Half of real estate closings are closing on time
About half of all real estate closings don’t happen on time. This means a lot of stressed out buyers and sellers since they can’t close on time. There are many reasons for this and many are beyond the control of the buyer, seller or the agents, – Underwriting requirements are significantly more strict which means [...]
Read more from this Article »Spring Cleaning…to save money
Most of us don’t exactly enjoy spring cleaning, but according to this article from AEP, saving money (and helping the environment) might provide some incentive.
Read more from this Article »Schools Push Up Property Values
I cannot imagine this is going over very well with the property owners… I was surprised to learn the schools had the power to challenge property values in Franklin County.
Read more from this Article »Home Sale Prices Strengthen in Central Ohio
I find it interesting that available inventory for single family home and condos in Central Ohio has dipped down to roughly 11,000 units, (versus roughly 16,000 last year at this time) interest rates remain at records lows, yet demand still remains sluggish. In my opinion, rental rates still need to go up in order to make owning a home a more appealing investment.
Read more from this Article »How not to negotiate
I find it odd how real estate agents will take a negotiating position they can’t defend. They are basically making up a reason. I feel this weakens their ability to negotiate for their client. I had a property listed at $259,000, which was below market and a good deal at list. My investor/seller paid cash [...]
Read more from this Article »Happy Holidays from Fannie & Freddie
Happy holidays struggling homeowners! Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and several large mortgage lenders have pledged not to foreclose on delinquent borrowers during the Christmas season. Read more from this Article
Read more from this Article »Central Ohio home sales up again in central Ohio
The housing market is still adjusting to a variety of issues including; tighter lending guidelines, sellers’ mortgage / debt obligations, and weak demand. In spite of reduced prices and record low interest rates, I don’t expect values to move much at all. I would only recommend buying if you have significant equity for down payment or plan on staying in your home at least 5 years.
Read more from this Article »Why sellers shouldn’t take feedback too personally
One mistake sellers often make is taking feedback too personally. Below is a good example of what I am talking about. My feedback was ‘the house was neat and well kept but smelled like dog’. I received this as a reply directly from the seller. It is also worth noting my clients liked the house and thought replacing the carpet would remedy the pet odor issue…as they had done so in the previous home they bought. In the end, it’s not a big issue and certainly not worth getting upset over.
Read more from this Article »How buyer’s shoot themselves in the foot
Some home buyer’s can’t resist shotting themselves in the foot when buying a home. Part of my job as an agent is to tell my buyers what they need to hear and not want they want to hear. I see a lot of situations where buyers miss out on great opportunities because they are too [...]
Read more from this Article »How does your home compete
When selling a home a critical component is how your home competes with other comparable listings in your market. One suggestion is for sellers to view their home as if they were a buyer. Now they have to ask themselves, “Why would someone want my home at this price compared to their other options?” When [...]
Read more from this Article »
View Our Featured Partner
Larry Schottenstein is a certified negotiation expert, real estate author, educator and TV reality show host
Search Our Articles to find just what you're looking for.
Columbus in National Geographic?
Columbus, Ohio a National Geographic Top 10 Fall Trips 2011 ... Read More of this Article
Are you ready for some football?
Are you ready for some football? I love fall. The colors, the smells, the fair food! But, what I lov ... Read More of this Article
End of summer in Columbus
Labor Day is the “official” end of summer here in central Ohio, but it sure doesn’ ... Read More of this Article
