Earlier this year, Rebekah Siegel and her partner finished developing a home you can’t miss: a three-story-tall house made of storage containers, dubbed the “Blue Pearl” for its eye-catching hue and spot on Pearl Street. 

“It’s a concept my partner and I came up with several years ago,” Siegel, a member of the Realtors® Association of Metropolitan Pittsburgh, shares. “We wanted to add something different to the Pittsburgh market and create a stamp of sorts.” 

She noted that while container homes have become more popular in other areas of the country, particularly the Southwest, she hadn’t seen any in her own area. 

The home was constructed from six 8 foot by 40 foot one-trip containers, meaning they had never been used before. It features four bedrooms and two and a half baths, as well as a spacious rooftop deck perfect for entertaining and enjoying the view. 

“It was surprisingly similar to any regular stick build,” Siegel says of the home’s development, sharing that for her location, the permits, inspections, guidelines and other criteria weren’t unique. “It’s not as different as one might think, from a building perspective.” 

“One caution would be making sure you have a site that is conducive to setting the containers,” she warns. Because of how tight the site was for this home, it took longer and was more challenging to maneuver and orchestrate the containers into their places. Still, she added that the location in Bloomfield made it a unique project, and it was all worth it. 

“As the proud developer of Pittsburgh’s first shipping container home, the Blue Pearl, I’ve enjoyed the unique opportunity to create a lasting impression on the real estate market in our city. This novel project has added a product to the housing market, which breaks ground for future similar homes and developments, both locally and beyond. It’s been a pleasure working with our architects, engineers and builder – all local – to erect this special home, which is just as amazing on the interior as it is on the exterior!” 

In Q1 2026, home equity among homeowners aged 62 and older reached a record $14.92 trillion, according to the National Reverse Mortgage Lenders Association. 

This surge followed two quarterly declines and was driven by an estimated $314.8 billion (1.8%) increase in senior home values, partially offset by a $10.5 billion (0.4%) increase in senior-held mortgage debt. 

“The rebound in senior housing wealth is encouraging news for older homeowners and underscores the important role home equity continues to play in retirement security,” Steve Irwin, president of NRMLA, said. “With senior home equity reaching another record level, many older Americans have greater financial flexibility to help address rising living expenses, healthcare costs or other retirement needs.” 

In the same quarter, senior home value levels also peaked at $17.43 trillion.  

Harrisburg is no. 5 on LinkedIn’s list of 25 Emerging Cities for Jobs and Career Growth, highlighting its hiring opportunities, expanding industries and new opportunities. 

LinkedIn notes that Harrisburg offers a diverse economy anchored by government, healthcare and logistics, and its new business investment is strengthening the region.  

Also in Pennsylvania, Lancaster ranks no. 11, noteworthy for its historic, well-connected community and diverse economy spanning manufacturing, healthcare, tourism and agriculture. 

“Finding the right place to build a career has become just as important as finding the right job,” said Laura Lorenzetti, vice president and executive editor at LinkedIn. “Career opportunity is expanding well beyond the traditional hubs.”  

The study based its rankings on hiring increases, job postings and moves by professionals.  

Cybercrimes are a serious threat in the real estate industry, and they were up last year in Pennsylvania, resulting in $7.2 million in victim losses. 

By nature, real estate professionals handle a lot of personal and financial data, making them high-risk targets for various cybercrimes, including malware and ransomware. Here are six tips for preventing these threats and protecting clients from PAR Preferred PARtner Pearl Insurance.  

But first, what is malware? 

Malware, short for “malicious software,” is an all-encompassing term for any type of harmful software designed to infiltrate, damage or disable devices and networks. 

Common malware threats in real estate include: 

• Email account compromise 
• Fake property listing inquiries 
• Fraudulent wire transfer requests 
• Impersonation of trusted entities 
• Lockbox code change requests 

What about ransomware? 

Ransomware, one of the most prominent types of malware, encrypts a victim’s data. The cybercriminal then demands a ransom, or payment, to restore access to their files and network. 

Real estate professionals are at risk of ransomware specifically due to their business with high-value transactions, time sensitivity and urgency to close deals and involvement with multiple stakeholders, like clients, lenders and title companies. They’re commonly targeted through: 

• Phishing emails, which can look very convincing but contain malicious links 
• Insecure remote access, like weak or exposed remote desktop protocol configurations 
• Outdated software, such as unpatched systems and plugins 

How do I prevent these cyberattacks? 

Being proactive is the number one best way to prevent malware and ransomware attacks. As Realtors®, keep yourselves and your clients safe and: 

1. Educate your team. Implement regular training to recognize phishing attempts and other suspicious cyber activities. 
2. Create an incident response plan. Have protocols prepared for potential breaches. 
3. Implement strong passwords. Passwords should be complex and changed regularly. 
4. Backup, update and patch systems. Ensure all software, operating systems and applications are up to date. 
5. Limit access. Only grant system access to necessary personnel.  
6. Invest in cybersecurity technology. Implement firewalls and other protective software. 

Walkability has real market value, as 63% of Americans say they’d be willing to pay more to live in a community where they could easily walk to parks, shops and restaurants, according to the National Association of Realtors® 2026 Community and Transportation Preferences Survey. 

In fact, the majority of respondents (59%) said that a walkable neighborhood would win over a larger home site that requires more driving. 

Moreover, the top walkable features they wanted included: 

1. Sidewalks and places to walk (89%) 
2. Location within walking distance of shops and parks (82%) 
3. A place to walk or exercise a pet (74%) 

Currently, 71% said the places they need to go to are too far to walk. 

Additionally, 46% of respondents said they believe it should be a high priority for local governments to make it easier to develop communities where people do not have to drive long distances to work or shop, highlighting the role they see governments playing in planning and developing more accessible, connected communities.  

Data centers are becoming a major land-use issue in Pennsylvania, and they are starting to raise questions about whether the seller disclosure law requires disclosure about existing or planned data centers.  

There are no specific questions about data centers, and they do not create a new, stand-alone disclosure obligation under Pennsylvania law. That said, they might generate facts that fall within existing duties to disclose known material defects of the property. Understanding the underlying purpose of the law and how it has been interpreted by the courts is critical to figuring out what a seller does, and doesn’t, need to disclose.  

What the Law Does NOT Require 

The seller disclosure law requires that a seller provide information they know about “material defects,” which are defined as problems “with a residential real property or any portion of it that would have a significant adverse impact on the value of the property or that involves an unreasonable risk to people on the property.”   

The Pennsylvania Supreme Court has clearly stated that the seller disclosure law is meant to address physical and legal issues that directly impact the physical or legal condition of the property being sold, but not other types of conditions or issues that might impact how someone would feel about the property. In the 2014 case of Milliken v. Jacono, the court addressed a claim that a seller should have been required to disclose the fact of a murder/suicide in the home. The court found that because there was no physical impact on the property, this was merely a “psychological stigma” and not a “material defect.” In short, the court noted that the law does not impose a duty on a seller to guess what sorts of things certain buyers may have an emotional response to and then try to figure out which ones should be disclosed.  

Though the Milliken case dealt with a stigma based on activity in the home, the same analysis should apply to a potential stigma from an off-site condition. A seller would generally not be required to figure out whether and how the presence of an existing or pending data center might impact a potential purchaser’s feelings about the property. 

In addition, the law only requires a seller to disclose material defects they actually have knowledge about, and it does not require a seller to predict the future or pose as an expert on issues that are outside of their expertise. For example, if there are no impacts directly on the property today, a seller has no obligation to conduct technical studies, predict whether a proposed project will be constructed, estimate future tax consequences or guarantee future property values. Similarly, real estate licensees are not required to investigate or guess about potential future consequences.  

How a Data Center Can Become a Disclosure Issue 

Consider the following examples of direct physical or legal issues that could require disclosure: 

• Noise and/or vibrations: Persistent interior vibrations and/or physical damage, documented violations of noise ordinances or a private legal agreement restricting remedies of the property owner 
• Water, sewage and drainage: Documented problems with well performance, water quality, drainage patterns, flooding, erosion, septic function or the location and maintenance responsibility of stormwater facilities 
• Electrical infrastructure and easements: Recorded or unrecorded easements, options, rights of first refusal, condemnation notices, utility agreements or boundary disputes 
• Hazardous substances: Spills, testing results, agency notices, remediation and contamination migrating onto the property, or other hazardous-substance conditions affecting the parcel (particularly if the owner receives official notice from the data center or government about those conditions) 
• Zoning and legal actions: Zoning or variance approvals, appeals, variances, enforcement matters, settlements or recorded restrictions that affect title and/or the owner’s use or enjoyment of the property 

Practical Steps for Sellers and Listing Brokers 

It’s easy for sellers to just say “oh…I don’t really know anything about all that,” even if there may be physical or legal impacts they’re not fully conscious of. To take some easy examples, “we had some flooding issues during construction but it seems better now” probably requires disclosure of the flooding and how it was addressed. “The data center is doing free monthly well testing” probably needs to be disclosed as a potential water issue, and if the testing is required by a court settlement, it might need to be disclosed as litigation that affects the property. To help focus the seller, suggest that they: 

• Look for copies of notices, permits, easements, surveys, environmental reports, utility correspondence, complaints and settlement documents involving the property. 
• Answer the statutory form completely and distinguish observed facts from predictions or opinions. 
• Consult with counsel when there is pending litigation, a government proceeding, contamination evidence, a confidentiality clause or uncertainty about whether off-site development might create a material defect. 

Figure out in advance (perhaps with guidance from counsel) how they want to answer any additional questions posed by buyers/buyer agents. Even if disclosure is not required by the seller disclosure law, a seller obviously can’t provide false information in response to a direct question — though it may be feasible to respond with some version of “I’m not going to answer that question, but you’re free to look into the issue on your own.” 

Practical Steps for Buyers 

The Milliken court also noted that the facts of incident were “well-publicized, with coverage appearing in print and on the internet,” and that the buyer “possessed the tools to discover the murder/suicide and did not do so…” Or to put that another way, a buyer still has a responsibility to check out the overall suitability of a property — they can’t just expect the seller to come up with everything a buyer might find objectionable. With that in mind, buyer agents might suggest that buyers: 

• Elect appropriate inspection contingencies in the agreement of sale, such as surveys, deed restrictions, environmental hazards and water supply 
• Review municipal zoning files, recorded plans, meeting records and project approvals 
• Obtain a title search and survey focused on utility, access, drainage and construction easements 
• Ask targeted written questions — the seller’s disclosure is a starting point, not a substitute for your own investigation. 

It’s Not Always About the Law 

The PAR Legal Hotline fields all sorts of calls from listing agents whose sellers know … something … about a property that isn’t subject to mandatory disclosure rules, but that they realize might really upset a buyer once they find out about it. The fact that a seller doesn’t have to disclose something doesn’t mean that they can’t disclose it. If there’s a concern that buyers would be upset if they only discover something after closing, the best risk reduction approach may be to figure out a way to get enough information to prospective buyers to at least point them in the right direction for their own investigations. That’s a practical issue more than a legal one and may be best addressed in discussions with the broker and/or the seller’s attorney. 

Register to Attend PAR’s Data Center Webinars

• Tuesday, Sept. 29 at noon – Data Centers in Pennsylvania – Why Here? Why Now? will explain data centers, define related terms and highlight why Pennsylvania is attractive to data center developers.
• Tuesday, Oct. 6 at noon – The Data Behind Data Centers will feature NAR researchers discussing what that data shows about the impact of data centers on jobs, housing markets, electricity costs and real estate opportunities and what these trends mean for communities, businesses and the real estate market.

In 2024, Ahmed Islam started the Community + Business Owners group at the Muslim Association of Lehigh Valley, bringing together local Muslim business owners and offering them a supportive and engaging community. 

“I moved to Allentown at the end of 2021, and I noticed that our local business community didn’t have the support it truly deserves,” Islam, a member of the Greater Lehigh Valley Realtors®, explains. “Wanting to make a difference, I put together a presentation and shared it with the president of MALV in 2024. From that conversation, the Community + Business Owners group at MALV was born. It was created to bring people together, uplift one another and build a stronger, more connected community.” 

“Community + Business is a dedicated initiative focused on fostering business growth and strengthening connections within the Lehigh Valley Muslim community. Our mission is to share ideas, build unity and create a lasting impact by providing a platform where entrepreneurs, professionals and aspiring business owners can connect, collaborate and support one another.” 

The Community + Business group regularly invites subject matter experts to speak on topics such as business growth, wealth-building strategies, tax law, commercial lending and more. They also aim to launch a comprehensive business directory to further strengthen connections and opportunities within their community, as well as establish a mentorship program. 

“I’m trying to build a strong network by connecting our community to business owners and professionals within the Lehigh Valley, encouraging a teamwork approach where the community supports local businesses,” Islam says. “Additionally, we would like to organize workshops, seminars and training programs for our community in the future.” 

“Through our efforts, we hope to harness the untapped potential within our community and create a vibrant ecosystem of connected, successful and supportive professionals.” 

Islam didn’t form the Community + Business group alone, though. He credits his coach, Joseph Scott McArdle, with pushing him to go for it two years ago, encouraging him to be a good neighbor to his local Muslim community. 

“Being a good neighbor makes you the main point of contact for your sphere of influence,” he adds. “As your network expands, you become the go-to person for everything related to people’s everyday needs and, of course, real estate!” 

Islam was also a nominee for the Bucks County Association of Realtors® Good Neighbor Award in 2025. He explains that as a Realtor®, he interacts with a variety of different people each and every day, including some that most others don’t have a chance to connect with. This helps him build connections in his local community, showing him further opportunities to be a good neighbor. 

What advice does Islam have for others who want to make a change? 

“I’d say go for it!” he encourages. “Start something, even if it’s just a small step. Don’t pay attention to those negative voices in your head or listen to the naysayers who’ll always tell you it’s a bad idea.” 

Summers are busy, but home maintenance doesn’t need to take a backseat. Before fall begins and the days start getting shorter, here are nine quick tasks homeowners can complete in one weekend (or less) to help stay on top of things and avoid bigger issues down the road, from Hippo Home Insurance. 

In 30 Minutes or Less 

1. Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. 

Use the test buttons on both detectors to make sure they’re still functioning. Replace the batteries if needed. 

2. Clean drains and garbage disposals. 

These can clog up and cause problems (and smells). Hippo recommends flushing drains with an enzymatic cleaner to avoid long-term damage. 

3. Replace the HVAC filter. 

A replacement filter typically costs between $10 and $50 and takes around 15 minutes or less to change out. Neglecting to replace filters can result in higher energy bills and overheating. 

In 30 to 60 Minutes 

4. Look for leaks. 

Check for signs of leaks around toilets, tubs and appliance connections by spotting any dark stains, soft flooring or musty smells. Leaks and moisture lead to bigger, more costly problems. 

5. Spray for pests. 

Spray around the home’s foundation and at entry points. Homeowners with pets and/or small children should consider using a non-toxic spray. Serious pest issues should be handled by a professional exterminator. 

6. Inspect window caulking and reseal gaps. 

Sealing these gaps helps prevent leaks, keeping cool air in and hot air out, which lowers energy bills. This is also helpful ahead of the colder months, when keeping heat in is important.  

In More Than One Hour 

7. Inspect and clean the dryer vent duct. 

The dryer vent duct is the big aluminum tube that connects the dryer to the wall. When it’s dirty and dusty, it can damage the appliance or even cause a fire. 

8. Unclog or repair gutters and downspouts. 

Blocked gutters and downspouts can cause water damage to the home’s foundation, which can be costly in the long run. Staying on top of clogged gutters is important as leaves begin to fall and snow/ice storms loom ahead. 

9. Stock up on extreme weather supplies. 

Pennsylvanians are no strangers to weather emergencies, like flooding and snowstorms. While many wouldn’t think of emergency preparedness as a home maintenance task, it’s important to be prepared for these events. 

Stock up on items like batteries, a first-aid kit, water, non-perishable foods and spare medications, and replace anything that’s damaged or expired. Read more tips for emergency preparedness in this JustListed article. 

While many Americans in the past have chosen to downsize in retirement, it may be becoming more common to upsize instead. 

Today’s housing market is threatening the future of generational wealth, according to Realtor.com, which cites that the cost of a modest starter home is pushing $1 million in more than half the country. With these high prices, younger buyers are being priced out, and many must turn to family for financial help. 

Instead of downsizing, some retirees have chosen to upsize by buying bigger homes with their adult children, allowing them to pass on wealth to the next generation.  

However, for some, this still isn’t the answer. For retirees who still have a mortgage, selling and upsizing typically results in giving up a lower interest rate and buying at today’s higher rates.  

Realtor.com also mentions the capital gains tax exclusion, which now protects less as homes have gotten more expensive, cutting down purchasing power. 

Moreover, upsizing can come with other challenges, including higher property taxes, higher insurance, higher utilities and more maintenance. Multigenerational buying can also create issues fueled by family dynamics, including disagreements about who pays what and what happens when life changes occur.  

Still, with the right plan in place, upsizing in retirement may be the solution for many retirees looking to pass down generational wealth. Between a retiree’s equity and their adult child’s income, purchasing can be easier while allowing the younger generation to build wealth in an unaffordable market.  

The Keystone State was named the ninth best state to live in by WalletHub, highlighted particularly for its high quality of life and safety. 

With a total score of 57.71, Pennsylvania fell between Minnesota (57.94) and Florida (57.48), just making the top 10.  

Notably, the state ranked no. 4 overall in the quality of life category, which looked at factors like hours worked per week, average commute time, miles of bicycling/walking trails, access to public transportation, traffic, museums, movie theaters, weather and more.  

Pennsylvania ranked no. 7 for restaurants per capita, highlighting the array of good eats the state has to offer, from Philly cheesesteaks to Pittsburgh’s Primanti Brothers sandwiches. 

The state also ranked no. 10 in safety, marking its low rates of violent crimes, property crimes and traffic-related fatalities, as well as its total number of law-enforcement employees per capita. 

Lastly, Pennsylvania also ranked above average in the education and health category, falling at no. 20. This category considered factors such as the quality of the state’s public school system, high school graduation rate, quality of public hospital system, premature-death rate, life expectancy and more.