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  • Homes in Highly Rated School Zones Cost 35% More Than the Average U.S. Home–But the Premium Is Much Smaller in Some Parts of the Country

    Homes in Highly Rated School Zones Cost 35% More Than the Average U.S. Home–But the Premium Is Much Smaller in Some Parts of the Country

    It’s no secret that homes located in highly rated school zones command a premium—on average, about 35% more than the median U.S. home. That translates to buyers needing an income of $159K to secure a property in these sought-after districts, compared to $118K for the typical home. Interestingly, only 13% of homes in these top-rated school areas are within reach for median earners, and the price premium isn’t the same everywhere—it shifts depending on the metro area.

    In my experience working with families across Columbus and Central Ohio, school quality remains a top priority, whether for a first home, move-up, or investment property. I help clients weigh these trade-offs every day—sometimes, a neighborhood offering strong schools and better affordability is closer than you think. My focus is on helping you identify opportunities that align with your goals, whether that’s new construction, resale, or land for your next chapter. As always, I’m here to provide clarity and advocate for your best interests throughout the process.

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  • NAHB Builder Confidence Rises to 35 in August 2026

    NAHB Builder Confidence Rises to 35 in August 2026

    Builder confidence is on the rise, with the NAHB Housing Market Index ticking up to 35 in August 2026. While that’s still below the positive threshold, it’s a step forward—despite ongoing challenges like high borrowing costs, construction expenses, and uneven homebuyer demand. We’re seeing 35% of builders lowering prices by an average of 6% to keep momentum, and it’s interesting to note that the Midwest market is leading the way, while the South and West are a bit slower to catch up.

    For those considering new construction in Central Ohio, these trends matter. My focus on builder relationships and market analysis means I’m watching these shifts closely—helping clients weigh their options and make strategic moves, whether they’re exploring new builds, investments, or resale opportunities. As always, transparency and your long-term interests come first.

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  • This Single Family Residence at 15 79 Kenneth Delaware has just been sold

    Experience the charm of 1579 Kenneth Drive – a stunning new construction home for sale in Delaware, Ohio. This thoughtfully designed 2-story home features 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, a covered front porch, a study, a full basement, a box bay window in the breakfast area, a 2-car garage, and more! Showcasing an open-concept living space that creates a seamless flow between the main gathering areas, this home is perfect for everyday living and entertaining. The quality of design is evident throughout, with carefully selected finishes and a functional floorplan that maximizes both comfort and style. This home is situated in a welcoming community with convenient proximity to parks, offering opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxation right at your doorstep. The surrounding area provides a pleasant setting for families and individuals alike to enjoy green spaces and walking trails. Every detail of this home has been crafted with intention, from the layout that encourages connection to the finishes that reflect a commitment to quality. With the benefit of new construction, this home offers the reliability and efficiency that comes with a freshly built home by a trusted builder!

  • Why Buyers and Sellers Are Stuck

    The Columbus and Central Ohio housing market is in a bit of a standoff right now. With mortgage rates still elevated, many buyers are finding it tough to justify higher monthly payments—and as a result, some are choosing to pause their searches. We're seeing pending sales slow down, which tells us fewer folks are moving from browsing to making actual offers.

    On the other hand, homeowners who locked in lower rates in recent years aren’t eager to list their properties. That keeps a lot of potential inventory off the table and adds to the gridlock. It’s a classic stalemate: buyers want better terms, and sellers don’t want to give up favorable loans, so transactions remain slower than usual.

    In my work throughout Columbus and the surrounding communities, I see how important it is to approach these challenges with clear strategy and honest guidance—whether you’re considering buying, selling, or exploring new construction options. My goal is always to help clients navigate these shifts confidently and make informed decisions that align with their goals.

  • US Home Prices Face Real Value Erosion

    Lately, I’ve been watching the housing market numbers closely for Columbus and Central Ohio, and the national picture tells a familiar story: home prices continue to tick up on paper, but the real value—what your dollar actually buys—has been quietly eroding. In Q2 2026, while one federal index showed prices stayed flat month-over-month (after seasonal adjustment), a national measure pointed to modest yearly appreciation of around 1.5% by late Q2. That’s a bit firmer than the 1% we saw mid-quarter, but still trailing inflation, which hovered near 3.5%. That means, once you factor in inflation, home values have actually slipped for the 13th month in a row, though the pace of this erosion has slowed as inflation cools and nominal prices hold up. It’s worth noting that since early 2012, at least one federal measure has shown steady annual gains, underscoring how resilient nominal prices have been—even as buyers feel the real pinch. For those considering a move, especially first-time buyers, the biggest hurdle remains affordability: typical monthly payments for existing single-family homes rose again this quarter, making the path to homeownership steeper. My approach has always been to bring clarity and market insight to these shifts, helping clients—whether buying their first place, building new, or investing—navigate each step with confidence. As the market evolves, I’m here to help you protect long-term value and understand what these trends mean for your next move.

  • Bridging the Gap: Steps Toward Affordable U.S. Homeownership

    Bridging the Gap: Steps Toward Affordable U.S. Homeownership

    A recent look at U.S. housing affordability highlights the ongoing gap between what many households earn and what’s needed to comfortably purchase a typical home. Right now, the average income required stands at $109,796—meaning there’s a $22,197 shortfall compared to the national median income. On a brighter note, as incomes have started to rise a bit faster than housing costs, we’re seeing more accessible options: 34.2% of listings are now considered affordable, up from 30.5% previously.

    Having spent years navigating the Central Ohio market, I know firsthand how these national trends play out locally for first-time buyers, families sizing up, and investors alike. My approach always starts with understanding your unique needs and breaking down the numbers so you can move forward with clarity. Whether you’re exploring new construction or looking for the right resale opportunity, I’m here to offer insights and strategies that help you make informed choices in a market that’s always shifting.

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  • New data shows more millennials in Ohio becoming homeowners

    New data shows more millennials in Ohio becoming homeowners

    Encouraging news for Ohio’s real estate landscape: millennials are making significant strides as homeowners, especially in areas like Dayton. Between 2018 and 2023, millennial homeownership in the region jumped an impressive 74%. Strong job prospects and more households with dual incomes have driven much of this progress. Yet, as we look ahead, rising interest rates, limited inventory, and affordability remain real challenges that could temper this momentum.

    Serving buyers and sellers throughout Central Ohio, I’ve seen firsthand how these factors shape client decisions—especially for those entering the market for the first time or weighing investment opportunities. Whether you’re considering a new build, a resale, or exploring your next move, understanding these market dynamics is key to making confident choices. My focus remains on providing clarity and guidance so you can navigate today’s evolving market with confidence.

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  • Things To Watch in the US Housing Market This September

    Things To Watch in the US Housing Market This September

    September brings a few notable shifts in the U.S. housing market. In August, we saw pending sales dip by 0.2% and contract signings drop 3.7%. Median list prices have edged down by 1% for the tenth consecutive month, while inventory rose 3.6%. Yet, available homes are still well below pre-pandemic levels, keeping affordability front and center. In Central Ohio, I’m seeing these national trends reflected in buyer hesitation and evolving seller strategies. Whether you’re considering your first home, navigating a move-up, or weighing investment opportunities, understanding these numbers is key. My approach—grounded in clear analysis and local expertise—helps clients cut through the noise and make confident decisions, even in a shifting market.

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  • US Confidence Hits Seven-Mo Low

    Recent shifts in consumer confidence are making headlines—as we reach mid-Q3, it’s clear that Americans are feeling more upbeat about today’s conditions, but less certain about what’s ahead. The present-conditions index climbed about 7 points to 121, yet the expectations gauge dipped by roughly 6 points to 68, a threshold historically linked to recession worries.

    Job market trends in early Q3 add another layer: employers cut 23,000 jobs, and the unemployment rate nudged up to about 4%. Interestingly, this rise was driven more by people leaving the workforce than by increased hiring. For those of us navigating the Central Ohio real estate landscape, it’s noteworthy that even with softer overall confidence, the outlook on homebuying has only eased slightly—demand continues to build. Around 61% of consumers still expect interest rates to rise further.

    With policymakers keeping rates steady and markets not expecting much relief in the near term, it looks like borrowing costs will remain elevated through year-end. In my experience guiding clients through both new construction and resale opportunities, understanding these shifts helps us plan more confidently—whether you’re purchasing your first home, investing, or exploring your next step. My focus remains on clarity, transparency, and helping you move forward with the right strategy in this evolving market.

  • More Homes Hit the Market as Demand Cools

    We're seeing a shift take shape in the national housing market: Over the four weeks ending August 23, new listings in the US ticked up by 0.4%, and total homes for sale increased by 0.5%—reaching their highest point since early Q2. At the same time, pending home sales dipped 1.1% to a six-month low, as high housing costs left many buyers waiting on the sidelines, even with improving inventory. The median sale price rose 1.9% year-over-year to just over $400K, and average mortgage rates hovered near 7%, close to their highest in 13 months.

    For buyers in today’s market, this dynamic of rising inventory and softer demand is creating new negotiation opportunities—especially on homes that have been listed for several weeks. Sellers are finding that realistic pricing is key, rather than aiming for the peaks of past years.

    As someone who works daily with buyers, sellers, and investors in Central Ohio, I see how these national trends translate locally. My approach is always to provide clear guidance—whether you’re navigating multiple offers or seeking the right moment to make a move. In a market that’s changing week by week, transparency and strategy matter more than ever.