The Ultimate Guide for First-Time Home Buyers in Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh is a city built with metal: iron, brass, tin, and steel.

It’s a city of history, culture, and community.

Is it a city that offers experiences and opportunity like no other.

And, what’s more, Pittsburgh is a fantastic place to call home.

DRB Homes has been building new homes in Pittsburgh and over 17 other active regional markets for over 30 years. Our team works tirelessly to not only build new-construction homes in some of the best communities but also help home buyers find their forever homes.

We’ve taken all our knowledge of this exciting area, and we put together this ultimate guide for first-time home buyers in Pittsburgh.

The DRB Homes home-buying process looks like this:

Research
Financing
Property Selection
Contract Signing
Construction Phase
Inspections
Closing
Move In

Let’s examine these steps a little closer and understand how DRB Homes has streamlined the process to make it easy and more hassle-free! Also remember: Throughout the entire process, communication with DRB Homes representatives is key to ensuring a smooth experience and addressing any concerns or questions that arise.

1. Research: Understanding the Pittsburgh Real Estate Market

Redfin reports that though the median sale price for a home is up 22% YOY (at around $250,000), that still puts it at 2% lower than the national average. Two reasons for this increase in price, as shown in the report, are fewer homes sold YOY and homes staying on the market longer.

Pittsburgh is made up of 90 neighborhoods: each unique and full of opportunity, and each offering a different vibe. It all depends on what you are looking for in your community.

2. Financing: Securing Financing for Your New Home from DRB Homes

Now that you’ve figured out where you would like your new home to be, the next step is assessing your finances. There are three numbers you should calculate first when looking to buy a new home: what sort of monthly payment you can afford, how much you have saved for a down payment, and your credit score.

Determine your budget for your new home—the amount you can afford each month. You want to make sure you’re not going to get in over your head, with a payment you can handle without breaking the bank. The most common home loan duration is 30 years, so being honest about your finances is key to long-term financial happiness.

Then it’s time to secure financing pre-approval if necessary. Pre-approval is granted after supplying the mortgage lender more documentation like tax returns, paystubs, and financial statements, and involves a credit check. Pre-approval shows the amount you will most likely be approved for, which will help you throughout the home buying process. (For more on financing your new home, read this.)

DRB Homes has a variety of approved lenders they work with, so inquire about financing options. Finance options vary based on loan program and down payment. The rule used to be you needed 20% of the home price for a down payment. Data from the National Association of Realtors, however, tracks the typical down payment from 1989 to 2021, both for first-time buyers and repeat buyers. While repeat buyers have had closer to 20%, they are averaging closer to 17%. And first-time buyers have had much lower down payments, averaging now around 7%. But buying a new home from DRB Homes means your down payment can be as low as 3%!

The final number you need to consider is your credit score. As Equifax defines it, your credit score represents “the likelihood you will pay your bills on time.” It’s calculated using a bunch of variables, each which you can affect to improve your score. How? Pay all your bills on time, especially your credit card bills—the lower your credit card balance is, the better. If you pay off a credit card and don’t plan on using it again, consider leaving it open. If there’s no fee, it will increase your total available credit. Also, don’t apply for new credit when trying to better your credit score: It can negatively impact your score.

3. Selecting Your Property from DRB Homes

Now that you’ve gotten a lot of the financials moving in the right direction, it’s time to do one of the most fun parts of buying a new home from DRB Homes: selecting the property. This is when you get to tour our model homes and available homesites with our expertly trained DRB Homes Sales Consultants.

As you see how our various home plans arrange their spaces, you will quickly discover which features and finishes are your favorite. Discuss these your preferences with our Sales Consultants. Also talk about any needs your family has: those things you must have in your new home to be completely happy. Also, our Sales Consultants can show off which customizations are available, so you can get the personalized home you desire.

4. Signing the Contract

Once you've selected a property, you'll sign a purchase agreement with DRB Homes. Review the contract carefully and ensure all terms are understood, all options are selected, and that everything is how you’ve discussed with our Sales Consultants. Once this step is complete, then it’s full speed ahead on your new home!

5. The Construction Phase

This is the phase where you wait and watch as DRB Homes begins construction on your new home according to the agreed-upon timeline. Your dream home is literally built from the ground up! You will have the opportunity to make periodic visits to the construction site. Here, you’ll talk with the Project Manager for various construction meetings to discuss the progress of your home.

And if you want the joys of a new-construction home without the new-construction timeline, we also have quick move-in homes available in many of our communities, including those in the Pittsburgh region. These are a fantastic opportunity to get a home styled by our expert Sales and Design Teams with all the most popular finishes and features.

6. Inspections

When buying a resale home, inspections are a very important step in the home buying process, so much so that over 80% of all buyers get one. Home inspectors review every aspect of the home in question, inside and outside the walls.

But with DRB Homes, as construction progresses, there will be various inspections to ensure the home meets building codes and quality standards. With new-construction homes, inspections aren’t just done at the very end. They happen throughout the process to make sure everything is perfect for you, the home buyer. Because that’s what you deserve! You may, however, also have the option for a third-party inspection.

7. Closing on Your New Home by DRB Homes

Once construction is complete and all final inspections are passed, you'll attend a closing meeting to sign the closing documents and finalize the purchase of your new home. This is where you spend a morning or afternoon reviewing and signing lots of paperwork. These papers are everything that turn the ownership and responsibility of the home from the seller to you. These are what make the home legally yours.

You will also need to be prepare to pay closing costs, which are normally between 2–6% of the sale price. Closing costs include all the fees for services and expenses that go with finalizing your mortgage. After you’ve paid them and signed the papers, you’re ready to take the keys to your new home and move in!

8. Moving into Your New Home

Congratulations! After you have the keys, all that’s left is to move in and be happy! You’ll finally get to put your furniture where you’ve been planning, hang the artwork on new walls, put up the posters in the kids’ rooms, and have that very first family meal in your new home.

It’s an exciting time that will begin a new cycle of firsts. First picture hung on the fridge. First television show binged. First time your family goes out and then comes back to your new home, making it feel brand new all over again!

DRB Homes Guides First-Time Home Buyers in Pittsburgh

From the first step of evaluating your finances to the day you move in, we hope this guide will serve as a nice overview of everything you need to keep in mind and everything you can expect. Buying a new home is a big leap and a great adventure—one that DRB Homes hopes to be with you every step of the way! And buying a new-construction home by DRB Homes means you’re getting the latest design trends, most up-to-date technology, and best customer service—especially when compared to a resale home.

To help you on your search, here are some of our favorite DRB Homes communities:

Broadview Estates

The new single-family homes of Broadview Estates in New Stanton, PA, offer up to 5 bedrooms and 4,409 Sq. Ft. Living here means you’ll enjoy spacious rooms, lots of natural light and windows, and all the convenience you desire: easy access to the PA Turnpike, I-70, shopping, dining, and entertainment.

Creekside Manor

Creekside Manor offers new 1- and 2-car garage townhomes in Harmony, PA. An open concept kitchen with large island is the heart of the home, and four-foot rear extensions and finished basements are available. And you’ll love being only 2 miles from Zelienople’s Main Street where you can enjoy local coffee shops, boutiques, breweries, and restaurants.

Legacy

Legacy is a new, luxury townhome community in Pittsburgh, PA. With a fantastic location for city commuters—and a clubhouse and pool right at home—Legacy puts home close to everything. Enjoy all the nearby shopping, dining, and entertainment at Settler’s Ridge, The Mall at Robinson, and Robinson Town Centre nearby. For those who love the outdoors, Settlers Cabin Park is less than a mile away where you can enjoy walking & hiking trails, off-leash dog parks, playgrounds, tennis courts, and a wave pool!

Rolling Hills

Rolling Hills is a community of new townhomes in Moon Township, PA. Shopping and dining options are limitless with Robinson Town Center and downtown Sewickley just minutes away. You'll enjoy easy access to I-376 and Route 65, and just a short drive to Pittsburgh International Airport and Robert Morris University. Rolling Hills is also close to many parks, trails, and golf courses.

The Abbey

You’ll love the luxury single family homes with private backyards at The Abbey in Findlay Township, PA. You can find day-to-day conveniences at Settler’s Ridge, The Mall at Robinson, and Robinson Town Centre. Your recreational options are endless with various golf courses, parks, and the Montour Trail nearby. And with easy access to I-376 and I-79, Downtown Pittsburgh is always within reach.

Villas at South Park

Tucked in the South Hills of Pittsburgh, Villas at South Park is a stunning scenic community features cul-de-sac homesites with private backyards. Run your errands at South Park Shops or South Hills Village. At Villas at South Park, you’ll live close to Route 51, only 3.5 miles from the Library T-Station to easily access Downtown Pittsburgh, and many outdoor adventures at South Park including playgrounds, picnic areas, a dog park, and golf course.