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.
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...
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!