IN Shaler Summer 2018 | Page 24
Real Estate Special Section
3. Create more space, or at least the illusion of it.
Short on space? No problem! Create the illusion of space by
storing away (off-site, if possible) unnecessary items, giving
cabinets, closets and storage spaces a spacious look. Or, make
moving easier by donating or selling these items! check is your credit score when determining how much you
are approved for on a home loan. Work on keeping your
credit card balances low, and paying down balances. Limiting
your spending may seem hard, but is worth the payoff when
you are approved for your new home.
4. Update only to increase value.
Work with your real estate agent on recommendations for
simple changes that can add value to or create appeal for your
home. This can be as simple as adding a backsplash in the
kitchen, or refreshing landscaping to add curb appeal. A small
upgrade may be just what you need to close a sale. 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.
5. Make sure the price is right.
You won’t need to call on Drew Carey, but you should work
with your real estate agent to figure out comparable home
prices in your area, pricing trends and inventory available, and
price your home accordingly. A fair market price will attract
buyers interested in making your home their dream home.
Preparing to buy in 2018?
Whether it’s saving for your first home, searching for your dream
home, or downsizing to your forever home, buying a house is an
exciting and exhausting experience. Putting in the extra effort could
be the difference you need to nail the home you want.
1. Give yourself some credit.
Now is not the time to open a new credit card, increase your
credit limit or make a big purchase. The first thing lenders
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.
Continued on page 25 >
Exceeding Expectations
Let Us Help You Find Your Home in Our Neighborhood
2567 Royalview Dr, Hampton
108 Golfview Dr, Gibsonia
4190 Maple Lane, Hampton
$365,000 • MLS: 1332425 $675,000 • MLS: 1337241 $229,000 • MLS: 1326655
Mary Pat Petrarca
412-596-9539 Donna Natale
724-816-4294 Lorraine Kelly
412-443-3482
102 Elm St, Shaler
5454 Hardt Rd, Gibsonia
372 Saddlebrook Rd, West Deer
$84,900 • MLS: 1327918 $260,000 • MLS: 1333007 $339,000 • MLS: 1328049
Lindsay Stromoski
412-370-5738 Mary Pat Petrarca
412-596-9539 Donna Natale
724-816-4294
Hampton Office • 412-487-8008 • www.ThePreferredRealty.com
©2018 BHH Affiliates, LLC. An independently owned and operated franchise of BHH Affiliates, LLC. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol are registered service marks of HomeServices of America, Inc.® Equal Housing Opportunity. Information not verified or guaranteed. If your home is currently listed with a Broker, this is not a solicitation.
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