The Pittsburgh region has its share of unique homes, and even those that may be considered quirky by many buyers will sell — depending on their location.
“If you have a really unique house in a very traditional area and somebody is looking for something different, that might appeal to them,” says Gina Giampietro, a realtor and team leader with RE/MAX Select Realty. “But it depends on where it’s located. If you have a unique house where there’s a lot of ‘cookie cutter’ going on, it might take a while to sell.”
The region’s tight market appears to be opening up a little, says Giampietro, but “there’s still a lot of bidding wars going on when a house is priced right. … And we’re starting to see some price reductions. I think we’re leveling off.”
Giampietro and her team have seen plenty of buyers from out of state in recent months, especially investors who pay in cash, “but there’s still a lot of local money, and with the interest rates being so low, it’s definitely appealing to them to move up to the next level.”
Here’s a sampling of cool Pittsburgh area homes on the market right now:
Neighborhood: 201 Dalzell Ave., Ben Avon
Asking price: $555,000
Style: Two-story
Description: Built in 1910, this 5-bedroom, 3-bath home has a new roof, HVAC, lighting, paint and more. A main-level bedroom and full bath mean you can age in the home. The sunroom could be a home office. The eat-in kitchen flows to a family room with French doors that open to a porch. The second-floor master has a bonus space that could be a dressing room or private sitting area. The large backyard has mature trees; the driveway ends with off-street parking.
Neighborhood: 2212 Bernard St., Overbrook
Asking price: $320,000
Style: Victorian
Description: Inspired by Victorian style, this 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath home was custom built in 2002 on six city lots to make up a quarter-acre yard. It has a front porch, a rear deck and an attached 2-car garage with attic storage. The gas fireplace has a custom mantel and surround sound. A walk-in pantry adds to the eat-in kitchen. The master has a tray ceiling, bay window, and large bath with oversized shower and claw-foot tub. A carport sits outside the basement.
Neighborhood: 8287 Tanglewood Road, McCandless
Asking price: $350,000
Style: Raised ranch
Description: This 2-bedroom, 1.5-bath home on a 1-acre lot surrounded by woods has a mid-century modern interior with open floor plan and natural wood and tile accents. The eat-in kitchen has a pantry with a 16-foot wall of cabinets. Large windows and glass doors bring nature inside; a covered patio outside provides another room. The metal roof will last a lifetime. The striking orange door and partial new construction need finishing touches.
Neighborhood: 740 Olivant Place, Lincoln-Lemington
Asking price: $369,000
Style: Mid-century modern
Description: This unique 2-bedroom, 2-bath home built in 1960 sits in the woods at the end of a secluded East End street and was restored 15 years ago. The galley kitchen is open to the living room and dining room. The second floor has a solarium and a deck that allows you to sit in the treetops. The home has interesting architectural features such as a colorful tiled shower. The back concrete patio and the flat roof need some attention, but privacy rules here.
Neighborhood: 1214 James St., North Side
Asking price: $395,000
Style: Three-story
Description: A beautiful wood beam enables open living on the first floor, where original woodwork and unique lighting fixtures are complemented by industrial touches that include a stainless-steel farmhouse-style kitchen sink. A garage door over the kitchen island opens to the deck for outdoor eating. With 4 bedrooms and third-floor flex space, a home office is possible; the master and its current captive dressing room lead to a deck for morning coffee.
Neighborhood: 202 Overlook Dr., Mt. Lebanon
Asking price: $515,000
Style: Two-story
Description: Built in 1928, this 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath brick home is located off Beverly Road with easy access to Downtown and has architectural details such as peaked archways, exposed brick, leaded glass and a sunroom. The roomy kitchen has access to the outdoors, as does the family room with its corner fireplace and French doors. The garage has potential for a studio loft. The unfinished lower level has good ceiling height and plumbing in place for another bath.
Neighborhood: 2545 Penn Ave., Unit 202, Strip District
Asking price: $549,000
Style: Condominium
Description: Who else has a red stove to show off a quartz waterfall edge island in the kitchen? This move-in ready urban chic condo in The Refinery in the Strip District has 2 bedrooms and 2 baths, and custom closets to keep things organized. Industrial features include 11-foot ceilings and exposed ductwork and brick. In addition to its amenities — a rooftop terrace with fire pit and grill, lounge, and fitness center — the condo has a 9-year LERTA city/school tax abatement.
Neighborhood: 5137 Keiners Lane, Robinson
Asking price: $845,000
Style: Two-story log
Description: This gorgeous log home situated on 1.29 acres has 5 bedrooms, 4.5 baths, a living room with a cathedral ceiling, floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace and a wall of windows overlooking the backyard. A catwalk connects the home’s two wings. The kitchen island has seating for five and there’s also a formal dining room. The finished lower level has a game room, craft room or workshop, bathroom and bar. There’s a deck, a patio, 2-car garage and a large shed.
Neighborhood: 6 Neff St., Apt. A, Mt. Washington
Asking price: $1,350,000
Style: Contemporary
Description: This two-level luxury unit with 4 bedrooms and 2.5 baths has sleek modern finishes, a 2-car garage and a wrap-around patio with a hot tub, outdoor kitchen and glass railings to display the splendid view. Two-story windows and a smart home system enhance the indoor living/dining/entertaining area. Bedrooms and a laundry area are on the second level, where the master suite has three closets, a bathroom with a marble tiled shower and a private balcony.
Neighborhood: 6570 Beacon St., Squirrel Hill
Asking price: $2,100,000
Style: French Eclectic
Description: A foyer rotunda with hand-painted murals and checkerboard floor welcomes you to this distinctive city estate with 7 bedrooms and 4.5 baths. The den has marble, wood paneling and built-in bookcases; French doors in the living room and dining room open to terraces. The second-floor master has a sitting room and two dressing rooms. An apartment over the garage could become a studio or home office, suggests listing agent Melissa Reich.
Looking for more real estate? Read Your move: 10 cool properties for sale in Pittsburgh, from industrial chic in Shadyside to a McCandless farmhouse.