Sell My House Fast in Pittsburgh
Need to sell your house fast in Pittsburgh?
Competitive cash offers: There’s no need to sort through dozens of We Buy Houses Pittsburgh websites. Our team of experts understands the local market, and we work with one of the largest cash buyer networks in the nation to ensure you get the best offer possible through HomeLight’s Simple Sale Pittsburgh platform.
No repairs or roadblocks: We specialize in helping Pittsburgh sellers move quickly, even if a house needs repairs or you’re going through a difficult situation such as divorce, death in the family, or financial troubles.
Simple and fast: Get the cash you need to move on to your next chapter without the stress of showings, negotiations, or waiting months to close.
How it worksExploring your options is free and easy
Step 1 Tell us about your home
Step 2 We find you the best offer
Step 3 You accept and decide when to move
Sell My House Fast in Pittsburgh
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I Need to Sell My House Fast in Pittsburgh: What Are My Options?
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- 15 min read
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Kelsey Morrison Former HomeLight EditorClose
Kelsey Morrison Former HomeLight EditorKelsey Morrison worked as an editor for HomeLight's Resource Centers. She has seven years of editorial experience in the real estate and lifestyle spaces. She previously worked as a commerce editor for World of Good Brands (eHow.com and Cuteness.com) and as an associate editor for Livabl.com. Kelsey holds a bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Concordia University in Montreal, Quebec, and lives in a small mountain town in Southern California.
If you’re a homeowner in Pittsburgh needing to sell your house fast, take comfort in knowing that it’s achievable and that you have options to explore. Whether you’ve decided to downsize to a downtown condo or just accepted a job offer in another state, there are all sorts of reasons why you might want to offload your current home ASAP.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through two options: accepting an all-cash offer for your home or partnering with a top real estate agent to sell quickly. We’ll break down the pros and cons of each option, and share tips from a local real estate agent to help you sell your Pittsburgh house quickly and confidently.
Sell Your House Fast in Pittsburgh With an All-Cash Offer
Get an all-cash, no-obligation offer on your Pittsburgh home through HomeLight’s Simple Sale platform whenever you’re ready. Receive your offer in as little as a week and close in as few as 10 days. No showings, no repairs, no open houses.
Why you might need to sell your Pittsburgh house fast
Like a pitcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates, sometimes life throws a curveball. Here are some common scenarios where a fast home sale could be the solution you’re looking for:
- Life changes: If unexpected circumstances such as job loss or divorce arise, selling your house quickly can free up your finances and provide a fresh start.
- Financial strain: When facing tight finances due to medical bills, bankruptcy, or foreclosure, a fast home sale can alleviate the burden.
- Inherited property: Selling an inherited house quickly can relieve the responsibility of maintenance and taxes.
- Downsizing needs: If you want to trade in your suburban McMansion for an urban townhouse, downsizing quickly enables a seamless transition to a new lifestyle.
- Relocation: Whether for a new job opportunity or to be closer to loved ones, selling your house quickly will help you move on from the Steel City.
- Avoiding landlord responsibilities: If managing rental property becomes overwhelming, a quick sale offers relief from landlord duties.
If you find yourself in any of these situations, selling your house quickly in Pittsburgh could be the right decision.
Option 1: Request a cash offer for your Pittsburg home
Looking to sell your Pittsburgh home without the hassle of the traditional process? Consider requesting a cash offer.
Platforms like HomeLight’s Simple Sale cater specifically to Pennsylvania homeowners, offering a streamlined approach to selling your home.
With Simple Sale, you’re in control — you can close in as little as 10 days (or longer if you wish), and select a move-out date that works for you. To get started, provide some details about your Pittsburgh home and desired selling timeline. You could receive a no-obligation all-cash offer from our extensive investor network within 24 hours. No extra fees, agent commissions, or prep work required!
The process of a cash offer in Pittsburgh
In Pittsburgh, opting for a cash offer presents a straightforward path to selling your home. Unlike traditional sales, this method involves buyers with cash on hand, skipping the mortgage process entirely. Once your home’s condition and local market value are assessed, the cash buyer extends an offer. With no need for mortgage approvals or inspections, the closing process is quick and easy.
Here are the three easy steps in the Simple Sale process:
Who else buys houses for cash in Pittsburgh?
Looking to sell your home for cash in Pittsburgh? There are many reputable house-buying companies and investor groups ready to make you an offer. Here are five creditable companies operating in and around the city:
- HomeBuyers of Pittsburgh
- Pittsburgh Cash Home Buyers LLC
- Cash Home Buyer Pros
- PGH Home Buyers, LLC
- Dustin Buys Houses
If you’re considering selling your home for cash, you might want to look into additional cash-for-home companies online. However, for a hassle-free experience and access to the largest network of trusted cash buyers nationwide, opt for HomeLight’s Simple Sale platform.
Pros and cons of selling to a Pittsburgh house-buying company
Still not sure if you’re a good candidate for working with a Pittsburgh house-buying company? Let’s weigh the pros and cons of accepting an all-cash offer.
Pros
- Sell fast: Receive a quick offer and potentially close the sale in a matter of days, providing a solution for those needing cash ASAP.
- Skip repairs: Sell your house in its current condition, saving time and money on expensive repairs and renovations, which can be especially helpful for properties that require a lot of fixing up.
- Easy process: Enjoy a streamlined selling experience with fewer steps and less paperwork, simplifying the transaction for busy, stressed-out homeowners.
- No staging or showings: Avoid the hassle of staging your house and preparing it for showings and open houses, allowing for a more convenient selling process that fits your schedule.
- Flexible move-out dates: Arrange a move-out timeline that works for you, providing flexibility and preventing you from having to move twice.
- No financing delays: Eliminate the risk of deals falling through due to financing issues. Cash ensures a smoother and more reliable sales process.
- Reduced or no closing fees: Save on closing costs, as some house-buying companies cover all or most of the expenses.
- Can be a foreclosure solution: For homeowners facing foreclosure, selling to a house-buying company can offer a lifeline, helping to avoid the negative consequences of foreclosure.
- Less work than a FSBO sale: Experience less stress and workload compared to selling by owner (FSBO), as house-buying companies handle much of the process on your behalf.
Cons
- Lower offers: Accepting a cash offer from a house-buying company may result in a lower sale price compared to listing on the open market, sacrificing potential profit for speed and convenience.
- Less competition for your home: If you don’t list your home on the MLS, it might not receive as many offers, especially if you’re only reaching out to house-buying companies. This could lead to a lower selling price overall.
- No negotiations: Since house-buying companies typically present non-negotiable offers, you may miss out on the opportunity to negotiate for a higher sale price.
- Can face hidden fees: Be wary of potential hidden fees and charges, such as administrative fees or transaction costs, which can eat into your profits.
- Not all companies are reputable: Exercise caution when selecting a house-buying company, as not all are reputable or trustworthy, and some may engage in unethical practices.
- A potential risk for scams: Protect yourself from scams and fraudulent schemes by thoroughly researching and vetting house-buying companies before entering into any agreements.
“There’s absolutely nothing wrong with utilizing a ‘we buy houses for cash’ company, but I think the consumer needs to know that business exists to make money,” says Adam Slivka, a top Pittsburgh-area real estate agent with 18 years of experience.
“They have to buy your house at a price point they believe they can make money off of, whereas somebody who’s going to make it their primary residence — making money off of the house is not their primary objective.”
Option 2: Hire a top Pittsburg real estate agent
Even if you’re in a hurry to sell your home, hiring an experienced real estate agent in Pittsburgh can be a wise decision. A skilled agent knows the local market well and can help you sell your home quickly and for a good price. They can take care of things like getting your home ready to sell and negotiating with buyers to get you the best deal possible.
“You’re going to get a little bit more money going with an agent and opening [the home sale] up to the free market,” says Slivka.
Let’s take a look at what the market is like right now, why it’s worth working with a top real estate agent, and how to find the right one for you in Pittsburgh.
How fast are homes selling in Pittsburgh?
Pittsburgh is currently a balanced market, meaning there’s no clear advantage for buyers or sellers. In January 2024, homes spent a median of 51 days on market (DOM), four days slower than the same period last year. Forty-four percent of homes sold in less than 30 days, while an additional 38% sold in 30–90 days. Only 18% of homes sold in over 90 days. The days on market (DOM) metric doesn’t include the time it takes for a buyer to finalize a purchase loan, which currently averages 47 days. This is important to keep in mind when planning your selling timeline.
In January 2024, the median price of an existing Pittsburgh home amounted to $236,601, a 3% year-over-year increase. Over 60% of homes sold under asking, and 21% of homes sold over asking. Inventory was down slightly, sinking 0.4% to 2,177 available homes. In a market like this, it’s important to price your home strategically to achieve a fast sale (and avoid making reductions later on).
“As the interest rates have started to come down again, demand has been ticking up,” says Slivka. “I think homeowners who hop on the bandwagon and sell their properties now are going to do better than those who wait until the summertime to list.”
Here’s a snapshot of current housing market indicators in Pittsburgh:
| Days on market (average time from list to contract) | 51 days* |
| Days to close conventional home loan | 47 days |
| Median sold price | $236,601 |
| Number of homes for sale | 2,169 |
| Number of closed home sales year over year | -29.9% |
*Does not include time for buyer to close the loan
Data source(s): Ice Mortgage Technology, Rocket Homes
Benefits of selling with a top Pittsburgh agent
When it comes to selling your home quickly in Pittsburgh, teaming up with a skilled real estate agent can make all the difference. Their expertise and local knowledge can translate into a faster home sale.
Slivka believes the top benefits of selling with an agent include exposure and protection against liability. “We know the forms and are able to handle the legal side of [a home sale] to an extent,” he adds.
Here are some other key benefits of working with a top-performing Pittsburgh agent:
- Ability to sell for more: A skilled agent knows how to price your home accurately to attract buyers quickly and maximize your selling price.
- Can generate a speedy sale: With their experience and resources, a top agent can expedite the selling process, reducing the time your home spends on the market.
- Accurate, effective pricing: An experienced agent will use market data and analysis to price your home competitively, attracting more buyers and increasing the likelihood of a fast sale.
- Professional negotiation skills: Agents skilled in negotiations can secure favorable terms and a quick sale, ensuring a smooth transaction from start to finish.
- Strategic repairs and updates: A knowledgeable agent can advise you on which repairs and updates are worth investing in to attract buyers quickly and enhance your home’s appeal.
- Effective marketing: Top agents leverage advanced marketing techniques to showcase your home effectively, reaching a larger pool of potential buyers and speeding up the sale.
- Contract expertise: Agents proficient in legal requirements and contract negotiations ensure a seamless transaction, minimizing delays and facilitating a fast closing.
- Efficient paperwork management: Handling paperwork with precision and efficiency, an experienced agent streamlines the selling process and reduces the risk of delays.
- Access to professional network: Top agents have access to trusted professionals who can expedite the selling process and address any issues that arise, like contractors and inspectors.
How to find a top Pittsburgh real estate agent
Finding the right real estate agent in Pittsburgh is essential to a quick home sale. If you’re in need of some assistance, HomeLight’s Agent Match platform can connect you with two or three top agents in your area. It’s completely free to use, and agents don’t pay to be featured — our recommendations are based on internal data, reviews, and your particular home selling needs. Whether you’re selling or buying, allow HomeLight to connect you with a top agent who delivers results.
Expert agent tips to help sell your Pittsburgh house fast
Here are some agent-approved tips to help sell your home fast in Pittsburgh:
- Price it right from the start: Overpricing can lead to a longer time on the market. An experienced agent can help price your home competitively. “The faster you sell a property, the more likely you are to get the asking price or exceed it,” says Slivka. “When you overprice, and everybody wonders what’s wrong with it, you ultimately end up getting less.”
- Highlight local charm: Emphasize the historic charm of Pittsburgh homes, showcasing their character while ensuring they’re updated where it matters. In your listing description, be sure to call out features like French doors, exposed brick walls, original fireplaces, and stained glass windows.
- Showcase outdoor living: Pittsburgh buyers love to take advantage of their outdoor spaces during the warmer months, so highlight patios, grassy lawns, covered decks, and lush landscaping.
- Stage for the Pittsburgh lifestyle: Appeal to remote workers and entrepreneurs with a staged home office or dedicated workspace. If you’ve got an extra bedroom or bonus room, add a desk, a chair, and a few tabletop accessories for an instant office.
- Focus on curb appeal: Make a good first impression by boosting curb appeal with fresh landscaping and a clean exterior. According to a HomeLight Top Agent Insights Report, buyers will pay an average of 7% more for a home with outstanding curb appeal.
- Get a pre-listing home inspection: Consider spending $300–$400 on a pre-listing home inspection. Identifying and addressing issues early on can speed up the selling process. “It always comes down to price, location, and condition,” notes Slivka.
- Highlight how you’ve prepared for Pittsburgh weather: If you added a storm door or new insulation, bring up these weatherproofing features in the listing description to reassure buyers that your home will be cozy and warm all winter long!
- Offer a home warranty: Provide peace of mind with a home warranty, especially for budget-conscious buyers who don’t want to replace the furnace in the first year of home ownership. These 12-month contracts typically cost $450 to $600 per year and cover appliances and mechanical systems.
- Use professional photography: High-quality photos and video footage can make your listing stand out, although Slivka says that the home should look just as good in person as it does online. “If it’s not in great shape, and the pictures are doctored up, a buyer is not going to put in an offer,” he adds.
- Leverage social media: Share walkthrough videos or photos on social platforms to increase visibility and attract multiple offers quickly. If your agent has a large following, they could potentially net a buyer through an Instagram story or TikTok video.
- Consider timing: Pittsburgh’s housing market can be seasonal. Consult with your agent to pick the optimal time to list, or use HomeLight’s Best Time to Sell Calculator.
By implementing these expert tips, you could attract buyers faster and sell your home more quickly in Pittsburgh.
Ready to sell your Pittsburgh house fast?
Whether you opt for a cash offer through HomeLight’s Simple Sale platform or enlist the expertise of a top real estate agent, finding the right solution for your home-selling needs is crucial.
- Simple Sale provides a quick and hassle-free option, getting you a no-obligation cash offer in 24 hours. You can close in as little as 10 days and choose your own move-out date.
- Hiring a skilled real estate agent can help maximize your home sale profits and sell quickly. HomeLight can connect you with top-rated agents in the Pittsburgh market.
Not sure which path to choose? Consider both options carefully to decide what’s best for you. You’ve got the info, tools, and know-how to handle your speedy home sale in Pittsburgh like a pro.
Header Image Source: (Yuhan Du / Unsplash)
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