🧨 Markets Shook, Mezcal Poured, and Pittsburgh Got Promoted

Inside: A stock market nosedive, ‘New Ivy’ status for local universities, a mezcal must-try, and the home that’ll make you rethink city living.

Hey there, Pittsburgh!

Stock markets tumbled, Pittsburgh’s college cred soared, and a new Mexican cantina is stirring up buzz in Lawrenceville.
This week’s edition is packed: two standout homes you’ve got to see to believe, a mezcal cocktail worth rearranging your weekend for, and headlines that hit everything from rising real estate trends to national economic jitters. Whether you're planning your next move, your next meal, or just trying to stay one step ahead—I've got you covered.

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. ⬇️

Pittsburgh Events

🎉 What’s Happening This Weekend in Pittsburgh?

🎸 Rock Nostalgia – Disturbed’s 25th Anniversary Tour
Ready to get down with "The Sickness"? Metal legends Disturbed celebrate 25 years of their iconic album at PPG Paints Arena, Saturday, April 5 at 6:30 PM. Special guests include Daughtry and Nothing More—perfect for rocking out like it’s 2000.

⚾️ Opening Day Magic – Pirates vs. Yankees
Batter up, Pittsburgh! The Pirates home opener hits PNC Park this Friday, April 4 at 4:12 PM, against the Yankees. Gates open at 2 PM—grab your gear, it’s game time.

🌸 Springtime Spectacle – Cherry Blossom Festival
Spring is blooming at North Park. Celebrate Pittsburgh’s annual Sakura Festival this Saturday, April 5, from 2–4 PM, featuring cultural performances, delicious food, and serene strolls beneath the cherry blossoms.

🎤 Laughs Guaranteed – Sheryl Underwood’s Mix & Mingle Tour
Comedy royalty Sheryl Underwood headlines the Pittsburgh Improv on Friday, April 4, with shows at 7:00 PM & 9:30 PM. Prepare yourself—your sides will thank you later.

👀 Still looking for plans? See the full event guide →

Standout Properties

🏡 Standout Homes of the Week

🏡 Mount Washington Marvel – Sleek. Smart. Showstopping.
If you’ve been waiting for a home that actually checks every modern box, this is it. 646 Science Street is a custom-designed stunner by Cipriani Studios in Bailey Park, one of Mount Washington’s most coveted pockets. Think soaring ceilings, two bioethanol fireplaces, a floating staircase, and city views that would make a drone jealous.

And it doesn’t stop there—this place is dripping in smart tech, a gourmet kitchen, wet bar, and an owner’s suite with a private balcony. Oh, and did we mention the rooftop deck? It’s basically a skyline sanctuary. Listed at $1,275,000, this 3-bed, 3.5-bath architectural flex is where luxury meets innovation.

📍 Want to see more? Explore the full listing →

🏡 Suburban Luxe – 1072 Breezewood Dr, Cecil Township
Welcome to a home that redefines suburban sophistication. Located in the coveted Alto Piano community, this 5-bed, 4-bath contemporary estate delivers modern luxury without the city noise. Think: matte black brick, a three-car garage, and a pool that screams summer soirées.

Inside? It's all about elevated living. The first-floor owner's suite is a true retreat, with a spa-like ensuite, steam shower, and walk-in closet dreams are made of. The gourmet kitchen is show-stopping, featuring quartz countertops, a sprawling island, a café appliance package, and a hidden butler's pantry that could go viral on TikTok.

Need space for guests, family, or a hybrid office setup? Upstairs features four generous bedrooms, perfect for whatever your lifestyle demands.

Outside, entertain or unwind with your private in-ground pool and lush patio—all just minutes from Southpointe’s golf, dining, and more.

📍 Listed at $1,195,000
🔗 See full listing here →
🎥 Video tour here →

Local Eats

🌮 Must-Try This Week: Mezcal – Lawrenceville

Tucked into the ever-buzzing Butler Street corridor, Mezcal is Pittsburgh’s newest love letter to Oaxacan tradition — and it doesn’t whisper. It sings.

Inside, the space feels like a sultry midnight in Mexico City: dim lighting, earthy tile, and enough agave on the backbar to satisfy the most discerning spirit collector. But it’s the food that holds the spotlight. Smoky tlayudas layered with slow-cooked carnitas, handmade tortillas that fold like velvet, and a mole that tastes like someone’s abuela snuck into the kitchen.

And then there’s the mezcal menu — curated like a sommelier’s wine list, complete with tasting notes, region breakdowns, and a staff that treats every pour like a story.

It’s not trying to be trendy. It’s aiming for timeless. And judging by the buzz (and wait times), it might just get there.

📍 Mezcal – 3716 Butler Street, Pittsburgh
🥃 Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu mezcal flight. It’s where the magic happens.


📌 And if you’re looking for more of my go-to eats in the city, I’ve got you: Check out my custom Pittsburgh food map.

📉 Market & Interest Rate Snapshot – April 04, 2025

💰 Mortgage Rates (as of 4/03/25)

Lowest mortgage rates in over 5 months.

💰 Mortgage Rates (as of 4/3/25)

Type

Rate

Change

30-Year Fixed

6.63%

⬇️ 0.12%

15-Year Fixed

6.05%

⬇️ 0.09%

FHA 30-Year

6.07%

⬇️ 0.08%

VA 30-Year

6.09%

⬇️ 0.08%

10-Year Treasury

4.029%

⬇️ 0.09%

📈 Market Activity – Pittsburgh (Past 7 Days)

  • 🌱 New Listings: 758

  •  Homes Under Contract: 897 (Contingent + Under Contract)

  • 🏡 Homes Sold: 523

  • 💸 Median Sale Price: $235,000 (⬆️ from $222,000)

  • ⏱️ Avg. Days on Market: 65 (⬆️ from 62)

💡 What This Means
📉 Buyers: Rates are at their lowest since last fall — and spring inventory is rolling in. It's a good moment to make moves.
📊 Sellers: Listings are up, and homes priced right are still landing at 98.68% of list. But with longer days on market creeping in, accuracy is everything.

📌 Special Note: This data includes Allegheny, Butler, Beaver, Washington, and Westmoreland counties. These stats reflect single-family homes only—if you're looking for multi-family investment data, email me

Local Headlines

📰 Local Headlines: What Pittsburgh's Buzzing About

📉 Wall Street Chaos: Dow Tumbles 1,600 Points in One Day
In its most dramatic single-day drop since 2020, the Dow plunged 1,600 points, sending shockwaves through investor confidence and rattling economic forecasts. Fueled by fears over rising inflation and escalating tariff wars, the selloff triggered automatic halts and wiped out billions in market value—raising big questions about what’s next.

📰 Local Headlines – 🎓 Pitt & CMU Earn a New Ivy Crown
In a move sure to boost school spirit, Forbes has officially dubbed Pitt and Carnegie Mellon University part of the “New Ivies,” recognizing them for academic rigor, innovation, and growing prestige on the national stage.

📈 Trump Tariffs Could Cost You $3,800 a Year
A new report warns that tariffs proposed by the Trump administration could add thousands in annual household expenses, with Pittsburgh’s working class expected to feel the brunt through rising costs on goods and services.

💸 Consumer Spending in Pittsburgh May Dip
As the tariff talk heats up, Pittsburgh economists suggest local consumer spending could slow, especially among younger homebuyers already stretched thin by inflation and housing costs.

🏡 The Realtors Are Watching: National Spotlight on Pittsburgh
The National Association of Realtors just profiled Pittsburgh in its “Market in Focus” series—citing our balance of affordability and strong demand, even as inventory remains tight and buyers stay cautious.

📊 Spring Market Awakens—But Not Without Hurdles
In a recent deep-dive, the Post-Gazette breaks down the spring housing landscape, noting that while demand is growing, competition and pricing are making this season one of the trickiest for would-be buyers.

📉 Wall Street Chaos: Dow Tumbles 1,600 Points in One Day
In its most dramatic single-day drop since 2020, the Dow plunged 1,600 points, sending shockwaves through investor confidence and rattling economic forecasts. Fueled by fears over rising inflation and escalating tariff wars, the selloff triggered automatic halts and wiped out billions in market value—raising big questions about what’s next.

🧠 Real Estate Tip of the Week

Avoid the #1 Pricing Trap: Chasing the Market
Sellers, here’s the brutal truth: overpricing in a shifting market doesn’t just slow down your sale—it can cost you more in the long run. When you list too high and then reduce, your home can become "stale," leading buyers to wonder what's wrong.

Instead, price with precision from day one. Leverage current comps, factor in your home's condition, and trust your agent’s guidance. The first two weeks on market are when your home gets the most attention—don’t waste that window.

You just need a starting point.
➡️ Take the 60-second Game Plan for Homeownership and see how close you really are.

Your future home might be a lot closer than you think.

📝 Recent Blog Posts You May Have Missed

📌 7 Essential Home Buyer Tips Most People Overlook
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💳 Credit Card Payment Hacks to Improve Your Home Buying Power
Want to boost your financial profile for a mortgage? These smart strategies can help. Check it out →

🏡 Real Estate Revelations: Fresh Market Trends & Weekend Highlights
Get the latest insights on Pittsburgh’s housing market and what’s happening around town. Catch up here →

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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