Rates Hold. Listings Rise. Pittsburgh Braces for a Wet Holiday Weekend.

Memorial Day momentum builds despite market jitters and gray skies. What to know, where to go.

🏡 Real Estate Revelations
May 23, 2025 Edition | Read Online

🌧️ "Roses are red, violets are blue, please quit f**ing raining."*
Pittsburgh, we’ve had it. The skies have been crying for what feels like an eternity, and just in time for Memorial Day weekend—yep, the forecast still looks like a hot, soggy mess. If you were hoping to lounge under the sun, grab your poncho and backup plans instead. But don’t worry, we’re still coming in hot with deals, market trends, and events that’ll keep your long weekend from being a total washout.

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

48 Waterfront Drive – Washington’s Landing Perfection

💰 $950,000 | 🛏 4 Beds | 🛁 3.5 Baths | 📐 2,721 sq ft | 📍 Washington’s Landing

Look — I’ll never miss a chance to plug Washington’s Landing. It’s one of my favorite communities in the entire city. Centrally located, surrounded by water, and packed with perks: direct marina access, unbeatable bike paths, and a short walk to the Strip District, PNC Park, and downtown.

And this end-unit townhome? A total win.

  • Private river-view deck with retractable awning

  • Built-in gas grill + Trex decking = entertainer’s dream

  • Granite kitchen, stainless appliances, hardwood throughout

  • 4 legit bedrooms, including a top-floor suite perfect for guests or your next WFH command center

  • Lower-level gym, 2-car garage, new roof, new siding — all the big stuff is done

If you’re anything like me and love the water, you’re one step away from launching your boat and cruising into summer. Or hopping on your bike and riding straight into the weekend.

📆 Open House: Saturday, May 18 | 12–4 PM
🔗 View Full Listing →

📉 Mortgage & Market Snapshot

📆 Week of May 17–23, 2025

🔻 Mortgage Rates: Sliding… for Now

After breaching 7% last week, rates dipped slightly across the board:

Loan Type

Rate

Weekly Change

30-Yr Fixed

7.02%

🔽 -0.05%

15-Yr Fixed

6.30%

🔽 -0.07%

30-Yr FHA

6.53%

➖ 0.00%

30-Yr Jumbo

7.13%

🔽 -0.02%

7/6 SOFR ARM

6.31%

🔽 -0.11%

30-Yr VA

6.54%

➖ 0.00%

Takeaway: The slight dip in rates may offer a small window of opportunity for buyers — but don’t expect it to last long. The market’s still jittery, and rates remain historically high.

🏘️ Market Activity: Listings Surge, Sales Ease Into the Holiday

Metric

This Week

Last Week

🆕 New Listings

820

768

📦 Homes Sold

668

776

🔻 Price Reductions

562

559

📝 Under Contract

328

273

⏳ Median DOM (Sold)

22 days

20 days

There’s a strong uptick in listings this week — sellers are making moves. Closings dipped slightly, but that’s to be expected:

🧠 Historically, Memorial Day weekend is always a slower period for real estate — buyers are focused on BBQs and beach trips, not showings and contracts.

💡 Key Insight: With inventory rising and rates still hovering, it’s a market of opportunities — but only for those who price smart and prep well. Homes are still moving, but they need to shine.

🎯 Weekend Radar: Memorial Day Edition

🎨 Riverlife Chalk Fest at Allegheny Landing

📅 Saturday, May 24 & Sunday, May 25 | 🕒 2–6 p.m. & 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
📍 Allegheny Landing Park
Watch 21 professional chalk artists transform the riverfront into a vibrant, open-air gallery. Enjoy live music, hands-on activities, and a Hawaiian-inspired menu.
🔗 Event Details

🏳️‍🌈 Bigger Gayer Picniq at Allegheny Commons West Park

📅 Sunday, May 25 | 🕒 1–7 p.m.
📍 Allegheny Commons West Park
Kick off Pride Month early with a picnic buffet, vegan options, cocktails, and a fabulous drag show starting at 4 p.m.
🔗 Event Details

🚢 Three Rivers Sightseeing Cruises on the Gateway Clipper

📅 Saturday, May 24 – Monday, May 26 | Various Times
📍 Gateway Clipper Fleet
Enjoy scenic views of Pittsburgh’s skyline and rivers aboard a classic riverboat cruise.
🔗 Event Details

🎖️ Memorial Day Parade & Ceremony in Lawrenceville

📅 Monday, May 26 | 🕒 Parade at 10 a.m., Ceremony at 11:30 a.m.
📍 Parade starts at 36th and Butler Streets, ends at Allegheny Cemetery
Honor our veterans with Pittsburgh’s largest Memorial Day parade, followed by a solemn ceremony at Allegheny Cemetery.
🔗 Event Details

🐾 Red, Wild & Blue Day at Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium

📅 Monday, May 26 | 🕒 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
📍 Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium
Celebrate with patriotic-themed activities, animal encounters, and family-friendly fun throughout the zoo.
🔗 Event Details

🍔 Bonus Bite: Just Get Out There and Grill

You don’t need a reservation to enjoy one of the best meals of summer — just fire up that grill.

Pro tip? Buy a meat thermometer.
Too many people rely on guesswork (or the ol’ "cut it and see") to cook meat. A meat thermometer will absolutely change your grilling game — juicier burgers, perfectly pink steaks, and no more overdone chicken.

🎯 This weekend’s homework: grab some fresh ground beef, toast the buns, throw on some pickles, and let that grill do what it was born to do.

Catch you at the cookout.

🇺🇸 This Memorial Day, we remember and honor the men and women who gave everything in service to our country.
Whether you’re spending the weekend with family, on the water, or just catching your breath, take a moment to reflect on the freedoms we enjoy because of their sacrifice. We owe them more than a long weekend — we owe them our gratitude.

Until next week,
Wishing you sunshine, strong grill game, and even stronger discounts.
Don’t sleep on those Memorial Day sales — I just snagged appliances at 40% off and you better believe I’m feeling like I robbed a bank. Also sad, very sad.

Catch you next Friday.

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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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