SPECIAL SECTION REAL ESTATE
2. Location. Location. Location.
When narrowing down where you want your home to be,
it’s best to first determine how much you can borrow. You
don’t want to have your heart set on a location and come to
find it is out of your budget. Look at what is most important
to you. Is it proximity to parks and good schools, or access
to entertainment and nightlife, or lots of land to spread out?
From there, you may find exactly where you want to be that
fits your spending limit.
3. Create a must-have list and a wish list.
What’s non-negotiable in your new home? Is it an integral
garage or open-concept floor plan or a pool? Now, is a pool
really a non-negotiable? (We do live in Pittsburgh with
sunny days less than half of the year.) Be realistic with your
must-have list and your wish list. While a pool may seem
dreamy, many communities have local swim clubs or gyms
that provide all 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.
Irene Richmond
Opening Doors for You!
Your Black &
Gold Realtor
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412-996-1439
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!
2857 Washington Road, McMurray, PA 15317
724-941-1427
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.
Continued on next page >
MT. LEBANON
❘
SUMMER 2018
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