Buying a house is a huge milestone, whether it be your first home, a new house for different needs, or a forever home for your growing family.
Pittsburgh is bursting at the seams with options, great communities, and amazing amenities, but any first-time home buyer knows that it can be a bit overwhelming. Budgeting is key and knowing what you want in a dream home can help narrow that search down.
If you’re ready to buy house in Pittsburgh PA, it’s important to take your time and know what you need in a house. From figuring out what you’re looking for, to preparing to make an offer once the perfect home is found, the John Marzullo Team is here to help!
Know Your Home Buying Goals Before Hand
It’s important to know what you’re looking for before you start touring homes.
- What are your deal-breakers?
- How many bedrooms and bathrooms are needed?
- Do you need a certain type of property?
- Do you want a private lot?
You’ll want to keep in mind if your family will be growing and if you’re in the market for a forever home or not. Will you need more square footage or an office space if you work from home regularly?
These are all great questions to ask yourself before starting your search. The John Marzullo Team will help keep you focused and zeroed in on what you want. With the right agent by your side, it’s easy to stay within your price range and find a home that fits your needs.
See the Different Pittsburg Communities
While it might seem like the main focus of house hunting is the property itself, the community is just as important! Some buyers want to be right in the thick of it, while others prefer a more laid-back, suburban lifestyle.
Commutes and local attractions are important to some, and others prefer a more family-oriented area. While Oakmont is an amazing area with beautiful communities, every buyer has their own likes and dislikes. If you’re looking to tour homes in the Oakmont area, the John Marzullo Team can help you find the perfect home within your price range!
Budgeting for Your Dream Home
It’s always smart to know what you’re spending when it comes to a new home. You don’t want to put a strain on your wallet just to say you’re a homeowner. Start by learning what you have, what you can expect to earn, and anything else that might count towards the down payment.
If you need help figuring it out, a mortgage broker can help you find a preapproval to give you a more accurate number. That number is also a nice guide for how much you should be looking for as you tour homes.
It’s important to keep in mind that the asking price on a home isn’t the actual price of the home.
- Taxes
- Insurance
- Inspections
- Moving
- Closing costs
- Upkeep
These are all things to be taken into account for a new homeowner. A home is a tremendous investment and it’s always wise to have an emergency fund in case of an emergency repair.
Don’t forget to budget for the property itself. If the home is a new build or an older model, the upkeep and repairs can sometimes be more than expected. The John Marzullo Team can help you stay within your means and find the right home for your needs and wants.
What To Look For When Touring Properties
Now that your budget is set, it’s time to start looking! Seeing a home is always different than seeing a stock photo online, so it’s important to always look before you leap!
While the charm of the home is undeniable and can make anyone fall in love, it’s always good to note what needs to be fixed or replaced in the future.
- Roof
- Windows
- Plumbing
- HVAC
- Electrical
- Any obvious water damage
These can all be a pain to fix in the future.
Storage, square footage, and lighting are also important because if you’re used to buying or renting a certain size, then you’ll want to stick to that. If your future plans include a bigger family, always look for more land, bedrooms, and bathrooms.
Always keep in mind if your lifestyle would fit the home or not. While this home has the cutest interior, maybe the commute just isn’t right for your daily life. It’s also important to do more research on the value and age of the home. A professional home inspection can always tell you more than what the home is selling for. The John Marzullo Team can help you figure out what questions to ask when looking for your forever home.
How To Prepare an Offer and Negotiate
After finding the right home for you, it’s time to dive into the offer and negotiation phase! Offers can be tricky because it really depends on how the sellers are acting and what the current market looks like.
You don’t want to offer too low because then you could turn away the only home you wanted. On the other hand, some sellers might be desperate, so it’s always good to know the current market and what similar homes sold for in the past.
The perfect offer always depends on the asking price, comparable home prices, and the condition of the home being offered. A negotiable offer always comes along with a few terms and conditions depending on what the buyer wants and what the sellers want.
Your offer should include:
- A purchase price
- Deposits
- Timeline to close
Some buyers choose to add financing and inspection terms and conditions if they hold any value. The offer doesn’t have to be black and white, it just has to be clear and concise depending on what’s being offered.
You’ll want to make sure that you understand your legal reponsibilities, and any contingencies you might be able to lift or remove based on what’s in the contract. It’s always good to remember the dates attached to your offer. Deadlines are very important when it comes to making an offer.
The John Marzullo Team will always help guide you when making an offer to ensure that you’re on the best path for your new home.
Why Working With an Oakmont Realtor Can Help
Buying a home can be a stressful, confusing process for many first-time home buyers. Knowing where to start, what to look for, how to schedule tours, and what to do after your offer is approved can be a bit much for some people.
An Oakmont Realtor will always be able to provide a local touch when it comes to helping you choose the perfect home. Knowing the ins and outs of the community is always a big plus when looking to find exactly what a certain buyer is looking for. While some people know what they want in a house and can easily eliminate the options they don’t want, others might be a little lost and might need more help.
The local expertise can help buyers distinguish what’s right and what’s wrong for their future purchase. With a professional by your side, it’s always easier to stay organized and on top of what needs to be done. The John Marzullo Team will always be there for any first-time home buyers or future homeowners that are looking to buy house in Pittsburgh PA.
What You Need to Know When Closing and Moving
When finalizing your purchase and closing on your new home, there are always a few things left to do before your keys are handed over. Buyers should always complete their financing and any inspecting they might need done.
If you haven’t already, it’s a good idea to finalize your utilities and homeowners insurance to be completely set when you need to be by your new house. Buyers should always make sure they know what to expect when closing the deal on a new home.
A closing costs guide will give a more in depth explanation of anything that needs to go done and what to expect on the day itself. The final walkthrough can make sure that everything is up to standard and that any issues are resolved before you take responsibility for a new home. The John Marzullo Team will always help guide you through your final steps of the process to make sure everything runs smoothly!
Conclusion
Buying a new home can be both exciting and nerve wrecking. There are several questions a buyer must answer to stay within their budget, and stay focused on what they truly want and need in a new home. First-time home buyers must learn what to look for in their new home. While the exterior always makes an impact, it’s the interior that tells a buyer what kind of shape the house is in.
There are many different areas that a home buyer might consider. These areas can be busy or laid-back with many different options. The John Marzullo Team can help any new buyer know where to start and how to focus on their needs and wants.
Once the right area is chosen, the right home will easily follow. By staying within your budget and knowing what to look for, any buyer can find the right home for them. After a new home is chosen, it’s always important to know what a fair offer would be.
Once an offer is made, the next step is to prepare for closing. Staying organized can help any buyer stay focused and avoid mistakes. The John Marzullo Team will always help any first-time buyer find the perfect home, make a perfect offer, and prepare for their new forever home.
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