https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Wed, 22 Apr 2026 08:02:31 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/any-pittsburgh-bees#post-2233429 Fri, 10 Jul 2015 20:55:44 +0000 ms.line 2233429@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>You can definitely get something great for $350k! It's hard to find off-street parking in the East End, though. I think Regent Square, Point Breeze, and Highland Park are great places to look. I personally find Squirrel Hill a overrated/overpriced, especially considering the large student population that lives there. You might want to look at Greenfield and Stanton Heights, too. FWIW, I've never had any problems with crime in the city. I'm not sure about rising crime rates, either - the East End is rapidly gentrifying and the housing market is hot. East Liberty used to be considered a "bad" neighborhood (but my parents still took me to the library there every week as a kid with no problems), and now it's super yuppie with Google offices and $14 craft cocktails. </p> <p>Edgewood is just outside city limits, so the income taxes are less, but the school system isn't great. There are some real gems to be found, though - we almost bought a house there.</p> <p>Going into the east suburbs, you could look at Oakmont (near where I live), Churchhill, and Plum.</p> <p>I think Aspinwall is very cute and very well situated. Fox Chapel proper gets pretty pricey, but if you look at the surrounding neighborhoods of Blawnox and O'Hara, the prices are usually lower and it's the same district. You could go further north to Ross/Hampton/Wexford, but that felt too far from the city for me. </p> <p>My biggest suggestion would be to move fast when you see something you like! </p> <p>Just let me know if you have any more questions! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/any-pittsburgh-bees#post-2233376 Fri, 10 Jul 2015 19:36:02 +0000 Ms. RV 2233376@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@gingerblonde: I'm in the Pittsburgh area! I grew up to the south side, spent four years living in Squirrel Hill, then three in Aspinwall. Now I'm right outside of Allegheny County to the east. I loved Aspinwall, but I think my bedroom now is bigger than the average yard there (and my bedroom isn't that big!). If you don't mind a small yard, then I really recommend it. It's such a cute town that is really close to everything while being in a great school district.</p> <p>The in-town neighborhoods you mentioned-- I wouldn't recommend. Maybe Squirrel Hill or Point Breeze, but a lot of the neighborhoods on the East End have rising crime rates. Also, the income tax in city limits is 3%. Most towns outside of city limits are 1% or 1.5% and also have lower property taxes.</p> <p>Feel free to wall me if you need suggestions for anything. I house hunted in the north hills a couple years ago, but ultimately ended up where I am now. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/any-pittsburgh-bees#post-2233334 Fri, 10 Jul 2015 18:27:34 +0000 Mrs. Jump Rope 2233334@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@gingerblonde: I walled you! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/any-pittsburgh-bees#post-2233332 Fri, 10 Jul 2015 18:24:36 +0000 gingerblonde 2233332@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@raspberries: Awesome, thanks! We are really excited about it. It sounds like it will be a place full of fun opportunities for kids. Thanks for the suggestions!</p> <p>@ms.line: Ordinarily I wouldn't want to buy right off the bat, but it's so obviously cheaper to buy than rent, and we are hoping to buy into an area where the house will appreciate. We'd like something with 4+ bedrooms, 1800+ sq ft., a fenced yard for the dog, and a garage would be great. Our search has been focused on Morningside, Highland Park, Regent Square, Point Breeze, Squirrel Hill and Edgewood, primarily. Some people have suggested looking north to Aspinwall, Glenshaw, Fox Chapel... others said east like Forest Hills or Churchill. I think we are going to do private schools if we aren't in a north hills suburb. We'd like to stay under $350K if we can, but if that isn't realistic, I need to know that! :)</p> <p>@Mrs. Jump Rope: My husband will also be working in East Liberty! I'd love to chat about the housing market and the commute - it looks like it is a hotter market than I originally thought, for sure. We are coming from Seattle though, so it's hard to imagine that it would be worse! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/any-pittsburgh-bees#post-2233259 Fri, 10 Jul 2015 17:16:38 +0000 agold 2233259@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm not too familiar with Pittsburgh, but I visit family in McMurray just outside of Pittsburgh each year. That is a lovely town. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/any-pittsburgh-bees#post-2233206 Fri, 10 Jul 2015 16:12:24 +0000 Mrs. Jump Rope 2233206@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@gingerblonde: I'm Pittsburgh blogger! We have two girls - 10 months and 3.5.<br /> We live in the north hills &amp; my husband works in east Liberty. </p> <p>Let me know if you have any questions. We are house hunting &amp; it's a great market right now! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/any-pittsburgh-bees#post-2233200 Fri, 10 Jul 2015 16:01:34 +0000 raspberries 2233200@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I was also born and raised near Pittsburgh, but moved to the Boston area after college. I still miss it! Some good school districts within about a half hour to the north of Shadyside are North Hills, Fox Chapel, and Hampton Township. I feel like traffic is worse on the southside - so even though places like Mount Lebanon and Upper St Clair are only 12-15 miles away, the commute would be more like an hour or so.</p> <p>Otherwise, Pittsburgh is an awesome place to have a family. There are the Carnegie Museums, the Science Center, the inclines, Kennywood, Sandcastle, the zoo &amp; aquarium, aviary, and so on. You guys will have a blast! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/any-pittsburgh-bees#post-2233179 Fri, 10 Jul 2015 15:40:04 +0000 ms.line 2233179@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Hi! I was born and raised in Pittsburgh's East End, and now live in the east suburbs (after escaping to NYC for a while). Welcome - the 'burgh is a great place for families! There are a *ton* of neighborhoods in Pittsburgh and the surrounding boroughs. I'd be happy to give you some suggestions on where to look - are you looking to rent or buy, how big and what kind of residence do you want, and what's your general budget? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/any-pittsburgh-bees#post-2233175 Fri, 10 Jul 2015 15:34:23 +0000 gingerblonde 2233175@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We just decided to relocate to Pittsburgh for my husband's job. We have a 14 month old daughter and are looking for some insider info from Pittsburgh residents on areas that are family-friendly and safe. His job is going to be in the East End close to Shadyside, so we'd prefer to stay on that side of town or maybe northern suburbs. What do I need to know about life in PGH? :happy: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/ughanother-real-estate-issue-advice-needed#post-760360 Fri, 03 May 2013 16:44:10 +0000 DigAPony 760360@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Don't pay him a dime! I'd also contact a supervisor (or whatever the equivalent might be) and let him/her know about this guy. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/ughanother-real-estate-issue-advice-needed#post-760019 Fri, 03 May 2013 13:55:03 +0000 LindsayInNY 760019@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would not give him anything! Since I know the area, what company is he with? I would be tempted to say something if he continues emailing you.</p> <p>We found our place on our own, broker #1 (who we met once before) showed it to me alone but wouldn't put an offer in the next day since there was already another one. DH doesn't think she was taking us seriously. Broker #2 I was referred to and SHE put the offer in. We ended up getting the place. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/ughanother-real-estate-issue-advice-needed#post-759968 Fri, 03 May 2013 13:34:48 +0000 kjpugs 759968@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would ABSOLUTELY NOT pay him. He is badgering you because he sucks at his job and lost money on you. That's why he wanted you to put in an over offer- bc it would be accepted and he'd get paid. He was NOT a good realtor. It's human nature to feel bad but OH WELL.</p> <p>I would respond to him that while you appreciate his work, you lost houses under him and did not like the lawyer he recommended either. Say that you found this house on your own and did 100% of the work, and found your own lawyer. You can say you wish he had found you something quickly that fit your needs so he could have been paid, but he didn't, so best of luck in the future. The end. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/ughanother-real-estate-issue-advice-needed#post-759963 Fri, 03 May 2013 13:33:23 +0000 ladyfingers 759963@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Uh, no. Don't pay him a dime. I feel like what he's asking is illegal, too. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/ughanother-real-estate-issue-advice-needed#post-759950 Fri, 03 May 2013 13:26:28 +0000 Vegmama 759950@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>It's tough, but I wouldn't give him anything. I think you clearly laid out your guidelines, and they weren't met. At this point, maybe it's best to send an email (so it's in writing) that you're moving on from that relationship, and request to not be contacted. Obviously, you can word it really nicely, but it's really none of his concern. It sounds pretty shady that he's trying to get you to pay him for something he didn't do. It might even be illegal. And, if you paid him ... what's to say he wouldn't keep harassing you? I'd end it. Also, CONGRATS on the house hunting. I know it's stressful, but it sounds like things are working out! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/ughanother-real-estate-issue-advice-needed#post-759592 Fri, 03 May 2013 11:28:52 +0000 mrsmenow 759592@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would seriously file a complaint with this guy's boss. He deserves absolutely nothing at this point. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/ughanother-real-estate-issue-advice-needed#post-759590 Fri, 03 May 2013 11:26:03 +0000 immabeetoo 759590@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I wouldn't pay him anything! I'd also write a negative review on Yelp or a similar site. Yuck! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/ughanother-real-estate-issue-advice-needed#post-759574 Fri, 03 May 2013 11:21:51 +0000 Bookish 759574@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Anagram: Jeez, more?! Can you forward copies of all these to his supervisor with a big WTF at the top? :p </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/ughanother-real-estate-issue-advice-needed#post-759572 Fri, 03 May 2013 11:19:15 +0000 loveisstrange 759572@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Heck no, don't give him a dime! He's behaving ridiculously. Dowa he work for a company or is he independent? If he works for a company, I'd have half a mind to call and report his behavior to his boss. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/ughanother-real-estate-issue-advice-needed#post-759559 Fri, 03 May 2013 11:11:16 +0000 Anagram 759559@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>He sent another email today, grousing at us again!!!</p> <p>I think he's officially crazy. At this point, he's burning bridges left and right. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/ughanother-real-estate-issue-advice-needed#post-759521 Fri, 03 May 2013 10:48:37 +0000 MrsTiz 759521@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MaisyMay: I agree!</p> <p>I wouldn't give him a penny, I would tell his supervisor/manager/whatever about his extremely poor service (they deserve to know that he was miserable to work with) and it is a great idea to have proof. Bring in e-mails and texts, etc. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/ughanother-real-estate-issue-advice-needed#post-759501 Fri, 03 May 2013 10:39:14 +0000 mlm2934 759501@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Wow!! He suggests you start by going $50k over asking??? Sounds like he was fishing for extra commission and NOT being an advocate for your needs. And that is ridiculous that he won't even drive you. Our house just sold in 5 days, as well as all the other houses in our neighborhood. Discouraged people have been knocking on our door to ask about the house cause they literally can't get to houses in time before they are under contract. A good realtor would be alerting you ASAP of new listings that met your criteria.</p> <p>He does not deserve a dime. Honestly, you could have just "fired" him and he wouldn't need to even know about the FSBO house </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/ughanother-real-estate-issue-advice-needed#post-757409 Thu, 02 May 2013 15:08:43 +0000 MaisyMay 757409@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Anagram: I'd go into the office and show his supervisor the emails/texts. That is terribly unprofessional. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/ughanother-real-estate-issue-advice-needed#post-757402 Thu, 02 May 2013 15:07:45 +0000 Emsmems 757402@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Wow, I wouldn't give him anything either. It sounds like he's desperate for some money! I understand you feeling bad, but he in no way earned a cent of your money. If he really needed money he should have worked day and night finding you a place so he could get the commission! It sounds like him wanting you to overbid was also because he wanted more money. No way would I reward his behavior by giving him anything!</p> <p>ETA: congrats on finding a place! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/ughanother-real-estate-issue-advice-needed#post-757346 Thu, 02 May 2013 14:56:28 +0000 Anagram 757346@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Sigh. I'm glad to see that I'm not the only one who thinks he's crazy for even asking. My husband is too nice...but we don't have the money to spate with a LO on the way!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/ughanother-real-estate-issue-advice-needed#post-757277 Thu, 02 May 2013 14:42:05 +0000 Weagle 757277@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Oh, and I would definitely talk to his broker/agency as well. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/ughanother-real-estate-issue-advice-needed#post-757276 Thu, 02 May 2013 14:41:57 +0000 Reese 757276@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Nothing. Maybe you can give him a list of the things you weren't happy with as "tips". Some realtors think that clients don't see through their ridiculousness (insisting you drive? what the what?) </p> <p>Congratulations on your new place! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/ughanother-real-estate-issue-advice-needed#post-757271 Thu, 02 May 2013 14:41:09 +0000 Weagle 757271@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Don't pay. He's obviously terrible at his job and didn't provide any services that are worth the effort of writing a check. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/ughanother-real-estate-issue-advice-needed#post-757249 Thu, 02 May 2013 14:37:51 +0000 Bluebonnet 757249@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Wow. I agree with everyone else. You should not pay your Realtor anything. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/ughanother-real-estate-issue-advice-needed#post-757224 Thu, 02 May 2013 14:33:25 +0000 Foodnerd81 757224@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>That is just so bizarre! I wouldn't pay him anything and I do agree that you should alert his agency. </p> <p>However, I hope this deal goes through and you finally have your place! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/ughanother-real-estate-issue-advice-needed#post-757215 Thu, 02 May 2013 14:31:41 +0000 sunny 757215@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I agree that is totally inappropriate and if you're angry enough I would call his broker to report him. They work on commission and its a two way street--if he felt that he couldn't service your needs because he thought you were too time consuming as a client (I'm not saying you are, I think those are totally reasonable requests) then he should have ended the relationship himself. I wouldn't give him anything! </p>