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

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!

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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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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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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Michael Marshall Earns Top Agent Ranking on Zillow

RealSupport — Tue, 09 Apr 2024 06:16:20 +0000

Buyer’s Resource Realty Services is proud to congratulate Michael Marshall on earning Top Agent ranking on Zillow. This distinction is achieved by earning high scores in six performance metrics, including responsiveness, appointments, showings, communication, closings and customer satisfaction.

The Top Agent badge on Zillow cannot be purchased by any agent. Nor can it be earned by sales numbers alone. It is driven by service. Only about 15% of all agents participating with Zillow earn a Top Agent ranking.

As an Exclusive Buyer Agent at the longest-running Exclusive Buyer’s Brokerage in Central Ohio, Michael epitomizes the integrity and dedication to home buyers that define our mission. Michael has achieved a consistent 5-star rating on Zillow from 47 client reviews. Clients have given Michael the highest possible ratings for:

Local knowledge
Process expertise
Responsiveness
Negotiation skills

Zillow’s 2024 Top Agent award follows the Angi Super Service Awards Michael has been receiving for many years. He holds over 80 5-star reviews on Angi. Michael’s commitment to Buyer-Clients can be summarized in his own words: “I represent people, not property!”

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Competing Against Cash Offers: What Central Ohio Home Buyers Should Know

RealSupport — Tue, 09 Apr 2024 04:33:01 +0000

If you’re in the market for a Central Ohio home, you may be concerned about competing against cash buyers. During the past decade, all-cash buyers have increased in number, bolstered by home flippers, Wall Street investors and equity-rich home sellers. According to statistical data by ATTOM, about 30% of all Columbus area home purchases were made with cash during 2023. Nationally, about 1 in 3 home purchases were all-cash deals.

Home sellers love a cash offer because it’s perceived as the fastest and easiest way to sell property. Real estate investment companies are everywhere, advertising “quick closing” and “no hassle sales.” Typically, cash-buyer investors promise to skip home inspections and appraisals, and close within two or three weeks. Sounds great if you’re a seller!

However, cash buyers expect to pay much less for a home than a traditional buyer, in return for the convenience they offer. According to the Journal of Finance, cash buyers pay an average of 10% less for a home than mortgage-backed buyers. The discount can be steeper, depending on the home condition and the location.

Some cash buyers start with a decent offer, but then find reasons to whittle that number down to a lesser amount by closing. They may not require a third-party home inspection, but they can still walk through the house themselves and find reasons to adjust the sales price. The “we buy houses” companies are not making money by being generous, kind-hearted souls. They make money by paying as little as possible – sometimes getting properties for 60% of current market value!

A home buyer who has an up-to-date, detailed mortgage pre-approval can absolutely compete against a cash buyer. A healthy earnest money deposit and a respectable down payment help! Ultimately, when a buyer’s offer is presented in the best possible light, by a highly reputable and experienced brokerage, home sellers recognize the value of the offer. We have been helping our Buyer-Clients compete, and succeed, against cash buyers for many years. To learn more about how we do this, read our free e-book, “How to Buy a Home like a Pro!”

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