October 2024
Central OH
Real Estate News 

By Michael Bishop The Cooler Real Estate Agent
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Search for homes, condos, properties link at the bottom of the newsletter

The Federal Reserve cut their rate by 1/2 point; 30 yr mortgage rates are ~6.25% down sharply from their peak of about 8% 

 
Wh
at are local Central Ohio, RichieRich's, paying for homes? 

               
Aug thru Sept 2024 here are (8) eight sold for over $2,000,000

#8. 5 BR, 5 Full BA, 2 Hlf BA, 4 -car garage, 5,900 SF, 7,900 ATFLS, $2,100,000 in Olentangy LSD off of Woodland Hall

#7. 6 BR, 6 Full BA, 1 Hlf BA, 7-car garage, 6,541 SF, 8,367 ATFLS, $2,200,000 in Gahanna Jefferson CSD off of Oxbow Dr

#6. 6 BR, 6 Full BA, 2 Hlf BA, 4-car gar, 5,520 SF, 8,010 ATFLS,  
$2,280,000 in New Albany Plain LSD off Lambton Park 

#5. 6 BR, 6 Full BA, 2 Hlf BA, 3-car garage, 8,489 SF/ ATFLS, $2,345,000 in New Albany Plain LSD off Fenway Rd

#4. 5 BR, 6 Full BA, 2 Hlf BA, 4-car garage, 5,220 SF/ ATFLS $2,420,000 in Upper Arlington CSD off Ashbury Dr

#3. 4 BR, 5 Full BA, 1 Hlf BA, 3-car garage, 6,785 SF/ ATFLS $2,750,000 in New Albany Plain LSD off Ealy Crossing

#2. 6 BR, 6 Full BA, 3 Hlf BA, 6-car gar, 8,082 SF, 12,500 ATFLS, $3,600,000 in Big Walnut LSD off Sunbury Rd

#1. 7 BR , 5 Full BA, 3 Hlf BA, 10-car gar, 12,381 SF, 16,381 ATFLS, $4,310,000 in Big Walnut LSD off Duncan Glen Dr

FYI- data averages for these 8 sales

$373/SF; $299/ATFLS; 6 of 8 sold, 5 Days or less
I'd say the Central OH "high-end" is doing just fine!


         Local housing reporting     
               Here are Ave closed prices YTD, low -to-high

                Overall the entire market is up 5.2% & both
        Columbus CSD & Columbus Corp top the average




            9 - What "NOT to Do's"                                                              ..... Buying a Home

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Buying a home is one of the most exciting investments you'll make. But the process can be full of potential missteps.  Here’s a list of what NOT to do when purchasing a home.
                           Avoid Common Mistakes When Buying a House
  1. Don’t Skip Getting Pre-Approved
    Many buyers jump straight into home tours without securing pre-approval for a mortgage. This can lead to disappointment when they discover they don’t qualify for the homes they’ve fallen in love with. Pre-approval not only helps set a realistic budget but also makes your offer more attractive to sellers.
  2. Don’t Make Big Financial Changes Before Closing
    AVOID: Big purchases! Cars, new credit accounts. These can impact your debt-to-income ratio, causing lenders to modify or revoke your mortgage offer.
  3. Don’t Skip the Home Inspection
    Waiving the home inspection may make your offer more attractive, but it can lead to costly surprises later. A thorough inspection will help identify hidden issues like roof damage or an old HVAC system that could be expensive repairs.
  4. Don’t Forget to Budget for Hidden Costs
    Many buyers focus solely on the down payment. But don't overlook closing fees, property taxes, homeowners insurance, and maintenance. Make sure to account for these when budgeting for your new home.
  5. Don’t Overlook the Resale Value
    Even if a home meets your current needs, don’t forget to think about resale. Life changes may require you to sell sooner than planned. Buying in a neighborhood that's growing and has features that appeal to future buyers down the line.
  6. Don’t Neglect Researching the Neighborhood
    A home’s location is just as important as the property itself. Rushing into a purchase without checking out the neighborhood could lead to regrets. Visit the area at different times, research crime rates, and consider proximity to schools, transportation, and future developments.
  7. Don’t Change Jobs During the Buying Process
    Lenders prioritize stability. Changing jobs before closing can complicate your mortgage approval. Even if for more money. Wait until closing to switch jobs.
  8. Don’t Ignore Your Long-Term Plans
    Consider your future lifestyle when buying a home. If you plan to start a family or work from home, ensure the home will still suit your needs in the years to come.
  9. Don’t Try to Do This Alone
    The home-buying process can be overwhelming. I can help you handle every step; answering questions to mitigating risks. A good agent helps you navigate difficult negotiations; find your ideal property, and offer advice on how to act in tricky situations. I’m here to make sure your buying experience is smooth & successful.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll move through the buying process with confidence. If you need personalized advice or have any questions along the way, don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m here to help you make smart, informed decisions and turn your home-buying journey into a successful one. Let’s make your dream home a reality – together!
Smart Home Systems Gadgets Worth Investing In
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Smart home systems are transforming the way we live. Homes are safer, more efficient, and easier to manage. From advanced security to energy-saving devices, these innovations offer convenience & value. Smart technologies can protect your home, lower bills, and even increase its market value.
              Smart Security Systems
  1. Smart Security Systems: 24/7 Peace of Mind
    Smart security systems: Video doorbells & cameras w/motion detection and cloud storage let you monitor your home anywhere; plus see & speak to visitors.
  2. Smart Locks: Remote Access
    No more hiding spare keys under doormats. Smart locks allow you to lock, unlock doors remotely via phone; set temporary access codes for guests & service people.
  3. Smart Thermostats: Lower Bills
    Smart thermostats optimize your home’s heating and cooling based on real-time data, reducing energy consumption by up to 10%. Over time, this can lead to substantial savings on utility bills, and boost the property’s eco-friendly appeal.
  4. Smart Lighting: Energy Efficiency and Ambiance
    Control your lights remotely, schedule on/off times, and even change colors to suit the mood. LEDs use up to 90% less energy than traditional bulbs, and since lighting accounts for around 15% of an average home's electricity use.
  5. Smart Home Hubs: Centralized Control for Simplicity
    Central systems integrate all your smart devices. You to control everything from one place, by app or voice command. Amazon Alexa & Google Assist have shaped the industry; making it easy to create routines adjust lighting, locks, and control temperatures with a single command.
  6. Smart Sensors: Proactive Monitoring
    Beyond security cameras, smart sensors provide an additional layer of protection. Flood sensors alert you at the first sign of water leakage, and smoke or carbon monoxide detectors can send real-time alerts to your phone. These devices can automatically shut off water systems or trigger alarms, preventing costly repairs.
Smart technology not only makes life easier but also boosts property value. 78% of buyers are willing to pay more for homes with smart systems, and the energy savings can add up to thousands over time. Embracing smart home systems is more than a trend – it’s a wise investment that enhances your home’s safety, efficiency, and market appeal.
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 www.centralohiohomes.info


Got questions give me a call: (614) 600-4554