Exclusive Buyer's Agent Archives - Columbus Ohio Real Estate | Buyer's Resource Realty Services

Fall Offers Seasonal Sweet Spot for Columbus Home Buyers

RealSupport — Wed, 16 Sep 2026 08:52:27 +0000

The Columbus real estate market offers some of its best home buying opportunities during the fall! As we’ve mentioned in prior posts, autumn home buying offers a slower pace, greater home selection, and better service timelines by industry partners. Additionally, home sellers tend to be motivated during the autumn months, which sets the stage for productive negotiations.

Recently, a national study by Realtor.com shared interesting statistics on how much money fall home buyers can save. The study found that one week in particular offered measurable advantages: the week of September 27 through October 3.

During that period, the median list prices displayed on Realtor.com were 3.5% lower than the summer months. Existing listings had 1.2% more price reductions than average.

During the autumn months, there are more homes on the market, and they stay available a bit longer. On average, buyers nationwide have up to 31% more active listings to choose from during the last week of September. Homes spend about 13 days longer on the market in late September, compared to market times in prior months.

At the same time, the ranks of home buyers thin out as summer ends and the school year begins. On average, fall home buyers have 30.1% less competition than they do during the summer months.

The week of September 27 to October 3, statistically, shows nationwide trends of lower asking prices, more home inventory, fewer active buyers and slower-paced home sales. But this date range should not be considered a deadline. Instead, it’s a starting point. During the weeks that follow, home prices tend to soften further, though home inventory gradually declines.

Timing the market is not a substitute for being prepared for the market! As interesting as these statistics are, home buyers who work with an Exclusive Buyer’s Broker have the best possible leverage in purchase negotiations. Because we only represent buyers, and work in the buyer’s best interests 100% of the time, we have the ability to save you money in ways that a traditional “dual agency” can’t! Learn more in 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 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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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.

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2026 Home Buyers Motivated by Housing Stability

RealSupport — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 00:23:26 +0000

Higher home prices and elevated mortgage interest rates are not stopping motivated buyers, according to the newest Bank of America Homebuyer Insights Report. The annual report surveyed 2,000 U.S. renters and homeowners during the spring of 2026. Here are the highlights from the report, along with our own insights!

Home buyers are seeking stability and security. 94% of respondents said that home ownership provides a sense of stability. Having control over one’s own housing is a primary motive for many buyers. The majority of respondents recognize the long-term value of home ownership.

Buyers see home ownership as an investment. 90% of respondents say that a home is a valuable investment. In 2025, the average U.S. homeowner with a mortgage held approximately $295,000 to $299,000 in total accumulated home equity. While there are no guarantees that any specific home will increase in value, home ownership offers the opportunity to build equity.

Home ownership is emotionally fulfilling. 86% of respondents said owning a home brings a sense of accomplishment and is emotionally satisfying.

Home ownership beats renting. 53% of survey respondents say it’s better to buy a home than to rent. This is the first time home ownership has beaten renting in respondent opinion since 2023.

Home affordability remains an issue. 58% of respondents say that high home prices have prevented them from buying a home. This is up from 46% in 2025. The desire for home ownership is strong, but most respondents say that home buying is more expensive today than it was just a year ago.

Gen Z buyers are willing to adapt, rather than wait. About 28% of Gen Z respondents said they are willing to take on extra jobs to afford a home. 32% are willing to co-buy a home with friends or family. 31% planned to explore down payment assistance programs.

Most buyers still want a professional to help them during the home buying process. 54% of respondents said they prefer human expertise for managing the contracts and legal elements. 55% prefer having an agent at their side when touring homes for sale.

Exclusive Buyer Representation makes all the difference in your home buying experience! We help home buyers save money and avoid pitfalls at virtually every step of the home buying process. In fact, our buyer-centric purchase contracts give you protections that typical “dual” agents cannot offer. Learn how we make a difference by reading our free e-book, “How to Buy a Home like a Pro.” There is no obligation, and the information is yours to keep.

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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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6 Reasons to Live in the Columbus Metro!

RealSupport — Thu, 05 Feb 2026 08:30:33 +0000

Living in the Columbus Metropolitan Area provides economic opportunities and a good quality of life! Here are 6 reasons to live in the Columbus Metro area!

1. Lower cost of living. The overall cost of living in the Columbus Metro, including housing, utilities and health care, is notably less than other major U.S. cities and comparable metropolitan areas.

2. Lower home buying costs. You get more for your home buying budget in the Columbus Metro! Home prices in the Columbus Metro are about 7% less than the national average.

3. Communities with character. Each city neighborhood and suburb has its own mix of unique local shops and eateries, events and cultural vibe. Popular urban areas include historic German Village near downtown Columbus, and the artsy Short North. The Metro area includes hipster-favorite Clintonville, and “America’s Emerald City,” Dublin.

4. Employment opportunities. The Columbus Metro is a rapidly growing tech and corporate hub, with major employers like Intel and Anduril. The Columbus Metro is also home to five Fortune 500 companies and multiple Fortune 1000 corporations. The region includes diverse industries such as finance, education, healthcare, defense and technology.

5. Green Spaces. Residents enjoy easy access to outdoor recreation, including trails, waterways, activity areas and sports amenities through the expansive Columbus area park system. Tens of thousands of acres are managed by the Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks system, and the Columbus Recreation and Parks Department.

6. Major Attractions. The Ohio State University campus is a hub of activity, especially during sports events! The Columbus Metro is home to the Columbus Symphony Orchestra, the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium, the Center of Science and Industry (COSI), The Ohio State Fair, and the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. Live performances by national headliners take place at the Nationwide Arena in Columbus. Trade shows and touring attractions are often held at the nearby Ohio Expo Center. No matter where you are in the Columbus Metro, there’s plenty to do!

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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.

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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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Breathing Room for Buyers as Central Ohio Home Inventory Grows

RealSupport — Fri, 24 Oct 2025 05:34:23 +0000

Central Ohio home buyers have some breathing room in the market as home inventories grow. Here is the latest market report from Columbus REALTORS©, along with our own insights!

The inventory of Central Ohio homes for sale during September 2025 was 21% higher than it was in September 2024. The improvement in home inventory helped slow down the speed of sales, which gave buyers more time to explore their options. During September, homes spent an average of 30 days on the market before going under contract, which is 5 days longer than September 2024.

With more homes on the market, price appreciation has slowed. The median sale price of a Central Ohio home was $325,000 in September, up just 0.3% from September 2024. However, median prices are much higher in certain Central Ohio communities, such as Upper Arlington, Powell, Bexley, New Albany and Dublin, to name a few.

We are seeing some price adjustments in the market. On average, sellers received 96.5% of their original asking price during September. This is a 1% drop from September 2024, when sellers received 97.5% of their asking price.

Improved market conditions for buyers boosted home sale activity. Closed home sales in Central Ohio are up 7.9% on a year-over-year basis.

But as of October, Ohio’s real estate market faces a potentially different landscape. The shutdown of the Federal government became effective October 1, 2025. There are roughly 8,312 Federal workers in Franklin County who may be affected by the budget stalemate to some degree.

However, if the shutdown lingers, wider impacts may be felt. Home buyers using FHA or VA-backed mortgages may experience delays in mortgage underwriting and approval. Also, the National Flood Insurance Program will not be issuing new policies during the shutdown.

For buyers who are not affected by these matters, the remaining weeks of 2025 could offer the best home buying opportunities of the year! Conventional mortgage interest rates have been on a downward trend. And if more inventory comes to market, buyers will have additional home choices and more time to view them. Buyers will have some leverage with motivated sellers who seek a deal before year-end.

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Home Buyers are Waiting Longer as Home Affordability Falls

RealSupport — Wed, 18 Jun 2025 05:20:16 +0000

If you’re a home buyer in your late 30’s or more, you’re in good company. According to the National Association of REALTORS© Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, the median age of a first-time home buyer in 2024 was 38. As recently as 2023, the median age of a first-time buyer was 35. Back in 2015, the median age of a first-time buyer was 31.

First-time buyers also hold a shrinking share of the real estate market. During 2024, first-time home buyers accounted for 24% of all home purchases. This is the lowest percentage of market share since NAR began tracking this data in 1981.

On the other hand, repeat home buyers aren’t getting any younger. The median age of a repeat buyer was 61 in 2024. In 2023, the median age of a repeat buyer was 58.

The aging of home buyers isn’t a surprise to economists. Home prices have been rising since the end of the Great Recession, but they spiked after the pandemic. The median sales price of a U.S. home was $317,100 during the 2^nd quarter of 2020. By the 2^nd quarter of 2022, the median sales price of a U.S. home was $437,700.

According to the NAR survey, last year’s buyers had to save money for a longer period of time before entering the market. About 57% of buyers reported using personal savings to help finance their home purchase. Only 12% of buyers relied on cash gifts or loans from family to facilitate their home purchase.

In a certain sense, the housing market hasn’t been “balanced” in decades. Residential single-family homes, for better or worse, are now a Wall Street asset class, with investors holding thousands of homes as rentals. And years before the Great Recession’s housing bust, the real estate market was juiced by easy-money mortgages, which created speculative home buying and speculative home building.

One would have to return to the 1990’s to get an idea of how a balanced real estate market used to behave, when home inventory stood around 6 months of supply, and mortgage interest rates were between 7% and 9%. The U.S. median home price in 1995 was $114,600. It was a very different market, but it wasn’t a rose garden for home buyers. The Internet was in its cradle days, without the buyer resources that are now commonplace online. Listing agents controlled real estate market information, and buyers were at a serious disadvantage.

In short, what a “normal” real estate market used to be, may look very different from the normal market of the future! The best advantage you can give yourself as a home buyer is the representation of an Exclusive Buyer’s Broker. We explain how we save you money and protect your best interests in our free e-book, “How to Buy a Home like a Pro!” You can download it today without any cost or obligation by visiting our website.

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Columbus Falls from “Hottest” Market List

RealSupport — Wed, 04 Jun 2025 05:33:29 +0000

The Columbus real estate market is no longer in the “hottest” market category, according to the Spring 2025 Wall Street Journal/Realtor.com Housing Market Ranking. Columbus fell out of the top 20 hottest markets during Spring 2025, falling to #28. However, other Ohio markets made the top 20, including Toledo, Canton-Massillon, Akron and Dayton.

The ranking weighed home affordability in the data, and this is where Columbus lost statistical ground. The average sale price of a Columbus home was $369,625 during March 2025, an increase of 3.9% from March 2024.

Meanwhile, markets like Toledo, Akron and Dayton had average sale prices in the range of $225,000 to $250,000. Listings in these price ranges drew a high number of online views, with about 43% percent of those views originating from outside of Ohio.

In other words, rising home prices in Columbus have caused some buyers to browse less expensive Ohio markets. This isn’t a bad thing, as it potentially reduces buyer competition in the Columbus area.

By the numbers, Central Ohio home inventory increased by 45% during April 2025, compared to April 2024. The improvement in home inventory is a welcome change for home buyers! Yet homes are selling quickly, spending just 32 days on market before going under contract. Buyers are still feeling pressure in Central Ohio, and being prepared for the market is a must. We can help!

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