Business, Money - Real Estate

A Victorian home for $100,000?


New home buyers are moving away from Washington, D.C., Baltimore and Pittsburgh to Westmoreland County, PA where they can purchase homes for as little as $40,000 and remodel for another $50,000. That’s the opinion of real estate agent Chrisia Simkovich of Northwood Realty serving the greater Pittsburgh area.


“I specialize in equestrian properties,” she told me. “For rural property, there’s a large cross-section of people buying homes. Homeowners are moving away from the city and they’re wanting get-aways such as cottages. Others want that dream of owning a farm or horse property in a quiet area.

“A lot of families have discovered they’ve overextended themselves on credit and they’re trying to scale down. They’re looking for smaller energy-efficient homes, ones that are well-insulated, more rooms but smaller rooms. They’re looking for yards.


“I meet buyers who continue moving up from Washington, DC and Baltimore. In addition, more people are choosing to move out of Allegheny County due to taxes. They’d rather have a 1 – 2 hour commute to the city.


“For existing homes, people are looking for 3-4 bedrooms, 2 baths with prices ranging from $175,000 to $200,000. The market is moving here [Westmoreland County, Fayette County] under $175,000. This home pictured is in Ligonier, Westmoreland County on 5.3 acres for $221,000.



“The new construction of the upper end homes – above $400,000 which is what we saw about 4 or 5 years ago - is definitely flat. The new construction that is moving includes a lot of amenities such as new gas fireplaces. There’s a strong trend in re-doing old homes. I see that as where the market is heading.”


Is there ever a reason to rent a home or apartment instead of own a home?

For people who have been in foreclosure, you have to wait 2 years before you can own again. I believe this will create a stronger rent-to-own market. Students renting, truckers who move around a lot short-term rentals are viable for them.

What's a key lesson you've learned as a real estate agent?

"Always put the client first – even if it means walking away.

"What I offer is a service that’s professional, fair and hassle-free. Often I will go to their house to sign a contract or addendum. If they can’t get the house cleaned in time, I will look up cleaning services for them. I will try to help them arrange child-care or kennel care. It depends on what their personal needs are. Our job is to educate the buyer or seller and to shoulder their stress."


Chrisia Simkovich
412-610-5147

CONTACT CHRISIA