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.
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!
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MURRYSVILLE ❘
SUMMER 2018
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