The Steel City attracts buyers with its affordable housing, rich history, and strong job market. With over 2,000 homes for sale in Pittsburgh, you have plenty of options. Get preapproved, check neighborhoods, and attend open houses before buying a house in Pittsburgh.
With Houzeo, Pittsburgh’s best home buying website, managing your home search is simple. You can look through the latest listings in Pittsburgh, save your favorites, schedule showings, and submit offers, all at your fingertips.
👉 Download the Houzeo mobile app to simplify your Pittsburg home search.
At a Glance:
- Determine whether you’re purchasing a primary home, a vacation getaway, or a rental property. Also, choose Pittsburgh real estate in neighborhoods that match your goals.
- Set aside 30–45 days for mortgage pre-approval. Aim for a credit score of 620+ to stay competitive in Pittsburgh’s fast-moving market.
- Explore FHA, VA, or USDA loans, and apply for PA programs like Keystone Home Loan, HOMEstead Pittsburgh down payment assistance, or K-FIT.
- Use platforms like Houzeo to search houses in Pittsburgh by city, price, or must-have features like pools, waterfront access, or hurricane protection.
- Schedule inspections for the roof, HVAC, and plumbing. In coastal areas, add wind mitigation and flood risk assessments.
- Expect 2%–5% in closing costs. After purchase, file for Allegheny County’s Homestead Exclusion to reduce your property taxes in Pittsburgh.
7 Steps for Buying a Home in Pittsburgh🏞️
Buying houses in Pittsburgh doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you’re just starting your search or are already browsing homes in neighborhoods like Squirrel Hill or Mount Lebanon, these 7 simple steps will help you move forward with confidence:
Step 1: Decide Your Homebuying Purpose
Whether you’re looking for a getaway or seeking an investment, knowing why you’re buying real estate in Pittsburgh is essential. It sets your expectations and helps you make smarter choices. Here’s what you should keep in mind:
- Primary Residence vs. Investment: Choose places that fit your lifestyle, whether it’s historic homes in Shadyside or a practical condos in Robinson Township. For investment properties, consider homes in Oakland, where job growth and rental demand are strong.
- Short-Term or Long-Term: If you plan to live in the house for only a few years, focus on neighborhoods with strong resale value and upward market trends. Check out homes for sale in East Liberty or Highland Park, where the housing market is growing.
- Space Requirements: If you’re looking for big houses in Pittsburgh, consider suburban areas like North Hills or Bethel Park. But if you prefer something easier to manage, condos in downtown Pittsburgh or the Strip District can be a smart option. However, expect higher HOA fees.
Calculate the cost of living in Pittsburgh to get a detailed breakdown of expenses like housing, utilities, transportation, and more. 🏡
Step 2: Explore Financing Options
To buy homes in Pittsburgh, it’s important to understand the financing options available to you to make an informed decision. Here’s what you need to do:
1. Prepare Financially
- Check Your Credit Score: Lenders will check your credit score to determine if you’re eligible for a loan. Aim for a score of 500+ for an FHA loan and 620+ for a conventional loan.
- Calculate Your Debt-to-Income (DTI) Ratio: Lenders often use your DTI ratio to assess how much home you can afford. Keep your DTI below 36%, especially if you want a home in an expensive neighborhood like Squirrel Hill or Mount Washington.
- Set Your Budget: Make sure your budget accounts for property taxes, homeowners’ insurance, and potential flood insurance, especially if you’re buying in areas prone to flooding, like Millvale or Hays.
👉 Use a Pennsylvania mortgage calculator to estimate how much property you can afford in the Keystone State.
2. Explore Loans and Assistance Programs
Down payments in Pittsburgh typically range between 10% and 20%, depending on your financing option. However, several programs are available to help reduce your upfront costs. First-time home buyer programs in PA can be a game-changer.
| Program | Description |
|---|---|
| FHA Loans | Require just 3.5% down and are ideal for Pittsburgh first time home buyer programs. Flexible credit and income requirements make them accessible. |
| VA & USDA Loans | Offer 0% down with competitive interest rates. Great for veterans, active-duty military, and buyers in rural parts of Pennsylvania. |
| Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA) | Offers various programs like Keystone Advantage Assistance Loan, HOMEstead, and ACCESS, which provide down payment and closing cost assistance to qualified buyers. |
| First Front Door (FFD) Program | Available through participating banks, this program matches every $1 you contribute with $3 in grant money, up to $5,000, for qualified first-time buyers. |
| Fannie Mae Sponsored Programs | Help low- and moderate-income buyers to access affordable mortgage rates in Pittsburgh, products tailored to their financial situation. |
Step 3: Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage
The Pittsburgh housing market is competitive, so get a mortgage pre-approval to show sellers you’re a serious buyer. In fact, 86% of sellers prefer buyers who are pre-approved. It also helps you negotiate better, and reduces delays in the transaction.
Shop around to find the best Pennsylvania mortgage lenders—compare their programs, rates, and terms. Once you’ve narrowed down your options, get pre-approved by submitting documents like proof of income, credit history, bank statements, and your ID proof.
Step 4: Dive Into the Pennsylvania Market
Time for the fun part—house hunting! Whether you’re looking at houses for sale in Greenfield or anywhere else in the Steel City, here’s how to buy smart:
- Online Listings: If you’re wondering how to buy a house, starting with online listings is a good first step. Use platforms like Houzeo to search homes for sale by price, zip code, and more. You can also filter for must-haves like a backyard, waterfront view, etc.
- FSBO (For Sale By Owner) Homes: Explore FSBO listings, as they often offer more flexibility in price negotiations. This is because sellers aren’t paying 5% to 6% in agent fees.
Sharon is the nicest and cheapest place to live in Pennsylvania. The number of homes for sale in Sharon is on the rise, thanks to its safe neighborhoods and diverse job opportunities.
Step 5: Make a Competitive Offer
In Pittsburgh’s competitive housing market, homes tend to sell fast. Focus on real estate comps for a more accurate picture. Here’s a checklist to help you craft a strong offer:
- Seller’s Name and Address: Don’t forget the basics—include the seller’s legal name and property address.
- Price and Terms: Offer a price based on Fair Market Value and comparable sales. In high-demand areas like Shadyside, you might need to offer above the asking price to stand out.
- Down Payment: In Pittsburgh, down payments usually range from 3% to 20%. In competitive markets like Squirrel Hill, a larger down payment can strengthen your offer.
- Earnest Money: Boost your earnest money deposit to show you’re serious, especially in hotspots like Lawrenceville or the South Side, where homes can go fast.
- Contingencies: Include protections like home inspection, financing, and wind mitigation contingencies. These safeguards protect you from damages.
- Concessions: Request the seller to cover some closing costs. In Pennsylvania, it’s common to negotiate repairs after the inspection, such as roof issues, HVAC problems, or plumbing leaks.
- Deadline for Seller’s Response: Set a 24 to 72-hour deadline to encourage a prompt reply. This helps prevent delays and keeps you on track for Pennsylvania’s average 44-day closing timeline.
- Closing Costs: Expect closing costs around 2% to 5% of the home’s price, including title insurance, property taxes, and lender fees.
Step 6: Conduct Inspections and Appraisals
A standard home inspection in Pennsylvania should cover:
- HVAC System: Ensures the air conditioning can handle Pittsburgh’s heat and humidity. It is essential for year-round comfort.
- Plumbing: Checks for leaks, corrosion, and water pressure issues, especially in Pittsburgh homes built before the 1980s. These houses are more vulnerable to damage from humidity and air.
- Electrical System: Verifies everything is up to code and can withstand storm-related power surges, which are common in Pittsburgh.
- Roof Condition: Assesses for storm damage, missing shingles, or age-related wear.
- Foundation and Structure: Looks for cracks, moisture, or settlement issues, particularly in flood-prone or sandy-soil areas.
When you’re browsing homes in Pittsburgh, ensure that you get a wind mitigation inspection for hurricane risk. Also, if you have a condo over 30 years old and higher than two stories, make sure you get a Milestone Inspection for structural safety.
Once the inspection is complete, your lender will order a home appraisal to confirm the property’s market value. This step ensures the loan amount aligns with what the home is actually worth. It can impact final loan approval, especially if the appraisal comes in low.
Step 7: Close on Your Pittsburgh Home
Almost there! Closing usually takes 30–45 days, from signing the contract to getting the keys in your hand. Here’s what you can expect:
- Final Walkthrough: Make sure all repairs have been completed, and the home is in the agreed-upon condition.
- Buyer Closing Costs: Expect to pay 2%–5% of the home price. This includes title fees and lender charges, plus prepaid taxes or insurance.
Once you sign the dotted line and transfer the escrow—congratulations, you’re officially a homeowner. Grab those keys and cue your happy dance! 🎉
What Should You Do After Closing?
Welcome home! Now it’s time to handle a few must-dos to protect your investment:
- File for Homestead Exemption: If the home is your primary residence, apply for Pennsylvania’s Homestead Exemption to reduce your property taxes. In Allegheny County, you may be eligible for a reduction in your home’s assessed value, especially helpful in neighborhoods with higher tax rates.
- Set Up Utilities: Get water, electric, internet, and trash service connected. And don’t forget pest control, especially in humid areas, where bugs are active year-round.
- Get Insurance: Homeowners insurance is required if you’re financing, and flood insurance may be needed in FEMA zones, such as areas near the Allegheny, Monongahela, or Ohio Rivers.
- Home Maintenance Plan: Schedule AC tune-ups at least twice a year, clear gutters regularly, and inspect roofs for storm damage or algae buildup. Consider wind mitigation upgrades to reduce insurance costs.
How to Buy a House in Pittsburgh Without a Realtor?
To buy a house in Pittsburgh, start by researching neighborhoods and browsing listings on trusted sites like Houzeo. Then, schedule showings directly with sellers or their agents. You can also hire a real estate attorney to review contracts and handle legal details.
Next, get pre-approved for a mortgage, make an offer, schedule inspections, and negotiate repairs. With the necessary due diligence, you can buy a house without a Realtor.
Should You Buy a House in Pittsburgh?
Absolutely! Buying Pittsburgh properties offers incredible opportunities for homeowners, whether you’re buying for investment, residence, or vacation. Moreover, with more homes being sold below the list price, now’s the best time to buy a house in Pennsylvania.
Whether you’re drawn to Pittsburgh’s historic neighborhoods, thriving tech scene, or scenic riverfront views, the Steel City has it all. So if you’re on the hunt, check out our list of the best places to live in Pennsylvania!
