Price Cuts, Police Raids at a drag show, and a Unicorn in Lawrenceville

🏡 Real Estate Revelations

May 9, 2025 Edition | Read Online

Some weeks are quiet. This was not one of them.

Pittsburgh’s real estate market is heating up faster than the weather — listings are flooding the market (I have 5 upcoming alone), price cuts are everywhere, and the “1st Home Allegheny” program just dropped with $2.6 million for first-time buyers. Not enough drama? Well, how about a police raid at a drag show, a roller coaster making a comeback, and a fox den collapse caught on camera? Yeah, it’s been a week.

Meanwhile, We’ve got a unicorn listing in Lawrenceville with a rooftop bar and a private saltwater pool (no, really), a fresh batch of can’t-miss weekend events, and a bonus bite featuring one of Pittsburgh’s best spots for flame-grilled Argentinian magic.

If you're new here, 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:

4820 Harrison St – A Luxe Urban Unicorn in Lawrenceville

💰 $1,325,000 | 🛏 3 Beds | 🛁 2.5 Baths | 📐 3,396 sq ft | 📍 Lawrenceville

Oh my gosh — this house. THIS HOUSE. It’s a four-story, architectural masterpiece with an elevator — an ELEVATOR — that takes you from the ground floor to the rooftop, where you have a private bar. A bar. With a view. But that’s just the start.

There’s a saltwater pool built right into the side of the house — a pool that’s tucked away like a hidden oasis in the middle of the city. It’s got heated floors in the primary suite because your feet deserve luxury. And an infrared sauna because sometimes you need to sweat out your regrets in style. And a chef’s kitchen with a waterfall island that’s basically saying, “I’m better than your kitchen.”

But it doesn’t stop there. Oh no. It has a two-car garage with EV charging because the future is now. And a smart home system that basically means your house is smarter than you. A rooftop lounge with an indoor/outdoor bar that screams “party at my place.” And the views — oh, the views — you can see the city stretch out before you like it’s your own personal skyline.

It’s the kind of house that makes you want to whisper to yourself, “I didn’t know houses could be this cool.”

Phew. That was a lot. But really — this house is something special. I mean it. You will not find another one like it. Not in Lawrenceville. Not in Pittsburgh. Nowhere.

🔗 View Full Listing & Photos
📹 Video Tour →

📉 Market & Mortgage Snapshot

🔻 Mortgage Rates: Holding Steady but Still High
The 30-year fixed rate dipped slightly to 6.89%, a minor -0.01% change from last week. But don't let that fool you — we’re still flirting with 7%. Here's the full breakdown:

📉 Market Activity: Listings Surge, Price Cuts Continue
The local market bounced back this week, with listings up and sellers adjusting to keep pace:

• 🆕 New Listings: 760 (🔺 Up from 650 last week)

• 📉 Price Reductions: 596 (🔺 Up from 559 last week)

• 🏡 Homes Sold: 625 (🔻 Down slightly from 776 last week)

• 📦 Under Contract: 329 (🔺 Up from 273 last week)

• ⏳ Median Days on Market: 22 (a slight uptick, signaling buyers are being picky)

💡 Key Takeaway:

The market is sending a clear message: Price it right, or prepare to wait. Nearly 600 properties saw price reductions this week, but those that hit the sweet spot are still moving fast. With rates hovering near 7%, buyers are cautious — but they’re still out there.

🎉 What’s Happening This Weekend in Pittsburgh?

Your weekend is here, and Pittsburgh is bringing the energy. Whether you’re into live music, outdoor adventures, or mystery dinners, there’s something for everyone.

🎺 Pittonkatonk May Day Spectacular

📍 Vietnam Veterans Pavilion, Schenley Park
🗓 Saturday, May 10 | 🕐 1:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Free & Family-Friendly
Celebrate the 12th Annual Pittonkatonk with a vibrant fusion of brass bands, global music, and community spirit. Enjoy food trucks, workshops, and a dance floor under the open sky.
🔗 More Info

🕵️ The Dinner Detective: Murder Mystery Dinner Show

📍 Omni William Penn Hotel
🗓 Saturday, May 10 | 🕕 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Tickets: $79.99
Enjoy a hilarious whodunit while savoring a four-course meal. But be warned—the killer might be at your table!
🔗 Get Tickets

🛍️ Neighborhood Flea – Mother’s Day Edition

📍 SouthSide Works
🗓 Sunday, May 11 | 🕙 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Free Admission
Celebrate Mother's Day by browsing over 90 local vendors offering vintage finds, handmade goods, and delicious treats. Perfect for last-minute gifts and a fun day out.
🔗 Event Details

🕊️ World Migratory Bird Day at Frick Environmental Center

📍 Frick Environmental Center
🗓 Saturday, May 10 | 🕖 7:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Free & Educational
Take part in guided bird walks, hands-on activities, and learn about the importance of conserving our feathered friends. Great for families and nature lovers.
🔗 Learn More

🎶 ARTEMIS – Live Jazz Performance

📍 Greer Cabaret Theater
🗓 Saturday, May 10 | 🕖 7:00 PM
Tickets: $30–$50
Experience an unforgettable night of jazz with ARTEMIS, an acclaimed all-star ensemble. A perfect evening for music lovers.
🔗 Buy Tickets

🗞️ Headlines That Actually Matter

From wild market swings to roller coasters making a comeback, here’s what’s got Pittsburgh talking this week:

🏡 Pittsburgh’s Spring Real Estate Spike: Serious Sellers, Savvy Buyers

Despite national headlines about a market cooldown, Pittsburgh is doing its own thing. New listings surged nearly 50% last week, and while buyers are definitely choosy, well-priced homes are getting snapped up. Pricing strategy and presentation are everything right now — list it right, or prepare to sit.
🔗 Read More →

🏘️ “1st Home Allegheny” Program: $2.6 Million for First-Time Buyers

Allegheny County just unveiled the “1st Home Allegheny” program, pumping $2.6 million into making homeownership more accessible. If you’re a first-time buyer, you could score financial assistance for down payments and closing costs — and finally make the leap from renting to owning.
🔗 Full Details →

🎢 Steel Curtain Roller Coaster Reopens: Bigger, Better, Badder

The Steel Curtain — Pennsylvania’s tallest roller coaster — is finally making its comeback at Kennywood on May 24. Closed for over a year due to structural upgrades, it’s ready to deliver heart-stopping drops and the wildest loops in the state. And yes, the grand reopening will be a full-blown event with Steelers past and present.
🔗 Steel Curtain Returns →

🏳️‍🌈 Police Raid at P Town: Drag Event Disrupted, Questions Raised

A night of fun turned tense when police raided P Town, a popular Pittsburgh gay bar, during its drag event headlined by trans icon Amanda Lepore. The raid, citing overcrowding, has left the LGBTQ+ community questioning whether it was about safety or something else.
🔗 Read More →

🦊 Caught on Camera: Fox Den Collapse in Southwestern PA

A camera capturing the secret lives of red foxes turned tragic when it recorded the den collapsing on playful kits. This dramatic footage is a reminder of the wild side of southwestern Pennsylvania — nature is beautiful, but it’s also brutal.
🔗 Watch the Video →

TL;DR – Your Pittsburgh Weekend Cheat Sheet

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

• 🏡 Pittsburgh Real Estate Spike: New listings surged nearly 50%. Pricing right is key. Read More →

• 🏘️ “1st Home Allegheny” Program: $2.6M to help first-time buyers become homeowners. Details Here →

• 🎢 Steel Curtain Returns: Pennsylvania's tallest roller coaster reopens May 24 at Kennywood. Get the Scoop →

• 🏳️‍🌈 Controversial Police Raid at P Town: LGBTQ+ community questions a police raid during a drag event. What Happened →

• 🦊 Fox Den Drama: Rare footage captures a fox den collapsing with kits inside. Watch Here →

🍴 Bonus Bite: Gaucho Parrilla Argentina – A Flavor-Fueled Icon in Pittsburgh

📍 146 Sixth St, Pittsburgh | 🌐 gauchopgh.com

If you know, you know. And if you don’t — well, it’s time to fix that. Gaucho Parrilla Argentina is hands down one of Pittsburgh’s most iconic spots for fire-kissed, flavor-loaded Argentinian cuisine. I was just there again this week, and it’s still one of the best meals you can get in the city.

🔥 Must-Try Dishes:

• 🥩 Bife de Chorizo: Perfectly grilled steak, charred to perfection.

• 🍤 Grilled Shrimp Skewers: Smoky, tender, and insanely good.

• 🥖 Chimichurri Everything: If you leave without trying their chimichurri, we’re not friends.

The vibe is all firelight, sizzling grills, and that amazing smell of wood smoke that lets you know you’re about to eat something unforgettable.

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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