Real Estate on the Rebound

One year ago, Americans yearning to own a home were floating in an ocean of easy credit and low interest rates. When the storm came, starting in the late summer, the tsunami sent waves of anxiety throughout the housing, mortgage, credit card, banking and insurance industries. It also created a new term: sub-prime.

Yet, as often is the case, the ripples of this disaster barely lapped against the walls of the housing market in Pittsburgh. For a variety of reasons, homeowners in Pittsburgh pretty much evaded the cataclysmic affects of the housing industry collapse that struck the rest of the country. Perhaps it is because we are less credulous, or less willing to believe that money grows on trees.

Whatever the reason, the real estate market in the South Hills is buoyant, with new properties and resale of existing housing going through a strong period of sustained growth. Real estate professionals will tell you that if you have a good credit history and a solid employment record and can put up an acceptable down payment, these might be the best of times to buy, sell, downsize, upsize, and upgrade. And if you have a sense of adventure that comes with investing in property, then you’ll want to read our articles on becoming a landlord, and bidding for properties at sheriff’s sales.

Real estate offers many avenues for financial advancement in addition to providing opportunities for finding the home of your dreams. Our Special Section on Real Estate will help you start your search.


The Pittsburgh Real Estate market is not just surviving – it’s thriving! We’re having the best year in our company’s history. Helping home buyers make the right decision is key. Your home is the largest, single investment you make for your family. We want to ensure that all of our customers are educated in the financial process of buying their new home.

- Kevin Oakley, Marketing Director, Heartland Homes

Remembering My Lai
A Vietnam veteran visits Chartiers Valley high school to recount one of the darkest chapters in U.S. military history.

Unlikely Friendships
A trip to one of Africa’s most desperate countries teaches a CV student that people aren’t so different after all.

Officer of the Year
Scott Township’s Police Department unanimously names Alan Ballo its top cop.

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