Margaret Lipp

Rates Just Crossed 7%. Why a Price Cut May Not Be Your Best Move This Fall

Fri, 02 Oct 2026 13:00:34 GMT

Rates Just Crossed 7%. Why a Price Cut May Not Be Your Best Move This Fall

Freddie Mac's weekly survey put the average 30-year fixed rate at 7.03% on September 24, 2026, up from 6.95% the week before and 6.30% a year ago. It is the first reading above 7% since January 2025. For Central Ohio sellers heading into fall, that number matters as much as any headline about home prices, because today's buyers shop by monthly payment first.

The August numbers from Columbus REALTORS® show how that is playing out. The regional median sale price held up, rising 2.2% to $345,500. But sellers received an average of 96.9% of their original list price, compared with 99.2% of their final list price. That gap tells you a meaningful share of homes needed a price reduction before they sold.

What the August Data Says About Fall Competition

New listings fell 4.4% to 3,292, so fewer fresh homes are coming to market.
Inventory still rose 6.8% to 6,124, which means more of your competition is homes that have been sitting.
Median days on market was 30, one day longer than last August.
Months of supply ticked up from 2.3 to 2.4.

Buyers this fall are touring a lot of homes that have already been reduced once. A fresh listing that is priced well and built around what a payment-conscious buyer actually needs has a real opportunity to stand out.

Price Cut vs. Rate Buydown: The Payment Math

Take a $400,000 home and a buyer putting 20% down. At 7.03%, their $320,000 loan carries a principal and interest payment of about $2,135 a month. Now compare two ways to spend the same $10,000 of your money:

Option A, a $10,000 price cut: The price drops to $390,000, the loan to $312,000, and the payment to about $2,082. The buyer saves roughly $53 a month.
Option B, a $10,000 credit toward a permanent rate buydown: The price stays at $400,000. If that credit buys the rate down about 0.75%, to roughly 6.28%, the payment falls to about $1,977. The buyer saves roughly $158 a month.

Same $10,000 from you, roughly three times the monthly relief for the buyer. And because the price stays at $400,000, the sale supports your neighborhood's comparable values instead of pulling them down.

The Fine Print Worth Knowing

Buydown pricing varies by lender and by day. The 0.75% figure above is an illustration, so I get a real quote from a lender before we put a number in your marketing.
Conventional loans cap seller concessions based on the buyer's down payment. With 20% down, the cap is typically 6% of the price, so a $10,000 credit on a $400,000 home fits comfortably.
A permanent buydown helps most when the buyer plans to keep the loan for years. For a buyer expecting to refinance soon, a temporary buydown or a closing cost credit may be the better fit.

How I Build This Into a Listing

Price to recent closed sales from day one, and plan the concession as a strategy rather than a reaction after 30 quiet days.
Market the payment, not just the price, so buyers searching by monthly budget see what your home really costs them.
Keep the credit flexible so each buyer's lender can apply it where it saves them the most.

Bottom Line

At 7% rates, buyers feel the payment more than the price. Dollar for dollar, a seller-paid rate buydown can deliver roughly three times the monthly savings of an equal price cut while protecting your sale price. It is not right for every home or every buyer, but it belongs in every fall listing conversation.

Margaret Lipp | REMAX Premier Choice

Serving Upper Arlington, Dublin, Worthington, Clintonville, Hilliard, Powell, Grandview, and all Central Ohio communities

Data source: Columbus REALTORS® Central Ohio Housing Report, August 2026 (released September 14, 2026), based on Columbus & Central Ohio Regional MLS residential data. MLS price figures do not account for sale concessions. Mortgage rate data: Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Market Survey, week of September 24, 2026. Payment examples show principal and interest only and are illustrative, not a loan quote; taxes, insurance, and HOA dues are additional. Consult a licensed lender for rates and terms. Seller concession limits vary by loan program.

Mortgage Rates Are Back Above 7%. Should Central Ohio Buyers Wait?

Fri, 02 Oct 2026 13:00:34 GMT

Mortgage Rates Are Back Above 7%. Should Central Ohio Buyers Wait?

On September 24, 2026, Freddie Mac reported the average 30-year fixed rate at 7.03%, the first time above 7% since January 2025. The week before, the Federal Reserve raised its benchmark rate by a quarter point, its first move this year, and several policymakers signaled another increase is possible before year end.

If you have been house hunting, the instinct to wait it out is completely understandable. The better question is what waiting actually costs, so let's put real Central Ohio numbers on it.

Where Central Ohio Prices Stand

The regional median sale price was $345,500 in August, up 2.2% from a year ago.
Year to date, the median is $342,000, up 3.7% from the same period in 2025.
Sellers accepted 96.9% of their original list price on average, about a 3% discount by closing.
Central Ohio's median sits $83,600 below the national median of $429,100.

Prices here are not racing, but they are still rising. That matters when you compare buying now with buying a year from now.

Buy Now vs. Wait a Year: The Scenarios

These examples use a median-priced home, 20% down, and a 30-year fixed loan, showing principal and interest only. The wait-a-year scenarios assume prices keep rising at 2026's year-to-date pace of 3.7%, which puts that same home at about $358,300.

Buy now at 7.03%: $345,500 price, $69,100 down, about $1,844 a month.
Wait, and rates ease to 6.65% (where they were in late August): about $1,840 a month. Essentially the same payment, plus about $2,560 more needed for your down payment and a year of rent paid in the meantime.
Wait, and rates fall to 6.30% (a year-ago level): about $1,774 a month, roughly $70 less than buying today, still with the larger down payment.
Wait, and rates stay at 7.03%: about $1,913 a month, roughly $69 more than buying today.

In other words, rates would need to drop by roughly 0.4 points over the next year just to break even with normal price growth. And if you buy now and rates do fall later, refinancing is an option. If you wait and prices rise, you cannot go back and buy at today's price.

When Waiting Is the Right Call

The payment at today's rate stretches your budget. Only buy at a payment you could hold comfortably if rates never come down, because a future refinance is never guaranteed.
You may move again within about three years, when closing costs on both ends eat into any gain.
You are rebuilding credit or savings. A stronger credit score or bigger cushion can matter more than a quarter point move in the market.

Making Today's Rate Work if You Buy

Target homes that have been listed 30 days or more. Those sellers are often the most open to credits toward your rate or closing costs.
Budget from the full monthly payment, including property taxes and insurance, not the list price.
preapproved now so you know your exact number and can move quickly when the right home appears.

Bottom Line

Waiting for lower rates only pays off if rates fall meaningfully while prices stall. With Central Ohio prices up 3.7% so far this year, rates would need to drop about 0.4 points just to break even. If the payment works for you today, buying now and refinancing later if rates fall is usually the lower-risk path. If it does not work today, waiting is the smart move, and a clear plan makes the wait productive.

Margaret Lipp | REMAX Premier Choice

Serving Upper Arlington, Dublin, Worthington, Clintonville, Hilliard, Powell, Grandview, and all Central Ohio communities

Olentangy Schools Spotlight: What August 2026 Home Sales Tell Buyers and Sellers

Fri, 02 Oct 2026 13:00:34 GMT

Olentangy Schools Spotlight: What August 2026 Home Sales Tell Buyers and Sellers

Columbus REALTORS® named Olentangy Local School District one of three standout districts in its August 2026 housing report, thanks to a combination of rising sales and rising prices. The district spans southern Delaware County and a slice of Franklin County, including Powell and Lewis Center, and it remains one of the most in-demand higher-priced markets in Central Ohio.

The headline numbers are strong. The fuller picture is more balanced, and that is exactly what buyers and sellers here need to understand.

Olentangy by the Numbers: August 2026 vs. August 2025

Closed sales: 138, up 12.2% from 123.
Homes entering contract: 147, up 32.4%.
Median sale price: $590,000, up 2.6%. Average sale price: $647,520, up 5.4%.
New listings: 153, up 7.7%.
Inventory: 347 homes, up 14.1%, or 2.7 months of supply compared with 2.6 a year ago.
Median days on market: 34, up from 27.

For context, the regional median across Central Ohio was $345,500 with 2.4 months of supply.

The Story Behind the Headline

Year to date, closed sales are up 9.5% to 1,070, but the median price is down 2.1% to $562,993, and price per square foot is essentially flat at about $246.
Homes are taking longer to sell: a median of 44 days year to date versus 31 last year.
The median list price of new listings jumped 14% to $629,550, well above the $590,000 median sale price.
Sellers received 97.3% of their original list price, but 99.3% of their final list price, a sign that many listings adjusted before they sold.
Single-family sales rose 20.4% to 112, while condo sales dipped 13.3% to 26.

Inside the district, the City of Powell recorded 24 closed sales in August, up 33.3%, with a median of $631,450, down 4.1%. That is a small sample, which is why neighborhood-level comps matter more than any single monthly number.

What It Means for Buyers

Demand is real. Contract activity jumped 32%, so well-priced homes in desirable neighborhoods are still moving.
You have more choice and more time than last year. Homes that have been listed 30 days or more, especially ones already reduced, are where negotiating room tends to show up.
Budget carefully at today's rates. At the $590,000 median with 20% down and a 7.03% rate, principal and interest alone come to about $3,150 a month.

What It Means for Sellers

Buyers are active but price-sensitive. List prices rose much faster than sale prices this year, and the market has been correcting the difference.
Price to recent closed sales in your specific neighborhood, not to district-wide averages or to what nearby homes are asking.
Presentation matters more with 347 homes to choose from. Buyers compare condition closely at this price point.

Bottom Line

Olentangy remains one of Central Ohio's most active higher-priced markets, with August sales and contract activity well ahead of last year. Underneath the headline, buyers have more choice and more time, and year-to-date prices are essentially flat. It is a healthy, balanced market that rewards accurate pricing from sellers and patience from buyers.

Margaret Lipp | REMAX Premier Choice

Serving Upper Arlington, Dublin, Worthington, Clintonville, Hilliard, Powell, Grandview, and all Central Ohio communities

Data source: Columbus REALTORS® Central Ohio Housing Report and Local Market Update for Olentangy Local School District and Powell (Corp.), August 2026, based on Columbus & Central Ohio Regional MLS residential data. MLS price figures do not account for sale concessions. Mortgage rate data: Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Market Survey, week of September 24, 2026. Payment example shows principal and interest only and is illustrative, not a loan quote.

Deals Are Taking Nearly Three Months to Close This Fall — Here's Why That Changes Your Pricing Strategy

Fri, 25 Sep 2026 13:01:00 GMT

Deals Are Taking Nearly Three Months to Close This Fall — Here's Why That Changes Your Pricing Strategy

If your home has been under contract for a while and closing feels like it's taking forever, you're not imagining it. Current MLS data shows the average pending sale is now taking around 89 days to reach closing — roughly three months from accepted offer to keys changing hands. That's a meaningfully slower pace than the market saw earlier this year, and it's a signal worth paying attention to if you're getting ready to list.

Here's the detail that matters most: pending days on market are now running about a third higher than sold days on market. In plain terms, that gap means the market cooled over the course of the summer rather than accelerating into it. Homes aren't falling apart or getting stuck — deals are simply taking longer to assemble, from inspection negotiations to appraisal timelines to lender processing.

Why This Raises the Stakes on Your List Price

When deals take longer to close, sellers have less room to recover from an early pricing misstep. A home listed too high in a market with a faster pace might still find a buyer within a few weeks who's willing to negotiate down. In a market where the whole process already stretches toward three months, an overpriced listing risks sitting through multiple price cuts, each one signaling to buyers that something might be wrong — even when the only issue was the original number.

Average pending-to-close timeline: approximately 89 days, or roughly three months
Pending days on market running about a third higher than sold days on market — a sign of a cooling pace since spring
Regional median sales price: $350,000, up 2.3% year over year
2.4 months of regional supply — still a seller's market, but a slower-moving one than earlier this year

Price It Right the First Time, Not in Stages

The instinct in a slower market is often to list a little high and leave room to negotiate down. The data suggests the opposite approach works better right now: price at or slightly below the going per-square-foot rate for your specific neighborhood, deliberately, rather than starting high and chasing the market down through a series of price cuts. A home that's priced accurately from day one typically closes faster and for a better net number than one that spends its first month testing the market's patience.

Bottom Line

Closings are taking nearly three months this fall, and pending timelines are stretching relative to sold timelines. That makes getting your list price right on day one more valuable than it's been in months — a price cut later costs more than accuracy now.

Margaret Lipp | REMAX Premier Choice

Serving Upper Arlington, Dublin, Worthington, Clintonville, Hilliard, Powell, Grandview, and all Central Ohio communities

Source: Columbus REALTORS® Central Ohio Housing Report, July 2026 (most recent available; the August 2026 report has not yet published), based on data from the Columbus & Central Ohio Regional MLS. Additional market timing data from the Columbus Ohio Real Estate Market Report (live MLS data). Sale figures for the luxury spotlight from Columbus Monthly, based on county auditor records for Franklin, Delaware, Licking, and Union counties. Market data is a snapshot in time and subject to change.

Why Zillow, Redfin, and Your Realtor Are All Showing You Different Numbers for the Same Market

Fri, 25 Sep 2026 13:01:00 GMT

Why Zillow, Redfin, and Your Realtor Are All Showing You Different Numbers for the Same Market

It's one of the most common points of confusion for buyers starting a home search: pull up Zillow, then Redfin, then ask a local agent, and you'll often get three different numbers for what feels like the same market. Recent figures make the gap obvious. Zillow's algorithmic home value estimate for the Columbus market puts the average home value around $248,686, with a reported median sale price of $253,333. Redfin, drawing from actual reported sales over a three-month window, put the Columbus median at $304,000 as of July 2026. Meanwhile, the Columbus REALTORS® Central Ohio Housing Report — pulled directly from the regional MLS — puts the metro-wide median at $350,000.

None of these numbers are wrong. They're just measuring different things, and understanding the difference matters if you're trying to set a realistic budget before you start touring homes.

Why the Numbers Diverge

Zillow's figure leans heavily on its automated valuation model, which can lag or smooth over real-time market shifts and tends to skew toward the city's overall housing stock, including a large share of smaller, lower-priced homes. Redfin's number reflects actual closed sales, but only within the city of Columbus proper over a rolling three-month window — a narrower and typically more affordable slice than the full metro area. The Columbus REALTORS® figure covers the entire regional MLS footprint across multiple counties, including higher-priced suburban and exurban sales that pull the median upward.

Zillow: average home value ~$248,686, reported median sale price $253,333
Redfin: Columbus city median sale price of $304,000 over the three months ending July 2026, homes averaging 40 days on market
Columbus REALTORS® / regional MLS: $350,000 metro-wide median, covering the full multi-county footprint
Each source pulls from a different geography and methodology — none is simply "more accurate" in isolation

What This Means When You're Budgeting for a Home Search

If you've been anchoring your budget to a Zillow estimate and then discovering that homes in the neighborhoods you actually want are priced well above that number, this is likely why. A citywide or algorithmic average can be a reasonable starting point for a very broad sense of the market, but it's a poor substitute for a search built around your specific target neighborhoods and the live MLS data behind them. Your agent's pulled comps, based on actual recent closings in the specific area and price range you're shopping, will almost always be the more reliable number to budget against.

Bottom Line

Zillow, Redfin, and MLS-based figures like Columbus REALTORS®' report measure different things and will rarely match. Budget against live, neighborhood-specific MLS data rather than a citywide algorithmic estimate, and the surprises during your search will be far fewer.

Margaret Lipp | REMAX Premier Choice

Serving Upper Arlington, Dublin, Worthington, Clintonville, Hilliard, Powell, Grandview, and all Central Ohio communities

Your Fall Home Maintenance Checklist for Central Ohio

Fri, 25 Sep 2026 13:01:00 GMT

Your Fall Home Maintenance Checklist for Central Ohio

Central Ohio's weather has a way of turning fast. One week it is still shorts and iced coffee, and a few weeks later there is frost on the windshield. The homes that head into winter in the best shape are usually the ones where a handful of simple maintenance tasks got done in September and October rather than getting rediscovered in January during a cold snap. None of this requires a big budget or a weekend of hard labor. Here is a practical rundown, broken into a few manageable categories.

Outside the House

Start outside while the weather still makes it pleasant to be out there. Clean the gutters and downspouts once most of the leaves have come down, or plan on doing it twice if you have a lot of mature trees. Clogged gutters in November tend to mean ice dams and water finding its way somewhere you do not want it in January. While you are up there, take a look at the roof for any loose or missing shingles and check the flashing around chimneys and vents.

Clean gutters and downspouts, and confirm water is draining away from the foundation
Inspect the roof and flashing for anything loose, cracked, or missing
Trim tree branches that hang over the roof or sit close to power lines
Disconnect and drain garden hoses, then shut off exterior spigots from the inside if your home has that option
Seal cracks in the driveway or walkways before winter freeze-thaw cycles make them worse

Heating and Air

Central Ohio winters ask a lot of a furnace, so this is not the category to put off. Schedule a professional furnace inspection and change the filter if it has not been done recently. A furnace that has to work harder because of a clogged filter or a skipped tune-up tends to cost more to run and fail at the least convenient moment. If you have a fireplace you plan to use, get the chimney inspected and swept before the first fire of the season.

Schedule a professional furnace inspection and replace the air filter
Have the chimney inspected and swept if you use a wood-burning or gas fireplace
Test the thermostat, including any smart thermostat scheduling, before you need it
Reverse ceiling fans to run clockwise, which pushes warm air back down into the room

Sealing Up the House

A surprising amount of a winter heating bill escapes through small gaps most people never think to check. Walk the exterior of the house and look for gaps around windows, doors, and where pipes or cables enter the house, then reseal with caulk or new weatherstripping where needed. It is a small task that pays for itself quickly once the furnace is running daily.

Caulk gaps around window and door frames
Replace worn weatherstripping on exterior doors
Check attic insulation levels and top off if they look thin

Safety Basics

Fall is also a natural checkpoint for the safety items that are easy to forget the rest of the year. Test every smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector in the house, and replace batteries even if they still seem to be working. If your water heater or furnace is gas-powered, a working CO detector matters even more once windows start staying closed for the season.

Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and replace batteries
Check that your fire extinguisher is charged and easy to reach
Locate your home's main water shutoff valve in case you need it in a hurry this winter

Bottom Line

A few focused weekends in September and October, covering gutters, HVAC, sealing, and safety basics, go a long way toward a smoother, less expensive winter. None of it is complicated, and most of it is easier to do now than after the first freeze.

Margaret Lipp | REMAX Premier Choice

Serving Upper Arlington, Dublin, Worthington, Clintonville, Hilliard, Powell, Grandview, and all Central Ohio communities

General home maintenance guidance for Central Ohio's climate. Specific systems, warranties, and manufacturer recommendations vary by home. Consult a licensed professional for HVAC, roofing, chimney, and electrical work.

Fall Fun Around Columbus

Mon, 21 Sep 2026 13:02:30 GMT

Fall Fun Around Columbus ��

Farm hours and crop availability can change because of weather, so be sure to check each destination’s website or social media page before heading out. Happy fall ! ��

Rates Hit 6.76% This Week — Freddie Mac's Own Chief Economist Says Do This Before You Panic

Fri, 18 Sep 2026 13:00:41 GMT

Rates Hit 6.76% This Week — Freddie Mac's Own Chief Economist Says Do This Before You Panic

Freddie Mac's Primary Mortgage Market Survey for the week of September 10, 2026 put the 30-year fixed rate at 6.76%, up from 6.71% the week before and a full 41 basis points higher than the 6.35% average from this time last year. It's the third straight weekly increase, and for buyers watching the headlines, it's easy to read this as more bad news piling up.

But the most useful line from this week's report didn't come from the rate itself — it came from Freddie Mac's own chief economist, Sam Khater, who put it plainly: aspiring buyers should remember that shopping around for the best mortgage rate and getting multiple quotes can potentially save them thousands of dollars.

Why Rate-Shopping Matters More When Rates Are Rising

It's a simple point, but it's one a lot of buyers skip, especially first-timers who apply with a single lender — often whoever their agent or a friend recommended — and assume the number they're quoted is close to the best available. In a rate environment moving up week over week, the spread between lenders can be meaningfully wider than it looks. A quarter-point difference in rate on a typical Central Ohio mortgage can add up to tens of thousands of dollars in interest over the life of the loan.

30-year fixed averaged 6.76% for the week of September 10, 2026 — up from 6.71% the prior week
That's 41 basis points higher than the 6.35% average from a year ago
Freddie Mac's own economist recommends getting quotes from multiple lenders before choosing one
15-year fixed averaged 6.09%, also up from the prior week and worth comparing against a 30-year if you can handle a higher payment

A Simple Move That Costs Nothing to Try

Getting pre-approved with two or three lenders — a mix of a local credit union, a national bank, and an independent mortgage broker is a reasonable starting point — typically takes a few soft or grouped hard inquiries and a bit of extra paperwork, but no financial commitment until you actually pick one. Rate, closing costs, and lender fees can all vary meaningfully between offers even in the same week, for buyers with identical credit and down payment profiles. In a rate environment like this one, that comparison shopping is doing real work toward your bottom line, even if it doesn't change the headline rate itself.

Bottom Line

Rates moved higher again this week to 6.76%, but Freddie Mac's own advice is to shop multiple lenders before locking anything in. It costs nothing to compare, and the savings can be real.

Margaret Lipp | REMAX Premier Choice

Serving Upper Arlington, Dublin, Worthington, Clintonville, Hilliard, Powell, Grandview, and all Central Ohio communities

Source: Columbus REALTORS® Central Ohio Housing Report, July 2026 (most recent available; the August 2026 report is expected around September 20). Additional data from Columbus REALTORS® MLS inventory figures and the Worthington, Ohio Real Estate Market Report. Mortgage rate data from Freddie Mac's Primary Mortgage Market Survey, September 10, 2026. Market data is a snapshot in time and subject to change.

Neighborhood Spotlight: Worthington Homes Are Selling Above Asking by the Widest Margin in Central Ohio

Fri, 18 Sep 2026 13:00:41 GMT

Neighborhood Spotlight: Worthington Homes Are Selling Above Asking by the Widest Margin in Central Ohio

If you've watched a Worthington listing go under contract in the last few weeks and wondered whether the final sale price really landed above what was asked, the July data confirms it wasn't your imagination. The average Worthington home sale closed at 104.7% of list price in July — $503,205 against an average list price of $480,767. That's a $22,438 average premium over asking, the largest recorded across any Central Ohio submarket this year.

What's Behind Worthington's Pricing Strength

Worthington's median sale price runs roughly $153,000 above the Central Ohio metro median of $350,000, putting it firmly among the region's premium, established communities. What makes the July numbers notable isn't just the price level — it's the competition. Even among the individually detailed closings in the market report, the median sale-to-list ratio came in at 102.4%, meaning the over-asking pattern wasn't limited to a handful of bidding-war outliers; it showed up broadly across the market.

Average Worthington sale price: $503,205 against an average list price of $480,767
Average sale-to-list ratio: 104.7% — a $22,438 premium over asking
Median sale-to-list ratio across individually detailed closings: 102.4%
Worthington's median price runs about $153,000 above the Central Ohio metro median of $350,000

What This Means for Buyers and Sellers in Worthington

For sellers, this is about as strong a competitive signal as a submarket can send: well-prepared Worthington listings aren't just selling, they're routinely closing above their asking price by a meaningful margin. That's a strong argument for pricing strategically rather than defensively — a home priced to generate interest and multiple looks is more likely to land at or above list than one priced high to "leave room to negotiate."

For buyers, it's a signal to come in prepared. In a submarket where the typical closing lands more than 4% over list price, an offer at asking price is often not a strong offer at all. Working with an agent who has current, granular data on what's actually closing — not just the regional averages — makes a real difference in how competitive your offer needs to be to win.

Bottom Line

Worthington posted the widest average over-asking premium in Central Ohio this July, at $22,438 above list. Sellers here have real leverage; buyers need a strategy built for a market that regularly closes well above asking.

Margaret Lipp | REMAX Premier Choice

Serving Upper Arlington, Dublin, Worthington, Clintonville, Hilliard, Powell, Grandview, and all Central Ohio communities

"Highest Inventory in a Decade" Sounds Scary — Here's the Number That Actually Matters to Sellers

Fri, 18 Sep 2026 01:09:30 GMT

"Highest Inventory in a Decade" Sounds Scary — Here's the Number That Actually Matters to Sellers

You may have seen the headline by now: Central Ohio has more homes for sale than at any point in the past decade. Columbus REALTORS® counted 6,193 homes on the market at the end of July, up 9.8% from 5,638 a year earlier. The last time the count was higher was August 2016, when it hit 6,270. It's a genuinely notable milestone, and it's easy to read it as a signal that the market is tipping toward buyers.

It isn't — at least not yet. And the reason comes down to a number that gets far less attention than the raw inventory count.

Months of Supply Barely Budged

A bigger pool of listings only becomes a buyer's market if it's growing faster than homes are selling. At July's sales pace, the region had 2.4 months of supply — up only slightly from 2.3 months a year earlier. For context, a balanced market sits at 4 to 6 months of supply. Central Ohio would need something in the neighborhood of 8,000 to 10,000 active listings to get there, not the 6,193 it has now. In other words: yes, there are more homes for sale than in a decade, but demand grew right alongside supply, and the fundamental math hasn't shifted.

6,193 homes for sale regionwide at the end of July, up 9.8% year over year
The last comparable inventory level was August 2016, at 6,270 homes
Months of supply: 2.4, up only marginally from 2.3 a year ago
A balanced market requires roughly 8,000–10,000 active listings regionwide

What This Means If You're Weighing a Fall Listing

A headline that says "most homes for sale in a decade" can spook a seller into thinking they've missed their window, or that they need to slash their asking price to compete. The actual data doesn't support that reaction. Buyers absorbed the added inventory in July at essentially the same pace they did a year ago, which is a sign of real, sustained demand — not oversupply. A well-priced, well-presented home in this market is still moving through a genuine seller's market, headlines aside.

Bottom Line

Decade-high inventory is a real milestone, but months-of-supply — the number that actually defines a buyer's or seller's market — has barely moved. Central Ohio remains a seller's market heading into fall.

Margaret Lipp | REMAX Premier Choice

Serving Upper Arlington, Dublin, Worthington, Clintonville, Hilliard, Powell, Grandview, and all Central Ohio communities

Neighborhood Spotlight: Gahanna-Jefferson Schools Are Quietly One of Central Ohio's Strongest Markets

Fri, 11 Sep 2026 20:29:41 GMT

Neighborhood Spotlight: Gahanna-Jefferson Schools Are Quietly One of Central Ohio's Strongest Markets

When Columbus REALTORS® called out its top-performing school districts for July, two districts grabbed most of the attention for their eye-popping growth rates. But a third district posted a quieter, equally compelling story: Gahanna-Jefferson City School District recorded 74 closed sales in July, up 13.8% year over year — a healthy, sustainable pace of growth built on real transaction volume, not a small sample size.

Steady Growth, Strong Pricing

Pricing kept pace right alongside sales volume. The average sales price in the Gahanna-Jefferson district climbed to $477,910, up 12.6% year over year, while the median sales price rose to $438,000, up 12.5%. That puts the district well above the regional median of $350,000, while still sitting more accessibly than premium northern corridor communities — a middle ground that's clearly resonating with buyers.

74 closed sales in Gahanna-Jefferson City School District, up 13.8% year over year
Average sales price of $477,910, up 12.6% year over year
Median sales price of $438,000, up 12.5% year over year
Regional Central Ohio median sales price of $350,000 for comparison

What's Driving Buyer Interest East of Columbus

Gahanna sits just northeast of downtown Columbus with easy access to I-270 and I-670, putting it within a short commute of both downtown employers and the Easton retail and business corridor. The district benefits from a mix of established, tree-lined neighborhoods and newer infill development, giving buyers a range of price points and home styles within the same well-regarded school system — a combination that tends to support steady, durable demand rather than the kind of spike-and-cool pattern seen in some faster-appreciating pockets.

For sellers in the district, July's numbers make a clear case: double-digit growth in both sales volume and price is a strong signal that demand isn't just present, it's broad-based across price points. For buyers, Gahanna-Jefferson offers a way to buy into a strong, appreciating school district without stretching into the premium price tier of some of Central Ohio's hottest northern suburbs.

Bottom Line

Gahanna-Jefferson City School District combined double-digit sales growth with double-digit price appreciation in July — a sign of broad, sustainable demand rather than a short-term spike. It's worth a serious look whether you're buying or selling on the east side.

Margaret Lipp | REMAX Premier Choice

Serving Upper Arlington, Dublin, Worthington, Clintonville, Hilliard, Powell, Grandview, and all Central Ohio communities

Source: Columbus REALTORS® Central Ohio Housing Report, July 2026 (most recent available; the August 2026 report had not yet published at the time of writing), based on data from the Columbus & Central Ohio Regional MLS. Mortgage rate data from Freddie Mac's Primary Mortgage Market Survey, September 3, 2026. Market data is a snapshot in time and subject to change.

Mortgage Rates Just Jumped to 6.71% — Here's What Smart Central Ohio Buyers Are Doing About It

Fri, 11 Sep 2026 20:26:06 GMT

Mortgage Rates Just Jumped to 6.71% — Here's What Smart Central Ohio Buyers Are Doing About It

Freddie Mac's Primary Mortgage Market Survey for the week of September 3, 2026 put the 30-year fixed rate at 6.71%, up from 6.66% the week before — and a full 21 basis points higher than the 6.50% average this time last year. Freddie Mac's chief economist Sam Khater described buyer demand as relatively stable even as rates moved, noting that purchase activity is holding up as buyers adapt to shifting conditions rather than pulling back.

If you've been holding out for rates to drop before you start seriously looking, this is the exact moment worth reconsidering that plan. Rates haven't shown a consistent downward trend in months — they've moved in a narrow, unpredictable band, and the most recent move was up, not down. Meanwhile, Central Ohio's inventory sits at a decade-high level, giving buyers leverage that has nothing to do with what the Fed does next.

Two Tools Buyers Are Using Instead of Waiting

Rather than betting on a rate drop that may not come this year, more Central Ohio buyers are negotiating around today's rate instead of trying to out-guess it. Two approaches are showing up in offers more often:

Seller-paid rate buydowns — asking the seller to cover points that lower your rate for the life of the loan, or for the first year or two, funded out of proceeds they were often willing to negotiate anyway in a market with more choices for buyers
Temporary buydowns (2-1 or 1-0 structures) — a lower effective rate in the first year or two of the loan, giving room to refinance later if rates do eventually ease, without betting your whole purchase timeline on that happening
Increased seller concessions generally — with 6,193 homes on the market regionwide, sellers competing for buyers are more open to covering closing costs than they were 18 months ago
30-year fixed at 6.71% as of September 3, 2026 — up from 6.66% the prior week and 6.50% a year earlier

Why the Math Often Still Works Today

A higher rate does mean a higher monthly payment on paper, but it's rarely the whole picture. A rate buydown negotiated into your purchase can offset a meaningful chunk of that difference in year one, when the adjustment to a new mortgage payment is hardest to absorb. And a refinance later, if rates ease, is always available to a buyer who already owns the home — it is not available to a buyer who is still waiting on the sidelines for a rate that hasn't shown up yet.

Bottom Line

Rates just moved to a fresh high for the year, but that doesn't mean buyers are out of options. Seller concessions and rate buydowns are real tools on the table right now, and Central Ohio's inventory gives buyers real room to ask for them.

Margaret Lipp | REMAX Premier Choice

Serving Upper Arlington, Dublin, Worthington, Clintonville, Hilliard, Powell, Grandview, and all Central Ohio communities

The Regional Median Won't Tell You What Your Home Is Worth — Here's Why That Matters If You're Selling

Fri, 11 Sep 2026 20:22:49 GMT

The Regional Median Won't Tell You What Your Home Is Worth — Here's Why That Matters If You're Selling

Every month, the headline number out of the Columbus REALTORS® Central Ohio Housing Report gets repeated everywhere: a regional median sales price of $350,000, up 2.3% year over year. It's a useful snapshot of the region as a whole — but if you're getting ready to list a home in one of Margaret's core service areas, that number can actually work against you if you lean on it too heavily.

Here's why: the regional median blends together everything from entry-level condos in dense urban pockets to new construction on half-acre lots in the outer suburbs. Recent market analysis on the city of Columbus proper shows an average sold price of roughly $325,822 — below the regional figure — driven by a heavier mix of condos and smaller, entry-level housing stock inside the city limits. Meanwhile, price-per-square-foot figures for the city sit in the $195 to $196 range, a number that varies enormously once you step into a specific, well-established neighborhood.

Why Submarket Data Beats Headline Numbers

A well-kept ranch in one of Margaret's close-in neighborhoods and a newer build twenty minutes north are, functionally, two different markets that happen to share a MLS system. Buyers shopping in Upper Arlington or Worthington aren't comparing your home to the regional median — they're comparing it to the three or four closed sales down the street from you in the last 60 days. That's the number that should be driving your list price conversation, not the countywide average.

Regional median sales price: $350,000, up 2.3% year over year
City of Columbus average sold price: roughly $325,822 — below the regional figure due to a higher share of condos and entry-level stock
Regional price per square foot trending in the $195–$196 range, with wide variation by neighborhood
2.4 months of regional supply — still a seller's market, but competition varies block by block

What This Means for Your Pricing Conversation

If a headline says home prices are up regionwide, it's tempting to assume your specific listing should price higher than it did last year, across the board. Sometimes that's true. Sometimes your specific pocket of the market has cooled slightly, or the comparable sales nearby simply don't support a headline-driven number. The only way to know for sure is a comp analysis built from recent closings in your actual neighborhood — not a countywide average that includes housing stock nothing like yours.

Bottom Line

Regional numbers make good headlines, but they can be a poor guide for pricing a specific home. A comp analysis built around your actual neighborhood — not the countywide median — is what should set your list price.

Margaret Lipp | REMAX Premier Choice

Serving Upper Arlington, Dublin, Worthington, Clintonville, Hilliard, Powell, Grandview, and all Central Ohio communities

Central Ohio Just Posted Its Highest July Inventory in a Decade — Here's What That Means If You're Selling

Fri, 04 Sep 2026 13:00:51 GMT

Central Ohio Just Posted Its Highest July Inventory in a Decade — Here's What That Means If You're Selling

The Columbus REALTORS® Central Ohio Housing Report for July 2026 confirms something a lot of sellers are starting to feel on the ground: you're no longer the only listing on the block. Regional inventory reached 6,193 single-family homes and condominiums in July — the highest July inventory level Central Ohio has seen in more than ten years.

That's not bad news. Closed sales still rose 6.3% year over year to 3,083, and the median sales price climbed 2.3% to $350,000. But with 2.4 months of supply on the market, buyers finally have real choices to compare against your listing — and that changes how a home needs to show up to win.

Still a Seller's Market, But the Margin for Error Is Shrinking

A balanced market typically sits at 4 to 6 months of supply. At 2.4 months, Central Ohio remains firmly in seller's-market territory, and pricing power hasn't disappeared. What has changed is the tolerance buyers have for a listing that's overpriced, under-prepped, or slow to show well in photos. A decade ago, a mediocre listing in a tight market could still get multiple offers. This July, buyers had options — and they used them.

6,193 homes for sale regionwide in July — the highest July total in over 10 years

2.4 months of supply, still well below the 4–6 month balanced-market benchmark

Closed sales up 6.3% year over year to 3,083, showing demand is absorbing the added supply

Year-to-date median sales price up 4.4% compared to the same period in 2025

What Rising Competition Means for Your Listing Strategy

With more inventory for buyers to sort through, the listings that still command strong offers are the ones priced correctly from day one and staged to photograph well. Overpricing in a market with more competing inventory tends to backfire faster than it used to — buyers simply move on to the next comparable listing rather than waiting you out. A pricing strategy grounded in the most recent closed comps, not last spring's numbers, matters more this fall than it has in years.

The upside is that well-prepared homes aren't sitting. Demand is still outpacing what a 2.4-month supply would suggest in a truly balanced market, which means sellers who invest in the basics — decluttering, minor repairs, professional photography, and a data-backed list price — are still moving quickly and at strong values.

Bottom Line

Central Ohio is still a seller's market, but a decade-high July inventory means buyers have more to compare against. Sellers who price accurately and present well are still winning; the days of a so-so listing selling itself are behind us.

Margaret Lipp | REMAX Premier Choice

Serving Upper Arlington, Dublin, Worthington, Clintonville, Hilliard, Powell, Grandview, and all Central Ohio communities

Source: Columbus REALTORS® Central Ohio Housing Report, July 2026, based on data from the Columbus & Central Ohio Regional MLS. Mortgage rate data from Freddie Mac's Primary Mortgage Market Survey. Market data is a snapshot in time and subject to change.

Mortgage Rates Are Sitting Near a 12-Month High — Here's Why Central Ohio Buyers Still Have Leverage

Fri, 04 Sep 2026 13:00:51 GMT

Mortgage Rates Are Sitting Near a 12-Month High — Here's Why Central Ohio Buyers Still Have Leverage

If you're waiting for mortgage rates to make your decision easier, the latest numbers are worth a look. Freddie Mac's Primary Mortgage Market Survey put the 30-year fixed rate at 6.66% for the week of August 27, 2026 — essentially flat week over week, and sitting near its highest level in the past 12 months. Freddie Mac's own chief economist, Sam Khater, described the week as rates changing little, even as the broader economy remains resilient.

It would be easy to read a 12-month-high headline and conclude this is a bad time to buy in Central Ohio. The local data tells a more useful story.

Rates Are Elevated, But the Market Is Quietly Rebalancing

Khater's own read on the national market is that more homes coming onto the market, paired with slower price growth in many areas, is giving buyers better options and helping create a more balanced housing market. Central Ohio is a clear example of exactly that dynamic. July's regional inventory hit 6,193 homes — the highest July level in over a decade — while the median sales price grew a modest 2.3% year over year to $350,000.

30-year fixed averaged 6.66% the week of August 27, 2026 — near a 12-month high, but essentially unchanged week over week
Regional inventory at a decade-high 6,193 homes gives buyers real room to compare and negotiate
Median sales price growth of 2.3% year over year is measured, not runaway — payments aren't chasing a moving target
2.4 months of supply still favors sellers overall, but is a meaningful step toward balance versus prior years

Why Waiting for a Rate Drop Isn't a Strategy on Its Own

Rates have moved in a narrow band for weeks now — 6.69%, then 6.67%, then 6.65%, then back up to 6.66% — without a clear downward trend to bank on. Meanwhile, every month that inventory keeps building gives buyers more homes to choose from and more room to negotiate on price, closing costs, or repairs. A buyer who waits for a rate drop that hasn't materialized yet is also waiting through a period where local supply is unusually favorable. Refinancing is always an option if rates do eventually fall — the home you love that's sitting on the market right now may not be.

Bottom Line

Rates near a 12-month high aren't ideal, but they're stable, and Central Ohio's decade-high inventory is giving buyers real negotiating leverage. The two together may matter more to your bottom line than waiting on a rate that has barely moved in weeks.

Margaret Lipp | REMAX Premier Choice

Serving Upper Arlington, Dublin, Worthington, Clintonville, Hilliard, Powell, Grandview, and all Central Ohio communities

Neighborhood Spotlight: Why Sunbury and the Big Walnut School District Are Central Ohio's Fastest-Appreciating Market

Fri, 04 Sep 2026 13:00:51 GMT

Neighborhood Spotlight: Why Sunbury and the Big Walnut School District Are Central Ohio's Fastest-Appreciating Market

Every month, Columbus REALTORS® highlights the school districts posting standout numbers, and in July, one result stood well above the rest. The Big Walnut Local School District — covering Sunbury and the surrounding northern Delaware County area — recorded 52 closed sales, an 85.7% increase year over year. That's not a typo, and it wasn't a one-month blip riding on a small sample; it's a sustained signal of just how much attention this corridor is getting.

The Numbers Behind Sunbury's Momentum

Pricing kept pace with demand. The average sales price in the Big Walnut district reached $722,126 in July, up 19.9% year over year, while the median sales price climbed to $643,091, up 9.1%. For context, that median sits well above the regional Central Ohio median of $350,000 — Big Walnut is a premium submarket, and July's numbers suggest buyers are willing to pay for it.

52 closed sales in Big Walnut Local School District, up 85.7% year over year
Average sales price of $722,126, up 19.9% year over year
Median sales price of $643,091, up 9.1% year over year
Regional Central Ohio median sales price of $350,000 for comparison

What's Drawing Buyers to This Corner of Central Ohio

Sunbury and the broader Big Walnut area sit along Central Ohio's northern growth corridor, offering newer construction, larger lots, and a small-town feel within a manageable commute to Columbus, New Albany, and the Polaris employment corridors. That combination — space, newer inventory, and a well-regarded school district — has made it a consistent draw for move-up buyers and families relocating from denser, more expensive submarkets closer to the urban core.

For sellers in the district, July's numbers are a strong argument for listing sooner rather than later: nearly 86% more homes changed hands than a year ago, and they sold at meaningfully higher prices. For buyers, it's a reminder that a market can be appreciating quickly and still be worth pursuing — a quality district with real momentum tends to hold its value well over time, even as prices climb.

Bottom Line

Big Walnut Local School District posted the strongest combination of sales growth and price appreciation in Central Ohio this July. Whether you're weighing a move to Sunbury or already own there and are considering a sale, this is a market with real, sustained momentum behind it.

Margaret Lipp | REMAX Premier Choice

Serving Upper Arlington, Dublin, Worthington, Clintonville, Hilliard, Powell, Grandview, and all Central Ohio communities

Upper Arlington Schools Just Posted Some of Central Ohio's Strongest Numbers

Fri, 28 Aug 2026 13:00:43 GMT

Upper Arlington Schools Just Posted Some of Central Ohio's Strongest Numbers

A Standout Month for a Familiar Name

Every month, a handful of Central Ohio school districts post numbers that pull away from the pack. In July, Upper Arlington City School District was one of them — and unlike some of the newer growth corridors that show up in these reports, this is a community I work in every day, not an unfamiliar name on a spreadsheet.

Upper Arlington City Schools: 48 closed sales, up 29.7% year over year
Average sales price: $834,319, up 18.0% year over year
Median sales price: $667,500, up 14.5% year over year

For context, two other districts also stood out regionally in July: Big Walnut Local Schools in Sunbury (52 closed sales, up 85.7%) and Gahanna-Jefferson City Schools (74 closed sales, up 13.8%). Both are worth watching, but Upper Arlington's combination of price strength and volume growth in an already well-established, land-locked community is the more unusual story.

Why This Is Happening in a Built-Out Community

Upper Arlington isn't a growth corridor with new subdivisions going up — it's a mature, largely built-out community. Nearly 30% more closed sales alongside double-digit price growth in a market like that usually points to genuine, sustained demand for the schools, the walkability, and the proximity to downtown, rather than a temporary surge tied to new construction.

What It Means If You're Buying or Selling Here

If you're selling in Upper Arlington, this is a strong signal that serious, qualified buyers are actively competing for homes in the district right now — which supports confident, data-backed pricing rather than guesswork. If you're buying, it means you should expect competition and be ready to move when the right home comes up, since a district posting these kinds of numbers doesn't tend to sit still for long.

Bottom Line

Upper Arlington isn't just holding its value — it's actively outperforming, with both sales volume and prices climbing well above the regional average. That's a meaningful data point whether you're listing or searching here.

Margaret Lipp | REMAX Premier Choice

Serving Upper Arlington, Dublin, Worthington, Clintonville, Hilliard, Powell, Grandview, and all Central Ohio communities

Data source: Columbus REALTORS®, Central Ohio Housing Report — July 2026, based on statistics from the Columbus & Central Ohio Regional MLS.

What a 6.54% Mortgage Rate Actually Means for Your Central Ohio Home Search

Fri, 28 Aug 2026 13:00:43 GMT

What a 6.54% Mortgage Rate Actually Means for Your Central Ohio Home Search

The Number Everyone's Watching

Freddie Mac put the average 30-year mortgage rate at 6.54% in July. That's not the 3% rate a lot of buyers remember from a few years ago, and it's also not the 7%-plus rates we saw at points last year. It's landed in a middle zone that's starting to feel like the new normal — which means waiting for a dramatic drop may not be a realistic strategy.

Why Your Purchase Price Matters More Than Ever

With rates holding roughly steady, the biggest lever you actually control is what you pay for the home itself — not the rate. In a market with the highest July inventory in over a decade, that's good news: you have more room to negotiate on price, request repairs, or ask for closing cost help than buyers had a year or two ago.

Total inventory: 6,193 homes and condos, the highest July level in over a decade
Months of supply: 2.4 — still a seller's market, but easing
Rate buydowns and seller concessions are increasingly on the table in negotiations

A Few Ways to Manage the Rate Itself

You do have some tools beyond simply accepting the going rate. A temporary or permanent rate buydown, paid by you or negotiated from the seller, can meaningfully lower your first few years of payments. Some buyers are also choosing to lock a rate today with a plan to refinance later if rates ease — treating today's rate as a starting point rather than a permanent one.

Bottom Line

6.54% isn't the rate to wait out — it's the rate to plan around. With more inventory to choose from, your negotiating position on price and terms may matter more right now than the rate itself.

Margaret Lipp | REMAX Premier Choice

Serving Upper Arlington, Dublin, Worthington, Clintonville, Hilliard, Powell, Grandview, and all Central Ohio communities

Data source: Columbus REALTORS®, Central Ohio Housing Report — July 2026, based on statistics from the Columbus & Central Ohio Regional MLS.

Central Ohio Sellers: Your Market Isn't a Fluke — Here's the Proof

Fri, 28 Aug 2026 13:00:43 GMT

Central Ohio Sellers: Your Market Isn't a Fluke — Here's the Proof

A Full Year of Steady Gains, Not a Single Good Month

It's easy to look at one month of data and wonder if it's a blip. July's report makes it harder to write this off as a fluke: closed sales rose 6.3% year over year to 3,083, and the median sales price climbed 2.3% to $350,000. But the more telling number is the year-to-date picture — closed sales are up 3.0% and the median sales price has risen 4.4% compared to the same point in 2025. That's sustained, not seasonal.

We're Still Outperforming the Country

Nationally, the National Association of REALTORS® reported existing-home sales fell 1.7% month over month in July, up just 0.7% from a year earlier — a market economists are describing as "remarkably stable" rather than growing. Central Ohio's 6.3% year-over-year gain is a different story entirely.

Central Ohio closed sales: +6.3% year over year
National existing-home sales: +0.7% year over year
Central Ohio remains a strong seller's market at 2.4 months of supply

Mortgage rates averaged 6.54% in July according to Freddie Mac, and buyers here are still showing up and closing at a healthy pace despite that. That tells you something about the underlying demand for this market.

What This Means for Your Listing

A market that's growing steadily, rather than spiking and correcting, is exactly the kind of market where a well-priced, well-presented home performs best. Inventory is at its highest July level in over a decade, which means buyers have options — so your home still needs to earn the offer. But the fundamentals are working in your favor in a way most of the country simply doesn't have right now.

Bottom Line

Central Ohio's growth is broad-based and year-long, not a one-month headline. If you've been waiting for reassurance that this is a good time to sell, the year-to-date numbers are about as clear as it gets.

Margaret Lipp | REMAX Premier Choice

Serving Upper Arlington, Dublin, Worthington, Clintonville, Hilliard, Powell, Grandview, and all Central Ohio communities

Data source: Columbus REALTORS®, Central Ohio Housing Report — July 2026, based on statistics from the Columbus & Central Ohio Regional MLS.

Why the Next Six Weeks Are Your Best Window to Sell in Central Ohio

Fri, 21 Aug 2026 13:00:57 GMT

Why the Next Six Weeks Are Your Best Window to Sell in Central Ohio

If you've been sitting on the fence about listing, July's numbers from Columbus REALTORS® give you a fairly clear signal: the window to sell into strong demand is still open, but it won't stay this favorable indefinitely.

What the Data Shows

3,083 homes sold across Central Ohio in July 2026, up 6.3% year over year
Total inventory reached 6,193 homes, up 9.8% year over year
Median sales price hit $350,000, up 2.3% year over year

Why This Combination Matters for Sellers

Buyer demand is still growing — closed sales are up more than 6% from last July, which tells us people are actively transacting, not just browsing. But look closely at the inventory number: it's climbing faster than sales. That gap is the story sellers need to pay attention to.

When inventory grows faster than demand, it usually means one of two things is coming: either the market absorbs the extra supply and stays balanced, or competition among sellers starts to intensify and homes that aren't priced and presented well start sitting. Right now we're still in a window where demand is strong enough to support both outcomes — but that window narrows as more listings hit the market heading into fall.

What This Means If You're Thinking About Listing

The practical takeaway is simple: sellers who list in the next several weeks are still competing in a market with real, active buyer demand. Sellers who wait until inventory has caught up further will be competing against more listings for a buyer pool that historically thins out after Labor Day.

Price accuracy matters more with every new listing that hits the market

Homes that show well continue to move quickly in an active market

Waiting doesn't cost you demand yet — but it does cost you your relative position among fewer competing listings

Bottom Line

Central Ohio's July numbers still favor sellers, but the gap between rising inventory and rising sales is the clearest early signal of the season. Listing now means competing in today's market, not the more crowded one that's forming behind it.

Margaret Lipp | REMAX Premier Choice

Serving Upper Arlington, Dublin, Worthington, Clintonville, Hilliard, Powell, Grandview, and all Central Ohio communities

Columbus REALTORS® Market Statistics, Central Ohio Housing Report — July 2026, based on statistics from the Columbus & Central Ohio Regional MLS.

Central Ohio Inventory Just Hit a New High — What It Means for Your Negotiating Power

Fri, 21 Aug 2026 13:00:57 GMT

Central Ohio Inventory Just Hit a New High — What It Means for Your Negotiating Power

If you've been buyer-fatigued by a couple of years of tight inventory and fast-moving listings, July's Columbus REALTORS® data is worth a second look. The numbers point to a market that's giving buyers more to work with than it has in a while.

What the Data Shows

Total inventory reached 6,193 homes in July 2026, up 9.8% year over year — the fastest-growing metric in this month's report
3,083 homes sold, up 6.3% year over year
Median sales price reached $350,000, up a modest 2.3% year over year

Why the Gap Between Inventory and Sales Matters to You

Inventory is growing faster than homes are selling. That gap is the single most useful number in this report if you're house hunting: it means more listings are staying active longer, more sellers are competing for your offer, and price growth is cooling from the sharper increases Central Ohio saw in recent years.

A 2.3% year-over-year increase in median price is a far cry from the double-digit appreciation many buyers remember from a few years back. That kind of moderation, paired with real inventory growth, changes the tone of negotiations — buyers have more room to ask for concessions, more time to make a decision, and more options to compare before committing.

How to Use This as a Buyer

Take the time to compare multiple listings instead of rushing your first showing
Don't assume every listing will draw multiple offers — ask your agent how long comparable homes are sitting before you decide how aggressively to bid

Use growing inventory as leverage on price, closing timeline, or repair requests where appropriate

Bottom Line

With inventory outpacing sales for the first time in a while, Central Ohio buyers have more genuine negotiating room than the past few summers offered. It's still a competitive market — but it's tilting back toward balance.

Margaret Lipp | REMAX Premier Choice

Serving Upper Arlington, Dublin, Worthington, Clintonville, Hilliard, Powell, Grandview, and all Central Ohio communities

Data source: Columbus REALTORS® Market Statistics, Central Ohio Housing Report — July 2026, based on statistics from the Columbus & Central Ohio Regional MLS.

Grandview Heights & Clintonville: Why Central Ohio's Most Walkable Communities Keep Drawing Buyers

Fri, 21 Aug 2026 13:00:57 GMT

Grandview Heights & Clintonville: Why Central Ohio's Most Walkable Communities Keep Drawing Buyers

Every month's housing report tells you what's happening with prices and inventory. What it doesn't capture is why certain Central Ohio neighborhoods stay in demand no matter which direction the broader market is trending. Grandview Heights and Clintonville are two of the clearest examples

What Makes These Communities Different

Both neighborhoods share a set of qualities that consistently show up on buyers' must-have lists: walkable commercial districts, established tree-lined streets, quick access to Downtown and OSU, and a strong sense of community identity that's hard to replicate in newer developments farther out.

Grandview Heights: a compact, walkable downtown along Grandview Avenue with local restaurants, shops, and easy access to the Arena District and Downtown Columbus
Clintonville: tree-lined streets, proximity to Whetstone Park and the Olentangy Trail, and one of the most consistently active local business corridors in the city along High Street
Both offer a mix of housing stock — from bungalows to updated Cape Cods to newer infill construction — that appeals to a wide range of buyers

How This Fits the Current Market

With Central Ohio's median sales price at $350,000 in July, up a moderate 2.3% year over year, close-in communities like these continue to offer something harder to quantify than square footage: long-term livability. Buyers who prioritize walkability and community character tend to hold onto these homes longer, which keeps turnover — and inventory — naturally tighter in these pockets even when the broader market loosens up.

That combination of steady demand and limited turnover is exactly why homes in Grandview Heights and Clintonville tend to hold their value well, even in months when the rest of the market is seeing more price flexibility.

Bottom Line

Grandview Heights and Clintonville continue to prove that walkability and community character carry real, lasting value in Central Ohio — regardless of which way the monthly numbers move.

Margaret Lipp | REMAX Premier Choice

Serving Upper Arlington, Dublin, Worthington, Clintonville, Hilliard, Powell, Grandview, and all Central Ohio communities

Data source: Columbus REALTORS® Market Statistics, Central Ohio Housing Report — July 2026, based on statistics from the Columbus & Central Ohio Regional MLS.

More Homes on the Market: What Rising Inventory Means for Central Ohio Sellers

Fri, 14 Aug 2026 13:00:30 GMT

More Homes on the Market: What Rising Inventory Means for Central Ohio Sellers

If you've been thinking about listing your home, you may have noticed something different this summer: more "for sale" signs on more streets. That's not your imagination. According to the June 2026 Columbus REALTORS® Central Ohio Housing Report, total inventory across the region climbed 7.0% year over year to 5,551 homes, and months of supply rose to 2.2 — still comfortably a seller's market by traditional standards, but with noticeably more breathing room for buyers than a year ago.

At the same time, demand hasn't disappeared. Closed sales in June were up 5.0% year over year, and pending contracts — a good read on what's coming next — climbed 4.8%. In other words, more homes are hitting the market, and buyers are still showing up to compete for the right ones. The question for sellers isn't whether the market has turned; it's how to make sure your listing is one of the ones buyers choose.

What More Inventory Actually Changes

A rising supply of homes doesn't flip the market overnight, but it does change buyer behavior in a few predictable ways:

Buyers have options, so they compare more before writing an offer.
Homes that are priced right and show well still move quickly; homes that aren't tend to sit, and sitting invites price-reduction assumptions.
Multiple-offer situations still happen, but they're less automatic than they were a year or two ago — especially outside the most in-demand price bands.
Buyers are paying closer attention to condition, since they no longer feel pressure to waive inspections or overlook deferred maintenance.

How Sellers Can Stay Competitive

None of this means it's a bad time to sell in Central Ohio — the region is still outperforming the national market on sales growth. It does mean the homes that stand out are the ones that make it easy for a buyer to say yes:

Lead with an accurate, data-backed list price rather than testing the market high — overpricing in a market with more competition tends to cost sellers time and, eventually, dollars.
Invest in the basics that show well in photos and in person: decluttering, fresh paint where it's needed, and simple curb appeal fixes.
Address known issues before listing rather than negotiating them after an inspection, when buyers have more leverage to walk.
Time the listing thoughtfully — homes that launch with strong first-weekend activity tend to attract the most serious buyer interest.

Bottom Line

Central Ohio inventory is up, but so is demand — this remains a market where well-prepared, well-priced homes sell well.

More competition among sellers just means presentation and pricing strategy matter more than they did a year ago.

Margaret Lipp | REMAX Premier Choice

Serving Upper Arlington, Dublin, Worthington, Clintonville, Hilliard, Powell, Grandview, and all Central Ohio communities

Data sourced from the Columbus REALTORS® Central Ohio Housing Report, based on statistics from the Columbus & Central Ohio Regional MLS. Figures reflect closed and reported activity as of the report's publish date and are subject to revision.

New Condo Lending Guidelines: What Every Condo Buyer Should Know

Fri, 14 Aug 2026 13:00:30 GMT

New Condo Lending Guidelines: What Every Condo Buyer Should Know

If you're thinking about buying a condo, there's something new happening behind the scenes that could impact your financing.

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have updated their condominium lending guidelines, and while these changes aren't meant to make buying a condo more difficult, they do place greater emphasis on the financial health of the condominium association itself.

In other words, it's no longer enough for a buyer to qualify for the loan. The condo community has to qualify too.

Why the Changes?

The collapse of the Champlain Towers South condominium in Surfside, Florida highlighted the consequences of deferred maintenance and underfunded reserve accounts. Since then, lenders have been placing greater emphasis on ensuring condominium associations are financially prepared to maintain their buildings over the long term.

The latest guideline updates continue that shift by encouraging stronger financial oversight and more comprehensive reviews of condominium communities before loans are approved.

What Are Lenders Looking At?

Today's lenders are paying much closer attention to factors such as:

Reserve funding for future repairs
Deferred maintenance or structural concerns
Master insurance coverage
Financial stability of the homeowners association
Pending special assessments
HOA documentation during underwriting

These items help determine whether a condominium project is eligible for conventional financing.

One Positive Change

One piece of good news is that lenders have moved away from placing as much emphasis on owner occupancy ratios in many established condominium communities.

Previously, communities with a higher percentage of rental units often faced additional financing hurdles. While every project is still reviewed individually, the overall focus has shifted toward the long term financial health of the association rather than simply how many units are owner occupied.

What If a Condo Doesn't Qualify?

If a condominium community doesn't meet conventional lending guidelines, it doesn't necessarily mean you can't buy it.

In many cases, buyers can still obtain financing through a portfolio lender. These loans are held by the bank rather than being sold to Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac. Portfolio loans may have different interest rates, down payment requirements, or underwriting standards, but they can provide an excellent alternative for certain properties.

What Buyers Should Ask Before Making an Offer

As part of your due diligence, it's worth asking questions such as:

Does the HOA have adequate reserve funds?
Has a reserve study been completed recently?
Are there any upcoming special assessments?
Has the association deferred major maintenance?
Is there any pending litigation?
Does the association carry adequate insurance?

These aren't questions most buyers think to ask, but they can have a significant impact on financing, future expenses, and resale value.

Bottom Line

Buying a condo today requires looking beyond the unit itself.

A beautiful kitchen and updated flooring are important, but so is the financial health of the community you're buying into. A well managed condominium association can help protect property values, reduce the likelihood of unexpected assessments, and make financing smoother for future buyers.

If you're considering purchasing a condo in Central Ohio, I'll help you evaluate not only the property itself, but also the strength of the homeowners association so you can make an informed decision before writing an offer.

Margaret Lipp | REMAX Premier Choice

Serving Upper Arlington, Dublin, Worthington, Clintonville, Hilliard, Powell, Grandview, and all Central Ohio communities

Why Central Ohio's Housing Market Keeps Outpacing the Rest of the Country

Fri, 14 Aug 2026 13:00:30 GMT

Why Central Ohio's Housing Market Keeps Outpacing the Rest of the Country

It's easy to read national housing headlines and assume every market is telling the same story. But Central Ohio has quietly been an exception for a while now, and the June 2026 Columbus REALTORS® Central Ohio Housing Report puts real numbers behind it.

Locally, closed sales rose 5.0% year over year in June, with year-to-date closed sales up 2.3% and pending contracts up 4.8% heading into the second half of the year. Compare that to the National Association of REALTORS®' June report, which showed existing-home sales up just 2.8% nationally — meaning Central Ohio's growth rate nearly doubled the national pace. Even against the broader Midwest region, which posted a solid 2.1% increase, Central Ohio outperformed.

Steady Growth Without Runaway Prices

What makes this especially notable is that Central Ohio isn't achieving this growth through runaway price appreciation. The local median sales price reached $352,000 in June, up a modest 0.6% year over year — a far cry from the national median existing-home price of $440,600, which hit an all-time high and climbed 1.8% year over year. Central Ohio homes are moving in higher volume without the price spikes that make other markets feel unaffordable or unstable.

A Few Reasons Central Ohio Keeps Standing Out

Relative affordability: a $352,000 median gives Central Ohio meaningful room compared to the national median, which continues to draw both local and relocating buyers.
Steady job and population growth tied to the region's diverse economic base, from healthcare and education to logistics and tech investment.
Inventory that's expanding at a healthy pace (up 7.0% year over year) without flooding the market, which keeps the region firmly in seller-favorable territory while giving buyers more to choose from.
A broad mix of established, walkable communities and newer-build areas that appeal to a wide range of buyers, from first-timers to move-up families.

What This Means If You're Watching From the Sidelines

Whether you're a buyer who's been waiting for the "right" moment or a seller wondering if now is a good time to list, the takeaway is the same: Central Ohio isn't behaving like the national market, and national headlines about a cooling housing market don't necessarily apply here. That doesn't mean every neighborhood or price point behaves identically — local nuance always matters — but the region as a whole continues to show real, sustained momentum.

Bottom Line

Central Ohio's housing market is growing nearly twice as fast as the national average, without the price spikes driving affordability concerns elsewhere.

It's one of the more resilient, balanced markets in the country right now.

Margaret Lipp | REMAX Premier Choice

Serving Upper Arlington, Dublin, Worthington, Clintonville, Hilliard, Powell, Grandview, and all Central Ohio communities

School District Spotlight: Where Central Ohio Families Are Buying Right Now

Sat, 08 Aug 2026 03:01:21 GMT

School District Spotlight: Where Central Ohio Families Are Buying Right Now

School district often sits at the top of the list for families relocating to or within Central Ohio — and the latest Columbus REALTORS® data gives a clear picture of where that demand is concentrated. Two districts stood out in June 2026 for combining strong sales volume with notable year-over-year growth.

Westerville City School District

Westerville posted 133 closed sales in June, up 23.1% year over year — one of the strongest growth rates among Central Ohio's established suburban districts. Westerville continues to draw families for its mix of mature neighborhoods, proximity to Uptown Westerville's shops and restaurants, and easy access to I-71 and 270 for commuters headed into downtown Columbus or the Polaris corridor.

South-Western City School District (Grove City)

South-Western, covering much of Grove City, led all featured districts with 181 closed sales in June, up 19.9% year over year. It's a market that's benefited from newer construction alongside established neighborhoods, along with relative affordability compared to some close-in suburbs — a combination that's kept demand strong.

Why This Matters Beyond the Numbers

Central Ohio's housing market doesn't move as one unit. Franklin County overall posted 1,563 closed sales in June, up 7.8% year over year — but individual school districts can run well ahead of or behind that pace depending on inventory, price point, and what families are prioritizing. If a specific district is on your radar, it's worth looking at its individual trend line rather than assuming it mirrors the regional average.

Westerville: 133 closed sales in June, up 23.1% year over year
South-Western (Grove City): 181 closed sales in June, up 19.9% year over year

Franklin County overall: 1,563 closed sales, up 7.8% year over year

Bottom Line

District-level demand can look very different from the regional headline numbers. Whether you're buying or selling, it pays to know how your specific school district is trending — not just how Central Ohio as a whole is performing.

Margaret Lipp | REMAX Premier Choice

Serving Upper Arlington, Dublin, Worthington, Clintonville, Hilliard, Powell, Grandview, and all Central Ohio communities

Data source: Columbus REALTORS®, Central Ohio Housing Report — June 2026, based on statistics from the Columbus & Central Ohio Regional MLS.

The Condo and Townhome Opportunity Buyers Are Overlooking

Sat, 08 Aug 2026 02:56:10 GMT

The Condo and Townhome Opportunity Buyers Are Overlooking

Most of the attention on Central Ohio's housing market goes to single-family homes, and June's numbers show why: 2,732 single-family closings, up 5.8% year over year, according to the Columbus REALTORS® Central Ohio Housing Report. Condo sales tell a quieter story — 368 closings, essentially flat compared to a year ago. For buyers willing to consider a condo or townhome, that gap is worth a closer look.

The Numbers Behind the Gap

When one segment of the market is growing and another is flat, it often means demand and competition are unevenly distributed. Single-family demand has been strong enough to keep pushing sales higher even as supply grows regionwide. Condo demand, by contrast, hasn't kept pace — which can translate into less competition per listing, more room to negotiate, and potentially more time to make a decision without feeling rushed into an offer.

Single-family closings: 2,732 in June, up 5.8% year over year
Condo closings: 368 in June, flat year over year
Regional months of supply: 2.2, up from 1.8 a year ago

Why Buyers Should Pay Attention

A flat condo market doesn't necessarily mean condos aren't a good option — it often means they're an under-shopped one. For first-time buyers priced out of single-family competition, downsizers looking to simplify, or anyone drawn to lower-maintenance living, a segment with steadier (rather than surging) demand can mean a calmer buying process: fewer multiple-offer situations, and more negotiating room on price or closing cost credits.

Where to Look

Condo and townhome inventory tends to be concentrated in specific pockets of Central Ohio rather than spread evenly across the region — close-in neighborhoods, walkable districts, and newer townhome communities in the suburbs all offer different tradeoffs on price, space, and HOA structure. If a condo or townhome hasn't been on your radar, it's worth widening the search to see what's actually available at your price point.

Bottom Line

While single-family competition remains strong, June's flat condo numbers suggest a segment of the market that's getting less attention than it might deserve. For the right buyer, that could mean a smoother path to a purchase.

Margaret Lipp | REMAX Premier Choice

Serving Upper Arlington, Dublin, Worthington, Clintonville, Hilliard, Powell, Grandview, and all Central Ohio communities

Data source: Columbus REALTORS®, Central Ohio Housing Report — June 2026, based on statistics from the Columbus & Central Ohio Regional MLS.

Why Presentation Is Carrying More Weight Than Appreciation This Summer

Sat, 08 Aug 2026 02:47:33 GMT

Why Presentation Is Carrying More Weight Than Appreciation This Summer

For a few years, rising prices did a lot of the work for Central Ohio sellers — even an average listing benefited from a market that was appreciating quickly enough to forgive a middling presentation. That cushion has largely disappeared. According to the Columbus REALTORS® Central Ohio Housing Report for June 2026, the media n sales price reached $352,000, up just 0.6% year over year — a fraction of the appreciation rates sellers got used to in recent years.

The Appreciation Cushion Is Shrinking

A 0.6% year-over-year gain is close to flat once you account for normal month-to-month variation. That doesn't mean prices are falling — they're not — but it does mean sellers can no longer assume the market will quietly paper over an overpriced listing or a home that needs work before it goes live. In a market appreciating 8–10% a year, a slightly-too-high list price often corrected itself within a few months of continued gains. In a market appreciating 0.6%, that same overpricing mistake just sits there.

Single-Family vs. Condo: Two Different Stories

June's data also shows how uneven this market has become by property type. Single-family sales climbed 5.8% year over year to 2,732 closings, while condo sales held flat at 368. That gap suggests buyers are being more selective than the headline numbers alone would suggest — they have more to choose from, and they're rewarding homes that are priced right and show well, regardless of property type.

Median sales price: $352,000, up just 0.6% year over year
Single-family closings: 2,732, up 5.8% year over year
Condo closings: 368, flat year over year

What This Means When You're Preparing to List

With homes still averaging 25 days on market, buyers are moving — but they're moving toward homes that are priced accurately and presented well from day one. That means the pre-listing basics matter more than they have in a while: decluttering, addressing deferred maintenance, and pricing against real, current comparables rather than what a neighbor's home sold for a year ago. It also means the first two weeks on market carry more weight; a home that needs a price reduction in month one sends a different signal to buyers than it did when appreciation was doing the sellers' work for them.

Bottom Line

Central Ohio remains a seller-favorable market, but the days of appreciation quietly covering for pricing or presentation mistakes are behind us for now. Getting the price and the prep right from day one matters more than it has in years.

Margaret Lipp | REMAX Premier Choice

Serving Upper Arlington, Dublin, Worthington, Clintonville, Hilliard, Powell, Grandview, and all Central Ohio communities

Data source: Columbus REALTORS®, Central Ohio Housing Report — June 2026, based on statistics from the Columbus & Central Ohio Regional MLS.

Five Questions to Ask Before You Tour Your First Home

Fri, 31 Jul 2026 18:42:48 GMT

Five Questions to Ask Before You Tour Your First Home

Touring Homes Is More Than Just Looking Around

It's easy to get swept up in a beautifully staged living room or a great kitchen island. But the homes that end up being the right fit are usually the ones where buyers asked a few grounding questions before falling in love. Whether you're touring your first home in Worthington or your fifth in Dublin, these five questions will help you see past the staging.

1. What Would It Cost to Fix What I Can See?

An aging roof, an outdated HVAC system, or cosmetic wear isn't necessarily a dealbreaker — but it should factor into your offer. Walk through with a rough sense of what repairs or updates typically cost in this market, and don't be afraid to ask your agent or an inspector for ballpark numbers on the spot.

2. How Does This House Compare to Others Nearby?

A house doesn't exist in a vacuum. Understanding recent sales in the same school district or neighborhood gives you a real sense of whether the asking price reflects the current market or an optimistic guess.

3. What Will My Commute Actually Look Like?

Central Ohio communities like Hilliard, Powell, and Grandview each have very different commute profiles depending on where you work. Drive the route yourself, ideally at the time of day you'd actually be commuting, before you get attached to a house.

4. Am I Buying the House or the Staging?

Professional staging is designed to make a space feel larger, warmer, and more move-in ready than it may actually be. Try to mentally strip out the furniture and styling and picture the bones of the house — layout, natural light, storage — on their own merits.

5. What Don't I Know Yet?

Every house has something you can't learn from a single walkthrough: how loud the street gets, how the HOA handles maintenance requests, whether the schools fit your family. Make a list of open questions after each tour, and don't be shy about asking your agent to help track them down before you write an offer.

• Bring a notepad or use your phone to jot down impressions right after each showing — homes blur together faster than you'd expect

• Revisit any home you're seriously considering at a different time of day

• Ask about utility costs, HOA fees, and property taxes upfront, not after you've fallen for the house

The Bottom Line

The best home-buying decisions come from a mix of instinct and information. Let yourself feel excited about a house — but pair that excitement with a few grounding questions before you commit.

Margaret Lipp | RE/MAX Premier Choice

Serving Upper Arlington, Dublin, Worthington, Clintonville, Hilliard, Powell, Grandview, and all Central Ohio communities

Data source: Columbus REALTORS® Central Ohio Housing Report, June 2026. Statistics reflect Columbus & Central Ohio Regional MLS data and are believed accurate but not guaranteed.

Buying in Central Ohio This Summer? Here's What the Data Says

Fri, 31 Jul 2026 18:34:20 GMT

Buying in Central Ohio This Summer? Here's What the Data Says

More Homes to Choose From Than a Year Ago

If the past couple of summers left you frustrated by thin inventory and bidding wars, June's numbers offer a bit of relief. Total inventory across central Ohio grew 7.0% year over year to 5,551 homes, according to the Columbus & Central Ohio Regional MLS. That's the most breathing room buyers have had in recent memory, even though the market is still tilted toward sellers overall.

Months of supply sits at 2.2, up from a year ago. A balanced market is typically 4 to 6 months, so this is still a competitive environment — just less extreme than it's been.

Prices Are Rising, But Slowly

The median sales price in central Ohio reached $352,000 in June, up just 0.6% year over year. That's a meaningful shift from the sharp annual increases buyers have faced in recent years. It doesn't mean prices are falling — they're not — but it does mean you're less likely to feel like the ground is shifting under you between the time you start looking and the time you make an offer.

Don't Expect Homes to Linger

The average time on market held at 25 days in June, matching last year. Single-family homes led activity with 2,732 closings, up 5.8% year over year, while condo sales held essentially flat at 368. Pending contracts — a leading indicator of where the market is headed — climbed 4.8% year over year, which tells us buyer activity is building, not slowing.

Well-priced homes in sought-after school districts are still moving quickly
South-Western City (Grove City), Westerville City, and Big Walnut Local school districts all posted double-digit gains in closed sales this June
Getting pre-approved and ready to move before you fall in love with a house is still the difference-maker

What This Means for Your Search

More inventory gives you room to be selective, but it doesn't mean you can afford to be slow. The combination of rising pending contracts and steady days-on-market tells us serious buyers are still moving with purpose. If you've been waiting for the market to hand you leverage, June's data suggests that window is opening — but it's not wide open, and it won't stay this way indefinitely.

The Bottom Line

You have more options than buyers did a year ago, and prices are climbing at a much gentler pace. But homes in strong school districts are still selling in about three and a half weeks. Being prepared — financially and logistically — matters as much as ever.

Margaret Lipp | RE/MAX Premier Choice

Serving Upper Arlington, Dublin, Worthington, Clintonville, Hilliard, Powell, Grandview, and all Central Ohio communities

Data source: Columbus REALTORS® Central Ohio Housing Report, June 2026. Statistics reflect Columbus & Central Ohio Regional MLS data and are believed accurate but not guaranteed.

What June's Housing Numbers Mean If You're Thinking About Selling

Fri, 31 Jul 2026 18:05:10 GMT

What June's Housing Numbers Mean If You're Thinking About Selling

The Market Is Still Moving in Your Favor

If you've been sitting on the fence about listing, June's data gives you a clear answer: central Ohio remains a seller's market, but it's evolving. According to the Columbus & Central Ohio Regional MLS, 3,100 homes closed in June, a 5.0% increase over June 2025. Year-to-date closed sales are up 2.3%, and pending contracts — tomorrow's closings — climbed 4.8%. That's not a market cooling off. That's a market with real, sustained buyer demand.

The median sales price reached $352,000, up 0.6% year over year. That's a modest gain, not the double-digit jumps we saw a few years ago, and that's actually good news for sellers who want a market that holds its value rather than one that's due for a correction.

Inventory Is Rising — Which Means Timing Matters

Here's the nuance worth paying attention to: total inventory grew 7.0% year over year to 5,551 homes, pushing months of supply up to 2.2. That's still firmly seller-favorable — a balanced market sits at 4 to 6 months — but it's more breathing room for buyers than they had a year ago. New listings held nearly flat at 3,844, down just 0.3% from last June.

More inventory means buyers have more to compare your home against
Homes that are priced right and show well are still moving in 25 days on average, unchanged from June 2025
Overpriced or underprepared listings are the ones most likely to sit as competition builds

Where the Demand Is Concentrated

Franklin County posted 1,563 closed sales in June, up 7.8% year over year — outpacing the regional average. Several school districts in and around Margaret's service area saw especially strong activity: South-Western City School District (Grove City) led with 181 closed sales, up 19.9%, while Westerville City School District posted 133 closings, up 23.1%. Big Walnut Local School District (Sunbury) saw a 46.4% jump in closed sales, though off a smaller base of 41 homes.

If your home is in or near one of central Ohio's established, family-oriented school districts, you're selling into a pool of buyers who are actively competing for homes like yours right now.

The Bottom Line

Central Ohio's seller's market hasn't gone away — it's just becoming a little more competitive on the seller's side, too. Homes priced to reflect current data and presented well are still selling in about 25 days. The homes that struggle are the ones priced for last year's market instead of this one.

Margaret Lipp | RE/MAX Premier Choice

Serving Upper Arlington, Dublin, Worthington, Clintonville, Hilliard, Powell, Grandview, and all Central Ohio communities

Data source: Columbus REALTORS® Central Ohio Housing Report, June 2026. Statistics reflect Columbus & Central Ohio Regional MLS data and are believed accurate but not guaranteed.

The Fastest-Growing Corners of Central Ohio Right Now — And Why It Matters

Fri, 24 Jul 2026 23:11:53 GMT

The Fastest-Growing Corners of Central Ohio Right Now — And Why It Matters

A Region With Multiple Speeds

One of the things I remind clients most often: Central Ohio isn't one housing market, it's a patchwork of them. June's data made that especially clear. While the region overall saw a healthy 5.0% increase in closed sales, three school districts stood out for growth well above that regional average.

Grove City (South-Western City School District)

South-Western City School District posted 181 closed sales in June, up 19.9% year-over-year — the highest closed-sales total among the standout districts, paired with strong double-digit growth. Grove City has long offered a value proposition that's hard to beat: reasonable pricing, easy highway access, and a genuine small-town feel without being far from downtown Columbus.

Westerville

Westerville City School District saw 133 closed sales, up 23.1% year-over-year — a notable number for one of the region's more established suburban communities. Westerville isn't a newly discovered hot spot; it's a long-respected district that's simply continuing to draw steady demand, which speaks to its staying power as a place families want to put down roots.

Sunbury (Big Walnut Local School District)

The standout of the three: Big Walnut Local School District, covering Sunbury, posted 41 closed sales in June, up an impressive 46.4% year-over-year. It's a smaller market in absolute numbers, but that growth rate signals a district that's rapidly gaining attention — likely a mix of new construction activity and buyers looking north for more land and a quieter pace, without giving up a reasonable commute.

What This Means If You're Buying or Selling

For buyers, rapid year-over-year growth in a district is often an early signal — home values and demand in these areas tend to keep climbing as more people discover them, so getting in now can mean getting in before the next round of price adjustments.

For sellers in these same districts, it means your home is likely to attract serious interest if it's priced and presented well. And for sellers in the more established communities I work in most — Upper Arlington, Dublin, Worthington, Clintonville, Hilliard, Powell, and Grandview — steady, enduring demand remains just as real, even without the same dramatic year-over-year percentage swings. Different market, different strengths.

Bottom Line

Growth stories like Grove City, Westerville, and Sunbury are a good reminder that "the Central Ohio market" is really dozens of micro-markets moving at their own pace. Whether you're chasing the next up-and-coming district or staying rooted in an established favorite, the right move depends on your goals — not a regional average.

Curious how your specific neighborhood is trending? I'd love to walk you through the numbers.

Margaret Lipp | RE/MAX Premier Choice

Serving Upper Arlington, Dublin, Worthington, Clintonville, Hilliard, Powell, Grandview, and all Central Ohio communities

Data source: Columbus REALTORS® Central Ohio Housing Report, June 2026 (Columbus & Central Ohio Regional MLS).

What Central Ohio's June Housing Data Actually Means for Buyers

Fri, 24 Jul 2026 20:43:39 GMT

What Central Ohio's June Housing Data Actually Means for Buyers

More Homes to Choose From

If your last attempt at buying in Central Ohio left you burned out on multiple-offer situations, June's data offers some real encouragement. Active inventory climbed 7.0% year-over-year to 5,551 homes across the region — the most breathing room buyers have had in a while.

That growth in supply doesn't mean homes are sitting; it means you're less likely to be one of a dozen offers on the same house the day it lists.

Still Competitive, But Not Frantic

Let's be honest about where things stand: at 2.2 months of supply, Central Ohio is still technically a seller's market. Well-priced homes in good condition are moving quickly, and 3,100 homes closed in June alone, a 5.0% increase over last year. This isn't a market where you can lowball and wait around.

But it's also not the frenzy of a few years ago. You're more likely to get an inspection contingency honored, more likely to have a few days to think instead of a few hours, and less likely to face an appraisal gap that comes entirely out of your pocket.

Prices Are Stable — Which Works in Your Favor

The median sales price in Central Ohio was $352,000 in June, up just 0.6% from a year ago. Compare that to the national median of $440,600 (up 1.8%) and the Midwest median of $346,600. Central Ohio remains meaningfully more affordable than the national picture, and prices here aren't climbing fast enough to punish buyers for taking their time to find the right home.

Areas Worth a Closer Look

If you're flexible on location, a few school districts are seeing standout activity right now — often a sign of strong resale demand down the road, along with good value today:

South-Western City School District (Grove City) — 181 homes closed in June, up 19.9% year-over-year
Westerville City School District — 133 homes closed, up 23.1% year-over-year
Big Walnut Local School District (Sunbury) — 41 homes closed, up 46.4% year-over-year

Of course, if your priority is walkability, established tree-lined streets, or being close to the urban core, Upper Arlington, Grandview, Clintonville, and Worthington remain strong choices — just expect a bit more competition given their enduring popularity.

Bottom Line

Central Ohio buyers are in a better spot than they've been in years: more inventory, steady (not runaway) prices, and a bit more room to negotiate terms that protect you. It's still a market where preparation matters — a strong pre-approval and a clear sense of your must-haves will serve you well — but the pressure has eased just enough to make house hunting feel like a decision again, not a scramble.

If you'd like a game plan tailored to your budget and priorities, I'm happy to walk through it with you.

Margaret Lipp | RE/MAX Premier Choice

Serving Upper Arlington, Dublin, Worthington, Clintonville, Hilliard, Powell, Grandview, and all Central Ohio communities

Data source: Columbus REALTORS® Central Ohio Housing Report, June 2026 (Columbus & Central Ohio Regional MLS).

June's Numbers Are In: Why Central Ohio Sellers Still Have the Edge

Fri, 24 Jul 2026 20:17:01 GMT

June's Numbers Are In: Why Central Ohio Sellers Still Have the Edge

Closed Sales Jumped 5% — And Buyers Are Still Showing Up

If you've been wondering whether summer buyers are actually out there making offers, June answered that question. Homes closed across Central Ohio at a 5.0% higher rate than June of last year, and year-to-date closed sales are up 2.3%. Pending contracts climbed 4.8% too, which tells us the pipeline for July and August closings is healthy.

That's not a fluke month — it's a market that's been building momentum through the first half of 2026.

Inventory Is Growing, But It's Still a Seller's Market

Yes, there are more homes on the market than a year ago — inventory is up 7.0% year-over-year to 5,551 active listings. If you're a seller who's been nervous about "too much competition," here's the context that matters:

Months of supply sits at just 2.2 — a balanced market is typically 4 to 6 months
A well-priced, well-presented home is still moving in a market this tight
More inventory means better-informed buyers, not fewer buyers

In practice, this means sellers who price realistically and prep their home well are still seeing strong activity. The days of wild overbidding may have cooled, but so has the risk of sitting unsold.

Prices Are Holding Steady — Not Spiking, Not Sliding

The median sales price across Central Ohio reached $352,000 in June, up a modest 0.6% year-over-year. That's a healthier signal than it might sound at first: it means your home's value isn't being propped up by a bubble, and it isn't eroding either. Buyers can qualify with confidence, and sellers can price with confidence.

For comparison, Central Ohio's 5.0% growth in closed sales nearly doubles the national pace of 2.8% reported by the National Association of REALTORS®, and comfortably outpaces the broader Midwest's 2.1% increase — even though the Midwest's median price ($346,600) and the national median ($440,600) moved differently than ours. Local conditions are doing the heavy lifting here, which is exactly why a market-by-market conversation matters more than a national headline.

Where the Momentum Is Strongest

Not every pocket of Central Ohio is moving at the same pace, and that's worth knowing before you set a listing strategy. A few districts stood out in June for both volume and growth:

South-Western City School District (Grove City): 181 closed sales, up 19.9% year-over-year
Westerville City School District: 133 closed sales, up 23.1% year-over-year
Big Walnut Local School District (Sunbury): 41 closed sales, up 46.4% year-over-year

If your home sits in or near one of these areas, that's real momentum you can lean on. If you're in Upper Arlington, Dublin, Worthington, Clintonville, Hilliard, Powell, or Grandview, the story is a little different — these established, in-demand communities tend to see steadier, less dramatic swings, but that stability is its own kind of selling point.

Bottom Line

Central Ohio sellers are still working with real leverage in July and August: sales are up, prices are stable, and supply — while growing — is nowhere near enough to tip the scales toward buyers. The sellers who do best right now aren't the ones hoping for a bidding war; they're the ones who price accurately from day one and let a genuinely tight market do the rest.

If you're weighing whether to list this summer, let's talk through what these numbers mean specifically for your neighborhood and your home.

Margaret Lipp | RE/MAX Premier Choice

Serving Upper Arlington, Dublin, Worthington, Clintonville, Hilliard, Powell, Grandview, and all Central Ohio communities

Data source: Columbus REALTORS® Central Ohio Housing Report, June 2026 (Columbus & Central Ohio Regional MLS).

Why Columbus Keeps Landing on National 'Best Places to Buy' Lists

Fri, 17 Jul 2026 18:51:36 GMT

Why Columbus Keeps Landing on National 'Best Places to Buy' Lists

The body content of your post goes here. To edit this text, click on it and delete this default text and start typing your own or paste your own from a different source.If it feels like Columbus shows up on every list of 'top housing markets to watch' lately, that's not a coincidence or a marketing push. It's because the city is genuinely outperforming national averages on the specific indicators economists use to judge whether a market has real staying power.

What the National Data Actually Shows

The National Association of REALTORS® evaluated metro areas across the country on ten market indicators for its 2026 housing hot spot rankings, and Columbus came out ahead of the national average on several of them — the report specifically credited the city with pairing affordability with rising incomes. A few of the numbers behind that ranking stand out: income growth in Columbus running 7.2% higher than the previous year, a price-to-income score of 0.76 compared to 0.67 nationally, and an estimate that more than 41,000 additional Columbus households would qualify for a median-priced home if mortgage rates ease to 6%.

In plain terms: incomes are growing faster here than in most of the country, homes are more affordable relative to what people earn, and a meaningful pool of buyers is sitting just on the other side of a small rate move.

Why This Matters Beyond the Headline

Millennial households now make up over a third of all households in Columbus — more than 37%, well above what many comparable metros can claim — and that generation's first-time buyer demand remains a durable source of demand even when affordability is tight elsewhere in the country. Combined with steady job growth and significant technology investment in the region, it's a demand story built on people actually moving here and earning more, not just speculation.

For homeowners, this is the kind of underlying strength that tends to support values over the long run, even through the normal month-to-month ups and downs in any local report. For buyers, it's a reminder that waiting indefinitely for Columbus to become dramatically cheaper isn't a strategy backed by what the data shows — the fundamentals here point toward sustained demand, not a market cooling off.

What This Looks Like Locally

Established, high-demand areas — Upper Arlington, Grandview, Worthington — benefit most directly from income growth and Millennial demand, since these are the neighborhoods that first-time and move-up buyers target first
Affordability-driven demand also spreads outward into Hilliard, Powell, and Dublin, where buyers priced out of the most central neighborhoods still get strong schools and shorter commutes
Rising incomes citywide tend to support sale prices even in months where inventory ticks up, since more buyers can stretch to the current median than a year ago

Bottom Line: Columbus isn't just having a good moment — it's outperforming the national average on the fundamentals that actually predict a market's staying power: income growth, affordability, and real buyer demand. That's a useful thing to know whether you're deciding to sell, buy, or simply hold.

Wondering how these citywide trends translate to your specific neighborhood or home? I'm happy to walk through the local numbers with you.

Margaret Lipp | RE/MAX Premier Choice

Serving Upper Arlington, Dublin, Worthington, Clintonville, Hilliard, Powell, Grandview, and all Central Ohio communities

Data source: Columbus REALTORS® Central Ohio Housing Report, May 2026 (most recent report available at time of publication).

Mortgage Rates Are Easing — Here's What That Actually Means for Columbus Buyers

Fri, 17 Jul 2026 18:37:41 GMT

Mortgage Rates Are Easing — Here's What That Actually Means for Columbus Buyers

For the past few years, "wait for rates to come down" has been the default advice for buyers priced out of the market. That advice is starting to pay off — modestly. Rates haven't collapsed, but the direction and the local numbers are worth understanding before you decide whether to keep waiting.

Where Rates Actually Stand

The 30-year fixed rate is currently sitting in the mid-6% range, down roughly a third of a percentage point from a year ago and a real improvement from the peaks of the last few cycles. That's not a dramatic swing, but on a $335,000 home — close to the current Central Ohio median — even a modest rate improvement can shift your monthly payment by a meaningful amount and change what price point you qualify for.

Meanwhile, Columbus REALTORS® data from May 2026 shows 4,044 new listings entered the market that month alone, an increase over the year before. More homes, slightly better rates, and less bidding-war pressure than 2021-2022 is a combination buyers haven't had in years.

Don't Overlook Down Payment Assistance

If saving a large down payment has been the bottleneck, Ohio's assistance programs deserve a serious look. The Ohio Housing Finance Agency's YourChoice! program can cover 2.5% or 5% of your purchase price through a forgivable loan, and the agency has financed more than $1.3 billion in loans in recent years, helping thousands of Ohio borrowers close on homes. The City of Columbus also offers its own down payment support through the American Dream Downpayment Initiative. These programs won't work for every buyer, but they're worth ruling out before you assume you need to wait another year to save more.

What This Means for Your Search

Get pre-approved now so you know your real number — rate movement changes your budget more than most buyers expect
Ask your lender specifically about OHFA and City of Columbus assistance programs — many first-time buyers never ask and never find out they qualify
Use the extra inventory to negotiate — with more homes to choose from, sellers are more willing to cover closing costs or make repairs than they were two years ago
Watch condos and townhomes if affordability is tight — that segment has been growing faster than single-family homes in recent Columbus REALTORS® data, often at a lower price point

Bottom Line: Rates aren't back to pre-2022 levels, and they may not get there soon — but the combination of easing rates, more inventory, and underused assistance programs means many buyers who assumed they were priced out should take another look.

If you want to see what your actual budget looks like with current rates and whether you'd qualify for assistance, I'm glad to walk through it with you — no pressure, just numbers.

Margaret Lipp | RE/MAX Premier Choice

Serving Upper Arlington, Dublin, Worthington, Clintonville, Hilliard, Powell, Grandview, and all Central Ohio communities

Data source: Columbus REALTORS® Central Ohio Housing Report, May 2026 (most recent report available at time of publication).

Days on Market Are Climbing in Columbus — Here's What That Really Means for Sellers

Fri, 17 Jul 2026 18:22:58 GMT

Days on Market Are Climbing in Columbus — Here's What That Really Means for Sellers

If you're selling in Central Ohio this year, you've probably noticed something: homes aren't going under contract in 48 hours anymore. That's not your imagination, and it's not a sign the market has turned against sellers. It's a sign the market is normalizing after several years of unsustainable speed.

What the Numbers Actually Show

According to the Columbus REALTORS® Central Ohio Housing Report for May 2026, closed sales climbed 7.8% year over year, and inventory grew 8.2% over the same period last year. Total inventory reached 5,223 single-family homes and condos across the region — a 2.0-month supply. For context, a fully balanced market needs 4 to 6 months of supply, so Columbus is still tilted toward sellers, just less dramatically than it was in 2021 and 2022.

More listings on the market means buyers have more to compare your home against. That's the real story behind longer days on market — not weaker demand, but more competition for buyers' attention.

Why This Isn't Bad News — If You Prepare for It

A slightly longer runway to a signed contract actually rewards sellers who take preparation seriously. In a frenzy market, an overpriced or under-prepped home could still get bailed out by desperate buyers making blind offers. That safety net is gone. Here's what matters more now than it did two years ago:

Pricing accurately from day one — a home priced even 3-5% too high can sit long enough to develop a stigma, forcing a price cut that nets less than pricing it right the first time
Move-in ready condition — buyers with more options will pass over homes that need obvious work in favor of one down the street that doesn't
Professional photography and a clean, decluttered showing — competing listings mean first impressions online matter more than ever
Being ready to negotiate on repairs or closing costs — buyers with choices are more willing to ask, and sellers who dig in on principle often lose the buyer entirely

It Looks Different Depending on Where You Are

Central Ohio isn't one market — it's dozens of smaller ones layered together, and the pace varies block by block. Close-in, high-demand areas like Upper Arlington, Grandview, and Worthington are still moving briskly because inventory in those pockets remains genuinely tight. Further out, in parts of Marion County and other outlying areas, the additional supply is more noticeable, and homes are sitting on the market longer. Before you assume your home will move at any particular speed, it's worth looking at what's actually happening on your specific street, not just the regional headline.

Bottom Line: Longer days on market in 2026 reflect a healthier, more balanced Columbus market — not a weaker one. Sellers who price realistically and present their home well are still finding strong outcomes; sellers who assume it's still 2021 are the ones getting surprised.

Curious how your specific neighborhood is trending right now? I'm happy to pull the numbers for your street and walk you through what a realistic timeline and price point look like.

Margaret Lipp | RE/MAX Premier Choice

Serving Upper Arlington, Dublin, Worthington, Clintonville, Hilliard, Powell, Grandview, and all Central Ohio communities

Data source: Columbus REALTORS® Central Ohio Housing Report, May 2026 (most recent report available at time of publication).

Community Spotlight: A New Sunbury Community That Left an Impression

Wed, 15 Jul 2026 07:42:38 GMT

Community Spotlight: A New Sunbury Community That Left an Impression

I recently toured a brand new community in Sunbury and walked away more impressed than I expected.

The word that kept coming to mind throughout my visit was intentional.

Now, to be clear, this community is still in its early stages. Outside of the model homes, the neighborhood itself has not yet been built and the amenities are still planned rather than completed.

What I was evaluating wasn't the finished product.

It was the vision.

And that's exactly what caught my attention.

As a Realtor, I tour a lot of new construction communities. Beautiful model homes are expected. What interests me most is the overall site plan and how the community has been designed.

One of the first things I noticed was the emphasis on preserving green space.

In many new construction neighborhoods, homesites backing to open space or natural views are limited and often carry a premium price.

Looking at the site plan here, a significant number of homesites are planned around green space, trails, wooded stream corridors, and open areas.

The community is expected to include approximately 570 homes with pricing starting in the $400,000s .

Planned Amenities

The planned amenities are extensive and include:

✔ Resort-style pool

✔ Fitness center and movement studio

✔ Pickleball courts

✔ Golf simulator

✔ Nearly 15,000 square foot clubhouse

✔ Community garden

✔ Event lawn and gathering spaces

✔ Outdoor fire pits

✔ Miles of walking trails

✔ Preserved natural areas and wooded stream corridors

One feature I found particularly interesting is that the community plans to have a dedicated onsite Lifestyle Director.

Their role will be to coordinate events, activities, clubs, and opportunities for residents to connect with one another.

That may sound like a small detail, but I think it speaks to the larger vision for the neighborhood.

The focus isn't just on building homes.

It's on creating a community.

Whether this community is ultimately the right fit for you will depend on your goals, lifestyle, and budget.

But from a planning and design perspective, it's one of the more thoughtfully conceived new construction communities I've toured recently.

Could this be the community you've been waiting for? If you'd like to explore it further, compare it with other neighborhoods, or simply ask a few questions, I'd love to help. Let's connect and find the right fit together.

Margaret Lipp | REMAX Premier Choice

Serving Upper Arlington, Dublin, Worthington, Clintonville, Hilliard, Powell, Grandview, and all Central Ohio communities

5 Questions to Ask Yourself Before You List Your Central Ohio Home

Fri, 10 Jul 2026 19:18:56 GMT

5 Questions to Ask Yourself Before You List Your Central Ohio Home

Every seller eventually asks some version of the same question: is now the right time? The honest answer is that market conditions matter, but they're rarely the deciding factor. The sellers who feel best about their decision six months later are usually the ones who worked through a few honest questions first — not just the ones who timed the market perfectly.

1. What's Actually Driving This, the Market or Your Life?

Market timing gets a lot of attention, but most moves are driven by something more personal: a job change, a growing family, a need to be closer to aging parents, or simply outgrowing a space. If your reason to move is tied to your life rather than to squeezing out the last percentage point of appreciation, that's usually a stronger foundation for a decision you won't second-guess.

2. Do You Know Your Real Equity Position

Not your Zestimate — your real, current equity based on actual comparable sales in your specific neighborhood. This number changes what's possible for your next move, whether that's a larger home, a smaller one, or a different part of Central Ohio entirely. It's worth getting an accurate number before you start making assumptions about what you can afford next.

3. Have You Priced Out Your Next Move, Not Just Your Sale?

Selling is only half the equation. If you're moving up, what does the next mortgage payment actually look like at current rates? If you're downsizing, have you accounted for the costs of the move itself — closing costs, moving expenses, and any updates the new place might need? Sellers who work backward from their next move tend to negotiate more confidently than sellers who are only focused on getting top dollar for the home they're leaving.

3. Have You Priced Out Your Next Move, Not Just Your Sale?

Bottom Line

If you've been assuming single-family is the only realistic path to homeownership in Central Ohio right now, the condo and townhome market's growth this spring is worth a closer look. It's not the right fit for every buyer, but for the right one — someone prioritizing location, lower maintenance, or a lower entry price — this segment is showing real momentum.

If you'd like to see what's currently available in the condo and townhome price range that fits your budget, I'm happy to put together a tailored search.

Margaret Lipp | REMAX Premier Choice

Serving Upper Arlington, Dublin, Worthington, Clintonville, Hilliard, Powell, Grandview, and all Central Ohio communities.

Market data sourced from Columbus REALTORS® / Columbus and Central Ohio Regional MLS, May 2026 housing report (most recent data available as of publication). This post is for general informational purposes and is not a substitute for advice tailored to your specific property or situation.

Condo & Townhome Buyers: Why This Summer Might Be Your Window in Central Ohio

Fri, 10 Jul 2026 19:10:28 GMT

Condo & Townhome Buyers: Why This Summer Might Be Your Window in Central Ohio

Buyers focused on single-family homes get most of the market coverage, but the condo and townhome segment quietly had one of the strongest months of the year in May — and it's worth understanding why, especially if you've been priced out of the single-family market or you're looking to simplify.

What the Region Is Actually Doing

The May 2026 report from Columbus REALTORS® and the Columbus & Central Ohio Regional MLS gives us the clearest picture we've had all year:

Closed sales climbed 7.8% year over year across Central Ohio.
Inventory expanded 8.2% year over year, reaching 5,223 single-family homes and condos region-wide, or roughly a 2.0-month supply.
New listings totaled 4,044 for the month, up 1.4% from May 2025.
The regional median sales price rose 4.3% to $350,000.
Homes spent an average of 29 days on market, essentially flat compared to a year ago.

For context, a balanced market — one that favors neither buyers nor sellers — typically needs 4 to 6 months of supply. At 2.0 months, Central Ohio is still tilted toward sellers overall, even with more homes available than we've seen in a few years.

Why Your Neighborhood Doesn't Follow the Regional Average

A 2.0-month regional supply is an average, and averages hide a lot. In higher-demand, close-in corridors like Upper Arlington, Dublin, and much of Worthington and Clintonville, well-priced homes in good condition are still moving quickly and, in some cases, still drawing multiple offers. The buyer pool in these areas is deep — driven by school district reputation, walkability, mature tree canopies, and proximity to downtown — and the price floor has held up well even as regional inventory grows.

Contrast that with more supply-heavy segments of the market, particularly certain price points in the outer-ring suburbs, where buyers now have real choices and are negotiating more actively. Sellers there need to be sharper on both price and presentation to stand out.

The practical takeaway: if you own in one of these established, close-in neighborhoods, the "inventory is rising" headline probably matters less to you than it does to a seller thirty minutes further out. That said, even within Clintonville or Worthington, pricing still varies block to block depending on lot size, school boundary, and renovation condition — which is exactly why a current CMA matters more than a regional statistic.

What This Means If You're Considering Listing

Get a neighborhood-specific comparative market analysis rather than relying on a citywide average or an automated home-value estimate.
Expect serious buyers to still move quickly on well-presented homes in strong school districts — but don't assume the frenzy of 2021-2022 pricing logic still applies.
Pay attention to your specific competition: how many similar homes are active right now within a half-mile of you, and how long have they been sitting?
If your home needs cosmetic work, budget the time for it. With more inventory on the market, presentation is doing more of the work than it did a few years ago.

Bottom Line

Central Ohio's overall market has more breathing room than it did a year or two ago, but established communities like Upper Arlington, Dublin, Worthington, and Clintonville are still holding up well for sellers who price accurately and present their homes well. The risk isn't that these neighborhoods have gone soft — it's assuming the regional numbers describe your specific street when they may not.

If you're weighing a listing this summer, I'm happy to pull the actual comparable sales for your neighborhood so you're working from real numbers, not a regional headline.

Margaret Lipp | REMAX Premier Choice

Serving Upper Arlington, Dublin, Worthington, Clintonville, Hilliard, Powell, Grandview, and all Central Ohio communities.

Not All of Central Ohio Is the Same Market: What Sellers in Upper Arlington, Worthington & Clintonville Need to Know

Fri, 10 Jul 2026 18:58:16 GMT

Not All of Central Ohio Is the Same Market: What Sellers in Upper Arlington, Worthington & Clintonville Need to Know

If you've seen a headline this summer about Central Ohio inventory rising or the market "cooling," it's worth pausing before you apply that to your own street. The regional numbers from Columbus REALTORS® are real, but Columbus isn't one market. It's dozens of smaller ones stacked next to each other, and close-in, established communities are behaving differently than the broader region.

What the Region Is Actually Doing

The May 2026 report from Columbus REALTORS® and the Columbus & Central Ohio Regional MLS gives us the clearest picture we've had all year:

Closed sales climbed 7.8% year over year across Central Ohio.
Inventory expanded 8.2% year over year, reaching 5,223 single-family homes and condos region-wide, or roughly a 2.0-month supply.
New listings totaled 4,044 for the month, up 1.4% from May 2025.
The regional median sales price rose 4.3% to $350,000.
Homes spent an average of 29 days on market, essentially flat compared to a year ago.

Why Your Neighborhood Doesn't Follow the Regional Average

What This Means If You're Considering Listing

Get a neighborhood-specific comparative market analysis rather than relying on a citywide average or an automated home-value estimate.
Expect serious buyers to still move quickly on well-presented homes in strong school districts — but don't assume the frenzy of 2021-2022 pricing logic still applies.
Pay attention to your specific competition: how many similar homes are active right now within a half-mile of you, and how long have they been sitting?
If your home needs cosmetic work, budget the time for it. With more inventory on the market, presentation is doing more of the work than it did a few years ago.

Bottom Line

If you're weighing a listing this summer, I'm happy to pull the actual comparable sales for your neighborhood so you're working from real numbers, not a regional headline.

Margaret Lipp | REMAX Premier Choice

Serving Upper Arlington, Dublin, Worthington, Clintonville, Hilliard, Powell, Grandview, and all Central Ohio communities.

Your Franklin County Property Value Just Changed. Here's What It Actually Means.

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 00:18:01 GMT

Your Franklin County Property Value Just Changed. Here's What It Actually Means.

If you've opened your mail recently, you've probably seen your updated property value from the Franklin County Auditor.

Mine increased by $27,000.

Naturally, my first question was the same one many homeowners have:

"So...how much is this actually going to cost me?"

Instead of guessing, I used the Franklin County Auditor's online tax estimator. Based on my home's new value, my property taxes are projected to increase by approximately $500 per year.

If you haven't checked yours yet, I highly recommend taking a few minutes to do so.

Here's how:

Step 1: Visit Franklin County property search site.

Step 2: Search by your address or name.

Step 3: Click the "tax calculator" button on the left hand side of your property page

Step 4: Click on "estimate your property tax"

Step 5: Type in your new proposed value under the "proposed" column

Step 6: Select a "credit type" if applied. For example you received a tax credit for owner occupied so be sure to select that.

Step 7: Click the red "calculate" button

Step 8: Scroll down and you will see your current assessed taxes compared to your estimated future amount.

A few important things to know

Your property value is not the same thing as your property tax bill.

Your home's market value may have increased, but your taxes are also influenced by your local tax district, voter approved levies, and how property values changed across your community.

That means two homeowners with similar value increases could see different tax impacts.

This year's update is different than 2023

This is Franklin County's required triennial update, which happens every three years.

Rather than physically inspecting every home, the Auditor analyzed recent home sales throughout the county to estimate today's market values.

The county reports that residential values increased by about 9% on average, although every neighborhood is different and some homes changed much more or much less.

Think your value is incorrect?

Don't assume you're stuck with it.

If your new value doesn't reflect what you believe your home would reasonably sell for, Franklin County allows homeowners to request an informal Property Value Review before values become final.

Need help making sense of it?

One of the questions I hear most often is:

"Does this mean my home is really worth that much?"

Sometimes the answer is yes.

Sometimes it's not.

If you'd like a second opinion on whether your new county value aligns with today's market, I'm happy to compare it with current neighborhood sales and give you my thoughts. No pressure. Just good information so you know where you stand.

Whether you're thinking about selling this year or simply trying to understand your biggest investment a little better, I'm always happy to help.

Margaret Lipp | RE/MAX Premier Choice

Serving Upper Arlington, Dublin, Worthington, Clintonville, Hilliard, Powell, and all Central Ohio communities

This article is provided for general informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, tax, or financial advice. Property tax estimates are based on information provided by the Franklin County Auditor and may change as tax rates, levies, or other factors are finalized. If you have questions regarding your tax situation, please consult the Franklin County Auditor's Office or a qualified tax professional.

Buying a Home in Columbus This Summer? Here’s What the Market Is Actually Telling You

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 23:55:25 GMT

Buying a Home in Columbus This Summer? Here’s What the Market Is Actually Telling You

The body content of your post goes here. To edit this text, click on it and delete this default text and start typing your own or paste your own from a different source.If you’ve been watching the Columbus housing market from the sidelines — waiting for things to settle down, rates to drop further, or inventory to improve — you might have missed the fact that a lot of that has already happened.

Not perfectly, and not without trade-offs. But the May 2026 data from Columbus REALTORS® tells a more nuanced story than most headlines give you. And if you’re thinking about buying in Central Ohio this summer, it’s worth understanding what’s actually going on before you start touring homes.

The Market Has Changed More Than You Might Realize

The frenzy of 2021 and 2022 is gone. What’s replaced it is a market that’s genuinely more functional for buyers — though it still rewards the people who come in prepared.

Inventory across Central Ohio reached 5,223 single-family homes and condominiums in May, representing a 2.0-month supply. That’s still well below the 4 to 6 months that defines a balanced market, but it’s meaningfully more than what buyers faced two and three years ago. Closed sales climbed 7.8% year over year and new listings came in at 4,044 for the month, up 1.4% from May 2025. The market is moving, and choices are expanding.

Mortgage rates have also stabilized in a range that many buyers have found workable. The days of sub-3% rates aren’t coming back, but the low-6% environment has allowed a significant number of buyers who sat out the high-rate period of 2024 to re-enter the market and find that the math pencils out.

What This Means Sub-Market by Sub-Market

Columbus is not one uniform market, and your experience buying in Clintonville will be different from buying in Powell, Dublin, or Hilliard. That’s worth saying plainly because people often apply the same strategy across the whole metro and end up either overpaying or missing opportunities.

A few examples of what the May data shows at the sub-market level:

• The Olentangy Local School District — which covers much of the Powell and Lewis Center corridor — recorded 169 closings in May, a 25.2% increase over last year, with a median sales price of $587,000.

• Union County posted a 34.1% jump in closed sales with 118 transactions and a median of $487,500 — one of the strongest volume growth numbers in the region.

• Marion County remains the most accessible market in the region, with buyers closing on 79 homes at a median of $212,500 — worth knowing if affordability is a primary driver.

What this tells you: buyer competition is not evenly distributed. The highest-demand corridors — particularly those tied to top school districts — are still competitive. Other areas offer more breathing room and more opportunity to negotiate. Knowing which bucket your target neighborhoods fall into changes how you approach the offer.

The Mistakes Buyers Are Still Making Right Now

Even in a more balanced market, buyers make predictable errors. A few worth flagging:

• Waiting for a “better” market. Prices have appreciated modestly and consistently in Columbus — about 3% to 4% annually in recent data. Waiting six months to save a few dollars on your rate will almost certainly cost you more in purchase price than you gain.

• Skipping pre-approval or treating it as a formality. In active sub-markets, sellers are still looking at the strength of your financing. A pre-approval that’s thorough and recent carries real weight in a competitive situation.

• Applying national news to the local market. Columbus has its own dynamics — a strong job market, continued population growth, and a persistent housing shortage relative to demand. What’s happening in Phoenix or Austin or New York has limited bearing on what you’ll experience here.

• Underestimating total cost. Your monthly payment matters, but so do property taxes, HOA fees if applicable, insurance, and maintenance. In Central Ohio, property tax rates vary meaningfully by jurisdiction and are worth factoring in before you fall in love with a specific address.

The Case for Moving This Summer

Summer is historically the highest-demand period for Columbus real estate. Families are trying to close before the school year starts, relocation buyers are active, and the combination of buyer volume and slightly expanded inventory creates a window that’s genuinely different from what the market looks like in October or January.

That doesn’t mean you should rush. It means that if you’re already ready — pre-approved, clear on your budget, and realistic about your priorities — this is a good time to be actively looking. The buyers who do well right now are the ones who move deliberately, not frantically.

Bottom Line

The Columbus buyer market in summer 2026 is more navigable than it’s been in years. More inventory, stable rates, and a clearer picture of what homes are actually worth. That doesn’t make it easy, but it makes it workable — if you go in with the right preparation.

Sub-market knowledge matters. Understanding your financing ceiling matters. And having an agent who will give you straight information rather than just push you toward a fast offer matters.

If you’re thinking about buying in Central Ohio and want a realistic conversation about what to expect, where to look, and how to structure an offer that actually holds up — reach out. Happy to walk through it with you.

Margaret Lipp | RE/MAX Premier Choice

Serving Upper Arlington, Grandview, Dublin, Worthington, Clintonville, Hilliard, Powell, and all Central Ohio communities

Market data sourced from Columbus REALTORS® / Columbus & Central Ohio Regional MLS, May 2026. Mortgage rate information reflects conditions as of mid-2026 and is subject to change. This post is for general informational purposes. Market conditions vary by neighborhood and change over time. Consult a licensed real estate professional for guidance specific to your situation.

Is This Summer a Good Time to Sell Your Columbus Home? Here’s the Honest Answer

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 20:49:04 GMT

Is This Summer a Good Time to Sell Your Columbus Home? Here’s the Honest Answer

Every summer, the question comes up: “Should I sell now, or wait?”

It’s a fair question, and the honest answer is: it depends on what you’re selling, where you are in Central Ohio, and what you’re trying to accomplish. The good news is that the May 2026 data from Columbus REALTORS® just came out, and it gives us a much clearer picture than the national headlines do.

Let’s look at what’s actually happening — and what it means if you’re thinking about listing this summer.

What the May 2026 Numbers Actually Say

The latest Columbus & Central Ohio Regional MLS report tells a story that most national real estate coverage won’t bother to tell you: this market is moving.

Closed sales climbed 7.8% year over year in May. Inventory expanded 8.2% compared to last May, bringing the total to 5,223 single-family homes and condominiums across the region — roughly a 2.0-month supply. New listings came in at 4,044 in May, up 1.4% from the same month last year.

To put that inventory number in context: a balanced market typically requires 4 to 6 months of supply, or somewhere between 8,000 and 10,000 units. We are still well below that. Columbus REALTORS® President Gloria Alonso Cannon called the May activity “a strong signal that central Ohio buyers are active and ready.”

What does that mean for you as a seller? It means demand is real and buyers are showing up. It does not mean you can price carelessly and expect the same results as 2021. The market has evolved, and sellers who approach it with current data — not past assumptions — are the ones getting strong results.

The Shift You Need to Understand Before You List

The Columbus market has been gradually rebalancing since mid-2024. More inventory, slightly longer days on market in some segments, and buyers who are more measured than they were a few years ago.

That shift is actually healthy. It creates a more predictable transaction environment for sellers who price and present their homes correctly. But it does mean the “list anything and get ten offers in a weekend” era has passed. Sellers who go in expecting that dynamic are the ones who end up sitting on the market and eventually reducing their price.

The sellers doing well right now share a few things in common:

• They priced based on what comparable homes are actually closing for — not what they wish the market would bear

• They prepared the home before listing: fresh paint, clean spaces, any deferred maintenance that would show up on an inspection

• They went to market with professional photography and clear, accurate listing descriptions

• They understood their sub-market — because Dublin, Clintonville, Hilliard, and Worthington are not all behaving the same way

Location Still Matters More Than the Averages

Columbus is not one market — it’s a collection of neighborhoods and suburbs that each have their own price points, buyer pools, and absorption rates.

In higher-demand corridors like Upper Arlington and Dublin, well-priced homes in good condition are still generating strong interest and, in some cases, multiple offers. The buyer pool there is relatively deep and the price floor is holding.

In more supply-heavy segments — particularly certain price ranges in Hilliard and the outer ring suburbs — buyers have more options and are negotiating more actively. Sellers in those areas need to be sharper on price and presentation to stand out.

This is why a CMA (Comparative Market Analysis) matters so much right now. The broad regional median doesn’t tell you what your specific home will do in your specific neighborhood. That requires local data and honest analysis.

Should You Wait Until Fall or List This Summer?

Here’s the thing about timing: there is no universally correct answer. But there are some useful patterns.

Summer — particularly June, July, and early August — is historically the strongest period for buyer activity in Central Ohio. Families are trying to close before the school year starts. Relocating buyers are on timelines. Inventory is more visible and foot traffic at open houses tends to be higher.

Waiting until fall is not necessarily a mistake, but you’re trading the peak demand window for more time to prepare. If your home needs work, that trade might be worth it. If your home is already ready, listing now gives you access to the strongest buyer pool of the year.

What almost never makes sense: listing this summer because you expect the market to cool later and you want to “get out while the getting is good.” That kind of market timing is speculative, and Columbus prices have been stable with modest appreciation — not a bubble about to burst. Decisions based on fear or impatience tend to backfire.

Bottom Line

This is a functional market for sellers who go in prepared. The May 2026 data shows real buyer activity, low inventory relative to historical norms, and prices that have held steady with moderate appreciation.

Summer gives you access to the strongest buyer demand window of the year. Whether you’re ready to take advantage of that depends on your home, your timeline, and your price expectations — not on whether you’ve heard good things about the market generally.

If you want an honest, data-backed conversation about what your home would realistically net in today’s Columbus market — and whether now is the right time for you specifically — I’m happy to walk through it with you. That conversation costs nothing, and it might clarify more than you expect.

Margaret Lipp | RE/MAX Premier Choice

Serving Upper Arlington, Grandview, Dublin, Worthington, Clintonville, Hilliard, Powell, and all Central Ohio communities

Market data sourced from Columbus REALTORS® / Columbus & Central Ohio Regional MLS, May 2026. This post is for general informational purposes. Market conditions vary by neighborhood and change over time. Consult a licensed real estate professional for guidance specific to your home and situation.

What Sellers Get Wrong About Pricing a Home in Columbus

Tue, 09 Jun 2026 18:36:12 GMT

What Sellers Get Wrong About Pricing a Home in Columbus

Mistake #1: Pricing Based on What You Need, Not What the Market Will Pay

This is the most emotionally understandable pricing mistake, and one of the most costly.

Sellers often have a number in mind—what they need to net to pay off the mortgage, fund the move, or reach a financial goal. That number is real and it matters. But buyers have no way of knowing it, and no reason to care about it. They are comparing your home to every other home available at that price point.

If your number requires you to price your home at $425,000 in a neighborhood where comparable homes are selling for $385,000 to $395,000, the market will tell you clearly and quickly that the math doesn’t work—usually by ignoring your listing entirely.

The more useful question is not “what do I need?” but “what will a qualified buyer pay for this home in this condition, in this neighborhood, right now?” A good listing agent will give you an honest answer to that question even if it’s not the number you were hoping for.

Mistake #2: Using Neighbor Sale Prices Without Adjusting for Condition

“My neighbor’s house sold for $410,000—mine should be worth at least that.”

Maybe. But only if the homes are genuinely comparable. Buyers and appraisers are not looking at your home versus your neighbor’s in isolation—they’re evaluating it against the full picture: square footage, lot size, updates, finishes, garage situation, basement, age of mechanicals, and condition throughout.

If your neighbor had a renovated kitchen and yours hasn’t been touched since 1998, that difference has a dollar value. If their home had a finished basement and yours doesn’t, that matters too. Pricing without accounting for those differences puts you in front of buyers who will notice every gap between what you’re asking and what they’re seeing.

Mistake #3: “We Can Always Come Down”

This is probably the most common justification for overpricing, and it sounds reasonable until you look at how buyers actually behave.

In Columbus and across Central Ohio, most serious buyers are working with agents who set up automated searches. When your home goes live, it hits their inbox. They look. If the price looks off relative to what they’ve been seeing, they move on. They do not bookmark it and wait to see if you lower the price. They find something else.

By the time you reduce the price, those buyers have already mentally filed your home away as “that overpriced one that’s been sitting.” A price reduction generates some activity, but rarely the same quality or volume of interest as a correctly priced new listing does in the first two weeks on market.

Days on market are visible to buyers. A home that has been listed for 45 days with a price cut invites questions and negotiations that a fresh, well-priced listing does not.

Mistake #4: Overweighting Automated Estimates

Automated valuation tools have their uses—they are a reasonable starting point for a ballpark number. But they have real limitations that matter when you are trying to price a specific home in a specific Columbus neighborhood.

These tools do not know that your kitchen was fully renovated last year. They don’t know that your street has better access to Olentangy Trail than the comps they pulled from two miles away. They don’t adjust for the fact that your school district boundary puts you in a higher-demand zone than the house three blocks over.

A CMA—a comparative market analysis done by an agent who knows your neighborhood—takes all of that into account. Automated estimates are a data point, not a pricing strategy.

What Correct Pricing Actually Looks Like

A well-priced home in Central Ohio generates the most buyer activity in the first 7 to 14 days it is on market. That window matters more than any other. More activity means more showings. More showings mean more competition. More competition means you are more likely to receive strong offers, potentially multiple, which gives you negotiating leverage you simply do not have if the listing stalls.

Correct pricing is not the same as low pricing. It means pricing at the level where qualified buyers see the value clearly and feel motivated to act. In a strong sub-market—Upper Arlington, Dublin, Worthington, Hilliard, parts of Westerville—a correctly priced home can still attract multiple offers above asking. But it starts with an honest read of what the data actually supports.

Bottom Line

Pricing your home well is the single biggest variable within your control as a seller. It affects how fast you sell, how much you net, and how much negotiating leverage you carry into the process. Getting it right from day one is almost always worth more than the optimism of starting high and hoping for the best.

If you want an honest, data-backed look at what your home is worth in today’s Columbus market—not a number designed to win your listing—reach out. That conversation is always free, and it might save you a lot of time and money.

Margaret Lipp | RE/MAX Premier Choice

Serving Upper Arlington, Grandview, Dublin, Worthington, Clintonville, Hilliard, Powell, and all Central Ohio communities

This post is for general informational purposes. Market conditions vary by neighborhood and change over time. Consult a licensed real estate professional for guidance specific to your home.

First-Time Homebuyer in Columbus? Here’s What Nobody Tells You Before You Start

Tue, 09 Jun 2026 18:30:56 GMT

First-Time Homebuyer in Columbus? Here’s What Nobody Tells You Before You Start

Get Pre-Approved Before You Fall in Love With a House

This is the most important thing on this list, and it is the step most first-time buyers either skip or treat as a formality.

A mortgage pre-approval is not the same as pre-qualification. Pre-qualification is a quick estimate based on what you tell a lender. Pre-approval means the lender has actually reviewed your income, assets, credit, and debts and confirmed—in writing—what they are prepared to lend you.

In the Columbus market, sellers expect offers to come with a pre-approval letter. In competitive sub-markets like Dublin, Hilliard, or Worthington, a strong pre-approval can be the difference between your offer being taken seriously and being passed over entirely.

Beyond the competitive angle, pre-approval gives you clarity. You will know your real budget—not what you think you can afford, but what a lender will actually back. That shapes every decision that follows.

Understand the Full Cost—Not Just the Down Payment

Most first-time buyers know they need a down payment. What surprises many of them are the costs on top of it.

Closing costs in Ohio typically run 2–5% of the purchase price. On a $300,000 home, that’s $6,000 to $15,000 in addition to your down payment. Those costs cover things like lender fees, title insurance, the appraisal, prepaid taxes and insurance, and attorney or settlement fees.

Then there’s the move itself, any immediate repairs or updates you want to make, and the reality that homeownership comes with maintenance costs that renting does not. None of this should scare you off—it should inform how you budget going in. A lender or buyer’s agent can walk you through realistic numbers for your specific situation before you ever make an offer.

Columbus Is Not One Market—It’s Several

The Columbus metro is one of the more affordable major metros in the Midwest, and it has real momentum. But “Columbus” covers a lot of ground, and the market behaves very differently depending on where you are looking.

Homes in strong school districts—Olentangy, Worthington, Hilliard—move fast and often attract multiple offers. In those areas, being prepared to act quickly and write a clean offer is not optional. In other pockets of the metro where inventory is more available and buyer demand is softer, you have more room to be selective and negotiate.

Understanding which kind of sub-market you are shopping in changes your strategy significantly. Going in with one-size-fits-all expectations is one of the fastest ways to lose out on homes you want or overpay for homes you could have negotiated on.

The Inspection Is Not a Formality—Use It

A home inspection gives you an independent, professional assessment of the property’s condition before you are legally committed to buying it. It is one of the most valuable parts of the process, and first-time buyers sometimes underestimate it.

A good inspector will walk through the home systematically—roof, foundation, mechanicals, electrical, plumbing, HVAC—and document what they find. No home is perfect, and a list of items on an inspection report is normal. What matters is understanding which items are routine maintenance, which are negotiating points, and which are serious enough to give you pause.

In competitive markets, buyers sometimes waive inspections to strengthen their offers. That is a real trade-off. Before making that decision, talk through it honestly with your agent. There is a difference between waiving an inspection on a newer home in excellent condition and waiving it on a 1960s ranch with an older roof and unknown mechanicals.

Your Agent Works for You—But Only If You Choose the Right One

In Ohio, buyers have the right to representation, and in most transactions, the seller pays the buyer’s agent commission. That means you can have a professional advocate in your corner at little to no direct cost to you—but only if you actually engage one who knows the market and is working in your interest.

A good buyer’s agent does more than open doors. They help you understand what homes are worth before you make an offer. They know how to write a competitive offer that protects your interests. They guide you through inspection negotiations, appraisal issues, and the closing process. They have relationships with lenders, inspectors, and title companies who are good at their jobs.

The agent you hire matters. Ask questions. Look for someone who knows Central Ohio neighborhoods specifically, communicates clearly, and gives you honest guidance rather than just telling you what you want to hear.

One Thing Columbus Buyers Often Don’t Know

Ohio is an attorney state for real estate closings, which means an attorney or title company handles the closing process—not just a settlement agent. This is a standard part of how transactions work here, but if you are relocating from a state where closings work differently, it can feel unfamiliar. Your agent and lender will walk you through what to expect well before closing day.

Bottom Line

Buying your first home in Columbus is genuinely achievable. The city has real affordability advantages compared to many major metros, the economy is strong, and there are solid options across a wide range of price points and neighborhoods.

The buyers who have the best experience are the ones who do the preparation upfront—get pre-approved, understand their full budget, learn the sub-market they are targeting, and work with people who will give them straight information throughout the process.

If you are thinking about buying in Central Ohio and want a realistic conversation about where to start, I am happy to help. No pressure, just a straight answer to wherever you are in the process.

Margaret Lipp | RE/MAX Premier Choice

Serving Upper Arlington, Grandview, Dublin, Worthington, Clintonville, Hilliard, Powell, and all Central Ohio communities

This post is for general informational purposes. Loan requirements, closing costs, and market conditions vary and change over time. Always consult with a qualified lender and a licensed real estate professional for guidance specific to your situation.

Buyer Closing Cost Credits: What Columbus Home Sellers Need to Know Before They List

Wed, 13 May 2026 16:54:00 GMT

Buyer Closing Cost Credits: What Columbus Home Sellers Need to Know Before They List

If you're thinking about selling your home in Columbus, Dublin, Upper Arlington, or anywhere in Central Ohio, there's a chance the topic of buyer closing cost credits might come up before you get to the closing table. Whether it does — and how much leverage you have if it does — depends heavily on where your home is located and how it's priced from day one.

Here's a plain-English breakdown of what seller-paid closing cost credits actually are, when they're likely to surface, and how to think about them strategically.

What Is a Buyer Closing Cost Credit?

A closing cost credit — sometimes called a seller concession — is when you, as the seller, agree to contribute money toward the buyer's closing costs as part of the purchase agreement. Instead of the buyer coming to the table with more cash, you reduce your net proceeds to help cover some of their fees.

Buyer closing costs in Ohio typically run 2–5% of the purchase price. On a $350,000 home, that's anywhere from $7,000 to $17,500. That's a real number for most buyers, and in a market where mortgage rates have kept affordability tight, some buyers are actively looking for ways to reduce that upfront cash burden.

Do Closing Cost Credits Come Up on Every Columbus Sale? No.

This is where a lot of generic real estate advice misses the mark. Whether a buyer asks for a closing cost credit — and whether you have any obligation to consider it — depends on two things more than anything else: the sub-market your home sits in and how well it's priced.

In highly competitive Columbus neighborhoods — parts of Upper Arlington, Clintonville, Dublin, New Albany, and well-located Westerville — well-priced homes still attract multiple offers. In that environment, buyers competing for your home aren't typically in a position to ask for concessions. They're focused on winning, not on minimizing cash to close. A closing cost credit request in that context can actually be a signal that an offer isn't as strong as it looks on paper.

The picture shifts in neighborhoods where buyer demand is softer, where inventory has built up, or where your home is priced at the upper edge of what the market will bear. In those situations, buyers have more negotiating room — and requests for seller-paid credits become more common. This is also where pricing strategy matters most. A home that's overpriced going in and sits for 30 or 45 days will face a very different negotiating environment than one that hits the market correctly priced from the start.

The honest answer: in a well-priced listing in a competitive Columbus sub-market, you may never hear the words "closing cost credit" at all. In a slower pocket or an overpriced situation, you might hear it frequently. The variables aren't random — they're largely within your control.

Why Would a Seller Agree to This When It Does Come Up?

If the topic surfaces, it's worth understanding the strategic logic before you react.

Here's the most common scenario. A buyer is willing to pay your asking price, but they're stretched between their down payment and closing costs. Rather than walk away or ask you to drop the price, they ask for an $8,000 closing cost credit. You agree, which means they pay $358,000 with an $8,000 credit back at closing — you net $350,000.

Compare that to simply dropping your list price by $8,000. The math looks similar on paper, but there's a meaningful difference: a higher sale price supports a higher appraised value, which matters for comparable sales in your neighborhood. A price reduction is permanent and public. A closing cost credit is negotiated and documented only in the purchase agreement.

That said — if you're fielding credit requests repeatedly, the right conversation to have with your listing agent isn't about whether to grant the credits. It's about whether the home is priced correctly to begin with.

How Much Can a Seller Contribute?

When a credit is part of a deal, the amount is capped by the buyer's loan type — not by what you're willing to give. Here's a quick reference:

Conventional loan (10%+ down): Up to 6% of the purchase price
Conventional loan (less than 10% down): Up to 3%
FHA loan: Up to 6%
VA loan: Up to 4%
USDA loan: Up to 6%

Your buyer's lender will confirm what applies to their specific loan. Know that the cap exists so you're not agreeing to something that can't actually be executed at closing.

Three Situations Where a Credit Can Work in Your Favor

When a credit request does come up, here's how to think about it:

1. It keeps a qualified deal together. If the buyer is solid — strong pre-approval, motivated, good credit — and the only sticking point is cash to close, a credit is often cheaper than re-listing, starting over, and carrying the home for additional weeks.

2. It replaces a price reduction. If you need to respond to market feedback, a closing cost credit can address affordability without reducing what the home publicly sells for.

3. It's an alternative to repairs after inspection. Buyers who find issues during inspection often ask for repairs or a repair credit. A closing cost credit can sometimes accomplish the same thing while giving the buyer flexibility to spend the money as they choose after closing.

What It Actually Costs You

A closing cost credit comes directly out of your proceeds at closing. If you agree to a $10,000 credit on a $350,000 sale, you net $340,000 before your other selling costs. That's the straightforward reality.

The better question isn't just "what does this cost me?" — it's "does agreeing to this get me a better overall outcome than the alternatives?" That depends on how competitive your listing is, how long you've been on market, and what the buyer's situation actually is. A good listing agent will help you evaluate that clearly, offer by offer.

One Thing Columbus Sellers Often Don't Know

Ohio is a dower rights state, meaning a non-titled spouse may need to sign certain closing documents. This is separate from closing cost credits but comes up in the same transaction. If you're married and your spouse isn't on the title, make sure your agent and title company know early — it's a detail that can create last-minute stress if it surfaces the week of closing.

Bottom Line

Buyer closing cost credits aren't a given in every Columbus transaction — and whether you'll face them has a lot to do with your neighborhood and your pricing strategy. In competitive, well-priced situations, you often have the leverage to simply say no. In softer situations, they can be a useful tool when structured correctly.

Either way, understanding how they work puts you in a better position to negotiate — and to recognize when a credit request is reasonable and when it's a signal to look more carefully at the offer.

If you're planning to sell and want to talk through where your home sits in today's market, reach out. I'm happy to give you a straight answer.

Margaret Lipp | RE/MAX Premier Choice

Serving Upper Arlington, Dublin, Worthington, Clintonville, Hilliard, Powell, and all Central Ohio communities

This post is for general informational purposes. Loan concession caps are set by individual loan programs and may change. Consult your listing agent and a qualified financial professional for guidance specific to your transaction.

Is Now a Good Time to Sell My Home in Columbus, Ohio?

Wed, 13 May 2026 16:53:48 GMT

Is Now a Good Time to Sell My Home in Columbus, Ohio?

 Is Now a Good Time to Sell My Home in Columbus, Ohio?

It's one of the most common questions I hear from homeowners in Central Ohio: "Is now a good time to sell?" It's a fair question, and it deserves a straight answer rather than a reflexive "it's always a great time to sell!" from someone who just wants your listing.

So here's the honest answer, grounded in what the Columbus market is actually doing right now.

What the Columbus Market Data Shows in 2026

Let's start with the numbers, because they tell a clearer story than opinions do.

According to Columbus REALTORS®, the median sale price across the Central Ohio MLS hit $335,000 in March 2026, up 4.7% year over year. Inventory has increased 3.1% year over year, reaching 4,067 units. More homes are on the market than a year ago, but supply is still very lean. Months of supply remains at just 1.6 months, well below the six-month threshold that defines a balanced market, which means Central Ohio is still solidly in seller's market territory.

Homes are now averaging 46 to 49 days to sell across the metro, compared to 43 days a year earlier. Buyers have more breathing room, but sellers still receive an average of 97% of their original list price.

That last number matters. Getting 97% of your asking price is a strong outcome by any historical standard. It tells you that buyers are active and willing to pay close to what sellers are asking, as long as the home is priced correctly.

So Is It a Good Time to Sell? The Nuanced Answer

Yes, with context.

The Columbus market in 2026 is not the frenzied seller's market of 2021 and 2022, when bidding wars were routine and homes sold in days with zero contingencies. That era is over. But what we have right now is arguably more sustainable: a market where well-priced, well-presented, and professionally marketed homes attract serious buyers, while overpriced homes risk longer time on market and eventual price reductions.

The answer to "is now a good time to sell?" also depends heavily on three factors that have nothing to do with the market itself.

1. Your personal situation The best time to sell is when selling makes sense for your life. A job change, a growing family, an empty nest, a desire to downsize, or a financial goal you're ready to act on are all legitimate reasons to move forward regardless of what the market is doing. Timing the market perfectly is nearly impossible. Timing your life circumstances is what actually drives good decisions.

2. Where your home is located in Central Ohio Not every Columbus sub-market behaves the same way. While conditions vary by community, the data points to a market that remains strong and competitive overall. But "overall" can be misleading. Well-located homes in high-demand school districts like Olentangy, Worthington, and Hilliard are moving faster than the metro average. Worthington City School District reported 47 sales in March, a 52% rise year over year. Hilliard City Schools saw 105 closed sales, up 31.3%. In pockets with softer demand or higher inventory, sellers need to be more strategic about pricing and presentation.

3. How well your home is priced This is where most sellers either win or lose. Pricing realistically from day one is critical. Overpricing can lead to longer days on market and eventual price reductions. In a market where buyers have slightly more breathing room than they did two years ago, an overpriced listing gets ignored. And a listing that sits starts to carry a stigma that's hard to shake.

What Columbus Sellers Have Going for Them Right Now

Despite the market being more balanced than it was at peak, there are real tailwinds for sellers in Central Ohio heading into 2026.

Columbus was named one of the National Association of REALTORS® top home buying hot spots to watch in 2026, attributed to its strong economic fundamentals, expanding job market, and improving alignment between home prices and local incomes. That kind of national attention brings buyers, including relocation buyers from higher-cost markets who see Columbus as genuinely affordable by comparison.

In-migration from other Ohio cities and high-cost coastal metros is accelerating, particularly among remote workers, retirees, and young families. Those buyers are coming into the market ready to purchase, and they're often comparing Columbus favorably to what they left behind.

Mortgage rates, while elevated compared to the historic lows of 2020 and 2021, have created a relatively stable environment. Columbus REALTORS® President Gloria Alonso Cannon put it plainly: "One thing I've learned throughout my career is that finding the 'perfect' time to buy or sell doesn't exist. The market will do what it does, and sitting on the sidelines because of a half percent here or there usually doesn't work out for either side of the transaction."

That's not cheerleading. It's a realistic read on how most successful transactions actually happen.

What Columbus Sellers Need to Watch Out For

The risks for sellers in this market are real too, and worth being honest about.

Inventory is rising. New listings surged 12% in March, and the number of homes for sale jumped 32.4% in Columbus proper year over year. More inventory means more competition, which means your home needs to stand out, not just show up. The days of listing a home in average condition at an optimistic price and waiting for offers are largely behind us.

Buyers are negotiating more. The sale-to-list ratio has edged down slightly from where it was a year ago, which means buyers are pushing back on price more often than they were. That's not a crisis. It's a return to normal. But it requires sellers to go in with realistic expectations and a willingness to engage.

And rates, while stable, remain a factor. A rise in mortgage rates during early 2026, driven in part by oil prices and inflation, added roughly $109 per month to the cost of a median-priced Central Ohio home, which affects how many buyers can qualify and at what price point.

The Bottom Line for Columbus Sellers

If you're waiting for a flashing green light that says "now is the perfect time to sell," you'll be waiting a long time. That moment doesn't exist.

What does exist right now in Central Ohio is a market that still favors sellers, with supply well below a balanced level, prices up year over year, and buyers actively looking. But it's a market that rewards preparation and punishes wishful pricing. Homes that are well-prepared, correctly priced, and professionally marketed are selling. Homes that aren't are sitting.

The more useful questions to ask yourself are: Does selling make sense for where I am in my life right now? Is my home ready to compete? And do I have a realistic understanding of what it will sell for?

If the answers to those questions are yes, the Columbus market is ready to meet you.

If you'd like a straight-talking conversation about what your specific home would sell for in today's market and how to position it competitively, reach out. I'm happy to walk through the numbers with you, no pressure.

Margaret Lipp | RE/MAX Premier Choice Serving

Upper Arlington, Dublin, Worthington, Clintonville, Hilliard, Powell, and all Central Ohio communities

Market data referenced in this post reflects Columbus REALTORS® MLS reports and publicly available sources current as of spring 2026. Real estate market conditions change. Always consult a local real estate professional for guidance specific to your home and neighborhood.

How to Buy and Sell a Home at the Same Time in Columbus: Your Options, Explained

Wed, 13 May 2026 16:49:36 GMT

How to Buy and Sell a Home at the Same Time in Columbus: Your Options, Explained

Of all the situations that cause homeowners in Central Ohio to freeze up and do nothing, this one might be the most common: you want to move, you need to sell your current home to do it, but you also need somewhere to go. How do you buy without having sold? How do you sell without knowing where you are going next?

The good news is that this is not actually an unsolvable problem. People navigate it successfully every day. The key is understanding your options before you start, so you can build a plan that fits your financial situation and your local market conditions rather than hoping everything works out.

Here is a breakdown of every realistic path available to Columbus homeowners who are trying to buy and sell at the same time.

Step One: Talk to a Lender Before You Do Anything Else

This is the single most important piece of advice for anyone in this situation, and it is the first thing worth saying clearly. Before you start touring homes, before you call a listing agent, before you do anything else, talk to a lender.

The reason is simple. Whether you have flexibility to buy before you sell, or whether you need to sell first, depends almost entirely on your financial picture. Your equity, your income, your debt-to-income ratio, and your credit profile will determine which paths are open to you. A lender can tell you in one conversation what is actually possible, which saves you from falling in love with a house you cannot buy yet, or from selling too soon and ending up without a place to land.

Being financially prepared also gives you negotiating power regardless of which path you end up taking. Sellers on your next home will take you more seriously. Your offers will carry more weight. And you will go into the process with clear eyes rather than anxiety.

Path One: Sell First, Then Buy

This is the safest path from a financial risk standpoint. You sell your current home, pocket the proceeds, and then shop for your next one with cash in hand and no contingencies clouding your offers. You know exactly what you have to work with, and you are not carrying two mortgages at any point.

The trade-off is that you may need somewhere to live between transactions. That means either negotiating a leaseback with your buyer (more on that below), moving into a short-term rental, staying with family, or putting your belongings in storage while you shop.

In the current Columbus market, where homes in competitive neighborhoods are still moving in roughly 40 to 46 days, the gap between closing on your sale and finding your next home can be manageable. But in high-demand areas like Upper Arlington, Dublin, or Worthington, finding and winning your next home quickly can still be a challenge, especially if you are coming in with a contingency tied to the sale of a home you no longer own.

Selling first works well for sellers who are not in a rush on the buy side, who have flexibility on where they land temporarily, or who are downsizing to a lower price range where buyer competition is lighter.

Path Two: Buy First, Then Sell

Buying before you sell means you find and close on your next home while still owning your current one. You avoid the stress of a housing gap entirely. You can move at your own pace, prep your current home properly before listing it, and potentially net more money on the sale because you are not rushing.

The catch is that this requires either the financial strength to carry two mortgages temporarily, or one of the financing tools described below. Not everyone qualifies, and it is not cheap. But for the right buyer, it is often the cleanest path.

Bridge Loan

A bridge loan is a short-term loan, typically lasting 6 to 12 months, that lets you borrow against the equity in your current home to fund the down payment and closing costs on your next home before your sale closes.

Bridge loans are particularly useful in Ohio when you are eager to secure a new home before your current property has sold. The same lender handling your new home mortgage will often also provide the bridge loan. The key factor lenders look at is your debt-to-income ratio, accounting for your current mortgage, the new mortgage, and the bridge loan payment simultaneously.

The downside is cost. Bridge loan rates in 2026 typically run 8.5% to 11.5% APR, significantly higher than regular mortgage rates. A $200,000 bridge loan at 10% for six months would cost roughly $10,000 in interest alone. You are paying for speed and convenience. If your current home sells quickly, that cost is manageable. If it sits, it compounds.

Bridge loans are best suited for homeowners with strong credit, significant equity, and a realistic, short timeline for selling their current home.

HELOC (Home Equity Line of Credit)

A HELOC is a revolving line of credit secured against your current home's equity. Think of it like a credit card with your home as collateral. You draw what you need for the down payment and closing costs on your next home, then pay it off when your current home sells.

HELOC rates have dropped meaningfully, hitting 7.31% in early February 2026, their lowest level in more than three years. That makes them considerably cheaper than bridge loans in the current environment.

There is one critical timing issue with HELOCs that many homeowners miss: the line typically needs to be in place before you list your home for sale. Most lenders will not issue a HELOC once your home is on the market. If you think a HELOC might be part of your plan, you need to open it before your home goes live on the MLS.

HELOCs are generally better for homeowners who have time to set things up in advance, want lower interest costs, and do not need funds immediately.

Mortgage Recast

This is an option that most homeowners have never heard of, and it is worth knowing about. Here is how it works: you buy your next home first, possibly using savings or a HELOC for the down payment. When your current home sells, instead of paying off the new mortgage entirely, you make a large lump-sum payment toward the principal. The lender then recalculates your monthly payment based on the new, lower balance, without changing your interest rate or loan term.

A mortgage recast allows the lender to adjust your payment based on the new lower balance and can even remove private mortgage insurance if applicable. It is a quieter, less expensive tool than a bridge loan, and it works well for buyers who can get into their next home without needing to tap all of their equity upfront.

Not all loan types allow recasting, so ask your lender early if this is an option for your situation.

Path Three: Buy and Sell Simultaneously Using a Contingency

A sale contingency means your offer to purchase a new home is contingent on your current home selling first. If your home does not sell, the deal falls apart and you walk away. This protects you from being stuck carrying two mortgages.

The obvious trade-off is that contingent offers are less attractive to sellers. In competitive Columbus sub-markets where sellers are fielding multiple offers, a contingency can put you at a real disadvantage. In slower or more balanced pockets where sellers have fewer options, a well-written contingency can absolutely get accepted.

The strength of a contingency offer depends heavily on the condition and pricing of your current home. If your home is ready to go on the market and priced correctly, a seller on your next home is taking on less risk by accepting your contingency. If your home needs work or is optimistically priced, that risk goes up and your offer becomes less competitive.

This path works best in balanced market conditions, when your current home is already prepped and ready to list, and when you are shopping in a price range where sellers have fewer competing offers to choose from.

Path Four: Sell with a Leaseback

A leaseback, sometimes called a rent-back, is when you sell your home and then rent it back from the new buyer for a set period of time after closing. You get your sale proceeds immediately, you know your next chapter is funded, and you have time to find and close on your next home without a deadline hanging over you.

Leasebacks are negotiated as part of the purchase contract. The buyer essentially becomes your landlord for a short window, often 30 to 60 days, sometimes longer. You will typically pay rent at a daily rate based on the buyer's mortgage payment.

This option requires a buyer who is flexible on their occupancy timeline, which not all buyers are. But in situations where a buyer is not in a rush to move in, or where they are coming from out of town and need time themselves, it can be a genuine win for both sides.

A good listing agent will help you identify when this is a realistic ask and how to negotiate the terms clearly so there are no surprises at the end of the leaseback period.

The Most Important Variable: Your Home's Preparation

Regardless of which path you choose, there is one thing that shapes the outcome of every buy-and-sell situation more than almost anything else: how ready your current home is when it goes to market.

A move-in-ready, well-priced listing sells faster and gives you more flexibility on your purchase timeline. If your home sits because it needs work or is priced too high, every one of the paths above gets harder. Bridge loan costs climb. The contingency window expires. The leaseback deadline arrives before you are ready.

The cleanest buy-and-sell situations almost always start with getting the current home sale-ready before shopping for the next one. Declutter. Handle the deferred maintenance. Get a realistic price from your agent. Then go find your next home knowing you have a strong asset to bring to market when the time comes.

What Central Ohio Sellers Should Know About Timing

Understanding the average days on market in your specific neighborhood is essential to building a realistic timeline. In the Columbus and Central Ohio Regional MLS, the median days on market rose to 46 days in March 2026, but that number varies significantly by sub-market. Homes in high-demand school districts are moving faster. Homes in softer pockets or at higher price points are taking longer.

Your listing agent should be able to tell you specifically what homes like yours are doing right now in your area, not just what the broad metro average looks like. That neighborhood-level data is what you actually need to build your plan.

The Bottom Line

Buying and selling at the same time is nuanced, but it is absolutely manageable with the right preparation and the right team. The first step is always the same: talk to a lender and get clear on what your financial position actually allows. From there, the path that makes sense for you will come into focus.

If you are trying to figure out how to sequence your move in Columbus, Upper Arlington, Dublin, Worthington, or anywhere in Central Ohio, I am happy to walk through the options with you. Knowing the market, knowing the financing mechanics, and having a clear plan from the start is what makes the difference between a smooth transition and a stressful one.

Margaret Lipp | RE/MAX Premier Choice

Serving Upper Arlington, Dublin, Worthington, Clintonville, Hilliard, Powell, and all Central Ohio communities

This post is for general informational purposes. Financing options, qualification requirements, and loan terms vary by lender and individual financial situation. Always consult with a qualified lender and a licensed real estate professional before making decisions about buying or selling your home.

Central Ohio Property Tax Updates: What Homeowners Need to Know This Season

Mon, 19 Jan 2026 02:27:28 GMT

Central Ohio Property Tax Updates:
What Homeowners Need to Know This Season

Property tax season is approaching, and several Central Ohio counties have introduced important updates—ranging from revised due dates to new payment options. Staying informed now can help you avoid late penalties, interest charges, or unexpected escrow issues later.

Below is a clear, county-by-county breakdown to help you plan ahead with confidence.

Central Ohio Property Tax Due Dates & County Updates

Franklin County

Franklin County has officially revised its real estate tax due dates beginning with the most recent billing cycle.

Updated Due Dates

First-Half Real Estate Taxes: Due February 28 (or the next business day if it falls on a weekend)
Second-Half Real Estate Taxes: Due no earlier than July 20 (exact date confirmed mid-year)

Why This Matters
These changes were designed to allow more time between when tax bills are mailed and when payments are due.

While this is helpful for homeowners, it also requires mortgage lenders and escrow companies to update their systems.

�� If your taxes are escrowed, I strongly recommend confirming that your lender has the revised Franklin County due dates on file.

⚠️ Late payments are still subject to penalties and interest—even if the delay is caused by outdated escrow timing.

Delaware County

Delaware County has maintained its traditional due dates but has made meaningful improvements to payment flexibility.

Typical Due Dates

First Half: February
Second Half: July

New and Improved Options

Expanded online payment functionality
Monthly payment plans that allow taxes to be spread out over the year
Reduced fees for certain electronic payment methods

These options are especially beneficial for homeowners who do not escrow their property taxes and prefer more predictable cash flow.

Union County

Union County continues to follow a standard semi-annual tax schedule.

Typical Due Dates

First-Half Taxes: Mid-February
Second-Half Taxes: Mid-July

Additional Notes

Online payments are available
Optional escrow-style monthly payment plans are offered
Late payments may trigger a 5% penalty quickly , with additional penalties if unpaid

Staying on top of deadlines is especially important in Union County due to strict penalty enforcement.

Fairfield County

Fairfield County remains consistent with Ohio’s traditional property tax calendar.

Typical Due Dates

First-Half Real Estate Taxes: Mid-to-late February
Second-Half Real Estate Taxes: Mid-July

Online payment options are available, though convenience fees may apply depending on the payment method used.

Knox County

Knox County also follows a February/July tax cycle, though exact dates may vary slightly from year to year.

Typical Due Dates

First-Half Taxes: Early-to-mid February
Second-Half Taxes: Early-to-mid July

Important Reminder: Not receiving a bill does not excuse late payment. Homeowners are responsible for confirming amounts and deadlines directly with the county.

Licking County

Licking County uses a traditional semi-annual structure.

Typical Due Dates

First-Half Taxes: Mid-February
Second-Half Taxes: Mid-July

Payment Options

Online payments
Mail-in payments
In-person and drop-box options through the Treasurer’s Office

As with other counties, penalties apply immediately after the due date.

Pickaway County

Pickaway County follows Ohio’s standard property tax cycle.

Typical Due Dates

First-Half Real Estate Taxes: February
Second-Half Real Estate Taxes: July

Exact dates are confirmed each billing cycle, so it’s important to review your mailed bill or check the county treasurer’s website closely.

Smart Reminders for Homeowners

✔️ Confirm escrow settings with your lender—especially if you own property in Franklin County
✔️ Mark due dates on your calendar now to avoid penalties and interest
✔️ Consider monthly payment plans where available to reduce lump-sum stress
✔️ Keep your mailing address current with the county auditor

If you ever want help understanding how property taxes factor into buying, selling, or long-term homeownership planning—or if something on your bill doesn’t look right—I’m always happy to walk through it with you.

A Quick Central Ohio Market Check-In

While I have your attention, here’s what I’m seeing across the local housing market:

Inventory has increased compared to last year, giving buyers more options and breathing room
Homes that are priced correctly and well-prepared are still selling, but buyers are less forgiving of overpricing
Overall, we’re seeing a healthier, more balanced market—this is normalization , not a bubble

For homeowners, this means strategy matters more than ever. For buyers, it means opportunity—with the right guidance .

Margaret Lipp | RE/MAX Premier Choice

Serving Upper Arlington, Dublin, Worthington, Clintonville, Hilliard, Powell, and all Central Ohio communities

Lupo on Arlington

Tue, 14 Apr 2020 00:39:00 GMT

Lupo crafts seasonally inspired tapas, paired with thoughtfully curated wine and cocktail list. They pride themselves on sourcing high-quality ingredients both from Ohio and around the globe.

The Menu: https://lupoonarlington.com/menu/
Reservations (highly recommended!): https://www.exploretock.com/lupoonarlington
Photos of Food: https://www.instagram.com/lupo_on_arlington/

What people say about Lupo:

The post Lupo on Arlington appeared first on Margaret Lipp .

Dublin

Tue, 14 Apr 2020 00:34:00 GMT

If you're looking for a community that truly has it all, Dublin, Ohio belongs at the top of your list. Located just northwest of Columbus along the Scioto River, Dublin consistently earns recognition as one of the best places to live in the country — and anyone who's spent time here knows exactly why.

The Downtown Core: Three Districts, One Walkable Experience

What makes Dublin's downtown truly special is how seamlessly its three anchors connect. Historic Dublin offers beautifully preserved architecture, charming boutiques, and some of the area's most beloved restaurants and wine bars. Just across the Dublin Link — a stunning pedestrian bridge that has transformed the way people move through the city — you'll find Bridge Park , Dublin's vibrant mixed-use district packed with dining, entertainment, and riverfront energy. And nearby, North Market Dublin brings the beloved Columbus institution to the northwest suburbs, with local vendors, artisan food, and a lively weekend atmosphere. The Dublin Link is the piece that ties it all together: you can grab dinner in Bridge Park and stroll back over to Historic Dublin without ever getting in your car. It's that kind of thoughtful, walkable design that sets Dublin apart.

Parks for Every Kind of Day

Dublin's park system is genuinely exceptional — there's something for every mood and every family.

For big gatherings and community energy:

Coffman Park — the heart of community life in Dublin, with wide open lawns perfect for picnics, kids running around, and major events like the world-renowned Dublin Irish Festival held every August. Well-connected to restaurants and the trail system.
Ted Kaltenbach Park & Community Center — a great combination of outdoor park space and indoor amenities, ideal for year-round family activity.

For nature, scenery, and waterfall seekers:

Indian Run Falls — a local favorite featuring a small waterfall and wooded paths, perfect for a scenic family outing without leaving the city.
Hayden Falls Park — one of Dublin's true hidden gems. A stunning 35-foot waterfall tucked into a gorge setting, with trails and observation areas that make for incredible photos and a genuine nature escape.
Kiwanis Riverway Park — a quieter, nature-forward space with river views and easy walking paths — ideal for a relaxed stroll or a peaceful morning outing.
Scioto Park — excellent riverside park with paved paths along the Scioto River. Beautiful at sunset and a favorite for joggers, walkers, and cyclists.

For families with young kids:

Amberleigh Community Park — a standout playground with imaginative play structures and pavilion space. Plan to stay a while — kids love it.
Emerald Fields — a quieter neighborhood park with open lawns and trails, great for shorter outings, ball games, or just letting little ones burn off energy.

Dublin is also famous for its remarkable public art scene. The Dublin Link Pedestrian Bridge is a stunning architectural landmark connecting the Historic District to Bridge Park, the city's vibrant mixed-use development packed with dining, entertainment, and riverfront green space. And of course, no Dublin spotlight would be complete without a nod to the beloved Emerald City nickname and the iconic Field of Corn sculpture — only in Dublin!

Trails: 100+ Miles and Counting

Dublin's recreation path system is one of its most impressive — and underappreciated — assets. With over 100 miles of connected paths linking parks, neighborhoods, and riverfront routes, it's a dream for runners, cyclists, and families with strollers. Highlights include the Avery & Westbury Park Trail Loop (roughly 3.6 miles of scenic, paved path) and the Scioto Riverfront corridor, which offers some of the most beautiful stretches of trail in all of Central Ohio.

Golf at Its Finest

Dublin is home to some of the most prestigious golf in Ohio, including Muirfield Village Golf Club — host of the Memorial Tournament — Tartan Fields , and the Country Club at Muirfield Village . Whether you're a golfer or simply appreciate a beautifully landscaped community, this adds an undeniable layer of prestige to Dublin's residential appeal.

Everyday Convenience

Dublin is exceptionally well-served when it comes to grocery options. You'll find a Trader Joe's , Whole Foods (Dublin-Granville Road), Market District (Giant Eagle) , Kroger on Sawmill , Meijer , and Sam's Club — all within easy reach of Dublin's neighborhoods. Day-to-day errands are genuinely easy here.

A Community That Celebrates

Dublin's event calendar is something residents genuinely look forward to. The crown jewel is the Dublin Irish Festival — held every August at Coffman Park, it's one of the largest Irish festivals in the world and a point of enormous community pride. But the energy doesn't stop there. Throughout the year you'll find outdoor concerts, arts events through the Dublin Arts Council , seasonal festivals, and a downtown scene that always seems to have something going on.

Schools & Community

Families are consistently drawn to Dublin for its highly regarded Dublin City Schools , one of the top-ranked districts in Ohio, known for strong academics and exceptional programs. Combined with an engaged, welcoming community culture and a thriving job corridor along I-270 and US-33, Dublin offers a quality of life that's hard to match anywhere in Central Ohio.

The post Dublin appeared first on Margaret Lipp .

Worthington Farmers Market

Tue, 14 Apr 2020 00:29:00 GMT

Who doesn’t love a great farmers market?! There’s nothing like picking up fresh flowers, berries, or tomatoes from a local farmer and/or vendor! The best Farmers’ Market in Central Ohio is Worthington! They have amazing vendors and the setting is so charming. A perfect way to start your weekend.

Outdoor Season
May – October
8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
646 North High Street
Worthington, Ohio 43085

Indoor Season
November – April
9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
7227 North High Street
Worthington, Ohio 43085
*Closed the Saturday after Thanksgiving

About the Market: In 1987, with permission from City Manager, Dave Elder, the Worthington Farmers Market began. What started as a PhD dissertation project for two women in Sustainable Agriculture at The Ohio State University has become a year-round tradition in Worthington, Ohio.

According to market advocate and Worthington resident, Julie Weatherington-Rice, “… the Franklin Soil and Water Conservation District was a very early supporter. ”

Once established, the market was nurtured and managed by the local businesses, and from there, a business association, the Old Worthington Business Association (OWBA), which is known today as the Old Worthington Partnership.

The Worthington Farmers Market was managed by Jan Staats until 2009, when she passed. For the next eight years, the Worthington Farmers Market was led by Jamie Moore, a local food advocate and owner of Wayward Seed Farm. In 2019, Christine Hawks joined the Old Worthington Partnership team as the Market Manager. Christine and a dedicated group of volunteers from the greater Columbus community manage the day-to-day operations of the Worthington Farmers Market.

The post Worthington Farmers Market appeared first on Margaret Lipp .

Take a trek down the Scioto Mile

Wed, 05 Feb 2020 05:03:00 GMT

Located in the heart of downtown Columbus, the Scioto Mile is an urban oasis comprised of more than 175 acres of lush parkland. Stretching along the waterfront from the vibrant Arena District to the natural beauty of the Whittier Peninsula, our riverfront parks connect downtown to the Scioto River through an integrated system of parks, boulevards, bikeways and pedestrian paths.

PREMIER GREEN SPACES, OUTDOOR CONCERTS, URBAN FESTIVALS – & MORE

Fostering some of our City’s most celebrated features, the Scioto Mile has something for everyone, including a stunning 15,000-square-foot interactive fountain, spectacular events like the Jazz & Rib Fest and Rhythm on the River summer concert series, and miles and miles of beautifully maintained trails. Our city parks, greenways, special events, downtown skyline views and scenic atmosphere make the Scioto Mile a true highlight for Central Ohio and beyond.

Parks: https://www.sciotomile.com/parks/

Events & Concerts: https://www.sciotomile.com/events/

PUBLIC PARKS & OPEN SPACES FOR EVERY VISITOR

For our impressive line-up of municipal parks and urban green spaces, enjoying the fantastic views is only the tip of the iceberg. The nine parks along the Scioto Mile offer something for everyone – memorials, public art, performance pavilions, recreation opportunities, fountains, swinging benches, bird watching, even a climbing wall.

The post Take a trek down the Scioto Mile appeared first on Margaret Lipp .

Stroll through German Village

Wed, 05 Feb 2020 04:58:00 GMT

German Village is a pedestrian friendly neighborhood that can best be appreciate on foot in order to truly experience the unique architecture, brick-paved streets. and beautiful parks including:

• Schiller Park
• Frank Fetch Park
• Huntington Gardens
• Grace Highfield Memorial Garden

Or check out one of walking tours of German Village presented by Columbus Art Walks
– these include maps of the walking tour as well as audio companions which can be downloaded to your iPhone, mp3 player, etc and help make the tour truly unique and memorable!!

View More Videos: https://germanvillage.com/have-a-look-around/

The post Stroll through German Village appeared first on Margaret Lipp .

Margaret Lipp

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