Stephanie Heisel Realtor

09/25/2025

🚨 New Listing Alert! 🚨

Hit the market late last night! ✨ Located in the Fox Chapel School District, this charming brick home sits in a quiet neighborhood on a cul-de-sac street – perfect for peaceful living! 🏡

Featuring:
🛏️ 2 Bedrooms
🛁 2 Full Bathrooms
🍳 Updated kitchen
🛠️ Modern bathrooms

This one won’t last long! Message me today to schedule a private showing before it’s gone! 📲

This 1371 square feet Single Family home has 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. It is located at 108 W Marshall Dr, Pittsburgh, PA.

03/06/2025

Open house this Saturday 11-1!

This is a 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom, Single Family home. It is located at 316 Sycamore St, Vandergrift, PA.

11/13/2024

Missed last weeks open house? Come this Sunday 11/17 from 11-1 to check out this great ranch first floor living!

This 1432 square feet Single Family home has 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom. It is located at 716 McKinley Ave, East Vandergrift, PA.

11/07/2024

Open House This Saturday 11/9 from 11-1.

04/11/2024

Great opportunity with first floor living!

This 1432 square feet Single Family home has 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom. It is located at 716 McKinley Ave, East Vandergrift, PA.

08/18/2023

Real estate investing can be a lucrative venture, but it's essential to approach it with careful planning and avoid common mistakes that can lead to financial losses. Here are some mistakes to avoid:

1. Jumping in Without Education and Research: Lack of knowledge is a major pitfall. Without understanding the market, property values, local trends, and investment strategies, you're more likely to make poor decisions.

2. Overleveraging and Poor Financing: Taking on too much debt or failing to secure favorable financing terms can strain your finances and put you at risk if market conditions change or unexpected expenses arise.

3. Ignoring Property Condition and Due Diligence: Skipping proper property inspections, neglecting maintenance issues, and failing to conduct thorough due diligence can lead to costly surprises down the line.

4. Misjudging Cash Flow and Expenses: Underestimating ongoing expenses (property management, maintenance, taxes, insurance) or overestimating potential rental income can erode your profits and make the investment unsustainable.

5. Choosing the Wrong Location: Investing in a property in a less desirable or unstable neighborhood can result in difficulties attracting tenants, high vacancy rates, and potential safety concerns.

By avoiding these mistakes and being diligent in your research, financial planning, and decision-making, you can set yourself up for successful and profitable real estate investments.

08/16/2023

Whether renovating your current home or buying a new one is better depends on several factors, including your financial situation, goals, preferences, and the condition of your current property. Here are some considerations for both options:

Renovating:

Cost-Effective: Renovations can be cheaper than buying a new home.
Customization: You can tailor your current home to your preferences.
Emotional Attachment: Keeps you connected to your current location.
Disruption: Renovations can be inconvenient and disruptive.

Buying a New Home:

Location Change: Ideal for moving to a different area.
Condition: New homes require less immediate maintenance.
Time: Faster than extensive renovations.
Energy Efficiency: Often designed with the latest energy-efficient features.
Market Trends: Buying might be financially attractive in a buyer's market

08/14/2023

Top 10 new homeowner tips!

1. Change the Locks: Prioritize your security by changing the locks on all entry doors. This helps ensure that only you have access to your new home.

2. Update Important Contacts: Notify the post office, your bank, insurance providers, and any other relevant institutions about your change of address.

3. Understand Utilities: Familiarize yourself with utility systems, including water, gas, electricity, and heating/cooling. Learn how to operate and control them.

4. Establish an Emergency Fund: Set aside funds for unexpected repairs and maintenance. This safety net can alleviate financial stress when issues arise.

5. Regular Maintenance: Create a maintenance schedule for tasks like HVAC filter changes, gutter cleaning, and lawn care. Staying proactive prevents larger problems.

6. Homeowner's Insurance: Ensure you have adequate homeowners insurance coverage to safeguard your investment against unforeseen events.

7. Learn Basic DIY Skills: Acquire fundamental skills like fixing minor leaks, replacing light fixtures, and unclogging drains. This can save you money in the long run.

8. Budget Wisely: Develop a budget that includes mortgage payments, utilities, maintenance costs, and other expenses to manage your finances effectively.

9. Explore the Neighborhood: Familiarize yourself with nearby amenities, services, and emergency facilities, making it easier to integrate into your new community.

10. Personalize Your Space: Make your new house feel like home by adding personal touches such as decor, furniture, and artwork that reflect your style and personality.

These tips will help you navigate the initial stages of homeownership and set a strong foundation for enjoying your new property.

08/11/2023

1. Don't rush; take time to research.
2. Stick to your budget; avoid overextending.
3. Get a professional home inspection.
4. Visit properties in person; don't rely only on online info.
5. Consider the location's impact on value and lifestyle.
6. Research the neighborhood, crime rates, and future plans.
7. Read all documents and contracts carefully.
8. Factor in resale value when choosing a house.
9. Stay objective; don't make emotional decisions.
10. Get pre-approved for a mortgage before house hunting.

Remember that buying a house is a significant investment, and taking the time to avoid these common mistakes can save you from potential headaches in the future. Always seek guidance from a reputable real estate agent or financial advisor to ensure you make an informed decision.

08/09/2023

Top 5 Home updates that pay off:
1. Kitchen Remodel
2. Bathroom Renovation
3. Curb Appeal Enhancements
4. Energy-Efficient Upgrades
5. Finished Basement or Attic

Remember that the return on investment for these home updates can vary based on the location, current market conditions, and individual preferences of buyers. It's always a good idea to research and consult with a real estate professional before making significant home improvements to ensure you make informed decisions.

08/07/2023

Top 5 things to consider when putting an addition on your home:
1. Budget and Financing: Make sure you have your "adulting" hat on when dealing with the budget. You might need to give up a few avocado toasts to afford that awesome home addition!

2.Permits and Zoning: Dealing with permits can feel like going through a maze of red tape. It's like the building department is trying to test your patience and determination. Just remember, they're not trying to find out if you're a superhero; they're just checking if your addition is super-legal.

3.Design and Architecture: If you're not sure about the design, take inspiration from famous landmarks. Imagine your house addition as the Leaning Tower of Pisa – but let's hope it doesn't lean too much! Or, why not build a mini Colosseum in your backyard? You can host epic thumb-wrestling tournaments!

4.Functionality and Practicality: Remember, it's not just about more space; it's about survival. Create secret passages and hideouts in your new addition for when your in-laws come to visit. It'll be like playing real-life hide-and-seek, but with fewer tears (hopefully).

5.Quality of Materials and Construction: Don't skimp on quality! You wouldn't want your addition to be held together by duct tape and bubble gum. Sure, it might be hilarious to tell your guests, "Welcome to our fancy cardboard castle," but that's not a great long-term plan.

Adding on to your house can be an adventure, so don't forget to have fun along the way! Just keep in mind that even though we're making jokes, it's essential to approach this with some serious planning and consideration. Happy expanding!

08/05/2023

Open house today from 11-1 at 64 Marblehead Hbr, Bradfordwoods, PA 15015

Listed by: Deborah Platts