Buying A Home

a set of keys in an open door portraying a sense of new beginnings

You Can Afford the Mortgage -But Can You Afford the House?

When buyers sit down with a lender, the focus is almost always on one number: the monthly mortgage payment. If the payment feels comfortable, it’s easy to assume the rest will work itself out. But here’s the truth no one tells you during that pre-approval high: the mortgage is only part of the picture. Owning

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Two individuals shaking hands portraying the confirmation that a deal has been made

5 Mistakes First-Time Buyers Make After the Bank Says ‘Yes’

You got the email. The lender says you’re pre-approved! It feels like a green light to buy anything with a front door, right? Not quite. In fact, many first-time buyers in Columbus (and across the Midwest) make their biggest missteps after they’ve been pre-approved. That “yes” from the bank can feel empowering -but without the

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Perspective home buyers looking over blueprints with a realtor

Inspection Anxiety

And How To Tame It. You’re under contract. You’re excited. You can already picture the front porch with your morning coffee. Then your phone buzzes: the inspection report is in. And it’s 52 pages long. There are 13 flagged items -some in red. There’s talk of water damage, electrical issues, even something called “spalling.” You

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A young couple embraces with smiles showing as they hold up the keys to their first home

Buying Your First Home? Here’s What Zillow Won’t Tell You

You’ve spent months scrolling Zillow during your lunch breaks. You’ve saved dream kitchens, fallen for open floor plans, and obsessed over square footage. You’ve done the online research, read the blogs, and maybe even messaged a listing or two. But here’s the truth no one tells first-time buyers -Zillow is just the start. In fact,

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A calculator and new house key sit amongst a variety of pamphlets showcasing information regarding buying and selling a new home

Appraised, Assessed, and What You Actually Paid

Appraised, Assessed, and What You Actually Paid: Why Home Values Confuse Buyers… And What to Do About It You found the perfect house in Columbus. The layout works, the price is within budget, and your offer just got accepted. You’re on cloud nine… until your lender says the home “appraised for less than expected.” Then

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