Football’s Back. So Is Buyer Leverage.

Sept. 5, 2025 Edition | Read Online

Fall energy is in the air — football is back, big shows are hitting PPG, and Pittsburgh’s real estate market is shifting right along with the seasons. This newsletter’s all about keeping it short, sharp, and worth your scroll.

If you’re new here — I’m Tim Pettigrew, Pittsburgh’s go-to Realtor. I’ve sold millions in real estate and helped folks buy and sell some amazing homes. Now, I’m giving you the pulse of the 412 (814 & 724) every week.

Let’s get into it →

Mortgage rates ticked slightly higher this week — but still remain near 2024 territory.

• 30-yr fixed: 6.29% (+0.02%)

• 15-yr fixed: 5.72% (+0.02%)

• FHA: 6.00% (+0.03%)

• VA: 6.01% (+0.02%)

Allegheny County Numbers (Sept. 5–12):

• 🏠 New listings: 782 → steady flow of fresh inventory

• 🔻 Price reductions: 771 → cuts nearly equal to new listings

• ✅ Closed sales: 551 → avg. $280K | median $240K

• ⏱ Days on market: Median 28 days

National & Local Signals:

• 🏦 Fed Watch: Markets are betting on a rate cut next week, with odds rising that 2025 sees three cuts total. That could pull mortgage rates even lower if inflation data keeps cooperating.

• 🏗 New construction: The Pittsburgh metro issued about 402 new housing permits in July. Developers are slowly ramping up, especially in multifamily, though the city still lags many peers in new supply.

• 📉 Rates nationally: Freddie Mac’s survey put the average 30-yr mortgage at 6.35% last week — the lowest in almost a year.

The Bigger Picture:
Locally, sellers are trimming prices almost as fast as new homes hit the market. Nationally, all eyes are on the Fed. If rate cuts come through, affordability gets a boost — but new construction isn’t keeping pace in Pittsburgh, which means supply constraints may linger.

👉 Translation: In the short term, buyers have leverage. Longer term, if rates ease and construction doesn’t keep up, Pittsburgh’s affordability squeeze could come back stronger.

🏠 Yinz. Gotta See This

When I think “prime Pittsburgh,” this is it. Squirrel Hill is one of the city’s most walkable neighborhoods. If you like to get out of the house, you’ll love it here — cafés, bars, and restaurants just steps away. And you’re dead center between Schenley Park and Frick Park. Walk there, ride your bike, live outside as much as inside.

Now, the house itself. Solid brick construction with a covered front porch that’s straight-up perfect. A little front yard to set it off just right. Step inside and you’re hit with classic 1900’s architecture — natural wood, hardwood floors, pocket doors, and yes, six fireplaces.

The kitchen blew me away. It’s huge, open, and high-end — a rare find in a home of this era. BlueStar range, custom cabinetry, and enough space to actually gather while cooking. Add in spacious rooms built for entertaining, a finished basement, and even a backyard, and you’ve got a package that checks every box.

Quick Hits:

• 🛏 6 bedrooms / 4.5 baths → nearly 4,600 sq. ft.

• 🔥 6 fireplaces → warmth and character in every corner

• 🍳 Chef’s kitchen with BlueStar range + custom cabinetry

• 🏛 Natural wood trim, hardwood floors, and pocket doors

• 🌳 Private backyard + incredible covered front porch

• 📍 Steps from shops, cafés, Schenley & Frick Park

💰 List Price: $1,275,000
📅 Open House: Sunday, Sept. 14 from 11–1 PM

🍺 Pittsburgh Life

The city’s alive again — football, big shows, new openings, and projects shaping the 412.

Quick Hits:

• 🏈 Steelers Home Opener — First game at Acrisure this season, Sunday at 1 PM EST vs. the Seahawks. Expect the city to shut down.

• 🎶 Eric Church takes over PPG Paints tonight, Sept. 12 at 7 PM. Country fans, this one’s for you.

• 🏗 Lower Hill Music Venue — Construction is moving fast. Soon, Pittsburgh will have a brand-new spot for big acts right in the historic Hill District.

• 🐕 Hound Haus just opened in East Liberty — an all-day café and dog-friendly bar where you can grab coffee or cocktails while your pup hangs out.

• ✈️ $1.7 Billion Airport Redesign — Pittsburgh International’s massive facelift is on pace for completion. The countdown to a modern travel hub is on.

🎯 Weekend Radar – Sept 12–14

• 🎢 Phantom Fall Fest @ Kennywood – Daytime = rides, treats, and fall vibes. Nighttime = six haunted houses + four scare zones. Pick your poison.

• 🌉 Bridge Fest – Clemente Bridge shuts down Saturday for food trucks, live music, and a fundraiser celebrating #21 himself. $21 gets you in.

• 🎃 Pumkingfest 2025 – Southern Tier throws the ultimate pumpkin-beer block party. Streets closed, taps flowing, music blasting.

• 🤘 Four Chord Music Fest – Punk’s not dead, it just moved to EQT Park. Two days, stacked lineup, plenty of crowd-surfing.

• 🍺 Green Tree Octoberfest – Family-friendly daytime fun, fireworks at night. Grab a stein and let the kids run wild.

• 🐶 Great Pup-kin Race – Sunday at The Waterfront. Tiny dogs, silly costumes, full-speed chaos. Tell me that’s not worth watching.