Mary Pat Petrarca - Realtor

10/24/2026

Want to learn more about real estate in our area?

Mary Pat Petrarca, Realtor®, ABR,SRES
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices
The Preferred Realty
9401 McKnight Road
PGH, PA 15237
Office: 412.500.9574
Cell: 412.596.9539
www.MARYPATP.com

Want to learn more about real estate in our area?

10/24/2026

Outdoor space can remain an important part of a home well beyond summer. Covered patios, porches, decks, and thoughtfully designed backyards can offer another place to relax as the seasons change.

When viewing a property, consider more than the size of the yard. Look at privacy, lighting, access from the interior, drainage, storage, and how much ongoing maintenance the landscaping may require.

A smaller outdoor area with a practical layout can sometimes be more useful than a larger yard that does not fit your routine. Think about how the space could work throughout different times of the year.

When searching for your next home, what matters more to you: a large yard or a smaller outdoor space designed well? Let me know in the comments.

10/23/2026

Windows and exterior doors play an important role in how comfortable a home feels as temperatures begin to fall. This is a good time of year to take a closer look at their condition.

Check for worn weatherstripping, damaged caulk, visible gaps, difficult operation, or noticeable drafts around frames. These details may seem small, but they can affect comfort throughout the colder months.

If you are touring a property, look at the general age and condition of the windows and doors instead of focusing only on the view. Existing homeowners can use the season to identify areas that may need simple maintenance or professional attention.

Add windows and doors to your fall checklist before colder weather makes those little drafts much easier to notice.

10/23/2026

From gutters to grout, a little upkeep goes a long way. I put together a simple inside-and-outside checklist to help you stay ahead of the scary stuff, no tricks, just tips. And remember, some projects are better left to the pros. If you need a referral to someone you can trust, that's what I'm here for.

Mary Pat Petrarca, Realtor®, ABR,SRES
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices
The Preferred Realty
9401 McKnight Road
PGH, PA 15237
Office: 412.500.9574
Cell: 412.596.9539
www.MARYPATP.com

10/22/2026

Thinking about selling your home? Get your seller guide today and learn about the process of home selling!

Mary Pat Petrarca, Realtor®, ABR,SRES
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices
The Preferred Realty
9401 McKnight Road
PGH, PA 15237
Office: 412.500.9574
Cell: 412.596.9539
www.MARYPATP.com

Everything you need to know about selling your home in one place! Learn from the experts

10/22/2026

Smart-home technology can add convenience, but more technology does not automatically create a better living experience. The most useful features are often the ones that quietly make everyday routines easier.

A connected thermostat, smart lock, video doorbell, lighting controls, or simple sensors can be practical additions to a residential property. When touring a home with these features, consider how intuitive they are and whether they fit the way you would actually live.

It is also worth asking what remains with the property, whether any features require subscriptions, and how accounts or controls will transfer to a new owner.

The best technology should support the home rather than compete with it.

Which smart-home feature would you use the most in your everyday life? Let me know in the comments.

10/21/2026

Always a pleasure to meet up with Nicole Mueller and other fellow agents at our Berkshire Hathaway Annual Regional Meeting!

10/21/2026

Drafty windows. Musty smells. A fridge that just doesn't sound right. These small annoyances are easy to brush off, until they turn into costly repairs. Routine maintenance protects your home's value, keeps you comfortable, and helps you avoid the real horror story: an expensive surprise. Want my seasonal checklist to keep your home in great shape? Just ask, I'm happy to send it your way.

Mary Pat Petrarca, Realtor®, ABR,SRES
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices
The Preferred Realty
9401 McKnight Road
PGH, PA 15237
Office: 412.500.9574
Cell: 412.596.9539
www.MARYPATP.com

10/21/2026

Fall is a natural time to take a closer look at the parts of your home that will work harder as temperatures change. A quick seasonal review can help you notice small concerns before winter arrives.

Start outside with the gutters, drainage, roofline, and exterior surfaces. Inside, check the heating system, windows, doors, and visible areas around plumbing fixtures for anything that looks different from the last time you checked.

The goal is not to diagnose every issue yourself. It is simply to become familiar with your home and recognize when something may deserve professional attention.

Save this Reel for your fall home maintenance checklist, and send it to a homeowner who could use the reminder.

10/20/2026

Where are you headed? ✈️🚗

Mary Pat Petrarca, Realtor®, ABR,SRES
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices
The Preferred Realty
9401 McKnight Road
PGH, PA 15237
Office: 412.500.9574
Cell: 412.596.9539
www.MARYPATP.com