Craig Knox, REALTOR - The Pawperty Pros

All About Escrow Accounts: What to Know After You Close

Craig Knox — Sun, 09 Nov 2025 17:40:22 GMT

Buying a home doesn’t end at closing. Your lender likely sets up an escrow account to manage property taxes and insurance for you. Here’s how it works, why it matters, and how to stay ahead of changes in your monthly payment year after year.

Things to Do in Pittsburgh This Weekend (Aug. 8 – 10, 2025) Plus Little Italy Days Start Next Week!

Craig Knox — Wed, 06 Aug 2025 03:54:49 GMT

Pittsburgh is buzzing with activity over the weekend of Aug. 8–10, 2025, offering something for pop‑culture fans, music lovers, foodies and families alike. The city’s biggest draw is Steel City Con, a three‑day pop‑culture extravaganza at the Monroeville Convention Center. With celebrity guests ranging from Parker Posey and John Cusack to Sara Gilbert, hundreds of vendors and plenty of cosplay, it’s a can’t‑miss event for comics and fandom enthusiasts. If vintage pulp fiction is more your speed,

Weekender’s Guide to Pittsburgh: Things Do August 1-3, 2025

Craig Knox — Fri, 01 Aug 2025 16:42:20 GMT

Pittsburgh’s weekend (Friday Aug 1 through Sunday Aug 3, 2025) is packed with music festivals, community events and family-friendly...

7 Summer Sangrias to Sip All Season Long

Craig Knox — Sun, 20 Jul 2025 01:21:06 GMT

When the temps rise and the vibes turn festive, there’s no better way to cool down than with a big pitcher of sangria. Fruity, refreshing, and endlessly customizable, sangria is the unofficial drink of summer soirées. Whether you're throwing a backyard BBQ, lounging by the pool, or just vibing on your porch with a good playlist, these seven sangria recipes will bring the flavor—and the fun. Bonus: they’re all super easy to make in batches. Let’s raise a glass to these 7 crowd-pleasing sippers.

Working with a Mortgage Lender: Everything To Know

Craig Knox — Sun, 15 Jun 2025 08:01:34 GMT

Working with a mortgage lender is one of the most important early steps in buying a home. This guide breaks down what lenders look for, from income and credit history to property surveys and PMI. You'll learn what's included in a standard mortgage application, what fees to expect, and how to navigate the process,especially if you're putting down less than 20%. Whether you're buying your first home in Pittsburgh or just need a refresh, this overview will help you prepare.

Why Getting Pre-Approved Matters (and Why Pre-Qualification Isn’t Enough)

Craig Knox — Mon, 09 Jun 2025 19:47:45 GMT

It's Exciting Getting Your Mortgage Pre-Approval & Starting The Home Buying Process. If you’re a first-time homebuyer, thinking about...

Don’t Overlook the Backyard: Why This Often-Forgotten Space is Prime Real Estate

Craig Knox — Thu, 29 May 2025 16:12:09 GMT

When touring homes, most of us are laser-focused on kitchens, bathrooms, square footage, and closet space. But there’s one feature that...

Buyer Agency in Pennsylvania: What It Is and How It Works (2025 Edition)

Craig Knox — Sun, 25 May 2025 04:26:42 GMT

A Plain-English Guide for First-Time Buyers Navigating the New Rules Buyer's Agency Protects Pennsylvania Home Buyers Buyer's Agency In a nutshell, Buyer's Agency Agreements are a contract you sign with a Real Estate Agent to represent you during the buying process where they have a fiduciary duty to serve your best interests from looking at homes through closing. The agreement also outlines how that Agent will be paid for their services and what services you are getting. These agreements are...

Should Sellers Offer a Home Warranty? (Home Seller’s Edition)

Craig Knox — Sun, 18 May 2025 04:12:24 GMT

A home warranty is a service contract that helps cover the cost of repairs or replacements for major home systems and appliances due to normal wear and tear. Think furnaces, water heaters, air conditioning units, electrical systems, and appliances like washers, dryers, and ovens.

Should Sellers Offer a Home Warranty? (Home Seller’s Edition)

Craig Knox — Tue, 13 May 2025 17:20:30 GMT

Home warranty's provide money-saving repairs and reduce anxiety from buyers after inspections. When you're selling a home—especially an...

Is It Worth Buying a Home Warranty? (Home Buyer’s Edition)

Craig Knox — Tue, 13 May 2025 16:50:11 GMT

When I bought my home, it came with a home warranty—and thank goodness it did. The house was over 100 years old. While it had been...

7 Tips For Saving Up For A Home Down Payment For First Time Home Buyers

Craig Knox — Sun, 11 May 2025 20:52:21 GMT

Tips & Tricks for Saving Up for a Home Down Payment Yes, even in today’s market, you can still get a conventional mortgage with as little...

️ Repairs & Updates: What’s Worth Doing (and What’s Not) Before Selling Your Home

Craig Knox — Tue, 22 Apr 2025 22:32:01 GMT

Worth Doing: Small Fixes with Big First Impressions Create curb appeal. Paint touch-ups & neutral colors – Fresh paint is one of the...

Buying A Home For The First Time With A Partner? 9 Must Ask Questions.

Craig Knox — Sat, 01 Mar 2025 08:37:05 GMT

Buying a home with your partner is a major milestone—right up there with marriage or starting a family. Before you dive into Pittsburgh open houses or apply for a mortgage, make sure you're both on the same page. From finances to future plans, here are 9 must-ask questions every couple should discuss before becoming homeowners.

Back to the Ranch: Why One-Story Homes Are Having a Major Moment

Craig Knox — Wed, 19 Feb 2025 20:09:31 GMT

After several decades of popularity, McMansions have started to fall out of favor. Owning a large, multi-story home may have once been the pinnacle of the American dream, but smaller and simpler living seems to be the new trend. Over the last five to 10 years, single-story homes have become much more popular both for […]

The Ultimate Guide to Buyer Contingencies

Craig Knox — Mon, 18 Nov 2024 18:07:16 GMT

Understanding buyer contingencies is essential for a smooth real estate transaction. When purchasing a home, buyer contingencies are critical components of the real estate contract that protect buyers and ensure a successful transaction. These contingencies, or conditions, must be met for the sale to proceed, offering buyers a way to back out of the deal […]