Patricia's Road Map to Owning a Home

Hello!

I was recently talking to a friend who is considering the leap into home-ownership but literally had no idea where to start or what to expect.  I quickly wrote her out a timeline and realized that people going through this process are not doing so often.   Buying a home is usually done a handful of times in each person's lifetime- if that!   It can certainly be overwhelming.  I decided to throw together a little "road map" based off of that timeline I created so people can get a better over-all picture.

This is, obviously, very simplified and each person's journey will likely not follow this exactly.  Honestly, my home-buying experience did not follow this at all, but this infographic is a good start.  To me, the most important pieces of advice I can give you are to be an informed consumer and take the time to hire a good real estate agent.  Do your research.  But also- HAVE FUN!  It's an exciting time!

The days leading up to closing will also include much more than shown here. The offer will include contingencies (home inspection and financing are the most common contingencies).  There may be counter offers, appraisals, surveys.  It's a wild journey so be sure to have a navigator that you can trust to guide you through.  

I have a team surrounding me that can help with any and all of these steps- from financing to home inspections.  I would love to help guide you!

Converted Pittsburgh Churches

There was an article on the New York Times' website the other day that talked about the many converted churches in Pittsburgh.  This was something I have always loved- finding new uses for old buildings and in doing so, preserving history.  Former factories, schools, even Wholey's cold storage facility can become upscale living spaces; banks and train stations become restaurants.  Pittsburgh has been able to effectively take buildings and give them new life.  It is wonderful to see.

Here are some once religious churches turned into secular buildings in Pittsburgh:

Altar Bar located in Pittsburgh's historic Strip District

Mr. Small's in Millvale

Church Brew Works in trendy Lawrenceville

The Priory in the North Shore

There are a few churches on the market for anyone interested in following the conversion trend.  For example, this one in Dormont.

Here is another link of converted churches around the world for some inspiration: Former Churches Converted Into Secular Buildings

How cool is it to experience the rebirth of a city through the infrastructure of the past?  It is something that makes Pittsburgh so unique.

Thanks for reading,

Bellevue Beauty

Hello!  Great Penguin's win last night!  Let's hope the Steelers can follow suit this weekend.  

I love Pittsburgh and one of my all time favorite things about Pittsburgh is the variety of homes.  There are so many different architectural styles and materials.  It really makes for a unique and eclectic vibe..  You will see tudors next to craftsmans and Victorians next to mid-century moderns.  The contrasts are absolutely amazing.  I also love the gems.  A totally inconspicuous house can have such wonderful architectural details that, when driving by, you would not even notice.  Us Pittsburghers are so lucky to be surrounded by such beauty on a daily basis.

Just beautiful.  I could, and probably will, do a blog post about each individual style.  Sorry it took so long to get to, but the original point of this post was to draw your attention to a gem of a home that is for sale in Bellevue.  You feel as though you have stepped back in time when you go inside.  It is absolutely stunning. Take a look at some of my favorite parts.

 They just don't make home like it anymore! For more information, check it out on zillow or contact me.

Thanks for reading,