PHOTOS BY EXPOSURE IT REAL ESTATE MEDIA

Despite its status as one of the most affordable housing markets in the country, Pittsburgh’s recent home sales have been a bit sluggish — down 3.5 percent year-over-year since last August.

Those stats can make buyers preparing to list their home nervous; and while perfect staging and quality renovations help to sell homes, the finicky market has made some tried-and-true real estate methods less effective.

One Bellevue couple recently experienced the type of flurry in activity that has become increasingly rare. Meredith and Chris Whitney listed their home at 150 South Bryant Ave. on Oct. 8 for $240,000, just below the region’s median home sale price.

By the next morning, they had two offers and four more scheduled showings.

The couple ended up accepting an offer well above asking price less than two days after the home hit the market.

Realtor Kevin Trumble of Coldwell Banker is not surprised his listing sold quickly — that was by design. He acknowledges the downtrending statistics, but adds the right ingredients are still a recipe for successful sales in Pittsburgh.

“Real estate is very local, especially in walkable neighborhoods like Lawrenceville, Bellevue and Mt. Lebanon,” he says.

Updated homes in good condition, such as this Bellevue listing, are still selling quickly, although properties that require major repairs remain on the market longer, according to Trumble.

“The average time a home sits on the market has increased to about 35 days versus 14 days in the spring and early summer,” he says.

He adds the time of year, interest rates and location are key factors in what makes a home sell — but that all properties sell when they’re at the “right” price.

Trumble says his personal marketing strategy is to price a home at the current market value as a way to generate multiple offers.

“The market will actually set the sales price,” he says. “It’s not like the old days when you set the price high, get a lower offer, and settle somewhere in the middle. I was able to secure four offers for the sellers, all above list price, within a day and a half.”

It’s not just about the price point — the old adage of “location, location, location” still holds today. Trumble says buyers are interested in walkable communities that give residents a sense of belonging.

“Bellevue has seen an uptick in interest lately, and several factors are driving that trend,” he says, citing recent business development and a slew of new restaurants, as well as the old school charm, as factors that are bringing buyers to the borough.

“The community itself still maintains that charming, walkable feel with sidewalks and traditional homes,” he says. “Its proximity to Downtown Pittsburgh adds a lot of appeal, especially for commuters. Neighborhoods like this, which have a similar vibe to Aspinwall in the Fox Chapel area, tend to attract buyers looking for character and a strong sense of community.”

For the Whitneys, those factors are just why they are a bit wistful about their quick sale.

“We bought it in 2010 after looking at more than 70 houses,” recalls Meredith. “We were young and broke and desperate to find something that felt like us, or at least like it could be us. I remember walking into the house, seeing the tarnished-but-original staircase, and saying to my husband, ‘We have to get it.’”

The Craftsman-style bungalow, which was built in 1920, measures around 1,600 square feet. Three bedrooms share one full bathroom, and everything has been lovingly and carefully renovated.

While the couple did update the flooring with a product more conducive to family life, they preserved the original hardwoods underneath if a future owner ever desires to tackle the project.

A front porch that spans the width of the house welcomes guests, a common feature in walkable towns like Bellevue, where neighbors enjoy chatting and observing life happen all around them.

“The porch, the beautiful porch,” says Meredith. “We met our neighbors from it, we played chess on it… We had porch parties with our close friends, listened to thunderstorms and hid from snowballs. Chris built a gate across the opening so our pets could enjoy it just as much as we did.”

Beyond the porch, the main level of the home is compact but well planned. The entryway, as well as living and dining rooms, feature original millwork, stained glass, coffered ceilings, a fireplace, and built-ins shelves fronted with leaded glass.

The kitchen has been fully remodeled in a manner that works well for modern family life while not detracting from the home’s historical charm. New white cabinetry and stone countertops look clean and crisp — and the herringbone backsplash adds a touch of fun.

Upstairs, all three bedrooms have fresh paint, character details such as fireplaces and exposed brick, and lots of light. A ladder leads up to additional storage under the home’s eaves. The single bathroom also has been fully updated with new fixtures as well as heated floors great for chilly Pittsburgh winters.

While older Pittsburgh homes are known for dismal and dark basements, the one in this century-old home is usable and clean. The flexible, unfinished space works well as a workshop, home gym or as a play area for kids.

The Whitneys’ home also has highly desirable features for walkable communities like Bellevue — a backyard plus off-street parking. Many homes have one or the other, but few have both in communities with smaller lot sizes.

A back deck overlooks the yard and is just as good for entertaining as the front porch, albeit with a bit more privacy. The home also is within walking distance of several parks and playgrounds.

Trumble has a few tips for Pittsburghers braving the housing market right now.

“Buyers should be ready to act fast and have their financing in place. Sellers should make minor updates and price their home competitively; well-presented homes are still moving quickly,” he says.

As for the Whitneys, Meredith acknowledges the smart renovation choices they made helped their home sell quickly — but she’s still all about the vibes.

“To me, the home feels complete,” she says. “It didn’t need us, but would welcome the company, the change, the noise, the pets, the parties, the Halloweens on the porch, the impromptu in-ground pool that we put up for a summer. It was just a home that welcomed it all.”

About: Bellevue
Population: 8,186
Planes, Trains, & Automobiles: Bellevue borders Pittsburgh’s city limits to the north along the Ohio River. Several bus routes pass directly through town and head Downtown, including two standard routes and a commuter express route. Route 65 and the Parkway North border Bellevue on either side, making it convenient for commuting both in or out of the city. The airport is under a 30-minute commute and ride shares are plentiful in the neighborhood. Residents do not need to have a car due to the amount of walkable amenities in town; students walk to school.
Schools: Northgate School District (northgatesd.net)
Neighborhood: Bellevue, which Pittsburgh Magazine named one of the region’s hot spots, is a walkable, close-knit community that includes a mix of families and young professionals. The neighborhood has plenty of amenities, including grocery stores, retail shops, a brewery, restaurants and coffee shops. The town is anchored by Bayne Park and Library, where a weekly farmers market features food trucks, live music and local goods.