Picture this: you sell your home for $300,000. You feel good about the deal -until you get to the closing table and realize $18,000 of your equity is gone. Not to repairs, not to upgrades, not even to your next down payment. Just to a commission fee that hasn’t changed since the 1990s. The […]
6% Commission & Why It’s Antiquated Read More »
When it comes to buying a home, many people hesitate. Maybe it feels overwhelming. Maybe it feels expensive. Or maybe you’re not sure if it’s the right time. But here’s the truth: buying a house in Columbus, Indiana could be one of the smartest moves you ever make -for your lifestyle and your financial future.
Why Columbus, Indiana? Read More »
If you’re thinking about buying your first place in Indiana (or anywhere in the Midwest), one big question pops up pretty quickly: condo or house? On the surface, they both get you four walls, a roof, and a set of keys. But the experience of owning each one -and the responsibilities that come with them-
Condo VS. House: Which One Is For You? Read More »
Most people assume home buying is only for the “settled” crowd—the ones with white picket fences, 2.5 kids, and a dog. If you’re thinking, “That’s not me. I don’t ever want to buy a house,” I get it. The process sounds intimidating, the costs seem overwhelming, and renting feels like the safer, simpler option.
Why Buy… When Renting Seems Easier? Read More »
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
You Can Afford the Mortgage -But Can You Afford the House? Read More »
You found the perfect house. You made an offer. You waited. And then… it didn’t go your way. Sound familiar? Buying a home isn’t just a financial decision -it’s an emotional rollercoaster. But when your heart takes the wheel, it can lead to overpaying, panicking, or walking away from something that could’ve worked. Let’s break
The Emotional Curveballs Of Home Buying Read More »
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
5 Mistakes First-Time Buyers Make After the Bank Says ‘Yes’ Read More »
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
Inspection Anxiety Read More »
You know the friend. The one who’s been “watching the market.” Waiting for mortgage rates to drop. Waiting for prices to crash. Waiting for a unicorn house to appear for $50K under asking. They’ve been waiting for the perfect time to buy a home. If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone -and you’re not crazy.
The ‘Perfect Time’ to Buy And What It Really Costs You Read More »
Thinking of Buying a Fixer-Upper? The idea of buying a charming fixer-upper in the Midwest can be intoxicating. Hardwood under carpet? Exposed brick waiting to shine? Throw in a couple of power tools and a Pinterest board, and suddenly you’re halfway to your own HGTV show. But here’s the reality no one romanticizes: not all
Renovation ROI In The Midwest Read More »