Sources for Family History Information When researching family history, census records can
be a valuable resource. Tax records are another potential source of family information. Particularly due to the long history and universal nature of taxes, it is likely that past generations created a paper trail when paying local, state, and federal taxes. When these documents survive, they can confirm information, including names, addresses, and occupations, and can also provide a window into a family’s role in the community.
Handwritten ledger of A. Gilfillan, showing ownership of certain buildings and animals
For example, early tax ledgers may list livestock and the number of buildings on a family farm. By comparing neighboring families, tax records can help estimate how prosperous our ancestors or communities may have been. While not all tax records survive or are accessible, small collections of tax records, such as the Historical Society of Upper St. Clair’s school tax ledgers from 1922– 1926, provide an interesting snapshot of the area and its residents that may be valuable to the family historian. n
Upper St. Clair school tax ledgers
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2018 Housing Market Outlook
Milo Hindman, Coldwell Banker Real Estate Service, South Hills Office Manager Those who closely follow the real estate market are watching and wondering what changes 2018 will bring. At Coldwell Banker Real Estate Services, the reports we are seeing bode well for both homebuyers and sellers. According to the realtor.com® 2018 National Housing Forecast, the easing of inventory shortages is expected to result in more manageable increases in home prices and a modest acceleration of home sales. The annual forecast also expects an increase in millennial mortgage share. Some of the trends identified include: 1. Inventory is expected to increase. Realtor.com® projects U.S. year-over-year inventory growth to tick up into positive territory by fall 2018. The majority of growth is expected in the mid-tier price points, which includes U.S. homes priced above $350,000. Recovery for starter homes is expected to take longer because their levels were significantly depleted by first time buyers. 2. Slowing price appreciation expected. Realtor.com® reports home prices are forecasted to slow to 3.2% growth year-over-year nationally. Most of the slowing will be felt in the higher-priced segments, so expect that sellers will need to price competitively. Entry-level homes will continue to see price gains due to the larger number of buyers that can afford them. 3. Millennials gain most market share. According to the forecast, “Millennials are on track to gain mortgage market share in all price points due to the sheer size of the generation.” Millennials could reach 43% of all home buyers taking out a mortgage by the end of 2018. Expect millennials to start competing for higher-priced homes. 4. New tax reform laws. The laws will affect taxpayers in different ways, so consumers are encouraged to consult with their tax advisors. The National Association of Realtors® also provides the latest news and forecasts on how tax reform will impact consumers. n Looking to buy or sell? Conveniently located at 1630 Washington Road in Upper St. Clair, visit the Coldwell Banker Real Estate Services South Hills office or visit online at ColdwellBankerHomes. com/SouthHills. See ad on outside back cover. Spring 2018
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