For every new client that commits to a long-term partnership with ity Advertising, we will purchase a home and discount the rent for deserving tenants. We call this program “Community Homes”.
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Our Belief. Housing affordability creates more opportunity and more upward mobility. It’s the foundation for more people choosing to make lives for themselves in the Pittsburgh area and more new residents moving into the region.
Our experience. ity Advertising owner Tom Higgins is also the founder of Braveheart Homes LLC, which specializes in renovating single-family homes and affordably renting them. Using his own funds, he’s taken houses down to the studs and transformed them into beautiful living spaces.
Our commitment. ity advertising is also the only HUBZone certified advertising agency in Pennsylvania.
The Historically Underutilized Business Zone (HUBZone) certification is awarded by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to small businesses that have committed themselves to operating in regions that have not yet realized their full economic potential. We also take great pride in working with clients who champion investment in Pittsburgh and focus on economic development.
Put simply, ity is modeled on hospitality. To us, an honest day’s work is being a good steward of our clients’ brands and the communities we call home.
While plenty of news stories tout the budget-friendly nature of Pittsburgh’s housing market, there are serious cracks in its foundation.
| Aging Homes | Supply Shortage | Cost Burden |
| Nearly 50% of Pittsburgh housing units were built before 1940.1 Nationally, that ratio is just over 10%. | Pittsburgh’s most recent Housing Needs Assessment Study found the city is short more than 8,000 affordable units for its lowest-income residents.2 | 2 in 5 renters in Pittsburgh are spending more than 30% of income on housing, with more than 1 in 4 spending more than 50% of their income on housing.3 |
Renovations for an older home can sometimes cost as much as a mortgage itself, pricing many people out of the market.
That doesn’t sit right with us, and we’re not the type to sit on our hands when we have the ability to do something about it.
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My organization is paying you to support our marketing efforts, not purchase a home, correct?
Correct. You are NOT paying us to purchase a home. You are paying us because you want a smart, experienced and highly creative marketing partner working on your business. But your support of us and the work we will do for you will also enable us to support our local community.
Is this program open to existing clients?
Yes! Existing clients can also be recognized and participate if they spend $100k more on agency services than they did in the previous 12-month period.
What type of home will ity purchase?
Basically, all types will be considered. This includes single family homes, apartments, townhomes, and multifamily homes. However, lower economic neighborhoods will be the focus of our efforts.
How involved does my organization need to be in the purchase, rehabilitation, and tenant screening of this program?
As much or as little as you’d like. ity is not requesting any help procuring a home, rehabilitating it and finding a suitable tenant. However, if you would like to be part of the process, ity is happy to include you in our efforts.
How does ity Advertising define “agency services”?
Agency services include creative, account and media buying and are billable hours by full-time ity Advertising employees. NET media, vendor costs, out-of-pocket costs and sales tax are not considered agency services.
Will my organization assume any liability on the home, before, during or after purchase?
No, your organization will not assume any liability whatsoever at any point. The home will be owned by ity’s sister company, Braveheart Homes LLC, and Braveheart Homes will assume all liability associated with the home. ity will have legal documents prepared for your review that stipulates your organization will have no ownership or assume any liability with the property.
What is Fair Market Rent?
Fair Market Rent (FMR) is determined by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development and differs by zip code. See the FMR for Allegheny County here.
Is this program financially sustainable?
Good question, but yes! While we do not anticipate making any money on the purchase, rehabilitation or monthly rental income, we also do not anticipate losing money. Having used this real estate model for other homes, ity is confident that not only is it sustainable but also scalable.
