When you tell people you plan on doing anything real estate-related, whether it's buying or selling a home, investing, or something else, it's likely you will receive unsolicited advice. Unfortunately, well-meaning advice from someone who isn't a real estate professional may not be helpful. That's where we come in. We're here to debunk the top five real estate myths. 

Many homebuyers believe they can skip a home inspection to save money when buying a home. This is done for a variety of reasons, from wanting to save money, to thinking the house will be bought faster by another buyer who will waive the inspection, or because a property is new or recently renovated. 

A thorough home inspection is well worth the money spent. If buyers skip this important step, they will be buying a home as-is, including any problems that come with it. In the long run, getting a home inspection can save a lot of time and money. 

A lot of homebuyers believe that they don't have to get pre-approved for a mortgage until after they have found their home. Getting pre-approved for a mortgage before house hunting saves time and frustration.

​Buyers who decide to house hunt before getting pre-approved can be disappointed if they set their hearts on a home above their price range and are declined for a mortgage. A buyer who has been pre-approved also has an advantage in a multiple offer situation due to the fact that a seller is more likely to choose a buyer who is already pre-approved than one who isn't. 

Sellers who want to sell their home "for sale by owner" typically believe it will save them a lot of money because they don't have to hire a real estate agent. In reality, hiring a real estate agent can actually save sellers money. Real estate agents have experience in the industry, insider knowledge, and great negotiating skills. Utilizing the experience of a real estate professional is advised over the DIY method of selling a home "for sale by owner."

Pricing a home higher than it is worth in order to leave room for negotiations sounds like a good idea, but can leave a house sitting on the market for a long period of time. Correctly pricing a home is critical when trying to sell, as buyers generally won't waste their time on homes that are overpriced. A real estate agent can provide a market analysis, which helps sellers determine a price based on similar homes that have sold in the area.

Any real estate agent who belongs to their local real estate board and multiple listing service (MLS) has access to all listings that are multiple listed. An agent that works for one real estate agency can absolutely show properties that are listed by other real estate agencies. 

If you have any questions about common real estate myths, or think we overlooked any, leave a comment in the comment section below! We would love to hear from you. 

The latest Pittsburgh real estate news, including why Pittsburgh is one of the best metros for real estate investors, a renovated park center in Aspinwall, why Pittsburghers are optimistic about the area's future prosperity, and more. 

Industrious Designs Make Office Spaces at 1 PPG Place Distinctive 
"Even if you just rent a desk in this new co-working space, the 1 PPG Place address carries cache. Philip Johnson’s sparkling, glass-walled design makes Industrious one of Downtown’s most distinctive office spaces."

Gander Mountain Locations Could Be 'White Elephants'
"Camping World Holdings Inc. is still working out the lease details for the 70 or more Gander Mountain locations it wants to operate after it closes its deal to buy much of the bankrupt retailer's assets. Landlords for locations not taken by Camping World might have difficulty finding new tenants, according to real estate experts."

Poll Shows Pittsburghers Optimistic about Area's Future Prosperity
"A new poll shows that a majority of Pittsburghers believe the city is moving in the right direction in terms of bringing back jobs and affordable housing." 

​The Best and Worst Metros to be a Real Estate Investor
"Who doesn't want to make a few extra bucks these days without having to log lots of overtime or run a side hustle? That's why many enter the ever-promising world of real estate investment."

Number of Homes For Sale Down in 2017 in Pittsburgh Region 
"The number of homes for sale in the Pittsburgh region is declining as indicators show the market tightening."

Shell Finds More Space for Parking in Beaver County
​"One of the big questions about the early stages of the $6 billion petrochemical plant in Beaver County is where the thousands of construction workers are going to park."

Renovated Aspinwall Park Center Proves that Less Can be More
"The building once used for boat repairs at the former Aspinwall Marina obstructed views of the Allegheny River. Now it is the open-air welcome center in Aspinwall Riverfront Park."

Zillow: Pittsburgh Rents Remain Affordable
"Zillow released a study Friday that found that for the first time rents in suburban areas are growing faster than in urban areas, though the Pittsburgh region bucked that trend."

Rostraver Church Elects to Join Bible Chapel Campus
"The McMurray-based Bible Chapel is expanding its network of campuses following the decision of a Rostraver church to become part of the large evangelical Christian congregation."

We're showcasing four beautiful homes we have listed for sale right now, including an 88 acre estate, a home located on a working farm, a five bedroom fixer upper, and a Craftsman era beauty that's perfect for horse owners.

Situated on 30 acres of land with an 11 stall barn complete with a wash bay, three stall stud barn, and indoor riding arena, this three bedroom, one bathroom Craftsman Era home is absolutely gorgeous. With original woodwork and hardwood floors, a two bedroom trailer with potential for rental income, seven pastures, four Nelson waterers, a century bank barn, silos, machine shed, milk house, and much more, this home is perfect for a horse lover! See the full listing here. 

Across the street from Ten Mile Creek State Park and Ten Mile Creek, this five bedroom home is the perfect fixer upper. Home renovations were started, but are waiting for the right person to complete them and restore this stunning farmhouse located on a beautiful, secluded property. See the full listing here.

This beautiful rural estate, just across the Richland Township border includes not only a three bedroom, three bathroom home, but a duplex and an apartment over the four car garage that are rented. The main home was never finished, but features two imported stone fireplaces, a wine room, and an indoor pool room just waiting to be completed. The 88 acres of land this estate is located on feature a pond, mature pear, apple, and chestnut trees. See the full listing here.

If you're looking for a home, or are interested in any of these beautiful homes we have listed for sale, please get in touch with us. We look forward to serving you!