Looking for a nice home in Pittsburgh, need to find something affordable, and don't want a fixer-upper? Then you may want to consider one of a number of homes that are being built and renovated in several areas around Pittsburgh that come with reduced prices, tax abatements and/or deferred 2nd mortgages. These incentives let low and moderate income households buy a great house for less money.
Recently I started marketing for sale one of these homes, a beautiful little house in the North Braddock neighborhood of Pittsburgh. The home is almost completely new inside and out, has a great big yard, perfect for gardening, and a very attractive price tag. This home at 614 Baldridge Avenue is part of the Braddock's Field redevelopment project that spans the neighborhoods of North Braddock and Braddock, about 11 miles from Downtown Pittsburgh.
Both communities are historically significant as the sites of General Braddock’s Defeat in 1755, the location of the Whiskey Rebellion in 1794 and the location of the Edgar Thomson Steel Works which made the area famous as the hub of Pittsburgh’s steel industry. After losing almost 90% of their population since the peak in the 1950’s, the areas are in the process of reinventing themselves as a center for urban farming and artistic culture.
Reinventing any area in Pittsburgh frequently starts with improving the housing stock. (In 2000, the average home age in our city was 48 years old, older than almost all major US cities) Then encouraging buyers to consider these homes by appealing to their pioneering spirit, and their pocketbooks.
For the house at 614 Baldridge Avenue that means putting it up for sale at a special price, only $50,000 for a home that has been completely renovated. It should be no surprise that the price is less than the actual value of the home. Plus it is reserved for an owner occupant with an income of 80% of the area median income (AMI) or less, adjusted for household size. The chart at the right shows the current income guidelines for this home.
Even if this house isn't the perfect fit for you, there are still many other homes in the Pittsburgh area that have similar incentives to help lower and moderate income individuals afford the home of their dreams. The Mon Valley Initiative, owners of the home at 614 Baldridge Avenue, have other great homes with nice price tags and similar income guidelines in areas like Turtle Creek, Swissvale and Homestead. Back within the city limits, URA-sponsored homes are offered at market price with no-payment, no-interest deferred 2nd mortgages (that are forgiven if you stay in the home at least 5 years) and 3 or 10 year tax abatements to encourage people to move into transitioning neighborhoods like the Northside, Lawrenceville, The Hill District, Friendship, the Strip and East Liberty. Like 614 Baldridge Avenue, many of the incentives are based on household income or the cost of the property.
For qualified buyers, these incentives can be combined with FHA and PHFA programs to allow for lower down payments and/or reduced closing costs.
So if you are interested in city-living and searching for an affordable new or newly renovated home in Pittsburgh these homes may be a great option for you.
Searching for an affordable home in Pittsburgh? Call Christa Ross at RE/MAX Select Realty, 724-933-6300 x214 or christa@greenhomespgh.com. www.bestpittsburghhomes.com.
Comments(0)