🧱 $4M Castles, Dirt Bikes at Acrisure, and the Market’s Still in a Mood

🏡 Real Estate Revelations

April 24, 2025 Edition | Read Online
The Market’s Shifting. The Dirt’s Flying. And One Bloomfield Burger Spot’s Already Got a Cult Following.

Last week, we broke down the chaos in buyer behavior, rates nearing 7%, and why that Treesdale estate was one of the most jaw-dropping listings to hit the market in years. This week? We’re keeping the momentum — but flipping the focus.

From an estate straight out of a medieval novel, to Supercross tearing up Acrisure Stadium for the first time in 42 years, to Dad’s Dog & Burger shaking up my own neighborhood, this issue hits everything you need to know in real estate, lifestyle, and local culture.

If your new here or reading this for the first time I’m Pittsburgh’s Go-To Realtor, Expert in Luxury Homes & Strategic Real Estate Solutions, and someone who’s proud to combine small-town roots with big-city results. Over the years, I’ve sold millions of dollars worth of real estate, met some incredible people, and had the privilege of helping them buy and sell some truly amazing properties.

Let’s get into it. ⬇️

🏰 Standout Property of the Week:

724 Bristlecone Dr — Castle Bristlecone

💰 $3,995,000 | 🛏 10 Beds | 🛁 13 Baths | 📐 23,500 Sq Ft | 📍 Gibsonia, PA (Pine-Richland SD)

Welcome to your very own private kingdom — set behind gates on 7 secluded acres, Castle Bristlecone is the most jaw-dropping property to hit the Pittsburgh market in years (yes, since this one).

Built in 2008 with old-money character and handcrafted detail, this estate spans 23,500+ square feet and features:

✅ 14 fireplaces — each a sculptural masterpiece
✅ 2-story library with Tiffany chandelier
✅ 10-seat theater, gym, sauna, full in-law suite
✅ Skybridge to the East Wing (yes, really — 16 closets included)
✅ 550-bottle wine barrel cellar + billiards room
✅ Resort-style saltwater pool with dual slides & waterfall
✅ 300+ stained-glass windows and Batman-themed office (cape not included)

📹 Watch the full video tour below:

📍 View full listing
📆 Showings by appointment only (proof of funds required)

📉 Mortgage & Market Snapshot (April 17–23, 2025)

Compared to the Same Period Last Year (Easter Week 2024)

🏦 Mortgage Rates:

📊 Pittsburgh Market Activity – Week-over-Week

📆 Same Week Last Year (Easter Week 2024)

📌 Bottom Line:
The holiday slowdown hit again, but buyers are still stepping up when homes are priced right. Rates are slightly down from last week, but still a drag on affordability. If you're listing soon — price tight, prep right, and get ahead of the May rush.

🎉 What’s Happening This Weekend in Pittsburgh?

🏍️ AMA SUPERCROSS RETURNS TO PITTSBURGH
📍 Acrisure Stadium | 🗓️ Saturday, April 26

For the first time since 1983, Monster Energy AMA Supercross is back in Pittsburgh — and it’s taking over Acrisure Stadium for one night only.

This marks a 42-year return since the last race at the old Three Rivers Stadium, making it one of the most anticipated motorsport events the city has seen in decades. Expect 40,000+ fans, electric energy, dirt flying, and the best riders in the world, including Jett Lawrence and Cooper Webb — plus Western PA’s own Vinny Luhovey representing the hometown crowd.

🎟️ Buy Tickets →
📰 Read the full Post-Gazette feature →
🎥 Watch the promo video →

Other events Happening This Weekend in the Burgh

Tacos. Telescopes. Food trucks. And thousands of rubber ducks. It’s peak Pittsburgh energy.

🌮 TACOMANIA: BRAWL AT THE BREW HOUSE
📍 Pittsburgh Brewing Co. | 🗓️ Saturday, April 26 | 🕑 2–8 PM
Twelve top chefs go head-to-head in Pittsburgh’s ultimate taco battle. You bring the appetite — they bring the heat.
🎟️ Get Tickets

🔭 SKYWATCH AT THE SCIENCE CENTER
📍 Carnegie Science Center | 🗓️ Friday, April 25 | 🕘 9–11 PM
Look up. Expert-led telescope tours + planetarium shows under the stars.
🎟️ Event Info

🛍️ MILLVALE SPRING MARKET DAY
📍 Downtown Millvale | 🗓️ Saturday, April 26 | 🕙 10 AM–4 PM
Over 50 vendors, live music, good food, and that cozy small-town vibe.
🎟️ RSVP Here

🦆 STEEL CITY DUCK DERBY
📍 Allegheny Commons Park | 🗓️ Saturday, April 26 | 🕚 11 AM–2 PM
Thousands of rubber ducks race down Lake Elizabeth to raise money for local causes. Quacky fun for a good cause.
🎟️ Adopt a Duck

🚚 BEST BITES: FOOD TRUCK EDITION
📍 Moon Park | 🗓️ Saturday, April 26 | 🕛 12–4 PM
The region’s best food trucks come together for one tasty afternoon.
🎟️ Event Details

🍓 Bonus Event: Bloomfield Saturday Market Kicks Off

📍 Liberty Ave at S. Taylor St. | 🗓️ Kicks off Saturday, May 3 | 🕘 9 AM–1 PM
Fresh produce, local vendors, and community energy in one of Pittsburgh’s most iconic neighborhoods.
🛒 See Market Info
🗓️ Runs weekly May 3–Nov 22

🗞️ Local Headlines That Actually Matter

Draft weekend, track builds, zoning wars, burger joints, and why your reno just got pricier.

🏈 It’s Draft Weekend — Here’s What the Steelers Might Do
The 2025 NFL Draft kicks off, and Pittsburgh is eyeing quarterback talent (including Shedeur Sanders) and interior dominance. Omar Khan’s playing chess — stay tuned.

🏍️ Supercross Buildout Stuns + Race Returns After 42 Years
A time-lapse track construction video shows just how massive this event is.
Also: Here’s why this Saturday marks history — the first AMA Supercross in Pittsburgh since 1983.

🏘️ New Zoning Proposal Could Impact Lot Sizes Across Pittsburgh
City Council is debating a minimum lot size bill that could affect infill development and new construction in denser neighborhoods.

🍔 New Diner Opening in Bloomfield — with a Twist
Dad’s Dog & Burger is taking over the old Tessaro’s location with a high-low menu, cocktails, and vibes straight out of Brooklyn — but Pittsburgh-priced.

🏗️ Real Estate Feels the Drag — Spring Market Sluggish, Tariffs Hit Builders
According to the Business Times real estate report, listings are up but buyer activity is soft. Meanwhile, tariff uncertainty is making pricing unpredictable and builder costs are rising across the board.

🌎 Climate Change is Now a Homebuyer Concern — Seriously
A new Redfin-backed study shows a growing number of buyers are factoring flood zones, fire risks, and insurance premiums into their home search. It's not just coastal — Pittsburgh isn’t off the hook.

🧠 TL;DR — What You Need to Know This Week

• Steelers could draft Shedeur Sanders. Draft weekend is here and the front office is dialed in.

• Supercross takes over Acrisure. First time since 1983 — the track build alone is wild.

• Pittsburgh zoning shake-up ahead? Council’s looking at lot size minimums.

• New Bloomfield diner alert. Dad’s Dog & Burger brings cocktails + comfort food.

• Builders sweating tariffs. Prices are rising fast and so is buyer hesitation.

• Climate risk = real estate risk. Yes, even in Pittsburgh.

🧠 Real Estate Tip of the Week

Price drops are rising — here’s how to avoid becoming one.

This past week alone, 492 sellers dropped their price in the Pittsburgh region. Why? Because they started too high, listened to vibes instead of data, or assumed “spring” means “sold.”

Here’s the truth:

✅ Buyers are smart. They see the comps.
✅ AI pricing tools exist — your “gut” isn't beating the algorithm.
✅ Overpricing doesn’t leave room to negotiate — it leaves you out of the conversation entirely.
✅ The longer you sit, the worse your leverage gets. Days on market are the enemy.

And if you're not sure what “right” looks like in your zip code?
That’s literally what I’m here for. Text me. (412-585-6006)

🍴 Bonus Bite: Dad’s Dog & Burger — Now Open in Bloomfield

📍 4606 Liberty Ave | 🕐 11 AM–11 PM Daily

Right in my own neighborhood, this new Bloomfield staple just took over the old Tessaro’s spot — and it’s already a hit.

Dad’s Dog & Burger brings high-low diner vibes with legit creativity: duck fat tots, truffle burgers, dirty dogs, boozy milkshakes, and a whole lot of character.

📰 Check out the full write-up from Pittsburgh Magazine

Thinking About Buying or Selling?

Let’s chat about how to navigate Pittsburgh’s real estate market. Whether you’re looking to buy, sell, or invest, I’m here to help. Hit reply, or schedule a consultation here: 15 Min Consultation

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Thanks for letting me be a part of your inbox this week! I hope you found these insights helpful, whether you're a curious Pittsburgher, a buyer, a seller, or an investor. As always, I’m here to answer any real estate questions or just chat about the market.

Wishing you a wonderful week ahead,
Tim

Tim Pettigrew
Realtor | eXp Realty
📍 Serving Pittsburgh and Surrounding Areas
📞 412-545-6006 | ✉️ [email protected]
🌐 Visit My Website

Disclaimer:
This email is intended for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a solicitation if your property is currently listed with another broker. All real estate information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Please consult a professional for specific advice.

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