Your Greater Pittsburgh Neighborhood Experts
Holidays are full of traditions with food as the cornerstone. Pittsburgh agent Leah George loves making vegan versions of classic favorites without compromising flavor and believes anyone can, too - with some helpful tips! Plant based milk, butter, and most cheeses have come a long way and are easy swaps. Surprisingly, boiling cashews, carrots, and potatoes then blending with water and seasoning it to taste makes a delicious mac n’ chz sauce! One of Leah’s go-to ingredients is Pumfu; the original can be seasoned in a food processor with water for creamy ricotta while the chorizo or sausage flavors replace meat crumbles. For desserts, coconut cream is a top choice. Don’t feel like cooking? Veggies N’at offers spectacular catering and private dining service. Leah’s favorite local restaurants are Apteka, Onion Maiden, and ShadoBeni plus Chantal’s makes fancy cheese and veggie pate for charcuterie. Leah is relatable, creative, and genuine. As a Realtor®, she strives to make her clients’ experience as seamless and fun as possible.
Polenta with fresh puttanesca sauce by Veggies N’at
Give the Gift of a Healthier Holiday For Leah George, holiday recipes are best served with a vegan twist.
LEAH GEORGE — Real Estate Salesperson leah.george@compass.com M 412.713.0513 | O 412.307.7394 leahgeorgerealtor.com
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A Season of Change
When the seasons change, we naturally take the oppor- tunity to follow suit. We grow despite the falling leaves, make the most of the waning daylight and create the harvest we need to head into the winter months. In the spirit of growth this fall, our Compass agents are digging their roots deeper into their communities, learning new skills to help their clients and gearing up for the real estate nuances that accompany autumn. On the pages that follow, they’ve shared their recommendations for activities, local businesses, home improvements and more to help inspire our community to seize the season and find comfort in the change.
From a young age, we learn to associate fall with the season of new beginnings. Each school year brought time to reconnect with friends, exciting new classes and the return to a stable schedule. As we transition into adult- hood, we may find that this feeling toward fall remains the same. The exciting distractions of summer fade away, leaving a renewed focus on ourselves, our routines and our surroundings.
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All directions home start here. Serving 70 markets across 350+ offices, Compass is now the #1 real estate brokerage in the US. Pairing a national network of top agents with the industry’s best technology, we’re delivering a seamless, flexible client experience. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned seller, our robust referral network offers unparalleled access to meet your real estate needs.
OUR PLATFORM Developed entirely in-house, all of our technology is designed to sell your home faster and at a higher price point. We can track comparable properties, view your listing’s traffic, gauge marketing performance–all at a moment’s notice.
#1 Largest brokerage in the US ¹
OUR MARKETING Our in-house marketing and advertising agency ensures that every home we represent is portrayed in its finest light across every platform–from stunning billboards and installations to eye-catching print materials and digital campaigns.
27,000+ Agents nationwide
OUR COMMUNITY Locally, we are counted among the top five brokerages in every one of our core markets; meanwhile, our national presence and uniquely collaborative culture present agents with unlimited co-brokering and referral opportunities.
Listed on the Fortune 500®
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Small Business, Big Hearts Skip the crowded mall this holiday season - shop local! When you shop local for the holidays, you help area business owners and their families, and you also get to visit the engaging historic neighborhoods that are part of the fabric of Pittsburgh. Squirrel Hill agent Freada Jaffe appreciates the value of both. When she’s shopping in Aspinwall and looking for timeless pieces in her closet, Freada visits One Brilliant Boutique, which has everything from dressy clothes and business casual options to accessories. Local favorites Aspinwall Beans ‘N Cream cafe and Feast on Brilliant help keep her fueled on busy days. Just across the river, the town of Shadyside also offers a wide variety of shops. Freada often visits the Madeline George Boutique, which carries the latest styles and has a trendy, New York City vibe. Located on Ellsworth Ave, the shop is close to local bars and restaurants, including a few of Freada’s favorites — Con Alma Jazz restaurant and jazz bar, Senyai Thai Kitchen, and Round Table Coffee. A real estate agent for the past 21 years, Freada lives in Squirrel Hill and focuses her business on the neighborhood and surrounding Shadyside area. She was born and raised in Pittsburgh and it’s where she’s chosen to raise her children. Freada’s goal is to help sellers get the best price for their house in the shortest amount of time. And, as a buyer’s agent, she wants to help her clients find a house that they can call home.
FREADA JAFFE — Real Estate Salesperson freada.jaffe@compass.com
M 412.654.4112 O 412.307.7394 compass.com/agents/freada-jaffe
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Serving the Pittsburgh Community for over 110 Years Wholey’s is a Pittsburgh household name.
The path began in 1912 in McKees Rocks, where Robert L. Wholey sold poultry, meats and coffee. Adapting to the changing community, his son opened the Wholey Company Poultry Market in the Diamond District in 1948 and moved to the iconic 1711 Penn Avenue location in 1960. The Strip was a bustling warehouse district with foods delivered in and out of the region. Wholey’s began importing from across the country, later hiring fleets of trucks and purchasing the Federal Cold Storage building. Wholey’s put the Strip District on the map with its market and events. Now, it’s home to hundreds of condo and townhome residents. Similarly, the New City real estate team has been deeply involved in the Strip and passionate about its development. Founder Kathy Wallace began with Solara Ventures selling 58 condos adapted from the Otto Milk Factory in 2008. She saw a desire for city living, but limited buying opportunities. People were flocking to the area, but few lived there. New City often represents construction, but Otto Milk marked the creation of a new neighborhood. The team
has since sold Smallman Place and The Refinery in the area, and with Compass Real Estate they are now selling Forte and Penn 23. Working with hundreds of clients in this area, they know the market, the demand, and the opportunity. Without the iconic Wholey’s destination, it’s unlikely a warehouse district would have become what it is so beloved by its residents for today.
New City is a team of Real Estate sales and marketing professionals that have been leading the urban living market in Pittsburgh for over a decade. Whether you are a buyer looking to purchase or a developer looking to invest in the city, we have the expertise to help.
Real Estate Salespersons kathy.wallace@compass.com M 412.855.8419 | O 412.307.7394 newcitypgh.com
KATHY WALLACE LAURA KINGSBURY JORDANN FRIEDMAN
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Michelle’s Guide to Christmas Shopping in Lawrenceville Shop local in Pittsburgh’s most charming small business district.
Along the historic streets of Lawrenceville, you’ll find art galleries, live music, and a thriving restaurant scene. The area is also home to a variety of locally owned shops and boutiques that are ideal for finding special gifts and entertaining supplies — especially during the holiday season. Representing some of the neighborhoods top listings, including Gerbe Glass along Butler St, Michelle Sager is an expert in real estate in Lawrenceville.
Some of Michelle’s favorite places to shop:
Party On Butler: New to the Lawrenceville neighborhood, this chic party store is known for it’s one-of-a kind balloon displays and unique party decor. Wildcard: Since 2009, Wildcard has been known as a one-stop shop for handcrafted items, many of which are made from recycled products. Stop here for unique cards, t-shirts, gifts, baby & kids’ gifts, original art prints, and much more. Closet Rehab: This line of acrylic accessories was inspired by shapes, textures, and the desire to create minimalist pieces that have maximum impact. Each piece is customized to help individuals find their inner renegade and bring joy, authenticity, and a sense of therapy to their closets. Rosie’s Workshop: At Rosie’s, every design tells a story and is built to last. They offer imaginative gifts, home décor, and lighting that leaves a fun, memorable impression. Their playful, cool aesthetic is a fusion of postwar industrial with a splash of modern. Morrow & Dean: This boutique satisfies the need for classic, versatile, and feminine wardrobe staples with a focus on high-quality pieces for women of all ages.
MICHELLE SAGER — Real Estate Salesperson michelle.sager@compass.com
M 412.818.7379 O 412.307.7394 compass.com/agents/michelle-sager
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Sewickley Shines Bright for the Holidays Experience the magic of the holiday season in the village. For Sewickley agent Meg Smith, there’s no better way to kick off the holiday season than going to the Sewickley Light Up Night celebration held on the first Friday in December. Brimming with small town charm, Light Up Night is a family friendly holiday tradition that Meg has enjoyed for the 22 years that she’s lived in Sewickley, and one that she’s been delighted to share with her children and friends. Light Up Night is Sewickley at its best. The event attracts up to 10,000 visitors each year and includes ice sculpting, food trucks, carriage rides, fireworks, local dance and music performances, and live stage musical performances. Meg is an expert on Sewickley’s tree-lined neighborhoods, historic homes, local public and private schools, and all the features that make this unique borough the perfect place to call home. Her goal is to provide unparalleled customer service and to work with you to find the home of your dreams.
MEG SMITH — Realtor ® meg.smith@compass.com
M 412.303.3348 O 412.746.7764 compass.com/agents/meg-smith
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Your Guide To The Best Holiday Lights in Pittsburgh Shop local in Pittsburgh’s most charming small business district. The best way to get into the holiday spirit with the most magical lights in town.
There’s nothing like the holidays in Pittsburgh. Even in a city where you can really notice and celebrate the changing of each season, late fall becoming early winter here is an especially magical time. The twinkling lights of the season start at the downtown Christmas tree on the old Horne’s building at Light Up Night, and stretch to drive-through attractions and warmly lit neighborhoods in the suburbs. Compass agent James Lanigan was born and raised in Pittsburgh. At the sight of the first snow flurries, he likes to drive around listening to classic Christmas songs and taking in the glow of the lights at the city’s best holiday events. This year, he looks forward to partaking in that tradition with his wife and newborn son. A few of his must-see holiday decoration events are:
• Clinton’s Christmas Light Up Celebration • Phipps Conservatory Winter Flower Show and Light Garden • Yuletide in Sewickley
• Zoo Lights at the Pittsburgh Zoo • Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland
JAMES LANIGAN — Real Estate Salesperson james.lanigan@compass.com
M 412.841.5324 O 412.307.7394 laniganwright.com
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At Christmas, All Roads Lead Home Naomi’s favorite holiday tradition is opening her home to friends and family. Holidays look different for everyone; family compositions, religious beliefs, and traditions all contribute to the ways people celebrate. Naomi Grabowski, an agent in the Compass East End office, created a unique tradition that has continued for nearly two decades. The Grabowski house is open on Christmas Eve for people to come and go at their leisure. Some people stay for hours while others come long enough for a bowl of wedding soup that is kept hot all day. This tradition has always been about good food and good vibes, that has stayed the same even as it has evolved over the years. Naomi’s favorite part is that it has become a respite for people who may have otherwise been alone on the holiday. For anyone looking to start a new tradition, this can be modified to suit any holiday; most important is to do what works best for you and above all, enjoy your people!
NAOMI GRABOWSKI — Real Estate Salesperson naomi.grabowski@compass.com
M 412.657.5249 O 412.307.7394 compass.com/agents/naomi-grabowski
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A Taste of Home
Food tastes better when you eat it together. Try this new dish for your table this holiday season.
Many parents struggle to make meals that the entire family will enjoy. For East End agent and resident Rachel French, trying a new recipe on a whim became a meal that her family wants again and again. Rachel’s famous Pasta Puttanesca started with a recipe from the New York Times. She tweaked it until she found just the right combination of ingredients and now it’s a meal that she makes several times a month. If you’re looking for a new dish for your table this holiday season, give this one a try!
INGREDIENTS:
DIRECTIONS: • In a large sauté pan, heat the olive oil on medium heat. Add anchovies and break them down with a wooden spoon. Add the onion and cook until translucent. Add garlic and cook for a minute or two. Crush the tomatoes by hand into the pan and add the remaining juice to the pan. Add capers and olives. Stir well. • Turn the heat to medium low and let the sauce simmer, uncovered. While the sauce simmers, cook the pasta according to package directions. • Toss noodles in the sauce, fill up your bowl, sprinkle with parsley, parme- san, and pepper flakes if desired, and enjoy! • 2-4oz of anchovy filets • 5 cloves garlic, minced • 1/2 large Spanish onion, chopped • 2 tbsp Olive oil • 2 28oz cans of whole peeled San Marzano tomatoes • 1 lb of your favorite pasta • 2 tbsp capers • 1 cup olives (pitted and halved)
RACHEL FRENCH — Real Estate Salesperson rachel.french@compass.com
M 412.719.0197 O 412.307.7394 compass.com/agents/rachel-french
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Adventure Awaits in Your Own Backyard Need to get out of the house? Check out these family friendly hiking spots!
Our national parks are wild and beautiful, but for Ted and Julie Block, the Pittsburgh area offers its own extraordinary natural landscapes. From rich green and rolling hills to streams and waterfalls, the area’s easily accessible parks are the perfect escape from busy city life. Ted and Julie live in Swissvale with their four children. They renovate houses in nearby neighborhoods and enjoy helping others find the perfect place to call home. They’re also a family of outdoor enthusiasts who go on cross country road trips twice a year. In the past year, they’ve visited more than 15 national parks! The Block family invites you to visit some of their favorite local hiking spots this winter, including Frick Park (best for a night hike); Fall Run (best for an afternoon getaway); Ohiopyle State Park (offers beautiful overlooks); and Cuyahoga National Park (a good hike with waterfalls!).
TED BLOCK —
Real Estate Salesperson ted.block@compass.com M 412.926.7976 | O 412.307.7394
JULIE BLOCK —
Real Estate Salesperson julie.block@compass.com M 412.926.7976 | O 412.307.7394 blocksintheburgh.com
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Home for the Holidays in Squirrel Hill Beautifully restored, this classic home currently for sale is perfect for family and friends to gather.
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Just steps away from the Squirrel Hill business district, this lovingly restored home has a sought- after combination of modern amenities and colonial revival charm. When Allison Pochapin walks into this idyllic home, she imagines how inviting it would be during the holiday season. Entering through the stately front porch, you’re greeted by rich wood finishes and a beautiful entry door — just perfect for welcoming guests for family dinners and holiday get-togethers. Those with an eye for attention to detail will appreciate the high quality materials and period craftsmanship. Families of any size will enjoy the large eat-in kitchen and flexible spaces that lend themselves to working from home and entertaining. The primary suite and ensuite bathroom are luxurious and spacious, with an oversized tub, jetted shower, and fireplace. Inside and out, this home has the charm of your favorite bed and breakfast with warmth that makes you immediately feel right at home.
Please contact Allison to schedule a tour.
ALLISON POCHAPIN — Real Estate Salesperson
allison.pochapin@compass.com M 412.519.7636 | O 412.307.7394 compass.com/agents/allison-pochapin
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Tips for Staging Your Home
Staging is the best way to highlight your home’s strengths, helps potential buyers imagine themselves living there, and it can also help your listing appeal to the greatest possible variety of buyers.
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Compass agent Julie Welter shares ten simple staging tips to help sell your home quickly: Curb appeal: First impressions count. Rent a power washer to remove dirt and mildew from the siding, roof, gutters, and sidewalks. Replace old outdoor lighting fixtures, paint faded shutters and doors, plant seasonal flowers, and make the front porch inviting with an outdoor rug and furniture. Kitchens sell houses: Remove small appliances and other clutter from your countertops, organize cabinet and pantry shelves, update cabinet hardware, and replace the faucet if it’s corroded. Declutter: Avoid a cluttered look by minimizing items on tables and organizing closets. Make sure that potential buyers can easily access your home’s best features, and make sure they can look out all the windows. Reimagine furniture: Try floating furniture by repositioning sofas and chairs into cozy conversational groups to open up the room and make it seem larger. Create a workspace: If you don’t have an entire room to dedicate to a home office, carve out a nook in a spare bedroom, a corner of the living room, or even a closet. Depersonalize: Remove family photos, children’s artwork, framed diplomas, and personal collections and replace them with generic items. Shiny and clean: In the bathrooms, remove hard-water stains from faucets, make sure there is no sign of mold. Fix discolored grout with grout stain and remove and replace moldy caulk around the tub or shower. Brighten things up: Create a warm and welcoming atmosphere with lighting. Make sure you have three types: ambient (general or overhead), task (pendant, under- cabinet or reading), and accent (table and wall).
and consider painting an accent wall to draw attention to a feature you want to highlight like a fireplace or a set of windows. Think luxury: Create an inviting and serene main bedroom with a well-made bed covered in luxurious linens. Use a solid color duvet and add color with shams, throw pillows and extra blankets.
JULIE WELTER — Real Estate Salesperson julie.welter@compass.com
M 412.692.1589 O 412.407.5720 compass.com/agents/julie-welter
Add a little color: Try bold paint colors in small spaces
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Tips for a Successful Home Inspection Sell your house fast with these top home inspection tips.
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• Tighten or repair hand and guardrails • Ensure interior doors latch to the strike plate
While three keys to selling your home quickly and for the highest price are location, condition, and price, the importance of the home inspection is often overlooked. Careful planning can make the process easier and create an opportunity for little to no correction negotiations — which can be a welcome relief for both the buyer and seller. Consider these proactive steps before your home inspection: • Utilities should be on, and gas pilots lit • Alarm systems disarmed • Interior and exterior light fixtures working • Gutters and roof clean • Divert water and grade slope away from the house • Trim trees, roots, and bushes back from the foundation, roof, siding, and chimney • Paint weathered exterior wood and caulk where necessary • Point up failing mortar joints in brick or block • Clean the chimney, fireplace, or woodstove • Provide access to the furnace, water heater, and electrical panel • Install/test GFCI electrical receptacles near all water sources • Install a new furnace air filter • Ensure that windows operate smoothly and remove window security screws
• Clear path to attic access panel or pull-down stairway • A minimum of one working carbon monoxide detector per floor and at least one working smoke detector in or outside every sleeping area • Provide keys or unlock sheds, outbuildings • Remove/restrain pets • Empty clothes washer and dryer • Maintain “closed house conditions” for 12 hours prior to/during radon testing If getting your home ready to sell has you feeling overwhelmed, we’re here to help. Contact us for a pre- inspection visit and we’ll create a plan for making your home look its best.
The inspection list was provided as a courtesy by Guardian Home Inspections.
DAWN LANDIS — Real Estate Salesperson dawn.landis@compass.com
M 412-559-6286 O 724-318-6681 compass.com/agents/dawn-landis
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Staging Your Home For Success By providing complimentary staging to every seller, we’ll get your home ready for the market in no time!
The Sisters team at Compass knows firsthand the positive impact staging can have when selling a home. In fact, the Pittsburgh duo offers complimentary staging to help every seller prepare their property for the marketplace. The goal is to create a contemporary, clean slate that appeals to prospective buyers both in photographs and in person. Thankfully, staging is a highly customizable solution that can include everything from cleaning and decluttering to bringing in staging furniture. The Sisters advise sellers to thoroughly declutter every room, including cleaning off surfaces like counters and tabletops. Remove all area rugs and interior door mats to show off the floors and make rooms appear more spacious. Use solid, neutral-colored couch covers and throw pillows to freshen up living spaces. An empty bedroom can quickly be staged with a headboard, blow-up mattress and nightstands. Lastly, avoid seasonal or holiday décor that can date the listing.
EILEEN ALLAN — Realtor ® eileen.allan@compass.com M 412.759.2325 | O 412.407.5720
SHANNON ASSAD — Realtor ®
shannon.assad@compass.com M 412.518.1082 | O 412.407.5720
eileenandshannon.com
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Guiding you home. Compass has 5 local offices in the Greater Pittsburgh region. Connect with one of our agents at compass.com.
EAST END | SOUTH HILLS | MOON TOWNSHIP | WEXFORD | SEWICKLEY O 412.307.7394 | 6425 LIVING PLACE, SUITE 105, PITTSBURGH, PA 15206
Compass RE is a licensed real estate broker and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. This is not intended to solicit property already listed. Photos may be virtually staged or digitally enhanced and may not reflect actual property conditions.
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