New Construction Homes
When you decide to build a new home, it helps to understand that there are a two different paths that you can take to reach that goal. First you need to decide if you will be building on a stand-alone lot, or in a community. Building on a stand-alone lot will involve purchasing the lot, usually with cash as it can be difficult to get a loan for vacant land. Then, after you own the lot, you can use the lot as a down payment on the construction loan for the new build. There are many difficulties and hidden expenses when taking this path but none that can't be overcome. Some of the considerations with building on your own lot include the terrain, grading, wetlands, subsurface conditions, tree removal, access to utilities, utility tap ins, permits, zoning, oil, gas, and mineral rights, and finding a builder that builds on stand-alone lots. When you build in a community that was already developed, these issues are already investigated and handled. Lets take a closer look at some of the important considerations you must investigate before purchasing a lot that you intend to build on.
Sometimes when you are looking for a nice private, secluded lot to put your home on, it is easy to overlook how important the terrain is. Especially if you already have a home plan picked out. Depending on your home plan, it may require a high side lot or a low side lot to accommodate the plan regarding the access to the front door, walk out basement, attached or integral garage and the orientation of the garage being a front, rear, or side access garage. If you don’t properly match the lot terrain with the home plan, you will run into issues and extra costs related to grading. Grading always requires permits from the municipality, county, and/or state. There are strict rules regarding the careful removal of soil, especially from hillsides which require careful removal of soil and tree removal which can affect the stability of a hillside. Special attention to the grading degrees, geogrid, and other means of support must be considered to avoid causing instability. Prior to grading, you must assure that there are no wetlands that will be disturbed requiring special attention, inspection, and permits from the DEP and other entities regarding wetlands. One of the most overlooked potential issues are the sub-surface conditions which can include unstable fill, expansive soil, natural springs, and mines at unsafe depths which can require grouting. Grouting projects involve drilling a series of boreholes into the mine voids and filling those voids with a concrete-like mixture. This mixture hardens into pillar-like formations that support the mine roof and greatly reduce the likelihood of future subsidence events.Another expense that is easily overlooked in the process of buying a lot is the utility access, installation, and permits.This is a big one as it includes water, sewer, electric, and gas. If these basic utilities are not nearby, this could end up being one of the largest costs involved with building. There are strict rules associated with how the trenches for these utilities must be dug, how deep, and typically require separate trenches for each. If the distance to the proposed house is significant or if the terrain is not conducive for digging the trenches, it will be a huge expense. If there is or was an existing home where you are building, it is easy to assume that these cost will be minimal but beware of old corroded water or gas pipes, crushed or root filled terracotta sewer lines, and other unseen issues requiring the installation of new lines. You could substitute oil tanks for heat, drill wells for water, and install on-lot sewage disposal systems but again, beware of local ordinances, required permits, and special requirements governing the type of systems allowed in any particular municipality. The costs associated with all of this is high and increasing all of the time. Finally, it is important to know and understand the disposition of the oil, gas, and mineral rights. This is a very complex topic and it is always recommended that this be investigated by an oil, gas, and mineral rights attorney, especially if these rights are not conveying with the land. If there are leases already in place, there are many important questions and considerations that need to be known about any surface rights or other access issues that the lease holder may have rights to. Builders that build on your lot include Schumacher Custom Homes, Wayne Homes, K. Hovnanian Homes, Parry Customs Homes, Costa Homebuilders, and others.
What I have outlined here is why the cost of building in a planned community is so high. The developer has to consider all of this, apply for permits, meet with governing agencies, mitigate any and all issues, properly grade and install lots and roadways, utilities, water retention basins, and provide the end user with buildable lots with the assurances that everything has been handled. These costs are all rolled into the price of the lot in a developed community. You may have to a lot premium depending on the size and topography of the more desireable lots in a planned community. Builders that build exclusively in planned communities include Foxlane Homes, Ryan Homes, Heartland Homes, Maronda Homes, Dan Ryan Builders.
Testimonials
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"For a first-time home buyer, they helped me out tremendously. Not to mention answering all of my questions! Made a buying my first home go very smoothly!"
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- Brian
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"Dan and Michelle Haeck were excellent to work with. They listened to me at each meeting and presented homes that fit all of my requirements. They made the process quick and enjoyable. I have now been in my home 6 years thanks to Dan and Michelle and would gladly have them help find my next home."
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- Joe Armbruster
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"John did an outstanding job on assisting us with finding our first home! He was attentive to location, and details of each property we toured! John made the entire process of purchasing our first home smooth and stress-free. We would highly recommend him to anyone looking for a real estate agent! "
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- Cassidy Edmundson
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"Michelle and Dan are both wonderful realtors and even better people! This is the 3rd house we have bought and they were by far the best we have worked with. Michelle is a great communicator and kept me up to date with everything throughout the process. Dan is like a utility knife. He truly does it all. He was a great tool to have when looking at houses. He would check things I would never even think to look at. They both made the process easy and effortless. Couldn’t recommend them more!" "Mary"
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- Mary
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"Corey was our realtor through the Dan Haeck team and he went above and beyond what I expected him to!! We hired a realtor and were blessed to find a friend!! He is more than knowledgeable in the housing market and actually helped us through a lot!! Dan and Michelle also extended themselves to us when they found something they thought we would like!! We couldn’t have asked for better!! Thank you all so much!!" "Rachel"
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- Rachel
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"Choosing The Haeck team to represent us in both the sale of our home and in the new construction process was easy for us. We have long known Dan, Michelle and Heather and value their honesty, integrity and work ethic. They were there with us every step of the way through a very stressful time in the market. Customer service is extremely important to us, and they went above and beyond through our entire journey. We are grateful to them for their superior representation and commitment to excellence."
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- Kate Yosi
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"Dan and Michelle did a great job representing me as a buyer. They are true professionals and put their client's interests ahead of their own. One thing I really liked is accessibility and FAST response. Dan answers his cell phone after hours and that was a huge help to me as I was located on the opposite coast. "
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- Mark Meltzer
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"Dan, Michelle & Heather were absolutely wonderful throughout both our home buying and selling processes! They were both professional and friendly and always able to answer our questions quickly. Their knowledge of the Pittsburgh market was invaluable."
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- Kelsey Sheely
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"They found us exactly the right place! And in record time. Very helpful and supportive through the whole process. "
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- Linda Kelley
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"Dan and his wife Michelle have really gone above and beyond for us these past few years and are truly more than our realtors but have become very good friends of our family. The helped us buy our very first house in 2012 and watched our babies grow up, to us needing a new house. We had a series of bad luck with finding a house that was right for us, but they were there every step of the way, showing us as many houses as we wanted and being there when our hearts were broken on a few. Finally, we found the perfect one and closed in March, so the struggle was to sell the old one. They consistently offered open houses and promoted it and it was sold in no time. I don't think I can express in words how helpful they were and will continue to refer them to friends, family and coworkers. Best Realtors EVER."
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- Abby and Corey Smith
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"What a fantastic team! Both Mr. and Mrs. Haeck bring a phenomenal amount of energy, knowledge and patience to the table. They create a comfortable relationship which ensures that the home buying process proceeds very smoothly. They were always available whenever I had questions which was also much appreciated. I would definitely recommend this team of realtors."
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- Rich Schmitt
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It was a pleasure working with John Moses in the purchase of my new home. He was always very responsive and kept me updated throughout the process. He was also very helpful when assisting me with issues which arose with my lender. John is very professional, and I would recommend to anyone.
Highly likely to recommend - 5 Stars!
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- Ryan Wanstreet
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"Dan and Michelle are very cordial, and excellent to work with. They don't pressure you and try hard to help you feel comfortable when searching for a home. They work around your schedule and your budget. They don't push you to look at properties you're not interested in. They're a great team, and my wife and I were glad to come out of our home buying experience with them as friends, as well."
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- Bryan Pearson
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"Put simply, there is no better real estate team than the Dan Haeck Team for ALL your real estate needs. They once again exceeded our expectations. The Dan Haeck Team go above and beyond to make the real estate process both stress-free and enjoyable They are thorough, dependable, answer any and all questions and truly listen to your concerns. I would recommend them over and over again to family, friends and anyone in the market to buy and/or sell a home!"
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- Brittany and TJ
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"The Haeck team was amazing. They made the buying process so easy and were so helpful on each step. As a first-time house-buyer I had many questions on the steps and the Haeck team provided great guidance from bid to close."
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- Brock B.
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There are many real estate companies in this part of the country, However, I picked Dan and Michelle Haeck because I have known them for many years and his parents and Michelle's brother lived next door to me. I knew they would do an excellent job and I was right. They knew everything that had to be done to help me sell it. Of course I followed their advice. I was pleased with what it sold for and the time limit was two months. My good friends and their team did a great job.
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- Elaine Brown Suski
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"This team made selling my condo a breeze! "
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- Darla K. Osaba
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"We had an excellent house buying experience through the Dan Haeck Team. We are very grateful for all their hard work in helping us find our forever home."
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- Nicole Grimm
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"Mike Redmond & The Dan Haeck Team were awesome! We encountered some unusual obstacles during our sale because it was on behalf of a "Trust", but Mike was incredibly patient and was always there with the right answer. I recommend Mike & The Dan Haeck Team 100%."
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- Albert Ondo
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"The Haeck Team did a wonderful job is selling our home. They were very responsive, in fact Dan and Michelle were at my home in less than an hour after telling them about the bad experience we had with 2 other agents. They explained to my wife and I what we needed to do in order to sell the home for top dollar. We completed everything the had requested and the home was under contract in less than a week. After the home was under contract, it was a breeze. They did everything. I would highly recommend Dan and Michelle to sell your home."
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- Jesse
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"Dan & Michelle Haeck are by far the greatest duo paired real estate agents my wife and I have encountered. They're very attentive to your needs, and help make the whole overall process of buying a house easier. Definitely recommend these great people. "Korey""
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- Korey
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"Hey Dan, Looks Great! David & I are trucking along. If I hear of someone looking to sell or buy, I'll send them your way. Still enjoying Grandview Towers & our view of The Steel City. Regards, Boe"
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- Everett and Boe
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Jeremy is the man! For a first time homebuyer, he helped make the process painless. The Dan Haeck Team is very knowledgeable and were able to answer any questions I had. They recommended me to other contacts they have made over the years for other work needed on the property following the purchase. I would highly recommend Jeremy and the Dan Haeck team!
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- Ben Drnach
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"Dan and his team made selling our first home a breeze. He was able to answer all our questions (we had a lot) and put us at ease. Dan’s knowledge of the market was instrumental in us getting the most from our home sale. He was thorough, efficient, and helpful every step of the way. It was a pleasure to get to know him and his family throughout the process. "Max""
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- Max
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I purchased my house, sight unseen, with Corey as my realtor. I relied on his help so much more because of my extenuating circumstances. Right from the start, Corey pointed me in the right direction to areas that suited my needs. He was on top of absolutely everything, always responding in a timely manner. You can tell he really does love his job, and you will see how hard he works! I absolutely recommend using Corey as your realtor. He is a really good guy, who is excellent at what he does!
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- Cara Scarlet
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"I would recommend the Dan Haeck team. We worked with Corey as our realtor and found him to be knowledgeable about areas all over Pittsburgh, patient to work with and very responsive. He met us last minute, in a snow storm, to make sure we didn't miss out on something that might be perfect. Michelle was also a great help with the paperwork when it came time to complete our purchase. The Dan Haeck group is an all-star team!" "Beth"
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- Beth
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"I may be partial here, but this is the absolute best team you’ll ever work with. Dan and Michelle (aka mom and dad) made selling my house (and buying it a few years ago) so easy. They answered my 10,000 questions and explained everything so that I actually understood it, sometimes more than once. If I ever find myself moving back to Pittsburgh the only question of who I will choose to be my realtor is which member of The Dan Haeck Team will I choose. Love you guys!!"
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- Kali Haeck
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"Dan and Michelle helped me buy a home. That is an understatement. I was a first-time home buyer and made many mistakes. But Michelle and Dan helped me through all of them. The biggest thing I remember is that they really understood what I was looking for! something with character! and they helped me find my house. I love my house...and I love Dan and Michelle. Do yourself a favor--contact them if you want to buy a house in the Pittsburgh area. You won't regret it."
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- Cindy McGovern
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"I can’t recommend the Haeck team enough! As first-time buyers we couldn’t have asked for a better experience. Corey was our realtor, and he was phenomenal. My husband and I recently moved to the Pittsburgh area and were very unfamiliar with the area. It was nice to work with someone who was very knowledgeable and willing to make suggestions. Throughout the entire search process, we never felt pressured or rushed. Corey was super patient in helping us find the perfect home and not wanting us to settle for anything less. We appreciate all the hard work and time put in to helping us find our perfect home."
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- Tiffany Clancy
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"They were buyer and seller agent for me, and they were excellent. They were very helpful, gave great advise, gave timely updates, and were very nice. I do not drive so they helped out with that which made it easy, i would highly recommend them. "
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- Eileen Reiner
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"I worked with Corey Kelly to both buy and sell a home. Both experiences were great, and Corey made the experience easy. Corey is very professional, knowledgeable, honest, and not pushy, which is much appreciated for a first-time buyer and seller like me. Having worked with Dan and Michelle as well, I can say the same for them. I think it’s the best real estate team in the area!"
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- Kevin Burg
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"Dan & Michelle spent a full week with my wife and me looking at over 50 houses to find the right one in a large price range over a large area. They were always upbeat, friendly, professional experts, and a pleasure to work with. We probably were not. :) Their attention to detail and proactiveness through the entire process was refreshing. We highly recommend them"
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- Shelly and Keith Schlosser
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"Dan and Michelle were extremely helpful when I was looking for a house. They were always available when I needed them. They also found a lot of places that fit my interest. I had a great buying experience for my first time buying my own place. I couldn't have asked for a better experience! "Jodi"
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- Jodi
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"Dan and Michelle Haeck helped my fiancé and I find our new home, and we could not have had a better experience. They were both extremely knowledgeable and responsive every step of the way. From our first meeting through closing day, Dan and Michelle--as well as their whole team--made sure we were treated perfectly throughout this process. We would highly recommend the entire Haeck team to anyone looking to buy or sell a home."
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- Christopher Winkler
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"I liked working with Dan and Michelle because of their integrity and patience. I would highly recommend them. They are a first-rate team!"
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- Patricia Feden
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"The Haeck Professional Team was attentive to our schedules and as the buying and selling agent took care of every detail."
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- Bernadette Farah
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"I highly recommend Jeremy Haeck of The Dan Haeck Team. Jeremy guided & supported us through the entire process of selling our home. He remained patient with us while being incredibly responsive anytime we needed help. After accepting an initial offer shortly after we listed the house, the buyers ultimately backed out on us at the last minute. Jeremy was outstanding in making sure the listing went active within 24 hours while immediately sourcing new buyers. His personal commitment to selling our home led to another offer within weeks & we closed less than 30 days later. My family & I are grateful we chose Jeremy & The Dan Haeck Team to sell our home -- we suggest you trust him with your realty needs!"
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- Joe Greer
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"Dan and Michelle helped me find my first home that fit me perfectly. They were so easy going and honest. The best experience I could have ever imagined being a first-time homebuyer. They definitely made the process easier than I thought. I would recommend them to anyone, whether you're buying your first home, investment property or a bigger home for your growing family. They were amazing and helpful! Thanks so much."
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- Tara Vargo
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"It was a pleasure working with the Dan Haeck Realtor Team. Jeremy was our realtor, but Michelle was always available to us as well. They were extremely helpful in narrowing down our search, responding to all of our questions, and making sure to advocate for us so we got the best deal possible. We are extremely happy with the home we found and how smooth the process was."
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- Danny Bonaventura
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"As a first-time home buyer I was anxious and did not know much about the process of buying a home. Dan and Michelle where very patient and walked me through each step. I have now been in my home for 3+ years and will definitely give Dan and Michelle a call when I am ready to move!"
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- Matt
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"We worked with Jeremy Haeck & The Dan Haeck team while buying our first home and they were absolutely amazing. Jeremy was very helpful through our first home buying process and made it very easy. Highly recommend!"
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- Angela
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"This summer I had the pleasure with working with Corey on the sale of my home. I can’t say enough about the experience. He was prepared, enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and easy going. He was always a step ahead and receptive of my request which made the whole sale process stress free. He gave me recommendations with detailed reasoning and honored my decision making and did not pressure me at all. From on the market to closing Corey and the Haeck Team was exactly what I was Looking forward and needed in a Reality Service. "
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- Blake Toki
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"Working with the Dan Haeck team was an easy decision. Corey was a great help and able to answer all the questions I had as a first-time homebuyer! He helped to make the process as easy as possible and gave advice on anything I asked. Thank you so much!! "Ashley"
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- Ashley
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The Dan Haeck team sold us a property and everything went great! Our closing was smooth and they answered any questions we had during the sale process. Their office was very nice and it was convenient to drop the one item I had to off there.
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- Q&A Landscaping
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"Michelle and Dan are true professionals in their industry. They navigated the sale of our family home with professionalism and honored our emotions, which equals the "human touch". We had a contract in 24 hours. Thank you, Michelle and Dan, for making this hard experience a little lighter in our lives. God Bless."
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- Diana Jones
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"We were looking for a small home near our current residence for our disabled son, so he could develop independent living skills. Our finances were somewhat limited, but both Dan and Michelle took on the challenge and put us on a fast track for likely properties. Because Dan and Michelle were on the lookout for us, we were able to put in an offer on a great house less than seven hours after it was listed! And they kept right on taking care of us, helping us through financing, disclosures, inspection reports and closing. Besides their professional expertise, they both are really nice people -- I would recommend them to anyone."
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- Donna Kurland
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Shelby Bartos did an excellent job in helping my mother sell her home. She guided us through the process from preparation of the home to view all the way through the closing! She helped to make sense of the market conditions and what could be realistically expected from buyers based on the time the home was on the market. We were able to get what we expected in the selling price and closing was made very simple since it was difficult for my mother to go out and travel for the closing. I would recommend Shelby to anyone looking for guidance and a non-stressful selling of their home! Thanks Shelby.
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- Dave Bannon
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"Dan and Michelle sold two properties for me, one commercial and my home. I was a newly widowed "mature" woman who never bought or sold anything costing more than a few hundred dollars. I was totally out of my element. They kindly and carefully guided me to successful sales of both. They were a godsend to me, and I highly recommend them."
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- Mary Elabarger
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"I worked with the Dan Haeck Team to sell my Mom's house after she suddenly passed away. Obviously not an ideal or easy thing to go through, but thankful to have had them by my side every step of the way. The whole team was wonderful from beginning to end. Michelle and Dan are such a wonderful and knowledgeable couple, and Jeremy is so responsive, professional, and also so great to work with! I would recommend them to anyone buying or selling a home."
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- Tara Sorely
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"I highly recommend Michelle and Dan; they did a great job selling my Dad's house which really helped our family in a difficult time. They are very honest and went out of their way to get the house sold."
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- Claudia Richardson
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"We worked with Dan, Michelle, and Corey to find our new home in the fall of 2018 and spring/summer of 2019. We spent a lot of time with Corey looking for the house we felt we could see ourselves in for the long run. He was soooo patient and encouraged us along the way. He quickly learned what we were looking for and had us looking at houses within hours of being listed. He made looking at houses, with a 2-year-old and a 5-year-old in tow, very enjoyable. His non-pushy, understanding, and patient demeanor was exactly what we needed. He knew what he wanted and was determined to find it for us. Corey, Dan and Michelle work so well together as a team and pick up right where the other left off. They are very knowledgeable and make the whole process fun! We highly recommend them without reservation! Thank you #thedanhaeckteam for everything! "Emily""
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- Emily
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"Jeremy sold my house quickly! The process was very streamlined and painless."
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- Ryan M.
West Penn MLS, Inc. All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. All properties are subject to prior sale, change or withdrawal. Neither listing broker(s) or information provider(s) shall be responsible for any typographical errors, misinformation, misprints and shall be held totally harmless. Listing(s) information is provided for consumer's personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumers may be interested in purchasing.
