Pickleball, Tariffs & Homes: What’s Really Happening in Pittsburgh This Week?

This Week’s Real Estate Revelations: What’s New, What’s Happening, and How It Can Help You

Hey Pittsburgh,

If you’ve been following me for a while, you know the drill—this newsletter isn't your typical "business as usual" snooze fest. No one cares about my sales stats, my process, or the latest market jargon. You want the good stuff—what’s hot, what’s happening this weekend, the tea ☕️, the gossip, and most importantly, what can help 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.

This week, we’re talking about some amazing properties, hot events around town, a restaurant you have to try, plus some big news that could impact your wallet, your home, and even your weekend. Let’s dive in!

What’s Happening in Pittsburgh This Weekend? You Don’t Want to Miss These Events

Star Wars: A New Hope with Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra
This weekend, experience Star Wars like never before. The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra is bringing the magic of A New Hope to life with a live symphonic performance of John Williams’ iconic score, all while the movie plays on the big screen. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or a newbie, this is a night to remember. Get ready for lightsabers, the Millennium Falcon, and the Rebel Alliance battling the Empire—only this time, you’ll hear the music in real-time!
Get your tickets here! Star Wars: A New Hope - Pittsburgh Symphony

Nikki Glaser - Alive and Unwell Tour
Get ready to laugh (or cringe) with comedian Nikki Glaser, whose no-holds-barred humor and candid style have made her one of the funniest voices in comedy. Known for her hit podcasts and as the 82nd Annual Golden Globe Awards host, Nikki is bringing her Alive and Unwell tour to Pittsburgh. Whether you love or fear her sharp wit, this show is one you don’t want to miss.
Get your tickets here! Nikki Glaser - Trust Arts

Want to explore more fun events around Pittsburgh this weekend? Check out this list for other exciting things happening: Things to Do This Weekend in Pittsburgh

Standout Properties: Luxury Living and Dreamy Locations You Can’t Miss

999 Elmhurst, Pittsburgh, PA 15238 – Fox Chapel
Luxury doesn’t come cheap. You’ll be dropping a hefty sum on this. Talk about green living and luxury! This award-winning Lindal cedar home in Fox Chapel is basically what happens when eco-conscious design meets top-tier elegance. Seriously, if you're looking for sustainability at its finest, this home’s got it all—geothermal heating, solar panels, and 10 zones of radiant heating. The materials? Think mahogany doors, cedar ceilings, and those gorgeous Villeroy & Boch tiles. The chef-level kitchen features Miele appliances, a Wolf induction cooktop, and a perfect space for cooking up your next dinner party. Don’t even get me started on the first-floor primary suite—spa-like vibes with a steam shower and an enormous dressing room! Outside, you’ll find impeccable grounds, Corten steel fencing, and even a custom insulated greenhouse! This is next-level living—ideal for those who love the outdoors and a little luxury in their day-to-day life.
Check it out here! 999 Elmhurst - Fox Chapel

333 Kambach Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15211 – Mt. Washington
If you’ve always dreamed of living steps away from the iconic views of Mount Washington, this newly renovated home is calling your name. This place is the definition of modern charm—floor-to-ceiling shiplap fireplace, an open-concept kitchen with waterfall-edge quartz countertops, and a farmhouse sink that’s perfect for everything from cooking to entertaining. The gold hardware and pendant lighting add that pop of glam, and the Samsung appliances? Top-notch. And let’s talk about that primary suite! The third-floor retreat comes with a sitting area, office space, and a bathroom so gorgeous it’ll make you want to cancel your plans just to soak in the tub. You also get a private deck, fenced yard, and storage space—everything you need and more.
Take a look! 

Bonus: You’re just a short walk from one of my favorite Mt. Washington bars—Coughlin’s Law—perfect for grabbing a drink and soaking in the neighborhood’s vibe. Want wings? And…. Bigham Tavern has the best wing night in the city just a few minutes away. Can you say “perfect location”?

333 Kambach Street - Mt. Washington

Speaking of food... now I’m hungry. If you're looking for a solid breakfast spot, check out The Breakfast Spot near Brentwood.

They’ve got some unique options you won’t find everywhere, like cookie butter pancakes (trust me, they’re as good as they sound). For something different, try their pancake sliders—mini pancakes in flavors like peach cobbler, strawberry crunch, and fruity pebbles.

One of the best things? The pancake pocket, which is literally a pancake filled with grits, eggs, meat, and cheese. It’s a perfect breakfast bite if you’re in the mood for something hearty.

For a classic touch, the shrimp & grits and Philly cheesesteak omelette hit the spot too.

Definitely worth a stop if you’re in the area.

📍2605 Brownsville Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15227
Check them out on Facebook here

ana.eats.pgh

View more on Instagram

If you’re not following @ana.eats.pgh, you're missing out on some of Pittsburgh's best food finds. She’s always on top of the latest hidden gems, from breakfast spots to new bites around the city. Her most recent reel features The Breakfast Spot—showcasing everything from cookie butter pancakes to shrimp & grits. Give her a follow for all the food & activities inspo you need in Pittsburgh!

Tariffs Could Have a Chilling Effect on Home Construction Amid Inventory Crisis

In case you missed it, the Trump administration's recent tariffs could bring some serious heat to an already overheated housing market. On February 1st, President Trump imposed a 25% tariff on goods coming from Mexico, Canada, and China, including many materials crucial to homebuilding. While the tariffs were temporarily delayed, the impact is still looming.

Homebuilders, already dealing with a major shortage of affordable housing, are now facing rising costs for imported construction materials like lumber, drywall, and steel. The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) estimates that these new tariffs could drive the cost of construction materials up by $3-4 billion. And the ripple effect? It's likely to make your dream home more expensive or even pause critical new developments.

Why does this matter to you?

If you're in the market for a new home or looking to build, these tariff increases could directly impact your costs. If you're a current homeowner, this could also affect your home’s value as the cost of new builds rises, potentially reducing buyer demand and making it harder to sell your home in the future. For renters, it could lead to a rise in rental prices as builders and developers pass along these increased costs. Either way, these tariffs are likely to make the already difficult housing market even more challenging.

With an already strained housing market and fewer homes on the market, any additional cost hikes could further slow down the process of increasing inventory. And as builders are stuck with higher construction costs, expect those prices to be passed on to consumers. The bottom line: You could see your next home price tag jump higher—again.

Check out the full details here.

Mortgage News: Rates Stay Steady After Quiet Jobs Report

This Friday's big jobs report had a surprisingly muted impact on mortgage rates, causing only a slight upward movement of 0.03% in the average 30-year fixed rate. Earlier in the week, rates had dropped by 0.06%, leaving us with an average rate that’s still hovering just above 7%.

Despite the small changes, it’s clear that mortgage rates are continuing to react more to economic data than to headlines. Looking ahead, next week brings the Consumer Price Index (CPI) report, another major economic indicator that could shake things up. Inflation remains a key focus for the Federal Reserve, and until it shows more signs of progress, rate cuts are still off the table. So, expect more potential bumps in the road as inflation and jobs data continue to dictate the direction of mortgage rates.

Pickle Parlor: A 24/7 Pickleball Facility Coming to Monroeville Mall
Get ready for something exciting in Monroeville! A new indoor pickleball facility, Pickle Parlor, is opening on February 10 at the Monroeville Mall. It will offer 24/7 access, high-tech features like Bluetooth wearables, and a comprehensive rating system for players of all levels. Whether you’re a casual player or a pro, this place will be a great spot to practice, compete, or just hang out. For more details, check out the full article here.

Homebuyers Still on the Sidelines Despite More Listings

Despite a rise in new listings across the U.S., homebuyers are still hesitant to make a move. Inventory has reached a five-month supply, the highest in six years. However, high home prices and mortgage rates are keeping many buyers on the sidelines, leading to longer days on market and sellers adjusting their expectations.

Why does this matter to you?

For Pittsburgh homebuyers, this trend means that there may be less competition in the short-term, giving you an edge in securing a home at a reasonable price. However, with fewer buyers in the market, sellers might be adjusting their pricing expectations to stay competitive. If you're house hunting or considering selling, this could signal an opportunity to strike when conditions are right.

Read more about it here link to article

That’s a wrap on this week’s edition, Pittsburgh! From pickleball at Monroeville Mall to the growing challenges for homebuyers and the latest market news, it’s clear that things are shifting in our city and beyond. Whether you're eyeing that new property on Mount Washington, taking in a symphonic Star Wars performance, or just grabbing a bite at The Breakfast Spot, there’s a lot going on.

With some of these recent developments—like tariffs impacting construction and homebuyer hesitation—it’s more important than ever to stay informed. And while things may be a bit unpredictable right now, the opportunities for savvy buyers, sellers, and investors are still here.

Stay tuned and keep your finger on the pulse. Let me know if you want to chat about anything in more detail—real estate or the best new spots in town. I’ve got you covered.

Until next week!

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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