All Forum Posts by: Bob Urbon

 Awesome advice. I appreciate it, Scott. For the record, We're probably looking for a B neighborhood and I am sort of open to the age of the home -shrugs- Our last home was nearly 0 years old and we appreciated the opportunity to remodel it and really make it our own over time but we aren't looking for a salvage property, if that makes sense. On the other hand we're certianly not closed off to newer builds, either.

Thanks for the information... I especially appreciate learning that I may have other financing options... I am not so absolutely committed to only the top rated schools. B rated schools are definitely okay with me... I mean, I went to NAU. Haven't heard of it? Therein lies my point ☺

Hey folks - This has been super helpful... I clearly do not know as much as I should regarding the best way to finance this adventure. To be clear, I do not currently have an FHA loan on the Denver Condo... I originally did, but a few weeks before rates dropped to 2% in 2020, I refinanced to a conventional loan. not so great of timing on my part, there.

Anyway, our target move date is mid-July, so we’ve got a bit of time. I am super intrigued about what alternative financing options might be available to me and will need to investigate this further. Maybe the right choice isn’t to rent first?

Out of curiosity, why has no one recommended neighborhoods near Schenley or Frick parks. I’ve been led to believe these areas have good walkability and decent schools, despite being in the Pittsburgh school district. Are they not so great for someone with the goals I’ve laid out?

Again, I really appreciate all of you reaching out and allowing me to benefit from your expertise. I don’t have a ton of time for individual follow ups at the moment but want to make those happen at some point soon. Thanks again in the mean time… you’ve already given me a lot to think about.

So long story short, my wife and I along with our two boys (ages 10 and 7) are planning on moving to Pittsburgh. Who knew? Anyway, my sister will be following us out there and our intent is to find a 3-bedroom home initially to rent while we look for a suitable, smallish multifamily property—we are thinking a duplex… preferably something like a 3 bedroom by two-bedroom sort of situation.

We'd like to initially rent in or near the neighborhood we eventually purchase in, and we can't purchase until 2026 because we're going for an FHA loan and have heard about the rule where you can't get an FHA if you have lived in a self-owned property within the last three years… anyway its complicated and not important I think.

I am hoping some people familiar with the area could help point my family to the right neighborhood to help focus our search… and to let me know if I am nuts if I think I can do this well with a purchase budget of 350 to 450k. We are not opposed to purchasing a property that needs renovation but are not interested in a complete overhaul. If things go well, I would like to acquire additional properties in the area to expand what is currently a baby portfolio consisting of a single condo in Denver ☺.

Our neighborhood musts are:

• good walkability (we hate driving… and people hate when I drive… I think because I am blind)

Good schools for the kids.

• Proximity to green space and parks
• Low crime… I mean some crime, obviously… just not that much. 
• - It'd be nice to be near a decent Jujitsu academy... 
• Many thanks for any advice on this upcoming adventure of ours!