Barb Averell Real Estate

Barb Averell Real Estate 28+ Years of Trusted Experience
Realtor, Associate Broker
eXp Realty

"A home is more than a place to live. It's a place to build a life."It's where memories are made, traditions begin, gard...
06/12/2026

"A home is more than a place to live. It's a place to build a life."

It's where memories are made, traditions begin, gardens are planted, grandchildren visit, and life unfolds one season at a time.

And over the years, it's often where families quietly build wealth through equity while creating a place that's uniquely their own.

Whether you're buying your first home, your forever home, or right-sizing for your next chapter, remember:

Homeownership isn't just an investment in property. It's an investment in your future.

06/11/2026

🍕 Local Spotlight: Peppino's Pizza in Valencia 🍕

We were at a family gathering recently, and several pizzas from Peppino's Pizza in Valencia were on the menu. Their Family Pizza immediately caught my attention — seriously good pizza!

The sauce had great flavor, the pepperoni was delicious, and the crust was so good that I found myself reaching for another piece. 🍕😋

It's always nice when a local restaurant exceeds expectations. If you're looking for a pizza night recommendation, this one is definitely worth a try.

Have you been to Peppino's? What's your favorite pizza or menu item?

What's happening in North Allegheny School District Real Estate?Over the past 30 days:🏡 56 homes sold🏡 87 homes went und...
06/10/2026

What's happening in North Allegheny School District Real Estate?

Over the past 30 days:

🏡 56 homes sold
🏡 87 homes went under contract or contingent
🏡 Only 69 homes are currently active

The lowest sale was $105,000, while the highest sale reached $3,000,000.

The median home sold for $462,500, and sellers received 100% of their asking price at the median.

Perhaps the most telling statistic? Homes sold in a median of just 13 days.

There are currently more homes under agreement (87) than active listings available (69), showing that buyer demand remains strong in North Allegheny.

If you're wondering whether now is a good time to sell, well-prepared and properly priced homes are still attracting significant attention and moving quickly.

Trees, shrubs, and landscaping grow quickly this time of year.Take a walk around your home and check for:🌳 Branches touc...
06/09/2026

Trees, shrubs, and landscaping grow quickly this time of year.

Take a walk around your home and check for:

🌳 Branches touching the roof
🌳 Shrubs blocking windows
🌳 Plants covering air conditioning units
🌳 Landscaping hiding exterior lighting

Not only does this improve curb appeal, but it can also help prevent moisture issues and improve airflow around your home.

A well-maintained exterior always makes a great first impression!

One thing you'll often hear me say is that homeownership can be one of the most powerful wealth-building tools.When I me...
06/08/2026

One thing you'll often hear me say is that homeownership can be one of the most powerful wealth-building tools.

When I meet with sellers, it's not uncommon for the equity in their home to be one of their largest financial assets. That equity can also become a substantial down payment on their next home.

Today, I had the privilege of helping an amazing couple close on the sale of their home. They purchased it in April 2022 for $110,000 and we just sold it for $133,920.

Think about that for a moment...

Had they rented a similar home over the last four years, they likely would have spent $50,000-$60,000+ in rent payments with little or no return on that money.

Instead, they not only had a place to call home, but they also:

🏡 Gained nearly $24,000 in appreciation
🏡 Paid down a portion of their mortgage
🏡 Built an estimated $30,000-$40,000+ in equity that they can now use toward their next home

That's the difference between making a housing payment and making a housing investment.

Of course, every market and every homeowner's situation is different, but stories like this are a great reminder that homeownership isn't just about where you live, it's also about building a stronger financial future.

Congratulations to my wonderful clients on their next chapter! 🎉

Thinking about making an offer on a home?One thing buyers are often surprised to learn is that every offer has an expira...
06/05/2026

Thinking about making an offer on a home?

One thing buyers are often surprised to learn is that every offer has an expiration date.

When a buyer submits an offer, we typically include a deadline for the seller to respond. Depending on the situation, that might be the end of the day or a day or two. The goal is to give everyone enough time to review the terms while also keeping the process moving forward toward an accepted contract.

In today's market, it's important to understand that:

✅ A seller doesn't have to respond before the deadline.
✅ A seller may receive multiple offers and choose to wait until all offers are reviewed.
✅ If the deadline passes without acceptance, the offer expires unless it's extended.

The right deadline depends on the property, the market, and the buyer's goals. That's one reason having an experienced agent guide you through the process can make a big difference.

Have questions about buying a home or submitting an offer? I'm always happy to help!

06/04/2026

LOCAL SPOTLIGHT ✨

If you’ve ever been to Oakmont Bakery you already know… choosing just ONE thing is nearly impossible. 🍰🍩🍪

From incredible donuts and cookies to beautiful cakes, breads, and seasonal treats ... there are so many choices. Every visit feels like walking into dessert heaven. 😍

So now I have to ask…
👇 What is YOUR favorite item at Oakmont Bakery?

Selling Your Home? Don't Forget the Dye Test!If your home is connected to public sewer, there's a good chance a dye test...
06/03/2026

Selling Your Home? Don't Forget the Dye Test!

If your home is connected to public sewer, there's a good chance a dye test will be required before closing. A dye test helps determine whether any stormwater (from downspouts, sump pumps, foundation drains, etc.) is improperly connected to the sanitary sewer system.

When should you do it?

✔️ Ideally before listing your home
✔️ During the listing period
✔️ At the latest, as soon as your home goes under contract

A dye test is typically valid for about one year, depending on the municipality.

What does the plumber do?

🔹 Places a harmless colored dye into drains around the property
🔹 Checks the sewer connection for improper stormwater discharge
🔹 Identifies any issues that may need corrected before closing
🔹 Provides the paperwork required by the municipality

The last thing most sellers want is a surprise repair requirement right before settlement. Taking care of the dye test early can help keep your transaction moving smoothly and avoid last-minute stress.

Thinking about selling and not sure what your municipality requires? Feel free to reach out. I'm always happy to help guide you through the process.

With warmer weather arriving, now is the perfect time to help your HVAC system run efficiently.✅ Replace your furnace/AC...
06/02/2026

With warmer weather arriving, now is the perfect time to help your HVAC system run efficiently.

✅ Replace your furnace/AC filter
✅ Clear leaves and debris from around the outdoor unit
✅ Make sure supply vents inside the home are open and unobstructed
✅ Schedule annual maintenance if it's been a while

A clean, efficient system can help lower energy bills and keep your home comfortable all summer long.

When was the last time you changed your HVAC filter?

🏡 What's Happening in the North Hills Real Estate Market?The last 30 days have been active in the North Hills School Dis...
06/01/2026

🏡 What's Happening in the North Hills Real Estate Market?

The last 30 days have been active in the North Hills School District!

📊 53 homes sold
💰 Average sale price: $320,271
📈 Homes sold for an average of 100.87% of their asking price
⏱ Median time on market: Just 16 days

There are currently:
56 active listings
44 homes contingent
15 homes under contract

What does this mean?

Well-prepared and properly priced homes are still attracting strong buyer interest. While buyers have a few more choices than they did a couple of years ago, desirable homes continue to move quickly and often sell at or above asking price.

If you've been wondering what your home might be worth in today's market, or if you're considering making a move later this year, I'd be happy to provide a personalized market analysis.

Every home, neighborhood, and situation is unique.

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Pittsburgh, PA

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Tuesday 9am - 6pm
Wednesday 9am - 6pm
Thursday 9am - 6pm
Friday 9am - 6pm
Saturday 9am - 6pm
Sunday 9am - 6pm

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