Category Archives: Selling

Day in the Life of a Realtor: Preamble

T’was nine years ago when I stood on the porch of my home on a calm morn awaiting the moving truck. I was alone, scared, teary-eyed, and yes, alone. 29 Priscilla Lane had been my home for over 30 years. I raised my two sons there. That was the only place they ever knew to call ‘home.’ It was a beautiful retreat with over one acre.

And now it was time to let go, sell the home and move onward…

And so up the long driveway I heard footsteps…there appeared a slim man with gray hair. He drawled, “Lady, where w goin’?”

His name was Don. From that moment on he became a storyteller, a jokester, and endless monologue of life’s journeys.  The day was a whirlwind.

When we were all packed up I walked out the door and put the past behind. I know I will always have the memories but life moves forward. Houses and property are just that. We cannot get attached to structures.

Since that day I have had the pleasure of working with many clients, having Don move them. Some new stories, some edited monologues. Always a delight. Always refreshing.

Thank you, Don for having such great insight into the human spirit and your kind words.

The Look

It’s that first impression that strikes buyers. They walk in that door and either like it or hate it. That is why it is so important to make the first impression lasting.

As a seller’s agent I provide complimentary staging. As well as detailed itinerary of possible improvements, repairs to the home prior to listing.

Certainly the exterior, landscaping are a must in presentation. And there is nothing better than replacing door hardware. It’s not expensive and makes such a difference.

It wasn’t until about a year into selling real estate that I noticed the financial impact staging has on offers.

The spring market will be here before we know it. I am offering complimentary staging consults. Shoot me an email and together let’s get your home ready for the biggest selling season of the year!

The Vision

Folks looking to make the transition from their home to a new one must have a clear vision. As a seasoned real estate agent I can assist them in outlining that vision with a detailed path towards reaching their goal. The transition means getting their home on the market all while figuring out where it is they would like to be in the future.

I am working with a woman who is looking to move to assisted living in Oakmont. After visiting, we chose a possible housing unit and now it’s time to start the listing process of her home.  I am working with another client who would like to downsize from the two story family home to a first floor master. We have outlined her goals and are working to make that happen. It’s an exciting time, sometimes scary, to not know the exact future. As I tell all my clients, never look back with regret. Always look forward to what the future may present.

Contact me today to discuss where your future vision is taking you.

Day in the Life of a Realtor: Chapter 45

As a sellers’ realtor, my job is more than putting numbers together, making homes look really really pretty to captivate the buyers’ eye. It is working with the client in achieving their end goal, that of selling their home with nice pricepoint and sending them off on their new journey in good spirits. Not as easy as it appears.

I work very diligently toward ensuring my sellers’ pursuits are met. Each client has a different story, a different perspective, and a different end game. It is knowing and translating those entities into tangible outcomes that make my job intense yet truly satisfying.

At the closing table I can look at them and know we have attained all those goals, and they are ready to move forward.  And that is my reason for being in this business. I so enjoy the satisfaction it brings.

As I stated it’s not easy. But at the end of the process I know that I have done my job, done it well, and onward to then next client.

I just sold home on Washington’s Landing for a very nice price. Those folks decided to build their dream home on the water in Oakmont. They did an outstanding job in designing it in every detail. The exuberance was definitely evident at the closing table. They are well on their way on their new adventure.

Please check out my blog for more stories now and yet to come.

Light UP Night In Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh comes alive tonight! Enjoy the views of the City! If you are new to the City please ask me for a personal tour around the area. Lunch and/or dinner included.
I have lived in Pittsburgh most of my life. As a relocation specialist for over nine years I am familiar with each and every neighborhood.  I’m happy to also make arrangements for your stay.
Pittsburgh is one place special. With the rivers and trails, Cultural District, urban development you will find a City truly in transition. Enjoy the outdoors with boating, the arts with Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, Opera, CLO, and the many culinary speciality restaurants in and around the town. Just a wonderful flavor of the old and the new.
Enjoy our City at its finest!

The Lives In The Day of A Realtor: Chapter 33

I am so blessed to know so many lovely folks through my daily mission as a realtor. I was introduced to a dear sweet woman of 95 years young several months ago. She was living in her home of 26 years, two husbands later whom passed away, she found herself unable to stay. While her mind was sound, her legs would just give out. And it was not safe to be there alone. So off she went to lovely Willows near Ohio Valley Hospital.
We met on weekly basis to list the home, work through offer and sale. Each time I visited I learned a lot about this dear soul. And her previous husbands and two outstanding sons, one local and one in Oregon. She had a treasure full of memories, life’s fortunes as well as misgivings, and unmistakable humor.
She collected salt & pepper shakers. When her family traveled they would always bring her back salt & pepper shakers from each and every exotic location. While the sons were clearing out the house I asked the owner if I could have the chicks for remembrance. What a gift!  They sit perched behind my kitchen sink. I think of her daily.
I am blessed…I love my job…I love my clients (most of the time) and I love knowing that each day brings someone whom I can learn from and share while assisting them in buying and/or selling their home.

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!

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!

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

 

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.