Buying your first home is an exciting milestone, but it can also be overwhelming — especially in today’s market. Whether you’re drawn to North Central Ohio for its affordable living, vibrant communities, or beautiful waterfront, making the leap into homeownership is a major step. That’s why we’ve put together this guide for first-time homebuyers! From understanding finances and finding the right neighborhood to negotiating an offer and closing the deal, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the real estate market in Ohio.
Need help navigating the real estate market in Ohio? — You don’t have to do it alone—CENTURY 21 Bolte Real Estate is here to help. Reach out to us today.
Step 1: Preparing to Enter Into the Real Estate Market in Ohio
Before you get caught up in browsing listings and creating a wish list, it’s important to lay the groundwork. First things first — you should start by evaluating your finances. Consider factors like your credit score (the higher the better when it comes to snagging a great mortgage rate), your down payment, and closing costs. Once that’s done, it’s time to figure out your budget. At this point, it’s a good idea to get pre-approved for a mortgage. While this doesn’t guarantee you a loan, it gives you a good edge in a competitive market. Plus, with a pre-approval, it’s easier to estimate your monthly payments to make sure you’re in the right price range.
The next thing you’ll want to do at this point is put together a list of priorities like location and size, and reach out to your chosen real estate agent. A knowledgeable local real estate agent can be your greatest asset, helping you navigate the market, negotiate with sellers, and handle the logistics of buying a home. They may even be able to help you find a mortgage broker and inspector so you’re all set for the buying process.
Step 2: What You Should Know About the Real Estate Market in Ohio
Like most places in the U.S., the real estate market in Ohio has a few nuances that first-time homebuyers in particular should be familiar with. For instance, unlike states like North Carolina, Ohio is not a “buyer beware” state. This is excellent news for buyers: it means that home sellers are legally required to disclose known issues with the property such as past flooding, pest infestations, or structural problems. But even with these protections in place, remember that it’s always the right call to hire your own home inspector to check things out.
When it comes to home prices in Ohio, you can expect to pay rates that are below the national average in most cases. However, property taxes vary by county, so it’s important to research the specific area you’re interested in. Be sure to factor taxes into your monthly budget, as they can impact your overall affordability.
Step 3: Finding the Right Home in North Central Ohio
Once your finances are in order and you have some idea of what to expect from the real estate market in Ohio, it’s time for the exciting part: searching for your perfect home. But finding the right property involves more than just browsing listings — there are a few key things to consider when making this monumental decision. Just of a few examples include:
- Finding the Right Neighborhood: Location is everything when you’re buying a home. Think about things like school districts (even if you don’t have kids, a good district can impact home values and resale potential), commute times, safety, and nearby amenities.
- Choosing the Right House: Next, figure out which kind of property best fits your lifestyle. Are you looking for privacy and space? Then a single-family home is likely the way to go. Or are you more of a low-maintenance person? If that’s the case, you might consider a condo or townhouse where HOA services handle exterior upkeep.
- The Home Viewing Process: Once you start touring homes, it’s a good idea to check for things like deal-breakers (think major structural problems or poor layouts), potential issues like outdated plumbing or electrical, and future resale value. If you’re worried you’ll forget something, keep a checklist handy! Your real estate agent will also be happy to help support you through this process.
- Visiting Multiple Homes: Finally, make sure you visit more than one property to get a real sense of the market and what’s available in your price range. Take notes, compare features, and think about what your life would be like in each home. And as tempting as it might be to rush through this part, don’t. Seeing a variety of homes means you’re much more likely to find the perfect home for you.
Step 4: Making an Offer, Negotiating, and Closing
Once you’ve found your dream home, it’s time to move from “house hunting” to “house buying”. This is when you’ll want to lean heavily on your trusted real estate agent for expert guidance and support. Your agent will help you identify a fair offer based on market conditions and comparable sales. Once your offer is submitted, the seller may accept, reject, or counter your offer. Don’t be discouraged if there’s some back-and-forth; negotiation is common in the real estate market in Ohio.
Once you’ve agreed on terms, it’s time to move to closing. This is the final step of the home-buying process, where ownership officially transfers to you. It often involves a final walkthrough, signing paperwork, paying closing costs, and getting the keys!
Step 5: Moving in to Your New Ohio Home
Congrats! You’ve successfully navigated the home-buying process and closed the deal on your new Ohio home. Now comes the exciting part—moving in and making the space your own. The move-in process could be an entire blog of it’s own, but here are a few tips and strategies to ensure a smoother transition:
- Plan Your Move: Before you pack, take some time to organize the logistics of your move. Create a timeline and hire movers or rent a truck for an easier process.
- Prepare Your New Home: Before you fully move in, it’s a good idea to prep your home. Think about giving it a deep clean, doing a safety check, changing all locks and security codes, and making sure your utilities are set up.
- Unpack and Organize: Once your home is ready, it’s time to move in! Start by unpacking your essentials, then take time to arrange things by room, set up key spaces, and personalize everything.
- Learn the Area: As a new homeowner, it’s always a good idea to get to know your community. Introduce yourself to your neighbors, explore local shops and amenities, and take a look at any local events coming up.
- Set Up a Maintenance Plan: And finally, we recommend setting up a maintenance plan after the excitement of the move settles. Create a regular cleaning schedule, store important documents in an easy-to-access place, and make sure you stay on top of your property taxes.
CENTURY 21 Bolte Real Estate is Here to be Your Guide to the Real Estate Market in Ohio
At CENTURY 21 Bolte Real Estate, we understand that buying your first home can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. Whether you’re just starting to explore the market or are ready to make an offer, our team is here to guide you through each step of the process with expertise, professionalism, and personalized support.
For over 80 years, CENTURY 21 Bolte Real Estate has built a reputation of trust and reliability in North Central Ohio. Our deep local knowledge and commitment to the community mean we can provide insights that go beyond the basics, helping you find the perfect home in the right neighborhood.
From preparing for your first home purchase to moving in and beyond, we’re with you every step of the way. Ready to start your home-buying journey? Contact us today.
