First Time Homeowner Information

     Buying a House is an important step in providing you or your family with long term security, but it is not an easy process. It takes time and much preparation. If you are considering purchasing a house, Wilkinsburg offers a variety of homes to choose from. Take a moment to review some preliminary steps, information, and resources that are available to help you in making this decision. Please note if you have bad credit there are agencies listed below to assist you.

     Are you planning on getting a realtor to assist you?
     Good realtors lend their expertise to buyers for a commission of the sale. Beyond helping you select a house they are versed in the technicalities of the sales agreement and should be willing to walk you through this process. Wilkinsburg has several agents in the area. You can speak with other property owners for recommendations regarding reputable agents who willing to work with clients. For example, Bernard Johnson Real Estate Agency is familiar with programs assisting low-income individuals. He reminds potential buyers that you must have a legitimate source of income or have been recently in a school or training program to begin to qualify for these funds.

     Do you have a particular house in mind?
     If you do not, an agent can assist you in selecting a location. Make sure your potential mortgage house along with utilities costs are appropriate for your income bracket. Below you will find several links to mortgage lenders and a calculator to help you estimate what a possible mortgage package could look like.
     If you are interested in a property you suspect is tax delinquent or abandoned, the Code Enforcement Office in the Borough Building is where you should inquire. Take the address with you and you can locate some specifics on tax status and ownership. Sometimes agreements can be made to change ownership at a minimal price, if the buyer will take responsibility for back taxes. In addition the property may qualify for the Borough's Vacant Property Program. Applications are available in the Borough Managers Office at 200 Ross Street. Speak with Cindy Merchant for a application and with the Director of Code Enforcement for details.

     Are you aware that the Borough must inspect all property changing ownership?
     The Code Enforcement Office must inspect all properties for sale. A package must be purchased either by the buyer, or the seller. This package includes inspection for sale, occupancy, and a survey of any possible liens against the property. The average price is $84.00. Often these expenses are included in the closing costs so that the purchaser may incur them and subtract these fees from the price of the house. It is important to note, if the deal is not successful the Borough will not give refunds for inspection services rendered.

     Did you know that all homeowners must pay property taxes to the Borough, County, and School District?
     There are three taxing bodies that property owners are responsible to. These bodies normally will notify you after a sale has been closed. However, it is the buyers responsibility to keep up to date on deadlines. In the past some owners have slipped through the cracks. However the new administration has begun an aggressive program to collect delinquent taxes and lien properties in default. The Buyer must investigate tax status prior to purchase. Title searches, and title insurance can be conducted through an agent. Please note: any delinquent taxes not paid from one owner will transfer to the next.