With 2025 in the Rearview Mirror, These Local Realtors Look Back — and Forward

PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK

It’s been a banner year for the Pittsburgh housing market. While the city has topped several lists touting affordability and livability, high interest rates continue to plague some consumers — while a higher cost of living for all Americans is pinching wallets.

Throughout 2025, Hot Property has taken readers inside homes, both big and small, and chatted with the realtors who bring those homes to the Pittsburgh market. Those realtors sum up the year as a mixed bag, locally.

Yes, houses sold, but it took some elbow grease.

“Inventory finally picked up this year, but buyer activity stayed pretty steady,” says Emily Fraser of Piatt Sotheby’s International Realty. “No agent can promise magic — we can’t force a result. But having someone who really understands the data, can talk you through what’s realistic and helps you make the right moves with pricing, timing, and prep… that matters.

This has been a tougher year for many people on both sides of the table, and anyone who bought or sold in 2025 truly earned it.”

PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK

Is It a Seller or Buyer Market?

The answer to that question is — it depends.

The shift in trends has certainly evened the playing field, says Kelly Frey of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, who has high hopes for 2026 after a successful year with her clients.

“With adjusted seller expectations, buyers having more buying power than ever, more properties coming on the market, mortgage rates falling, and fewer agents in the business. I say, ‘let’s go,’” she says.

Frey says sellers need to realize buyers have more power once again — and don’t want their messes.

“You have to prepare your property well to attract buyers or adjust your expectations price-wise, but not both,” she says. “Buyers have become more selective and do not want your projects or leftover maintenance.”

Also at Berkshire Hathaway, Chads Mullinary has seen similar trends that he expects to carry over into 2026.

“I believe that rates will continue to decrease, making home ownership more realistic for more people,” he says.

That doesn’t mean sellers should be despondent over the shift in power in the market. “I also think that the Pittsburgh seller’s market still has a huge value, and sellers will continue to see a slight uptick in home values and a strong selling market,” he says.

PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK

What’s Hot, What’s Not

While smart pricing and realistic expectations may help get shoppers in the door, savvy design choices will matter in 2026, too. Local realtors are among the first to see shifting home design trends — and this will be a big year for that.

When it comes to existing homes, Sal Bucci of The Fraser Team says it’s time to love what you’ve got.

“People are embracing the features their homes already have,” he says. “After years of white-and-gray renovations and shaky material quality, original details are getting attention again.”

That’s true of one of his team’s most recent Allentown listings, which retains some funky, original character despite a glow-up for the short-term rental market.

“Think retro bathrooms that would’ve been torn out five years ago,” Bucci says. “Simple updates that respect the home’s style are in; cookie-cutter influencer renovations are on the way out.”

Julie Rost of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices has had her eye on what’s rising in popularity this year — as well as what has worn out its welcome.

“What’s on its way up? Cream as a neutral, slim kitchen hardware and an updated Colonial style,” she says. “On its way out? Everything gray, open shelving in kitchens and the farmhouse trend.”

When it comes to new construction, Brian Teyssier of RE/MAX Real Estate Solutions says buyers should expect less from builder-grade options.

“Say goodbye to real hardwood floors and carpet; most builders don’t even offer it,” he says. “It’s tile in wet areas, luxury vinyl tile or luxury vinyl planks and engineered hardwood. White walls and trim are back in with some black accents, and wallpaper has been making a comeback slowly.”

Mullinary has also seen an uptick in luxury vinyl flooring — which is durable and affordable — but he hopes real hardwoods, which are common in many of the city’s older homes, rise in popularity again. Frey adds she’s seeing a return to natural wood tones in cabinetry as well.

“Just say no to gray,” she says with a laugh. “I personally have always loved soft, warm tones and natural cabinetry or white with details that pop.”

Staging is also important. Frey says decluttering and presenting buyers with a clean aesthetic is key.

“Most of us have way too many items in our homes that will cause them not to show well, and photographs only exacerbate cluttered homes,” she says.

Frey asks sellers to envision the peaceful feeling they get at a hotel and aim for that in the home they are selling.

“If you’re going to be moving, start now,” she says. “Donate, throw out, edit and pack. You’ll be so glad you did when the moving truck shows up to take you to your new home.”

PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK

Rates and Pricing

When it comes to those pesky mortgage rates, some realtors say it’s time for consumers to accept reality — those COVID-era rates may never return.

“Buyers need to come to terms with rates in the sixes being normal because they are,” says Teyssier. “Properties that are properly priced, in good shape and marketed thoroughly are still getting multiple offers.”

Those low-low interest rates of 2020 may feel like a fever dream, but Teyssier is right to encourage buyers to adjust their expectations. Rates have fallen this year and are expected to continue to fall slightly, although it’s unlikely buyers will see anything under 3 percent soon.

Rost says the Dec. 10 rate cut by the Federal Reserve is a good sign for the 2026 market that will create some healthy activity.

“Buyers and sellers were not as quick to find their middle ground on sale price in 2025,” she says. “Price reductions became more common, and home inspection contingency negotiations were often tedious. In most situations, it was clear that the seller no longer held the advantage they did in 2020 through 2024.”

The housing market is an ever-changing beast, and 2026 will prove to be no different.

“Real estate is cyclical, and this phase will shift,” says Fraser. “We’re also in the typical seasonal slowdown, and Pittsburgh almost always rebounds in spring.”

She adds rates and affordability will keep influencing decisions, noting that realtor strategy will matter more than ever in an ever-changing market.

“Our focus is on helping clients move through the market with clarity and a solid plan instead of stress,” she says.