Realtor excitement and home sales drive need for second Price Hill showcase

The second annual Price Hill Showcase of Homes takes place on March 29 from noon to 4 PM, with more than 50 for-sale homes in East, West and Lower Price Hill open for viewing.

The last showcase was held last August, but, because of realtor excitement, they just couldn't wait that long for the next one.

"I've had one or two agents tell me that they had a sale as a direct result of the 2008 Showcase," says Matt Strauss, director of the Price Hill Housing Resource Center, one of the event's sponsors.  "The big difference was in the number of showings they got that day.  Some realtors had as many as a dozen groups look at their homes.  Even the agents that didn't do as well are participating again this year.

In addition to marketing and creating "buzz" about the neighborhood, Strauss says that the Housing Resource Center is working hard to ensure that homeowners' investments are protected.

"We are working aggressively at improving the physical conditions throughout the neighborhood," he says.  "We do this through a carrot and stick approach.  We have grant programs to help needy homeowners and we go after the bad property owners.  We help the neighbors of the rougher properties in finding a solution to the trouble next door."

A recent Working In Neighborhoods foreclosure study shows that the number of foreclosures in East and West Price Hill dropped nearly 20 percent between 2007 and 2008, and foreclosures in East Price Hill have dropped more than 45 percent since 2006.

"Every day I get more news that tells me that Price Hill is a more and more solid place to buy," Strauss says.  "We've always been so close to everything – and with better views than Mt. Adams.  I'll bet that people will fall in love with the neighborhood if they come out and see for themselves."

The free event will feature refreshments, gift coupons, and prizes.

Maps will be available starting at 11:30 AM on the day of the event at the Price Hill Housing Resource Center, 3208 Warsaw Avenue.

Writer: Kevin LeMaster
Source: Matt Strauss, director, Price Hill Housing Resource Center