Life and Homes Columbus Ohio

Columbus

Life and

Homes New Year New Address Maximize Your Home’s Potential

JANUARY 2019

Sought-After

Local Listings

FREE Local

Real Estate Guide

Find Your New Homes @ www.LifeandHomes.com

Welcome The Up Side of Downsizing

Life and

Homes

“We downsized so we could stop worrying about paying the mortgage.

Now we only worry about where to store our stuff.”

COLUMBUS, OH EDITION

Downsizing sounds like a great idea until you realize how much you’ve collected over the years. How can you face the idea of getting rid of your high school shop project or those dishes handed down from your mother?

Advertising Deadline February Issue January 11, 2018

Instead of referring as it to downsizing, think of it as “rightsizing,” suggests Barry Izsak, certified organizer and owner of Arranging it All. “Rightsizing doesn’t mean you can’t own what you love, it just means owning less of it. It means focusing on what’s important and what really matters to you and letting go of the rest.” He suggests eliminating anything that is not useful, beautiful or something you love as a first step in deciding what will stay and what will go.

Published By LifeandHomes Franchise, LLC PO BOX 18 HOLLAND PATENT NY 13354 315-865-7418

Salvatore Valente,

Director of Operations Real Estate Marketing Consultant 866-679-3258 • Sal@LifeandHomes.com

Organization experts live by the OHIO rule: Only Handle It Once.

Making a “maybe” pile only wastes time. Sort items into one of three piles; keep, discard or donate. Plan for your actual life, not your imagined one. If you aren’t using that treadmill, kick it to the curb. Keep your mostused items then let the rest go. If you have a collection, don’t take every piece with you; keep a subset - a few pieces that are representative of the set. Sell what you don’t need and bank the money.

Sal@LifeandHomes.com

News Shorts

3-4

Carleton Realty

8-9

DecKa Real Estate

10

Polaris Home Loans

11

Real Estate Spotlight

13

Product & Service Directory

13

LifeandHomes™

Contact Sal Valente 866-679-3258 Sal@LifeandHomes.com www.LifeandHomes.com

Digital Marketing And Business Development Consultant Hurley Media Consulting LLC

315-744-6999 HurleyMC@Outlook.com

Office Manager PAM DILIBERTO 315- 865-7418 Columbus@LifeandHomes.com

Kim@LifeandHomes.com LifeandHomes™ is published monthly by LifeandHomes Franchise, LLC This information has been compiled from public records and other sources we believe to be reliable, but we make no guarantee with respect to its accuracy or completeness or the absence of restrictions on use and are not responsible for any liability, loss, or risk that subscribers may incur, directly or indirectly, from using the contents of this site. www.facebook.com/pages/LifeandHomes-Columbus

Tell your Real Estate Professional you want your house advertised in

Sales Representative PATRICK HURLEY

Corporate Editor KIM LISI

Yes, downsizing can be stressful because it’s often difficult to let go of “things” but look for the upside. You can save money, time and live with less clutter. That could be just the new start you need for the new year.

Don’t see YOUR For Sale Listing in this issue?

David@LifeandHomes.com

Director of Operations/RMC SAL VALENTE 866-679-3258

Table of Contents

“Make the easy, unemotional decisions first and start with things that you can easily and obviously get rid of,” advises Izsak. “It’s not realistic to think that you can tackle a lifetime of possessions in a day, a week or a month. Do it in stages and allow yourself enough time.” If at all possible, start downsizing while you are still in good health, one room or area at a time. That way it won’t become an overwhelming emotional issue when you are less able to deal with it. If you’re downsizing due to a move, use your new space as a guide for determining what you’ll realistically need to keep.

Owner/Sales Representative DAVID P. LISI 315-865-7418

Life Hom es

Copyright © 2019 LifeandHomes Franchise, LLC

Colum bus

and

New New AYear ddress

Sough Local Lt-After isti

Maxim ize You Hom e’s Po tentiral Find Yo ur

ngs

FREE L

New Ho mes @ w

l RealoEca Guidsteate

ww.Life andHom es.com

JANU AR 2019 Y

Now with 4 Publications: Columbus, OH Syracuse, NY Central New York

( Oneida & Herkimer Counties)

Capital Region, NY

There’s A Lot More

To A Mortgage

Than Just Your Interest Rate A home mortgage is one of the biggest expenses a consumer will undertake.

That’s why it’s important to look beyond interest rates to help get the lowest possible costs.

“When homebuyers look purely at interest rates, they don’t get a complete picture of what they’re paying for a mortgage,” says Glenn Brunker, mortgage executive for Ally Home, the direct-toconsumer mortgage unit of Ally Bank. “Ignoring other aspects may mean you’re not getting the mortgage that’s right for your specific financial situation or leaving you without extra cash for home improvements or emergency funds.”

To find a mortgage that’s right for your budget, evaluate such factors as points, loan closing fees and other funds that may be required upfront at closing.

Points You might have heard someone mention “points” when talking about a mortgage.

Discount points, commonly known as points, are fees borrowers pay directly to a lender at closing to get a lower interest rate. One point is equal to one percentage point of your mortgage.

For example, if you have a 30-year, $275,000 mortgage and your lender charges you one point, you’ll have an upfront charge of $2,750.

Points can be your friend to help lower the rate but only when you understand how points work and the right strategies to use them.

Closing Costs When purchasing a home, most consumers are focused on the amount of interest on their mortgage and rightly so. But you also need to prepare for expenses associated with closing, such as appraisal fees, escrow payments and deed preparation fees.

newsShorts Zillow reports closing costs typically run around 2 to 5 percent of a home’s purchase price. But closing costs can differ from lender to lender by hundreds or even thousands of dollars—so be sure to compare fees to help keep some cash in hand.

Future Expenses Buying a home comes with a variety of ongoing expenses. Repairs and potential renovations are obvious costs, but don’t forget about expenses such as homeowner’s insurance premiums and property tax.

Homeowners are often required to pay these charges up front as part of their monthly mortgage payment. Lenders hold the funds in what’s called an escrow account and then make the insurance and tax payments on your behalf. This ensures these expenses are paid on time and protects the lender from tax liens and other financial losses.

To understand more about the mortgage process, you can download the free Mortgage Playbook at www.ally.com/playbook. Getting the house of your dreams at a price you can afford is the smart way to truly call it “Home Sweet Home.” (NAPS)

Remodel Unused

Living Space To Maximize

Your Home’s Potential If the real estate market has you frazzled or if the notion of trading up leaves you with sticker shock, a home remodeling project may be just the right answer.

breathe or to create an income suite to offset mortgage costs. It can also offer the added benefit of bolstering the value of your home. With so many uses, a remodeled basement may be the exact solution to what your home is missing, whether it’s additional storage space, a soundproofed media room, craft room, guest room or home gym. The possibilities are practically endless.

An unfinished basement, on the other hand, can be a source of energy loss, so with a remodeling you can expect to see savings on your monthly heating and cooling costs. Industry experts recommend finishing the space with the proper framing, insulation and vapor barrier to guarantee cozy and inviting rooms. Insulation plays a key role in the comfort of your newly remodeled space and although hidden within your walls, it will make sure the basement stays cool in the summer and warm in the winter.

Unfortunately, moisture can be a common challenge in many basements. Starting with a dry space is important. As a result, builders and contractors often favor an inorganic stone wool insulation that’s resistant to mold and mildew growth, such as Rockwool Comfortboard and Comfortbatt products. Not only will they help protect indoor air quality, they’re easy to install and won’t slump in the wall cavity. This serves to ensure the comfort of your newfound living space, so you can count on long-term thermal performance for years to come.

Remodeling a basement can be very worthwhile, especially when you consider that moving to a larger home can add significant bulk to your mortgage. To get the most from the project, be sure to practice due diligence, obtain the right permits, and educate yourself on building codes.

If you don’t have the know-how, it’s worth the peace of mind to hire a qualified professional.

For further facts, go to www.rockwool.com.

(NAPS)

A finished basement, for example, can offer a little extra room to give a growing family space to

NewsShorts Sponsored by Your Real Estate Superheroes (See their ad on the back cover)

January

■

www.Lif ean d H o m es . com

3

Robot Mower On

The Cutting Edge The extensive use of domestic robots for various household uses such as floor cleaning, pool, gutter and window cleaning is spurring growth, in of all things,the robotic lawn mower market.

Like a Roomba for your yard, these lawn mowers are autonomous in nature and function without human intervention - though you will be required to fasten down a corresponding low voltage wire, (think invisible fence) around the area you want mowed. The systems are designed to include a docking station, a mobile base, and other accessories that support its smooth functioning, and it also uses intelligent sensory feedback control programmed to mow surfaces automatically. Kids forget to put their toys away?

No problem - the mowers are designed to reroute when they bump into objects. Low battery?

The mower is programmed to automatically return to the base to recharge.

Quieter than the gas-powered counterparts, these battery-powered mowers make about as much noise as a window air conditioning unit.

Since they are relatively quiet and can be programmed to run on a schedule, imagine waking up in the morning to a freshly mowed lawn.

The top players in the robotic mower field are implementing ledge sensors that improve maneuverability and offering additional features such as smart navigation, laser vision, lawn memory, mapping, and self-emptying function that will improve the efficiency and performance of these advanced devices.

If you’re looking for those straight lines and total freedom from your trimmer, call your local lawn service. If you’re willing to settle for getting the job done, a robotic mower may be the answer to your lawn maintenance dreams.

The technology is still being fine tuned and you can expect to lay out a lot of cash for the convenience.

newsShorts

2019

Design Trends A new calendar year brings fresh design trends for homeowners to start incorporating into their homes.

National homebuilder and developer Taylor Morrison offers insight into the design trends buyers are incorporating into their homes. Here are nine trends from the builder’s in-house design experts for 2019 based on the selections homebuyers are choosing today.

Healthy homes. “One trend we’re seeing is a shift toward becoming eco-friendlier and bringing healthy lifestyles straight into our homes,” shares Lee Crowder, design gallery and model home branding manager for Taylor Morrison. “While there are a lot of different ways to achieve this look, one must-have is an abundance of plants. Bringing touches from the outdoors inside is not only an aesthetic choice, but real plants also provide the benefit of filtering the harmful chemicals out of your home.” Crowder also suggests opting for natural materials over manmade, ditching dirt- and dusttrapping carpet for hardwood and swapping highgloss paint for flat finishes.

Low vs. high maintenance. Charlotte-based Taylor Morrison Design Consultant Brittany Wightman sees many single female buyers opting for aesthetics over easy maintenance or function.

“Achieving an all-white dream living room is a little easier when there are fewer people—especially kids—living under one roof,” said Wightman. On the other hand, consumers with larger families are opting for finishes that are easier to maintain. “A simple way to make your life easier is by choosing finishes that don’t require a ton of TLC. Choosing quartz over granite and opting for larger tiles over smaller ones means less grout to clean.”

Fashion-forward. “Fashion trends are bleeding into home décor and design,” said Crowder. “If you paid attention to fashion week, you would

have seen browns and tartan plaids being very prominent this year, and those are some of the same trends we’re seeing in furniture design and accessories. If you see it on the runway, you will start seeing it trickle down into home fashion shortly thereafter.”

Earth tones. With many homeowners opting for an indoor-outdoor lifestyle, Wightman shared that incorporating earth tones in your home is an easy way to bring the outdoors in.

There’s no place like home, so doing all that you can to ensure that it’s a safe, healthy and comfortable place will give you the peace of mind necessary to enjoy it to its fullest.

Monochromatic mood. High-contrast, monochromatic looks are rising in popularity, especially in the kitchen. “Pairing dark finishes with stark white or grey cabinets will be a very popular look in the new year,” said Wightman.

Pastels and jewel tones. Bring on the baby blues, mint greens and blushing pinks. “We’re calling these the ‘ice cream cone’ colors,” said Crowder. “But if pastels aren’t for you, bold jewel tones like emerald and sapphire are another popular option for the new year.”

Unique finishes. Fun hardware finishes like black, rose gold and brass continue to gain popularity. “Black is a really important color for 2019 and you’ll be seeing it pop up everywhere—from countertops to hardware and faucets,” said Crowder.

Flower power. “We’re seeing tons of floral patterns inspired by runway looks,” Crowder said. “Florals are a top trend in the fashion world right now, so it makes sense that floral wallpaper is making a comeback.”

Cozy comforts. Also inspired by fashion runways is the Danish hygge look. Comfortable, relaxed items like cozy and soft rugs, sofas and beds are replacing the stark, tailored look.

“Taylor Morrison homebuyers are investing a bit more into their larger purchases in order to ensure quality and comfort. I like to say—buy once, cry once,” said Crowder. (PRNewswire)

NewsShorts Sponsored by Your Real Estate Superheroes (See their ad on the back cover) 4

LifeandHomes ■ Columbus

January

â–

www.Lif ean d H o m es . com

5

Shannon Hundley

Quest

11423 Upper Gilchrist Road, Suite C, Mount Vernon, OH 43050

The Ohio Land & Farm Man Cell: 740-627-0336 Office: 740-397-8800 s.hundley03@yahoo.com www.shannonwhundley.com

Looking for your own private getaway?

1916 Henpeck Rd. Utica $399,000 - Located in the gentle rolling hills of beautiful Knox County, you will find a rustic skip hewn log cabin with a gated entry, new kitchen, new bathroom, 2 sleeping areas, living room with stone fireplace, new natural gas furnace and central air, front porch , back and side decks, and new hot tub. This is a very serene, private, off the road setting, over 1000 feet of ever-flowing Wapatomika Creek to enjoy on this property with some of the best small mouth fishing in Ohio. Trophy white tail deer and turkey hunting, excellent scenic bike riding on country roads. 31.07 acres of secluded woodland and meadows, all gas, oil and mineral rights convey to buyer, new modern 3-bay 30x40 workshop with side porches, electric and heat. Located less than 1 hour from Columbus. Why search for a resort or a retreat? By owning this you only share this with yourself and friends! This is a rare find. Call Shannon Hundley for an enjoyable ATV tour!

522 Mt Vernon Rd., Newark

$129,900 5651 Mason Dr., Lancaster

Fabulous front porch and door where you enter into a 4 Bedroom, 2 Full Bath home in move in ready condition for lots of people with its 2149 square feet, OR it can easily be converted back to a duplex which it once was if you desire to have rental income pay for YOUR house payment! Separate entrance is already there.

$100,000 2234 Drumlin Dr., Grove City $149,900 1411 Epworth Forest Dr., Lancaster $212,500

Huge 1.6 acre parcel with 3 bedrooms, 1 and a half bathroom home being sold as is, but would make a great renovation project to fix up and resell it or to move in and fix it up as you have time and/or money.

Large recreation room in the basement, and storage galore! There is also a 24 x 24 outbuilding on the property and a 10 x 20 shed.

Great corner lot in desired Grove City neighborhood offers this recently renovated and move-in ready fabulous home complete with three bedrooms and one and a half bathrooms! Turn key condition! House has a great 216 square foot patio for outdoor entertaining and enjoyment, and a spacious yard for kids and/or pets to play if desired.

Gorgeous end unit condo currently has great private setting and is one of the few units that has only two vs. four units in the condo bldg. Excellent curb appeal with beautiful landscaping and an enclosed four season room off the living room for additional living space. New sliding door and vertical blinds recently installed.

Happy New Year! Debbi Popo REALTOR® From (614)562-7329(c) Carleton Realty-Lancaster 2880 Chautauqua Blvd, Millersport $197,000 13034 King Road, Thornville Totally remodeled in 2017, beautiful partially brick ranch in the heart of Millersport can be yours! This 1923 sq ft. home on 3 parcels has 3 bedrooms (possible 4) & 2 full baths. MBR has an en suite bath!

Gorgeous kitchen with granite, custom cabinets, new stainless appliances, pantry, & a door leading to a back deck for outdoor entertainment

6

$99,900

Fabulous business opportunity in the heart of Fairfield Beach (FB) & less than one mile from Buckeye Lake! Previously DBA the ‘’Little Pizza Shop,’’ & the only pizza business at FB, this business is ready for you to take it over! Owner wants to retire and head south, however, owner is willing to train new owners. Owner financed new owners last fall.

LifeandHomes ■ Columbus

826 N Memorial Drive Lancaster, OH 43130

Office:(614)653-5200 www.CarletonRealty.com

debbipopo@hotmail.com

Michelle(Shelly)Sutliff

Realtor, Key Realty Columbus

614-578-5098

Columbus

200 E Campus View Blvd ste 275 Columbus, OH 43235

sutliffrealtor@gmail.com www.sutliffrealtor.com

4054 Pathfield Drive, Gahanna

$299,900 Completely updated home! 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, New Albany schools, minutes to Easton, huge yard, new granite counter tops,Black stainless appliances, painted throughout. New flooring, bathroom udates with frameless door shower. Finished LL which includes an office or 4th bedroom.

Whole house surround sound as well as outside.

Awesome sunken hot tub off the deck and Shed in back. Additional parcel in back 220-002229. This house is a must see!! Schedule a Private Showing.

MLS# 218039841

508 Beachside Dr.,Westerville

$595,000 Lakeside Forest is one of Westerville’s best kept secrets. Beautiful Post and Beam custom built home. First time this former model home has been on the market. Over 5000 sqft of finished living space. 1st floor includes mother in law/ teen suite, Work out room, wood shop, elevator and wine cellar. Deck off master suite over looking 6 acres of woods tucked away from the city. Community boasts Private Lakes, pool, tennis and walking paths. This unique home is a must see!!!

January

■

www.Lif ean d H o m es . com

7

Serving Ohio for Over 25 Years Providing Residential, Commercial, Relocation, Property Management & Auction Services Bob Kutschbach Broker/Owner Westerville Schools $724,900 Ostrander ICE

PR

D CE DU RE

ICE

PR

Big Bear Farms

• 5 Bedrooms, 3.5 Baths • Custom Built Ranch • Full Walkout Lower Level • Stainless Steel Appliances • 3 Car Side Load Garage

Holt Park

Westerville Schools $200,000 Hilliard

$214,900

• 3 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths • First Floor Master Suite • Granite Countertops • New Flooring Derrick Chatman • Agent Owned (614) 806-4593

• 3 Bedrooms, 1.5 Baths • Columbus Taxes • 4-Level Split • Freshly Painted

Lancaster

Baltimore

$121,900

Nancy Pugh

(614) 397-2041

Durga Timsina

(614) 556-8592

$142,500

• Two Parcels • Investment Opportunity • Liberty Union Schools • Mature Trees Radhika Moore

(614) 929-4151

LifeandHomes ■ Columbus

$324,900

Short North IN

• 4 Bedrooms, 4.5 Baths • Mother-In-Law Suite • 1st Floor Laundry • 3 Car Garage Debbie Skladany • Home Overlooks (614) 746-6173 Westerville Reservoir

• 2 Bedroom, 2 Baths • Ranch Home • Double Lot • Large Yard • Conveniently Located

8

$459,000

D CE DU RE

Vincent Ciamacco

(614) 302-5553

• 3 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths • First Floor Master Suite • Walk In Closet • Open Floor Plan • 3 Car Garage

• 3 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths • Second Floor Laundry • New Carpet • Fenced In Backyard • Covered Patio

Larry Bush

(614) 562-8486

$180,000

Yasser Hamed

(646) 400-7444

• 2 Bedrooms, 1.5 Baths • South-Facing Condo • Exposed Brick • Stainless Steel Appliances Lauren Vergits • Fenced In Backyard (614) 726-7141

Obetz

Pickerington

• 2 Bedrooms, 1.5 Baths • Newly Renovated • Fenced Patio • Pool and Tennis Court • Agent Owned

• Beautiful 1.485 acre • Desirable Area • Buildable lot • Gas & Water Available Laura Kissel

$175,000

• Church Or Other Use • Handicap Accessible • Sanctuary Seats 125-150 • Full Kitchen Crystal Williams • 50+ Parking Spots (614) 507-2532

Heritage Condominiums $99,000

(614) 570-2789

$259,000

T AC TR N CO

$75,900

Michael Jackson

(614) 563-2649

Westerville 580 W. Schrock Rd. (614) 891-0000 Lancaster 826 N. Memorial (740) 653-5200 Grove City 3538 Broadway (614) 875-8288

CarletonRealty.com Highland Schools

$447,200

Olentangy Schools

$420,000

Our team has over 200 agents!

Clintonville

$309,900

Gahanna Jefferson Schools

$319,999

(614) 581-1824

• 4 Bedrooms, 2 Baths • Craftsman Cape Cod • Finished Second Floor • Hardwood Floors Margo Canady-Johnson • 1 Car Garage (614) 342-0090

• 3 Bedrooms, 2 Baths • Original Brick Farmhouse • Carriage House • Wooded 1.83 Acre Lot • Agent Owned

Larry Bush

Conveniently Located $181,900

Liberty Union Schools $124,900

Reynoldsburg

• 2 Bedrooms, 1 Bathroom • Duplex • New Roof • New Windows Allison Willford • Agent Owned (419) 788-6708

• 3 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths • New Flooring • Fenced In Backyard • Insulated Garage Door • Deck and Patio

• 3 Bedrooms, 1.5 Baths • Historic home • Mature Trees

• 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths • Eat-In Kitchen • 2 Car Garage • Conveniently Located

Hendereed Village

Driving Park

ICE

PR

• 3 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths • 2 Story Foyer • Granite Counter Tops • 16.8 Wooded Acres • Agent Owned

1319 Studer Ave IN

Emily Schmitt

(614) 581-8931

$149,900

• 4 Bedrooms, 3.5 Baths • Spacious 5-Level Split • Beautiful Kitchen • Screened Porch & Patio • 3 Car Garage

Pamela Foster

D CE DU E R

(614) 562-8486

$124,900

CT RA NT O C

$120,000

Gay Gatian

Vincent Ciamacco

(740) 215-1196

$144,999

Scott Farrar

(614) 302-5553

North Linden

(740) 652-5456

$104,900

Walnut Heights

$115,575

LD SO

• 2 Bedrooms, 1.5 Baths • New Stainless Steel Appliances • Ceramic Tile • New Windows Kelly Foreman • Finished Basement (614) 636-0641

• 2 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths • 2 Fireplaces • Vaulted Ceilings • New Siding & Roof • Fixer Upper

Dawn Hayes

(740) 207-9187

• 4 Bedrooms, 1 Bath • Upgraded Kitchen • Fenced In Backyard • Refinished Hardwood Floors Robert Lee • Agent Owned (614) 327-7627

January

• 3 Bedrooms, 1 Bath • Open Floor Plan • Hardwood Floors • Large Fenced In Backyard Jack Banks

(614) 256-6296

■

www.Lif ean d H o m es . com

9

DecKa Real Estate Offer: Triangle Intersection Development site / 3+/- acres / Zoned Residential Commercial Mix use

Price Drop

State Route 11 County Route 4 and Hungary Land Rd. Central Square, NY 13036 * Traffic Count over 7,600 vehicles per day Contact: Don Bailey / Acquisitions

DecKa Real Estate Syracuse, New York 13202 315-744-6858 (Call or TEXT) E Mail: pmdbuss@yahoo.com (Inquires Submissions)

Donald Bailey / President / CEO / Founder

POWERHouse Mortgage Funding: We our Buyers of Seller Financed Notes / mortgages and institutional mortgage portfolios backed by real-estate Nationwide. Also available to Buyers and Sellers of Real Estate, Realtors, Mortgage Brokers, Investors and For Sale By Owner’s is our one of a kind Solution Certified Program (SCP)

MORTGAGEHouse Acquisitions: Purchasers of Non-Performing Single and Portfolio Assets.

DecKa Real Estate: Buyer and sellers of residential and commercial real estate. We also provide private Funding too end buyer, if there not able to retain financing of their own to finalize the purchase, with our one of a kind Solution Certified Program (SCP) PMD Business is a Secondary Market Private Investment Firm that purchases real estate note mortgages, real estate, business notes and other assets Nationwide. We are NOT Realtors or Mortgage brokers or brokers of any kind. But without Brokers, the business industry as a whole / we wouldn’t exist.

Follow us on

10

PMD Business Inc.

Mortgage Note Real Estate Funding Group Syracuse, NY 13202

LifeandHomes ■ Columbus

Happy New Year!

Polaris Thanks You for Your Business

First time home buyers welcome!

LOW Rates! LOW Closing Costs! LOW Down Payment!

Apply Online at

www.polarishomeloans.com Phone (740) 424-7388

Polaris NMLS #38072 Branch NMLS #1152080 http://www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org

Polaris Home Funding Corp.

224 E. Broadway Unit E Granville, OH 43023

January

â–

www.Lif ean d H o m es . com

11

Tips For Buying a Home

In A Seller’s Market If you’ve been in the process of buying or selling a home this past year, or even considering it, you know it’s been a seller’s market for the most part.

Inventory of homes available for sale has been low, creating more demand than the market can supply.

Couple that with low interest rates, which make it a great time for prospective buyers to get more bang for their mortgage dollar, and you’ve got a marketplace in which buyers have been competing for nearly every listing. The forecast for 2019 is rolling in, and RE/MAX and others are predicting the seller’s market trend will continue throughout the coming year, with millennials fueling the homebuyer pipeline.

If you’re selling your home, that’s great news. But it makes the homebuying process trickier. That doesn’t mean you should wait to grab your slice of the American dream, however. An experienced, knowledgeable Realtor® can help you navigate this marketplace and find a great deal on the home of your dreams. Here are some tips from the pros at RE/MAX for what you should be thinking about when considering buying a home.

Prequalification vs. preapproval. They’re not created equal. Prequalification is basically preapproval light. In a mortgage preapproval, you do all of the paperwork upfront. Your bank verifies the amount you can safely afford to pay, and boom, it’s done. Preapproval is attractive to sellers because it means you’re more likely to get the loan. It’s faster, too, because a large chunk of your paperwork is already done. It gives buyers a competitive edge in this tight market.

An experienced Realtor. Don’t even think about starting the process of buying a home in a seller’s market without an experienced Realtor in your corner. It matters in every market, but it’s critical when the sellers are holding all the cards. A savvy 12

LifeandHomes ■ Columbus

real estate pro is much more than someone who shows buyers homes for sale. They’ve got valuable insights, insider knowledge and advice, and can counsel you through the entire process. Realtors have tips and tactics for finding the perfect home, and have the know-how to negotiate a great deal.

Interest rates. The Fed continues to raise interest rates, and financial experts predict we’ll see a few more increases in 2019. Higher interest rates may lower some homebuyers’ purchasing power, which is all the more reason to get out there now if you want to buy.

Low inventory. It’s currently a seller’s market because there isn’t a glut of homes available for buyers to choose from. During the winter months, the inventory of available homes tends to drop even further. But this shouldn’t discourage potential buyers from making offers on homes they love. An experienced Realtor is a huge ace in the hole for buyers when there is low inventory. He or she can guide you through the process, knowing exactly how much to offer to get the deal done.

Speed. Be flexible enough to get to showings quickly, shortly after the home goes on the market.

If you love it, make an offer as soon as you can.

Check Your Credit Lenders use your credit scores and the information on your credit report to determine whether you qualify for a loan and what interest rate to offer you.

Check your own credit reports early on to prevent unpleasant surprises and correct any mistakes. There are three major credit reporting companies – Equifax, Experian , and TransUnion . You can get a free copy of your credit report once per year from all three companies at www.annualcreditreport.com.

Credit scores range from 300 to 850 Higher scores represent a better credit history and make you eligible for lower interest rates. While there are no firm rules about exactly how your credit score affects the interest rates you may be offered for a home loan, in general: •The best rates go to borrowers with credit scores in the mid- to high-700s or above. These borrowers typically also have the most choices available to them.

•Borrowers with credit scores in the high-600s to the low-700s typically pay somewhat higher rates.

Your best offer. In a tight market, it’s go big or (don’t) go home. This is not the time to be cagey about negotiations. Figure out the best offer you can afford and go with it up front.

•Borrowers with credit scores in the low- to mid600s range generally pay the highest rates and have the fewest choices. Borrowers in this range may have trouble qualifying for a loan, depending on the loan type and the specific lender.

Buying a home in a tight market can be a challenge, but with a knowledgeable Realtor in your corner, you can still grab your slice of the American dream.

(BPT) -

•Borrowers with scores below 600 may want to improve their credit before applying for a mortgage.

If you need help improving your credit, contact a HUD-approved housing counselor.

Spotlight on Real Estate Professionals When it’s time to SELL call Michelle-

Donna R. Jackson

ASK ME ABOUT MY VARIABLE LISTING RATES!

Owner/Broker

O- (614) 861-3948 C-(614) 374-6812

donna@achieversre.com

Michelle Marie

2020 Brice Rd. Suite 250, Reynoldsburg, OH. 43068

Lingnau Team 614-270-9909

MMRealtor4U@gmail.com

LifeandHomes Products and Services Looking for Answers to Your Home Related Questions?

Search no further!

Consider Your

Local Business Expert!

Financial Planning

Mortgages

THE VALENTE GROUP, LLC The Valente Group Wealth Management 866-679-3258

POLARIS HOME FUNDING CORP. #1 Lender for USDA loans in the State of Ohio.

740-424-7388

Member Since 05/18

Member Since 05/18

focuses on wealth management and financial planning for retirees, pre-retirees, executives, and business owners.

Home Inspection PRECISE PROPERTY INSPECTION We are Certified Professional Home Inspection 614-809-2910 Member Since 07/18

Experts fully qualified by InterNACHI for a high standard of ethics and inspection procedures.

Armed with the information our exhaustive home inspection report will provide, you can make your decision with confidence. www.precise-pi.com

Company is based in Granville Ohio. Our service areas are all of Ohio and West Virginia.We provide all types of home loans as well as credit restoration services.

Stained Glass ADIRONDACK STAINED GLASS WORKS Handmade stained glass gifts, lamps, doors, 518-725-0387 Member Since 05/18

sidelight/transom & more. Residential, Commercial, Churches. adirondackstainedglassworks.com

Jay Cheney

Branch/Sales Manager

Cell: (740) 252-6056 Email: jcheney@wbcproducts.com

Distributor of Construction & Restoration Products

Office: (614)443-8170 | Fax: (614)443-8180

WB Construction Products, with Ohio roots since 1933, represents an 80 year commitment to the Ohio Construction industry. We provide the highest quality products, outstanding technical service and strong customer service capabilities.

Have confidence that you are working with the best butyl, polyurethane and silicone caulks/sealants; waterproofing, concrete, masonry coatings; and architectural panel suppliers in the industry.

RADON &TERMITE INSPECTION

Armed with the information our exhaustive home inspection report will provide, you can make your decision with confidence.

WB Construction Products

Precise Property Inspection Residential & Commercial 614-809-2910 chad@precise-pi.com

1670 Harmon Ave-Unit A | Columbus, OH 43223 www.WBConstructionProducts.com

Owner Chad Tuthill & Family

January

■

www.Lif ean d H o m es . com

13

Business Opportunity -Tug Hill Hideaway West Leyden, NY

$195,000

Established Bar & Restaurant on Snowmobile and ATV Trails

Here is your chance to acquire one of the most hopping businesses on Tug Hill. Established in 1972, the Tug Hill Hideaway in West Leyden, NY is a Full Service Bar & Grill catering to outdoorsman’s, snowmobilers, ATVers, hunters and local clientele; Open Year-Round.

The opportunities are endless; • Run it as an established profitable bar & grill • Add lodging for increased traffic and revenues • Bed & Breakfast • Make it your own private club • Convert into a one-of-a-kind private residence • Use living quarters as additional rental income Business sits on 5 acres with option to buy the surrounding 78 acres for an additional $85,000. Seller financing is NOT available.

For a full description of what is included in the sale of this turn key business, visit www.tughillhideaway.com.

Call 315-942-6860 - ask for Owners: Denis or Stephanie.

Selling due to health issues. Business and land are priced to sell quickly.

NEW YEAR NEW REACH We’re Expanding And So Can You

Ask us about our new...

Social Ad Campaigns Exclusive Landing Pages Dedicated Email Blasts And More!

Exclusive Offer! Contact David@LifeandHomes.com or at 315-865-5845 for details.

14

LifeandHomes ■ Columbus

January

â–

www.Lif ean d H o m es . com

15

Your Real Estate

Superheroes Anthony and Esther Diastello

614-779-5732

Diastello@e-Merge.com YourRealEstateSuperheroes.com

Your home SOLD in 60 days or We’ll pay you $1,000! Call for details.

As Seen in:

16

LifeandHomes ■ Columbus

magazine &