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 rea l 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!
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. n
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CHOOSING THE RIGHT REALTOR
MAKES THE DIFFERENCE.
RS229417
Office 412.823.4400
4302 Old William Penn Hwy, Suite 200
Murrysville, PA 15668
Creating real value in property & places. Your #1
Property Advisor. Making Your Dreams, A Reality!
Tami Meinhardt Cell 412-613-4415
[email protected]
Join Me On: homesnap.com/Tami-Meinhardt
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SUMMER 2018
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