REAL ESTATE SPECIAL SECTION
S
pring is in the air, which means buyers and sellers of all
kinds are getting ready to find the home of their dreams.
Buying or selling a home isn’t as simple as it seems on
television and can be quite an arduous process. With the
right tools and tips, however, you can take on the housing market
like a pro.
According to Zillow, more than half of the largest housing
markets across the country have regained the value lost from the
market collapse over a decade ago. Unfortunately, it also reports
that Pittsburgh is one market that has gained the least value since
2011, rising only 56 percent. But don’t let that discourage you.
The city has gained several accolades the past few years including
“#6 Best City for First-Time Home Buyers” by Business Insider,
“#7 Cities Where Millennials Are Moving” by Time and “#11
Most Affordable City” by Forbes.
Along with several large companies already headquartered in
Pittsburgh, there is no sign of the corporate real estate market
slowing. The technology industry continues to build within
the city, and plans for specialty medical facilities and a growing
number of community hospitals are already in the works.
With the promise of new jobs in these industries, we’ve seen
millennials sticking around the city or moving back home after
graduation in the hopes of settling here. In the past five years,
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the number of millennial residents has increased 18 percent,
according to a CBRE report. With the growing number of
millennials moving into rentals, we also see families in search
of their first home or their forever home, and baby boomers
downsizing—making the Pittsburgh housing market ready for
buyers and sellers of all kinds! So, take advantage of the warmer
air approaching and get ready for those eager to explore the
market for their next home.
PREPARING TO SELL IN 2018?
Selling your home can be an emotional process. Many sellers
want their home to go to buyers who can create new memories
in their beloved home, but often overlook the steps they need to
take to give buyers the “wow” factor. Here are tips to get the most
out of your home sale:
1. The first impression is the only impression.
You’ve heard the saying “You’ll never get a second chance
at a first impression.” This is not only true on your first date,
but also with your home’s first viewing! Check out your
home’s curb appeal. Do dead bushes need to be removed?
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