Downtown Pittsburgh on the Rise -

So, part of my job as an agent is to check out statistics for clients who are considering purchasing a Downtown Condo. I was recently pleasantly surprised by my most recent research, for a client interested in a 2 bedroom condominium downtown. As a serious investor, he was concerned by what he had been reading in the media recently, and wanted me to look into how Downtown property values had fared in the past few years. My research into the sold prices of 2+ bedroom condominiums over the last three years yielded these amazing results!

June 2005-June 2006: Average Sold Price: $239,944
June 2006-June 2007: Average Sold Price: $321,692
June 2007-June 2008: Average Sold Price: $415,695
*from West Penn Multilist

Wow! That is an increase of 34% between 2007 and 2006 and an increase of 29% from last year to this year. This certainly is not reflective of the decreasing property values that many other cities are facing and that the media has been focusing on.

Now, I began to think that perhaps New Construction in the city was bolstering some of those prices, so I amended my criteria to include only sales of existing construction. Downtown is still showing an increase even when taking the new construction out of the equation! Here are my results for sold prices of existing 2+ bedroom condominiums:

June 2005-June 2006: $239,944
June 2006-June 2007: $321,692
June 2007-June 2008: $486,564
*from West Penn Multilist

Numbers for our first two years remained the same because 151 First Side, the first site ready for occupancy Downtown, did not begin closing units until July of 2007. But the big surprise was that taking new construction out of the equation, sold prices this year were even higher! An increase of a shocking 51%! Another interesting point is that the new construction happening in Downtown Pittsburgh is a huge boost to those that already live in the city in regard to their property values!

Truly amazing results for a truly amazing city!!!

Natural Daylighting

So - I was satisfying my Costco addiction this weekend and found myself staring at the ceiling and wondering what exactly this huge warehouse was saving by their use of natural daylighting. In fact, the entire back of the store was lit entirely by natural light. Although I was impressed by their commitment to alternative energy sources, I am suspicious that it has more to do with the cost savings. Here is an article on how natural daylighting can benefit you in your own home!

Just Reduced! Historic Charm and New Construction Convenience in Brighton Heights!

Located in the Historically Significant Osterling Flats at 3605 California Avenue, this building was renovated only 4 years ago and is now been reduced in price to an amazing $122,900! This is a significant reduction of $12,100! Bright, Open and Inviting, this condo features a deck overlooking the meticulously manicured common area, and off-street parking. Tons of natural light and charming historic details are the icing on the cake! This home will be featured on the Sunday Showcase of Homes on June 29th on KDKA at 11am, and will be open that day from 1pm-4pm. Refreshments will be provided! For a private appointment, please contact me by phone or email. I look forward to seeing you on Sunday

Howard Hanna Twilight Tour - 66 Pius Street in Pittsburgh's South Side

Please join me Wednesday, June 25th from 6-8pm for my featured home as part of the second summer installment of Howard Hanna's Twilight Tours. This condo, located at 66 Pius Street in the South Side features incredibly high ceilings, a deck with a stunning view of the historic South Side, loads of storage space, and plenty of parking for you and your visitors! For more information on this beautiful condo, please click here or use the links to the right. For a private appointment please email me or call 412-687-6000 ex. 239. I look forward to seeing you there!

Top Energy Efficient Remodeling Projects

This article published in Realty Times, lists the top energy efficient remodeling projects for your home

Just Reduced!! 3118 Mission Street in the South Side

Just Reduced to $160,000, this is a wonderful 2 bedroom home in the South Side Slopes. Located on a quiet, dead-end street (not on a hill!) there is plenty of parking to enjoy. An added plus is the 2 car garage out back with its own electrical system. Lovingly renovated, with great attention to detail, this home has new carpeting, paint, and windows throughout. A beautiful tin ceiling accentuates the master bedroom and you can enjoy the summer nights in your own backyard or the spacious front porch! Call or email me today for a showing before this opportunity slips away!

Just Listed One Bedroom Unit at 151 First Side

This 1 Bedroom, 1 1/2 bath unit at One Fifty One First Side in Downtown Pittsburgh, not only features spectacular City Views, but also a spectacular price, at only $249,900! One Fifty One is a full amenities building, that features Concierge Service, 24 Hour Security and a Fitness Center. Also included in your reasonable condo fee of $312/month is one deeded parking space located in the beyond-convenient integral garage. Go straight from your car to your new Condo without ever feeling a drop of rain! Now is the time to enjoy all of the conveniences of Downtown Living; the Cultural District with 14 World Renowned Theatres in only 6 blocks and over 1500 shows per year, the beautiful and newly renovated Point State Park, and Rosebud Finer Foods, Pittsburgh's first Downtown Grocery store. It is all here waiting for you and is only going to get better! Call or email me for an appointment today!

More on Green Pittsburgh!

Here is another article published in Pop City Media that features more recognition for Pittsburgh on our hometown's efforts to continue its re-invention as a city with a mindset for Green Developments and Sustainable Design.

Continued "Greening" of Pittsburgh

Please click here for an article in Pop City Media about 5 local businesses who have been awarded the 2008 Western Pennsyvania Environmental Award. Pittsburgh continues to be at the forefront of Green Development!

Just Reduced! Amazing Corner Unit at 151 First Side

Picture yourself here!! This beautiful 2 bedroom condominium at 151 First Side has just been reduced a substantial $20,000 and is now being offered at $450,000!! Featuring a view of both the spectacular Pittsburgh City Scape and the River, this unit features many upgrades including harwood floors, granite countertops, and much more! 151 First Side is a full amenities building with such conveniences as Indoor Parking, Concierge Service, 24 Hour Security, and Fitness Room. Call or email me today to schedule an appointment or use the links to the right for more information! Also available for lease at $2200/month+elec.

New Listing on Historic Stella Street in the Southside

One not to miss! This is a large and newly updated home on Historic Stella Street in the Southside Slopes. Featuring 3 Bedrooms and 2 Baths, this home has a charming and private Courtyard, Large Front Porch, and a Recently Renovated Kitchen. With many updates including new paint and carpeting throughout, this home is reasonably priced at $190,000. Call or email me today to schedule an appointment to view this lovely home before the opportunity slips away! For more details, please use the links to the right or click here.