Local Pittsburgh Realtor, Krista Lorenzo, breaks down the process of finding a home when relocating from out of state in this corresponding YouTube video. Tips for a smooth relocation purchase and an example of a virtual property showing of a $350,000 home in Dormont PA.
Where do I even Start?
Pittsburgh attracts buyers from all over the world, and being here in person every step of the way isn’t an option for many of them! Navigating the home buying process from a distance can seem overwhelming. What you really need to make this a smooth journey is a Real Estate agent with local expertise, who takes the time to learn your wants and needs, and provides you with a firm plan of action! Local expertise helps me narrow down your search to areas that best fit your lifestyle. When buyers can’t be here to get a feel of the area themselves, they need a Realtor who understands the day-to-day life in each of Pittsburgh’s diverse neighborhoods.
Refine your Home Search
You could spend hours browsing hundreds of beautiful Pittsburgh listings, but that won’t get you any closer to finding where you belong! It’s not uncommon for relocation buyers to get ahead of themselves and skip vital steps in the process. My initial task as your agent is to get a clear understanding of you, so I learn your wants and needs, listen to your concerns, and study your everyday life. It’s important to get specific during this period of the home search! When you say you want walkability, I want to know what walkability means to you. Do you want to get to coffee shops and grocery stores by foot, or do you just want a neighborhood with sidewalks for leisurely strolls? These specific follow-up questions make all the difference as I guide you to the area that best suits you. Subjective wants and needs, such as “close to the city”, are far too broad and require further discussion. The word close can have vastly different meanings from one person to the next, so it’s best to aim for direct answers like “within a 20-minute drive to Downtown Pittsburgh.” Now, that is data I can work with! I can apply as many (or as few) details as you’d like to include, so don’t hesitate to speak your mind. Once we discuss your preferences and I have a thorough understanding of your day-to-day life, I will use my knowledge of the Pittsburgh region to compile a list of areas that I believe are ideal for you- before we move on to sorting through listings!
Applying my Local Knowledge
Local expertise is one thing that makes my guidance worthwhile for buyers, especially relocation clients. It’s one thing to know the street names, commute times, nearby establishments, and school districts- but an agent with firsthand knowledge of how the area lives is what you truly need! I recently moved a relocation buyer into a charming, 3-bedroom home in the heart of Dormont, which felt extra special given all the years my husband and I spent living in this very neighborhood! Here is the criteria my clients provided that screamed Dormont to me: brick house full of character, established neighborhoods in walking distance to stores and public transportation, no further than a 25-minute drive to the city. Dormont PA is a dense suburban borough in the South Hills of Allegheny County, characterized by historic 1900s architecture and highly walkable streets! This area, conveniently located just 4 miles south of Downtown Pittsburgh, is recognized for its strong community feel, affordable neighborhoods, and easy commute to the city.
However, these buyers also wanted off-street parking and yard space. This factor made the search difficult, as the majority of Dormont’s old neighborhoods weren’t designed with the current car-centric era in mind! Nevertheless, we found the perfect property for them, complete with a 2-car garage, backyard, and all the classic charm of Dormont’s timeless homes. But what happens when you find a listing you’d love to tour, but you’re hundreds of miles away? My next task is to be your eyes- to show you the property beyond what you see in the listing, to document every important feature, and to answer questions you likely haven’t even considered!
Virtual Tours: What Listing Photos Don’t Show You!
Pictures can be misleading. When looking at a home for sale online, there’s so much that isn’t shown that you need to take into consideration. For starters, how loud is the traffic, how close are your neighbors, how steep is that set of stairs? These are just some of the factors I consider when I record a virtual showing of a buyer’s potential new home. The layout of the house is hard to get a feel for through photos alone, so I make sure to display the way each room flows into the next as I record your in-depth walk through. I make sure to highlight key details you may not have even thought of. How much storage space do you get? How much natural light does this home have? Was it a struggle to find parking? I make sure you see every closet, cabinet, and view from each window. I make sure you hear how loud the nearby traffic is, as well as the squeak of each stair. As I make my way through the property, I let you know the details you can’t see or hear, too. The overall feeling of a room or the musty smell in the basement are important things to note! There’s so much to see beyond the photos, and it’s my job to make this showing as thorough as possible.
Eliminating Surprises
Everything I do for my relocation buyers is all in hopes of eliminating as many surprises as possible. When you can’t be here yourself, I strive to provide all the descriptive information and video evidence needed for you to feel like you’re right there next to me! I keep your specific preferences in mind as I tour these homes for you. If a client requires a quiet, bright space to work from home, I make note of how much traffic is heard from the office and the amount of natural light it gets. I want my buyers to know exactly what they’re getting into, so nothing can take away from the magic of move-in day! Additionally, I clear my schedule for inspection day, so I can be there on your behalf. Hearing information directly from the Home Inspector as they examine the home ensures easy communication and the highest level of understanding. I help you recognize what features have been well maintained or updated, and what elements could use some work- whether that’s a more serious concern or just cosmetic. Many homes in Dormont have been around a while; when purchasing an older home, inspections are extra important to learn about the condition of the structure. Due diligence is my priority for buyers, even while you’re hundreds of miles away!
Work with Krista Lorenzo to Relocate with Ease!
All that being said, relocation doesn’t need to be overwhelming, you just need the right person to guide the way. No need to fly into Pittsburgh every weekend to tour houses when you have a local Realtor being your eyes here! If you’re considering a long-distance move, reach out to me. I’m happy to walk you through every step. With only a breakdown of your day-to-day life, I can narrow your search down to just the areas best suited for your priorities. From there, we scour the local markets for homes that catch your eye, and I curate thorough virtual showings of your favorites! I’m here to navigate everything you can’t experience in person. I have the local knowledge you’ll be grateful for when searching for the place you’re excited to call home.
You know what you like and I know what part of Pittsburgh makes sense for you!