buy: Essential Advice for First-Time Home Buyers - 06/10/09 08:22 AM
According to Kiplinger, here are 7 crucial tips to keep in mind when buying your first home:
1. Lay the groundwork.  The first step is figuring out how much house you can afford and how much you can borrow.
2. Take your time.  You might not find your dream home, but you don't have to settle for any old house just because you feel under the gun to buy something.
3. Realize you won't find the perfect home.  You won't find a house that has everything you want. Make a list of what's important so you can zero in on a home that comes closest to suiting … (0 comments)

buy: Relocating to Pittsburgh? You're Not Alone - 06/02/09 09:05 AM
Pittsburgh appears on two lists related to relocation, so it looks like people are continuing to see the benefits of our city.
U-Haul released the results of its annual  National Migration Trend Report called "The 2008 Top 50 U.S. Destination Cities." According to moving data for the last calendar year, Pittsburgh came in at #26.
Also, Relocate-America compiled its list of the Top 100 Places to Live using data regarding education, employment, economy, crime, parks, recreation and housing. Pittsburgh  was in the top 10!
Related Posts:
Pittsburgh Ranked as #3 Arts Destination Pittsburgh Is the Most Romantic City for Baby Boomers Pittsburgh Ranks as a Top … (0 comments)

buy: Is Today the Best Time to Buy a Pittsburgh Home? - 05/05/09 08:54 AM
Before you buy your first home, you should be asking yourself that very question.  According to the Baltimore HUD Homes Blog, here are six indicators you can use to find out if now really is the best time to be buying your first home:
1. You Have Stable EmploymentBefore jumping into the purchase of a home, your cash flow should be stable and you should have a solid employment history that shows at least two years of steady income.
2. Your Savings are In OrderMost lenders want to see that you have at least three to five months of savings. By having … (0 comments)

buy: 10 Ways to Get Buyers Interested in Your House - 04/21/09 11:58 AM
HGTV compiled this list of "10 Things That Make Buyers Bite":
1.  A Nice Entryway - Impress buyers right off the bat with a beautiful entrance.
2.  Hardwood Floors - Realtors agree that most buyers are hunting for hardwood.
3.  Fab Fixtures - Fixtures are the jewelry of the house.
4.  Beautiful Baths - Marble counters, whirlpool baths and steam showers up the attractiveness of any bathroom.
5.  Countertop  Considerations - Buyers don't want to see grout lines on their counters.
6.  Stainless Steel - A kitchen with stainless appliances looks like a commercial kitchen.
7.  Pre-Organized Closets - Don't underestimate the … (0 comments)

buy: Searching for a New Home? Don't Forget to Check out the Neighborhood - 03/31/09 12:06 PM
Evaluating a neighborhood and its schools is an important aspect of your real esate search, especially if you have children. According to HomeFinder.com, here are the key things to look for:
Schools.  Make an appointment to tour the local school and meet the principal. Speak with local parents to learn firsthand about the school's strengths and weaknesses. Also ask about transportation options and before- and after-school programs.
Crime.  Visit the local police station or search online for crime statistics. Neighborhood watch groups are a good indictor of local involvement in keeping a neighborhood as safe as possible. Good operating street lighting … (0 comments)

buy: Words of Wisdom on Buying a Foreclosed Home - 03/17/09 12:01 PM
This Old House offer 9 tips for those who want to buy a foreclosed property:
1. Budget carefully.  Do you have the money for the extensive repairs these houses often need?
2. See the house for yourself.  Don't buy a foreclosed property sight unseen.
3. Look at the neighborhood.  Study the neighborhood's appeal at all hours, including at night.
4. How long has the house been empty?  The longer the vacancy the more damage there is, in most cases.
5. Was it winterized?  Don't turn on the utilities until you know the condition of the pipes.
6. Look at the landscaping.  If … (0 comments)

buy: Don't Wait for Spring to Buy a New Home - 03/04/09 09:10 AM
Spring is almost here, but Realty Times advises not to wait any longer to begin your house hunt:
"Spring showers typically bring spring buyers. But if you wait for the seasonal thaw you'll join what could be a throng of market savvy buyers who have already scoped the lay of the land and are elbowing for position. It's a better idea to prepare now, become a savvy buyer and beat the spring rush."
Read the entire article. 
And if you're ready to buy or sell real estate before Spring arrives, give me a call today!
… (0 comments)

buy: Are You Ready to Downsize Your Home? - 02/10/09 09:59 AM
Deciding to downsize can occur for a number of different reasons (kids are gone, maintenance issues, etc).  From The Peters Township Source magazine, here are some items to consider when you're ready to move from a single-family home to a condominium-style residence:  
Design
A newer, simpler living space can feature a number of design details specifically geared towards those looking to downsize.  The design should emphasize comfort, convenience, and efficient use of space.  
Function
Downsizing is about functionality. By eliminating many of the everyday responsibilities that burden single-family howeowners, downsizing can open up new avenues for employment, travel or recreation.  
Philosophy
… (0 comments)

buy: Before January Ends, Take Radon Action in Your Home - 01/27/09 10:06 AM
Sorry for not pointing this out sooner, but the EPA designated January as National Radon Action Month. Here are some things you can do to take action before the month is over:
Test Your Home for Radon - EPA and the U.S. Surgeon General recommend that all homes be tested for radon.  Testing is easy and inexpensive. Learn more about testing your home, including how to obtain an easy-to-use test kit.
Spread the Word - Tell your family and friends about the health risks of radon.  Encourage them to test their homes.
Buy a Radon-Resistant Home - If you are considering buying a new … (0 comments)

buy: Are You Using the Internet to Buy a Home? - 11/20/08 03:39 PM
House hunters can scour through neighborhoods, inspect front porches, and even peek inside bedrooms from the comfort of their desktops. But while this surge of new information can help you find that perfect home, it may also make the whole process overwhelming. As reported by U.S. News & World Report, here are six ways to ensure that your online real estate search is as efficient as possible. 
Know when to say when. There are plenty of ways to waste time on the Internet. When it comes to home buying, searching through properties you can't afford tops the list. So before you grab for that mouse, contact … (0 comments)

 
174495_699243961_1441147_n

Casey O. Smith - Pittsburgh Real Estate

Pittsburgh, PA

More about me…

Realty Advisor Group at Keller Williams

Address: 3241 W. Liberty Ave., Pittsburgh, PA, 15216

Office Phone: (412) 512-0090

Cell Phone: (412) 512-0090

Email Me

Statistics and helpful info about the Pittsburgh, Mt. Lebanon, Upper St. Clair, Dormont, Peters Township, Scott Township and Nevillwood real estate markets.


Links

Archives

RSS 2.0 Feed for this blog