IN Brentwood-Baldwin-Whitehall Summer 2018 | Page 36

Real Estate Special Section
the joy of having a pool without the work. You may not get
everything on your must-have list, but be creative on ways to
potentially add those “musts” once you move in.
4. Things (including houses) are not always as they
appear.
Just like models in magazines with no wrinkles, home photos are
often taken at their very best angle. What may seem dreamy and
flawless on a computer screen may be crumbling and cracking in
real life. Hit the streets with your local agent to see your favorite
homes in person. You’ll be able to explore all of the sights unseen
in the photos, including what the neighborhood is like. Maybe
you find a lovely home, but come to learn it’s next to a busy
freeway or shopping center. Never stray from the sentiment that
seeing is believing!
5. Be patient; it’s a process.
Unfortunately, you’re not the only buyers in the market. Many
are looking for similar offerings in a home. You may lose out
on what you think is the perfect home, but keep your head up!
Something just as good, if not better, will come along—because
where there are buyers, there are sure to be more sellers!
Whether you’re looking to buy or to sell, there are hundreds of
resources available to you and your family. Start smart by doing your
research. Is now the time to put your home on the market? What’s
the buyers market like this season? Don’t rush to make a decision just
because spring is here. Homes are bought and sold throughout the
year, so make sure the time is right. As a first step, review your finances.
If you’re on the right track to having a good bit saved, you’re probably
ready to start your must-have/wish lists. Reach out to a real estate
agent to help you get acquainted with the communities you have in
mind and the neighborhoods you can afford. If you’ve been talking
about moving, take a look at your home. Do you have repairs to make
before putting your home on the market? You’ll want to make any
small upgrades, declutter and rearrange rooms prior to taking pictures
of your home to show potential buyers.
What First-Time
Homebuyers Should Know
Last year was a great year for new homebuyers. According to the
National Association of Realtors, about 35 percent of the homebuying
market was made up of first-time buyers. Yet, each year is not created
equally in the mortgage industry and real estate market. Changes
happen frequently and it is often hard to keep up. If you’re looking to
break into real estate for the first time, here are some insights into how
to navigate the market.
Saving.
Step number one for a first-time homebuyer should always be
saving. Take a look at your current finances. It’s recommended that
your mortgage payment not exceed 30 percent of your gross monthly
income. See where you can cut back spending to put away a little
extra out of your paycheck every month for your new home. Not only
can this cash go toward a down payment, but most likely you’ll need
furniture, appliances, and decorations to furnish your new home. Don’t
All Pittsburgh Real Estate
Brian Thatcher
6 Clairton Boulevard
Pittsburgh, PA 15236
412-650-6810 x 115
34
724.942.0940 to advertise
❘
icmags.com
Continued on page 36 >
• New custom brick homes
featuring Costa Homebuilders
• Packages starting in the
low $400s
• Located in Jefferson Hills
by the Thomas Jefferson
High School