IN Mt. Lebanon Summer 2019 | Page 41

SPECIAL SECTION: Real Estate 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 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! R T DE RAC N U NT CO 6 JAYCEE DRIVE | MT. LEBANON South Hills Office Coming Soon! CONRAD WAITE, REALTOR® 412.726.7414 (M) 412.471.4900 (O) [email protected] PIATT SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY 260 FORBES AVENUE SUITE 1525 | PITTSBURGH PA 15222 412.471.4900 (O) | PIATTSIR.COM Each Office is Independently Owned and Operated. REACHING YOUR TARGETED CUSTOMERS HAS NEVER BEEN EASIER. The facts speak for themselves. Direct Mail remains the single most cost effective method of advertising for reaching customers within your community. Contact us at 724.942.0940 MT. LEBANON ❘ SUMMER 2019 39