Ask Kathe
An Ongoing Column Offering News, Advice, and Observations
– All About The Real Estate Market in Pittsburgh, PA. –
Browse My Latest Blog Posts Below to be in the Know.
Why Great Listing Photos Start Before the Photographer Arrives
A critically important moment in a home sale happens before a buyer ever steps through the door. It happens when they see the photographs. At that point, buyers are not evaluating your home generously. They are making fast judgments about value, condition,...
The “Easy” Transaction Myth: Why Simple Deals Still Need Strategy
A transaction can look simple on paper and still require real strategy to keep it intact. Clean offers don’t unravel because deadlines are ignored, but because sellers underestimate how many decisions still matter once a deal is under contract. The first...
Buying in the Summer Market: Where Buyers Regain Leverage
By summer, the market feels different, even if headlines haven’t caught up. Most motivated spring buyers have already made their move. Inventory is thinner, but so is competition. That shift creates a window where prepared buyers can regain leverage if...
Contracts 101 for Smart People: The 5 Clauses That Quietly Decide Outcomes
I often tell clients that pricing attracts offers, but contracts decide outcomes. Two offers can look identical on paper until you examine the clauses that control leverage after acceptance. The first place leverage shifts is the inspection remedy clause....
When to Fix, When to Credit, When to Leave It Alone
The real decision sellers face isn’t whether a home needs work, it’s how to handle that work in a way that preserves control and minimizes negotiation risk. The most reliable way to do that is to start with a pre-inspection. When a pre-inspection...
The First Week on Market: The Moves That Separate Premium from “Price Cuts Later”
The first week on market is when leverage is created. Buyers and agents are deciding quickly whether a home demands immediate action or whether it can be approached slowly. That early judgment shapes both price and terms. One of the most important...
What features define a luxury home in Sewickley today vs. ten years ago?
Ten years ago, luxury in Sewickley was largely measured by scale. Buyers compared square footage, room counts, and architectural presence, assuming that bigger translated to better. Today, the decisions I see buyers make tell a very different story. Luxury...
Multiple Offers Without Mayhem: How Experienced Negotiation Keeps Sellers in Control
When multiple offers come in, the outcome is determined less by the market and more by how the negotiation is handled. This is the point in a transaction where experience matters most. My role in these situations is to slow the process down just enough to...
Preparation That Pays: The Projects That Return Value (and the Ones That Don’t)
Not all preparation is equal, and the biggest mistake I see sellers make is assuming “more work” automatically means “more value.” In reality, smart preparation is about triage, not improvement. First, I separate non-negotiables from optional upgrades....
When a ‘Great House’ Doesn’t Sell Quickly: The Strategic Diagnosis
When a home doesn’t sell quickly, the diagnosis depends entirely on the price segment. Time on market does not mean the same thing across the board, and treating it as if it does leads sellers to make the wrong decisions. In the more affordable segments of...
We’re thinking of moving this year – when should we really start preparing?
People usually ask this question as if preparation is a date on the calendar. In reality, it’s a sequence of work, and that sequence takes longer than most homeowners expect. For sellers aiming for a spring listing, the right time to start is when you...
Pricing Isn’t a Number — It’s a Narrative
Sellers often assume pricing is about finding the right number. In reality, pricing is about signaling, and the signal your price sends determines which buyers show up, how they behave, and whether you retain leverage once offers arrive. Every pricing...
Navigating the “What’s Next” Stage
January has a way of inviting reflection and lately, I’ve noticed something. So many of my friends and clients are in the same place: kids launched (or launching), houses that suddenly feel larger than they need to be, and a quiet sense that something is shifting,...
Is winter a bad time to list my home, or can it actually work to my advantage?
The biggest difference between winter and spring is not how many buyers are looking — it’s why they’re looking. Winter buyers are rarely browsing. They’re relocating for work, navigating school timing, responding to a family transition, or working against a firm...
The January Reset: The 3 Decisions to Make Before You Do Anything Else
January is when people feel pressure to do something, but the smartest clients I work with do the opposite. They slow down just enough to make three foundational decisions that quietly determine whether the rest of the year feels controlled or chaotic. First: Decide...
Smart Real Estate Decisions
Every year has its distractions. This one was no different. But when you look at what actually worked, the same fundamentals showed up repeatedly. First, pricing only worked when it was grounded in data. The homes that sold well were priced off a clear, defensible...
Before You Make a Move
December is not when most people act in real estate — but it is when the smartest decisions are made. When the market slows, pressure drops. That creates the right conditions to plan properly, rather than react quickly. For homeowners wondering when to start planning...
What should I do with all of my stuff when I downsize?
Ask Kathe: What should I do with all of my stuff when I downsize? It’s one of the most common questions I’m asked—and one of the most daunting parts of right-sizing. After a lifetime of accumulating furniture, keepsakes, and “just in case” items, facing it all at once...
What Does It Really Mean to Right-Size Your Home?
What Does It Really Mean to Right-Size Your Home? Luxury means different things at different stages of life. When you’re in the midst of raising a family, right-sizing might mean moving up—finding a home with more bedrooms, a bigger yard, or extra space to spread out....
What Costs Should You Expect When Owning a Vacation Home?
Dear Kathe: What Costs Should You Expect When Owning a Vacation Home? Owning a vacation home is an exciting investment—one that provides a personal retreat, potential rental income, and long-term financial benefits. While many buyers focus on the purchase price, it’s...
Should You Buy a Second Home or Rent One?
Should You Buy a Second Home or Rent One? A second home is more than just a getaway—it’s an investment in your lifestyle and your future. Whether it’s a beach house, a ski chalet, or a serene retreat in the countryside, owning a second home provides a level of...
Is a Vacation Home a Good Way to Build Wealth?
Is a Vacation Home a Good Way to Build Wealth? Absolutely! A vacation home isn’t just a getaway—it can be a smart investment that builds long-term wealth while offering a place to relax and enjoy. One of the biggest financial advantages of owning a vacation home is...
Piatt Sotheby’s International Realty’s Kathe Barge opens doors for clients
As seen in TRIBlive: People often ask Kathe Barge about her favorite homes. “It’s not about the houses,” said Barge, a Realtor with Piatt Sotheby’s International Realty in Sewickley. “It’s about the stories.” Those stories begin when a client chooses a...
Market Update 2025
How is the housing market doing? The housing market showed some spark in December, with home sales ticking up 2% from November—making it three months in a row of growth! Even better, sales were 9% higher than last December, a big improvement after a long...
Homeowners Insurance in 2025: What You Need to Know
With all the media attention on the California fires and how California is now undergoing a home insurance crisis-- we are just curious, what do you foresee happening to homeowner insurance for homes in the Pittsburgh area? The homeowners insurance...
Taking the First Steps – Part 4
We’re first-time home buyers. Where do we begin? (Part 4 of 4 – Last Chapter) As you approach the final stretch of your home buying journey, it’s time to focus on the crucial steps that will bring you to the finish line. After months of searching, negotiating, and...
Taking the First Steps – Part 3
We’re first time home buyers. Where do we begin? (Part 3) If you are following along, so far you have gotten pre-approved for your mortgage, researched and chosen a buyer’s agent to be your advocate, saved money for your down payment, shopped for a home and gotten...
Taking the First Steps – Part 2
We’re first time home buyers. Where do we begin? (Part 2) For those of who just picking up the conversation today, check out Part One to read my introduction to the home buying process. If you are following along, so far you have gotten pre-approved for your...
Taking the First Steps
We’re first time home buyers – where do we begin? Buying a home is one of the best choices you can make. Rather than paying money to your landlord so that he can be closer to owning an asset outright each month, when you make your monthly payment each month a portion...
The Impact of Interest Rates
How do the interest rates affect my ability to buy a home? Should I wait for rates to come down before moving? Interest rates directly impact the affordability of a mortgage, as they affect your monthly payments and the total cost of the loan. Higher interest rates...
The Art of Negotiation
How can I effectively negotiate the price of a home? What strategies work best? Begin with a strong position by showing that you are a serious buyer. This involves being well-prepared with a mortgage pre-approval and a readiness to move quickly. Sellers are often more...
Legalities You Need to Know
What legal considerations should I be aware of when buying or selling a home? Buying a home involves many legal components. Most buyers focus on how the house looks and give very little thought to the most important pieces of the transaction. One key legal...
Avoiding Mistakes Homebuyers Make
What are some common mistakes homebuyers make and how can I avoid them?One of the initial mistakes homebuyers often make the mistake of not getting pre-approved for a mortgage before starting their home search. This oversight can lead to disappointment if they find a...
Increasing Your Property Value
What are some cost-effective ways to increase the value of my property before putting it on the market? Boosting the value of your property doesn't always require significant financial investment. There are several cost-effective strategies that can enhance your...
Breaking News
Many of you may have already heard about the proposed settlement from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) in regard to commissions. Don’t believe the sensational headlines. Commissions have not been slashed nationwide! Our media has become so sensational in...
Elections and Real Estate
As a homeowner considering selling, I'm curious to know how election years typically affect the housing market. Research indicates that election years indeed introduce notable dynamics into the real estate market. Studies suggest that during these periods, and...
The Importance of listing your home on the MLS
We have heard rumors lately of some homes selling outside of the MLS. This seems like it might be easier if we want to sell our home. How would you advise us? When inventory is very tight as it is currently, there are desperate buyers out there and many of them are...
Getting Ready For Market
How do you approach homes that may not be ready for market when you first see them? Is it better if the home is completely ready before you see it?Generally, its best if I see your home before you make any changes to get it ready for market. After 25 years selling...
Making a Strong First Impression
As we consider listing our home, what are the best, quick, and affordable changes we can make to enhance its sales appeal?First impressions are pivotal when selling your home, and a fresh coat of paint is one of the most cost-efficient ways to make a dramatic impact....
The Impact of the New Court Decision on Pricing
Given the current focus on real estate commissions and buyer's agents, how should I consider these changes when pricing my home for sale?Understanding the true value of your property has always been a cornerstone of successful selling. However, in the light of the new...
Why You Need a Buyers Agent
With all of the conversation about buyers agents, commissions, and possibly having to pay for our own buyers agent, why should we even engage one?It is important to note that Pennsylvania does not recognize oral buyer agency, so if you want representation when you are...
Are Buyers Paying For Their Own Agent Now?
Are buyers now going to have to pay their own Realtors? Some commentators have suggested that one of the results of the recent judgment in the real estate industry (currently under appeal) may be that buyers may have to pay their own agents. To clear up the...
Real Estate Judgement
Can you explain this big real estate judgment we are hearing so much about? How does it impact us? Last week a federal jury found the National Association of Realtors ((NAR), and real estate franchises HomeServices of America (under which Berkshire Hathaway falls)...
Buying is Still a Smart Choice
The high interest rates are discouraging to us and we are not sure we want to purchase – any thoughts? The decision to buy a house, whether a first home or a new home, is one of the most significant financial choices many individuals will make in their lives. While...
Time For A Change?
We are frustrated that our house has not sold and everyone gives us different advice. We are thinking of changing Realtors. Who should we believe? Prolonged higher interest rates have caused a decrease in buyer confidence and a very uneven market – some segments are...
Planning for Retirement
We are moving toward retiring and downsizing. Is there anything we should be thinking about as we move toward this goal? One very important thing for you to consider is how you plan to pay for your retirement home. If you are thinking you want to finance your home...
Today’s Market is Not A Repeat
Is the real estate market repeating 2008 all over again? Absolutely not! I know there is a lot in the news about real estate these days, and the high interest rates and corresponding buyer anxiety are likely the most significant factor influencing what you may be...
Be Careful of What You Click!
When I see one of your listings on Zillow and click on contact agent, why don’t you respond? Why is it always some random agent? As with many things, there is a short answer and a long answer! First, the short answer! Zillow sells the “buyer leads” on all the homes...
Buyers Need Flexibility
We are still looking for our new home and not having any luck – any advice? In the current real estate market, inventory shortages have become a significant challenge for homebuyers. With fewer options available, it's crucial for prospective buyers to adjust their...
The Power of Staging
Do you think it’s a good investment to stage our home before putting it on the market? Home staging is one of the most important things a seller can do to improve their chances for a successful sale! Staging is just as important as is getting the price right when it...
Tub or Shower? That is the Question.
Both our bathrooms have claw-foot tubs which I am thinking of replacing with walk-in showers. What is the value of having a tub in the bathroom in place of a shower or in addition to a shower? Every home must have at least one bathtub. A prospective...
Preparation is Key for Multiple Offers
Are you still seeing multiple offers on homes these days? Believe it or not, yes! Despite higher interest rates, we are still seeing multiple offers, depending on location, condition and price range. Multiple offers are primarily coming in...
Pricing is Key
We have been hearing about the lack of inventory and the hot market – we feel this could be a great time to get a premium price for our home. Are we right? Inventory is low, that is a fact. We are back to bidding wars. Data indicates that Pittsburgh prices increased...
The “In” Color
We are planning to update the color palette in our home. What are the “in” colors these days? Gray (and its many shades including greige) have been in-style for so long now that its hard to imagine it still holds its alure, and many homeowners are venturing into...
Spring Inventory Requires Reevaluation
We have been sitting on the sidelines for a while now waiting for a home that meets our wish list to come on the market – what’s coming this spring?You might be surprised to find out you are one of dozens of prospective buyers sitting on the sidelines waiting for...
Relocation Expertise
We are relocating to another city – what is the best way to find an agent there? The best way to find a Realtor in another city, whether you are moving there yourself or have a family member or friend who needs to find a Realtor, is to call me first! Yes, even if you...
Spring 2023 Market Update
Where have you been? How is the market? We aren’t seeing much come on the market. At long last, Ask Kathe is back! For those of you who follow Ask Kathe on my website, AskKathe.com or KatheBarge.com, I have continued to post replies. As most of you know by now,...
Spring Selling
With the weather warming up outside, any tips for selling our home?Spring is in fact in full swing! With the bright sunshine and warming temperatures, it’s a great time to be focused on making sure the outside of your home is looking it’s best. Whether you are...
A Change for Tax Appeals
Can you explain what is going on in Allegheny with property tax assessments? It’s big news! For property tax appeals in 2023, the PA State Tax Equalization Board has set the common level ration at 63.6%. This is dramatically less than the 81.6% in effect for 2022. ...
Sounds Too Good To Be True
WE WOULD LIKE TO BUY A NEW HOME SOON BUT INTEREST RATES SEEM VERY HIGH – WE SEE ADVERTISEMENTS FOR INTERNET LENDERS OFFERING WHAT SEEM TO BE BELOW MARKET RATES. IS THIS TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE? If you were simply refinancing an existing mortgage...
A Season of Gratitude
Thanksgiving is a great time to reflect on all that we have to be grateful for! We are so fortunate to be living in a time where the pandemic is essentially behind us – with all of the holiday get togethers scheduled, its clear we have moved...
Holiday Decor When Trying To Sell
Our home is on the market – is it ok to show it decorated for the holidays? Decorating for the holidays while your home is on the market is not a bad idea – homes often look their best decorated for the holidays – as long as a few basic...
Don’t Let the Interest Rates Stop You
Interest rates jumped up again. Is it time for us to just wait until spring and hope they start to come back down? If you are a buyer, the real estate market offers you a great opportunity right now! Don’t be fooled by the higher interest...
The Value of a Deep Clean
Do we really have to have our home professionally deep cleaned before putting it on the market? The short answer is yes, but here is why! When we live in our homes, we don’t see the dirt and the grime build up. Even if you have your home...
A Market Shift
We see recent projections forecast a housing downturn. What do you think? You are correct – Goldman Sachs recently released a paper forecasting that the US housing market will see a downturn. Their reports predicts that new home sales will...
Understanding the Home Inspection
We find the inspection process confusing – do we have to fix everything in the inspection report before we close on our home or just the repairs the buyer requested? The home inspection report is the document from which your buyer works to make their repair requests...
Giving Buyers Their Space
My home has so many special features. I think it would be best if I were at showings so I could explain them to prospective buyers. Is that ok? When you are selling your home, its normal to think that only you can fully convey your home’s fine qualities to a...
Timeless Updates
We aren’t ready to move but want to update our home – what are the best choices for paint colors and flooring changes, assuming we may want to move in the next few years? New paint colors must harmonize with the rest of your home, unless you plan to repaint the entire...
A Kitchen Re-Do with ROI
We are thinking of remodeling our kitchen. Any advice for us if we want to be making good choices for resale? As much as we would all like to be creative, when it comes to the “hardscapes” of your home – the things that are difficult to change – if resale is even a...
Selling It Empty
We plan to move out of our home before we put it on the market. Any thoughts on selling an empty home? Some homes definitely sell more readily vacant – my last home was one of them – and so I definitely do not dissuade sellers from emptying their homes before selling...
Waiving a Home Inspection
The market is so hot right now and we aren’t having any luck getting a home – should we waive home inspections? You are correct –the market under $1million is very fast paced right now, and in many instances, the winning bidder has waived home inspections. That does...
Don’t Make a Stink About Sewer Inspections
Our neighbor just had to replace their sewer line – is that a common home inspection repair? Sewer lines have become as radon was 20 years ago – today’s hot button for home buyers. In some boroughs (Mt Lebanon, for example) the borough now requires that before a home...
Security Camera Do’s & Don’ts
We have security cameras in our home – is it ok to leave them on when we show our home? Video recording is permitted, except in areas where people have a reasonable expectation of privacy, such as a bathroom. In those areas, you may not record. Audio recording is...
The Effects of Rising Interest Rates
What impact do you think rising interest rates will have on the real estate market? I can’t tell you how many years the Fed has been warning us that they are going to raise the interest rates, and then nothing happened. But now, it looks like it is finally happening....
Sensible Repairs
Sometimes it seems like everything is breaking around our house and we get behind on repairs. Isn't there some level of wear and tear buyers of “previously enjoyed” homes are expecting to have to accept? The process of selling and buying a home involves many fine...
Investment Properties
We are interested in diversifying our portfolio and purchasing rental properties – any thoughts? The first thing to keep in mind when considering a rental property is how you intend to pay for it. Rental properties are investment properties and subject to different...
Buyer Trends to Consider When Remodeling
We are in the middle of remodeling and want to make sure we create a home the market will embrace on resale. Any suggestions? The number one requested item from buyers nationally is a dedicated laundry room – a place where they can spread out and get laundry done...
Choosing the Right Home
We are eager to buy a new home but worry that we may not make a good choice. Any advice? Surveys have shown that 33% of baby boomer and 64% of millennial home buyers have some level of regret when buying a home, and given the fast-paced market we have been in this...
Mortgages and Retirements
We are planning for retirement and thinking of paying off our mortgage – is this a good idea? When it comes to personal finances, there is never a one size fits all answer. Financial advisors will often tell you that investing in the market will, over the long run,...
To list or not to list
We are planning to sell our home but have an opportunity to sell it before it goes into the MLS – what are your thoughts? Many people often think that it’s a great idea to sell before their home hits the MLS – you certainly save yourself the hassle of having to get...
Simplifying The Mortgage Process
Do you have any tips on how to get through the mortgage process as smoothly as possible? I certainly do! Below are a few pointers on what you should not do if you want your mortgage to move smoothly through the process! This is critically important these days when...
TO SELL OR NOT TO SELL
We are thinking about selling the home we have lived in for 25 years but it seems like such a daunting task. Do you have any advice? If you are like most people who live in their homes for multiple decades, you have undoubtedly collected a lot of treasured memories...
Experience Makes
The Difference
If you’re moving across town, from elsewhere in the state, or even relocating
across the country, I can help you find the perfect home!