SPECIAL SECTION REAL ESTATE
2. Location. Location. Location.
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?
Old holiday decorations need to be put away? Try to view
your house as if you were seeing it for the first time. Maybe
an exterior power wash or fresh coat of paint on your front
door would make buyers want to come inside.
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.
2. Make your interior inviting.
Although you may adore bold or bright colors adorning
your walls, your buyers may not. Choose freshly painted,
neutral colors and remove clutter from the walls. While
you are decluttering, start packing away items that aren’t
used every day such as trinkets, photos and personalized
art. This will allow buyers to imagine their own touches
added to the room.
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!
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.
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 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.
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 real 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.
Continued on next page >
WEST MIFFLIN
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SUMMER 2018
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