5 Reasons Fall & Winter Are The Best Times To Buy A Home
While spring and summer get all the attention as the busiest seasons for real estate, fall and winter are actually the best time to buy a home, and here’s why:
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5 Tips For Holiday Home Staging in Central OH
The Holiday Season may not seem like a great time to sell a home in Columbus. Most people are thinking more about gift lists and possible travel plans rather than house-hunting. However, those that are buying a Central Ohio home in November and December are generally serious and ready to buy. If you’re selling your … Continued
Realtor vs FSBO: 11 Reasons You Should Hire a Realtor Instead of For Sale By Owner
So you’re trying to sell your home yourself as a FSBO (For Sale By Owner). Perhaps you don’t trust real estate agents. Or, maybe you’ve done the math and can’t see giving up 6% of your equity to someone else. I understand these feelings, believe me. It is understandable that you don’t want to “give … Continued
Holiday Giving In Columbus, Ohio
At the Rita Boswell Group, we’re fortunate to have warm homes, big holiday meals, and beautifully wrapped gifts. This Holiday Season, we want to help foster a charitable spirit for those in Central Ohio who need some of those things we take for granted. Understandably, sometimes busy holiday schedules make it difficult to follow through with … Continued
Central Ohio Real Estate Market Report Jan 2018
The holidays are over and the new year has begun! If you are a home buyer or seller that took a break in December, it’s time to hit the market with renewed focus. Homebuyer traffic is already starting to increase. So sellers, go ahead and start preparing your home to sell. And buyers, it’s time … Continued
Choosing the Right Real Estate Agent to Sell Your Home
Finding the right real estate agent can be a daunting process if you don’t have the right information. You want your real estate agent to be a committed, reliable, and trustworthy agent. You’ll spend a lot of time working with them, so this is of paramount importance. Why do I need a real estate agent? … Continued
Guide to Closing Costs for Buyers
Buying a home is exciting and frightening all at the same time. However, you can put your mind at ease if you know what to expect when it comes to closing costs. Closing costs are those costs that you will need to pay upfront on the day of the closing. In some situations, the seller … Continued
6 Steps to Buying a Home
Wading through the real estate market to purchase a home can be daunting if you don’t understand the process. Check out these six steps to buying a home before you begin the search for your dream home. Keep the excitement of buying a new home alive! 💯 Know Your Credit Score Knowing your credit score … Continued
6 Steps to Selling a Home
Selling your home is a big step. There can be many reasons for selling a home. Some people need more space and want to move into a larger home. Others simply want to downsize. The reasons for selling are endless. If you decide to sell your home, you should know the six basic steps. 🙋♀️ … Continued
Top Rated Restaurants in Westerville OH
Whether you’re on the lookout for juicy steaks, hometown diners or fresh salads, Westerville is the perfect place to chow down on some chef-prepared fare. Here are some of the top-rated local hotspots for breakfast, lunch and dinner restaurants in Westerville, Ohio.
Central Ohio Real Estate Market Report Dec 2017
Oh the weather outside is frightful, but the market’s still delightful… November’s numbers are in, and despite the winter weather and holiday season, it is still a seller’s market in Central Ohio! Let’s take a look at what the Central Ohio real estate market did in November.
How Much Does It Cost To Sell A Home in Columbus?
How much does it cost to sell a home in Central Ohio? If you’re thinking about selling a home, you are probably wondering how much the closing costs will be and what other fees you may have to pay. Here, we will break down the general costs when selling a home in Columbus so that … Continued
Central Ohio Real Estate Market Report Nov 2017
The Holidays may be right around the corner, but the real estate market in the Columbus area remains strong! I’ve got the latest real estate market data through October 2017, and it’s still a Seller’s Market in Central Ohio. Things will slow down a bit due to the season. We are beginning to see the … Continued
Hilliard OH 43026 Makes Hottest Zip Code List!
Each year Realtor.com ranks the hottest zips in the U.S. and Hilliard, OH 43026 made the list at number ten! According to Realtor.com, they analyzed “32,000 ZIP codes based on the time it takes properties to sell and how frequently homes are viewed in each ZIP Code.”
Central Ohio Real Estate Market Report October 2017
Despite the cooling weather, there’s no reason to be scared of the Central Ohio real estate market this October. The numbers from September just came in, and it is clear that the market continues to be strong. Keep reading to geek out on all the charts and graphs.
The Growing Market Mismatch
If you’ve followed my market reports through the summer, you already know that Central Ohio is seeing different market conditions for different price points. Overall, the Columbus area has had (and continues to have) a Seller’s Market. However, buyers and sellers in the higher price points will likely find conditions more favorable to buyers. The … Continued
3 Things You Need To Know About The Property Tax Increase In Central Ohio
Central Ohio has been buzzing since mid-summer about the property tax valuation increases. You may have already received a mailer informing you of your possible tax increase. The good news is, property values are on the rise in Central Ohio! This is great for home owners, especially those who lost value during the recession. The … Continued
Delaware & Powell Named Best Places To Live in 2017
Money magazine found 100 places across the US that feature affordable homes, a healthy economy, and a high quality of life. Delaware and Powell both made the list!
Central OH Real Estate Market Update For August 2017
Summer is over, and the kids are back to school. Has the real estate market in the Columbus area cooled with the weather? Let’s take a look at the market data…
Columbus Ranked Best City For Tech Workers
When you think of tech cities, San Francisco or San Jose may be what springs to mind. However, due to the very high cost of living in the Bay Area, these are not the Best American Cities to Work in Tech for 2017. SmartAsset looked at cost of living and other factors to find other … Continued
Central Ohio Real Estate Market Report for July 2017
It’s been a busy summer for real estate in Central Ohio, let’s take a moment to see how the market finished in July.
Everything Wrong With “Zestimates”
Probably everyone knows about Zillow and their “Zestimate,” but in case you don’t, here’s what it is (according to Zillow): “The Zestimate® home value is Zillow’s estimated market value for an individual home and is calculated for about 100 million homes nationwide. It is a starting point in determining a home’s value and is not … Continued
Central Ohio Real Estate Market Report June 2017
Inventory moved up slightly in Central Ohio in June, and the Median Price For Homes Sold was the same in June as in May. However, the Average Price Per Square Foot on Sold homes moved up from May to June. Continue reading to get details and see if it was still a Seller’s Market in … Continued
Ideal Home For Entertaining in Dublin
If you’re searching for a beautiful Central Ohio home for sale that’s perfect for entertaining friends and family, take a closer look at 7797 Kelly Drive in Dublin, Ohio.
Independence Celebrations In Central Ohio
Meet up with friends, family, and neighbors to celebrate our nation’s freedom at these local events around Central Ohio!
Central OH Real Estate Market Update for May 2017
The trend of low housing inventory and rising prices continues across the nation. Let’s take a look at the real estate market for Central Ohio. Continue reading to see the latest numbers through May 2017.
HECM Info For Those 62+
Did you know there is a program to buy your next Central Ohio home with no monthly mortgage payments?
Central Ohio Memorial Day Weekend Events 2017
Looking for things to do this Memorial Day weekend in Central Ohio? From festivals to Memorial Day ceremonies, there’s a LOT happening this weekend.
Central Ohio Real Estate Market Update April 2017
On national real estate reports, inventory continues to be a concern, and prices continue to rise. Let’s take a look at the Columbus area real estate market to see what’s happening here in Central Ohio.
Westerville OH Real Estate Market Update 1Q2017
Westerville, Ohio Real Estate Market Highlights How’s the housing market doing so far in Westerville this year? Is it time to buy or sell? How quickly are homes selling? Keep reading to find the answers to these questions and more in the 1st quarter real estate market update for Westerville, Ohio.
Lewis Center OH Real Estate Market Update 1Q2017
Lewis Center Ohio Real Estate Market Highlights How’s the real estate market doing so far for 2017 in Lewis Center? Is it a Buyer’s Market or a Seller’s Market? How many days are homes sitting on the market? Find the answers to these questions and more in the 1st quarter market update for Lewis Center, Ohio.
How Much More Money You Need To Keep Up With Rent
A recent report from Zillow looked at how much more annual income renters in metro areas would need each month to keep up with increases in rent. The report found that renters in Seattle, LA, and Boston need the biggest income boosts in 2017 to keep up with increasing rent.
Central OH House Flipping: Where Money Was Made in 2016
When housing prices move up, you can bet there are house flippers making money. U.S. house flipping hit a ten year high in 2016. The current Central Ohio real estate market is no exception. The Columbus area housing market has been on fire. In 2016, twenty-four communities in Central Ohio saw gross house flipping profits … Continued
Central OH Real Estate Market Report March 2017
March real estate numbers just came in for Central OH! How quickly are homes selling? Is it still a seller’s market? Where are prices headed? Does the housing market still need inventory? Let’s take a closer look at the latest data to answer these questions and more:
Highest Home Values in Central Ohio
Recently, data trends specialists Esri Inc ranked the wealthiest zip codes in Central OH. On the heals of that list, Columbus Business First has ranked Central Ohio communities by median home values for 2016. It was no surprise that Westerville was listed as the #1 wealthiest ZIP code in Central Ohio, but how does it stack up … Continued
Central Ohio Real Estate Market Report For February 2017
In February, I shared a news flash about the extremely low housing inventory in Central Ohio. Conditions do not appear to be improving based on the Months of Inventory for February. We see that Months Of Inventory in Central Ohio continued to drop. The market still needs listings. While the number of days homes are … Continued
Low Inventory Alert
News Flash: Central OH Housing Inventory Continues To Drop The latest report from the Columbus REALTORS Multiple Listing Service shows that already low inventory levels are going even lower as the number of homes under contract increases.
Wealthiest ZIP Codes in Central Ohio
Using a proprietary formula, the data trends specialists at Esri Inc. have provided Columbus Business First with a list ranking the wealthiest ZIPs in Central Ohio. Before you look at the list, take a guess at which community landed the #1 spot. Did you say New Albany? Upper Arlington? Or, perhaps, Dublin? Nope, none of … Continued
Central OH Real Estate Market Update for Jan 2017
The Central Ohio real estate market finished strong on 2016. The numbers just came in for January 2017, so let’s see how the market is doing now.
Westerville OH Real Estate Market Update Q4 2016
For anyone following the Westerville, OH real estate market, it’s no surprise that 2016 finished strong. The numbers for the 4th quarter are in, so let’s take a look at the latest data for Westerville.
Lewis Center OH Real Estate Market Report Q4 2016
The Lewis Center real estate market finished 2016 strong! Let’s take a look at the numbers to see if Lewis Center ended 2016 in a Seller’s Market or a Buyer’s Market.
Central OH Real Estate Market Report for December 2016
2016 is in the rear view mirror, and the data is in for December. Let’s dig into the numbers, and see how the year finished.
Columbus OH Real Estate Outlook For 2017
In Central Ohio, the 2016 housing market did well and finished strong! We saw home values move up and the number of days homes spent on the market go down. With 2016 in our rear-view mirror, it’s time to look forward to see what 2017 may have in store for the real estate market.
November 2016 Central OH Market Report
It may be the Holiday Season, typically the “slow season” for housing, but the real estate market remains strong in Central Ohio. November’s market numbers just came in, so lets dig into the data.
Dublin OH Named On Best Small City List
In a recent look at America’s best small cities, WalletHub named Dublin, Ohio as one of its top choices. Analysts at WalletHub looked at over 1,200 small cities and ranked them based on 30 livability indicators. These included “housing costs,” “school-system quality,” and even “number of restaurants per capita.” They grouped cities by percentile, with … Continued
Central OH Real Estate Market Update October 2016
The weather may be getting cold, but real estate in Columbus remains hot! While we are seeing a little bit of the normal seasonal slow down in the Columbus area, the Central Ohio real estate market remained a Seller’s Market* in October. There was a small price depreciation since September 2016, but prices are up … Continued
Columbus: Best Real Estate Outlook In The Midwest
More good news for Columbus, Ohio! We’re ranked #1 in the Midwest for real estate outlook! This year’s Emerging Trends in Real Estate report by the Urban Land Institute and PwC scored cities based on the real estate marketplace and overall development trends. This is a massive report, so here’s what it had to say … Continued
Westerville OH Real Estate Market Report 3Q2016
If you have been following my Westerville real estate market updates, you know 2016 has been a fantastic year so far! We will likely see the normal seasonal slow down that happens every fall/winter, but, through the 3rd quarter Westerville remained a Seller’s Market.* Continue reading to see the latest numbers.
Lewis Center OH Real Estate Market Report Q3 2016
If you have been keeping up with the Lewis Center real estate market, you know 2016 has been a great year so far. While we expect to see the normal seasonal slow down and lower prices of fall and winter, Lewis Center remains a Seller’s Market. Continue reading for more details.
Columbus: One Of The Best Cities For Job Seekers
In real estate, we know location is is a big factor in picking the right home. It’s important to consider location for job-seekers as well. If you’re looking for a great city and the best place to move for a fast growing career, put Columbus at the top of your list! Continue reading to find … Continued
Columbus Makes Hottest ZIP Code List 2016
Having recently been named Best Big City In The Midwest, Columbus can now boast one of the country’s Hottest Zip Codes – specifically 43214. Continue reading to see what makes Columbus OH 43214 a “Hot Zip!”
Columbus OH Named Best Big City in Midwest
While small cities might offer charm, people are flocking to big cities for the amenities, public transportation, jobs, parks, and the atmosphere. “…some of us don’t feel as if we’re really living unless we’re doing in in the middle of a bustling metropolis” – Money Magazine Article Author Sarah Max Recently, Columbus made the list … Continued
5 Tailgating Recipes For Football Season
Fall is in the air, and you know what that means? Football! Spice up your tailgating repertoire this year with these delicious tailgating recipes. From appetizer to dessert, these options are sure to please your whole party!
July 2016 Columbus Homes For Sale Hit Annual High
Low inventory has been the big news item in real estate lately, and buyers certainly are seeing this in Columbus. However, July 2016 saw an 8.3% rise in Central Ohio homes for sale compared to June 2016. While this is down considerably from last year, it’s the highest level yet seen this year according to … Continued
Staging Your Home To Sell: Secrets From The Experts
Are you selling your home? Preparing your home for the real estate market is the most important thing you can do to help it sell as quickly as possible for as much money as possible. Here are some of the secrets that real estate experts use to help home sellers get their home ready to … Continued
Get The Inside Scoop On Dealing With Multiple Offers
With many Central Ohio homes for sale receiving multiple-offers, I find I am getting a lot questions from both buyers and sellers on what to do in a multiple offer situation. Buyers are finding the current real estate market difficult because homes are selling so quickly. They’ve often lost out on a home already, and … Continued
Lewis Center OH Real Estate Market Update Q2 2016
In my Lewis Center real estate market report for the first quarter of 2016, we saw low inventory, homes selling quickly, and prices moving up. This is no surprise as it follows national trends. Let’s take a quick look at the latest numbers for Lewis Center, and see how the second quarter real estate market … Continued
Westerville OH Real Estate Market Report Q2 2016
As we saw with the first quarter real estate market report for 2016, Westerville, Ohio is experiencing a Seller’s Market. The spring home buying frenzy has continued into the summer, and homes are flying off the shelves. As in the spring, Zillow has Westerville’s market temperature as “Very Hot.” Low housing inventory continues to make … Continued
3 Tips For Staging A Spare Bedroom
Do you have an extra bedroom in your home that doesn’t have a defined purpose? If you’re preparing to sell your Central Ohio home, it’s important to stage your whole home, including that spare bedroom. Buyers aren’t always able to imagine how to use a room. Home staging helps homes sell more quickly and often … Continued
Lewis Center OH Real Estate Market Update May 2016
Low inventory has been the story on the national housing market, and the Lewis Center OH real estate market is no exception. The low housing inventory and increased buyer demand has brought home prices up nationwide. In the current Lewis Center Seller’s Market, home buyers may be struggling to find their dream home. While high … Continued
Central OH Summer Events 2016
It’s officially summer! The days are longer, and it’s the perfect time to enjoy a summer concert or movie. Check out our collection of 2016 Central OH summer events below. Browse by area to find things to do in your community. We’ve included everything from fun runs to TEDx, so you’re sure to find summer … Continued
How To Get The Most Money When Selling Your Central OH Home
Every Central Ohio homeowner wants to make sure they maximize their financial reward when selling their home. But how do you guarantee that you receive maximum value for your house? Here are two keys to ensuring you get the highest price possible. 1. Price it a LITTLE LOW This may seem counter-intuitive. However, let’s look … Continued
Westerville OH Real Estate Market Report Q1 2016
With the first quarter behind us and the spring housing frenzy in full swing, let’s take a moment to dig into Westerville, Ohio real estate market statistics from the major housing websites. If you’re a home owner and it’s been some time since you’ve checked out the Westerville, OH real estate market, you may be … Continued
Buying And Selling A Central Ohio Home At The Same Time
Remember the nervous excitement and the stress of buying your first Central Ohio home? Imagine feeling all of it again – except this time trying to sell a home too. Buying a home and selling a home can both be stressful, but when you’re trying to do them at the same time you double that … Continued
Housing Market To “Spring Forward” This Year
Just like our clocks this weekend in the majority of the country, the housing market will soon “spring forward!” Similar to tension in a spring, the lack of inventory available for sale in the market right now is what is holding back the market. Many potential sellers believe that waiting until Spring is in their … Continued
Relocating To The Big City
Moving from a small town or suburb to a large city like Columbus can be an intimidating proposition. Here are a few tips to help make your move as painless as possible. Research before you move. It’s important to understand the culture you’re joining. Do research online and find out about school systems, neighborhoods, parking, … Continued
5 Tips For Buying A Home In Columbus
Looking to buy a Central OH home? Here are five essential tips for making the process as smooth as possible. Get your finances in order. Start by getting a full picture of your credit. Obtain copies of your credit report. Make sure the facts are correct, and fix any problems you find. Next, find a … Continued
Mortgage Rates Again at Historic Lows
Recently, we posted an article discussing where mortgage interest rates may be heading over the next twelve months. We quoted projections from Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, the Mortgage Bankers Association and the National Association of Realtors. Each predicted that rates would begin to rise slowly and steadily throughout 2016. However, shaky economic news and a … Continued
Gorgeous Greens at NorthStar Sunbury OH Condo For Sale
Discover 8724 Birkdale Dr Sunbury OH Conveniently located near Interstate 71 in the Greens At NorthStar neighborhood, this elegant waterfront condo offers the best of amenities and location for Sunbury, OH condo buyers. When you request a showing, you will first be impressed by the curb appeal of this end-unit townhome style condo. Exterior maintenance … Continued
Thinking of Buying A Home? What Are You Waiting For?
With the Central OH real estate market on fire, you may be wondering if you should wait to enter the housing market. Here are four great reasons to consider buying a home today instead of waiting. 1. Prices Will Continue to Rise CoreLogic’s latest Home Price Index reports that home prices have appreciated by 6.3% … Continued
Dealing With Financing
As the events of the last few years in the real estate industry show, people forget about the tremendous financial responsibility of purchasing a home at their peril. Here are a few tips for dealing with the dollar signs so that you can take down that “for sale” sign on your new home. Get pre-approved. … Continued
Best Desserts In Columbus
Updated 2/13/2017 There are new restaurants popping up in the Columbus area every day, but where do you go if you just want what comes after the meal? There are a number of great dessert places in the area, and whether you’re in the mood for cake and cookies, or ice cream, you’ll have no … Continued
3 Quick Steps For Getting Ready To Sell
Selling your home does not just mean hiring an agent to stick a sign out front. There are a lot of preparations you should make to ensure you get the best offer possible in the shortest time. Make Repairs Just because you’ve gotten used to the cracks in the walls and the rattles in the … Continued
Low Inventory Causes Central OH Home Prices to Accelerate
The National Association of Realtors (NAR) released their latest Quarterly Metro Home Price report earlier this month. The report revealed that home prices are not only continuing to rise but that the increases are accelerating. Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist at NAR, discussed the impact of low inventory on buyers in the report: “Without a significant … Continued
Will Appraisals Continue to be a Challenge in 2016?
First American Title issues a quarterly report, the Real Estate Sentiment Index (RESI), which “measures title agent sentiment on a variety of key market metrics and industry issues”. Their 2015 4th Quarter Edition revealed some interesting information regarding possible challenges with appraisal values as we head into 2016. The fourth quarter RESI found that title … Continued
Top Reason to List Your Central OH Home For Sale Now!
If you are debating listing your Columbus area house for sale this year, here is the #1 reason not to wait! Buyer Demand Continues to Outpace the Supply of Homes For Sale in Central OH The National Association of REALTORS (NAR) Chief Economist, Lawrence Yun recently commented on the inventory shortage: While feedback from REALTORS® … Continued
Renting vs Buying: Either Way You’re Paying A Mortgage
There are some people that have not yet purchased a Central Ohio home because they are uncomfortable taking on the obligation of a mortgage. Everyone should realize that, unless you are living with your parents rent-free, you are paying a mortgage – either your mortgage or your landlord’s mortgage. HOW CAN YOU BE PAYING A … Continued
Things To Do In Central Ohio – January, 2016
2016 is here! Let’s start off the new year with some fun in Columbus. Here are some great events coming up to get on your calendar. Don’t hibernate. Franklin Park Conservatory – Orchids – 1777 E Broad St. Columbus, Ohio Jan 9-March 6 For the flower lovers youll love the beautiful Orchid exhibit. ___________________________________________________ Columbus … Continued
What Do You Actually Need to Get a Mortgage?
Fannie Mae recently released their “What do consumers know about the Mortgage Qualification Criteria?” Study. The study revealed that Americans are misinformed about what is required to qualify for a mortgage when purchasing a home. Here are three takeaways: 59% of Americans either don’t know (54%) or are misinformed (5%) about what FICO score is … Continued
The Residential Rental Market Heading Into 2016
Below read quotes from experts as well as industry reports & articles that cover the residential rental market in the U.S. What Experts Are Saying Zillow Chief Economist Svenja Gudell: “Make no mistake: Despite this recent slowdown in rental appreciation, the rental affordability crisis we’ve been enduring for the past few years shows no signs … Continued
Expect Prices & Mortgage Rates To Go Up In 2016
The monthly mortgage payment on a Central Ohio home is determined by two elements: the price of the house and the interest rate you pay on your mortgage. Recently released reports are revealing that the experts expect both elements to go up in 2016. HOME PRICES CoreLogic has projected a nationwide 5.2% home value appreciation … Continued
Home Is Where The Heart Is
Recently, we discussed the reasons why Central Ohio home ownership makes sense financially. Today, we wanted to touch on the emotional or “real” reasons that many Columbus area residents strive to become home owners. The Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University performs a study every year surveying participants for the reasons that American’s … Continued
Cleaning Tricks To Kick That Pet Hair and Smell
Although we love our pets for their loyalty, friendship, and overall cuteness, nobody likes the inevitable pet smell and hair that accompanies our furry friends! If you’re selling your Central Ohio home, a clean, fresh-smelling home won’t turn off buyers. Keeping a home clean with a pet is certainly a daunting task. Whether you hire … Continued
Tree Planting Tips For Ohio Homeowners
Wanting to amp up your landscaping? Planting trees in your yard will yield a multitude of benefits, including shading your house, decreasing energy costs, adding curb appeal, improvement of the quality of air you breathe, and more! The best part is, trees are low-maintenance once planted and can help improve your home’s property value. Check … Continued
How To Create Real Family Wealth [Infographic]
The financial crisis affected so many who had no choice but to sell or relinquish their Central Ohio homes and take a credit hit. Those who did are starting to see their credit improve and are wondering if it’s time to re-visit the world of home ownership in the Columbus area. Many of you are … Continued
A Quick Guide to Understanding the Housing Market
You hear it on the news all the time: “It’s a buyer’s market,” “It’s a seller’s market,” or “The housing market is on the rebound.” And, while you probably get the gist of what these folks are talking about, having a deeper understanding of the housing market and how it works can help you immensely … Continued
5 Hidden Dangers In Your Home
Every homeowner wants to sleep well at night, knowing their home is safe and sound for the health of their family. Yet, did you know there are hidden hazards lurking in your home that you may be unaware of? Check your house against the list of hazards below, and your home and health will thank … Continued
DIY: Homemade Cleaning Products
Have you ever run out of cleaning products in the middle of cleaning your home and don’t have time to run out to the store to get more? Or do you just want to be more conscious of the chemicals you’re using to clean your home? Lucky for you, there are a number of cleaning … Continued
Highligh: A Treehouse in Columbus
What do you do when you find the perfect house lined with old shade trees? Build a treehouse! That’s exactly what Mike and Jamie O’Leary did when they found their home in Clintonville, Ohio. All they needed was the right sized yard, an old tree that was big enough, and they were able to accomplish … Continued
