Real Estate Agent or Agency Recommendation?

[OniNoKen]

You're absolutely right. The issue arose because of the way the house was presented in the MLS. When the real estate agent found it, it was listed in the MLS as being in Shaler. She described it as being in Shaler, but being near Milvale. In all my research, it said that it was in Milvale. Because the agent kept working off her MLS data sheet, she kept mentally associating the house with Shaler. In our conversations, I referred to it by address, and not municipality. Thus, I wasn't aware she thought the house was in Shaler, based on the MLS listing, and the issue of Shaler/Milvale did not come up until we were putting the offer together.

By the time I created that thread, I was aware that the house was in Milvale, but my real estate agent was not. Not being from the area, I did not realize that there was such a great disparity between the way the two areas are trafficked when it comes to real estate searches, or I would have been far more stringent with my agent to clear up the issue earlier.

[Hopes]

Originally Posted by OniNoKen

You're absolutely right. The issue arose because of the way the house was presented in the MLS. When the real estate agent found it, it was listed in the MLS as being in Shaler. She described it as being in Shaler, but being near Milvale. In all my research, it said that it was in Milvale. Because the agent kept working off her MLS data sheet, she kept mentally associating the house with Shaler. In our conversations, I referred to it by address, and not municipality. Thus, I wasn't aware she thought the house was in Shaler, based on the MLS listing, and the issue of Shaler/Milvale did not come up until we were putting the offer together.

By the time I created that thread, I was aware that the house was in Milvale, but my real estate agent was not. Not being from the area, I did not realize that there was such a great disparity between the way the two areas are trafficked when it comes to real estate searches, or I would have been far more stringent with my agent to clear up the issue earlier.

You're on the ball! That's great! She doesn't sound like a good recommendation for a real estate agent then. Seriously. YOU aren't even from Pittsburgh and you figured it out before her. These areas aren't very complicated to people who live here. She should have known.

I really want you to understand that comparables can be used from other municipalities in Pittsburgh. If there isn't a comparable in a specific municipality, an appraiser will use comparables in neighboring municipalities. For example, there are houses located in Shaler that have comparables located in Etna or Millvale and vice versa.

btw, since you're already doing much of your own research, I highly recommend using the Allegheny County website too. Anyone can access it. Here's the link: Allegheny County Assessment

[Kippy]

Going back to the OP's situation, did you try to negotiate with the landlord? When I lived in apartment complexes, I was always able to negotiate a lower rent increase. In some cases, I was even able to stave them off completely. Check to see what they are charging new tenants for you particular apartment. If it is lower, they should be able to match it. Remind them that it is easier to keep a current tenant than find a new one, plus perform all the turnover maintenance (i.e. paint the walls, lay new carpet, etc.).

I don't mean to dissuade you from buying a home. It is great to be a homeowner, but you shouldn't feel rushed either, as it can lead to bad decision making. It sounds like you have a good head on you shoulders and have a master plan that doesn't involve getting stuck in the rut of being a longterm renter.

[Copanut]

Originally Posted by Hopes

When it's the name of a school district, it's a grey area that's hard to prove foul. For example, homes are often listed as "North Hills" for houses in Ross Township.

Maybe they do that on their personal or company websites, but on the West-Penn MLS, it's impossible. The fields for "area" are clearly defined. You could not put in North Hills, there is no line for that.