Home Buyer Tips Archives - Columbus Ohio Real Estate | Buyer's Resource Realty Services

First Steps for Home Buying in Central Ohio!

RealSupport — Wed, 24 Jun 2026 07:57:27 +0000

Successful home buying in Central Ohio takes planning, preparation and expert guidance! The most important steps of the home buying journey begin before you enter the market.

1. Learn about home buying from trusted experts. As Exclusive Buyer’s Brokers, we hold the best interests of our Buyer-Clients above all! We never represent sellers, which allows us to give buyers an unsurpassed level of dedication and service. This means we give you expert advice about home prices, negotiation strategies, contingencies, inspection issues and more.

2. Verify your credit history for accuracy. You can obtain a free credit report from the official website: Annualcreditreport.com. This report shows your personal credit profile, credit accounts and payment habits. If you spot any errors, report them to the bureau for correction.

3. Apply for a mortgage pre-approval. This is the best way to discover your home buying budget. Obtaining a mortgage pre-approval does not commit you to going through with a loan.

4. Consider what you need most in your new home. Keeping priorities in mind will focus your home search, and help you avoid rabbit holes.

5. Be ready to put time and effort into the home search and purchase process. Keep your credit in good shape, too!

6. Respond promptly to messages from your mortgage lender and/or Exclusive Buyer’s Broker. The most desirable homes that are priced right, sell quickly! Skipping a message can mean missing an opportunity.

7. Be flexible where you can. You may have your heart set on a certain Central Ohio community, but there are many homes and neighborhoods worth your consideration! As Exclusive Buyer’s Brokers, we’ll help you evaluate and compare your best options.

Learn how we make a difference for Central Ohio home buyers! Read our free e-book, “How to Buy a Home like a Pro.” You can obtain it directly from our website without any obligation.

As Exclusive Buyer’s Brokers, we serve your best interests at all times! Unlike real estate agents and brokerages who represent sellers, as an Exclusive Buyer’s Broker, we only represent you, the buyer, getting you the best price and terms with no conflict of interest, at all times.

Understanding this distinction could literally save you thousands of dollars not only on the purchase price and terms, but also on seller concessions and home inspection issues, whether you are a first-time homebuyer or an experienced homeowner!

Andrew Show
Exclusive Buyer’s Broker, CEBA-M, MCNE, CSP, PSA,e-PRO, CREM, ABRM, AHWD
Buyer’s Resource Realty Services www.BuyersHome.com
Serving Metro Columbus, Ohio with Exclusive Buyer’s Agents
7100 North High Street, Suite 204, Worthington, Ohio 43085
614-888-4110 | 888-888-4110 Toll Free | 614-839-4110 Fax

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Trees and Liability Basics for Ohio Home Buyers and Homeowners

RealSupport — Tue, 26 May 2026 06:27:20 +0000

These days, trees can be a source of liability for Ohio homeowners. Wind and storm damage, including damage from toppled trees and broken limbs, is a top reason for homeowner’s insurance claims. As a result, insurance companies are giving trees the stink eye when they perform property inspections. Trees growing too close to the house, or trees that have limbs reaching over the house, are seen as a risk. An insurance company may demand the trimming or removal of such trees in order to issue, or continue, the homeowner’s policy.

Depending on the size of the trees and their proximity to buildings, power lines, etc., tree trimming or removal can cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars to thousands of dollars. If you find yourself removing trees to satisfy an insurance company, be sure to use a licensed and insured professional. Improper trimming can weaken or destroy an otherwise healthy tree. Careless tree removal can cause damage to your home, or to a neighbor’s!

Ohio home ownership and tree liability

You can’t cut down your neighbor’s trees, but Ohio typically allows you to trim branches that cross over your property line. You must use reasonable care to avoid causing damage to the tree’s health.

In Ohio, the owner of the property where a toppled tree lands is generally responsible for the damage and cleanup. If the tree was healthy and fell during a storm, it is considered an act of nature, with no blame. Your homeowner’s insurance should cover your repair expenses, even if it wasn’t your tree that caused the damage.

However, the homeowner who has ownership of the tree can be held liable if negligence was involved. For example, if a tree was obviously diseased, dead or dying, a reasonable person would be expected to take action before the tree caused a problem.

Proving negligence can be tricky. If your home is threatened by an unhealthy tree that resides on the neighbor’s property, don’t wait for disaster. Provide your neighbor with a friendly, factual letter about the tree’s condition. Follow up with more letters if needed; keep copies. If you experience property damage from the tree before it gets removed, you can prove your attempts to alert your neighbor. This will help your case with the insurance company. Please note, nothing here is intended as legal advice. Direct any liability questions to an attorney.

We hope this information is helpful! As Exclusive Buyer’s Brokers, we serve your best interests at all times! Unlike real estate agents and brokerages who represent sellers, as an Exclusive Buyer’s Broker, we only represent you, the buyer, getting you the best price and terms with no conflict of interest, at all times.

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3 Steps for First-Time Home Buyers in Central Ohio

RealSupport — Tue, 03 Mar 2026 09:31:18 +0000

If you’re a first-time home buyer in Central Ohio, you might feel overwhelmed with the home buying process. Here are the first 3 steps critical to your home buying success!

1. Choose the agent who will represent you in the home buying process. This person will be entrusted with a great deal of information about you, your home buying motives, and your financial abilities. Naturally, you don’t want this information to be used against you, which can happen if you use a “dual agent” or the listing agent for the home seller.

Your agent will be at the center of the home buying process, and their knowledge, expertise and professional network will be essential along the way. Only an Exclusive Buyer Agent or Exclusive Buyer Broker works in your best interests as the home buyer, 100% of the time. Since Exclusive Buyer Agents and Brokers never hold real estate listings or represent sellers, there is no conflict of interests.

This enables Exclusive Buyer Agents and Brokers to tell you blunt truths about a home and its pricing, that a transactional “dual agent” won’t divulge!

Also, Exclusive Buyer Agents and Brokers offer protections in the home buying process that other agents wouldn’t typically include – because they are focusing on the best deal for sellers.

Get to know our Exclusive Buyer Agents and Brokers on our website! We serve the Columbus area and Central Ohio. If you are looking for a home in another area, you can obtain a referral to a local Exclusive Buyer Agent through the National Association of Exclusive Buyer Agents. (NAEBA.)

2. Get financially prepared for home buying and home ownership. Become educated about your credit history, and have your credit score in the best possible shape. The official website for free consumer credit reports is annualcreditreport.com. (Beware of copycat sites!) As an option, you can obtain your credit score at MyFico.com.

Two of the biggest hurdles in home buying involve debt levels and down payment savings.

Debt levels: If your credit score is good, but you are juggling several credit card payments and an installment loan, your debt-to-income ratio may be higher than what a lender prefers. Lenders look at your front-end DTI (your total debt payments before a new mortgage payment) and also the back-end DTI (your total debt payments including a mortgage payment.) This is why your credit card payments, car loan, student loan payments and other debt obligations can affect your ability to secure a mortgage, even if your credit score is basically good.

Down payment savings: There are mortgages that require minimal down payments of 3.5%, and mortgages that do not require a down payment at all. But having a down payment large enough to avoid, or at least minimize, Private Mortgage Insurance, (PMI) or a Mortgage Insurance Premium (MIP) can save you money.

When you make a larger down payment, you are buying a portion of your home outright. This is immediate equity. You have something to show for that money.

When you make a zero down payment, or smaller down payment, and have some form of mortgage insurance tacked on to your monthly payment, you are paying out money that doesn’t help you. Mortgage insurance protects the lender from losing money, if you default on the loan. It doesn’t give you anything.

Having a budget for home ownership is important too. Property taxes, homeowner’s insurance, HOA fees (if any) plus utility costs and maintenance are ongoing expenses. Think about how your monthly budget will look with all new housing costs considered.

3. Choose the mortgage that works best for you. If you are a veteran or active U.S. service member, a VA loan is hard to beat. For everyone else, your options may largely depend on your credit profile and financial strength. Still, there are choices to be made. Taking the time to compare fees, costs and rates – instead of jumping on the first financing offer – can save you thousands of dollars over the life of the loan.

Your Exclusive Buyer Agent can refer you to trustworthy, local mortgage professionals who will explain all of your options. For more information about home financing and the entire purchase process, we highly recommend reading our free e-book, “How to Buy a Home like a Pro!” You can access it immediately from our website.

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Winter Offers Advantages for Columbus Area Home Buyers

RealSupport — Tue, 16 Dec 2025 07:14:43 +0000

The weather outside is frightful, but winter home buying can be delightful! Here’s why Columbus area buyers should continue their home search during winter.

1. Less competition from other home buyers improves your negotiating power. With fewer buyers in the market during cold weather, sellers are more likely to negotiate on price, repairs and/or closing costs.

2. Motivated sellers need to move on! Sellers who have homes on the market during winter aren’t testing the waters; they need to sell. This gives buyers more clout in purchase negotiations.

3. Asking prices are less ambitious. Home prices in the Columbus area are typically lower during the winter months, because sellers are motivated, and they hope to attract serious buyers as quickly as possible.

4. Mortgage lenders, title companies, home inspectors and appraisers are less busy during winter. This means faster turnaround times and fewer chances of closing delays.

5. Homes take a little longer to sell during winter, reducing pressure on home buyers. (However, the nicest homes with the best prices sell first – always be prepared to make an offer!)

6. You will see how homes handle winter conditions. For example, are there large icicles hanging from the roof? Do some rooms feel colder than others? Are there any obvious drafts? Are all the heat vents working?

7. You will see how neighborhoods handle winter conditions! Are the sidewalks and streets reasonably clear after a snowfall? What are the street parking regulations? Is there sufficient winter parking to accommodate visitors for the holidays?

We hope this has given you inspiration for your winter home search! Whenever you are ready to explore the home buying process, we are here to help you.

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Finding a Starter Home in Central Ohio: Tips for First-Time Home Buyers

RealSupport — Sun, 30 Nov 2025 22:57:13 +0000

Starter homes are an entry point in the market for first-time home buyers. The ideal Central Ohio starter home should be affordable, practical, well-built, well-maintained, and be located in an area with access to public amenities and daily necessities. When you choose your starter home wisely, it should appreciate in value over time. This helps you build equity, and gives you the chance to “trade up” to a larger or newer home in the future!

Starter homes are being rediscovered by today’s first-time buyers, after years of buyers purchasing large, newer homes right out of the gate. But the days of 3% interest rates are over, and years of rising home prices have put starter homes back in discussion. Here are tips for finding a good starter home in Central Ohio!

Look for a home that is:

Smaller in size (often 2–3 bedrooms)

Priced lower than the broader market average

Located in an established, stable neighborhood with local amenities – grocery stores, medical services, parks, good schools, etc.

Located on a street that is not too busy or noisy

Older, but well-built and maintained. No problems with the foundation, mechanical systems, etc. Be sure to write your offer with home inspection contingencies, and if condition issues are found, call in a contractor for estimates. How you write your offer is extremely important; see our free e-book, “How to Buy a Home like a Pro,” for examples!

Needs some updating, but doesn’t require immediate, big-ticket repairs. This is in the eye of the beholder. If you are willing to replace the roof, or install new windows, consider your budget and the return on investment when looking at a diamond in the rough. (Make sure it’s a diamond, first!)

Note: lead-based paint wasn’t abolished until about 1978. Homes that were built before 1978 may contain lead-based paint, and the older the home is, the more likely it has it. Lead plumbing pipes are also a concern. When you are considering an unrenovated, pre-1980 home, use contingencies to cover any specific testing or specialized inspections.

This is a broad guideline. For expert guidance and unbiased home buying advice, turn to an Exclusive Buyer’s Broker! As Exclusive Buyer’s Brokers, we serve your best interests at all times! Unlike real estate agents and brokerages who represent sellers, as an Exclusive Buyer’s Broker, we only represent you, the buyer, getting you the best price and terms with no conflict of interest, at all times.

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Central Ohio Home Inventory Reaches 9-Year High

RealSupport — Tue, 23 Sep 2025 14:38:59 +0000

The inventory of homes for sale in Central Ohio reached the highest level in nine years during August 2025, according to data from Columbus REALTORS^©. On a year-over-year basis, home inventory has improved by 25%, with 5,736 residential properties listed for sale.

Improved inventory gave Columbus area home buyers some breathing room, but sales remain brisk. Homes spent an average of 29 days on market during August 2025, compared to 22 days on market August 2024.

Despite gains in the number of homes for sale, Central Ohio home prices are moving higher. The average home sales price reached $388,708 during August, an increase of 4.4% from a year ago. However, most home sellers are open to negotiation. Sellers received about 97.2% of their original asking price during August, which is a slight drop from the 98% average from August 2024.

A key indicator of housing demand is the rate of absorption. In other words, how long it would take to sell all the homes on the market, assuming no new listings joined the group. Currently, Central Ohio home inventory stands at 2.3 months of supply – meaning it would take just over 2 months to sell all the homes available on the market.

Historically, a “balanced’ market would stand at 5 to 6 months of supply, and we remain well below this. This is a fancy way of saying that home demand in Central Ohio is still outpacing the number of homes for sale, which is why home prices continue to rise.

All considered, recent reductions in mortgage interest rates, coupled with the improvement in Central Ohio home inventory, offers buyers the best market conditions we’ve seen in some time. We are still in a “seller’s market,” but there are good opportunities for buyers! And because we only represent buyers, we are 100% focused on your interests, helping you get the best home buying value for your budget.

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More Central Ohio Homes Hit the Market Mid-Summer

RealSupport — Thu, 28 Aug 2025 23:04:16 +0000

Central Ohio home buyers have the best home selection in years, according to the latest data by Columbus REALTORS^©! Home inventory increased over 20% on a year-over-year basis as of July 2025. Currently, Central Ohio is sitting on the highest housing inventory since 2016, providing home buyers much-needed breathing room.

Home demand has kept the pace of sales brisk. On average, Central Ohio homes spent 27 days on market before going under contract, which is 5 days longer than a year ago. However, the inventory of Central Ohio homes for sale remains below historical norms, standing at 2.3 months of supply. Sellers still have the upper hand, but in certain areas, the grip has loosened a bit!

The median sales price of a Central Ohio home was $342,000 as of July 2025, which is an increase of 4.6% from the prior year. Columbus REALTORS^© report that median sales prices exceed $600,000 in the communities of Dublin, Powell, New Albany, Grandview and Bexley, with Bexley also noted as a Top 10 “Hottest” market by Realtor.com.

For home buyers looking for value, there are several Central Ohio markets offering median sale prices below $300,000. They include:

Columbus City School District $269,950
Groveport Madison LSD $255,500
Lancaster CSD $275,000
London CSD $290,000
Marion CSD $193,000
Newark CSD $230,000

As of August 28, 2025, the average interest rate on a Conventional fixed mortgage was 6.56%. This is the lowest rate average in 10 months, which has provided some incentive to sidelined home buyers. There is the possibility of softening mortgage rates in the months ahead. We will have more guidance after the next Federal Reserve meeting in mid-September, when overall economic conditions are reviewed.

Be prepared for all market conditions with an Exclusive Buyer’s Broker! As Exclusive Buyer’s Brokers, we serve your best interests at all times! Unlike real estate agents and brokerages who represent sellers, as an Exclusive Buyer’s Broker, we only represent you, the buyer, getting you the best price and terms with no conflict of interest, at all times.

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How to Spot Roof Condition Issues on a Central Ohio Home

RealSupport — Wed, 13 Aug 2025 22:39:45 +0000

Roof replacement is one of the most expensive repairs Central Ohio homeowners can face! Costs range from $8,000 to over $20,000, depending on the home size and structural design. For this reason, Central Ohio home buyers should pay attention to the roof condition during their home search!

An asphalt shingle roof typically lasts about 20 to 25 years, but this is a broad average. The quality of the shingles, the workmanship and the ravages of extreme weather can impact the lifespan of any roof.

In the case of new construction homes, builders often use “builder grade” shingles, which are lower quality and less expensive. “Builder grade” doesn’t mean better!

Fortunately, some condition issues can be spotted with the naked eye. You can get a closer view by using the zoom feature of your cell phone camera, or by using a pair of binoculars.

Here are common roof condition issues home buyers should look for:

Signs of potential roofing issues include:

Surface streaks, stains, or moss on shingles. Homes surrounded by large trees can be susceptible to this problem. Too much shade can contribute to moisture buildup on the roof, leading to algae growth and shingle deterioration.

Cracked or split shingles. This is a sign of shingle breakdown, caused by temperature extremes. Fine lines may start to appear first, followed by cracks or splits.

Curling or cupping shingles. Shingles should lie flat. If they are curling up, or raised in the center, they are ready for replacement.

Missing or loose shingles. Wind damage is not always obvious; sometimes just a few shingles have been displaced. However, if these areas are left unrepaired, water damage to the roof deck can follow.

Dented, rusted or lifting flashing. Metal flashing is commonly used to prevent water from getting through roof joints, edges, chimneys and vents. A problem with flashing can lead to leaks around these areas. If it appears to be in poor condition, further inspection is warranted.

Granule loss and asphalt debris. As shingles break down, dark, sandy grit may appear in downspouts and gutters. Dark, gritty stains near the roofline can indicate an aging roof that needs attention.

While it’s a good idea to notice the roof condition during your home search, there’s no substitute for a professional home inspection. Our free e-book, “How to Buy a Home like a Pro,” explains the pitfalls of the home buying process, and how you can protect yourself against them! Get your free copy today from our website, there is no obligation. We can refer you to local pros in the area!

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Home Buying Considerations for Extreme Weather Events in Central Ohio

RealSupport — Thu, 03 Apr 2025 07:59:12 +0000

The Central Ohio area is ranked among the most desirable places to live to avoid major climate disasters, according to the 2024 Realtor.com Housing and Climate Risk Report. But no area of the U.S. is immune from extreme weather, and insurance policies are becoming more expensive. For these reasons, Central Ohio home buyers should consider a home’s weather resilience when evaluating properties. Here’s a few things to look for!

1. Flood and drainage protection. Check FEMA flood maps to see if the property is in a flood-prone area. Risk factors vary widely from one Central Ohio location to another.

The topography of a residential parcel should be considered against neighboring properties. Storms can produce water runoff from nearby highways or paved developments. Inspecting the home’s basement or crawlspace can reveal prior water issues. Homes with elevated foundations, sump pumps and proper drainage are better protected from flood risks.

If a home is not located in a FEMA flood zone, you still have the option of purchasing flood insurance. Flood damage is not included in standard home insurance coverage!

2. Heat Resilience. In the past decade, Central Ohio has experienced more summer days with temperatures above 90°F. Warming trends are expected to continue in the years ahead. Look for homes with good insulation, good attic ventilation, light-colored exteriors and roofs, healthy shade trees, and energy-efficient cooling systems. Low-maintenance landscaping that reduces water use is another plus.

3. Storm-Resistant Features. Rough weather wears down roofing over time. Homes with old roofing can mean higher insurance premiums, reduced coverage, or both! Homes that have newer roofing, high-quality windows and steel doors are better equipped against storms. Impact-resistant roofing and windows should be considered if you make upgrades to the home.

Basements provide important shelter from tornadoes, but basements with an egress window are even better! Egress windows provide an emergency escape if the stairs become blocked.

We have many more suggestions for finding well-built, quality homes! Find out more with our free e-book, “How to Buy a Home like a Pro!“

As Exclusive Buyer’s Brokers, we serve your best interests at all times! Unlike real estate agents and brokerages who represent sellers, as an Exclusive Buyer’s Broker, we only represent you, the buyer, getting you the best price and terms with no conflict of interests.

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Mortgage Pre-Approval Tips for Columbus Home Buyers

RealSupport — Sun, 01 Dec 2024 10:07:41 +0000

Having a mortgage pre-approval in hand is the best way to be taken seriously as a Columbus home buyer! Obtaining a mortgage pre-approval goes smoothly when you prepare in advance. Here are several tips from Buyer’s Resource Realty Services!

Get a free copy of your credit history from annualcreditreport.com. This will not show your credit score, but it will show all of your credit accounts and payment histories. It also contains information about your address history and other identifiers. If there are errors in any of this data, contact the bureau supplying the report, and request corrections. Allow 30 days for updates, then re-check your history.

See your credit score at MyFico.com. A “good” FICO score is in the eye of the beholder, but generally you’ll get the best mortgage offers with a score of 740 and above. Scores of 680 and above are good. A score in the mid-600’s to high 500’s can mean an expensive mortgage – or a denied application. Much depends on the type of mortgage and the lender involved. Fortunately, the MyFico site includes an Education tab with tips on improving your credit score! On-time payments and low debt balances are key.

Put a financial file together. Gather your employment information, recent pay stubs, last 2 years of tax returns, recent bank statements and investment account statements. List your monthly debt obligations too. Having this information ready, and keeping it updated, will save you time and hassle when you begin your mortgage application.

Start, or improve, your down payment savings. Consider using direct deposit to automate your savings plan. Set up a monthly budget for routine expenses, and look for ways you can save on costs. Getting in good financial habits now will help you manage the costs of home ownership!

Get an Exclusive Buyer’s Broker on your side! We can refer you to expert mortgage lenders in the Columbus area. When you become our Buyer-Client, we can review your mortgage offers, and help you find the ideal financing for your needs.

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