REAL ESTATE SPECIAL SECTION SUMMER 2023
GET REAL : A REAL ESTATE AGENT !
When you ’ re ready to make the biggest purchase of your life , or sell one of your biggest investments , it would be silly to go it alone . Having a real estate agent by your side means having an ally ready to work for you . Armed with knowledge of area neighborhoods , the local housing market , and buyers and sellers ready to make moves , a real estate agent can help guide you on the journey to a new home .
Whether you ’ re moving to a brand-new town , or just one town over , real estate agents are familiar with the surrounding community . They can inform you of the local school districts , shops and restaurants , or even pet-friendly neighborhoods that align with your needs and wants . Be sure your agent has a list of your must-haves and your wish list for a new home , as this will help in understanding exactly what you ’ re looking for and may even be able to expand your search beyond what you thought you had available to you .
Having someone who is privy to insider community information is a perk but not the only thing real estate agents have to offer . They provide valuable access to the multiple listing service ( MLS ), other real estate professionals , mortgage lenders , home inspectors , attorneys , and title companies , allowing a streamlined home buying or selling process . Access to information that isn ’ t often public on home listings , such as square footage , seller disclosures , and HOA regulations , is also available to you through your real estate agent .
With a wealth of information from past experiences , colleagues and connections in the field , and access to the MLS , real estate agents can provide you with a concrete foundation for making your home purchase . They ’ ll be able to identify whether something seems too good to be true , or if you ’ re getting all the facts . You can also count on your agent to develop an offer that reflects market value , negotiate on your behalf , and interact with the selling agent .
PATIO COMMUNITIES OFFER MORE THAN JUST PATIOS
Patio homes , also known as carriage homes or garden homes , have been gaining popularity among both first-time homebuyers and empty nesters for the growing appeal of single-story , low-maintenance living . There are major differences between owning a single-family home and a patio home , but those differences could be exactly what you ’ re looking for in a new home that ’ s right for you . Whether you are looking to downsize , or to purchase your first home , it ’ s helpful to know what makes patio homes so attractive to buyers .
Single-family homes provide owners with a sense of privacy — with no shared walls , floors , or yards . This varies greatly from the offerings of a patio home . Patio homes have some similarities to condos and townhomes , including a shared wall and lawn , but differ slightly . Townhomes are typically two to three stories , while condos may be one to two . Patio homes max out at one-level living — sometimes including a loft , but the aim is for all amenities to be on one floor . This appeals to those looking for a home with a smaller footprint and without stairs . Patio homes also offer the sense of a close-knit community of people through shared lawns , amenities , and close living quarters .
But the biggest difference isn ’ t what ’ s on the inside , but what ’ s on the outside . Townhome and condo owners typically only own the interior of the housing unit , while patio home ownership also includes the lot that the property sits on . Although patio homeowners own their land , many communities have a homeowner association , or HOA , that you contribute to for hiring companies to provide lawn care and maintenance . If you ’ re looking for low-maintenance living but a strong sense of community , a patio home might be for you .
CHARTIERS VALLEY ❘ SUMMER 2023 27