Pittsburgh, PA

Calvary United Methodist Church in Allegheny West, Pittsburgh PA

The photo above is of a church located in the Allegheny West neighborhood on Pittsburgh's Northside, in truth; this photo doesn't even begin to show just how amazing this building is. Terrifying gargoyles, spires that reach to the sky, St. Andrews Crosses and faces carved into the structure of this building are truly amazing to behold. Inside the gleaming oak ceilings and plasterwork are illuminated by Tiffany stained glass windows. Nestled on Beech Avenue among majestic trees the building is a true masterpiece.

Interestingly, it is just one of hundreds of architectural masterpieces that are common in the city of Pittsburgh. Some, like Calvary, have been restored to grandeur and others dilapidated and in danger of disappearing. That is a shame.

As a real estate agent I have the opportunity to spend time exploring all the nooks and crannies of our city and I am amazed at the beauty of the turn-of-the-century buildings that make up the landscape. I wonder if others realize the potential of our city?

Pittsburgh is old, and was built by some of the original captains of industry, it was the city that built and fueled America with its steel and glass and coal. And the money that poured in was used to build amazing buildings, amazing communities and amazing places. For a long time Pittsburgh had a reputation of a smoky city, but that is not the case anymore, now that the skies are blue, it is up to us that live here to look at our city anew. Pittsburgh should not become a homogenized suburban city, not that it really ever could, with its twisting roads that climb over mountains, around rivers and across bridges.

We are a city of towns with lovely main streets, walkable communities and lush green spaces. We are a city of Victorian row homes, stone mansions and tree-lined brick streets. For Pittsburgh it is very possible that the best potential for the future is the same buildings and neighborhoods that were so much a part of our past. We just need to open our eyes and look around.

Buy or sell historic homes in Pittsburgh? Call Christa Ross from RE/MAX Select Realty, at 724-933-6300 x214 (office) or 724-779-1437 (direct) or visit my website at www.bestpittsburghhomes.com.

If you are looking for a good way to spend Mother's Day weekend in the city, check out the Lawrencville Blossom Tour held on May 7th and 8th, celebrating all things local and spring. You can walk down Butler Street and check out the local artisans, crafters and vendors, and collect a seed packet at each stop on the Blossom Tour. You can find more information here. On the 8th, head over to the Butler Street entrance of the Allegheny Cemetery where the Penn-Del Chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) will host the Western Tree Climbing Championship. Beginning at 8am, twenty-five of the region's best male and female arborists will compete for a chance at the state title. Plus the kids can join in with the opportunity to put on a harness and do their own tree climbing.

Looking to buy a home in Lawrenceville or another neighborhood in Pittsburgh? Call Christa Ross at RE/MAX Select Realty, 724-933-6300 x214 or 724-309-1758. Email christa@greenhomespgh.com. http://www.bestpittsburghhomes.com

Official announcement to be held at the Paramount Pictures Film Exchange on May 6th.

Pittsburgh, PA, May 4, 2011 – The Young Preservationists Association (YPA) of Pittsburgh has named the Stables Building, in the Allegheny West Neighborhood, as one of 2011’s Top Ten Best Preservation Opportunities in the Pittsburgh Area. Built in 1895, the Stables Building was once home to Allegheny City’s team of working horses. Now it is the only public building remaining attributed to Allegheny City, and a prime development opportunity in a prime location on the Northside.

The YPA’s list is released annually and includes endangered historic sites in the Pittsburgh area that are good candidates for preservation and reuse. Since YPA released its first Top Ten List in 2003, more than $80 million has been invested into properties placed on YPA’s List, including the creation of an estimated 12,454 construction and trade-related jobs, 230 housing units, and $750,000 in additional annual wage tax revenue. The list will be officially announced at YPA’s annual Historic Preservation Month Celebration on Friday, May 6, 2011 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. Entitled “Celebrate Historic Treasures in Southwestern Pennsylvania,” the event takes place at the Paramount Pictures Film Exchange, located at 1727 Boulevard of the Allies.

The 20,400 sq. ft. Stables Building has been designated as city historic structure and is a cornerstone of the Allegheny West Civic Council’s (AWCC) Loft District Master Plan. “AWCC’s goal is to preserve and transform the late nineteenth century industrial corridor along W. North Avenue by guiding its transformation into an exciting mixed-use area that will include new green spaces, gardens, lighting and street landscaping.” explains Timothy Zinn, President of AWCC. “The Stables Building is one piece of a very exciting future for our neighborhood.” Two other parcels in the neighborhood, the Hipwell and Value Added Foods buildings are already beginning the residential development process.

The Northside Leadership Conference has been working with AWCC to lay the groundwork for development of the site. “Our objective was to establish a blank canvas for a developer or individual to step in and bring the space to life,” explains NSLC’s Director of Real Estate, Nancy Noszka. “We have completed site clean out and most preliminary evaluations of the site. The high ceilings, arched windows and brick walls make the building well suited for lofts, a modern live/work space or artist studios.”

The turn-of-the-century Romanesque building also benefits by its location in historic Allegheny West, one of Pittsburgh’s most beautiful, walkable and conveniently located neighborhoods. Renewal efforts, which will be completed this summer on Western Avenue, have paid off with a welcoming atmosphere and new business activity, and the neighborhood is within easy walking, biking and subway distance of Downtown, CCAC, Allegheny General, and a multitude of sporting, entertainment and family venues. Watch A Video Tour of Allegheny West.

The Stables Building is for sale at $325,000. Numerous tax credits and development incentives are available. Information can be found online at http://www.thestablesbuilding.com. The Stables Building is being marketing by RE/MAX Select Realty, agent Christa Ross 724-933-6300 x214, christaross@remax.net.

About Allegheny West Civic Council: is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to the historic preservation and development of a vital Allegheny West neighborhood.

About Northside Leadership Conference: NSLC is a coalition of Northside community-based organizations, committed to addressing mutual concerns through a united approach in order to promote and enhance the vitality, quality of life and image of Pittsburgh’s Northside.

About The Young Preservationists Association of Pittsburgh:YPA is a regional provider of value-added preservation services that encourage the participation of young people in historic preservation.

About RE/MAX Select Realty: RE/MAX Select Realty is a full service, real estate brokerage ranked #1 in per agent productivity in Western Pennsylvania.

I've recently been working with several buyers who are purchasing homes in Pittsburgh with an FHA loan, which has resulted in some interesting challenges. An FHA insured loan is a Federal Housing Administration backed mortgage which is provided by FHA-approved lenders. FHA backed loans have the benefit of allowing for lower down payments and have historically allowed lower income Americans to borrow money for the purchase of a home that they may not otherwise be able to afford.

With the tightening of the mortgage market over the last two years FHA backed loans have become very popular, with close 38 percent of all home purchase mortgages, including 60 percent of all African-American and Hispanic home purchases being made using this type of loan in 2010. (Source: www.thetruthaboutmortgage.com)

The two biggest draws of the FHA insured loan is the low down payment, as little as 3.5% down, and the ability to get a loan with a credit score as low as 580 (or 500 if you can put at least 10% down). FHA will also allow up to a 6% seller assist towards closing costs (although this could change soon), as opposed to the 3% maximum of most Conventional loans.

With all those benefits an FHA insured loan is a great option for many buyers, but their are a few pitfalls to be aware of.

FHA loans are not a good option for "fixer-uppers". If the house you are considering has lots of work required you may have a problem using an FHA loan to purchase. FHA appraisers review the condition of the home and detail repairs that must be made to the home prior to closing. These could include items like peeling paint that must be scraped and painted, Cracked windows repaired, gutters repaired, roofs repaired and other similar issues. Even if the buyer was planning to make these updates in the future and/or doesn't mind purchasing the home in as-is condition, FHA won't allow it, the work must be done before settlement. While FHA does have a loan called a 203K loan that will lend money for repairs, these are becoming harder to get and require the buyer to jump through many hoops.

Some homes won't qualify for FHA insured loans. Specifically condos and townhomes need to be on a FHA approved list in order to be eligible for an FHA loan. FHA wants to validate the health of a condo community before they invest in the property.

FHA loans have a higher mortgage insurance premium (MIP). FHA loans requires a 1% MIP paid upfront (this just went up in April 2011) and then a monthly premium as part of your mortgage payment for 5 years or until the loan amortizes to 78% – whichever is longer.

FHA appraisals have very strict guidelines, and once they are completed the value will apply to the home for 6 months, so a low appraisal can sink a sale even if you and the seller agree to a higher price. If an appraiser can't find comps that apply to the home they won't be able to supply a value, this can be particularly true for homes with wells or septic systems when the surrounding homes do not.

With all the benefits of FHA insured loans it is important to realize that not every home can be purchased with one. Be sure to let your real estate agent know upfront if you are using a FHA loan and ask them to advise you of potential FHA issues in houses you are interested in.

Planning to buy or sell a home in Western Pennsylvania? Call Christa Ross from RE/MAX Select Realty, at 724-933-6300 x214 (office) or 724-779-1437 (direct) or visit my website at www.bestpittsburghhomes.com.

Knowing what the real estate market is like in Pittsburgh is vital when it comes to making the decision of whether or not to develop in one area.

Consider several important factors, the value and opportunity to make money varies from one area of Pittsburgh to another. Some places may seem very appealing, but when the area is examined more closely and effectively, the potential income is just not there to be made.

How is the real estate market in your area?
Unlike some areas of the country, Pittsburgh has a stable real estate market that allows for a safer investment environment with modest returns. If you are planning to develop a property, you will want to properly research the area and gather all the information you may need. Finding a Pittsburgh real estate market that is in the initial stages of re-development and growth is a market with the potential to earn money. Also, you should have a general idea of the types of properties that are selling the fastest and for the most. Ask for this kind of information from your real estate agent. You can find good resources online to help in your review of different areas for development. One of these is City-Data’s Pittsburgh forum.

Get assistance
When you are looking at purchasing a Pittsburgh property for development there is much more to it than what meets the eyes. You should contact a Pittsburgh real estate agent for assistance.

What kind of neighborhood is it?
Choosing a property that is within an area of growth and development in Pittsburgh will raise your chances of success. Look for things like new structures, developments, and renovations when choosing the right Pittsburgh neighborhood for a real estate investment. Having the ability to choose the right property to develop is something that may not seem simple at first glance. Enlisting the help of an agent, knowing the kind of real estate market you are in, and studying the area in Pittsburgh for economic growth and potential is the groundwork laid for all sound real estate investments.

Investing in Pittsburgh? Call Christa Ross from RE/MAX Select Realty, at 724-933-6300 x214 (office) or 724-779-1437 (direct) or visit my website at www.bestpittsburghhomes.com.