IN Millcreek Summer 2019 | Page 58

SELECT, REALTORS ® Mary Smrekar Considering a Move? Call Mary Smrekar, Millcreek Resident & Specialist with 33 Years Experience Coldwell Banker Select, Realtors Office: 814–453–4578 814-881-3676 mary@eriemoves.com www.cbmary.com with a view, be sure it is there to stay. Although you may see rolling hills through your living room window now, who’s to say a real estate developer won’t see that same space as the perfect opportunity to build more homes? Check with your local municipality for land use regulations to make sure your view will remain. 6. BUYING/SELLING: Your real estate agent matters. According to Zillow CEO Spencer Rascoff, research shows gender matters when choosing a real estate agent. Rascoff says men will get your home sold closer to asking price because they are stubborn, while women will negotiate and close the deal faster. Most importantly, find an agent who will work on your behalf. Ask friends and family for references of agents they’ve used in the past. Look up their current listings to see if they align with the type of home you want to buy or sell. This will also indicate their knowledge of the market. 7. BUYING/SELLING: Get a second opinion. When you have lived in your home for years, it’s easy to overlook problems that potential buyers may spot right away. Have a relative or trusted friend come over to spot any small fixes that you can make prior to putting your home on the market to make sure it’s in optimal condition prior to selling. When considering buying a home, it’s also helpful to have someone who is not buying the home go with you to take a look. He/she will be able to point out potential issues that you may not see when trying to make such an important decision. Woodhaven Beauty! 4270 W. 38th Street $232,900 is the appeal of Erie to first‑time buyers? “ My What thoughts are with rents rising so significantly, in so many cases, it is more affordable for a first-time buyer to purchase a home than rent, building equity at the same time,” says Gerri Newara, President of the Greater Erie Board of Realtors. 56 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE ❘ icmags.com