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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 #TamiMSoldIt A current issue of this magazine is also available online. icmags.com 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 PLUM ❘ SUMMER 2018 27