Susanne’s Blog
Helping you find the perfect home
House Hunting in Times of the Coronavirus
With most public events canceled, schools on extended spring break, and many companies recommending working from home you may be wondering how you should go about house hunting. As COVID-19 is mostly transmitted by personal contact (per the CDC) the best way to avoid...
With Interest Rates at a 50-Year Low Your Affordability is Through the Roof
The Coronavirus is causing widespread concerns about the future of our booming economy. No one knows when it will be contained and what the impact on the housing market will be. Uncertainty, however, creates opportunities for buyers. With last week’s cut in interest...
How to Buy Before You Sell with Bridge Financing
In today's hot seller's market, buyers with home sale contingencies are at a disadvantage. They can't get their offers accepted. Sellers prefer non-contingent contracts because they are more likely to close. If you want to sell your home and need the proceeds of that...
Get top dollar when you sell your home
How a Neighbor Lost $50K by Overpricing their Listing
Home values have increased dramatically over the past 5 years. If you've been thinking of selling you may be tempted to test the market and list higher than all the other sales in your neighborhood. Don't do it! Setting the wrong initial list price can cost you a...
Don’t Confuse Days on Market with How Long it Takes to Sell Your Home
The housing market has changed over the summer. You may be wondering if we are still in a seller’s market? That depends on the value of your property. Last week I explained how 50% of all homes sell between $100,000 and $250,000. Only 5% of buyers can afford luxury...
The Most Cost-Effective Ways to Stage Your Home
The housing market has slowed, and more listings are competing for "off-season" buyers. That's why it is critical to present your home in the best light possible. Staging is probably the most cost-effective way to attract more buyers. Research has shown that staged...
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
How the Housing Market Has Changed in the Past Week
We made it through the first week of the Stay-at-Home directive. The housing market is still buzzing, however, at a lower rate than we all anticipated. Today, I want to give you a short update from the trenches. Homeowners Are Still Listing 638 homes were listed for...
February Market Update: How COVID-19 Will Impact the Housing Market
The Central Ohio Housing Market Update for February 2020 is fantastic. Sales increased by 13.3%, pending contracts are up by 10.8%, and the median sales price soared by 10.7%. Unfortunately, this does not reflect what happened in the past 2 weeks and how the...
Market Update: Listings Jump 10.4% as Sellers Take Advantage of Mild Winter
In January, realtor.com named Columbus the TOUGHEST Housing Market to find a Home in the Midwest. That's based on the fact that only 8.1 homes are listed for every 1,000 households. If you've been thinking about selling your home, this market update is for you. West...
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...