IN Shaler Summer 2018

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. 22 724.942.0940 to advertise ❘ icmags.com

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