What $300,000 will buy you in Pittsburgh (if you act fast)
If you’re in the market to buy a home in Pittsburgh, now is a good time to shop. Sales have slowed down for summer, as warm weather beckons folks to explore the outdoors or go on vacation, says Lori Hummel, a realtor with Howard Hanna Real Estate Services.
“Buyers who are looking to get into a school district have usually purchased their home by the end of June. So, we are seeing that slowing down a bit,” Hummel says. “That is natural in our market and not an indication or a reflection of what is going on in the economy.”
The good news is that there are homes available for about $300,000 or less in most neighborhoods in and around the city, but if you find something you like, you’ll probably need to act quickly. Be prepared to pay the asking price or make a bid that’s above.
“The inventory is very low, and so if a house goes on the market it has been selling very quickly,” Hummel says. “In previous years in our market, this was a ‘move up’ price range. With rising prices and extremely low interest rates over the last two years, this became more of a first-time buyer’s price range.
“With rising interest rates, it will be interesting to see if this particular market is affected. This price range will have an effect on the mid- to high-end market because if there are not first-time buyers in the market, the mid-range to high-end buyers are unable to ‘move up.’”
Here’s a look at several listings for around $300,000:
NORTH
838 Taylor Ave. in Avalon.
Neighborhood: 838 Taylor Ave., Avalon
Asking price: $299,999
Style: 2-story
Description: Big rooms with hardwood floors, pocket doors and built-in bookcases add character to this 5-bedroom, 2-bath home. It’s set up for modern living with updated kitchen and baths, a second-floor laundry room, three outdoor living spaces and a level backyard. The location is close to Bellevue’s shopping, restaurants and parks.
1164 Voskamp St. in Troy Hill.
Neighborhood: 1164 Voskamp St., Troy Hill
Asking price: $286,200
Style: Townhome
Description: The main level in the open floor plan of this 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath townhome has hardwood floors and a roomy kitchen. Two bedrooms on the second floor share an updated bath with a walk-in shower. The third-floor master suite has a walk-in closet and storage space. There’s room for a lower-level office. Relax on the swing on the covered back porch.
SOUTH
554 Dorchester Ave. in Brookline.
Neighborhood: 554 Dorchester Ave., Brookline
Asking price: $280,000
Style: 2-story
Description: The interior of this 3-bedroom home is beautiful, with its spacious living area and formal dining room, but the outdoor areas make it a lush retreat in the city. The two-level backyard has a pool with a deck and a pergola overlooking gardens. The kitchen has stainless steel appliances and quartz countertops. The basement has a full bath and an integral one-car garage.
851 Flowers Ave. in Broughton.
Neighborhood: 851 Flowers Ave., Broughton
Asking price: $320,000
Style: Ranch
Description: This 1900 stone ranch with 3 bedrooms and 3 baths sits on 2.72 acres in the heart of the South Hills. The kitchen has a farmhouse feel with its brick and woodwork. A large family room has a gas fireplace and bar. One bedroom captive to the master suite could become an office or nursery. An above-ground pool is located not far from the partially-covered deck.
EAST
152 Glenfield Drive in Penn Hills.
Neighborhood: 152 Glenfield Drive, Penn Hills
Asking price: $299,900
Style: Ranch or 1-level
Description: Large windows, an open floor plan and new flooring throughout this renovated 3-bedroom, 2-bath home give it a modern feel. The house has a new roof, furnace and central air. The kitchen has quartz countertops and new cabinets; gleaming tile and updated features modernize the baths. A basement game room and backyard deck add to the living space.
1040 Herron Ave. in Polish Hill.
Neighborhood: 1040 Herron Ave., Polish Hill
Asking price: $298,000
Style: 3-Story
Description: This unique row house close to Pittsburgh’s hottest neighborhoods has 4 bedrooms and 2 baths, plus a lower level with a 1-bedroom, 1-bath apartment and storefront. Large windows, high ceilings and hardwood floors add to its charm. There is lots of storage in the updated kitchen. In the rear is a new Trex deck and an above-ground pool. There is off-street parking for 4 cars.
WEST
28 S. Emily St. in Crafton.
Neighborhood: 28 S. Emily St., Crafton
Asking price: $295,000
Style: 3-story
Description: Built in 1898, this 4-bedroom home has the warmth and style of the Victorian era. The entryway’s double doors with leaded glass open to a curving staircase. The main level has hardwood floors and a remodeled kitchen with a walk-in pantry. Front and rear porches and a large concrete patio in the fenced backyard offer space for relaxing or entertaining.
1031 Rue Grande Vue St. in the West End.
Neighborhood: 1031 Rue Grande Vue St., West End
Asking price: $295,000
Style: 2-story
Description: Located not far from the West End Overlook, this home built in 1920 has been renovated inside and out but still has period details such as stained glass. The custom eat-in kitchen has island seating. First-floor rooms flow together, including a full bath with modern accents, laundry room and bonus space. Upstairs are 3 bedrooms with city views and a new bath.
GOLDEN TRIANGLE
320 Fort Duquesne Blvd. (Apt 5F) in Downtown Pittsburgh.
Neighborhood: 320 Fort Duquesne Blvd. Apt 5F, Downtown
Asking price: $292,000
Style: Condominium
Description: This 1-bedroom, 1-bath condo overlooks the Allegheny River and North Shore, giving a view of fireworks at the stadiums. A large granite island invites guests to gather around. The open floor plan has space for a home office. The bedroom has a remote control window shade and blackout blind, and a walk-in closet. There’s also a stackable washer and dryer.
MOUNT WASHINGTON
122 Natchez St. in Mt. Washington.
Neighborhood: 122 Natchez St., Mt. Washington
Asking price: $299,900
Style: Row home
Description: This renovated 3-bedroom row home has beautiful details: new flooring, recessed lighting, brick accent walls, high ceilings and large windows. Gold hardware, quartz counters and subway tile add glamour to the kitchen, with a center island and walk-in pantry. A third-floor suite has great views. Get outdoors on the front porch or deck overlooking a fenced backyard.