Buying a Columbus home Archives - Columbus Ohio Real Estate | Buyer's Resource Realty Services

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.

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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Columbus Economy Continues to Draw Home Buyers

RealSupport — Fri, 30 Jan 2026 04:55:28 +0000

Home buyers are finding an economic haven in Central Ohio, according to a recent article in the New York Post. During 2025, Columbus was among the few U.S. metros seeing population growth, while two-thirds of major metros saw population declines. The Post called this home buying trend a search for “recession proof” cities, but we found more to the story.

The home buying data comes from the Bank of America Institute, which studies consumer spending patterns and financial behavior. Overall, their analysis shows that Americans have been moving less since 2021. When Americans do move, most are trading one nearby city for another, typically staying in the same Census region.

For example, Columbus attracts home buyers from Chicago and Pittsburgh, while also attracting buyers from other areas of Ohio. Today’s relocation decisions are being driven by economic opportunity and housing affordability – and by proximity to familiar areas. The sweet spot for relocating home buyers seems to be 1 to 3 hours from their current residence.

When it comes to collecting new residents, two Midwestern cities are leading the pack: Indianapolis and Columbus. Both cities experienced steady population growth during two consecutive quarters in 2025. The cities are somewhat similar in metro population, climate, and culture. However, Columbus has the edge in technology investment and job growth. And this is where the road forks: Columbus has a higher median income than Indianapolis, and higher housing costs. Still, the Columbus median home price remains below the national average.

When it comes to economic strength and job prospects, the Columbus Metro is hard to beat! If you are considering a move, contact us for expert home buying advice. We will also help you explore Columbus neighborhoods and Central Ohio communities!

Get started with our free e-book, “How to Buy a Home Like a Pro!” Download it today 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.

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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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Central Ohio Homes Offer Value for Buyers

RealSupport — Sat, 15 Nov 2025 21:11:24 +0000

Quick! Name somewhere in the USA where you can buy a quality home under $400,000 in a major metropolitan area with ample job opportunities, including a growing tech sector. If you said Central Ohio, you’d be right! The latest data from Columbus REALTORS© shows that while home prices in Central Ohio are rising, our market continues to offer better value than many other locations in the country.

The newest statistics show that the national median home price stood at $415,200 as of October 2025. The median home price in Central Ohio was $325,000, reflecting a 3.2% increase on a year-over-year basis. Here’s a snapshot of some of the most active, and affordable, real estate markets in Central Ohio:

Hilliard City School District: median home price $387,000

Grove City South-Western City School District: median home price $306,000

Further from Columbus, the communities of Lancaster, Newark and Marion are being discovered by home buyers. As of October 2025, the median home sale prices in these markets ranged from $182,500 to $265,000.

The pace of Central Ohio home sales has slowed somewhat, with homes spending an average of 34 days on the market before going under contract. A year ago, homes spent an average of 28 days on the market. The slight slowdown in sales pace is due to the expansion of home inventory, which has improved throughout 2025.

Home inventory is measured by the time it would take for buyers to purchase everything that is currently available on the market, assuming no new listings popped up. Inventory stood at 2.4 months of supply in October 2025. In other words, even though new listings grew by 9% on a year-over-year basis, the pace of sales didn’t slow that much. This speaks to the healthy home demand in Central Ohio, and the need for home buyers to have their own expert representation in the market!

You will achieve the best home buying value with the help of an Exclusive Buyer’s Broker! Learn how with our free e-book, “How to Buy a Home Like a Pro!” Download it today from our website, without any obligation.

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Real Estate Investors Love Columbus Homes

RealSupport — Wed, 09 Jul 2025 08:39:51 +0000

Institutional real estate investors currently own about 7,000 Columbus area homes. As reported previously in the Columbus Dispatch, approximately 7% of all homes sold during the first quarter of 2025 were purchased by investors.

To understand how we’ve arrived at Wall Street ownership of single-family homes, we must recall the Great Recession of 2007-2009 and its aftermath. An estimated 9 million U.S. homes went into foreclosure, creating a backlog of bank-owned real estate. These properties were usually in poor condition. The longer they stood vacant, the more they lost value. It was detrimental to the banks – and to the communities where these homes were located.

To solve the problem, banks welcomed institutional investors. Instead of selling homes one and two at a time, banks sold properties by the dozens, or even the hundreds, to investment companies who purchased them sight-unseen. It was a win-win; banks cut their losses quickly, and investors found profit in repairing, renting and reselling the foreclosed homes.

It worked so well for investors that single-family home acquisitions became a permanent business strategy. Today, the Columbus area remains a sweet spot for institutional investors, who purchased over 600 homes in a recent 3-month period.

Columbus home buyers will be competing with investors for the foreseeable future. The good news: a well-written, well-presented offer can still beat an investor’s cash offer. Investors seek to purchase homes using below-market offers, with a “fast closing” as the incentive to sellers. Not every seller finds this trade-off acceptable. Those who do may have homes requiring significant repairs.

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Boomers Are Top Home Buyers in Latest NAR Study

RealSupport — Thu, 17 Apr 2025 09:34:30 +0000

The Boomer generation remains very active in the housing market, taking over the top home buyer spot from Millennials. According to the latest generational trends report from the National Association of REALTORS©, Baby Boomers accounted for 42% of all home purchases from June 2023 through June 2024. Millennials made 29% of all home purchases, and Gen X buyers outpaced Gen Z for the remainder.

Millennials represent the largest demographic in the U.S. by population, but the Boomer generation has an advantage in the market. Namely, cash! While higher mortgage interest rates and rising home prices curtailed the purchase power of younger generations, homeowner Boomers were able to sell their properties and benefit from years of value appreciation. In turn, many Boomers were able to purchase their new homes with all-cash offers.

It’s no surprise, then, that 53% of all home sellers during the same year-over-year period were Boomers. According to the NAR survey, most Boomers moved to be closer to family, or to downsize.

Here in the Columbus area, Millennial and Gen Z home buyers have more affordable conditions than other major metropolitan areas. About 51% of Millennial residents in the Columbus Metro are homeowners, according to a report by AXIOS. About 41% of Gen Z residents own homes. Buyers who are financially prepared, and educated about the market, can find opportunities in Columbus!

Get expert home buying strategies and insights with our free e-book, “How to Buy a Home like a Pro!” It’s yours immediately without any obligation, and the download is right from our own website.

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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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!“

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Columbus Area Home Buying Conditions Improve

RealSupport — Thu, 20 Mar 2025 11:41:10 +0000

Columbus area home buyers have better market conditions these days, though sellers remain in the driver’s seat. Here’s the latest real estate data from Columbus REALTORS©, along with our own insights!

Columbus area home inventory continues to improve. The number of Columbus area homes for sale in February 2025 increased by 32% compared to February 2024. This is the highest inventory level of any February since 2017. This is bringing some relief to home buyers, who have faced historically-low levels of inventory for many consecutive months.

Home inventory now stands at 1.5 months of supply, and homes are spending an average of 43 days on market before going under contract. This is far from a balanced market, but it’s another improvement compared to prior home buying conditions.

With more homes on the market, price growth has slowed. Home prices increased by 1.9% on a year-over-year basis, reaching a median of $305,000. This seems to be a “sweet spot” for purchase activity. Homes priced from $300,000 to $399,000 accounted for 22% of all sales during February 2025, the largest share of any price range. The median home price in the Columbus area remains more affordable than other major metros in the country, presenting a good value to home buyers. Nationally, the median home sale price as of February 2025 was $402,500.

Meanwhile, mortgage interest rates have decreased slightly compared to a year ago. The average interest rate on a 30-year fixed Conventional mortgage was 6.67% as of March 20. Rates have been below 7% (for home buyers with excellent credit) for 9 consecutive weeks. This is also an improvement in home buying conditions compared to a year ago.

All considered, the market conditions in the Columbus area remain challenging for buyers, but sales trends are moving in the right direction. Buyers who are financially prepared, and represented by an Exclusive Buyer’s Broker are best positioned to succeed!

And because we only represent home buyers, we can show you ANY home on the market, including homes for sale on the Columbus Regional Multiple Listing Service, homes For Sale by Owner (FSBO) and new construction homes for sale by builders. Find out more with our free e-book, “How to Buy a Home like a Pro!“

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U-Haul Says Ohio Among Top Move-In States

RealSupport — Wed, 08 Jan 2025 06:49:11 +0000

If you don’t already live in Central Ohio, there’s a fair chance you’re thinking of moving here! As reported in the Columbus Dispatch, the U-Haul Growth Index shows Ohio ranking as the 14^th most popular one-way destination for 2024. This is a 9-point jump from the 23^rd position in 2023.

Within Ohio, the top destinations included Delaware, Grove City, Hilliard, Newark, Pickerington, Powell and Sunbury. U-Haul’s District Vice President, Anthony Jones III, said that “Columbus is a metro region where we’ve seen significant growth.”

The rankings are determined by each state’s net gain, or loss, of customers using one-way U-Haul equipment during a calendar year. The U-Haul Growth Index is compiled from over 2.5 million one-way U-Haul truck, trailer and U-Box^® moving container transactions annually.

The top move-in state was South Carolina, followed by Texas and North Carolina. States with high move-outs included California, Massachusetts, New Jersey and New York. In some states, move-in and move-out activity results in a break-even or near break-even, which can be driven by college students arriving and departing.

In the case of Ohio’s moving activity, a quick look at population data seems to agree with U-Haul’s rankings. Ohio had 0.50% population growth during 2024, adding 59,270 residents. Ohio’s strengths in higher education, employment and quality of life make it an attractive place to call home. In particular, Central Ohio is home to a number of Fortune 500 companies, and leads technology growth in the Midwest.

If you are thinking of buying a Central Ohio home, let us be your guide! 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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