If you’re looking to buy houses in Pittsburgh, you’re not alone, and you’re definitely not jumping in at the wrong time. Pittsburgh’s housing market has been gaining momentum, and whether you’re a first-time buyer or upgrading from your current place, it's smart to prepare yourself before diving in.
At the John Marzullo Team, we’ve walked hundreds of buyers through this process. We know exactly what to expect and what to avoid. In this blog, we’re sharing everything you need to know before you start your journey to buy houses in Pittsburgh and toward homeownership in the Steel City.
Let’s get into it.
Why Buying a House in Pittsburgh Is a Smart Move?
A Strong and Stable Market: Pittsburgh has consistently proven itself to be a solid, stable real estate market. Home values tend to appreciate steadily without the extreme ups and downs you’ll find in some other cities.
Affordable Compared to Other Cities: Compared to other metro areas, Pittsburgh still offers a lot of house for your money. That’s great news if you’re buying on a budget or trying to find a great value.
Neighborhood Variety: From historic row homes to sleek new builds, the Pittsburgh area offers a wide range of neighborhoods and home styles. Whether you’re drawn to the energy of Lawrenceville or the family-friendly feel of Mt. Lebanon, there’s something here for everyone.
Step One: Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage
We can’t say this enough: Get pre-approved before you start shopping. Not just pre-qualified, pre-approved. Here’s why:
- You’ll know exactly what you can afford.
- Sellers will take your offer more seriously.
- It gives you a competitive edge in multiple-offer situations.
If you’re not sure where to start, we can connect you with trusted local lenders who will walk you through everything.
Finding the Right Real Estate Agent in Pittsburgh
Here’s where we come in.
When you’re buying a home, especially in a competitive market, having a skilled, local real estate agent in Pittsburgh makes all the difference. We don’t just open doors, we guide, advise, negotiate, and advocate for you every step of the way.
What We Do for You
- We help you understand your local market.
- We set up showings based on your preferences.
- We help you make smart, competitive offers.
- We handle all the paperwork and deadlines (so you don’t have to).
We believe buying a home shouldn’t be stressful, and when you work with the right agent, it won’t be.
Know What You’re Looking For Before You Start
Before we hit the pavement (or open up that MLS feed), it helps to narrow down what matters most to you.
Ask Yourself:
- How many bedrooms and bathrooms do I need?
- Do I want a yard, garage, or finished basement?
- Is commute time important?
- Which school districts or neighborhoods appeal to me?
It’s okay if you don’t have all the answers yet; that’s what we’re here for. But the more clarity we have upfront, the better we can focus the search.
Don’t Skip the Home Inspection
Once your offer is accepted (woohoo!), It’s time for inspections.
A home inspection is one of the most important parts of the process. It tells you what’s going on behind the scenes, roof issues, electrical problems, foundation cracks, and more.
Here’s what we typically recommend:
- General home inspection
- Radon testing
- Termite inspection
- Sewer line scope (especially in older homes)
Yes, inspections cost money, but they can save you thousands down the road. And if something major comes up, we help you renegotiate or walk away if needed.
Understand Closing Costs (They’re Not Just the Down Payment)
When you buy houses in Pittsburgh, the down payment is only part of what you’ll need. Buyers also pay closing costs, which typically range from 2% to 5% of the home price.
These can include:
- Lender fees
- Title insurance
- Appraisal costs
- Homeowners insurance
- Property taxes
- Transfer taxes
We’ll help you estimate and plan for these upfront, so there are no surprises on closing day.
Timing Matters: But Don’t Try to “Time the Market”
We get this question all the time: “Is now a good time to buy?”
Here’s the truth: the best time to buy is when you’re ready.
Trying to time the market perfectly is like trying to catch the exact moment it stops raining. Instead, focus on your own readiness, financially, emotionally, and practically.
And when you’re ready, we’ll be ready too.
Be Prepared for Bidding Wars
In some Pittsburgh neighborhoods, competition can be fierce, especially in spring and summer. If we find a home you love, there’s a good chance other buyers love it too.
But don’t worry, we’ve got strategies.
How We Help You Compete:
- Strong, clean offers
- Personalized letters (if appropriate)
- Flexible timelines or rent-backs
- Solid communication with the listing agent
Our goal is always to help you win without overpaying.
Our Advice? Think Long-Term
Sure, you want a house that fits your life now, but also think about where you’ll be in 5 or 10 years.
- Planning to grow your family?
- Want to rent part of it out?
- Hoping for resale value in a few years?
Let’s keep those goals in mind while we search so your home works for you now and later.
What Sets Us Apart as a Real Estate Team?
We’re not here to “sell” you anything. We’re here to guide, educate, and advocate. Here’s how we approach every buyer relationship:
- Personalized service: You’re not just a number to us.
- No pressure, ever: We’re in this for the long haul.
- Local knowledge: We know Pittsburgh inside and out.
- Negotiation experts: We help you get the best deal possible.
When you work with the John Marzullo Team, you’re not just hiring a real estate agent in Pittsburgh; you’re gaining a team that truly cares about helping you find the right home.
What Happens After You Get the Keys?
Buying your home is just the beginning, and we don’t disappear after closing.
We’ll still be here for:
- Contractor recommendations
- Refinance questions
- Future buying/selling advice
- Market updates
Our goal is to be your real estate team for life, not just this one deal.
Ready to Start Your Home Search?
Whether you’re just starting to browse or you’re ready to tour homes this week, we’d love to be your guide.
Contact the John Marzullo Team today to schedule your buyer consultation. We’ll walk you through the process, answer all your questions, and get you started on the path to homeownership with confidence.
FAQs
- How long does the home-buying process take?
Most buyers close within 30-45 days after an accepted offer, but timing can vary based on financing and inspections. - How much do I need for a down payment?
That depends on your loan type. Some programs allow as little as 3% down. We’ll connect you with lenders who can explain your options. - Can I buy if I’m self-employed?
Yes! You’ll just need a bit more documentation, usually two years of income history. - What if I need to sell my current home first?
No problem. We help coordinate the timing so you can sell and buy smoothly, without ending up stuck in between.
Let’s Make Your Move Happen
Buying a house can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right team by your side, it can actually be exciting, smooth, and even fun. We’re here to make sure that happens.
So when you're ready to buy houses in Pittsburgh, trust the real estate agent Pittsburgh buyers rely on for results, with heart. Let’s get you home.