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During her 15 years as a Realtor , Darlene Kruth has seen the market fluctuate wildly . But by always keeping her focus on educating the client , both she and her clients have continued to buy and sell homes regardless of inventory or interest rates .
“ I educate my clients before the transaction even begins so that they ’ re never blindsided during the process ,” Kruth said . “ I give them packets with all the legal documents they ’ ll need , flow charts , checklists and articles preparing them for buying or selling a home and the associated costs .”
Right now , being educated in the real estate market is imperative . Buying and selling a home during the COVID-19 pandemic has been challenging enough , but a drastic contraction of inventory has resulted in buyers and sellers seeking more aggressive tactics and techniques to make a deal work .
“ There ’ s a lack of inventory , which is compounded by the fact that many clients who must sell their existing home in order to purchase a new one need to include a contingency clause with their offers ,” Kruth explained . “ Some buyers — if they have equity and no mortgage debt — get a bridge loan , which is a home equity loan they pay off once their existing home sells . Alternatively , they can put all their stuff in storage and move in with family or friends until they find their new home . Some buyers are OK with that while others are not . Some people have small children they don ’ t want to uproot . It ’ s a very difficult situation .”
Kruth added that some tactics that have been underutilized in the past have become more prominent , but have their downsides as well .
“ Buyers have started writing ‘ love ’ letters to sellers , envisioning themselves in the home ,” she said . “ In some cases , letters like that can be persuasive , but we as agents have been told to not encourage them because some of the content in the letters could violate the fair housing laws . The Fair Housing Act opposes discrimination in housing transactions based on race , color , religion , sex , handicap , familial status , sexual orientation , gender identity and national origin .
“ Buyers are also actually ‘ cold calling ’ sellers whose homes are not even on the market by sending letters of interest to entire neighborhoods ( one of my sellers did receive one of these letters from prospective buyers last year ), or even waiving inspections , which I always advise against . When buyers waive an inspection , they open themselves up to the possibility of major unforeseen issues in the future and could ultimately result in lawsuits for negligence against the real estate agent and his / her broker .”
Safer practices such as escalation clauses and waiving appraisals ( as long as the buyer has the financial wherewithal to cover any shortfall ) can help buyers get the homes they ’ re fighting for , but having an experienced Realtor like Kruth advocating for you is always the best solution .
If you have been contemplating the sale of your home or the purchase of a new home , call Darlene Kruth at 412.831.0100 x3013 ( office ), 412.874.0415 ( cell ), or email her at dkruth @ tprsold . com for a free real estate consultation .
If you have been contemplating the sale of your home , or the purchase of a new home call Darlene Kruth at at 412.831.0100 x3013 ( office ), 412.874.0415 ( cell ), or email her at dkruth @ tprsold . com for a free real estate consultation . Additionally , your transaction may be eligible for her established commission giveback program . The program is intended to benefit the numerous local nonprofit organizations located within and serving the Pleasant Hills , Jefferson Hills and West Elizabeth communities . This list of nonprofit groups range from the local police and fire departments , and emergency medical service providers , to the Pleasant Hills Rotary Club , Lions Club , libraries , Chamber of Commerce , Community Food Banks and the Pleasant Hills Arboretum , just to name a few .
Darlene was always available to answer our questions any time of day . She was quick to get us into houses that we were interested in so we could see them prior to open houses . In a multiple offer situation , she helped to walk us through the stressful negotiation process and come out successful .
— Erin Q .
A member of the franchise system of BHH Affiliates , LLC .
FOR A FREE REAL ESTATE MARKET ANALYSIS , BUYER ’ S CONSULTATION , OR GROUP SEMINAR , PLEASE CONTACT DARLENE B . KRUTH TODAY AT 412.831.0100 X3013 ( OFFICE ), 412.874.0415 ( CELL ), OR VIA EMAIL AT DKRUTH @ TPRSOLD . COM .
WEST JEFFERSON HILLS ❘ SUMMER 2021 21