Susanne’s Blog
Helping you find the perfect home
Can Buyers with VA and FHA Loans Compete in Today’s Hot Sellers’ Market?
Some lenders are pulling back from rigorous credit score requirements following the uncertainty caused by the pandemic. This is good news for buyers. Credit scores on government loans have been lowered to 640. Some lenders accept as low as 620 for conventional loans....
New Home Construction is UP despite of Covid-19
New residential construction is booming in Central Ohio, despite of the pandemic. According to the Census Bureau, 16.4% more single family building permits were issued since the beginning of the year than the same period last year. This chart shows the numbers for...
Home Showings Are 2.9% Higher than Before the Lockdown
While businesses are getting ready to slowly re-open, the housing market is already in full recovery as showings are up and buyers are determined to find a new place to call home. We have been tracking home sales during the pandemic on a weekly basis since March. You...
Get top dollar when you sell your home
Why Home Values Will Continue to Rise for Now
Today I want to share some good news and some bad news for homeowners who are thinking about selling. Home values are still rising, an inventory shortage has brought a pent up buyer demand, but will it last through the summer? Good News for Sellers We are in a...
6 Steps to a Touch Free Home Sale Experience
The housing market is facing a tremendous inventory shortage. While new listings are almost 30% lower than last year, home showing requests surpassed 2019 last week. As a result, the listing inventory has dropped below 3,000 active listings for the 10-county area...
Items You Can’t Take with You When You Sell Your Home
Today, I would like to address a question many sellers ask. They wonder which items and fixtures have to stay with the house when they sell and which ones they can take. It is important to spell out exactly what is included in the purchase. Not being 100% clear in the...
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: Median Sales Price Highest Ever While Closings Slump
The May market update from the Columbus Association of Realtors confirmed my previous estimates. The listing inventory is 28% lower than a year ago, but buyer interest has surged significantly since the economy started to re-open - and home values keep rising. ...
Market Update: Signs of Summer Boom Emerge as Economy Re-Opens
You would not believe it when you read the papers - buyer demand is through the roof. Both properties I listed last week are now in contract at or above list price. The Muirfield residence you see featured at the end of this email had 12 showings on the first day....
Market Update: March Inventory Lower & Sales Prices Higher Despite of the Coronavirus
It is truly amazing how quickly the Columbus housing market has adjusted in March to the new normal. Home values keep rising despite of the uncertainty caused by COVID-19. The Columbus Association of Realtors just came out with its March 2020 market update. It's old...
Find out what’s cool now
Which Ohio City Ranks in the Top 10 Most Affordable Ski Towns in America?
With the Holidays around the corner you are probably thinking about Christmas vacations to see family and relax from your everyday hustle. Many Ohioans head to warm places like Florida or the Caribbean to escape the soggy, cold Columbus December. But some of us are...
Why You Need a Home Buying & Selling Coach Not Just a Consultant
Buying or selling a home is one of your largest financial transactions of your life. There's a lot at stake, and it can be very stressful. As the housing market gets more and more competitive you may need to hire a coach or consultant to assist you through closing. If...
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...
Events in and around Dublin
How Miracle Homes Help Sick and Injured Children
This past Sunday was the first of Advent, the true beginning of the Christmas Season. It happens to fall between Thanksgiving Thursday and Giving Tuesday, so it's appropriate to talk about giving back and being thankful. One way I am giving back is the Miracle Homes...
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...