The hotel was booked and when asked by the congressman if there was anything Phillip could do to secure a room, he responded that he had extra beds in his home. That is just the kind of person Phillip was. 40 years of Christmas cards that came in the following years from President Gerald Ford and his wife Betty, served to show how much they appreciated the effort. They had a great time and always remembered the kindness of the Dupres.

Stories like this abounded at the induction ceremony. Rus Davies, a local legend in ski instruction and ski patroller foundations at Seven Springs, Hidden Valley, and Laurel Mountain was also inducted in a most deserving way. And behind every good man is a good woman. Rus’s wife Miriam encouraged Rus all along the way in his illustrious career with the ski community.

Rus Davies

Western Pa has been widely represented in the nominations and elections to the Hall of Fame. Josef Cabe, Dick Barron, Jim McClure, Bill Bendl, Herman Dupre, Lars Skylling, Willi Klein, Doc Deroches, and the founders of Seven Springs- Helen and Adolph Dupre. Even Olympic medalist and World Cup racer Dianne Roffe has also been inducted for her work with ski areas in Pennsylvania.

Michelle and Frank Pipak and Helen Durfee( Lois Dupre’s oldest daughter)

But as Charlie Hinchliffe and I looked about the room this weekend and at the subsequent reception at Lois’s home. we remarked that it was amazing to see how many people there look at skiing as a lifestyle and not just something that they do once in a while. People like Frank and Michelle Pipak, whose countless hours as PSIA Level III ski instructors have enriched the lives of their students in many ways. Rich Wright was there to honor Lois as he was the voice of Seven Springs for many years on the PA system. If you continued to scan the reception, it was amazing to see how well people are faring after many years. Skiing does that to you. It keeps you young and alive and enthusiastic for that first snowflake that comes as the herald of winter. There are people who ski, and then there are skiers. The people in that room and at the reception were skiers – there is a difference.

Now many of us have skied all over the world and appreciate the Rockies, the Wasatch, the Alps and other alpine venues. And although the Laurel Highlands do not offer the vertical drop of some other places in this country, the soul of skiing still exists strongly in our part of the world. We all consider the Laurel Highlands our home field and it is always great to reconnect at the beginning of the season and see our winter friends enjoying the slopes once again. The passion that the inductees into the Pa. Snowsports Hall of Fame have shown, indicates a love for something that is greater than themselves. They selflessly contributed and developed the opportunities for many of us to enjoy the sport of skiing- right here in our home state of Pennsylvania. The Eastern contingent of guests this weekend also feel the same way about their inductees from the Poconos and together, the blending at the reception of eastern Pa skiers and Western Pa skiers was really heartwarming to see.

Dupre memorabilia

As I drove home from the event, I thought about the 61 years that I have spent in the Laurel Highlands and the friends that I have made over the years. Skiing has brought so much to my life and thinking of friends who are no longer with us, but made an impact, was a bit nostalgic driving down County Line Road. Pennsylvania has a rich history in the sport of skiing, and to have it celebrated with events like the induction ceremonies this weekend, showcases the enthusiasm and passion that local skiers have for their home mountains. I am happy to have been a part of it and hopefully will have many more years on the slopes both locally and in other areas where there is another whole host of friends who share the same love of the sport of skiing. Thanks for reading, congratulations to all the inductees, and think snow!!

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Vail says YOUR PHONE WILL BE YOUR TICKET TO THE SLOPES

Imagine not having to find a place on your gear to attach your pass so that it doesn’t hit you in the face, get tangled in something, or misplacing it somewhere! From Vail Daily comes, “Vail Resorts announced Wednesday its plans for a future without physical lift tickets and passes with new technology that will allow guests to store their pass or lift ticket directly on their phone.” Good to know (according to the story) that they will still issue plastic cards IF requested.

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7S Market Update AUG 2022

Listing inventory or better said lack of listing inventory has kept this years sales down compared to 2021. All markets change and this one will too.. Check out the numbers!

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HV Market Update AUG 2022

Listing inventory remains at all time lows with multiple buyers in line for the next offerings. Interest rates continue to inch up but how many buyers will it curtail… Check out the August numbers!

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WHOA NELLIE DAIRY FARM

FALL FUN! Whoa Nellie is a family owned dairy farm that offers a Charlie Brown Corn Maze, horse and tractor rides, a sheep wagon, and a store filled with white, chocolate, and strawberry milk (the old fashioned kind). It tastes like you are drinking ice cream!! Check out the photos and video, better yet go have some fun! Here’s a video of the Corn Maze!

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Real Estate Taxes Bump Up at VAIL Resorts 7S and HV

Properties in Hidden Valley sit in Jefferson Township and at Seven Springs Middlecreek Township. Both have seen their millage rates go up this year, Hidden Valley/Jefferson Twp to 64.64 and Seven Springs/Middlecreek Twp to 36.99. The Somerset County Real Estate Search will help YOU figure out your new property tax amount. There’s a box that asks you to “CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE REAL ESTATE SEARCH.” A new page will open and fill in your last name and municipality click the search button. New page opens then find your name (may be more than one Miller) and click the link. Scroll down to the bottom left and click on “View Property Tax Calculator.” If you get lost, catch up and I’ll help:)

2022 NEW MILLAGE
2022Millage

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7S, HV, Laurel Mtn Resorts and Climate Change

From Pittsburgh Magazine comes an article discussing snow or the lack of it and how to keep and maintain it during the upcoming ski season. Some of the changes, opening days will not be when the weather allows, lift tickets will be limited, and extended hours of operation.

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HV, 7S, Laurel Mtn Resorts Ski Schedule Announced

Straight from the Vail Resorts Press Release Days and hours are in the link. NOTE that all 3 sales systems are NOW CASHLESS OPERATIONS!

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7S MARKET UPDATE JULY 2022

Bring your check book with you if you are considering buying at Seven Springs! Take a look at the market update and you’ll see why…

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HV MARKET UPDATE JULY 2022

Listings are still gone within days of hitting the market. Buyers have very few properties to select from, take a look at the results from July.

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VOTE FOR LAUREL HIGHLANDS BEST DESTINATION FOR FALL FOILAGE!

This is the 3rd consecutive year the Laurel Highlands has been a nominee for the Readers Choice Awards according to GO Laurel Highlands. Here’s how to vote, “Individuals have a chance to support the Laurel Highlands – one of 20 locations selected for the 2022 Best Destination for Fall Foliage award – by voting daily through Sept. 12 CLICK HERE. Photo from GO Laurel Highlands.

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Homeownership and Climate Change

Here are some interesting numbers on climate change and homeownership according to the 2022 Climate Change Survey by Policygenius. They lead with “64% of young homeowners (18-34) expect to move due to climate change in the next 30 years.” Take a look and see what you think!

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SUNFLOWER MAZE Maple Bottom Farm

This year Maple Bottom Farms planted “more than 300,000 sunflower seeds!” Owners Vickie and Mike Baker want to help others learn about agriculture and dairy which lead to farm tours for visitors. The sunflower maze is just one of their offerings. They have a B&B, picnics in the sunflower and zinnia fields (think date night), room for events and weddings, sell milk and cheeses, special events, and educational offerings! Check out their FB Page

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BEER HERE!

Would YOU believe that PA is second only to California when it comes to number of craft breweries with 486! According to VINEPAIR in their article “Best States For Beer Lovers” they also ranked PA 5th out of all our states. Enjoy the read and the beer!

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PA 1031 Like Kind Exchanges

For years, PA was the only state NOT Fully recognizing the 1031 Like Kind Exchange. For years, our PA Association of REALTORS have lobbied the PA General Assembly to incorporate the Federal Tax Code 1031 into the PA Tax Code. On July 8 the Governor signed House Bill 1134 which is now Act 53 of 2022. It takes effect the beginning of 2023.

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WHAT DOES THE FUTURE RESORT MARKET HOLD?

Hmmm Over my 40 some years in the Laurel Highlands resort markets I have collected a ton of data. I’ve also survived 20% interest rates, sales of both resorts, a great recession, bank failures, and Democrat and Republican governance. From these experiences I have ONE crucial thought for seller’s and their bottom line, listen to the end!

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7S MARKET UPDATE JUNE & 1st HALF 2022

We are beginning see changes in the market place. Will the 2nd half bring in more listing inventory? Check out the market and the numbers for June and the first half of 2022.

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HV MARKET UPDATE JUNE & 1st HALF 2022

First half numbers are in and low listing inventory produces low sales. Check out the market and the numbers!

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GO LAUREL HIGHLANDS

If you are looking for something FUN to do in the Laurel Highlands then you need to spend some time diving into GO LH the Laurel Highlands Visitors website. That link will take you to a downloadable visitors guide. Yes we have been members for years and are raving fans of the information they continually put forth ALL YEAR ROUND for residents and visitors to our back yards. ENJOY!

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HIGHLANDS GOLF CLUB = 7SPRINGS & Hidden Valley Golf Courses

The Nuttings kept a large section of venues and land when they sold the ski areas to Vail Resorts. That includes both 18 hole golf courses now rebranded as the HIGHLANDS GOLF CLUB. Here’s where you will find fees and details about memberships. Golf On:)

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7SPRINGS Upcoming Fun

Since the sale of both Seven Springs and Hidden Valley Resorts ski areas everyone has been wondering what events will be continued… On the 7Springs.com site under events and entertainment here’s what you will find.

Jazz Nights at Helens JULY 13, 2022 – OCTOBER 12, 2022
Foggy Goggle Concert Series JULY 15, 2022 – DECEMBER 24, 2022
Rib and Wing Festival JULY 29 – 31, 2022
Wine Festival AUGUST 26 – 28, 2022

As of today there are no events or entertainment listed on the Hidden Valley site under PLAY.

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7S Market Update MAY 2022

Check out the real estate market update for Seven Springs! This monthly summary of what’s happening at Vail’s newest resorts will keep you in the know!

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HV Market Update MAY 2022

Take a look at the real estate market numbers for May! Limited listing inventory is only offering a few properties for buyers to consider. See what’s up!

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TICKS IN THE LAUREL HIGHLANDS

In the past week I have heard MULTIPLE TICK stories! PLEASE enjoy the outside but understand that ticks carry serious side effects. Here’s a super short video from the DCNR recent newsletter about taking pre-cautionary steps and how to protect yourself!

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7S Market Update APRIL 2022

I can remember the markets where we had over 100 listings and they would sit for a year or two! Times have changed and now listing inventory is almost non existent, buyers are waiting for properties, and many sellers are sitting on a ton of home equity! See what’s up with the April market!

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HV MARKET UPDATE APRIL 2022

Same story, very low listing inventory, buyers waiting for properties, and sellers sitting on a boat load of home equity! Check out the April market report!

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Hotel Tax Update Resort Owners

As reported in the Tribune-Democrat Johnstown, the Somerset County Treasurer is catching up with those NOT paying their 5% hotel tax! In a past post I shared the forms and more details but basically if you are renting your home part time you are responsible to pay up! According to the article one home owner owes 16,000 in back hotel taxes! Here’s the story.

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Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail

One of our favorite adventures in the Laurel Highlands was taking the time to enjoy the wonders of the 70 mile Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail! We did it in sections and there was one overnight stay. The trail winds through a section of Seven Springs. Below is picture (GO LH) of one of the fern beds, such an amazing sight and there are many! Especially if go in a season when the trees have shed their leaves. Anna Weltz from GO LH put together a FAQ specifically for this trail. Sure hope you check it out!

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7S March and 1st Quarter Market Update

YOU are going to want to see these first quarter numbers! We have MORE EXCITING NEWS! The Josh Crowe TEAM welcomes Sarah Greiner Brown as a buyer’s agent. Selling or buying, on or off the resorts we are here to help you with your real estate needs! Sellers know that you may be sitting on an unexpected windfall of cash! Catch up to see what prices properties similar to yours have sold for recently!

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Hidden Valley March & 1st Quarter Update

YOU are going to want to see these first quarter numbers! We have MORE EXCITING NEWS! The Josh Crowe TEAM welcomes Sarah Greiner Brown as a buyer’s agent. Selling or buying, on or off the resorts we are here to help you with your real estate needs! Sellers know that you may be sitting on an unexpected windfall of cash! Catch up to see what prices properties similar to yours have sold for recently!

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Keep An Eye OUT for THIS!

One of my FAVORITE resources for what’s going on outside in PA is the DCNR newsletter! Since we have so many water ways in the Laurel Highlands I thought you would help keep an eye out for this disruptive yellow SPRING invasive plant. It actually crowds out our wild flowers! Watch the video to find out more! https://youtu.be/UwItC-B4cv0

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COVID and WHITE TAIL DEER

Hmmm, never thought about it till I came across this story from NPR.   What makes it even more interesting is that the study was done across PA with 93 dead deer. End result was a “nearly 20% coronavirus positivity rate.” There’s also a second study that’s been done in southwestern and eastern Ontario that used 300 deer and is pending review. Big question, how did they contract it?

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RENTING your place in Somerset County? YOU OWE A HOTEL TAX

Somerset County Treasurer Anthony DeLuca is out to collect from those who may not know they owe! Resort owners at Hidden Valley and Seven Springs who rent may fall into this category. Let’s begin with the HOTEL ROOM RENTAL TAX Rules and Regulations. Effective April 1, 2018 as explained in Part 2 under Rules and Regulations Section D3 is basically saying that anything rented for less than 30 days qualifies for the 5%  tax fee. Then there’s the 2002 Ordinance Section 2 (6) that further clarifies who needs to pay up.  The full story can be found here by David Hurst in the Tribune Democrat Johnstown. Here’s the link to register and the Hotel Tax and Regulations page from the Somerset County Website for even more information.

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Spotted Lanterenfly (SLF)

If you see it REPORT IT! According to DCNR, the map below shows the few counties that this pest has yet to be found! Read the newsletter here.  It was first found in Berks County, PA in 2014 and has a preference for grapevines, maples, black walnut, birch and willows. Read more on HOW it can impact our economy and quality of life!

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40 Years of Resort Experience at Seven Springs & Hidden Valley

This year Abe celebrates 40 years of working the resort markets! From 1982 till 2002 she advanced from agent to Broker of Record for the Villages at Seven Springs. From land development, new construction, marketing, and all of the real estate paper work she has had incredible experiences. One of her favorites was lobbing for the new construction company of Kettler Forlines Inc to open their first real sale division. She shared how life long friendships evolved from many of her 1st time meeting consultations. Here’s a quick review!

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7S Market Update Feb 2022

Sellers YOU could be sitting on a TON OF CASH! With very little listing inventory it is indeed a sellers market! Take a look at the February numbers and catch up with me to discuss your options!

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HV Market Update for Feb 2022

Sellers YOU could be sitting on a TON OF CASH! With very little listing inventory it is indeed a sellers market! Take a look at the February numbers and catch up with me to discuss your options!

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Kindergartners Hotline

Is the worlds environment weighing heavealiy on you right now? NPR reports there’s a new FREE hotline to help you find JOY! Well at least a smile… Teachers in CA at Westside Elementary created the arts program with their very young elementary students.  Here’s your menu choices, “If you’re feeling mad, frustrated or nervous, press 1. If you need words of encouragement and life advice, press 2. If you need a pep talk from kindergartners, press 3. If you need to hear kids laughing with delight, press 4. For encouragement in Spanish, press 5.”   Dial Peptoc at 707-998-8410

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DIXON by McCloskey

55+ years of Friendship.

by patmccloskey

My Pal- Dixon Rich

Dixon Rich and I have been friends since the minor league in baseball. We both talk about how we forged our friendship on the bench. I was a fat little catcher and Dixon played out in left field, but we talked a lot about how thirsty we were and couldn’t wait to get to Dixon’s house for a drink.

Fast forward- Dixon senior bought a cabin on County Line Road and all of us neighbor kids spent the weekends crashed out on the cabin floor in sleeping bags. What a wonderful way to grow up. The winters were always special to me and still are thanks to the Rich family and my pal Dixon.

Dixon, Melissa and Jaime. Laurel Mountain friends for life

Dixon is an accomplished attorney and tax specialist. You might not know that if you visited him and he answers the door with a red bandana adorning his noggin and baggy shorts and construction boots doing someone’s tax work. He plays the Dead while he works and really doesn’t know the difference between night and day. He works when he feels inspired and that may be in the middle of the night. Naps are important to Dixon as he takes them between work sessions. He is a character. A skillful tele-mark skier, Dixon likes to hide out at Laurel Mountain where it is quiet, scenic and he has the place basically to himself most days of the winter. He can work from anywhere and the Laurel Highlands are his home for the winter. The other day he pulled out a pair of old 70’s era alpine skis and attacked Lower Wildcat on an icy morning. I have not seen skis like that in a while but Dixon has a whole houseful of 70s era skis which he uses with tele equipment and a few selected pair for alpine outings.

Valuable nap time for the tax man.

Dixon and I have skied together for over 55 years. But we also have had many adventures in cycling. We used to ride from his cabin to Confluence, Pa on our mountain bikes, getting lost on the way home, running out of daylight and crashing exhausted at the Red and White Store in Indian Head hoping to get a ride back. One time in West Virginia at the Wild 100 Backcountry Race, we both ascended Prop’s Run just outside of the Elk River Touring Center. When we got to the top exhausted, Dixon smiled at me with vivid blue teeth and asked if I wanted some bubble gum. That was his ” Power Bar”. He loves Captain Crunch cereal and other sweet treats. I am trying to get him back into riding more and he claims he will join me again this spring and summer. But his antics on the slopes and on the trails are legendary. Ask him about the plastic shower cap he used to cover his fanny pack when riding. A bright floral pattern which protected valuable cargo in his pack. LOL!!

Dixon does not like to be pinned down with a schedule. He is happy to meet you and ski with you but it is on his timing and on his terms. I call it like seeing an “albino deer” – wonderful to see but never planned. Like me- he likes the quiet of a remote ski area and enjoys the scenery without all the hassle of what takes place at Laurel’s sister area – Seven Springs, which can get a bit hectic during the winter. He has a great head of hair and never wears a hat – no matter how cold. I am amazed sometimes but my wife always says that with that great head of hair, she wouldn’t wear a hat either.

But the most important thing about Dixon is that he is a good friend. They say if you leave this world with friends that you can count on your right hand, you are a lucky man. Dixon is one of those fingers to me. I will always remember when my father passed away unexpectedly in his sleep back in 2001. Dixon was one of the first guys there for me and tirelessly helped me to close down my dad’s business. I could not have done it without him and will always be grateful for his kindness, his help, and his expertise.

Friendships are important. Especially as we age. We need to stay active, pay attention to our health, and most of all, spend time in the great outdoors with friends like Dixon. Thanks for reading and if you see the albino deer sometime, say hello. You will instantly gain another good friend.

 

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Great Backyard Bird Count Update

The numbers are in! According to the report there were 318,000 participants from 192 countries, identifying 7,091 species, and sharing 120,000 photos! Check out the short video! You may want to visit the Cornell Lab of Ornithology for more information on birding. And if you LOVE birds as much as I do try the Merlin Bird ID app it is free and very easy to use!! ENJOY!

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TAX TIME and RENTAL DEDUCTIONS

Did you rent out your primary or 2nd home in 2021? If so some of you may be wondering just IF and WHAT your deductions may add up too. First YOU should discuss this information with your tax advisor as I am only SHARING information directly from the IRS. This information discusses “Topic # 415 Renting Residential and Vacation Property”  There are multiple links to help you file in April.

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Friends of Jurassic Park

As reported by NPR a Pterosaur fossil dating back 170 Million Years was found in Scotland. Imagine the excitement of Ph.D. student Amelia Penny when during a field trip in 2017 she noticed the jaw line of this amazing reptile. Read the story HERE.

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SHEETZ BREAKING GROUND IN DONEGAL

There have been rumors for years and NOW it is finally happening! SHEETZ is coming to town! The parcel is larger than most. It will be on your right when you take the Donegal turnpike exit at the stop light by the PNC bank. There will be a dedicated exit lane to skip the stop light IF you are headed to the resorts. Watch for the earth movers this March!

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Hidden Valley Real Estate Market Update Jan 2022

More Exciting Things happening in the real estate markets at Hidden Valley and Seven Springs. See for yourself!

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Seven Springs Real Estate Market Update Jan 2022

More Exciting Things happening in the real estate markets at Seven Springs and Hidden Valley. See for yourself!

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Great Backyard Bird Count Starts TODAY!

This 4 day event (Feb 18-21) has been ongoing since 1998. It has become a worldwide citizen science event sponsored by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and the National Audubon Society. It’s simple and fun, count and report the birds in your back yard:) Here’s the link. This helps to identify bird populations around the world! Have Fun!

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30 Year Mortgage Rate Above 4%

Predictions are it will not be going back down anytime soon! 2019 was the last time we saw 4%. More info on mortgage rates from MONEY.  Seller’s, consider the higher the interest rates go up the the number of eligible buyers for your property gets lower.

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Trout Stocking Schedule

It’s time! The 2022 trout stocking schedule is NOW available. Use this LINK to search by county! The first day of trout season is April 2nd. Good Fishing!

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NEW GENERAL MANAGER FOR SEVEN SPRINGS, HIDDEN VALLEY, LAUREL MOUNTAIN

According to Ski Area Management, beginning Feb 14th, Brett Cook is the new GM for Seven Springs, Hidden Valley, and Laurel Mountain. He’s been involved at Roundtop, Liberty Mountain, White Tail and then back to Roundtop as GM when Vail purchased the “Peak Resorts” in 2019. WELCOME Brett!

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How China Made Olympic Snow

Here at Seven Springs, Hidden Valley, and Laurel Mountain we are all accustomed to man made snow. But for the Olympics’? Here are two stories that feature the how it was done process. NPR and the New York Times

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All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Copyright 2022.



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