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.
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...
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!