Central Ohio real estate Archives - Columbus Ohio Real Estate | Buyer's Resource Realty Services

Quarterly Market Statistics – 2nd Quarter 2026

RealSupport — Mon, 24 Aug 2026 15:25:12 +0000

Below you’ll find market statistics separated by school district, as well as last quarter’s closed sales and median sales price graphs.

Bexley	Pickerington (Corp.)
Columbus CSD	Reynoldsburg CSD
Dublin CSD	South-Western CSD (Grove City)
Gahanna Jefferson CSD	Sunbury (Corp.)
Grandview Heights (Corp.)	Upper Arlington CSD
Hilliard CSD	Westerville CSD
New Albany Plain LSD	Whitehall (Corp.)
Olentangy LSD	Worthington CSD

For the Entire Columbus MLS, in June, there were 3,100 homes that closed with a median sales price of $352,000

For the Entire Columbus MLS, in May, there were 3,057 homes that closed with a median sales price of $350,000

For the Entire Columbus MLS, in April, there were 2,516 homes that closed with a median sales price of $345,000

Andrew Show
Broker, CEBA-M, MCNE, CSP, e-PRO, PSA, AHWD, CREM, ABR-M
Buyer’s Resource Realty Services
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
www.BuyersHome.com

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Home Affordability: 4 Costs Central Ohio Home Buyers Should Know!

RealSupport — Wed, 05 Aug 2026 06:33:36 +0000

Your home buying budget in Central Ohio is affected by four main costs. Understanding these costs will help you plan wisely for home buying, and for long-term home ownership!

First, we should mention that your mortgage approval is based on your income, down payment, debt obligations, credit worthiness and financial resources. Lenders use this data to determine your ability to repay, and the risk you present as a borrower.

Some of these elements are within your means to adjust. You can pay off debts, you can increase your down payment, and you can improve your credit score. In turn, you could improve the mortgage offers you receive, and possibly qualify for a larger mortgage.

But your purchase power is also affected by real estate market changes and the costs of home ownership. You have little control in these areas. However, there is value in being informed and prepared! This allows you to make comparisons and find the best solutions for your home buying budget. Here are 4 costs every Central Ohio home buyer should know!

1. Mortgage interest rates. The lower the interest rate, the larger the mortgage you can afford. Rates for 30-year, fixed rate Conventional loans averaged 6.69% as of August 5, 2026. Lenders offer the best rates to borrowers with excellent credit and strong down payments.

You can’t do much about the direction of interest rates. But you can get your credit score in the best possible shape, and shop around for your home financing! Rates, fees and other financing costs will vary from one lender to another.

2. Home prices. According to Columbus Business First, median home prices in Central Ohio increased 39% between August 2020 and August 2025. The median price of a Columbus area home was $352,000 as of June 2026. When calculated as an average, the average home sales price was $410,933 as of June 2026. Buyers will face different market conditions from one Central Ohio community to another.

In recent months, home price growth has slowed. Higher interest rates have taken some steam out of the market. Home inventory has improved. Today’s market has better stability than it did a couple years ago, allowing buyers more selection and more time to make decisions.

Finding the ideal home for your needs is best accomplished with an Exclusive Buyer’s Broker! We can show you any home on the market – including homes for sale on the Columbus Regional MLS, homes For Sale by Owner (FSBO) and homes for sale directly by home builders. We also help you compare financing costs, home prices and more!

3. Property taxes. The median property tax bill in Franklin County, Ohio for 2025 is approximately $4,772, based on median home values and an effective tax rate of about 1.6%

As home values rise, tax bills go up, but this is not a dollar-for-dollar match. Your real estate tax bill is based on the local tax rate multiplied by the value of the property. Tax rates vary by community. Local levies and special assessments will impact your tax bill. You can get more information about how taxes are managed by visiting the Franklin County Treasurer website.

If you buy a home with less than 20% down, your lender may require an escrow account with your mortgage. This account is funded through your monthly mortgage payment. The mortgage servicer will pay your tax bill and insurance premium directly from the escrow account. But when taxes or insurance premiums increase, the escrow portion of your mortgage payment will increase too!

New construction presents its own tax bill issues. A newly-built home may not be fully assessed for years after construction has been completed. Buyers of new construction need to be well-prepared for future adjustments.

4. Homeowner’s insurance. The average cost of homeowners insurance in Ohio ranges from $1,265 to $1,752 per year (roughly $105 to $146 per month) for a standard policy with $300,000 in dwelling coverage. Your premium will vary depending on the age and condition of the home, the estimated costs of replacement/repairs and local risk factors.

Obtain your insurance quotes promptly once you have an accepted offer. Shop around for the best value in costs and coverage. Also review the reputation of the insurance company when it comes to paying claims.

To find the best value for your home buying budget, get the expert advice of an Exclusive Buyer’s Broker! Learn how we make a difference by reading our free e-book, “How to Buy a Home like a Pro.” There is no 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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Robust Demand Keeps Home Sales Humming in Central Ohio

RealSupport — Wed, 22 Jul 2026 04:31:37 +0000

It’s a busy summer for home buyers in Central Ohio! During June 2026, Central Ohio homes spent an average of 25 days on market before going under contract. According to data from the Columbus and Central Ohio Regional MLS, June home sale transactions were up 5% compared to last year.

Overall home supply remains below normal, however. As of June, Central Ohio had 2.2 months of home supply, which is well below the 4 to 6 month supply of historic norms. In other words, at the current pace of sales, all available homes would be sold in just over 2 months, if no new properties came to market.

Robust home demand is often followed by rising home prices. Fortunately for Central Ohio buyers, a 7% increase in year-over-year home inventory helped temper home price growth. The median sales price of a Central Ohio home was $352,000 during June, reflecting a modest gain of .06% compared to June 2025.

This is a broad overview, however. Home prices in each Central Ohio community have their own trends. For example:

Bexley median sales price: $665,000
Dublin (Corp.) median sales price: $675,000
Upper Arlington median sales price: $710,000
Downtown Columbus (43215) median sales price: $373,000

The Central Ohio markets showing the strongest sales growth year-over-year include:

South-Western City School District (Grove City): 181 closed sales, up 19.9%
Westerville City School District: 133 closed sales, up 23.1%
Big Walnut Local School District (Sunbury): 41 closed sales, up 46.4%

To find the best value for your home buying budget, get the expert advice of an Exclusive Buyer’s Broker! We never represent sellers, which means we can be frank about home prices, property condition and purchase negotiations. Learn how we make a difference by reading our free e-book, “How to Buy a Home like a Pro.” There is no obligation.

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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.

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Market Update for Central Ohio Home Buyers

RealSupport — Wed, 10 Jun 2026 10:21:13 +0000

Central Ohio real estate shows a moderate rise in home prices as inventory improves. Here’s the latest data from Columbus REALTORS©, along with our insights!

The median sales price of a Central Ohio home increased 4.3% on a year-over-year basis, reaching $350,000 during May 2026. Looking at it another way, the average sales price was $408,993, a gain of 5.2% year-over-year.

Home prices are growing, but they are tempered by an increasing number of homes for sale. The total inventory of homes for sale increased 8.2% from a year ago. The supply of homes for sale stands at 2 months, meaning that if no new listings came to market, it would take 2 months for buyers to purchase everything currently for sale.

We remain far from a balanced market, which is typically between 4 and 6 months of supply. But the pace of sales, while still quick, shows that inventory growth is gradually easing the pressure on buyers. Homes spent an average of 29 days on market before going under contract during May.

Home sellers still hold the advantage in most Central Ohio markets. On average, sellers are receiving about 98.4% of their original asking price. There are list price adjustments taking place in some situations, however, showing that buyers aren’t jumping at every “For Sale” sign.

The Central Ohio market still holds more demand than supply. Fortunately, home buyers have it better today than they did during the pandemic! But there is limited time to make decisions. The most desirable homes in popular neighborhoods sell very quickly, and bidding wars can happen on any reasonably-priced property.

Being prepared for home buying makes all the difference! Start with our free e-book, “How to Buy a Home Like a Pro!” We share money-saving tips and purchase strategies you won’t find anywhere else.

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Columbus Area Home Inventory Builds as Home Price Rise

RealSupport — Tue, 12 May 2026 08:00:11 +0000

Despite rising inventory, the median price of a Central Ohio home in April 2026 increased 8.3% compared to April 2025. According to data from the Columbus & Central Ohio Regional MLS, April’s median home price was $346,500.

When the sales prices are calculated as an average, home prices were up 5.9% from a year ago, averaging $396,480.

April gave Central Ohio home buyers the best inventory seen in years. The number of homes listed for sale through the Columbus & Central Ohio Regional MLS increased 13.4% compared to April 2025. Home supply, which considers the rate of absorption of available homes, stood at 2 months.

Improved supply helped slow down the pace of sales. On average, homes spent about 39 days on the market before going under contract. This is a slowdown of about 7 days compared to April 2025.

While this is not a “slow” market by any means, the gradual trend of longer days on market and rising inventory should eventually ease home price appreciation. This does not mean buyers should expect home prices to fall below their current thresholds. Instead, the data points to home prices rising more slowly, and by smaller increments, as the number of new listings reach their seasonal peak.

All real estate is local, however, and some Central Ohio markets might ignore that script. Home sales have been robust in the Olentangy Local School District, the Grove City Corporation, the Westerville City School District and the Lancaster City School District. Home prices vary widely by district, with Olentangy Local School District posting the highest median of this group at $581,703.

For Central Ohio home buyers, the spring and early summer market will offer the best selection of homes that we’ve seen in years. And if you work with us, your selection is enhanced by our ability to show you any home on the market, including homes for sale by owner (FSBO) and new construction for sale by home builders, in addition to homes listed through the MLS.

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Avoiding Foreclosure: Tips for Ohio Homeowners and Home Buyers

RealSupport — Wed, 18 Mar 2026 09:24:08 +0000

Foreclosures have quietly crept higher across the U.S., according to information from ATTOM data services. As of January 2026, home foreclosures nationwide increased 26% compared to January 2025.

Ohio currently has the 12th-hightest foreclosure rate in the nation, with one filing for every 3,099 homes. (Nationally, the ratio is one foreclosure in every 3,547 homes.) This is far lower than the levels seen during the Great Recession, but it still bears watching.

Certain areas of Ohio have long struggled with foreclosures. During 2025, about 10% of the foreclosures in Cuyahoga County were attributed to vacant homes. It’s hard to imagine someone abandoning a property with today’s home values, but it happens. Sometimes a home needs more repair than what the market value supports, or what the homeowner can afford.

Other reasons for foreclosure include job loss, divorce, serious health issues, and the death of the homeowner or co-owner. This is why a percentage of foreclosure activity is normal, no matter how “good” the local real estate market might be.

How can foreclosure be avoided?

Never skip a mortgage payment. Once a mortgage payment is 30 days past due, the default clause may be triggered, allowing the lender to seek foreclosure. Typically the process does not start for 90 days. Still, it is very difficult for most people to recover after the first domino falls.

A lender may allow a structured repayment plan, but this means an even higher monthly payment for a set period of time. If you’re already struggling financially, it’s hard to honor the deal. Also, you must manage any increases to your escrow account payments relating to property taxes and homeowner’s insurance.

If you have a temporary income loss, calling your lender or mortgage servicer before you fall behind in your mortgage is the first step. Hardship programs vary by lender and mortgage type, but there may be options to avoid default. For example, you may be able to defer a payment, and have it added to the end of the term.

If you are facing a permanent income loss, and you cannot afford your mortgage payment, selling your home beats losing it to foreclosure.

If your home has negative equity, the lender may approve a short sale, and accept the current market value of the home to settle the outstanding mortgage balance. This can help you avoid a foreclosure on your credit report, and avoid the stress of the foreclosure process.

A mortgage company may allow a loan modification to make the payments more affordable. This can include a rate reduction, and/or an extension of the loan term. You must qualify for this option with a process that is similar to a loan application.

Cooperating with your mortgage lender, and remaining in contact with them, is important in all cases. Reaching out to housing agencies like Save the Dream Ohio can help!

Buy wisely with the help of an Exclusive Buyer Broker!

The best way to avoid a future risk of foreclosure, is to buy a home well within your means. Avoid “stretching” to obtain a more expensive home, even if your lender says you qualify. Consider too, that while your mortgage may have a fixed interest rate, expenses like property taxes, homeowner’s insurance and energy bills increase over time. Home repairs and maintenance costs should be budgeted as well.

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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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Central Ohio Home Sales Warm Up in January

RealSupport — Fri, 13 Feb 2026 07:11:00 +0000

Central Ohio’s 2026 real estate market opened on a promising note for home buyers! 1,506 home sales were logged during January, essentially matching last year’s pace. New listings followed suit with 2,226 homes hitting the market, a slight uptick of 0.4% from January 2025.

Overall, January home inventory in Central Ohio is up 7.2% compared to the prior year. Homes are taking a bit longer to sell, with a median of 48 days on market. This is by no means a “slow” market, but buyers are not as rushed today as they were a year ago.

Housing demand in our area remains strong, and Central Ohio home prices are still ticking higher. New listings carried a median list price of $325,000 during January, while the median sale price rose 6.7% to $319,900.

January 2026 pending home sales are up 5.5% compared to last January.

As always, it should be noted that statistics provide a broad overview, but local communities have their own sales dynamics. For example, Hilliard City School District roared out of the gate in January with a 62% increase in home sales compared to the prior year. An increase in home inventory helped fuel the boom.

Going forward, Central Ohio home buyers have favorable conditions on two fronts: home inventory is improving, and mortgage interest rates have been inching lower. As of mid-February, 30-year fixed Conventional mortgages averaged a rate of 6.01%.

If you’re planning to buy a Central Ohio home, get expert insights with our free e-book, “How to Buy a Home Like a Pro!” We share tips and strategies you won’t find anywhere else, potentially saving you thousands of dollars!

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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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