Pittsburgh homes are old and built on hills. Census estimates put the median year built for Pittsburgh homes at around 1942, with close to half built before 1940. Steep lots bring their own problems. In 2018, record rain set off more than 200 landslides around Pittsburgh, and dozens of homes were damaged. Parts of the region also sit over old coal mines. If your house has more problems than you want to take on, we'll make you a cash offer as-is.
We buy houses in all 50 states. These are just some of the areas we serve. Don't see your city? We still want to hear from you.
Pittsburgh neighborhoods we buy in
We buy across the city, including Carrick, Brookline, Beechview, Mount Washington, Hazelwood, Greenfield, Lawrenceville, Bloomfield, Polish Hill, Garfield, Homewood, Sheraden, Brighton Heights, Perry North, Troy Hill and Spring Hill. We also buy elsewhere in Allegheny County, in places like McKees Rocks, Wilkinsburg, Penn Hills, Bethel Park and McKeesport.
What we see in Pittsburgh houses
- Hillside and slope problems. Retaining walls, slipping yards and foundation movement that make lenders and buyers walk away.
- Century-old brick and frame homes. Old roofs, knob-and-tube wiring, galvanized plumbing, lead paint and wet basements.
- Mine subsidence risk. Some areas sit over old coal mines. Pennsylvania sells mine subsidence insurance for that reason.
- Rentals. More than half of Pittsburgh households rent, according to Census estimates.
Why Pittsburgh owners sell to us
We hear from families settling an estate (often while also paying Pennsylvania inheritance tax), landlords who are ready to be done, owners facing a big structural repair, and people who've moved away.
See our pages for an inherited house, probate, a house that needs repairs, being a tired landlord, or a vacant house.
Probate, taxes and foreclosure in Pittsburgh
Estates are opened with the Allegheny County Register of Wills, and disputes go to the Orphans' Court Division of the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas. Pittsburgh's total realty transfer tax is 5% (1% state, 3% city, 1% school district), one of the highest in the state. Foreclosures are judicial and end in a sheriff's sale. See our Pennsylvania page.
Questions Pittsburgh sellers ask
Will you buy a house with a failing retaining wall or slope problem?
Yes. We buy as-is and factor the repair into our offer.
How does the 5% transfer tax work if I sell to you?
It's usually split between buyer and seller. Your offer from us will spell out exactly who pays what.
Can I sell while the estate is still open?
Usually, yes. The executor or administrator can sign once they've been appointed by the Register of Wills.