Ready to buy a home in Columbus? Buckle up. The housing shortage is still real and the market is still unbalanced in favor of sellers. But that doesn’t mean buyers are missing out or being taken advantage of in this current market.
You want to know how I help my buyers here at Home Is Columbus? I can hear you now: Yes Rance, give up the goods! Ok, ok, let’s jump into the home-buying nitty gritty.
Step 1: Get Pre-Approved (Not Just Pre-Qualified)
Before you go window shopping for homes in German Village, you need to check your credit score first. Think of it as making sure your financial profile is win-worthy—if you don't have the goods, don’t expect a callback!
Rance, what do you mean by that? If you grew up in the sneaker era of Jordans and the Nike Air era then you understand how devastating window-shopping with no money can be. Back in the 80s, most parents didn’t understand why kids who didn’t play basketball needed a $99.00 pair of Air Jordans. (Yes, Air Jordans cost $99 at first, only back in 1989, $99 equaled about $256 in today’s dollars). Going to your parents to ask for $100 sneakers in the late 80s was as stressful as waiting for a lender to tell you if you're pre-approved or not.
That’s why Home Is Columbus connects our buyer clients with loan officers who will tell you yes or maybe but never no. We never put an end to your home owner dreams. If you’re not ready yet, they get you there. But before you go house shopping you have to know what’s in your wallet.
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Step 2: Know What You Want in Columbus
The best thing about Columbus is its variety. Whether you're into the hustle and bustle of the Short North or the calm suburban vibes of Powell, there’s a perfect neighborhood for you. Think about where you’ll want to live—not just buy—for the next 5-10 years.
That may include considering how close you are to your favorite Meijer or Kroger. Is it important for you to live near the Columbus Zoo & Zoombezi Bay or are you drawn to something closer to downtown? If you love being on the scene but not living in it, there are great neighborhoods and suburbs for you.
Step 3: See The Place, Don’t Trust the Pictures
Don't fall for that picture-perfect kitchen you saw on Pinterest. It might not have the space you need, and let's be real, those countertops only look clean on Instagram. Focus on what's under the hood, like structural integrity and location.
Avoid homes that seem too good to be true. Trust me, if a deal seems like it’s straight out of an HGTV renovation show, it probably involves more time and money than you're willing to invest.
One time back in 2022, I took a client on a showing on the east side of Columbus. There was this renovated house that looked immaculate on Homes.com. It was located in a gentrifying area. The price was high but my client liked houses that were in neighborhoods where the fabric of the houses were unique and not cookie-cutter subdivision style. You know, those subdivisions where there are only 3-4 styles of homes just painted different colors? When we opened the door to the house it was gorgeous. The more we went through the home, the more we understood why it had been sitting on the market for so long.
The people who did the work beautified the place without fixing the issues. Uneven floors, sloping floors, fresh paint on top of damaged walls, unfinished caulking. It was a hot-mess. And the selling agent knew it. For months the listing agent kept checking in and offering price drop updates. My client bought elsewhere. But going to see the house is important.
Step 4: This is Your Life, Let’s Lock In Your Living
Once you find that gem, we get it in contract, then you and I will take the house through thorough inspections. That way we can be sure you aren’t buying a new furnace or roof in the next 5 years. I make it a point to get those mechanicals inspected for my clients, because I need you to still be happy with your house when I check on you 5 years after you purchase it.
Next I make sure that as we get near closing; the mortgage lender and I review all the closing docs and explain things to you thoroughly so you’re not getting hit with any fees.
Buying a home in Columbus isn’t just a transaction—it’s a step toward building your life in a city that has everything you need. If you’re ready to take the leap or just want to chat about which neighborhood feels like ‘home’ to you, let me know!
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