Leah Culler of MSN Real Estate mentions Pittsburgh Real Estate & me :-)

Link to Article http://realestate.msn.com/real-estate-on-the-cheap-how-to-craft-a-lowball-offer

Finding a good deal in — Pittsburgh
We'll start our bargain hunting in Pittsburgh, which we recently named one of the country's 10 most livable bargain markets for this year.

Agent Janice Caputo says Pittsburgh is still considered a buyers market because sales are down year over year, but prices are going up and inventory is decreasing. Overall, homes are selling at about 95% of list price.

Caputo says the Pittsburgh housing market stands out because of its mix of Old World charm and midcentury-modern and new homes, with prices ranging from less than $100,000 to millions.

Three rivers separate the city, creating a distinctive geography. Caputo says the East End is undergoing a large revitalization, with Google Pittsburgh and a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design-certified children's hospital in the Lawrenceville neighborhood, among educational institutions and research hospitals. "We have everything you need in a city and reasonable commuting, usually," Caputo says.

The "T," a 25-mile light-rail and subway line, provides service between downtown Pittsburgh and several communities outside of the downtown core, including the neighborhoods in South Hills, which Caputo says is one of her favorite areas.

Pittsburgh has plenty of fixer-uppers for those who are handy, Caputo says. If you are experienced or have connections with contractors, you can find a good deal. Do a careful check for any flooding issues or toxic mold, however, because Pittsburgh is a hilly city. Also be sure to check zoning ordinances, which may affect what you're allowed to do once you own the home.

Many buyers are buying tiny homes for cheap in older, established areas, such as Mount Lebanon, Pa., where Caputo lives, she says. They tear down a small home for $5,000 to $10,000, then build a new home in an area that has mature trees, established parks and vibrant commercial services.

"Look for areas surrounding a growing community for long-term potential; otherwise, stick with a thriving borough for satisfactory short-term resale," Caputo says.

There are also plenty of good deals on condos, townhouses, co-ops and duplexes, she says.

A buyer who offers to pay close to the asking price on a home can often snag a 6% seller assist, which was the case with two homes Caputo sold recently in the Carnegie area. Each of those homes sold for around $100,000, and the sellers also paid for needed repairs.

Caputo says buying is better than renting right now because Pittsburgh is an affordable and stable market.

"There are plenty of affordable homes available of which the monthly payments will be less than the cost of renting," she says, "and you will have tax deductions and gain equity while owning."

Interested in learning more about buying in Pittsburgh? Contact Caputo through her website.