So you’re trying to sell your home yourself as a FSBO (For Sale By Owner). Perhaps you don’t trust real estate agents. Or, maybe you’ve done the math and can’t see giving up 6% of your equity to someone else. I understand these feelings, believe me. It is understandable that you don’t want to “give … Continued
‘Tis the season for holiday movies, snow days, and beautiful decorations. Believe it or not, it’s also a great time to buy a home! Keep reading to see real estate trends that make winter an ideal time to buy.
At the Rita Boswell Group, we’re fortunate to have warm homes, big holiday meals, and beautifully wrapped gifts. This Holiday Season, we want to help foster a charitable spirit for those in Central Ohio who need some of those things we take for granted. Understandably, sometimes busy holiday schedules make it difficult to follow through with … Continued
What happened to Autumn?! Winter has come early and the Holidays are fast approaching. Even though the holiday season and the cold weather slow the real estate market down, statistically this is the best time to buy a home. Plus, it’s still a seller’s market, so it’s good for homeowners too. Keep reading for the … Continued
Whether you’re in the mood for a light show, carriage ride, or a classic holiday movie, Columbus OH has it all. Find information for winter fun and Christmas events around Central Ohio.
If you’re wondering “what is a gated community,” it’s a group of homes that are only accessible to residents and their guests. While it does sound prestigious, keep these advantages and disadvantages of living in a gated community in mind before you buy a home in a gated community. Pro: Privacy One obvious advantage to … Continued
It’s definitely Autumn! The time of the year when home prices fall along with temps. In fact, fall and winter are the best times to buy a home because prices and competition are a little lower. While prices are falling slightly with the season, the overall trend of low housing inventory and rising home values … Continued
When selling, there are many things that you will have to disclose to buyers, such as foundation issues or if your house is in a flood zone. However, this doesn’t mean you should say everything about the home. Some things that homeowners say, even though they don’t have to, can turn off buyers. Here are … Continued
We’re so proud to announce that Columbus OH Realtor Rita Boswell has won the ICON Agent Award in her first year with eXp Realty! Big THANK YOU to our clients for choosing the Rita Boswell Group and making this possible. We are so fortunate to have fantastic clients and an excellent network of professionals that … Continued
Looking for things to do this fall in Columbus? Pick a pumpkin or some apples, go on a hay ride, find your way through a maze, enjoy a petting zoo, and more at these great Pumpkin Patches and Fall Festivals in the Columbus OH area! deMonye’s Greenhouse Ooooooooohhhhh… check out this haunted greenhouse đź‘» Address: 2500 … Continued
Successful Columbus, Ohio home buyers not only require healthy finances, but also a healthy state of mind. You don’t want to be driven crazy when trying to buy a home, and you don’t want to fail and end up stuck in your old place. Here are 4 habits to adopt if you want to buy … Continued
When you list a home for sale, you need to keep in mind that strangers will be entering your home. The majority of buyers just want to find a new home, and are completely innocent. However, some “buyers” have more sinister intentions. BUSTED! Caught In The Act! We had a situation where a home buyer … Continued
Summer is almost over, and like clockwork, the real estate market begins to slow down. As expected, home prices are coming down slightly, and homes took a little longer to sell in August compared to July. Keep reading for the full report and to view trends.
Cigarette odor is infamous for being difficult to get out of a home. It permeates the whole house and is definitely something buyers do not want to deal with in a new home. For this reason, if your house has “smoker’s smell”, you’ll want to remove it completely before doing any showings. Here are 6 … Continued
July numbers are in! We normally see a small slow down in July as many people go on vacation. The real estate market in Columbus usually picks back up by September before slowing again for the fall and winter. As expected, home prices did fall slightly in July. However, days on market also fell. New … Continued
The national real estate market in July 2019 has shifted. In the past, large cities have dominated the top spots, but now small and medium size cities are becoming more sought after. Smaller towns and cities have been favorites lately thanks to the affordability and quality of life that they offer. Columbus, Ohio has seen … Continued
Not all buyers are going to be serious about buying your house, even if they request a showing. Even if they say “This home is amazing!” or “I would love to live here!” that might not always mean they are serious about buying. Keep reading to know the signs that a buyer’s just not that … Continued
June numbers show that the market remained as hot as the temperatures! July usually sees a small, temporary market slow down as many people go on their summer vacations this month, so expect that to be reflected in next month’s report. Read More to see how the Central Ohio real estate market did in June … Continued
An HOA, or Home Owners Association, is a board of neighborhood residents that come together to maintain the appearance of the neighborhood. They set restrictions on what you can and can’t do with your property and keep up with the common areas. An HOA is something that many buyers either love or hate, but not … Continued
It’s June, and with the summer heat the real estate market also heats up this time of year. Overall, prices moved up in May, though inventory came up slightly. Expect a slight slow down in early July for summer vacations, then the market usually picks back up again before the fall and winter slow down. … Continued
This week Rita Boswell joined other eXp Realty agents for the annual shareholder summit. It was held in Orlando, Florida. Everyone had a blast and got some great information! Rita took a few photos for me to share on social media and our blog.
There’s always plenty of events and activities to choose from around Columbus. We found some great ideas for things to do to celebrate and honor Dad this year. Home Depot Free Kids Workshop Build something together at your local Home Depot workshop. Check your local Home Depot to verify schedule. Make a Fathers … Continued
It’s May and the house hunting season is in full swing! The number of listings went up in April, but so did the number of homes closed and in contract. Inventory remains low and is about the same as this time last year. Read More to see how the Central Ohio real estate market did … Continued
At the Rita Boswell Group, we love helping home buyers and sellers in the Columbus area. But, we also want to provide information that will be valuable to you after the sale. Below, RBG Preferred Partner and insurance expert Nicole Glass explains why homeowners need to review their insurance policy regularly. Keep reading for 5 … Continued
Birds are singing, flowers are blooming… and the market is heating up! Literally, Columbus was just named the Hottest Market in the US. If you’re thinking about buying a home, what better way to enjoy the lovely weather than to go see some homes for sale! Read More to see how the Central Ohio real … Continued
Each month Realtor.com ranks the hottest housing markets in the U.S. In March 2019, Columbus, Ohio ranked number one! In February 2019, Columbus was number nine, so that’s a big jump! Overall, the list of Hottest Markets’ number of Days On Market has fallen by 3 days since March 2018. Despite the slight overall slowing … Continued
The outside of your home is the first thing potential buyers will see. How good your exterior looks is called curb appeal. It’s based off of what people see from the curb of the street you’re on. Here are 5 quick and inexpensive ways to drastically improve your home’s curb appeal. 1. Pressure Wash If … Continued
It’s officially Spring! When the temperature climbs and there’s more daylight in the evening, it’s perfect for house hunting! Read More to see how the Central Ohio real estate market did in February and to view trends.
In a recent article, livability.com ranked cities from around the country on which were the best places to live in the U.S. They only chose 100 cities. Out of those 100, Columbus, Ohio placed 31st. Cities were ranked on everything from civics to infrastructure. Livability.com even evaluated more specific categories, such as the food and … Continued
Columbus, Ohio is a great place to live, work, and play! But, don’t take our word for it. Columbus regularly ranks highly as one of the best places in the U.S. Recently, WalletHub ranked state capitals by “best places to live.” Columbus ranked highly at number twelve! Source: WalletHub To rank which state capitals made … Continued
January is usually the beginning of the end for the slower winter season in real estate. Home buyers in Columbus enjoyed more inventory, longer days on market, and lower prices on average. As the days grow longer, the weather warms, and folks begin to get their tax refunds, that’s when the real estate market swings … Continued
Congratulations to Realtor Rita Boswell on making the Top 1% of real estate agents in the Columbus area on HomeLight! HomeLight makes the process of finding a great real estate agent easier. They use client reviews and actual sales data to match home buyers and sellers with the best real estate agent for their needs. … Continued
The weather and short days generally make January a slower time for real estate. It’s normal for prices to shift down and properties to spend more time on market. However, thanks to the new year and tax returns on the horizon, many home buyers and sellers are gearing up to enter the housing market soon. … Continued
Many Columbus, Ohio home buyers are choosing to purchase a newly built home. There are many reasons to buy new or build. You can get the floor plan, features, and finishes you want. Newly built homes tend to be more energy efficient, saving energy costs long term. Additionally, many home buyers are struggling to find … Continued
Buying a home is a huge financial decision, so it makes sense to hire a home inspector before you buy. Even if the Columbus home you’re considering looks great, there could be hidden issues. This is where a home inspection is crucial. If there’s a leaky roof, mold, termites, or a faulty foundation, chances are … Continued
Recently Money magazine released its top “10 Best Big Cities To Live In Right Now” and Columbus, Ohio made the list! Money looked at cities with populations of 300k or more. They didn’t include cities with more than double the national crime risk, lack of ethnic diversity, or cities with less than 85% of the … Continued
If you’ve listed your home for sale in Columbus, Ohio, but it’s just not selling what should you do? Is it wise to take your home off the market? Delisting your home may seem counter-intuitive, but it can actually be a smart move. Here’s a few examples of when you should take your house off … Continued
Columbus Housing Inventory Is UP! It’s been rough for home buyers in Columbus. Housing inventory in the city has experienced 91 months of declining inventory, resulting in ever increasing prices and vicious bidding wars. The good news is, the streak of declining inventory in the city finally broke in September. The number of homes for … Continued
Delaware, Ohio is a fantastic place to live, work, and play! Residents love the bustling downtown, and so does the Ohio Chapter of the American Planning Association. They recently awarded Downtown Delaware a “Great Place In Ohio” designation. This awards program “honors outstanding physical spaces throughout the state that planners have created and nurtured through … Continued
Silicon Valley and large coastal cities make up the majority of where venture capital winds up. However, this influx of capital into places like Silicon Valley has created high prices both inside and outside the start up world. According to Moody’s Analytics, median home prices in San Francisco are at $1.1 million. Meanwhile, business costs … Continued
Every year Realtor.com ranks the hottest zips in the U.S., and for at least the last four years, a Central Ohio zip code has made the list. In 2016, Columbus OH 43214 landed at number 23. In 2017, Hilliard OH 43026 made #10 the list. This year, Worthington OH 43085 is in the spotlight at … Continued
Do you LOVE seeing the latest trends in home design and construction? Check out the 2018 Parade of Homes! See seven gorgeous homes built by premier area builders: 3 Pillar Homes, Arthur Rutenberg Homes, Bob Webb Homes, Coppertree Homes, Manor Homes, Memmer Homes, and Romanelli & Hughes. These high-end homes offer the latest features, floor … Continued
National real estate reports are beginning to show a potential market shift. For instance, price cuts are up versus a year ago. This is especially the case in cities such as Seattle and San Diego. The cities with the highest rates of price reductions tend to be cities that were overheated. According to the latest … Continued
When you’re searching for a home in Columbus, you probably have a couple of lists in your head: must-haves would-like-to-haves NOPE! Don’t Want That! Unfortunately, most of the homes on this list fall into that third category, unless, of course, you like quirky features, are handy, or have a sizable repair budget. Keep reading to … Continued
I’m excited to announce that I’ve made the change to eXp Realty. Even though I thought I would never leave Keller Williams, I’m not one to stay stagnant either. When I explored the opportunities and offerings of eXp Realty, I couldn’t pass it up.
When a home owner is thinking about listing their home, one thing is usually a priority: Money. Listing a home with the correct price can be the difference between getting an offer quickly (maybe even multiple offers) or languishing on the market for months with little to no interest. Knowing that, Columbus home sellers MUST … Continued
Coming soon in Westerville! Stunning condo with spacious open concept kitchen/dining/living areas, beautiful finishes, laundry room, unfinished basement, and covered porch/patio.
Most home sellers want to get the highest possible price for their home. However, sometimes the best possible price you can get for your home is not as high as you may have hoped. If your home sits on the market for a long time and you need to sell, you will have to reduce … Continued
Columbus recently ranked 4th on Realtor.com’s Hottest Housing Market list! That’s no surprise to us at The Rita Boswell Group, and if you’ve been reading our market reports, you’re probably not shocked by this news either. Realtor.com based their list on homes that got lots of clicks on their website and how quickly homes are … Continued
Whether you’re thinking about buying or selling a home in the Columbus area, you can benefit from viewing homes that have recently sold. Home sellers can use recent home sales in their neighborhood to get an idea of home prices on homes sold nearby. Home buyers can look at recent home sales in a community … Continued
Planning to sell your home while you still live in it? Preparing for last minute home showings will make your life much easier. You will absolutely need to know how to get your house ready to show with short notice – possibly as little as a few minutes. If you haven’t done so already, start … Continued
Scenario: You’ve decided to move, but you have to sell your current home first. Many homeowners find themselves in this situation, because extra money is needed to either be able to pay two mortgages for months (potentially) or to qualify to purchase the next home while still owning the old home. Now you have to … Continued
As old man winter finally releases us from his icy grip, we can start to get outside and enjoy some sunshine! Touring local gardens and taking nature walks are great ways to shake off the winter blues and relieve stress. April is the perfect time to be on the lookout for wildflowers in our local … Continued
Housing inventory in Columbus has been at historically low levels for some time now. This issue has frustrated home buyers, causing some to stop their house hunt altogether. For others, they continue to search endlessly or they compromise and buy a home that fits most of their criteria. Recently, Rita was able to help one … Continued
When it comes time to move-up or move-on, many homeowners ask themselves if it is better to sell their home or rent it out. If you have a low mortgage balance, renting out your home may be a good way to have another income stream. But, it doesn’t always make sense, especially if you’re not … Continued
Finding the right real estate agent can be a daunting process if you don’t have the right information. You want your real estate agent to be a committed, reliable, and trustworthy agent. You’ll spend a lot of time working with them, so this is of paramount importance. Why do I need a real estate agent? … Continued
Buying a home is exciting and frightening all at the same time. However, you can put your mind at ease if you know what to expect when it comes to closing costs. Closing costs are those costs that you will need to pay upfront on the day of the closing. In some situations, the seller … Continued
Wading through the real estate market to purchase a home can be daunting if you don’t understand the process. Check out these six steps to buying a home before you begin the search for your dream home. Keep the excitement of buying a new home alive! đź’Ż Know Your Credit Score Knowing your credit score … Continued
Selling your home is a big step. There can be many reasons for selling a home. Some people need more space and want to move into a larger home. Others simply want to downsize. The reasons for selling are endless. If you decide to sell your home, you should know the six basic steps. 🙋‍♀️ … Continued
Whether you’re on the lookout for juicy steaks, hometown diners or fresh salads, Westerville is the perfect place to chow down on some chef-prepared fare. Here are some of the top-rated local hotspots for breakfast, lunch and dinner restaurants in Westerville, Ohio.
How much does it cost to sell a home in Central Ohio? If you’re thinking about selling a home, you are probably wondering how much the closing costs will be and what other fees you may have to pay. Here, we will break down the general costs when selling a home in Columbus so that … Continued
Each year Realtor.com ranks the hottest zips in the U.S. and Hilliard, OH 43026 made the list at number ten! According to Realtor.com, they analyzed “32,000 ZIP codes based on the time it takes properties to sell and how frequently homes are viewed in each ZIP Code.”
If you’ve followed my market reports through the summer, you already know that Central Ohio is seeing different market conditions for different price points. Overall, the Columbus area has had (and continues to have) a Seller’s Market. However, buyers and sellers in the higher price points will likely find conditions more favorable to buyers. The … Continued
Central Ohio has been buzzing since mid-summer about the property tax valuation increases. You may have already received a mailer informing you of your possible tax increase. The good news is, property values are on the rise in Central Ohio! This is great for home owners, especially those who lost value during the recession. The … Continued
Money magazine found 100 places across the US that feature affordable homes, a healthy economy, and a high quality of life. Delaware and Powell both made the list!
When you think of tech cities, San Francisco or San Jose may be what springs to mind. However, due to the very high cost of living in the Bay Area, these are not the Best American Cities to Work in Tech for 2017. SmartAsset looked at cost of living and other factors to find other … Continued
Probably everyone knows about Zillow and their “Zestimate,” but in case you don’t, here’s what it is (according to Zillow): “The Zestimate® home value is Zillow’s estimated market value for an individual home and is calculated for about 100 million homes nationwide. It is a starting point in determining a home’s value and is not … Continued
If you’re searching for a beautiful Central Ohio home for sale that’s perfect for entertaining friends and family, take a closer look at 7797 Kelly Drive in Dublin, Ohio.
Did you know there is a program to buy your next Central Ohio home with no monthly mortgage payments?
Looking for things to do this Memorial Day weekend in Central Ohio? From festivals to Memorial Day ceremonies, there’s a LOT happening this weekend.
A recent report from Zillow looked at how much more annual income renters in metro areas would need each month to keep up with increases in rent. The report found that renters in Seattle, LA, and Boston need the biggest income boosts in 2017 to keep up with increasing rent.
When housing prices move up, you can bet there are house flippers making money. U.S. house flipping hit a ten year high in 2016. The current Central Ohio real estate market is no exception. The Columbus area housing market has been on fire. In 2016, twenty-four communities in Central Ohio saw gross house flipping profits … Continued
Recently, data trends specialists Esri Inc ranked the wealthiest zip codes in Central OH. On the heals of that list, Columbus Business First has ranked Central Ohio communities by median home values for 2016. It was no surprise that Westerville was listed as the #1 wealthiest ZIP code in Central Ohio, but how does it stack up … Continued
News Flash: Central OH Housing Inventory Continues To Drop The latest report from the Columbus REALTORS Multiple Listing Service shows that already low inventory levels are going even lower as the number of homes under contract increases.
Using a proprietary formula, the data trends specialists at Esri Inc. have provided Columbus Business First with a list ranking the wealthiest ZIPs in Central Ohio. Before you look at the list, take a guess at which community landed the #1 spot. Did you say New Albany? Upper Arlington? Or, perhaps, Dublin? Nope, none of … Continued
In Central Ohio, the 2016 housing market did well and finished strong! We saw home values move up and the number of days homes spent on the market go down. With 2016 in our rear-view mirror, it’s time to look forward to see what 2017 may have in store for the real estate market.
In a recent look at America’s best small cities, WalletHub named Dublin, Ohio as one of its top choices. Analysts at WalletHub looked at over 1,200 small cities and ranked them based on 30 livability indicators. These included “housing costs,” “school-system quality,” and even “number of restaurants per capita.” They grouped cities by percentile, with … Continued
More good news for Columbus, Ohio! We’re ranked #1 in the Midwest for real estate outlook! This year’s Emerging Trends in Real Estate report by the Urban Land Institute and PwC scored cities based on the real estate marketplace and overall development trends. This is a massive report, so here’s what it had to say … Continued
In real estate, we know location is is a big factor in picking the right home. It’s important to consider location for job-seekers as well. If you’re looking for a great city and the best place to move for a fast growing career, put Columbus at the top of your list! Continue reading to find … Continued
Having recently been named Best Big City In The Midwest, Columbus can now boast one of the country’s Hottest Zip Codes – specifically 43214. Continue reading to see what makes Columbus OH 43214 a “Hot Zip!”
While small cities might offer charm, people are flocking to big cities for the amenities, public transportation, jobs, parks, and the atmosphere. “…some of us don’t feel as if we’re really living unless we’re doing in in the middle of a bustling metropolis” – Money Magazine Article Author Sarah Max Recently, Columbus made the list … Continued
Fall is in the air, and you know what that means? Football! Spice up your tailgating repertoire this year with these delicious tailgating recipes. From appetizer to dessert, these options are sure to please your whole party!
Low inventory has been the big news item in real estate lately, and buyers certainly are seeing this in Columbus. However, July 2016 saw an 8.3% rise in Central Ohio homes for sale compared to June 2016. While this is down considerably from last year, it’s the highest level yet seen this year according to … Continued
Are you selling your home? Preparing your home for the real estate market is the most important thing you can do to help it sell as quickly as possible for as much money as possible. Here are some of the secrets that real estate experts use to help home sellers get their home ready to … Continued
With many Central Ohio homes for sale receiving multiple-offers, I find I am getting a lot questions from both buyers and sellers on what to do in a multiple offer situation. Buyers are finding the current real estate market difficult because homes are selling so quickly. They’ve often lost out on a home already, and … Continued
Do you have an extra bedroom in your home that doesn’t have a defined purpose? If you’re preparing to sell your Central Ohio home, it’s important to stage your whole home, including that spare bedroom. Buyers aren’t always able to imagine how to use a room. Home staging helps homes sell more quickly and often … Continued
It’s officially summer! The days are longer, and it’s the perfect time to enjoy a summer concert or movie. Check out our collection of 2016 Central OH summer events below. Browse by area to find things to do in your community. We’ve included everything from fun runs to TEDx, so you’re sure to find summer … Continued
Every Central Ohio homeowner wants to make sure they maximize their financial reward when selling their home. But how do you guarantee that you receive maximum value for your house? Here are two keys to ensuring you get the highest price possible. 1. Price it a LITTLE LOW This may seem counter-intuitive. However, let’s look … Continued
Remember the nervous excitement and the stress of buying your first Central Ohio home? Imagine feeling all of it again – except this time trying to sell a home too. Buying a home and selling a home can both be stressful, but when you’re trying to do them at the same time you double that … Continued
Just like our clocks this weekend in the majority of the country, the housing market will soon “spring forward!” Similar to tension in a spring, the lack of inventory available for sale in the market right now is what is holding back the market. Many potential sellers believe that waiting until Spring is in their … Continued
Moving from a small town or suburb to a large city like Columbus can be an intimidating proposition. Here are a few tips to help make your move as painless as possible. Research before you move. It’s important to understand the culture you’re joining. Do research online and find out about school systems, neighborhoods, parking, … Continued
Looking to buy a Central OH home? Here are five essential tips for making the process as smooth as possible. Get your finances in order. Start by getting a full picture of your credit. Obtain copies of your credit report. Make sure the facts are correct, and fix any problems you find. Next, find a … Continued
Recently, we posted an article discussing where mortgage interest rates may be heading over the next twelve months. We quoted projections from Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, the Mortgage BankersÂ’ Association and the National Association of Realtors. Each predicted that rates would begin to rise slowly and steadily throughout 2016. However, shaky economic news and a … Continued
Discover 8724 Birkdale Dr Sunbury OH Conveniently located near Interstate 71 in the Greens At NorthStar neighborhood, this elegant waterfront condo offers the best of amenities and location for Sunbury, OH condo buyers. When you request a showing, you will first be impressed by the curb appeal of this end-unit townhome style condo. Exterior maintenance … Continued
With the Central OH real estate market on fire, you may be wondering if you should wait to enter the housing market. Here are four great reasons to consider buying a home today instead of waiting. 1. Prices Will Continue to Rise CoreLogic’s latest Home Price Index reports that home prices have appreciated by 6.3% … Continued
As the events of the last few years in the real estate industry show, people forget about the tremendous financial responsibility of purchasing a home at their peril. Here are a few tips for dealing with the dollar signs so that you can take down that “for sale” sign on your new home. Get pre-approved. … Continued
Updated 2/13/2017 There are new restaurants popping up in the Columbus area every day, but where do you go if you just want what comes after the meal? There are a number of great dessert places in the area, and whether you’re in the mood for cake and cookies, or ice cream, you’ll have no … Continued
Selling your home does not just mean hiring an agent to stick a sign out front. There are a lot of preparations you should make to ensure you get the best offer possible in the shortest time. Make Repairs Just because you’ve gotten used to the cracks in the walls and the rattles in the … Continued
The National Association of Realtors (NAR) released their latest Quarterly Metro Home Price report earlier this month. The report revealed that home prices are not only continuing to rise but that the increases are accelerating. Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist at NAR, discussed the impact of low inventory on buyers in the report: “Without a significant … Continued
First American Title issues a quarterly report, the Real Estate Sentiment Index (RESI), which “measures title agent sentiment on a variety of key market metrics and industry issues”. Their 2015 4th Quarter Edition revealed some interesting information regarding possible challenges with appraisal values as we head into 2016. The fourth quarter RESI found that title … Continued