The peak home-buying and -selling season is kicking off! The spring market uptick begins in March and people are beginning to make their moves. It’s more than just a season; it’s an opportunity to embrace change, achieve goals, and invest in the future. Whether you’re a seller preparing your home, a buyer searching for your dream property, or a real estate professional navigating the market, this spring promises exciting opportunities for everyone. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported that Pittsburgh remains one of the more affordable housing markets in the U.S., with home buyers spending about 25.3% of their earnings on a median-priced home, compared to higher percentages in other regions. National home-price growth is expected to decelerate, with an average increase of 3.1% in 2025, down from 4.7% in 2024. Average mortgage rates are expected to decline modestly but remain above 6% with potential volatility throughout the year.
The market is expected to lean more in favor of buyers in the latter half of 2025, with modest rises in home prices and an increasing number of homes available for sale. According to data from the West Penn Multi-list, Pittsburgh’s housing inventory has increased by 8% compared to the same period last year, providing more options for buyers who faced stiff competition in previous seasons.
Are you planning to be in the market this year? If so, here’s what to expect this spring—and how to be prepared to seize an opportunity—preparation and timing are everything.
For buyers:
Get Pre-Approved: A mortgage pre-approval not only shows the seller you’re serious but also helps you understand your budget. Work with a reputable local lender.
Act Quickly: With homes selling faster in the spring, be ready to make offers on properties that meet your criteria.
Work with a Local Expert: Pittsburgh’s diverse neighborhoods each have their own character and market dynamics. Partnering with a knowledgeable agent is essential.
Time Is of the Essence: Don’t wait for better prices or interest rates.
For homeowners planning to list their properties this spring— preparation is key to standing out in a competitive market. Here are some tips to maximize your home’s appeal:
Stage Your Home: Clean, declutter, depersonalize, and consider hiring a professional stager to showcase your property’s best features.
Focus on First Impressions: Invest in landscaping, fresh paint, and minor repairs to make your home’s exterior irresistible.
Price Strategically: Work with a real estate agent who understands the local market to set a competitive and attractive price.
Pittsburgh’s Spring Market Snapshot: Median Home Price: $245,000 (up 5% year-over-year) … Average Days on Market: 27… Mortgage Rates: 6.6% (30-year fixed average) … Hot Neighborhoods: Lawrenceville, Squirrel Hill, North Side … Emerging Areas: Hazelwood and Carrick.
The Strip District’s real estate market has seen substantial growth, with the median sale price of homes reaching $840,000 in December 2024, a 71.6% increase from the previous year.
And keep in mind these words of wisdom from Theodore Roosevelt: “Every person who invests in well-selected real estate in a growing section of a prosperous community adopts the surest and safest method of becoming independent, for real estate is the basis of wealth.”
Darla K. Jobkar is a full-time, top-producing realtor with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices. She has been serving the Greater Pittsburgh area for the past 27 years, and she is a Pittsburgh native and a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh. Darla holds the following real estate designations: Certified Residential Specialist, Accredited Buyer’s Representative, and graduate of the Realtor’s Institute. For more information about the Darla K. Jobkar Real Estate Team, visit her website at DarlaSellsRealEstate.com or the Berkshire website, ThePreferredRealty.com. And follow Darla at facebook.com/StripDistrictPgh and twitter.com/darlajobkar.