Some of the buyers that I have met at recent open houses have asked me if I think that the real estate prices have hit bottom yet.

My answer to the buyer is, what are you looking for–an investment or a home? If you’re just looking for an investment then it’s the deal that really matters; the location, condition along with the ability to close quickly are not a priority for you.

The foreclosure and short sale listed inventory could take months to obtain a clear title to close; if you are looking for a house that is going to become your home that’s a different story.

You may not be able to negotiate a price that’s thousands of dollars below the list price when you find a home that you love and meets your needs. If the house is priced at today’s fair market value that is in good condition the buyer should go for it.

Today’s sellers are not able to overprice their homes; therefore, buyers have many great opportunities to purchase a house that is priced right. Currently interest rates are still low but lenders have tightened their requirements for a buyer to qualify for a loan. A buyer’s credit history has never been so crucial.

Buyers with credit problems will need to have a large down payment.  Today’s buyer needs to have a credit score of at least 680; a 720 or higher score will fetch a better deal with a lower interest rate.  So has the Central Ohio real estate market hit bottom yet; it all depends on what you are looking for.

It’s the Sunday after the Super Bowl, the start of the Central Ohio Real Estate spring selling season and the best time to list your home.

Now how can that be; it’s 12 degrees with a wind chill of 5 below zero? Who would think that anyone would show up to an open house on such a frigid day? After placing all the directional open house signs it was so bitter cold that I thought I might have frost bite; the front door lock was almost frozen.

To my surprise there was someone standing behind me hoping that I would get the door unlocked soon. With a bit of luck I unlocked the door and we were in a warm house which felt so good. I ask the buyers to make themselves at home while I turned on the lights.

As the buyers finished their tour I complimented them for braving the harsh cold weather to come to the open house; these were serious buyers, they really liked the house and will be back for a second look. To my amazement 4 other couples came thru the open house; it’s hard to believe I guess that it must be the start of the spring real estate buying season in Central Ohio, a great time to list a home because this is the time when most buyers are looking to purchase a home. More buyers looking at homes result in more homes sold. So if you are thinking of listing your home now’s the time; you don’t want to miss the selling window of opportunity.

Welcome to the Central Ohio Real Estate News blog created by Karen Gorski to inform you, the reader, on a personal level about the day to day activities in the real estate world.Hope you will get to know me and like my style enough to subscribe to this blog. On this blog site I will be providing an up-to-date account of community events and what has been happening in the real estate world in Columbus Ohio and the surrounding areas including Clintonville, Dublin, Delaware, Galena, Hilliard, Lewis Center, Powell, Sunbury, Upper Arlington, Worthington and Westerville.

Not all blog entries, called posts, will be serious; some will be informative others will be whimsical. Hope you enjoy my posts enough to stop by often. Your comments are always welcome and encouraged.

About me Karen Gorski:
I am a full time Realtor®, an agent with Real Living HER since 1994.

I have participated in many real estate transactions representing both Sellers and Buyers.

I will be sharing interesting posts about some of those transactions right here on this blog. When purchasing a house, to make it into a home of your very own you will be interested in knowing about the community where the house is located. I will be providing you with up-to-date community information in this blog including sales statistics, maps, parks, events and more.

Again welcome to my Real Estate blog; I sincerely appreciate your visit.
I am looking forward to a fun journey traveling all around town to enable me to provide interesting tips and tidbits to all those who stop by to read this blog.