No Fountain, No Power, No Chill — Just May in Pittsburgh

🏡 Real Estate Revelations

May 2, 2025 Edition | Read Online
Flooded streets, fountain shutdowns, fiesta weekends, and one waterfront property with serious “let’s never leave” energy.

This week’s been wild.
Storms knocked out power for nearly half the county, the Point fountain is offline (again), and just about every neighborhood in Pittsburgh is prepping for marathon madness, Derby day chaos, and tequila-fueled Cinco de Mayo bar crawls.

Meanwhile, I’ve been eating Lot 17 like it’s a food group, moving houses (wish me luck), and touring one of the most peaceful waterfront escapes I’ve seen in years.

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:

Waterfront Escape on Crooked Creek

📍 209 Claypoole Rd, Ford City, PA | 💰 $749,900 | 🛏 4 Beds | 🛁 3 Baths | 📐 2,500+ sq ft (approx)

Perched on Crooked Creek with unabridged access to the Allegheny River — this is your escape.

Tucked into nearly 2 private, wooded acres, this riverfront retreat hits that rare balance between getaway cabin and full-time residence. Inside, you’re welcomed by a vaulted great room, cozy stone fireplace, and wall-to-wall windows that bring the outside in.

The screened-in porch? Built for breezy summer nights. The private dock? Already waiting for your pontoon, jet ski, or kayak. Add in three garage bays and ample parking, and you’re set up to host everyone — or no one at all.

✅ Waterfront access
✅ Private boat dock
✅ Vaulted ceilings, garage space, and serious getaway vibes

🔗 View Full Listing & Photos

📉 Mortgage & Market Snapshot (April 25 – May 2, 2025)

🔻 Mortgage Rates: Trending Up Again

The 30-year fixed rate jumped to 6.90%, marking a +0.07% increase from last week. FHA and VA loans climbed even more — each up by 0.08%.

🏘️ Market Activity: Inventory’s Up, Closings Surged

Compared to the post-Easter slowdown, we saw a serious rebound in the last 7 days:

• 🆕 New Listings: 768 (🔺 Up from 650 last week)

• 🏡 Homes Sold: 776 (🔺 Up from 417 last week)

• 📉 Price Reductions: 559

• 📦 Under Contract: 273

• ⏳ DOM Median (Sold): 20 days

💡 Key Takeaway:

The market isn’t dead — it’s demanding. Inventory is back, rates are up, and price sensitivity is real. But when a property is dialed in and priced right? It’s moving fast — 20 days on market fast.

🎉 What’s Happening This Weekend in Pittsburgh?

Marathon energy, tacos + tequila, Derby hats, and patio vibes — here’s your guide to the first weekend of May.

🌮 Cinco de Mayo Weekend Events

Marathon to Cinco
📍 @buena_tarde_pgh + @el_sabor_pgh | 🗓 May 2–5
Finish-line meets fiesta. Food and drink specials, events, and nonstop energy all weekend.
📸 More info here

Tacos & Tequila Bar Crawl
📍 South Side | 🗓 May 3
The name says it all. Bar Crawl Live is hosting the official South Side takeover with tacos, tequila, and full Cinco energy.
🎟️ Eventbrite Tickets

🏃‍♀️ Race Day: The Pittsburgh Marathon

2025 DICK’S Sporting Goods Marathon
📍 Downtown Pittsburgh | 🗓 May 4
One of the city’s most iconic events. Whether you’re running, spectating, or brunching nearby — the energy downtown is going to be electric.
🔗 Race Info & Map

👒 The Kentucky Derby: Watch Parties & Wagers

Main Event — Derby Watch Party @ Pittsburgh Brewing Co.
📍 Pittsburgh Brewing Co. | 🗓 May 3
Mint juleps, riverside views, big screens, and live entertainment — dress to impress.
🎟️ More Details

Bonus Derby Events

• 🎩 The Derby Day Party @ The Joinery

• 🐎 Leaning Cask Brewing Co. Celebration

🥂 Nightlife & Local Vibes

Ladies Night Out: Moms Edition
📍 Kingfly Spirits | 🗓 May 2
Celebrate motherhood (or just being fabulous) with cocktails, vendors, and woman-owned businesses.
🎟️ Eventbrite Tickets

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Goldmark Patio Season Opener
📍 The Goldmark, Butler St | 🗓 May 4
DJ sets, strong drinks, and sunshine. One of Lawrenceville’s best patios is back in action.
📸 See the vibe

🗞️ Headlines That Actually Matter

Storms, shutdowns, construction, and a city bracing for its biggest stage.

⛈️ 400,000+ Lose Power as Wednesday’s Storm Wrecks Western PA
This wasn’t “just another storm.” With winds topping 60mph and trees snapping like twigs, nearly half of Allegheny County lost power — over 400,000 customers total across the region. Whole blocks went dark. Some areas still are.
I didn’t realize how bad it was until I saw the roads the next morning. Debris everywhere. If you’ve got showings or contractors scheduled — give grace.
📰 See storm coverage →

🚧 Point State Park Fountain Closed for Repairs — and It Has to Be Ready
It’s not just a summer backdrop — that fountain is a Pittsburgh icon. But now, just months before the NFL Draft floods the city in 2026, it's undergoing critical system upgrades and infrastructure repairs.
Let’s be real: the whole world will be watching, and this is one of the places they’ll come. It’s gotta be flawless.
📰 Details on the shutdown →

🏗️ Lawrenceville’s Next Big Development Breaks Ground
On 39th & Foster, a new $35M+ mixed-use project just started — with apartments, retail, and a public plaza. It’s dense, urban, and exactly the kind of development pushing values in premium pockets of PGH.
📰 More from PBJ →

📉 Home Insurance Costs Are Quietly Crippling Buyers
Rates may dominate the headlines, but home insurance premiums are up over 11%, and it’s hammering affordability — especially in older homes, river towns, and places with dated infrastructure.
Sellers: if your buyer disappears after the quote comes back… now you know why.
📰 Full breakdown →

📦 Tariffs Have Developers Nervous — and They Should Be
New cost pressures from international tariffs are already hitting Pittsburgh manufacturers like Howmet and Wesco. That ripple effect? Longer timelines, more expensive materials, and thinner profit margins across new construction.
If you’re planning a rehab, reno, or flip: price buffers aren’t optional anymore.
📰 What’s happening →

📊 City Controller: Revenue’s Up, But So Is Spending
Pittsburgh’s annual financial report just dropped. The verdict? We’re recovering — but not fast enough. Budget gaps still loom. Development is driving growth, but pressure is building under the surface.
📰 Full report →

🏁 Marathon Week = Pittsburgh on Parade
Barricades are up, signs are posted, and over 30,000 runners are expected to take over the city this Sunday. It’s one of Pittsburgh’s biggest economic weekends of the year — hotels, restaurants, and bars will be slammed.
Pro tip: if you’re showing houses or hitting brunch — plan around the chaos.
🎥 CBS’s prep coverage →

🧠 TL;DR — Read & Skim Recap

For when you're scrolling at red lights (not that you’d admit it):

• 🏡 Standout Property: Waterfront getaway on Crooked Creek with dock access and room for serious memory-making.

• 📉 Rates: 30-year fixed creeps up to 6.90%. Pricing is king.

• 🏘️ Market: Inventory up. Closings doubled. Price drops still strong.

• 🌮 Weekend: Marathon, Cinco de Mayo, Derby parties, and patio season kicks off.

• 🧱 Headlines: 400k lost power, Point fountain shuts down, Lawrenceville’s booming, insurance costs spike, and tariffs tighten timelines.

• 🧠 Pro Tip: Home warranties are your best friend when your AC wheezes louder than your buyer’s lender.

🧠 Real Estate Tip of the Week

Buyers don’t fall in love with your house — they fall in love with the story you tell.

Selling your home? Then you’re not just offering square footage. You’re offering lifestyle. Possibility. Vibe.

🛑 Stop saying:

✅ Start showing:

The best listings read like an invitation — not a spreadsheet.

Pro tip: Walk through your house and ask yourself, what would I brag about if I were a guest here?
That’s what we lead with in the listing.

Want help figuring out the right story for your house? Text me: 412-545-6006 — I do this every day.

🍴 Bonus Bite: Lot 17 — Bloomfield’s Best-Kept “Not-So-Secret”

📍 4617 Liberty Ave | 🌐 lot17pgh.com

I think I’ve written about this place before… but man, it’s just too good not to bring up again.
Can you tell I had it the other day? Yeah — still thinking about it.

Right in the heart of Bloomfield — Pittsburgh’s Little Italy and my current stomping grounds — Lot 17 is my neighborhood go-to. My watering hole. My “don’t feel like cooking” savior. My “just one drink” spot that turns into three. And the food? Gah dang.

My personal Mount Rushmore:

• 🥩 Jalapeño Steak Wrap

• 🥪 Chicken Parm Sammy

• 🍔 Patty Melt (might be the best in the city, no lie)

Cool place to vibe, grab a drink, and shoot the breeze with locals (like me). Bartenders are 🔥, but honestly — if the food weren’t this bleepin’ good, I wouldn’t be there all the time. That’s what keeps me coming back. Oh — and the takeout’s dialed too.

It’s one of our staples — and luckily for me, even though I’m moving… it’s only a few blocks away 😎

Oh — and if you see me driving a U-haul or hauling boxes this weekend, throw me a wave (or a coffee). I’m moving! Just a few blocks over, into Lawrenceville (where all the cool kids live.. apparently). Wish me luck — and yes, I’m still ordering Lot 17 takeout mid-move. Some things never change. 😅

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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