The Pittsburgh real estate market is slow right now, but that doesn’t necessarily have to do with doldrums of winter. Jessi Dunlap, an agent with Coldwell Banker Real Estate Services, says her busiest months have been October through December for three straight years. Sellers have the advantage, with people clamoring to stake their claim on a low inventory of single-family dwellings, townhomes and condos.
“Some folks will open up their options in order to have more opportunities in their specific area and budget,” Dunlap says.
She finds that Ross Township properties are getting a lot of attention due to an easy commute, a highly-rated school district and lots of decent shopping, but she urges buyers to go out and explore. For around $150,000 you can get a nice piece of property in the region.
“With all of the different pocket neighborhoods in Pittsburgh, it’s hard to narrow down to just one popular spot,” she says. “Each has its own unique flavor and fans to go along with it.”
NORTH
Neighborhood: 236 S. Queensberry Ct., Ross Township
Asking price: $159,800
Style: Condominium
Description: Located in the desirable Woodbridge neighborhood, this three-bedroom end unit features a private deck overlooking a wooded area. The spacious living room also features a large sliding glass door with a Juliet balcony. Dunlap notes the condo has a nice powder room on the main floor, a game room and is easily accessible from Route 19 and I-279. A homeowner’s association covers all exterior maintenance, including the roof and landscaping.
Neighborhood: 13 Reserve St., Millvale
Asking price: $139,900
Style: Single-family
Description: Millvale is booming, and homes in the neighborhood — which is just across the river from Lawrenceville — are scarce. This three-bedroom abode has spacious rooms with high ceilings and an abundance of natural light. There’s an updated full bathroom with new flooring and a freshly poured concrete patio and sidewalk.
Neighborhood: 1055 Geyer Rd., Shaler
Asking price: $149,000
Style: Single-family
Description: The interior of this three-bedroom beauty has been completely updated. The kitchen has new flooring, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances and new cabinetry, while both of the bathrooms got a makeover. Dunlap says the place is now more energy efficient with new windows, furnace and central air conditioning. Bonus: there’s off-street parking.
EAST
Neighborhood: 5327 Keystone St., Lawrenceville
Asking price: $160,000
Style: Row house
Description: You could live just blocks away from bustling Butler Street. This row house has a large, eat-in kitchen and master bedroom with ample closet space. The listing states: “The finished third floor is a captive bedroom or a great flex space.” Entertain outside on the covered rear patio that overlooks a fenced-in courtyard.
WEST
Neighborhood: 129 Baywood #52D, Mt. Lebanon
Asking price: $149,900
Style: Condominium
Description: “This townhouse-style condo has two floors — and nobody living above you,” boasts the listing. There are two bedrooms and a full bathroom located upstairs, while the first floor has an updated powder room. The unit is equipped with central air conditioning and has a private balcony. There are two on-site laundry rooms in the complex and you’ll get your own assigned parking spot. The place is with a short stroll from Mt. Lebanon’s shops, schools, community pool and library.
SOUTH
Neighborhood: 1640 Suburban Ave., Beechview
Asking price: $150,000
Style: Single-family
Description: A large, fully-equipped and updated kitchen opens up to a patio. The outdoor area also has a deck, firepit and covered front porch. “The dining room oozes charm with its coffered ceilings, large windows, original decorative fireplace and pocket doors,” raves the listing. There is also a fireplace in the living room and a den. The upstairs has three bedrooms and a full bath.
Neighborhood: 743 Woodbourne Ave., Brookline
Asking price: $146,975
Style: Single-family
Description: Brookline Boulevard’s shopping and entertainment district is steps away from this three-bedroom home on Woodbourne Avenue. There’s a spacious covered porch — complete with a Ring doorbell system for extra security — that leads into a bright family room. The home features a large fireplace and original hardwood floors both upstairs and down. “Downstairs, the huge walk-out basement has a ton of potential with two additional storage spaces, a nice laundry area and a half bath. Step out into your “spacious yard with a patio space and two-car off-street parking,” the listing says.