Insights

I worked virtually from San Diego for two weeks and here's how you can, too!

Pittsburgh might not be known for bad traffic, but any Yinzer knows that when rush hour hits, the roads become clogged. We want to help you navigate this maze of bridges, tunnels, and traffic, so check out our tips to make your commute easier.

It’s that time of year again - spring redd up (or cleaning for you non-Pittsburgh natives)! This can be an overwhelming task for yinz, especially since everyone has been stuck in their apartment, working and living at home! Birgo is here to help with tons of tips for spring cleaning in Pittsburgh.

Trying to decide whether you should live on-campus or off-campus? We’ve compiled a list of some pros and cons to help make your decision easier. Plus, if you’ve already decided to live off-campus, check out our section on affordable living options near Pitt, WVU, SUNY, Point Park and more.

When should you start packing to move? Whether you’re moving from an apartment or a home, we recommend giving yourself ample time. Read our full blog for a detailed timeline to help your move go as smoothly as possible.

Hi, there! If you’re searching for affordable apartments near Buffalo, NY, then you’ve come to the right place. Here at Birgo Realty, we have several options for you under $1000. All of our properties for rent near Buffalo are budget-friendly and perfect for renters aged 25-75.

Searching for luxury apartments in Pittsburgh? We’ve got your back. Read on for a list of the most highly-rated luxury properties in the ‘Burgh.

The new year is quickly approaching which means many people are looking forward to a fresh start. There’s no better way to start fresh than with a clean and organized apartment! Keep on reading for our tips on organizing and decluttering your apartment this winter.

As much as we love the holidays, we recognize that it also comes with a great deal of stress. Decorating, cleaning, and prepping dinner is no easy task so we’d love to help and take something off your plate. In this blog, we’re sharing our tips on how to cook a delicious Thanksgiving dinner for two in your apartment.

Birgo’s office will be closed Thursday, November 11 for an employee Mental Health Day.

The leaves are changing, the air is cooling, and everyone is flocking to their nearest Starbucks to get a Pumpkin Spice Latte which can only mean one thing... It’s officially fall y’all! In honor of its long awaited return, we’ve provided some tips for making your apartment more cozy for the fall season.

Home to just under 8,500 people, Beaver Falls is the picture perfect small town. It’s homey feel and close knit community welcomes everyone with open arms. The best part about small towns? They have the best small businesses! Continue reading for a list of our favorite businesses in Beaver Falls.

If you’re reading this on August 25 (aka National Banana Split day), then you’re in for a treat. In this blog, we’re dishing out the top-rated places in Western Pennsylvania that have the best banana split.

Whether you’re looking to move to the Bellevue area or a current resident looking to try something new, we’ve got you covered. Bellevue is bursting with character offering residents a combination of trendy and historic spots! This blog highlights some of our favorite local spots in the Bellevue area with everything from coffee and food, to shops and activities!

In a city like Pittsburgh, where a little over half of its occupants are renters, property management companies play a vital role. It’s important to know who you’re renting from, so below we have put together some information on some of Pittsburgh's most prominent property management companies!

We get it: moving to a new city is daunting. To ease some of your worries about moving to Pittsburgh, we’ve compiled a list of six resources for you to get started making new friends.

Here at Birgo Realty, we love pets and have an expanding portfolio of pet friendly properties! Below we have put together a list of some of our properties that offer accommodations for tenants with furry friends. We strive to ensure our tenants (including ones with fur) feel at home. For specific information about our pet policy visit the Birgo Realty FAQ Page or reach out to a leasing agent!

In recent years there's been a renewed focus by many to support local businesses. It turns out that New Kensington is home to many such businesses. We have compiled a list to highlight some of the must visit businesses unique to New Kensington and the surrounding area.

Tenants deserve comfort and convenience. The Birgo Realty resident portal allows tenants to manage a lease, make payments and request maintenance. It’s fast, easy and secure..all at your convenience! Here’s your step by step guide (with screenshots included!) on how to navigate the Birgo Realty resident portal.

The sun is shining, the temperature is just right, which can only mean one thing… Summer is finally here! To help kickstart your summer fun, we have curated the ultimate summer bucket list of all of the must-tries and must do’s in the North Side of Pittsburgh! By the end of summer you will be navigating the North Side like a pro and have experienced all of the hidden (and not so hidden) gems it has to offer!

Mt. Lebanon is dubbed a community of character...but that wouldn’t be true without all the people and places that make up this wonderful suburb. Today, we’re happy to highlight some of our favorite small businesses located in Mt. Lebanon.

Why should you move to Pittsburgh in 2021? One word. Pierogies…kidding! (But really, the pierogies are great!) Aside from the doughy, cheesy goodness, we’ve compiled a list of 7 reasons why YOU should move to Pittsburgh.

Historic buildings have found a new place in the modern world. Instead of demolishing or foreclosing old buildings, adaptive reuse projects extend and preserve the life of buildings that may not have served a beneficial purpose to the community in modern times. In this blog, we’re detailing five adaptive reuse projects in the city of Pittsburgh that you should know about.

As a real estate agent, investor, or someone who works in the real estate industry, it’s important to keep up-to-date with the latest industry news and trends. With there now being over 850,000 active podcasts, it can be difficult figuring out which ones are worth your time. We’ve listed some of the most popular podcasts with the Birgo Realty team. From real estate investing to marketing, we mention a slew of podcasts we think you’ll enjoy listening to.

Being independent doesn’t always have to be scary; living alone can mean newfound freedom and opportunities to explore your curiosity. To help you feel peace of mind and secure in your new neighborhood, we’re sharing our top safety tips for living alone.

Birgo photographer Brett Hammon answers some of the most pressing real estate photography questions that will help anyone looking to get started in the field. Everything from how to book a job to what time of day is best for shooting is discussed. Be sure to read our other real estate photography article for further tips and tricks!

Are you a photography buff but haven’t yet dipped your toes into real estate photography? Or are you a photography newbie and just starting out? You’re in luck, because we at Birgo Realty want to help. We're exploring tips and tricks to get started so that in no time, you'll be featured on the cover of Architectural Digest.

Since the pandemic started, people have been spending most of their time indoors in the comfort of their own homes. Add winter and Pittsburgh’s cold weather to the mix and now some of you might be feeling a lack of motivation to exercise. During these times, health and wellbeing is of utmost importance, so we’re going to share with you our top 10 online workout resources for staying fit and healthy during the winter (and we’re including apartment friendly workouts)!

Hygge, a word that’s brand new to most of us, has increased in popularity over the last four years during winter months - especially in the U.S.’ colder climates.How do you even pronounce it? And what does it have to do with your small apartment? Pronounced “hue-guh”, hygge is a Danish noun that describes anything as exhibiting a feeling of contentment, coziness, or well-being. Just to list a couple examples, used in a sentence one could say “This home is hygge” or “Would you like to come over for tea and hygge?”.

I apprenticed with Birgo Realty through a startup program called Praxis as what I thought was a gap year during college. I ended up dropping out of the hospitality and human resource program I was in to accept the full-time offer that followed. I started my apprenticeship as general support, next moved to short-term rental management, then to property management with a focus in short-term rentals.

The City of Bridges has something for everyone. If you’re sticking to a rent budget of under $1,000, you’re in luck: there are plenty of options! Below you’ll find an outline for everything you can find available to you at this price point: the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, what neighborhoods are ideal for your budget, the amenities you should expect, and how to pick a property management company for this budget.

The Coronavirus pandemic has thrown the holidays off for everybody! Public health and safety precautions have prevented many families from coming together this holiday season. This year has been difficult for everyone. We thought writing this blog post could be helpful for you, maybe to spark new ideas for spurring some meaningful, priceless connection with your family and friends during this holiday season - even if you can’t be with them in-person this year.

Getting organized while living in an apartment can be difficult. You can’t tear down any walls, replace main features of the apartment that you’re not the biggest fan of, and budgeting always comes into play. In this article we hope we can shed light on some of the affordable ways to make use of your space; here are our TOP 10 WAYS to get organized in an apartment:

Are you thinking about moving to Pittsburgh? Was it the history, the job market, or the amazing private universities that brought you to think about the Steel City? Whatever it was, we’re happy to shed some light on why we believe Pittsburgh is a great option for you and your lifestyle! Continue reading for the top 10 things to know about our city.‍

As temperatures drop, it’s time to start gearing up for winter.

As you search for your perfect home, Birgo Realty is here to help inform you. Below, you’ll find more information about Jacksonian Schoolhouse Apartments including the property benefits and some extra resources so that you can make an informed decision.

The apartment hunting process can be a fun and tricky experience, especially for first-time renters. Checking off boxes and finding the perfect spot might be tricky! Birgo Realty is here to help - we’ve provided you with a list of helpful questions to ask when apartment hunting. We encourage you to use these questions when (virtually) touring a property and before you submit an application. Happy hunting! 

As you apartment hunt and search for your perfect home, Birgo Realty is here to help. Below you’ll find our latest available apartments, the apartment and property benefits, and some extra resources so you can make an informed decision.

At Birgo Realty we’ve noticed that there has been a lot of interest in renting at our Apartments on Academy complex. We thought we’d take a second to tell you a little more about it!

We found a lot of articles about how to move into an apartment on the internet… But all of them started at two months out, and very few included timelines.

We just posted an article about Yellow Phase in an attempt to clear up any confusion. Now, as of June 5th, quite a few counties have transitioned into the Green Phase.

Now that a lot of our state’s counties are in the Yellow Phase of regrowth, we thought we’d take a stab at clearing up any confusion.

Whether you’re a tenant of ours or you just love the Pittsburgh area, we hope this article can help out by giving you a bit of confidence. Not all of this info will be new to you, but some of the facts behind them might be.

It’s relatively easy to start living in Pittsburgh on a budget.

If you’re looking for an apartment for rent in Pittsburgh, the city of Pittsburgh is a great option. It has a long and rich history as captured in the Carnegie Museums, Heinz History Center, and the Fort Pitt Museum.

So, you’re looking for a place to host your business, huh? There’s a few different ways that you can approach the process of attaining a commercial real estate property.

You’ve just moved all of your sweaters, dishes, electronics, and (mostly) useless sentimental gifts from your grandma into your new apartment. Surely, they survived the most dangerous part of their lives in the back of that moving van, and you don’t have to worry about them anymore, right? If anything should happen, your belongings are covered by your new landlord’s insurance, right?

Change can be hard, and unexpected change can be especially frustrating. We get it. That’s why we want to let you know a little more about the changes happening here at Birgo.

It’s where memories are made, careers are started, and young adults start to discover their identities and places in life– so finding the right one for you or your child in Pittsburgh is an important task!

This month, Birgo Realty joined with Urban Impact to help cultivate positive generational changes in the lives of families.

We underwent a rebranding change during last September.We switched from our old identity, Go Realty, to a new identity and look— Birgo Realty.

Most people go through life with at least one furry family member by their side. Whether you are a dog or a cat person, one thing remains the same, you love them like your own family! Because they are such an important part of your life, knowing what to expect when renting with animals is essential. Here are a few tips and tricks to help you with your next move.

Pittsburgh is a fascinating, thriving city. It overflows with history, culture, and activity. However, there are multiple neighborhoods, all with a unique mini-culture. Which one should you visit, or consider taking up residence in?

Pittsburgh in the summer is one of the best times to be in the city. Warm weather, great food, music, and much more are around the corner for everyone lucky enough to be here now.

Our team is looking forward to volunteering at Makes Cents 2019, a financial literacy event geared towards high school students. This is the first year that the event is being organized by Mission C, Go Realty’s non-profit partner. In past years, Makes Cents was organized by the Global Shapers community hub in Pittsburgh.

When choosing to rent an apartment, people often just look for a physical place to live. They only concern themselves with amenities like parking, furnishings, if utilities are included or not, etc.

Andrew Reichert, President and CEO of Birgo, and Principal of Birgo Capital, was recently honored with the CBA Outstanding Alumni Award.

To succeed in real estate, there is the pervading myth that you have to rip someone off. Apparently, success is only possible if you cut corners or cheat someone. We’re here to bust this myth. How do you ward against individuals, business, and organizations that have poor intentions? Look at their priorities. What do they claim to value? Is that reflected in how they go about business, how they treat others, how they spend their time?

This post is part of a series FAQs from our tenants. We hope that it helps address common questions or concerns for renters and homeowners.

Different homes require different changing schedules. A few factors that affect how often are listed below.

When looking for a new place, it’s essential to ask the right questions at an apartment showing. We’ve hosted plenty of showings, and know exactly what questions are relevant to finding a new home. We even put together a free, downloadable guide of what to ask through the entire apartment hunting process. For now, though, let’s focus on questions to ask at an apartment showing.

Thanks to tighter lending restrictions and rising home prices, more people than ever are choosing to rent rather than buy.

When thinking about the many factors that go into the quality of an area, parks stand out. They serve as a mediator to the number of businesses and homes that can be piled into an area while offering a break from the city life. Without Central Park, New York City would trigger unmanageable claustrophobia for anyone.

Real estate investing has gained quite the reputation as a vehicle for growing wealth. It can be tough to decide whether it’s right for you though, especially when stocks are doing so well and bonds offer a guaranteed return. Real estate has a few tricks up its sleeve though- it offers the investor four different ways to get a return on their money, all at the same time.

Everyone knows that interest rates are on the rise- the economy is doing well, and to match the price to borrow money with the demand for loans, rising rates are the variable that is manipulated. This increases a homeowner’s mortgage payment, but is it really that simple?

We manage several short-term rentals properties through Airbnb, and this is some of what we’ve learned from hosting hundreds of guests.

Is there a good answer to this question? We know a common belief – buy your home because you’ll pay it off over time, and in 30 years, you’ll have something to show for it. Renting is just throwing your money away, right?

Andrew Reichert recently spoke at the Pittsburgh Soccer’s Financial Management event and talked with the attendants about personal finance, living on a budget, paying off debt and planning for the future.

Pittsburgh real estate would provide Amazon an affordable housing market for their new headquarters and growing tech sector of business and innovation.

Trust is a necessary part of any business deal or agreement. Choosing to rent from someone is a specifically involved agreement, and trust is essential in order to work. To know if you can trust a landlord, here are a few key things you can do before signing a lease.

We recently completed our newest Airbnb property. It was previously a private home and we converted it into one of our full-time short-term rentals. Renovating a 4 bedroom home on a short turn around can be challenging, and the opportunity to welcome new guests is incredibly rewarding. We’re glad to have both in our portfolio.

2017 has been an exciting year for Birgo Realty, filled with acquisitions. We are so excited to welcome the following properties, among others, to our portfolio. We look forward to working with and serving you all!

Last year (2016), the Steel City of Pittsburgh topped the list of “Most Undervalued Cities”, a ranking that is determined on the basis of the quality of life, home values/square foot, crime rate, extreme temperature days, and walkability. Pittsburgh suburbs, in particular, have been shown to be an affordable option for many — from young professionals to growing families to older generations who desire more space and disposable income.

Our office is located in Allegheny West, a richly historic area. Our building’s used to be the site of an organ repair shop, where worship instruments were constructed and fixed to perfection. We decided to dig a little into the story of the area and the influence of organs in Allegheny County. Here’s what we found:

Buying a property is a major decision. Whether you are an aspiring home owner looking to buy that perfect dream house or a real estate developer looking for your next big project, buying a property needs careful considerations. Before you take the plunge, do your homework. A big investment like a property needs to be thoroughly investigated to save you the heartache, financial woes, and legal issues at a later stage.

There are numerous studies that examine generational differences in the workplace and the challenges and benefits that come with. At Go Realty, we have the fortune of working with a team spanning the ages. We practically have a team member from nearly every adult decade.

The city of Pittsburgh real estate landscape is truly enticing for buyers and real estate developers alike. If you enter the city of Pittsburgh through the Fort Pitt Tunnel, you can witness the gorgeous skyline of the city. You will then be on the bridge that will take you where the rivers Allegheny and Monongahela meet and form the Ohio. Pittsburgh today has expanded in all directions and has numerous bridges that connect the rivers and neighborhoods.

Over the years, Property Development has become quite a lucrative career path for many. However, many tend to jump right into it without any preparation which can have a negative effect on their finances. You’ll need to educate yourself on the property, the present markets, the finance, town planning laws, the construction processes and the marketing of real estate projects. Here are a few guidelines to get you started:

Becoming a successful real estate developer requires perseverance and a unique set of skills. Here are some important traits that you need to inculcate to become one.

Commercial real estate is an investment of long-standing, tangible assets that give returns in two ways: first in the form of rent or lease returns, and second in the value appreciation of the property. Risks in this kind of investment are low, and this kind of real estate, as opposed to the purely residential real estate, comprises of office buildings, industrial property, hotels, farmland, and the such like.

At Birgo Realty, one of the most important things to us is building relationships. We are committed to improving lives through real estate. Whoever we come in contact with and do business with we seek to honor and create value as a result. Investors, property owners, contractors, and tenants alike, you all make up our partnerships.

We might be a little biased, but Pittsburgh is the place to be. Considering that The Huffington Post refers to the burgh as the “Coolest American City You Haven’t Been to.” and since 2000, has topped Forbes’ list six times for being the most livable city.

We recently completed our newest Airbnb. This property was previously owned and occupied by the former owner of Penn Brewery, which is located just the road. Although the building was originally intended to be a single family home, it has since been renovated to house six units, including our Airbnb apartment, which adds to our collection of short-term rentals.

“Home is where the heart is”, but it’s important to take some key things into consideration when deciding where to move. We’ve gathered distinct facts about Pittsburgh and its most attractive neighborhoods so you’ll be able to decide where is the best Pittsburgh place for you to live.

The real estate world is intrinsically connected to other professional fields. The links vary, but in the financial sector, there is a concept which has become very similar to the stock market. A REIT, or real estate investment trust, is a perfect example of the intersection of finance and real estate.

Pittsburgh has recently been named the 3rd most “undervalued real estate” city in the country. This is not the first time Pittsburgh has received praise for job availability, real estate affordability, and overall opportunity.

In our current financial climate, renting is a perfect opportunity for people, especially young people, to have freedom and autonomy with housing. If someone chooses to eventually buy a property, they can go forward with an understanding of the commitment. They will have first experienced the renting benefits of the market and can make an informed decision.

Pittsburgh has been rated the most livable city in America on numerous occasions and has accommodated newcomers for centuries. The Northside history is concentrated and rich. This part of Pittsburgh features many different districts which are generally grouped together such as the Mexican War Streets and Allegheny West, Birgo Realty’s own neighborhood.

Cap rate, a term frequently used in real estate, demonstrates the return on one’s investment in a property, usually a commercial building. It is defined as annual operating net income divided by the cost of the property. What needs to be noted for financing purposes, and could easily be forgotten by some people, is that debt on the property is not taken into account for. Also, it needs to be understood by potential investors that cap rate is not the same as the cash flow.

Other than actually identifying a property, the most important thing to consider is money. Some properties can be purchased and sold for millions of dollars, amounts which not all people have access to at any given moment. There is a multitude of ways which a person can find the proper funding for his or her property. In real estate funding, much of will depend on personal credibility and the type of investment property.

There are two things that most people, particularly young, post-graduates need – available jobs and affordable housing. Millennials in Pittsburgh have access to plenty of both.

We recently facilitated Makes Cents Financial Literacy event through Mission Commision, in a partnership with University of Pittsburgh, Global Shapers Initiative, and other partners.

We just finished renovations on a short term rental space located in Troy Hill!

Go Realty was founded on the belief that good business is the act of serving and honoring others and providing excellent returns on investment. We are committed to providing spaces for others – to extend grace and work alongside others in creating value and opportunity in our community. We implement a cutting-edge management style, with a commitment to integrity and stewardship.

Previously, the concept of a REIT was discussed and demonstrated as a great way to invest one’s money with the hopes of ensuring a return on the investment. While there are risks with any investments, the upside was much greater than the downside for REIT investing.

Birgo Realty’s mission is to improve lives through real estate. We are committed to serving others and providing spaces to live, work, and gather. Particularly in the North Side.

Whether you are a seasoned pro or the new kid on the block, choosing the right apartment in Pittsburgh can be difficult. Often times, you are making a decision quickly to avoid losing your dream apartment. To lighten the stress, you should keep in mind a short list of things you find important to you when looking for your next place.

Pittsburgh is a city full of old homes dating back to the early 20th century. These homes fill the city with history, a few quirky details, and a lot of love from families over the years. Many design companies today are helping to ensure that old homes that have fallen by the wayside over the years become beautiful again. While these renovations may be phasing out certain quirks like the strange “Pittsburgh toilet” found in many basement corners, they are giving way to a new found appreciation for features and finishes original to the homes.

Whichever way you wander from downtown Pittsburgh, you are sure to stumble upon a neighborhood with lots to offer. The sheer number of neighborhoods surrounding Pittsburgh is something to boast about, but what is really impressive is how different all of the neighborhoods are. All of these neighborhoods hold different qualities and things to do, so there is a neighborhood for you to visit no matter what you are looking to do each day.

Pittsburgh real estate has been changing quite a bit over the past few years. Local real estate investment companies are rebuilding communities in and around downtown. This rebuilding is not only helping the overall Pittsburgh real estate market, it is also helping future homeowners, current homeowners, and the communities as a whole.