Hi everyone,

I hope this email finds you well as we dive into another week of Real Estate Revelations! If you didn’t notice, Christmas is LITERALLY less than a week away. That really snuck up on us. For those that celebrate Christmas, hopefully you didn’t procrastinate too much on your shopping.

This week, I’m sharing local restaurant closures, market trends, standout properties, and festive pop-ups to explore in Pittsburgh. Whether you're planning your next dining adventure or looking for real estate updates, there's something here for you.

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 dive into this week’s Real Estate Revelations!

Local Highlights

In Pittsburgh news this week:

• Pittsburgh Restaurant Closures
  Several beloved Pittsburgh restaurants have recently announced closures:

  • Merchant Oyster Co. in Lawrenceville closed its doors after seven years, citing rising costs and staffing shortages.

  • Sugar Spell Scoops in Sharpsburg will not reopen after its January winter break due to landlord disputes.

  • Sultry Food & Bar on the South Side shut down after five years, citing challenges in the current business climate.

  • Park Bruges in Highland Park will close after 15 years, with its owners focusing on their other restaurant, Point Brugge in Point Breeze.

  While these closures mark the end of an era, Pittsburgh’s culinary scene continues to evolve with new openings.

  Want the full list of recent Pittsburgh restaurant closures? Click here to read more. 🍴

• URA Approves $10.4 Million for Downtown Development
  The Urban Redevelopment Authority approved over $10 million to support converting underutilized office spaces into 1,000 residential units, including affordable housing, as part of a broader effort to revitalize Downtown Pittsburgh. Read more

• Must-Try Restaurant: Hong Kong Hot Pot
  Craving a warm and interactive dining experience? Visit Hong Kong Hot Pot at 4801 McKnight Rd, where you can enjoy a variety of broths and fresh ingredients cooked right at your table. It’s a perfect spot for the chilly season. Learn More

pgh.eats.with.krystal

View more on Instagram

• Holiday Pop-Up Bars
  Celebrate the season at one of Pittsburgh’s many holiday pop-up bars:

  • Sippin’ Santa: A tropical Christmas vibe with festive cocktails.

  • The Aspen at The Spritzery: Cozy up in an alpine lodge atmosphere.

  • A Very Merry Mixtape: A whimsical North Pole-themed experience.

  These bars offer unique ways to get into the holiday spirit! I never truly realized how many we had in the area!

  Looking for all the holiday pop-up bars in Pittsburgh? Click here for the full list! 🎄🍹

Don’t forget about Phipps Holiday Magic 👇 buy tickets here

Market News

• Federal Reserve Lowers Interest Rates
  The Federal Reserve announced a reduction in interest rates on December 18, signaling potential relief for borrowers. Officials, however, hinted at fewer cuts in 2025, indicating a cautious economic approach. Read more

• 2025 Real Estate Market Outlook
  Active real estate listings in the Pittsburgh area are on the rise, nearing pre-pandemic levels. This trend suggests a more balanced market, offering new opportunities for buyers and sellers alike. Though, sellers need to be more strategic these days. See figure below 👇

Standout Properties

This week’s hidden gems:

• Elegant Bloomfield Residence
  I live right in Bloomfield myself and I have absolutely fallen in love with the community. Great central location to all sides of the city. If your the city type, like myself, you’ll grow to love this place. Plus your within walking distance to WestPenn Hospital. A beautifully updated brick home located at 365 S Winebiddle Street. Featuring 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, and a newly renovated kitchen, it’s steps from Bloomfield's vibrant shops and restaurants. Listed at $619,900. View Property

• Stunning McCandless Contemporary Home
  Incredible contemporary architecture that caught my eye and just had to share. Well kept for home and an AMAZING backyard. This modern 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath home at 1183 Windmill Ln boasts floor-to-ceiling windows, a gourmet kitchen, and a finished game room, all nestled on a private lot. Listed at $625,000. View Property

Homeowner Tip

Winterize Your Home
As temperatures drop, here are some quick ways to prepare:

• Check Your Heating System: Schedule a professional tune-up.

• Seal Drafts: Weatherstrip doors and windows to keep heat in.

• Clear Gutters: Remove leaves to prevent ice dams and water damage.

What I’m Reading

"$100M Offers" by Alex Hormozi

If you’ve read Alex Hormozi’s first book, "$100M Offers", you know it’s all about crafting irresistible offers that make your product or service a no-brainer for customers. Hormozi breaks down how to design and position your offer so compellingly that it virtually sells itself.

His follow-up, "$100M Leads", shifts focus to the next big challenge: getting customers to see your offer. This book dives into strategies for generating leads at scale, from leveraging organic traffic to optimizing paid ads. Hormozi provides actionable frameworks for finding, nurturing, and converting leads into loyal customers—all while scaling your business efficiently.

These books together offer a masterclass in creating demand and sustaining growth. Highly recommended for entrepreneurs and professionals looking to level up their marketing game!

Something Fun

The Inclines of Pittsburgh
Did you know that Pittsburgh is home to two historic inclines, the Duquesne Incline and the Monongahela Incline? These iconic cable cars date back to the late 19th century and were originally built to transport workers from the steep slopes of Mount Washington to the factories and businesses below. Today, they offer breathtaking views of the city skyline and are a favorite for both locals and tourists.

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

Duration: 15 mins

Timezone: America/New_York

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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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