How to Prepare Your House for Winter

Living in Pittsburgh, PA, we all have the luxury of enjoying all four seasons. Unfortunately for homeowners, that means that we need to make sure our properties are in tip-top shape to weather spring, summer, fall, and winter. Here at Cork Valley Properties, we wanted to share some tips on how to ensure that your … Continued

How to Sell a Rental Property with Problem Tenants

Selling a rental property is stressful enough — but selling with problem tenants still inside adds a whole different layer of challenge. Whether the issue is nonpayment, property damage, lease violations, or constant conflict, the process is still completely doable when you take the right steps. Below is a clear, practical guide for navigating the … Continued

How to Sell a Fire-Damaged House

Dealing with a house fire is overwhelming — emotionally, financially, and logistically. Once the smoke clears and the insurance process begins, many homeowners are left asking the same tough question: “What do I do with a fire-damaged property?” The good news: you can sell a fire-damaged house, and you have multiple options depending on your … Continued

What’s Included in Rent? Understanding Hidden Costs

What’s Included in Rent? Understanding Hidden Costs When you’re searching for a new place to live, it’s easy to focus on the monthly rent price alone. But what’s included in that number—and what’s not—can make a big difference in your overall cost of living. Understanding what your rent actually covers (and the hidden costs that … Continued

Why Cash Buyers Are Gaining Popularity in the Housing Market

1. Speed and Certainty of Sale Cash buyers eliminate the biggest hurdle in most real-estate transactions — financing. Traditional home sales can stall or fall through when a buyer’s mortgage approval hits a snag. With cash, there’s no lender underwriting or appraisal contingency, so closings can happen in days instead of weeks or months. For … Continued

Selling a House That’s Been Damaged by a Flood

Flood damage can be devastating for homeowners — not only emotionally but financially. Whether it’s from heavy rain, a burst pipe, or a natural disaster, the aftermath can make it feel impossible to sell your home. The good news? You still have options. Here’s what you need to know about selling a flood-damaged property and … Continued

Selling a House with Water Damage: What You Need to Know

If you’re selling a house that has water damage, it’s absolutely possible — but there are some key issues, risks, and strategies you’ll want to understand ahead of time. Below is a breakdown of what you need to know: what water damage means for a sale, how it affects value, what your disclosure and repair … Continued

What to Do If Your Rental Needs Repairs

🏠 What to Do If Your Rental Needs Repairs Even well-maintained homes need attention from time to time. If you notice something that’s broken, leaking, or not working properly, follow these steps so we can get it resolved as quickly as possible. 1. Report the Issue Promptly As soon as you notice a problem, report … Continued

How to Budget for Renting a Home

🏠 How to Budget for Renting a Home 1. Determine Your Monthly Income Start with your net income—the amount you take home after taxes.If you have variable income (like commissions or hourly work), use an average from the last 3–6 months. 💡 Rule of thumb: Your rent should generally be no more than 30% of … Continued

How to Sell Your Home Without a Realtor and Save Money

Here’s a detailed, step-by-step guide for selling your home without a realtor so you can save money while staying legally compliant and maximizing your sale price. 1. Understand FSBO (For Sale by Owner) When you sell without a realtor, you’re doing what’s called a For Sale by Owner (FSBO) transaction. You won’t pay the typical … Continued

How to Sell a House That’s in Pre-Foreclosure

Selling a house that’s in pre-foreclosure can feel overwhelming, but you have more options than you might think — and if you act quickly, you can often avoid foreclosure entirely. Here’s a practical guide: 1. Understand Pre-Foreclosure Pre-foreclosure begins after you’ve missed mortgage payments and the lender files a Notice of Default (NOD) or similar … Continued

Can You Rent a Home with Bad Credit?

Absolutely—you can rent a home even with bad credit, but it often requires a bit more effort and smart positioning. Here’s how to improve your chances and what options are available: Can You Rent with Bad Credit? Yes, it’s possible. While many landlords use credit scores to assess financial responsibility, they often consider other factors … Continued

How to spot fraud in a home purchase

Spotting fraud in a home purchase is crucial—fraudulent activity can cost buyers thousands or even result in losing the home entirely. Here are some red flags and ways to protect yourself: 1. Title & Ownership Issues 2. Suspicious Pricing & Pressure 3. Wire Transfer & Payment Fraud 4. Mortgage & Loan Fraud 5. Property Condition … Continued

Selling a House Due to Job Relocation? Here’s What to Know

1. Timing Your Sale 2. Relocation Assistance from Employer 3. Financial Considerations 4. Logistics of Selling 5. Preparing for a Fast Sale 6. Coordinating the Move ✅ Key Tip: If your relocation is employer-sponsored, start with HR—they may cover part of your selling costs or even arrange the sale for you.