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.

Preparation is Key for Multiple Offers

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...

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Pricing is Key

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...

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The “In” Color

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...

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Spring Inventory Requires Reevaluation

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...

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Relocation Expertise

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...

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Spring 2023 Market Update

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,...

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Spring Selling

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...

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A Change for Tax Appeals

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. ...

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Sounds Too Good To Be True

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...

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A Season of Gratitude

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...

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Holiday Decor When Trying To Sell

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...

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Don’t Let the Interest Rates Stop You

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...

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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!