Wednesday, July 23, 2025 / by Sharon St Clair
Not everything lasts forever and repairs on homes can be costly! Below are some common home repairs you should start budgeting for today.
1. Roof (every 30 years): Average cost $12,000
2. Windows (every 30 to 50 years): Average $650 per window
3. Gutters (every 30 years): Average per home $1,600-$2,300
4. Central Air (15 years): Average between $3,200-$5,500
5. Hot Water Heater (13 to 14 years): Varies based on gas or electric
Need more help structuring a budget? Reach out today, and let's work together!
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Tuesday, July 22, 2025 / by Sharon St Clair
Pittsburgh Area Events
JUL 31, 2025 – AUG 14, 2025
Brought to you by Sharon St. Clair
SUNDAY, AUG 3
The Head and the Heart
STAGE AE
The Head and the Heart are an acclaimed indie folk-rock group from Seattle, Washington comprised of six multi-instrumentalists. Their self-titled debut album, released in 2011, propelled them into the limelight, earning them critical accolades and a ...
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THURSDAY, JUL 31
Michael Loftus
PITTSBURGH IMPROV
Michael Loftus is a stand-up comedian, writer, and commentator. His experience in improvisational comedy began with founding the Midwest Comedy Tool and Die, Comedy Troupe. He is currently a co-executive producer of the upcoming Netflix series, The ...
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Saturday, July 19, 2025 / by Sharon St Clair
The warm glow of lamplight on a compelling book, music streaming through your speakers while you cook, cool air lending any room of your home a comfortable breeze—household electricity is what makes such everyday conveniences and modern essentials possible.
However, like any other component of your home, your electrical system is liable to periodic malfunctions, ranging from minor hitches to total breakdowns. Whether you’re a new homeowner or a veteran looking for a refresher, equip yourself with some fundamental knowledge of this vital circuitry to help you better prevent any issues and maximize its performance.
Understanding the framework
If you ever hooked up a battery to a light bulb in science class, then you know the basic skeleton of your home’s electrical system: a circuit that wires a power source to a series of machinery and back again. The power source in question is your local electric plant, which streams energy into your home via power lines or buried. ...
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Friday, July 18, 2025 / by Sharon St Clair
Rethinking Real Estate: Who Should Decide on Representation and Compensation?After spending more years in real estate than I care to count, I’ve witnessed countless shifts in our industry, especially regarding cooperation, private listings, and agent compensation. Yet, despite all the debate, I believe the answer is simple: the consumer should be free to choose who represents them and how those professionals are compensated.The Value of RepresentationWhen working with buyers, it’s crucial to demonstrate your value, clearly outline your services, and negotiate your commission upfront. If needed, there are ways to structure the purchase agreement so the seller can contribute to the buyer’s agent’s commission. The same principles apply when signing a listing agreement with a seller—transparency and clarity are key.The Problem with Dual AgencyI’ve never been a fan of dual agency, where one agent represents the buyer and the seller. Each party deserves it! ...
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Wednesday, July 16, 2025 / by Sharon St Clair
At one point or another, you may have noticed a leaky faucet, slightly drafty window, or chipped paint on your home’s exterior trim and thought, No big deal.
I’ll just take care of it later. Too often, though, later never comes. And one day, you realize that you’re now facing severe water damage, windows that are falling out, or extensive wood rot. That’s often the reality of delaying home maintenance: what starts off as a small issue quickly turns into a bigger one that costs you more money in the long run.
The ripple effect of neglect Many problems in your home don’t just happen overnight; rather, they are the result of slow degradation over a longer period of time. Think of a small crack in your foundation. You aren’t sure where it came from, but it seems relatively harmless, so you push it to the back of your mind. However, it might be due to a leaky gutter that caused water to pool next to an exterior wall every time it rained, leadi. ...
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