Buying and selling trends and tips for the suburbs of Pittsburgh.
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Buying and selling trends and tips for the suburbs of Pittsburgh.
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The Pittsburgh suburban market remains a strong and desirable segment. Pittsburgh has historically avoided the extreme highs and lows of larger real estate markets like New York or San Francisco. This stability has continued in 2025. The region’ s median home prices, which rose modestly in recent years, were projected to increase by about 3-5 percent, keeping Pittsburgh attractive for buyers seeking value.
Millennials and Gen Z will continue to be a dominant force in the housing market. Their preferences for certain types of homes and locations will influence development trends, with a continued focus on affordability and proximity to amenities.
HOW TO PREPARE YOUR HOME TO SELL
The days of simply putting a sign in the yard and expecting multiple offers above asking price have faded. Preparing your home for sale involves a combination of smart improvements and strategic planning.
Accurate pricing is paramount. Overpricing a home will be a significant misstep in the 2025-26 market. Sellers will need to work closely with real estate professionals to price their homes competitively based on current market conditions.
Here’ s a breakdown of steps for preparing to sell your home, based on expert advice.
1. Home Assessment and Repairs
• Pre-sale inspection: Consider a pre-sale home inspection to identify potential issues and address them proactively.
• Consider major system replacements: Evaluate the condition of your roof or HVAC system if they are nearing the end of their lifespan; addressing them now can prevent issues during the sale process.
2. Strategic Updates and Improvements
• Focus on kitchen and bathrooms: Updates in these areas often provide the highest return on investment. Consider smaller impactful changes first, such as painting cabinets or replacing fixtures.
• Cosmetic upgrades: Small, visually appealing changes like updating hardware and repainting can make a big difference. Choose neutral colors to appeal to a wider range of buyers.
• Boost curb appeal: First impressions matter. Enhance your home’ s exterior with landscaping, a fresh coat of paint, or a welcoming entryway.
3. Declutter and Depersonalize
• Create a blank canvas: Remove personal items like family photos and collections to help buyers envision themselves living in the home.
• Minimize clutter: Organize and store belongings to make spaces appear larger and more open.
4. Deep-Clean and Stage
• Thorough cleaning: Deep-clean your home, paying attention to key areas like the kitchen and bathrooms.
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