Susanne’s Blog
Helping you find the perfect home
How Title Fees Affect Your Bottom Line
I always strive to deliver an exceptional customer experience when I list your property or help you find a new home. An important part of my service involves looking out for your bottom line. Many different players are involved in each transaction, and everyone wants...
How Hidden Fees & Taxes Impact Your Monthly Payment
Nobody wants to pay more than necessary to the government. That's why many home buyers look for areas with lower property taxes. Before you write your offer, consider these little-known fees and taxes that may increase your overall expenses. How Property Taxes Impact...
WARNING: More Than 25% of Contracts Never Close
When you hear stories of houses selling in a single day you probably assume the job of your Realtor is easy. Trust me, that's not the case. In a hot market you may get offers quickly, but it's very challenging to get them to the closing table. More than 25% of pending...
Get top dollar when you sell your home
How to Avoid Paying Taxes When You Sell Your Property
Today's topic is about taxes you may have to pay when you sell real estate. I am not a tax adviser, accountant or attorney, and this is not financial or legal advice. You should consult with one of these professionals before you make any financial decisions. What's...
The 5 Types of Costs You’ll Incur When You Buy or Sell
Buying or selling your home is a team effort. Various service providers contribute to a successful transaction. That includes your mortgage lender, a title company, attorneys, inspectors, appraisers, and, of course, your favorite real estate agent. They all want to...
How Staging Impacts the Sale of your Home
Today's home buyers are looking for more than a move-in ready home. They want to be wowed. Furthermore, they are willing to pay for it, which is why you need to know the ins and outs of home staging! That's why staging your home benefits you in many ways when you...
Learn about Columbus Neighborhoods
Can You Still Find Acreage Close to the City?
Many home buyers dream of living in the country. They are looking for acreage to enjoy tranquility and open spaces. Typically, suburban lots are only a quarter acre or less. There's not much room between houses. You will see into your neighbor's kitchen, hear their...
Patio Home or Condo – Which One’s Right for You?
Patio Homes have become super popular with baby boomers in the past few years. They are the perfect place to retire and enjoy "maintenance free" living. Sounds just like condos. But there's a difference. Let me explain ... Patio Homes Patio Homes are single-family...
New Neighborhood Spotlight: Belmont Place
This new Delaware County neighborhood is just minutes away from the Polaris Fashion Mall, popular grocery stores like Meijer, Kroger and Giant Eagle. There are also many gorgeous Metro Parks within the area, two of which are; High Banks Metro Park, Alum Creek State...
Making sense of the Numbers
Market Update: Spike in Condo Sales Makes July Best Ever
July saw a 3.9% increase in home sales. It's mostly due to a sharp rise in condominium sales while single family homes were stagnant. A lack of new listings kept the inventory at its lowest level ever for the month of July, while home values keep rising. Trends We...
Market Update: Building Permits Slump by 21%
June used to be the best month for home sales. Not this year. Home sales were down by 3.6% as compared to a year ago. While other metros are reporting more listings and longer days on market, Central Ohio is stubbornly fighting a lack of inventory. Who's the culprit?...
Market Update: Avg Sales Price Shattering the $250K Glass Ceiling
Last week I received a voice message from an angry homeowner. He accused me of FAKE NEWS after he received my postcard saying that the median sales price skyrocketed by 12.4%. Sorry, pal. It's true. Columbus Realtors housing stats show that the median has increased by...
Find out what’s cool now
Try Co-Living to Eliminate Your Housing Costs
The Short North and Victorian Village have become two of the trendiest neighborhoods in Columbus. With cocktail bars and new restaurants galore, they attract both millennials and baby boomers looking for a walkable neighborhood and daily entertainment. There's only...
How Your Nanny Cam Could Make You a Felon when you Sell
We have a Ring doorbell camera on our house to see who's knocking, even if we are not at home. It makes us feel safer. Probably, it deters bad guys from stealing packages or breaking into our home. Many parents use cameras inside their house, so-called nanny cams, to...
Downsizing is Out – Here’s What Empty Nesters Do Instead
When your kids are off to college you no longer need a 4-bedroom suburban house with a large yard in a great school district. You may be thinking about "downsizing". Truth is, most empty nesters don't want to "downsize". They want to adjust their lifestyle, and move...
Events in and around Dublin
Very Proud of this Ranking & Other Accomplishments
The first half of 2019 is over. Time to take inventory of what we've accomplished and to be grateful for the opportunities I had to be of service to my clients. 2019 has been a very good year so far. This map shows my personal production over the past 6 months....
Best New Subdivisions Along Bike Trails
Last week I attended a real estate seminar in Chicago. It was the perfect opportunity to visit two of our sons. As millennials they know the best new restaurants and cocktail bars. Our first breakfast - fresh bread, butter & sardines! When it comes to creative...
Can You Still Find Good Investment Properties?
A few weeks ago, this article caught my eye: Home Flipping Investors Abandon Columbus. It's based on a survey by Realtor.com that shows that Columbus experienced an 18.8% drop in home flipping last summer. That's a steeper decline than in any other large metro area in...