Though Pittsburgh is still a very tight real estate market, things might be changing with April’s arrival, says Lori Hummel, a realtor with Howard Hanna Real Estate Services.
“Isn’t it just history repeating itself over and over?” says Hummel, an agent with the agency’s Squirrel Hill office. “Some things stay the same, though. The spring market is the hot market when we see inventory opening up. There isn’t a lot of selection yet, as everyone has talked about, but I do see that changing. New [listings] are coming on the market.”
People like to house hunt when the weather warms up, and the first weekend of the month was a busy one for agents, even with the holiday. With interest rates at 2.85 percent for a 30-year loan, Hummel expects sales to remain steady all year.
Because bidding wars occur, she cautions buyers that offering too much over the asking price means the house may not appraise at that amount and banks won’t agree to a loan. Similarly, sellers may be tempted by a big number but “you have to look at the strongest offer, how much a buyer is putting down. That’s the offer that will close.”
At some price points — particularly, $150,000 to $250,000 — houses don’t stay on the market long at all. At $350,000, buyers are snatching up homes fast. For that price, you can buy a 2.7-acre lot in Upper St. Clair or a totally gutted 3-story, multi-unit home in Lawrenceville. Here are other options in and around Pittsburgh for $350,000:
NORTH
Neighborhood: 2039 Termon Ave., Brighton Heights
Asking price: $350,000
Style: Three-story
Description: Looking for a fixer-upper? This 6-bedroom, 3-bath home built in 1801 was used as a youth home and needs some work but has lots of potential as a grand single-family residence. Its elegant staircase, decorative fireplace and built-in cabinets are just some of the original architectural touches. The home has gas heat, central air, a basement and on-street parking.
Neighborhood: 8831 Roosevelt Blvd., McCandless
Asking price: $349,900
Style: Two-story
Description: This is suburban living, on a half-acre lot with a cul de sac at the rear. The 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath home has two wood-burning fireplaces, a large upstairs family room and a downstairs game room with a built-in bar. The eat-in kitchen has lots of storage. One bedroom and bathroom are located on the first floor. There’s a backyard patio with a retractable awning.
SOUTH
Neighborhood: 576 Sandrae Dr., Mt. Lebanon
Asking price: $350,000
Style: Colonial
Description: This 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath home is made for a family, with a large living room, formal dining room, family room with gas fireplace, spacious master suite, a finished game room downstairs, and a large landscaped backyard. You don’t have to keep the kitchen in Steelers colors — you could paint the cabinets but keep the gleaming black granite countertop.
Neighborhood: 3335 Reiland St., Whitehall
Asking price: $349,900
Style: Raised ranch
Description: Built in 2001, this 3-bedroom, 3-bath home has solar panels, an open floor plan, new flooring and a working fireplace. The deck offers outstanding sunset views and is accessible from both the living room and master suite. The master bath has been remodeled, as has the kitchen with its efficient layout. The basement has two finished living areas and the backyard is fenced.
EAST
Neighborhood: 100 Denniston St., Apt. 105, Shadyside
Asking price: $350,000
Style: Condominium
Description: Talk about location! This 2-bedroom, 2-bath condo is located in the heart of Shadyside, not far from Bakery Square. Hardwood floors and lots of natural light enhance the open floor plan. Although compact, the kitchen has good workable space. The master suite has a bath and large closet. There’s a swimming pool and clubhouse, 1-car parking and a storage unit.
Neighborhood: 4625 Fifth Ave., #802, Oakland
Asking price: $349,000
Style: Condominium
Description: Realtor Daphne Ruben with Howard Hanna calls this “a rare find” — a 4-bedroom, 3.5-bath, top-floor University Square co-op. If you like to cook, the large galley kitchen has room for eating and a nook for a desk. The dining room is open to the living room with its decorative fireplace and built-in features. Three bedrooms have en suite baths; the fourth includes a wet bar.
WEST
Neighborhood: 192 W. Prospect Ave., Ingram
Asking price: $349,900
Style: Three-story
Description: Intricate woodwork, a stained-glass window, working pocket doors, five decorative fireplaces, bay windows, an oak staircase and a large front porch — these are some of the features in this 5-bedroom, 2.5-bath home built in 1903. There is a family room in the basement and a deck overlooking the backyard. The driveway has covered parking for two cars.
Neighborhood: 3012 Timbercreek Dr., McKees Rocks
Asking price: $349,900
Style: Split entry
Description: Located on a corner lot, this 4-bedroom, 3-bath home awaits a family. The main level has new flooring and paint. The kitchen has ample counter space, a large pantry and an island. The covered concrete patio provides a space for outdoor eating and entertaining. One bedroom and a full bath (with jet tub) are located on the lower level with a separate entrance.
GREATER DOWNTOWN
Neighborhood: 11 Fifth Ave., #202, Downtown
Asking price: $355,000
Style: Condominium
Description: This modern 1-bedroom, 1.5-bath unit in One Fifth Avenue Condominiums in the Cultural District has an open floor plan with hardwood flooring, 8-foot windows, exposed brick, a custom kitchen, and a stacked washer-dryer unit. The rooftop deck has a shared kitchenette and grill; the basement has storage space and a bike room. Parking is optional in the Sixth and Penn Garage for a fee.
Neighborhood: 806 Penn Ave., Apt. 1, Downtown
Asking price: $349,900
Style: Condominium
Description: This 1,200-square-foot loft in the Cultural District has a bedroom large enough to include office space along with 1.5 bathrooms. There’s a spacious walk-in closet and an in-unit laundry area. The kitchen has granite countertops and a nook that’s perfect for a coffee bar. Bamboo flooring and brickwork add sophistication. Parking is available for $185 a month.
Looking for more real estate? Read What $325,000 will buy you in Pittsburgh.