All Forum Posts by: Gary Swank

Hi Shlomi, Welcome to BiggerPockets. Pittsburgh is certainly a great market to invest in. And you really have to know the neighborhoods and properties well in order to be successful. Good to reach out to others here. I'm here for you and best of luck in your REI search. Gary

Glad you enjoyed the post.  I wish you much success with your Pittsburgh investment.  .  Thank you!

Looking for your next investment target? Consider Pittsburgh!Pittsburgh, PA is a strong market for Investors. From lower buy-ins to consistent appreciation and good returns, Pittsburgh constantly attracts investors from all over the US. The City offers favorable demographics with inherent diversity and a true four season climate for outdoor enthusiasts. Champion sports teams, world renowned healthcare, cultural venues, and notorious higher education feed growth. Pittsburgh's strong rental market and great opportunity for fix and flips should put it on the top of your list. Check out my latest blog (link below) that discusses this in greater detail. 

What Pittsburgh PA offers Investors and Home Buyers

Want to know more about how Pittsburgh can help you specifically? Reach out to me and let's discuss your goals! Thanks, Gary

Beware...many buyer's agents will avoid showing your flat rate listing from the MLS. Sure, it gets you exposure, but unless your listing asking price is very high, 2% may not get you the activity you seek. Also, buyer's agents are very aware that when there is no listing agent, they end up handling the transaction from both the buyer and listing sides which is significantly more work for which they are being paid less. Just a word to the wise.

@Ray Riley Hi Ray, Pittsburgh is a strong market for investors and there are many upcoming neighborhoods that are sparking interest. I've lived here my whole life and know the area very well. Feel free to reach out to me. Gary

I refuse to be just another real estate agent. I put myself in the same position as the buyer or seller. I spend the buyer's money as if it's my own. And I sell a property like I would my own. That way we get the best outcome. Being detail oriented allows me to guide my clients through a transaction smoothly. I explain things thoroughly and in understandable detail. Since I've dealt with a variety of real estate transactions in Pittsburgh, PA during my 20+ years, I have the knowledge and experience that can best help you. I consult, not sell. So don't just call any Realtor, call me--The thorough Realtor.

garyswank.net

@Kevin Shook Hi Kevin. You are certainly laying down good plans as you look to house hack. And house hacking is certainly a great way to start investing as this allows you to see if being a landlord is something that appeals to you. I've lived here my whole life and know the area, including your choices, very well. So feel free to reach out to me. Thanks, Gary 

@Account Closed Hi Carson, Welcome to the BP community. Pittsburgh certainly is a strong REI market. I've lived here my whole life and know the area very well. Feel free to reach out to me as you embark upon your journey....Gary

@William Morales Interesting take. I've been in Pittsburgh my whole life and have toured literally thousands of properties. But of course Realtors want to establish a working relationship where they invest their time looking, evaluating and commenting on properties for investors in the hopes that investor will buy through them. It's like any other business relationship, Full of WIFM's. It's just how the world works. Anyway, every want to talk more about the Pittsburgh area, feel free to contact me.....Gary 

@Andrea Campo Hi Andrea and welcome, in advance, to Pittsburgh. The North Park area is a great place to live among other areas. Pittsburgh itself is also a great market for investors for a variety of reasons. I would definitely suggest to get to know the different areas very well, as they often change. Sometimes within the same street. As far as "seeing the listings". Be careful doing that. Even if you are not a Realtor, you can certainly set up a time to see the property if it's listed by a Realtor, but if you are not represented yourself by one, the listing agent can claim procuring cost should you buy said property. Why would you not protect your own interest? So I suggest that if you are seeing a listing that is listed on the MLS, you get your own Realtor. Preferably someone who knows the area and has worked with investors for many years.