Housing market Tips & Tricks with Wagenbrenner Real Estate
The housing market is ever changing, but did you know Columbus is among the top most stable real estate markets in the country? We caught up with Jeff from Wagenbrenner Real Estate on what the current market is looking like, some tips and tricks to get your house ready to sell and so much more!
When is the best time to sell your house?
“Generally speaking, anytime is the best time to sell your home. What makes the sale successful is having a plan. You need to research the market in terms of inventory, (current listings and recent sales), determine your market, (who is most likely your potential buyer and how do I reach them), and then create a strategy to minimize days on the market while maximizing profit for the seller.”
What are some factors to consider when buying or selling your home?
“The most important factor to consider when buying or selling your home is choosing the right agent. I always say that buying and selling real estate is often an emotional process for buyers and sellers. Generally, the worst time to make a decision is while you are emotional. Therefore, you need to make sure that you have an agent that you trust to guide you through the process.
Other important factors to consider are price, market trends, and your future plans. Rather buying or selling real estate, price is the driving factor. Real estate is an investment. Being knowledgeable on both current and past market trends allow you to make an informed decision on your investment. It is really quite simple, you buy low and sell high! So when you begin this process it is important to think of where you see yourself in a year, 5 years, or 10 years. These are all factors that you should be discussing with your agent.”
What are the pros and cons of renting verses buying a property?
“The age-old question, renting versus buying. This is more of a lifestyle decision. Renting offers the freedom of not making a big commitment to where you want to live and how long you want to live there while having the stability of fixed costs (rent, no maintenance, no taxes). The downside of renting is that there is no return on your costs at the end. Buying on the other hand is a long term investment (typically with a fixed cost mortgage but may require additional costs in upkeep and maintenance to protect your investment) enabling you to build wealth over time. Homeownership also allows you to make upgrades and personal changes to the home often creating a pride of ownership. Buying may require you to be flexible in regards to location and amenities of the home based upon the affordability of your mortgage.”
What’s the real estate market like right now and how does it affect the buyer/seller?
“I am constantly asked what the market is like is regards to sales, value and inventory in relation where mortgage rates are right now. We are very fortunate to live where we do. Columbus, Ohio is among the top most stable real estate markets in the country. I represent not only homeowners but also outside investors that are looking to lower their risk by investing in our market.”
What’s the top three tips for a homeowner to get their home ready to sell?
“The top 3 tips that I would give a homeowner when preparing to sell their home is:
Determine what is most important to you in the sale. (Price, timing, and ease of the transaction) This does not mean that you cannot have all three but it does allow your agent to understand what is most important to you.
Determine your market. Who am I trying to sell my home to? Is the potential buyer for my home someone looking for move-in ready or does my home need updates/repairs.
Prepare a plan. Discuss the plan of action with your agent to make sure that you are on the same page to most effectively accomplish you goal. This conversation should include what you need to do to prepare your home to reach your market and sell for the maximum price.”
Do you have any advice for first time home buyers?
“The best advice that I can give first time homebuyers is to talk to a mortgage lender first. Truly be honest with yourself when determining what you are comfortable with on your mortgage. Often times, buyers are preapproved for much higher than they are comfortable with payment wise. After determining a purchase price, the fun begins! Now it is time to look for your first home! There are so many things to consider. Where do I want to live? How many bedrooms, bathrooms? Be sure to choose an agent that you want to go on this journey with. Again, this is a very exciting and emotional process so make sure you feel comfortable not only feelings wise but entrusting to advise you on one of the biggest purchases that you will make.”
How can people reach out to work with you?
“Feel free to reach out to me at 614-947-9142, (call or text) or email me at [email protected]”
