IN Fox Chapel Area Summer 2019

SPECIAL SECTION: may not have to worry. Mortgage companies are making it easier for borrowers with more debt to still qualify. 2. Agent. Having a real estate agent in your corner for a first-time purchase is key. Agents will not only help you navigate the home-buying process, but can also be a valuable resource for an inside look at new homes that go on the market. This gives buyers the opportunity to view homes that may not have made it onto real estate websites for public viewing. 3. Location. Your dream house may not be in your dream location, and your dream location may not have your dream house. Don’t get stuck in a rut if you’re not seeing everything you want in your price range. Typically, you’ll need to make some compromises with your first home. Keep a few non- negotiables in your back pocket, but otherwise be open to the idea of putting some of your own upgrades and changes into a home that may not have everything on your wish list. 4. Home. Don’t get stuck in the mindset that you should spend every dollar that you qualify for in your mortgage. This could lead to bigger problems down the road. Look in the market under your max budget and be creative when looking at homes for ways to make improvements or changes that better Real Estate fit your needs. A little bit of sweat equity can go a long way and will give the home your own personal touch. 5. Offer. Once you’ve found a house you want to call “home,” work with your real estate agent to come up with an offer the seller can’t refuse. Whether the house needs some improvements or it’s a hot buy on the market, your agent can guide you into making a serious offer to the seller. If you’re feeling passionate about the home, write the seller a letter explaining why you’re the best buyer for the home. These touches can sometimes be the difference between getting the house of your dreams, or losing it to another buyer. 6. Moving. You’ve done it! You’ve purchased your first home. Now that you have a mortgage to pay, keep in mind some money-saving tips, like asking your closest family and friends to help you move! A little pizza can go a long way when looking for some extra help. Make a plan for those personal touches to add to your home. Test out paint colors in each room to make sure you like the color in the daylight. Purchase furniture after making detailed measurements (you don’t want to come home with something that doesn’t fit!). Add some curb appeal as a finishing touch and as a way to meet your new neighbors! Exceeding Expectations Let Us Help You Find Your Home in Our Neighborhood $1,695,000 2 Sweet Water Lane MLS# 1388133 Jane Herrmann 412-418-0602 $1,200,000 525 Colquitt Drive MLS# 1382658 Jane Herrmann 412-418-0602 $585,000 109 Buckingham Road MLS# 1386714 Jane Herrmann 412-418-0602 $479,900 205 Lexington Avenue MLS# 1349611 Jane Herrmann 412-418-0602 $384,900 118 Mayflower Drive MLS# 1389831 Lynn Niman 412-719-6048 $349,900 520 White Birch Court MLS# 1390326 Jane Herrmann 412-418-0602 Fox Chapel Office | 412-782-3700 | www.ThePreferredRealty.com ©2019 BHH Affiliates, LLC. An independently owned and operated franchise of BHH Affiliates, LLC. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol are registered service marks of HomeServices of America, Inc.® Equal Housing Opportunity. Information not verified or guaranteed. If your home is currently listed with a Broker, this is not a solicitation. 58 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE ❘ icmags.com

IN Fox Chapel Area Summer 2019 | Page 60