Pittsburgh PA Real Estate Blog

Clear Choice Enterprises is partnering with VFW Post 249 to help veterans in need this holiday! We will be collecting essential items as well as activity books, games, cards...etc to fill large canvas bags. Each veteran can provide a wish list of additional items they would like this holiday and will be a personalized process. 

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Organize Your Garage

Don’t wait for spring to do some deep cleaning. Winter is coming and fall is a great time to prepare your home against the harsh winter conditions and hazards it can bring. A clean garage will not only help you store outdoor items from the cold, wet weather but can provide insight into your home’s condition.

Here are a few great reasons why you should clean out your garage this weekend:

• Organize Things You Need – Over the year, some things may have been moved or covered up. Find the tools you’ll need this winter such as snow shovels, tire chains, and winter clothing.

• Make Room for Cars – Snow, wind, and rain can be hard on cars. Winter is time to bring them into a weather-controlled environment. Since you don’t want them in your living room, the garage makes perfect sense.

• Uncover Problems...

Essential Components of the Home Tool Kit

A well-equipped home tool kit is not just for weekend warriors and do-it-yourself types. Hanging a picture, tightening a cabinet door, or assembling a Swedish-built cabinet are all moments when one might reach for a tool kit. If your toolbox consists of duct tape and a hammer, a quick, inexpensive trip to the local hardware store can save you lots of time and headache later when you need your tool kit.

Essential Components of the Home Tool Kit

• Hammer – The hammer is the most used tool in any home. Choose one that feels comfortable in your hand and is light enough that you can use easily.

• Screwdrivers – While fancy ratcheting screwdrivers are comfortable, the plain old inexpensive ones work just fine. Make sure you have at least one flat head and one Philips head on hand.

• Nails and Screws...

10 New Real Estate Trends

Current trends in real estate include a mix of positive and negative developments. The market has been heavily affected by the Covid-19 pandemic that has created a new housing environment which is expected to alter the way we approach real estate for the next few years, and maybe beyond.

Here are the 10 key emerging real estate trends:

1. Increased Homeownership – Homeownership rates have increased in 2020 and are expected to rise by 5% by the end of 2021.

2. Lower Interest Rates – Lower consumer spending during stay-at-home orders have resulted in lower interest rates, helping affordability ratios.

3. Steep Increase in Housing Prices – Real estate has entered a seller’s market that may increase inventory, slowing the pace.

4. Millennial Home Buying Strong – Millennials comprise 38% of the home buyers and seek mid-to-upper-middle class homes.

5. Affordable Homes...

Nobody likes a small bathroom. Unfortunately, a lot of houses have them. If you live in a home with a bathroom that makes you feel a bit claustrophobic, you might think that there isn’t much you can do without some major (and majorly costly) renovations. This may not be the case, though. There are actually a number of small changes that you can make to your bathroom to make it not only appear bigger, but possibly even give you some more space to work with.

Bear in mind that some of these options are a matter of personal taste. You’ll need to think about how these would work with your own personal style preferences. With that said, even if you only use one or two of these suggestions, you may be surprised at how big of a change they can make in your bathroom … all without having to tear down a wall or anything.

Top Trends for Your Outdoor Living Space

Summer is here and you’re spending more time outdoors. For most of us, this still means primarily in our own backyards. Personal outdoor space has never been more popular and if yours could use a little sprucing up, here are the hottest trends for 2021.

• Outdoor Kitchens – This trend is going nowhere. Ever since the first built-in BBQ showed up, homeowners have loved cooking outdoors. Choose from a simple pizza oven to a full chef’s set-up with multiple ovens, refrigerators, cooking spaces, and bar.

• Edible Gardens – While home gardeners have enjoyed seasonal tomatoes and herb pots for decades, the rise of sustainability trends have increased the attention on home-grown, organic fruits and vegetables. Any small space can be transformed to grow your favorites.

• Privacy Structures – Creating...

Each year Clear Choice Enterprises has gone through neighborhoods in Butler County to flag in remembrance for Memorial Day. This tradition started when clear choice opened its doors in 2011. Steadily growing each year to more neighborhoods. The idea of paying respect for those that gave the ultimate sacrifice has been the leading force to grow each year. In honor of Clear Choice being Ten years old this year, Broker Julie Sebock wanted to give out 10,000 flags. 

The Clear Choice Team started flagging neighborhoods Sunday the week prior and quickly made progress around town. They will continue up to Memorial Day. 

...

Can You Sell an Outdated House?

It seems that everywhere you turn there are companies who advertise buying ugly houses. These messages offer to quickly buy any house, regardless of the condition. The problem is that their offers are often significantly below market value.

If you’re a seller whose home needs some attention, you might think these companies are your only option. Some of the offers sound attractive; quick sale, all cash, no commissions, and no fees. But before you do anything, it’s worth your time to call a local real estate agent for a second opinion.

3 Reasons to Call a Real Estate Agent Now

1. Free Advice – The real estate agent will not charge you anything to simply come look at your home.

2. Your House Might Not Be that Ugly – You may be surprised to find that your home is quite marketable. A few years ago, a 1950s mid-century modern home would have been considered a tear-down....

Tips for Selling in Summer

Summer has traditionally been the best time to sell a home. Not only do many families take advantage of moving when the kids are out of school, but in climates where winter weather is unpredictable or severe, the warmer months make it easier to be away for showings. With more homes on the market, how can you maximize your potential for a great offer among the options? Fortunately, you can take a few steps to ensure your home stands out from the crowd.

Tips for Selling in Summer

 Control the Climate – The first thing a buyer will notice when they walk into a home is the temperature. If the weather is warm and humid, it’s critical you keep the home cool. A larger air conditioning bill is a small price to pay for a top dollar offer.

 Let in the Sun – It might be tempting to close the blinds to save money on air conditioning, but bright, sunny rooms are always more appealing;...

Hi, this is Trish Holt! 

Trish started her real estate career path by working as a mortgage originator . After leaving the mortgage industry, she knew she wanted to do something further that allowed flexibility for her children and lifestyle. 

The Holt family was represented by Clear Choice Enterprises in their last real estate purchase. Deciding that this was a company dynamic that would be a perfect fit for her, she got her notary license and began to facilitate closings as CCE Closing Coordinator. To further her career goals, Trish acquired her real estate license and quickly became a multi-million dollar producer. She services her clients with

care and professionalism. Her background in many areas of the real estate transaction makes her a clear choice.

When Trish is not performing her real estate duties, she is an active...