Category Archives: Buying

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!

Buying, Closing, Curb Appeal, Dogs, Finance, Interior Design, Neighborhoods, Pittsburgh, Selling, Sold, Staging

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.

Buying, Closing, Curb Appeal, Dogs, Finance, Interior Design, Neighborhoods, Pittsburgh, Selling, Sold, Staging

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.

Buying, Closing, Curb Appeal, Dogs, Finance, Interior Design, Neighborhoods, Pittsburgh, Selling, Sold, Staging

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!
Buying, Neighborhoods, Pittsburgh, Selling

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.
Buying, Closing, Pittsburgh, Selling, Sold

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

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