Recently ranked by Realtor.com as no. 6 in the country, the Central Ohio housing market is experiencing a shift driving low inventory, higher home prices, tough competition and the impact of high-interest rates. When you consider all of these factors, the home-buying process can seem scary, but it doesn’t have to be if you take the time to get prepared.

 After serving Central Ohio almost a decade with 250 home sales under his belt, here are Desalen’s Top 5 tips that will take your real estate experience from Frightening to Fun!

 1.   Get financially prepared early, and don’t let high-interest mortgage rates spook you out of getting into the market. Talk with a financial planner early to determine your budget, assess your financial profile and review the anticipated costs associated with the purchase, including the down payment, closing costs and realtor fees. 

2.   Find a realtor you can trust. Build a solid relationship with an experienced real estate professional who is knowledgeable about the market and well-respected in the industry. Real estate agents can help you find your dream home or profit from the sale of your home, but it is important to trust that they have your best interests at heart. 

3.   Sellers: Don’t Give Up! You can make your home stand out in a crowded market by meeting with a licensed realtor at least six months before listing your property. I love working with my clients to advise them on what their home might need before listing, such as maintenance requirements, painting decisions, light fixture changes and landscaping needs. Home buyers are educated shoppers, and with the help of their trusted realtor, they can easily spot those homes with the highest value.

4.   Be flexible, be patient and be ready—but don’t get discouraged! Sale transactions are happening faster than ever, earning multiple offers over the list price with attractive contractual terms and conditions. That means sellers and buyers must make speedy decisions about accepting offers. It also means that some offers won’t be accepted and other offers won’t work out—buyers may need to continue their search while sellers need to review backup or contingent offers. 

5.   Have fun! Make sure that you check in with your realtor frequently—we love to stay connected and make sure clients have the best information possible to guide your search. Include multiple neighborhoods in your search and identify the great things they offer. Visit some local coffee shops, restaurants and vendors in the area before or after a showing. Enjoy the process and stay patient through it to achieve your home-buying dream! 

**Bonus Tip: I am Desalen Golla, a licensed real estate agent with Coldwell Banker Realty in the Bexley office, and I’d love to work with you! I am a member of the Bexley Eastmoor Berwick (BEB) Real Estate Association, where I’ve held several positions, including President of the Association in 2019 and Treasurer from 2020-2022. I am always happy to answer any questions you have about real estate.