New Year’s Resolutions for Waterfront Homes for Sale in Pittsburgh PA

New Year’s Resolutions for Waterfront Homes for Sale in Pittsburgh PA

For a lot of people, the start of the year brings with it the feisty spirit of new beginnings. It is a popular time when New Year resolutions are made to contain specific goals and objectives. Some people make financial resolutions such as finally creating a healthy savings account, getting more exercise, eating better, volunteering in the local community or skipping the daily expensive coffee run. While it’s important to have all these personal resolutions for the coming year, don’t forget to include resolutions for your waterfront home for sale in Pittsburgh PA.

Here’s a quick list of resolutions you may want to consider for your home:

Aim for a more energy-efficient home.

Wasted energy is wasted money that adds to the destruction of our Mother Earth. There are several ways to help you gain control of your home’s energy use starting with an energy efficient audit. An energy professional will inspect your home and report what areas of your home need improvement. Once an audit is done, it’s time to tackle all the to-do items on the list which can include sealing all ducts, replacing old windows, light bulbs with more energy-efficient ones, whole house insulation - especially blown in foam for older homes - installing a programmable thermostat, replacing old and worn-out appliances and more.

Create a financial plan for your home.

Much like your personal financial resolutions, it’s equally important to create a budget for your waterfront home for sale in 3 Rivers Pittsburgh. Don’t get caught up with the added expense of home remodeling and DIY home improvement projects. Make sure to carve out a 12-month plan which includes details of exactly what you need or desire to improve in your home and how much you’re willing to spend on it versus how much you can actually spend on it.

Clear all the clutter.

How many times have you woken up to the sound of a persistent alarm clock, running towards the shower, and then spending too much time looking for all the things you need for that day, making you skip breakfast and grabbing an expensive coffee while you head to work, instead? If this sounds familiar, it’s time you start cutting the clutter at your home for sale on the river Pittsburgh. Start by organizing your closet then move on to the bathroom, the living room, your home office, the dining room, the kitchen, the patio and the garage. Also, keep in mind that clearing the clutter does not simply mean taking everything out and keeping it all locked up in plastic boxes under the bed. Clear it, don’t store it. Donate whatever you no longer need. Remember the adage, “If you’ve not used it in 6 months, toss it!” Throw out everything that is beyond use or cannot be repaired.  Then organize neatly all your important useful items.

This year, aim for a more beautiful, clutter-free, energy-efficient home that beckons you after a long day at work. Start the new year right by following these simple resolutions and if you’re looking for homes for sale or for an experienced REALTOR® in Pittsburgh PA, visit http://www.SoldByConnie.net.

Call me, Connie Wolff at 724-779-1427 for all your real estate needs. As a trusted luxury REALTOR® with proven experience in buying and selling waterfront homes for sale in Pittsburgh PA, I provide your expert solutions, one yard at a time.

Top Safety Tips While Away from Your Home on the River Pittsburgh

Top Safety Tips While Away from Your Home on the River Pittsburgh

The holidays are a time for family, friends, and all their loved ones to gather and enjoy a nice meal together at their homes for sale on the River Pittsburgh. Some have already put up Christmas lights and other decorations both inside and outside their homes. However, some families don’t live close to each other and spending time together means booking flights, travelling across the country, packing bags and planning itineraries. If this is the case for your family, make sure to secure your home first before heading out. Check out these holiday safety tips:

Make your home look like it isn’t deserted for the holidays.

One of the reasons burglars and thieves are more confident trespassing and stealing from your home is when they know that there is no one inside. This situation makes their crime a lot easier when there is no threat of getting caught. So what should you do? Unless you can hire a house sitter who is willing to live and spend the holidays at your home, how else can you make sure that your home doesn’t look like it’s deserted for the holidays? Put a timer on your lights - both outdoor Christmas lights and indoor light fixtures. Time these to go on at a certain hour every night and to go off by morning. Another important tip is to put your mail on hold and stopping newspaper delivery until your return. Newspapers piling up on the door-step is a sure sign no one is at home. You could also ask a trusted neighbor to pick up your mail for you.

Invest in a quality home security system.

Another way to deter burglars from entering your home is to  prominently place video cameras around your waterfront home for sale in Pittsburgh PA. While not a fail-safe way to ensure the security of your home, these monitors and alarms are a great way to ward off any intruders. You can also use these to remotely monitor your home from anywhere and whenever you need. Most of the home security systems on the market come with a downloadable app which helps you to easily check the status of your home in real-time through your smartphone or tablet. These systems also come with an alarm which you can turn on and off remotely. If you have scheduled for someone, a neighbor or a friend, to check on the house for a day, all you have to do is ask them to inform you if they’re already in the area and you can turn off the alarm so it won’t go off and create a ruckus when your house sitter arrives for the day.

Keep all your travel plans private and offline.

All of the above tips will not work if you have been constantly broadcasting your whereabouts on social media. If you have recently posted a photo of you and your family boarding the plane with the caption “Flying home to Florida for the holidays”, no matter how much you want to share with your Facebook friends list all the awesome things you’re up to this holiday, doing so could help potential burglars know that your waterfront home for sale in 3 Rivers Pittsburgh is vacant for a week or two. You never know who is looking at your social media profiles. It’s always better to be safe than sorry. You can post all photos once you return to your waterfront home in Pittsburgh PA.

Don’t be a victim this holiday season. Enjoy your vacation without having to worry about the safety of your home. For even more tips for the holidays, visit http://www.SoldByConnie.net.

Call me, Connie Wolff at 724-779-1427 for all your real estate needs. As a trusted luxury REALTOR® with proven experience in buying and selling waterfront homes for sale in Pittsburgh PA, I provide all my clients expert solutions, one yard at a time.

Top 5 Tips If You’re Not Staying at Your Waterfront Home for the Holidays

Top 5 Tips If You’re Not Staying at Your Waterfront Home for the Holidays

With the holiday season in full swing, residents of waterfront homes for sale in Pittsburgh PA have already prepared for the festivities. Some have put up Christmas lights and other decorations both inside and outside their homes. Others have already bought gifts for family and friends, wrapped up neatly and placed under the Christmas tree. Some are already deep into their party plans - making lists of guests, adding food to the menu, planning the seating arrangement and more. Meanwhile, other homeowners have already had their vacation plans set - visiting relatives and loved ones during the holiday break, securing plane tickets, packing their bags, and planning all the fun activities they’ll enjoy together. However, just because you’re already in “holiday mode”, it doesn’t mean your house should be too. Check out these safety tips for your home this holiday season:

1. Put your lights on a timer. A major deterrent to a burglar is the presence of someone inside the home. These criminals find it too troublesome. So if you have outdoor lights, set the timer so that they go on at a certain hour every night. Do this for your indoor lights too. If you have string lights, check that every cord is in tip-top condition because a frayed cord is a potential fire hazard.

2. Invest in a home security system. Apart from making sure that all entryways are secured and all locks are bolted, invest in a security system so you can remotely monitor your homes for sale on the river Pittsburgh for any suspicious activities.

3. Never leave a key outside your home. Spare keys are important, but that doesn’t mean you should use the age-old ways of leaving the spare key under a plant pot or above the door frame. Keep in mind that this will actually be a big help to a potential thief. Instead of leaving your key in an easy to access place outside your home, leave it with a trusted neighbor instead.

4. Ask your neighbors to look after your home. Inform them of your whereabouts, how they can contact you, emergency phone numbers and more. Have them pick up your mail and be on the lookout for any suspicious activities. A thank-you gift or souvenir is always appreciated and insure they do not feel inconvenienced for their efforts.

5. Keep all your valuables out of sight. If you don’t normally close all the curtains, don’t do it when you leave because doing so alerts any thieves who are monitoring your home that the place is deserted for the holidays and they can freely move around and steal your things with less chance of getting caught. However, make sure to keep all your valuables out of sight, keep them away from the windows and any glass doors. When valuables can be seen from the street, this sends an open invitation to burglars and thieves, screaming you have left your home for sale on the Allegheny River in Pittsburgh, PA with plenty of valuables they can steal.

Don’t be a victim this holiday season. Enjoy your vacation without having to worry about the safety of your home. For even more tips for the holidays, visit http://www.SoldByConnie.net.

Call me, Connie Wolff at 724-779-1427 for all your real estate needs. As a trusted luxury REALTOR® with proven experience in buying and selling waterfront homes for sale in Pittsburgh PA, I provide all my clients expert solutions, one yard at a time.

Stress-Free Tips for Hosting Holiday Parties at Your Waterfront Home

Stress-Free Tips for Hosting Holiday Parties at Your Waterfront Home

It’s time to get ready for the holiday parties you’ll be hosting at your waterfront home for sale in Pittsburgh PA. If you’re dreading all the stressful preparations such as making home-cooked meals, decorating the home and checking the guest list, don’t fret. Here are a few tips to help keep stress at bay when hosting your very own fun and festive holiday party:

Before the Party:

All party planners swear by this - make a list. From the names of guests you’ll be inviting, to the decorations you plan to use, to the meals you want to include in your menu, it helps to have a checklist of things you need to accomplish and see for yourself which of the items on the list you can do by yourself and which items you can delegate to other people. Never be afraid to ask for help because this makes guests and family members feel more involved in the whole party itself. Another thing you can do before the party is to cook as much as you can ahead of time and stock up on appetizers and drinks. Some recipes you can prepare days ahead are the quiches, stews, soups, and tarts. As for the decorations, it works best when you have a theme in mind that you can follow. Before you go shopping for decorations, though, make sure to rummage through your cupboards for old decorations that you can tidy up and use for this year’s party - old and still working Christmas lights, vintage ornaments, holiday-themed candles and more. You don’t have to go all out when decorating the space because sometimes, all you really need are a couple of vases and bowls filled with flowers and ornaments, some dim lighting, and a mix of seasonal tunes to create the perfect ambience for a festive event.

During the Party:

When hosting a holiday party at your waterfront home for sale in 3 Rivers Pittsburgh, you need to learn to be flexible when it comes to certain unavoidable situations. Did someone unexpectedly drop by without an RSVP? Are guests not eating a particular dish? Do you have guests who brought their pets when you said it was strictly no pets allowed? Don’t lose your cool. Be a gracious host and offer your guests contingencies such as extra seating on the table, other food on the menu that they aren’t allergic to, and using an old bowl or tray to share some of your dishes with your guests’ furry friends.

After the Party:

Instead of having a ton of food leftover to tide you and your family through until the first week of the New Year, prepare Ziploc bags and plastic food containers for guests to use and place leftovers in. Also, make sure to have a designated spot for guests to leave their empty plates and glasses by the sink so that after-party cleanup is easier for you. In this day and age, sending hand-written thank you notes might be considered old-school, but a handwritten note shows says so much about you and gives your guests a warm feeling of appreciation for coming to the holiday party at your home for sale on the Allegheny River PA. If handwritten notes aren’t your thing, a simple thank you message on their Facebook walls or Twitter mentions will do.

Above all, remember to give yourself a rest every once in awhile so your body can recover from all the stress-inducing preparations. It is important that you keep in mind the essence of the holiday season and the joy it should bring. For even more helpful tips for the savvy homeowner, visit http://www.SoldByConnie.net.

Call me, Connie Wolff at 724-779-1427 for all your real estate needs. As a trusted luxury REALTOR® with proven experience in buying and selling waterfront homes for sale in Pittsburgh PA, I provide all my clients expert solutions, one yard at a time.

5 Tips for a Stress-Free Holiday in Your Waterfront Home in Pittsburgh PA

5 Tips for a Stress-Free Holiday in Your Waterfront Home in Pittsburgh PA

The holiday season is not complete without the gifts, the home-made cooking, the parties and the bright and lively home decorations. It sure is fun but with all the preparations, it seems impossible to get away from stress during this time of the year. Spending your holidays in one of waterfront homes for sale in Pittsburgh PA should be a great experience with these tips on how to reduce your stress.

1. Plan ahead and be as organized as possible. With so many things to do, chances are you will forget something. Writing down all your tasks and listing details should help you accomplish everything. A planner or a simple calendar may be helpful in accomplishing all tasks efficiently. First, start by thinking and planning what decorations or theme you will use for the coming holiday season. Jot down all details like the size of the Christmas tree, what colors to match for the decorations and the items you need to design certain parts of the house. Next, you can start planning what food you want to prepare and serve to your family and friends. Make grocery lists and write down all the ingredients you will need when cooking. Lastly, list all the people that you would like send greeting cards to or give gifts to so you can shop for everything all in one go.

2. Get assistance on house chores. This time of year requires a lot of cleaning. Hire someone to provide cleaning services for the whole house to avoid additional stress.

3. Let your family, especially the children, be involved with the preparation. If you have just bought one of the homes for sale on the Allegheny river in Pittsburgh, you can proceed with putting up the decorations. This task can be done with your children's help. If possible, you can let them be fully in-charge of the decorations. You can tell them what kind of design you would like and give them tips on how to decorate without spending too much. You can also check out the waterfront homes for sale in 3 Rivers Pittsburgh to find some creative ideas for the holidays. That will save time and reduce one more cause of stress.

4. Choose the gatherings you will want to attend with the whole family. Your time is precious, so choose what events will be enjoyed by the whole family bringing everyone together concentrating on the holiday season. Learn to decline party invitations, if possible, in order to use your time wisely and efficiently.

5. Instead of going to such parties, you can try organizing your own party instead. Keep it small and intimate. Invite only those who are very close to you. This way, there is less time spent preparing for the party.

Above all, don’t forget remember to give yourself a rest every once in awhile so your body can recover from all the stress-inducing preparations. It is important that you keep in mind the essence of the holiday season and the joy it should bring. For even more helpful tips for the savvy homeowner, visit http://www.SoldByConnie.net.

Call me, Connie Wolff at 724-779-1427 for all your real estate needs. As a trusted luxury REALTOR® with proven experience in buying and selling waterfront homes for sale in Pittsburgh PA, I provide all my clients expert solutions, one yard at a time.

Top Tips for Selling Homes for Sale in Winter

Top Tips for Selling Homes for Sale in Winter

During the winter season, a lot of home sellers get discouraged and decide to take their waterfront homes for sale in Pittsburgh PA off the real estate market. Various reasons such as lower home prices, fewer buyers, and busy holiday schedules lead them into this decision. However, there are also some advantages in selling a house during the winter season. One of which is that there is less competition during this time and winter-time buyers are serious buyers, they want to find their new home quickly. This gives you a distinct advantage to sell your property successfully. This is also a great opportunity to show off the warm, welcome feel of your house.

Successfully sell your home this winter season by following these three simple tips:

1. Keep your whole property clean. First, have your walkways cleared for potential home buyers. Brushing off fallen leaves or twigs and removing any other obstructions on your walkways would ensure safety and prevent possible injuries to home viewers. Doing this also gives a good first impression of a well-maintained property, which is an important factor that home buyer considers. Next, make sure that your windows are clear and free from dirt that may come from winter rain showers. Unclouded windows allow your home to look brighter than ever. Lastly, floors should should be polished clean at all times. It may be challenging to keep your floors clean especially when home buyers come in every time to view your waterfront home for sale on the Allegheny River PA. Mopping it regularly can be time-consuming so you might want to consider placing rubber mats right in front of your doorstep. You can also provide some comfy slippers or even shoe covers while you take your potential home buyers around the house. This way, dirt would be minimized, if not avoided.

2. Set the warmth inside the house. One of the concerns of home buyers during the winter season is the heating system. If you set your thermostat to the right warm temperature, they will know that the heating system of your house works efficiently. You can also maximize the use of the fireplace to showcase the potential of the space. Light a fire to keep a warm cozy environment. Opening the curtains will let the sunshine in and bring more warmth inside the house. Buyers like picturing themselves living in the house they’re looking at and by setting the mood and the right temperature, they will easily be able to enjoy the ambience and find themselves attracted to the space.

3.    Remember to inspect and make necessary home repairs. At any time of the year, it is important that you have your house issues fixed before selling it. Check if all your lamps and lighting fixtures are working and shining brightly when turned on. Clean gutters show your attention to important detail. Repair any leaks or dripping faucets. You can repair them yourself or call a professional to inspect and assess any minor repairs needed for your house.

This winter season, put your house as one of the waterfront homes for sale on the river in Pittsburgh’s real estate market. With these helpful tips, it is not as hard as you think to sell your house at a competitive price this holiday season.

For even more helpful tips and real estate industry news, visit http://www.SoldByConnie.net.

Call me, Connie Wolff at 724-779-1427 for all your real estate needs. As a trusted luxury REALTOR® in Pittsburgh PA, I provide all my clients expert solutions, one yard at a time.

Top 5 Ways to Sell Your Home this Winter Season

Top 5 Ways to Sell Your Home this Winter Season

Putting a waterfront home for sale in Pittsburgh PA on the market during the winter season is considered more challenging than selling a house during summer. Unfortunately, a lot of home sellers remove their property from the market during the winter season, resulting in less competition. An advantage, though, is the cold weather gives you the opportunity to make a greater impression by showing its warm and cozy charm.

Check out five simple tips on how to successfully sell your home this winter season.

1.    Clear the path. The walkways to your lovely home can give a good first impression on your property. Potential buyers sometimes look for properties that are well-maintained and having a clear, pleasant-looking, snow-free walkway is one way to achieve this. Apart from impressing potential buyers at first sight, this step also ensures their safety when walking to your front door.

2.    Polish the exterior. Clean windows and a few simple holiday decorations can catch the attention of home buyers. Perfectly polished and bright windows enhance any natural light during winter. Potential buyers see spotless windows of waterfront homes for sale in 3 Rivers Pittsburgh as a sign that the property is well maintained. This can help lighten the mood of guests to your open house. Put up simple but elegant decorations that can create a positive feeling and spread the holiday cheer.

3.    Maintain clean floors. In addition to keeping your windows tidy, floors should be mopped and protected. Provide rubber mats or clear runners for buyers to walk along to prevent bringing in tracking in snow, ice or mud. You could also provide comfy slippers or shoe covers in case they do not want to remove their shoes while they take a tour of the house. Either way, it will save time cleaning your floor and help minimize the dirt and water inside your house.

4.    Keep a warm environment. Set your thermostat to a temperature that is not too high and not too cold. The warmth inside your house will let your buyers know that your heat system is efficient and gives the impression of a cozy and comfortable home. Lighting a fire can also create an inviting atmosphere by giving warmth into your home. The fireplace can also attract potential buyers so you may consider putting up some decorations around it to emphasize its beauty.

5.    Brighten up your home for sale on the river in Pittsburgh. Make sure that all the lighting works and can cover dark areas. If you can, replace your lighting fixtures with new ones to ensure that they will shine bright when turned on. Also, pull back your curtains and let as much natural light as possible to stream in. And lastly, lighting fragrant candles can help cover dark corners and provide homey atmosphere.

Keep in mind that selling your house during this time can be challenging but if you follow these simple tips, you can successfully sell your property.

For even more helpful tips and real estate industry news, visit http://www.SoldByConnie.net.

Call me, Connie Wolff at 724-779-1427 for all your real estate needs. As a trusted luxury REALTOR® in Pittsburgh PA, I provide all my clients expert solutions, one yard at a time.