https://mylesbuyshouses.rfsitebuilder.com/

Myles Buys Houses, Brownsville Road, Pittsburgh, PA (2026)

07/28/2023

Homeowner’s insurance — always grateful to have it, and yet always confused about what is actually covered!

More often than not, the situation goes like this: your lender requires insurance and you hurriedly made a decision without truly comparing different policies, and likely not looking at additional endorsements or riders. Did you just decide to bundle policies with the insurance company you got your car insurance through 10 years ago?

Choosing the right insurance policy can feel overwhelming, but don't panic. If you're shopping for homeowner's insurance or thinking about reviewing your current policy, here are some things you should keep in mind:

➊ Check the limits on your personal property and liability coverage. Your belongings (such as clothing, furniture, electronics, etc.) are insured under personal property coverage. Take inventory and make sure the limit is enough to cover everything you own. Personal liability coverage protects you if you're liable for an incident that injures someone on your property, so be sure to select a liability limit that properly covers what you have in assets.

➋ Be aware of exclusions. Depending on where you live, there will be a list of things that won't be covered by a standard policy. This includes earthquakes, landslides, and flooding. Be sure to ask your insurance agent if there's an option to purchase protection for excluded incidents.
Other additional coverage and endorsements include water backup (water line, sewer line coverage), equipment breakdown, and home business.

➌ Understand your deductibles! When buying home insurance for the first time, it's important to pay attention to your deductibles for property damage. Your deductible is the portion of the claim you're responsible for, so make sure the deductible amount is within your budget. For example, you may not want to elect the policy with a lower monthly premium that requires a $5,000 deductible, because anything under $5,000 is going to come out of your pocket.

➍ Check for additional coverages that may be available, such as personal property endorsements for valuable items like jewelry or electronics. You may also want to consider identity theft protection or coverage for other detached structures on your property.

Most people are not fully aware of what they are covered for until they need it. Don't let that happen to you! Peace of mind starts with the right coverage.

Let me know if you need a great insurance agent — I have amazing connections and it would be worth a checkup.

07/27/2023

Relocating? Thinking about buying a vacation home? Don't live in the area?

I can help you buy or sell no matter where you live! I have referral agents across the county, even extending across international waters – this means I can connect you to the right agent to help you or your family buy, sell, rent, or invest.

Just let me know where you're planning to move, with your anticipated timeline, and I'll connect you with an experienced agent who will help you at the level you deserve.

Trust me, I do this every day, and I can tell you who the top agents are. A real estate transaction is not a tiny part of your life, it's a huge investment and an important decision.

I would love to help you wherever you live or wherever you are moving! Send me a message whenever you need anything, even if it's just home advice.

07/26/2023

There's something magical about a picnic... the food, great company, and the beauty of nature. It's also a great way to switch up a boring lunch routine during the warmer months!

I've put together a list of ideal spots around PITTSBURGH for a laid-back picnic.
• LIST YOUR FAVORITE PARKS OR PLACES TO HAVE A PICNIC. TIP: Recommend where to grab “picnic-friendly” takeout as well! ...

Do you have a local hideaway you love that’s perfect for a picnic? Let me know in the comments below!

07/25/2023

The world of homebuying is often accompanied by myths and misconceptions that can make the process seem more daunting than it really is.

I'm here to help shed some light on a few ways you can achieve homeownership without the stress!

⓵ Contrary to popular belief, a 20% down payment is not an absolute requirement. In fact, there are some first-time homebuyer loans that only require a 3% down!

⓶ If you want ACCURATE and up-to-date information, Zillow is not your friend. Get yourself set up on a custom search with a trusted agent so that you have access to current listings (and prevent disappointment).

⓷ Working with a local lender will make the mortgage process SO much smoother. You need someone who is easily accessible (especially on weekends), and working with a local lender offers the advantage of personalized service, in-person support, and a deeper understanding of the local market. This is even more important in a competitive market.

⓸ Real estate agents do so much more than just open the door for you (contrary to what HGTV leads you to believe). A skilled agent can help you navigate complex paperwork, provide insights on neighborhoods and market trends, and negotiate the best terms on your behalf. An agent's role extends far beyond opening doors — we are your trusted advisor, ensuring you make informed decisions and find the right home that meets your needs and budget.

⓹ Having a trusted agent to protect you and educate you when putting together an offer is crucial. It is important to have someone representing your best interest throughout the transaction.

Have questions about the home-buying process? Send me a message, I'd love to help!

07/24/2023

MOTIVATIONAL MONDAY ✨

Life has a way of surprising us in the most delightful ways, especially when it comes to happiness. It has a knack for catching us off guard and filling our hearts with joy. These unexpected moments of happiness hold a special place in our lives, reminding us of the beauty that can be found in the simplest and most unforeseen experiences.

By embracing the surprises that life brings, we open ourselves up to a world of possibilities. We learn to appreciate the small moments that can often go unnoticed, and we find gratitude in the unexpected joys that weave their way into our lives. When we remain open and receptive to these experiences, we create space for happiness to find its way to us.

Take a moment today to pause, breathe, and appreciate the magic of the unexpected. Be present and open to the wonders that life has in store for you. You never know when happiness might sneak in through a door you didn't know you left open.

07/21/2023

Have you ever found yourself standing in your home, looking around, and thinking, "Should I move? Is now the right time to sell? Will I find a home that will fit our lifestyle better?"
f the thought of higher interest rates has made you hesitant about making a move, I get it. After all, it may seem as though holding onto your current mortgage with a lower rate is the safer choice.
But here's the thing: regardless of where interest rates are, if you're feeling like you've outgrown your current space or it's just not quite fitting your needs anymore, it might be time to make a change.
Here are just a few reasons why you should consider making a move, regardless of your current lower interest rate:
① Your value has appreciated, and so has your equity.
In recent years, with double-digit appreciation, home values have increased drastically, which means so has your equity. Leverage the increased equity from your sale and purchase a home that fits your current needs and lifestyle.
② We are still technically in a seller's market.
Higher interest rates often coincide with a seller's market, where demand outweighs supply. This means you can potentially secure a higher sale price for your home than if you were to wait a few years for a more "balanced" market.
③ There will never be a "perfect" time to move.
Timing the market perfectly is a myth, and the truth is, there is no "right" time to buy or sell a home. Rather than obsessing over market timing and interest rates, shift your focus to your personal goals and circumstances, and create a better quality of life for you and your family.
④ There are ways to buy and sell at the same time.
There are numerous ways to buy and sell at the same time so that you don't have to find short-term housing and storage units. Ask your agent and lender about the options available and which one would work best for you and your current circumstances.
If you're still unsure about what to do or just want to chat about your options, message me. I'm always happy here to help you navigate the world of home buying and selling.

07/20/2023

Although it might seem like a good idea to buy a home without an agent, it's important to recognize the potential risks that you could be exposed to by choosing not to have representation.

Curious about the specific risks? Let's explore three of them. →

A great agent (me!) will educate you and guide you throughout the process from start to finish, make sure your best interests are represented every step of the way, and ensure that the home-buying experience is smooth, stress-free, and enjoyable.

If you've been considering buying a home and are wondering where to start, message me. I would love to answer any questions!

07/19/2023

Interest rates have been climbing over the past year to battle inflation... and where rates will go next is anyone’s guess.

If you’re in the market for a home but are discouraged by the current high mortgage rates, you’ve probably heard the advice “buy now and refinance later" — but what does that actually mean, and is it something you should consider?

"Buy now, refinance later", or "marry the house, date the rate" is the idea that buyers who take out a loan now with a higher interest rate can refinance in the future when (and if) rates drop.

If you are planning on purchasing your "forever" home and staying there for a while, considering a refinancing option in the future could be a good idea (depending on where interest rates are, of course). However, if you don't plan on being in your home longer than 5-7 years, it may not make sense to refinance, as it typically takes 3-4 years to recoup refinancing costs. There are other options, of course, if you're buying a starter home with a short-term plan, such as opting for an adjustable-rate mortgage, which typically offers a lower interest rate that you're locked into for 5, 7, or 10 years.

If you're house hunting with the expectation that refinancing will be an option down the line, it's crucial to remember that this assumption is not guaranteed. Life is full of unpredictable twists and turns – careers evolve, family dynamics shift, financial circumstances fluctuate, credit scores vary, and there's always the inherent risk of home values depreciating.

Bottom line: don't purchase a home with a high payment that stretches your budget, solely relying on the notion of refinancing in a few years. If you cannot afford the house at the higher interest rates, look at less expensive homes, or save up more money for a down payment.

If you have questions about buying with our current interest rates, or if you need help finding a local lender, send me a message. That's why I'm here!

07/18/2023

Pricing your home accurately from the day it hits the market is critical to selling it quickly and for the most money possible.

Swipe → through this post to learn more about how I determine market value and accurately price a home.

There are lots of variables to consider when setting a price for a listing, and it can often be tricky to get it just right. This is precisely why it's important to partner with a seasoned and experienced agent who can help you to avoid the pitfalls of overpricing (or underpricing) your home.

If you're curious to know what your home is worth in today's market, send me a message! I would be happy to put together a FREE home evaluation — no strings attached!

07/17/2023

MONDAY MINDSET ✨

In the pursuit of success, we often find ourselves searching for that one magical formula, that secret ingredient that will guarantee the results we desire.

We live in a world where we crave instant gratification and quick fixes. We're drawn to stories of overnight successes and dazzling achievements. Yet, the reality is that sustainable success is often built upon the foundation of consistent, persistent, and focused effort.

When we consistently put in the work, showing up day in and day out, even when motivation wanes or obstacles arise, something remarkable happens. Our efforts compound, skills sharpen, and progress accumulates. What may seem like small, incremental steps forward eventually lead to significant leaps of achievement.

Remember that progress is not always linear, and success is rarely an overnight phenomenon. It's the result of showing up, putting in the work, and staying the course, even when the going gets tough.

Embrace the journey, celebrating each small step forward and learning from setbacks along the way. Trust in the power of consistent, persistent effort, and allow it to propel you toward your goals, dreams, and aspirations.

07/14/2023

The idea of having your very own backyard oasis may be incredibly tempting. After all, who doesn't dream of lounging by the water on a warm summer's day? But the burning question remains: does installing a pool actually increase the value of your home?

While the appeal of a pool is undeniable, the answer to this question is not as straightforward as you might think. Let's dive in and explore a few factors that come into play when evaluating the impact of a pool on your home's value:

➊ LOCATION.
Location plays a pivotal role. In areas with predominantly warm climates and a culture that embraces outdoor living, a well-maintained pool can be a highly sought-after feature, attracting potential buyers and potentially boosting your home's value. On the flip side, in regions where swimming pools are less common or the climate is not conducive to year-round pool usage, the added value may be less pronounced.

➋ YOUR PROPERTY OVERALL.
Consider your property's overall appeal. If you already have a spacious yard and desirable outdoor features, a pool can enhance your property's allure. It creates a focal point in the backyard, making the property more visually appealing. However, if your yard is small or lacks other attractive elements, the pool's value may be modest.

➌ MAINTENANCE & UPKEEP.
Maintenance costs are yet another factor to weigh. While pools can provide endless hours of enjoyment, they also require regular upkeep and ongoing expenses. Prospective buyers may take into account the additional responsibilities and costs associated with pool maintenance when assessing the value it adds to the property.

So, does adding a pool increase your home's value? It depends! Ultimately, adding a pool should be about enhancing your enjoyment of your home and lifestyle, not just chasing a potential increase in value.

Regardless, it's worth having a conversation with a local real estate agent (that's me!) who can offer valuable insights based on the specific dynamics of the local market. Whether you're looking for a reputable pool company, or wondering if it will truly enhance your home's value, I'm here to provide guidance and help you make an informed decision.

07/13/2023

When it comes to the question, "When is the right time to buy?" the answer is simple: the best time is when you are ready.

So stop stressing about timing, or listening to the headlines, and remember that there's never a "bad" time to buy or sell when you know it's right for you.

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