Full Circle in the Life of a Realtor

Today I attended the funeral of my client, who left this earth too young. He was serenaded with bagpipes and celebrated by immeasurable tributes from his peers and grandchildren. As a realtor, I’ve had the honor of working with so many fine folks — Young couples getting engaged and buying their first homes — couples divorcing and making new lives for themselves — folks transitioning to new jobs or relocating elsewhere. Life is a full circle. We are here on this earth for only a brief time, so live life to the fullest and celebrate with those you love.

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New Listing: 24 Overlook Court, Pittsburgh, Pa 15222

Check out my newest listing on Washington’s Landing. For those of you new to Pittsburgh, Washington’s Landing is an island in the City surrounded by water. On one side the Allegheny River and the other side the channel which I refer to as the ‘Intercoastal.’ Its Pittsburgh’s best kept secret. Just like living at a resort yet two minutes to Downtown Pittsburgh via kayak, yacht, bicycle, or car. Enjoy walking trails around Washington’s Landing, onsite marina, Three Rivers Rowing, RedFin Blues Restaurant.

24 Overlook Court is four bedroom townhouse situated along the Allegheny River. With two private decks you may enjoy views of the water, the marina, and walking trails. Open floor plan on first floor with gas log fireplace. Master bedroom ensuite with luxurious walk-in shower as well as walk-in closet. Third floor suite with private deck and full bath. Low maintenance fees of just $310/month include exterior, roof, greenspace, snow removal. Just another day at the beach!

You are cordially invited to my open house this Sunday, March 15th 1-4 to see!

Buying, Curb Appeal, Neighborhoods, Pittsburgh, Selling

A Thank You Note: Re/Max Select Realty Awards Celebration 2015

This year’s Agent Appreciation Celebration, on January 31, 2015, was held in the main ballroom of River’s Casino. Hosted by RE/MAX Select Realty owners, Ed Rae, Chris Murphy and Paul Culley.  The annual award night is an evening of dinner, dancing and entertainment, designed to honor RE/MAX Select agents, staff and their guests.

This event is truly spectacular. It’s a night of camaraderie and reflection. In the midst of the buzzing ballroom my fellow agents and I took a moment to look back on what we accomplished the year prior — what worked? — what didn’t? Despite any of the answers, it always amazes me how much I do accomplish for my clients at the end of each year.

That is the most humbling moment of it all. Throughout the year I’ve got my nose to the grind and am hard at work and laser-like focused on my clients. It’s fulfilling to get to the end of the year and realize how far we’ve all gotten.

To all my clients in 2014, THANK YOU for allowing me the opportunity to serve you. I love what I do, but I love the ways I help people by what I do even more.

I’m looking into this new year with new eyes and a refreshed energy to get as many people to closing as possible.

I am honored to receive these awards. They are career mile-markers, that show me how much impact I have on bettering my community and changing people’s lives for the better.

Awards Received:
RE/MAX Select Realty Individual Office Leader, Shadyside 2014
RE/MAX International Hall of Fame Inductee 2014
RE/MAX International Platinum Club Award 2014

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Country Roads

I took a recent road trip with John Denver careening in the background…Country Roads…take me home to a place where I belong…

Taking a break from 24X7 real estate gives me pause to reflect on this past year. I have worked with so many wonderful folks, in selling their homes and finding them new ones.

Owning a home is the American dream. It is one of the biggest life changing events one will encounter. And we as Americans value our homes as part of our own personal self worth.

Lydia and Rob found their dream home this past year in Crafton. I told them I thought they should get married soon as it is less complicated with legal status in home ownership. One week later they called me with great news.  Rob “put a ring on” Lydia’s finger. Wedding this coming fall.

Another couple built their dream townhome. Two days before closing she ended up in ICU. She is fighter, so closing took place one week later. After complete recovery, her husband and her are enjoying their new life, in their exquisite townhouse.

My newest buyers, Blanche and Brad, found a great home in Mt. Lebanon. They are closing in March, have a baby coming in August and are very excited about their life changing status.

It is my distinct honor to represent each and every one of these fine folks as they travel along on life’s journey.  And make their new homes their very own.

Traveling let’s me reflect on all of the stories I experience in my professional career. On my way down country roads I became excited thinking about all the new stories I would create with new clients and friends this year.

What are you excited about happening in 2015?

 

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Atlanta Connection Finds Their Forever Home

Hello Friends! I received this beautiful message today from a couple of my favorite clients. Tiffany & Jamie are really special people to me. I met them last winter in a bluster of icy-cold, stormy weather. We took a magical mystery tour of the City, ala snow boots, with ‘heal toe’ footwork, so as not to break our necks. They became part of my family and now refer to my mother as ‘Grandma.’ I love them dearly. It’s folks like Tiffany & Jamie that make my ‘job’ a dream come true! As the fall air is turning crisp, I want you to know that my business doesn’t stop, just because the weather conditions aren’t ideal. Please take a minute and read what my clients have to say, about working with me.

“Maggie Jayson is simply the best. I emailed her about a home in Rosslyn Farms that we fell in love with via Realtor.com. She responded almost immediately. After three months of emailing with Maggie we were finally ready to house hunt. I asked her if she would be our agent, regardless of the original house I contacted her about. She said she would, but that the original home had just gone under contract two days prior. We were going to be relocated here from Atlanta, for my husband’s job. We would be in town for 4 days and I had never even seen the city. Maggie planned for us to see as much of Pittsburgh as possible. She wanted us to get a feel for the city, and what it has to offer. We toured Sewickley, Mt. Lebanon, Oakmont and everywhere in-between. In three days, we saw over 25 homes! At the end of our trip, we put an offer on a 110 year old Victorian in Oakmont. We call it ‘our forever home.’ We couldn’t have picked a better realtor. Maggie went above and beyond for us. She even had snow boots and socks in her car, in case I needed them. We came from the South, after all. Her attention to detail and love of being a realtor shows in everything she does. She took such care with us through the process and continues to do so even after we moved in. She will always be a part of our lives — a dear friend. She truly is simply the best! – Tiffany St. John | Oakmont, Pa

Thank you for reading. Check out my latest listings here. And remember I’m yours in gettin’ it SOLD!

Buying, Closing, Curb Appeal, Neighborhoods, Sold

Takin’ It To The Street

 

I passed Real Estate Networking 101 with flying colors. Yes, to be in this business you must know the who’s and how’s of networking. It is imperative that you have a good working relationship with fellow realtors and professionals. Here’s an example of how I networked and got a listing sold.

This story is about 5904 Stanton Ave., in Highland Park. This listing came to me as a referral from an attorney, who had handled a closing for me earlier this year. As soon as I began marketing this property, I immediately began sharing the news with anyone and everyone. You never know who could buy it. One day when I was getting my hair done, I started talking about Stanton Ave. And would’t you know it, my hair stylist and her husband decided to take a look at it and fell in love. We’ve since closed on the house and the sellers and buyers are all happily situated in their new homes.

Keeping professional relationships and constantly sharing my passion for real estate is what made this possible. Whether it be in real estate or in my personal life, I have created a vast network of relationships. One of my passions is connecting folks with like interests as well as finding them homes where they will be most happy. So ‘Takin’ It To The Street’ is what you will get when you hire Maggie Jayson!

Buying, Closing, Pittsburgh, Selling, Sold

Bequething Love & Affection

Many times folks selling their homes are very sentimental after living in their home for many years.  We find ourselves attached to memories of laughter, love, holidays, growing pains in property.  Those gardener extraordinaires have an especially hard time in passing the torch to the new buyer in hopes that they too will tend to the flowers they way they did.

Jim & John recently sold their home on Washington’s Landing to a wonderful young lady Carol. Jim is one of those gardener extraordinaires. He took Carol by the hand before closing on his house and showed her all the perrenials, explained in detail what special care each needed, and hoped for the best.  Carol, rather a novice took note.  Two years later Jim & John came back from Ft. Meyers FL to visit.  Carol has definitely taken on the task for keeping the garden beautiful. Jim was very impressed and most of all grateful. It was a very happy reunion.

Bequething love & affection transcends into the real estate world.  Sellers are so appreciative when buyers take on the task of keeping the beauty alive the original owner created. I have seen that repeatedly in my business.  And it is very rewarding as a realtor.

 

Buying, Curb Appeal

The Lives in The Day of A Realtor: Chapter 21

She had a contract to sell her house with no where to go at the end of the month. She called me and gave me her criteria, one of which was to be near her grandchildren.  I assured her with just 35 days to go we could find the perfect new home. I immediately put her on an internet search. Two days later we were on a ‘shopping spree’ ending with lunch. I put her in touch with a mortgage lender. She had no idea she needed a pre approval. We put together an offer which was accepted that evening with pre approval in hand.  Inspection followed with no snags. I usually attend inspections just for reassurance for my clients.  Closing end of September. She is one happy lady with a place to call home.    All in the day of a realtor.

Buying, Finance

Love at First Sight

I specialize in creating an atmosphere of warmth & charm when I list & stage a home. Most buyers have a sense about the house when they first walk in the door. So it is of utmost importance to provide an aura of “I love this house!” Using all the senses from visually stimulating artwork to the aroma of the apple pie baking in the oven to soft classical music playing in the background enhances the home.
1204 Powers Run Road, O'Hara Twp.
1204 Powers Run Road, O’Hara Twp.
I recently listed and staged 1204 Powers Run Road, a sweet Cape Cod in O’Hara Township. I planted pink impatience along the sidewalk intermingled with hosta. I also placed two large-potted spring mix of flowers on the porch. Just inside the entry way was a wood seat. I enlisted my sister to upholster a pink & green striped growgrain custom cushion, then placed it on the wood bench and adorned it with my mother’s sun hat. I selected a mahogany framed print of colorful flowers from my staging inventory. These simple little vignettes gave a soft and charming presence to the home. The buyer loved the soft personal touches of the home. She made a full priced offer!
1204 Powers Run Road, O'Hara Twp.
1204 Powers Run Road, O’Hara Twp.
Special credit to my talented sister Betsy Tassaro and my stay-out-of-sun fair skinned 94 year young mother, Mary Sterrett.
1204 Powers Run Road, O'Hara Twp.
1204 Powers Run Road, O’Hara Twp.
Staging makes such a difference in getting that sale. I provide this service as a courtesy to my clients. This is actually one of my most favorite parts of selling real estate. I work on it meticulously until I am happy with the ‘look’.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Yours in gettin’ it sold!
~Maggie

 

Neighborhoods, Selling, Staging

Meet at the Table

   As your Realtor, I will walk you through the process of buying/selling your home.  I am a negotiation specialist so that I can advise you and make recommendations  with regard to smart decisions in counters and price points.  Today I felt compelled to write about the closing table. in the years that I’ve sold real estate I’ve encountered many different situations that make closings either smoothly or more difficult.

   I recommend closing with an attorney at the table. Pennsylvania is a buyers’ choice State. This means the buyer has the right to decide which attorney and/or settlement company will close. Keeping on track with all necessary clerical paperwork, certificates, and permits is foremost in making sure you close on time. You will get nothing but the best from Maggie Jayson at The Table.

 

 

Buying, Closing, Selling, Sold