A wide range of things can make a house unique, from its size and location to the design and any updates made by owners, says Tim Gyves, a RE/MAX Select Realty agent in Pittsburgh’s East End.
“Generally speaking, a seller will know if they’ve got one of these kinds of houses, and they probably had the same conversations about its uniqueness when purchasing it themselves,” says Gyves. “There will either be a line out the door to see it, or it may take some time to find someone who appreciates it as much as you have. A pool will sell a house to one buyer and have another nix the property off their list.”
Summer is prime season for real estate sales and buyers are motivated by low interest rates, says Gyves. Buyers with children may try to time their move so they are in a new, targeted school district before fall.
But even if you see lots of “for sale” signs in yards, keep in mind that inventory in and around Pittsburgh remains scarce. Often, properties listed are already under agreement, Gyves says.
“If you’re honest with yourself about the condition of your home, for better or worse, and talk to a good agent about pricing in line with what’s moving quickly in your neighborhood, you will likely be pleasantly surprised by the interest level,” he says. “Many buyers are competing with each other for one house after another.”
Among the cool properties listed right now are luxury homes, whether condos or sprawling mansions with acreage, says Gyves. “Whether in the city or the suburbs, there’s no shortage of them, but the market seems very particular. You really have to love what someone else has done or have the budget to plan on making it your own. In some cases these homes will take many months to sell, while in others they’re gone in a flash.”
Here are 10 unique properties listed this month:
Neighborhood: 1338 Geyer Ave., Marshall-Shadeland
Asking price: $29,999
Style: Two-story
Description: What makes this a cool home? The price, for one thing, which allows investment inside and out to make it your own. The location is nice, too: nestled amid mature landscaping, about 20 steps down from street level, with a deck, pergola, front patio and small yard. Built in 1900 and recently a rental, it’s 960 square feet with 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, a living room, kitchen and den/laundry. The roof is newer. There is a full basement as well as on-street parking.
Neighborhood: 112 Washington Place, Apt. 16C, Downtown
Asking price: $164,900
Style: Condominium
Description: Yes, you can afford to live Downtown, in Chatham Tower, a high-rise built in 1967. This unit with 1 bedroom and 1.5 bathrooms has new flooring, large windows and a comfortably sized living/dining room and bedroom. It’s conveniently located on a bus line and just one block from the T. Chatham Tower is pet friendly, and features a gym, 24/7 doorman, integral parking garage and city views. A $657 monthly association fee covers heat, central air, water, sewage, trash and window cleaning.
Neighborhood: 318 Arlington Ave., South Side
Asking price: $299,000
Style: 3-Story
Description: If you love Pittsburgh’s skyline, this renovated Colonial built in 1880 offers sweeping views. Recently used as an office, it could easily be converted back to a residence with 3 bedrooms and 1.5 baths. It has a new roof, windows, plumbing, electric, HVAC and water heater. With two entryways, you could have a tenant to help pay the mortgage. There’s a patio in the back and off-street parking for 4 or 5 cars. The fireplace is decorative.
Neighborhood: 5421 Howe St., Shadyside
Asking price: $499,900
Style: Contemporary
Description: If industrial is your vibe, check out this open-concept, 1-bedroom, 1.5-bath loft-style home in Shadyside built in 2006. The polished concrete floors have radiant heat throughout the first floor. The two-story great room has a gas fireplace and an 18-foot wall of windows. The blinds are remote operated. There’s a basement, fenced back yard, and two off-street parking spaces. Architectural details include concrete block walls, iron railings and overhead garage door.
Neighborhood: 207 Delafield Rd., Aspinwall
Asking price: $589,000
Style: Colonial
Description: Like the Allegheny River borough where it’s located, this home has a lot to offer for the price: 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, an updated interior, front and back porches, mature landscaping and a fenced back yard with gardens. The master suite has custom closets; the den’s built-in bookcases lend themselves to a family room, playroom or office. This house also has a third floor, basement with laundry, detached garage, and new windows, wiring and plumbing.
Neighborhood: 1677 Northgate Dr., Upper St. Clair
Asking price: $650,000
Style: Contemporary
Description: This custom home has an open floor plan, two-sided gas fireplace and a wall of windows that connects the living space to a large patio and fenced backyard. The first floor includes a family room and bedroom with en suite. Upstairs, the master suite has a walk-in closet and bathroom with a soaking tub and marble shower. There are two more bedrooms; one could be a home office or a gym. The terracotta roof and front rock garden add to the home’s uniqueness.
