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Pittsburgh is the Best City for First-Time Homebuyers

2/25/2019

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According to LendingTree, Pittsburgh is one of the best cities for first-time homebuyers. 
Pittsburgh, PA the best city for first-time homebuyers
The online loan marketplace ranked the 50 largest metropolitan areas in the United States by analyzing six factors that are important for first time homebuyers:
  • Average downpayment amount
  • Average downpayment percent
  • Share of buyers using an FHA mortgage
  • Average FHA downpayment as an average downpayment for all loans
  • Percentage of homebuyers who have credit scores below 680
  • The Housing Opportunity Index score for the area
  • Several downpayment variables were included in LendingTree's ranking because the website claimed that "research has identified down payments as the biggest obstacles to homeownership."

​Pittsburgh and Cleveland tied for first place as the best cities for first-time homebuyers because while these metros may not have the lowest credit score requirements or down payments in the country, they consistently ranked highly across all six metrics that were considered in the study. 

Pittsburgh's stats were listed as follows:

  • Average down payment amount: 34,049
  • Average down payment percentage: 15%
  • Share of buyers using an FHA mortgage: 36.5%
  • Average FHA down payment as a percentage of average down payment for all loans 31.2%
  • Percentage of buyers who have credit scores below 680: 41.3%
  • HOI Index Score:78.4
​
LendingTree also noted that along with a tight inventory raising prices in many markets, "first-time homebuyers now have to contend with rising mortgage interest rates reducing their buying power." The website stated that borrowers should consider all the programs available to assist them in becoming homeowners, including FHA loans, as affordability declines. 

To find out the rest of the top ten best and worst metros for first-time homebuyers, check out LendingTree's article here. 

If you're looking to purchase a home in or around the Pittsburgh area, please contact us. We would love to help you with your real estate needs!
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The Latest Pittsburgh Real Estate News

2/8/2019

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The latest Pittsburgh news, including which local mall could feature a theater and fitness center, where a new retail and restaurant center may open, which local cafe is reopening, what developer is looking to add a 9-story building to the Strip District, and much more. 
Pittsburgh Real Estate News
Society for Contemporary Craft finds New Location, Will Reveal it Next Week
"The Society for Contemporary Craft, a mainstay in the Strip District that will be displaced by the redevelopment of the produce terminal has found a new home."

Possible Development Eyed Near Greengate Centre in Hempfield
"A popular Hempfield business corridor may soon house new retail and restaurant options across Route 30 from Greengate Centre, developers said."

Bridgeville Developer Seeks to Add 9-Story Building to Strip District
"The developer is finishing up the District 15 building across the street."

Ross Park Mall Could Feature Theater, Fitness Center in Vacant Sears Store
"The vacant Sears department store at Ross Park Mall could include a movie theater, fitness center, 'small shop' space, restaurants and retail space under a redevelopment proposal submitted to Ross Township."

Emergency Demolition Ordered for Crumbling Wilkinsburg Building
"Emergency demolition was ordered Friday morning for a building along Kelly Avenue in Wilkinsburg after it partially collapsed overnight."

Thunderbird Cafe Ready to Reopen; Marquee Plans Fall Through
"Almost three years later, the Thunderbird Cafe is ready to roll."

Oakmont Bakery Officially Opens at New Location
"The new, expanded bakery moved down the street to the corner of Third Street and Hulton Road in Oakmont."
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Five Interior Design Trends to Try in 2019

2/6/2019

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With 2019 officially started, it's time to talk interior design and which trends will be popular this year. We curated the top five interior design trends you'll want to try out this year. Read on for this year's design inspiration!
Five Interior Design Trends to try in 2019

1. Plants, Plants, and More Plants

Succulents on coffee table for interior design in living room
Plants of all sorts are slated to be popular in interior design this year. From big and bold plants such as palm trees and fiddle leaf fig trees all the way down to tiny succulents and air plants, there is an increased interest for bringing nature inside in 2019. 

While we live in a technological society, there's no denying the calming impact nature makes on our mental state. Large plants can be incorporated into a space by placing a potted dragon tree next to a sofa or in a bare corner. Small plants, such as the ever-popular succulent, can be situated on a windowsill where they'll receive lots of light. 

2. Artisanal Details

Picture
All things artisanal will be crucial elements in the design scene this year. If an object such as a mirror, chair, or door looks like it came from a craftsperson who put thought into each and every detail, you can bet it will be well received in the interior design world in 2019.

Elements such as live edge wood, metal framed mirrors, handmade chandeliers, and custom cabinets will be all the rage. The great thing about this trend is that small details can achieve the artisinal look without one having to completely redecorate a room. As a way to support small businesses while decorating your space, try seeking out local vendors for all of your artisinal needs. 

3. Stainless Steel Alternatives

Basket, plant, and brass cup interior design coffee table
Stainless steel may have been the "in" decor trend in past years, but interior designers are now making way for alternatives such as copper, brass, and other metals to shine in 2019.

Brass and copper are being lauded for their ability to add warmth to a space, in contrast to the stark vibe that stainless steel can often give off. The earthy hues of these alternative metals will breathe new life into a room. Try incorporating copper hardware in a kitchen or brass fixtures in a bathroom to incorporate this trend in your home.

4. Bold Colors

Bold teal blue living room wall with light and plant
While all-white kitchens have been quite popular in the past few years, bold colors will reign in 2019. Rich hues in jewel tones will really add a pop to any room in your home. 

Colors such as indigo, emerald, and even black can add drama to a room. If you're not ready to paint your walls a bold color, try adding in a smaller design element in this trend by laying out a vibrant rug, pillow, or other small accessory. 

5. All Things Floral

Flower watercolor artwork interior design
Floral patterns have always been a popular design choice, but they will be the pattern to use in 2019. The blooms we'll be seeing used most this year will be large, bold, and even abstract--a nice switch up from the chevron and geometric patterns that have been so common in past years. 

Incorporating this beautiful trend in your home can mean trying out a new wallpaper, bedding set, or framed piece of art. Shoppers should have no problem finding patterns that speak to their taste with the wide variety of floral decor slated to be abundantly available this year.
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