Pittsburgh PA Real Estate Blog

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...

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. 

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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...

How to Choose a Real Estate Agent

Real estate agents seem to grow on trees. Everyone can list off a few agents from their cousin to the “nice lady” they talk to at the local coffee shop. But choosing the right agent is a critical element to having a successful transaction. Experience and expertise vary widely from agent to agent, so how can you choose the right person for your needs?

• Ask for Referrals – Yes, everyone knows an agent, but asking someone with a recent transaction is the best way to find a good agent.

• Do Your Research – Fortunately the Internet makes it very easy to do some research. Check local sites like Yelp or Next Door, move around their website and check their license for complaints.

• Interview Several Options – Make them earn your business. Conduct a real interview with several agents and see who best fits your style.

• Ask the Right Questions – The agents should be able to discuss their marketing...

Pete Sebock is the Broker of Record for Clear Choice Enterprises. Prior to a career in real estate, he was in retail management. Starting in Wal-Mart Stores right out of high school, he quickly worked his way through the management roles. Catching the attention of K-Mart, he was recruited to head up the Photo Lab division bringing the first Photo Labs to Butler K-Mart, surrounding and expanding to service four states. While the job opportunity was great, K-Mart fell on hard times after issues arsing from the Martha Stewart collection and ulitmately starting the closure of the large chain store.

This change in job gave the opportunity to start a career in real estate. Pete had always had an interest in real estate, so was an easy transition....