Welcome to this week’s edition of The Pittsburgh Pulse — Pittsburgh first, real estate second.
If you’re new here, I’m Tim Pettigrew — a proud Pittsburgh native and local real estate advisor. I’m out on the city streets every week, paying attention to what’s changing, what’s opening, what people are talking about, and how it all connects back to the places we live.
Quick note on the name: this started as Real Estate Revelations, became Steel City Weekly, and now lives here as The Pittsburgh Pulse. I’ve been refining the identity along the way — and right now, this feels like the right home.
Each week, I break down what’s happening in Pittsburgh — and when it matters, what homeowners and buyers actually need to know — without the fluff.
If You Live in Pittsburgh, Read This
This isn’t “a little snow.” The latest forecasts point to a significant snowfall event this weekend. In Pittsburgh that means more than a pretty dusting. Expect conditions to change fast and for the city to slow down — or shut down — once accumulation starts.
Hills + tight streets + bridges = the real challenge. If you live on a hill, remember: getting up doesn’t guarantee getting back down. Narrow side streets may not see a plow for a while, and our bridges freeze before the roads. Plan errands early and be ready to stay put.
Be your own DPW. Grab salt, swap your furnace filter and check your heat now rather than when it’s already freezing. If you rent, test your heater before the temperature drops.
Context: The last time Pittsburgh saw snowfall on this scale was Snowmageddon in February 2010, when more than 21 inches of snow buried cars and kept plow crews working around the clock. An even bigger blast, the Storm of the Century in March 1993, dumped 23.6 inches and still couldn’t stop the St. Patrick’s Day parade. This weekend’s forecast puts us in that same neighborhood, so plan accordingly.
👉 Don’t wing this storm — here’s the guide
I turned this into a quick Pittsburgh Snow Survival Guide you can skim or share — hills, bridges, plow timing, and where people get stuck every time.
Built for Pittsburgh — not generic winter advice.
Big Stories
Steelers head coach search continues. For the first time since 2007, the Steelers are without a head coach. After interviewing defensive-minded Brian Flores, offensive veteran Mike McCarthy and Rams assistant Chris Shula, the Rooney family has yet to make a hire. Expect a decision soon as the team looks for stability heading into free agency.
Trump’s investor order may fizzle. President Trump signed an executive order directing federal agencies to stop sales of single-family homes to “institutional investors” and prioritize individual buyers. Housing economists note that institutional investors account for less than 2 % of U.S. single-family purchases, and the order mostly restricts federal support rather than cash buyers. Without a clear definition of “institutional investor” and with carve-outs for build-to-rent communities, experts say the policy is unlikely to meaningfully improve affordability.
What Changed This Week (Pittsburgh Edition)
The market keeps moving even in mid‑winter. Over the last seven days there were 477 new listings and 372 sales across the Pittsburgh metro area, while 378 price drops far outnumbered 20 price increases. A further 457 homes went contingent and 222 went under contract. Mortgage rates continue to hover around six percent: Mortgage News Daily’s index puts the 30‑year fixed at about 6.19 % and the 15‑year fixed at 5.76 %. Other national averages show the 30‑year at 5.99 % and the 15‑year at 5.37 %.
What it means: Slightly lower rates and more price reductions give buyers a bit more breathing room. If you’re thinking about purchasing, lock a rate soon and consider making offers before the spring rush. Sellers should prepare for negotiations and make sure their homes show well despite the snow — staging matters even when buyers are wearing boots.
Yinz Gotta See This
What does $800K get you on Grandview Avenue? This week’s standout property is a luxury condo at 111 Grandview Ave #1003 on Mt. Washington. Here’s why it caught my eye:
Panoramic views: Floor-to-ceiling windows frame sweeping vistas of downtown Pittsburgh and the rivers.
Spacious layout: With 2 bedrooms, 2 baths and 2,130 sq ft, the open living/dining area features hardwood floors and tons of natural light.
Chef’s kitchen & wet bar: A modern kitchen with stainless-steel appliances flows into a built-in wet bar — perfect for entertaining.
Spa-like primary suite: The owner’s suite includes a walk-in closet and en-suite bath with a steam shower.
Amenities & convenience: The building offers two parking spots, guest parking, a guest suite, fitness center and residents’ lounge, all within walking distance of shops and the iconic overlook.
Listed at $799,900, this condo shows what $800K buys in Mt. Washington. Click here for photos and details. If you’d like a private tour, hit reply — I’d love to show it to you.
Pittsburgh IRL
Quick hits to keep you oriented in the city — even if you don’t leave the house.
🍝 Capozoli’s (South Side)
A new BYOB Italian spot on East Carson Street serving classic, family-style dishes with a slightly elevated touch. If you’re craving comfort food that still feels like a night out, this one’s worth bookmarking.🍕 F&F Pizzeria (Mt. Lebanon)
A Brooklyn-born pizza favorite has officially landed in Pittsburgh. This is their first location outside New York, and early buzz says it lives up to the hype — expect more locations soon.🍦 Leona’s Ice Cream (Garfield)
A dedicated scoop shop from a local brand known for lactose-free ice cream sandwiches. Creative flavors, feel-good ingredients, and an easy excuse to brave the cold for dessert.🍔 Moonlit Burgers (Garfield)
The smash-burger spot that started as a pop-up keeps growing. A new Penn Avenue location is opening this month, adding to their expanding Pittsburgh footprint.🍹 Sea Monkey (Strip District)
A newly opened lounge bringing tropical energy to Smallman Street. Think winter escape vibes, strong cocktails, and a space built for lingering longer than planned.
This Weekend (No Overthinking)
Feast & Falconry – Fri, Jan 23 at the National Aviary. Hear ye, hear ye – enjoy a multi-course renaissance-themed dinner while licensed falconer Cathy Schlott presents live birds of prey. It’s a one-night escape into medieval pageantry right in the North Side.
World of Wheels Custom Car Show – Fri–Sun, Jan 23–25 at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. Browse hundreds of custom and classic cars, meet industry experts and take the kids to see live demonstrations and interactive exhibits. Tickets are $26–$28 for adults, $7–$8 for ages 6–12 and free for kids 5 and under.
Curtain Call: A 50-Year Celebration of Super Bowl X – Sat, Jan 24 at Stage AE. Revisit the dynasty-defining 1976 Steelers season with legends like Rocky Bleier, Joe Greene and Jack Ham. Hear behind-the-scenes stories, watch game highlights and join an on-stage panel discussion celebrating Pittsburgh’s football history.
PS
Pittsburgh weather can be unpredictable, but your real estate journey doesn’t have to be. If you have questions about buying, selling or just want to chat about the market (or the snow!), reply to this email. I’m here to help — snow or shine.
