Special Real Estate Section HOME Sweet HOME
HOW TO PREPARE YOUR HOME TO SELL
The days of simply putting a sign in the yard and expecting multiple offers above asking price have faded. Preparing your home for sale involves a combination of smart improvements and strategic planning.
Accurate pricing is paramount. Overpricing a home will be a significant misstep in the 2025-26 market. Sellers will need to work closely with real estate professionals to price their homes competitively based on current market conditions.
Here’ s a breakdown of steps for preparing to sell your home, based on expert advice.
1. Home Assessment and Repairs
• Pre-sale inspection: Consider a pre-sale home inspection to identify potential issues and address them proactively.
• Consider major system replacements: Evaluate the condition of your roof or HVAC system if they are nearing the end of their lifespan; addressing them now can prevent issues during the sale process.
2. Strategic Updates and Improvements
• Focus on kitchen and bathrooms: Updates in these areas often provide the highest return on investment. Consider smaller impactful changes first, such as painting cabinets or replacing fixtures.
• Cosmetic upgrades: Small, visually appealing changes like updating hardware and repainting can make a big difference. Choose neutral colors to appeal to a wider range of buyers.
• Boost curb appeal: First impressions matter. Enhance your home’ s exterior with landscaping, a fresh coat of paint, or a welcoming entryway.
3. Declutter and Depersonalize
• Create a blank canvas: Remove personal items like family photos and collections to help buyers envision themselves living in the home.
• Minimize clutter: Organize and store belongings to make spaces appear larger and more open.
4. Deep-Clean and Stage
• Thorough cleaning: Deep-clean your home, paying attention to key areas like the kitchen and bathrooms.
• Staging: Stage your home to highlight its best features and create an inviting atmosphere.
Focus on affordability and value. With mortgage rates expected to remain elevated compared to historic lows, affordability will be a primary concern. Buyers will be more discerning, seeking properties that offer good value for their investment.“ Move-in ready” homes are likely to remain popular, since the cost and availability of contractors for renovations continue to be a concern.
Note the appeal of“ eds and meds.” Proximity to the region’ s strong educational and health care institutions will continue to be a major driver for buyers, particularly in Allegheny County.
KEY TRENDS IN PITTSBURGH SUBURBS
Sustained Demand for Space and Amenities
The desire for more living space, both indoors and outdoors, continues to fuel demand in suburban areas. Buyers are looking for properties with home offices, larger yards, and access to community amenities like parks and recreational facilities. This trend, partly accelerated by remote work flexibility, remains a significant driver.
Strong School Districts are a Major Draw
Suburbs known for highly rated public school districts( e. g., Mt. Lebanon, Upper St. Clair, Fox Chapel, North Allegheny, Pine-Richland, South Fayette, Hampton) consistently see robust demand and premium pricing. This factor often makes these areas less susceptible to broader market cooling.
Price Appreciation Home prices in many Pittsburgh suburbs have continued to appreciate in 2025, though the pace of increase may be more moderate compared to the rapid escalations seen in previous years. For example:
• North suburbs( e. g., Cranberry, Pine Township) continue to be popular, with strong demand and new construction activity. Prices reflect this desirability. Cranberry Township specifically was noted for its amenities and appeal to families.
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