Congratulations on your decision to purchase a new house or property! Whether your family is growing, you're relocating north of the city of Pittsburgh, or you're simply looking for a new place to call home, you're setting off on a new journey in the world of real estate.
Stonebridge has been in business for over 25 years, so we know all of the secrets of the Pittsburgh real estate market.
We specialize in, but are not limited to, the following areas:
- Ben Avon
- Avonworth
- Ohio Township
- North Hills
- Ross
- McCandless
- Ohio Township
- North Boroughs
- Ben Avon
- Emsworth
- Sewickley
Working with a Stonebridge Real Estate agent is an important way to make sure your homebuying process goes smoothly. We've outlined the process of working with us below.
Not only do we not charge extra fees, Stonebridge will make a donation in your name to a local nonprofit of your choice! Read about our Real Estate Partnership Program for more information.
The Homebuying Process
Contact Stonebridge Real Estate
No matter where you are in your homebuying process, our agents are available to facilitate the process. A Stonebridge Real Estate associate can guide you through the entire process, from choosing properties to view, through finding a mortgage and closing on the property. Get in touch with us for a no-obligation consultation so we can help you, regardless of whether you're starting your search or just need guidance in closing.
Establish Your Price Range
Start crunching the numbers to find out what you can afford (starting with knowing your credit score). The standard rule-of-thumb is that your monthly expenses (mortgage payments and other monthly debt payments) should not exceed 36% of your monthly income. Share this price range with your Stonebridge Real Estate agent so we can start hunting for your dream home in a realistic price range.
Decide What You Need (and Want) in a Home
Figure out how many bedrooms and bathrooms you need in order to be happy in your new home. Then think about which features you need versus want. Hardwood floors? A two-car garage? A certain school district? Knowing what's essential, versus what you're willing to compromise on, helps us pick the best options for you.
Begin Exploring the Housing Market
All West Penn Multi-List properties are available for you to view right here! Browse for-sale properties by area, ZIP code, school district, or street. Filter based on the features that are most important to you. You can even create an account on our site to save searches, save and hide properties, calculate driving distances, and estimate mortgage payments.
Email your agent links to any properties you're especially interested in, and be open about what you like and dislike. Your agent can help you get a better understanding of the properties you like or set up showings. They will also tell you as soon as properties go on the market that match what you're looking for. This is the best way to ensure your dream home doesn't get snatched up by other buyers before you get a chance to consider it.
Start Seriously Looking at Homes with Your Agent
Once you've narrowed down your search to a few winning properties, your agent will start setting up times for you to visit the properties. Be sure to take notes at every property, and re-visit them at different times of day. Consider how well it meets your needs now, and if you can see yourself living there in the future as well. Your agent will offer a professional perspective.
Don't be afraid to be critical. We will keep searching until we've found the perfect property for you!
Make Your Offer
As soon as you find a property that feels like home, tell your agent you want to make an offer. Stonebridge Real Estate agents know time is of the essence, so we use our knowledge of the market to your advantage. Your agent will help determine whether your offer has a good chance of being accepted, and will help prepare your written offer quickly.
Be prepared to negotiate, or be willing to keep searching if your offer is not accepted. Your agent will continue working for you, no matter what the outcome of your initial offer.
Once Your Offer Is Accepted
Celebrate! Your agent will guide you through the closing process.