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 »
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,
Buying Your First Home? Here’s What Zillow Won’t Tell You Read More »
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
Appraised, Assessed, and What You Actually Paid Read More »
Is Columbus, Indiana a Good Place to Live? If you’re considering a move to Indiana, Columbus might not be the first city that comes to mind—but maybe it should be. Tucked between Indianapolis and Louisville, Columbus offers a unique blend of small-town charm, architectural beauty, and modern amenities. It’s a city that punches above its
Is Columbus, Indiana a Good Place to Live? Read More »