Why Is It Important To Get A Survey For Your Property? – Dora Rudick
On this episode of The Closing Table, we sat down with Dora Rudick!
To watch the full episode, check it out on YouTube below. In the meantime, here’s a summary of the conversation…
Here’s what you missed from Dora Rudick…
The conversation began with Dora a seasoned real estate professional with a wealth of experience spanning two decades introducing herself beyond the world of real estate. Dora wears multiple hats as a devoted mom, a proud soccer mom, and an immigrant whose first language is Portuguese. The cause of autism awareness holds a special place in her heart, given that her youngest child is on the autism spectrum.
Having entered the real estate arena in 2003, Dora’s journey began as she assisted her then-boyfriend, now husband, who was embarking on his real estate career. Armed with a degree in art, she initially contemplated becoming an art teacher but found herself drawn to the dynamic world of real estate. For over 11 years, Dora and her husband specialized in the appraisal side of the industry in California, weathering the challenges of the 2008 market crash and transitioning from purchases and refinancing to asset evaluation, foreclosures, and more. The couple eventually moved to Pittsburgh, where Dora focuses on aiding both first-time and second-time homebuyers while investing in the city herself.
In the vibrant city of Pittsburgh, Dora immerses herself in a micro-market with 92 neighborhoods within the city limits, not to mention the surrounding suburbs. Geographically, Pittsburgh is known for its iconic black and yellow allegiance to the Steelers and picturesque landscapes featuring three rivers and numerous bridges. The city’s charm often surprises newcomers, prompting Dora to assert that anyone visiting may find themselves converted to its appeal. With an average price point in the high 200s and low 300s, Pittsburgh boasts top-notch school districts, making it an ideal destination for families seeking a quality education for their children. The city’s economic landscape is thriving, marked by notable landmarks such as the three bridges and an array of attractions. Dora believes in the untapped potential and continued growth in Pittsburgh, making it a prime location for investment and an excellent market for those looking to explore and establish themselves.
The transition from a farming town to a thriving suburb has left an indelible mark on Mt. Lebanon’s history, shaping the current housing landscape and influencing the preferences of both buyers and sellers in the community. Dora, with her wealth of experience, sheds light on this transformation by highlighting the presence of a functioning farm, located just 20 minutes away from downtown Pittsburgh. Though consisting of only five houses, this farm operates as a fundraising effort to sustain the old way of life—a unique and fascinating aspect of the area.
Notably, Mt. Lebanon and Upper St. Clair stand out as top school districts in the region, despite the South Hills once being vast farmland. Today, these neighborhoods rank among the top three sought-after places to live in Pittsburgh, boasting an array of quaint shops, restaurants, breweries, and pizza parlors. Dora paints a charming picture of the community, where people still attend farmers’ markets, children walk to ice cream and candy shops after school, and the overall atmosphere exudes safety. In a world where such community-oriented experiences are rare, Mt. Lebanon stands out as a remarkable and desirable place to call home.
On the topic of conflicts in the real estate realm, Dora candidly shares her personal experience mediating a dispute with a neighbor during the purchase of her own home in Pittsburgh. In 2016, having just closed on a house with an inground pool, a conflict arose over tree services. Her recommended tree service addressed a tree by the pool, prompting the neighbor to inquire about another tree. The lack of a survey led to uncertainty about ownership, but through negotiations, they agreed to split the cost of removing the tree and resolved that the responsible party would reimburse the other once ownership was determined.
While Dora’s husband advised her to cover the cost without seeking reimbursement, the incident led to an unexpected positive outcome—the neighbors became great friends. Ultimately, Dora emphasizes the importance of obtaining a survey to prevent such conflicts, underscoring the practicality of this simple step in maintaining positive relationships within the community.
Navigating the complexities of moving from one environment to another can be a daunting task, but Dora, drawing from her personal experiences of moving across countries and states, has positioned herself as an invaluable resource for clients undergoing such transitions. Having moved coast to coast, Dora emphasizes that the hardest part of such a journey is often the decision-making process.
Once the decision is made, the execution becomes more manageable. Leveraging her balanced and solution-oriented approach, she provides a reassuring presence for clients, guiding them through the intricacies of the relocation process. Dora, recognizing the inherent stress of buying a home, encourages clients by affirming that if she can do it, so can they. With a commitment to assisting in the execution of decisions, she stands ready to support clients throughout the entire journey.
On the financial front, Dora, while clarifying that she is not a financial advisor, shares insights into her philosophy on passing assets to the next generation. Citing her own experience growing up with limited means, she advocates for financial wisdom and smart money management. While not providing specific advice, she underscores the importance of knowledge in finance for creating opportunities. Dora, with a desire to instill financial responsibility in her children, engages her 15-year-old in reading business books to foster an understanding of wealth growth—an approach rooted in her own journey of self-learning.
The conversation wraps up with Dora a book that has a pivotal influence on her perspective, both personally and professionally, which is “The Four Agreements.” This work has significantly impacted her and her husband’s interactions with others, emphasizing the importance of not taking things personally. The wisdom found in “The Four Agreements” has become a guiding philosophy in Dora’s life, contributing to her approach in both her personal and professional relationships.
Check out Dora Rudick:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dora.rudick
Facebook Business Page: https://www.facebook.com/dorarudickrealtor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dorarudickrealtor/
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