Realtors: Debunking the Myths of Real Estate Agents

There are a lot of myths and misconceptions about Realtors. It runs the gamut from the slick, gold blazer wearing, bouffant sporting, heavily made-up tiger lady from 80's movies up to the lovable, bumbling Phil Dunphy. Somehow these fancies of what Realtors are become ingrained even though nobody (well, almost nobody) expects their doctor to look like George Clooney and yell "STAT" all the time.

Here are some of the biggest myths and misconceptions about real estate agents (in no particular order):

1. All Realtors are rich: You've seen them. The ones who drive the Lexus with the catchy Houz4U license plate. True, it is possible to make a lot of money selling real estate but the average income of a licensed real estate agent in Columbus is about $42,000 a year. That's not a bad living but it hardly qualifies for the high rollers club. Add into this equation that most Realtors are basically on call all day and can put in 50-60 hours per week (I've written up offers for clients in a crunch at midnight to make sure they got the home they wanted) and the hourly rate plummets.
2. The busiest agent in town is the best agent to use. Maybe, maybe not. If you have a million dollar listing then you will probably get top notch attention. What if your home isn't in the top tier? What if your home is in the average or slightly below average price range? Many of my happy clients have come to me to sell their home after listing theirs unsuccessfully with the "busiest" Realtors. Why were they happy with me? Because I could give them the personalized service they deserved and give their home the attention to detail and energy to get it sold that it deserved. Fantastic pictures and a solid marketing plan shouldn't be just for the million dollar homes. Every home, and client, deserves personalized and attentive service.
3. Working with a lot of agents will get you a better home quicker. First, all real estate agents are pulling from the same source of listings (the Multiple Listing Service) to help find you a home. The listings you will be sent will be the same (assuming you gave the same criteria to each one). Second, the real estate transaction is one based on a relationship of trust. Trust that your agent will do what they promised to do and trust the you, the client, will follow through with your obligations. Using multiple agents confuses loyalty and damages a relationship of trust. If you truly don't like or trust the agent you are using then by all means find a new one. You have to be comfortable with who you are working with but the agent also has to be comfortable with you and secure in your loyalty. Don't forget, agents talk to, and know each other so word of disloyalty gets around quickly. If you are loyal to your agent then they will return that respect and be loyal to you.
4. Buying directly from the listing agent will save you money. Not necessarily. The listing agent's first, and only, loyalty and fiduciary duty is to the Seller. When negotiations begin the listing agent will be on the Seller's side. Any information you share with the listing agent (financial, urgency, how much you love the home) will be shared with the Seller. In the event the listing agent does represent both you and the Seller then as a dual agent they can't really advise or negotiate. At that point they are just facilitating the transaction. Isn't it better to have someone fully on your side going to bat for your best interests?

These are my top 4 common real estate agent myths that I encounter. If you are hesitant about dealing with a Realtor ask your friends and family for recommendations then sit down and talk to several Realtors in person. You will be surprised at how different we are from the common perception.

Downtown Columbus Gyms: Fit Club

A lot of people who move to Downtown Columbus are looking for a great gym to get (or stay) in shape and to meet some local people. I recommend checking out Fit Club.

Located just south of Downtown Columbus in the Brewery District Fit Club is dedicated to helping their members meet their fitness goals. Like it says on their website:

"Fit Club is a community of people dedicated to exercise and fitness programming that improves practical physical performance. If it works toward building more functional strength, speed, stamina, power, accuracy, coordination, agility, flexibility, balance and endurance, we’ll use it – train hard, have fun, and get fit at Fit Club the CrossFit affiliate of downtown Columbus."

Don't be afraid of the term CrossFit. 

Is it hard. 
Yes

Will your limits be pushed? 
Yes

Is it worth it? 
Definitely! 

I started in October after years of inactivity. I was worried that it might be more than I could handle but every workout is scaled to meet, and challenge, each individual's abilities. There are a lot of moves that I still struggle with but each week I get a little bit better and that is what matters.

 If you are on the fence give them a call at 614-500-3883 and set up a trial workout before you start their On Ramp program and see if it is right for you.

Upscale Columbus Condo 937 Ingleside Ave

Are you looking to buy an upscale, updated condo in Columbus? Look no further! Close to the Short North, Downtown Columbus, and OSU this condo has everything you need including 2 dedicated off street parking spaces. You also have access to a 24 hour gym and an in-ground pool.
Don't wait! Call Vince at (614)313-5243 to see this awesome Downtown Columbus condo today!

Looking for a home? Visit HannonAndGraves.KWRealty.com to start your home search

Good Pictures Sell Homes

When you are selling your home you want people to come and see your home in person. What's the best way to get someone to want to see your home in person?

Great photographs. Great photos sell homes.

The first hurdle to overcome when selling your home is to get people through that front door and you aren't going to do that with a picture pulled off the county auditor's site and maybe a picture or two snapped with a smartphone. Take a look at the pictures below. Which home would you rather see in person?

You could pick the vibrant, colorful, up to date picture that shows the dimensions of the home or the out of date snapshot with a garbage can out front. Unfortunately many real estate agents think that it is okay to post the crappy, washed out, out of date picture and leave it at that.

Over 80% of home buyers said that photos of the home for sale were very useful in their decision making process (see the article here). With most people starting their home search online great pictures become even more important.

Ask your Realtor when your pictures will be posted. If they don't say as soon as the listing is active then maybe you should rethink your choice of agent. Hannon & Graves of KW Classic Properites always makes sure that we have great photos of your home ready to go the second we input your home into the Columbus Multiple Listing Service. We know how important it is for you to sell your home and we want to make sure we sell it for you in the quickest time possible and that you net the most money possible from the sale of your home. Great photographs posted immediately is only one small part of what we do to make sure our clients are happy. To find out more about what we do to get your home sold contact us today.

Downtown Columbus Condos for Sale

Are you moving to Columbus (or already live here) and are searching for Downtown Columbus Condos for Sale?

You are in luck!

There are a lot of great condos for sale in Downtown Columbus and the surrounding areas(and you can view them here). Before you jump, though, here are a few questions you should ask yourself:

• Where do you want to live? Do you want to be closer to work or closer to fun? What's more important to you, the lifestyle or convenience? 
• Do you need dedicated parking, a garage, or none at all? The answer to this question could affect how much you spend on a condo.
• How effective is the soundproofing? Will you be able to hear your neighbors watching the OSU game every Saturday in fall or the phone conversation with their girlfriend? To find out ask a neighbor to turn on their TV or stereo to a normal volume.
• How is the resale value of the condo? If you get promoted or transferred in 2 years how easy will it be to sell your condo?
• What is the Condo Association or Homeowner's Association like? What are their rules and regulations?
• How are repairs handled?  A little research can help determine how much money you should expect to pay out of pocket for repairs and maintenance.
• What is the rental rate? Are more of the units owner occupied or rented out? This could affect your loan and your enjoyment of your new Downtown Columbus condo.
• What do your condo fees cover? Are there extra amenities? If so are they something you will use?

Not sure where to start on your condo search? Call Vince of Hannon & Graves Keller Williams Classic Properties today (614)313-5243 or email at Vince@HannonAndGraves.com to get the help you need to find the right Downtown Columbus condo for sale to suit your lifestyle and your budget!

View Downtown Columbus Condos for Sale Here

Do I Need a Home Inspection On a Condo

Many people think that because they are buying a condo downtown that they won't need to do a home inspection.

This could be a costly mistake on their part.

We always encourage a home buyer (whether it is a new build in Gahanna, a historic home in German Village, or a condo in Downtown Columbus) to get a home inspection. It is important to get a home inspection on your new condominium for a variety of reasons

• Most people when looking for a new home will spend more time imagining how they will decorate their new home and figuring out if their furniture will fit than checking all the appliances, electrical outlets, walls, and so forth

• There are items that the condo association or HOA will be liable for but there are also items that you will be responsible for and you will want to know that those items are in good working order (or have a heads up if something will need to be replaced so you can budget for that).

• You will want to know if the issues that the condo association are responsible for are in good shape (leaky overhangs, rotting decks, insect damage, poor drainage, etc). Yes, they association is responsible for taking care of certain issues but they may not do it in the time frame you are comfortable with or they may levy a special harassment to rectify issues. 

Even if you consider yourself "handy" or "in the know" it is a wise idea to consult with an expert. Home inspectors do what they do every day and know what to look for. If you aren't sure which home inspector to use consult with your Realtor. They will have a list of inspectors for you to choose from and can guide you towards an inspector with plenty of experience with the type of home you are buying.

Related:
What does a home inspector do?

What Does Pre-Qualification Mean for a Home Loan

One of the terms that can confuse first time home buyers is "pre-qualification". 

What does it mean to be be pre-qualified for a home loan?

Well, the short answer is not much. All pre-qualification means is that a lender has provided a written opinion of the ability of the borrower (first time home buyer) to qualify for a home loan. The loan officer will ask a series of questions about debt (credit cards, car loans, student loans, etc), income, and savings and will make a professional opinion on whether or not the buyer will qualify for a loan. There is no formal application process and the lender can only make a decision based on the information given. 

Getting pre-qualified is good for the buyer to get an idea of what they may be able to afford. When they are ready to take the next step and put an offer in on a home a pre-approval is what will make the difference. A pre-approval happens after the buyer formally applies for a loan and the bank does a more in depth, formal look into the buyer's ability to actually purchase a home.

While pre-qualification is an important first step to take in the home buying process  the pre-approval is what truly matters, especially in markets where the homes are selling quick! A pre-approval is a firmer guarantee for a home seller that a home buyer is able to secure a home loan.

If you are thinking about purchasing a home in Downtown Columbus or the surrounding villages and neighborhoods then contact us today. We have a list of solid, reliable lenders who have years of experience to help you get the home you deserve.

Why For Sale By Owner Home Sales Often Fail

Many people think that selling homes is an easy process and anyone can do it. The fact is there are a lot of tiny details and major legal hurdles to selling a home. Not only that but statistics show that by selling a home with a Realtor you are more likely to walk away with a higher profit which means more money in your pocket. . .even AFTER paying Realtor fees. 

According to the 2013 National Association of Realtor's 2013 profile of home buyers and sellers the average FSBO sale price was $174,900 and the average sale price of a home represented by a Realtor was $215,00. That is a $40,100 difference! 

Here are just a few more reasons why listing your home with a Realtor is a good idea:

1. As a Realtor, I have access to market data which allows them to determine the BEST price to sell your home in the shortest amount of time for the greatest amount of money.
2. I can show your home when you aren’t available, or another licensed Realtor will be there to show your home. If you need to go out of town, have to work, or are on vacation the process of showing, and selling, your home can continue. Remember, the more people who see your home the more likely your home is to sell.
3. I have professional marketing expertise, contacts with other Realtors who work with buyers, and the support of a brokerage that can market your home more widely than you can as an individual.
4. I can screen visitors to your home, which provides a measure of safety that FSBO sellers don’t have. In addition, by checking to see if the buyers are legitimate and can afford to purchase your home, a I can help you avoid wasting time showing your home to unrealistic buyers.

If you are considering selling your home contact us today to see exactly what we have to offer you and just how much money you could net from the sale of your home.

Tips to Get Your Columbus Home Ready to Sell This Spring

• 

  How to Pick Paint Colors

  Paint has remodeling power when you use it to emphasize a room’s best features or play down the flaws. Read
• 

  11 Ways to Create a Welcoming Front Entrance for Under $100

  Wouldn’t it be nice to approach your home’s entrance with a grin instead of a grimace? Take our tips for beating a clear, safe, and stylish path to your front door. Read
• 

  Cleaning House: Secrets of a Truly Deep Clean

  Deep clean your house and you’ll brighten rooms and help maintain your home’s value. Read
• 

  5 Tips to Prepare Your Home for Sale

  Working to get your home ship-shape for showings will increase its value and shorten your sales time. Read

Visit houselogic.com for more articles like this.

Copyright 2014 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®

The Hartman Lofts: Downtown Columbus Condos

Originally built in 1898 by Doctor Samuel B. Hartman, the Hartman Lofts were built as an extension of a small surgical center next door. Located on the corner of Main St and Fourth St is was opened in  1901 for public stays. Many guests and clients of Dr. Hartman (then the wealthiest man in Columbus) stayed at the hotel including world leaders and Ohio's Governors (Andrew Harris actually lived in the Hartman, not just stayed there).

In 2005 the Hartman building was converted into the Hartman Loft Condominiums from its previous incarnations as a hotel and a bank. Structures built before the 20th century are few and far between in the Central Business District so it was important to breathe new life into this historic structure. The restoration took the past into consideration but it also meets the current, urban, needs of its residents.

The entrance has retained its marble floors and grand staircases for a touch of historic elegance. The units
themselves boast 11 foot ceilings, exposed brick walls, and large windows to let in plenty of light. If you are lucky enough to purchase a condo on the second floor where the old gentleman's lounge used to be then you will have the joy of a beautiful mahogany ceiling. The kitchens are modern and sleek and the units, whether they are 1 bedroom condos or the rarer 2 bedroom condos, are roomy and comfortable. Even better is that each condo in the Hartman has a stack-able washer and dryer so no trudging to common areas or
laundromats.

Living in the Hartman Lofts you are only a block away from the Columbus Commons and all the events hosted there year round; you are across the street from Dirty Franks, Little Palace, and 16 Bit Arcade (and bar); and you are only a short stroll away from everything that German Village has to offer. If you are looking to move to Downtown Columbus and want to be able to walk to entertainment, work, or social hour then the Hartman Lofts may be the right place for you. You can search condos for sale in the Hartman Lofts here or contact Vince to see what the Hartman has to offer you.

What Do Condo Fees Cover?

If you are considering purchasing a condo in Downtown Columbus you will want to take the condo fees into consideration. Condo fees are an additional expense beyond your mortgage that a condo owner will have to pay every month.

One of the questions we get, especially from first time home buyers, is what do condo fees include?

The answer is simple, and not at the same time. It all depends.

Condo fees are paid by every resident to help with the maintenance of the building. The condo fees will usually also include insurance for the building (not your personal property but the actual building itself). Other than that someone interested in buying a condo should check with their Realtor. Condo fees can include a multitude of services including, but not limited to the following:

• Some, or all, utilities
• Gym
• Pool
• Concierge service
• Parking fees
• Internet
• Grounds maintenance (snow removal, landscaping, etc.)
• Trash disposal

Typically the higher the condo fees the more services are included but this isn't always the case. An experienced Realtor (or Realtors like Hannon & Graves) can guide you through the condo buying process and explain what, exactly, the condo fees cover and guide you to the right condo for you.

Are considering purchasing a condo in Downtown Columbus contact Vince of Hannon & Graves Keller Williams Classic Properties today or visit our site to browse condos for sale in Downtown Columbus.

Average Downtown Columbus Condo Sale Price

2013 was a solid year for condo sales in Dowtown Columbus. 130 condos sold (as listed in the Columbus MLS system) with the most expensive being a 4 bedroom 4 bathroom 6400 sq ft condo selling for $1,500,000. On the other end of the spectrum a 1 bedroom 1 bathroom 540 sq ft condo sold for $100,000.

On average a condo in Downtown Columbus sold for $202.38 per square foot in 2013 for an average of $314,358 for a 1507 sq ft condo. What is a better indicator is the median sales price for Downtown Columbus condos was $258,750 for a 2 bedroom 2 bathroom 1423 sq ft condo.

These numbers are a huge jump over the sales numbers for 2012 when only 113 condos sold Downtown for an average price of $198.37 per sq ft (average sales price was $246,640 for a 1292 sq ft condo and the median price was $209,000 for an 1183 sq ft condo).

There are still some great condos for sale at great prices (you can view them here). If you are considering selling your Downtown Columbus condo now is looking like a great time to do it! To find out how much your condo could be worth in today's market visit MyColumbusHomeValue.info today.

Downtown Columbus

Columbus is the capital of Ohio and the largest city in Ohio. With over 700,000 people living in Columbus (and over 6,000 in the central business district alone) you can bet there is plenty to do.

If you remember Columbus from years ago you are in for a big surprise. The central business district and immediate surroundings (including the Short North, German Village, Victorian Village, the Discovery District, Olde Tonwe East, and more) are now host to a multitude of restaurants, bars, shops, and business that are making Columbus thrive. Heck, Columbus even has the largest number of taco trucks outside of L.A. (who knew)?

Finding the right place to live Downtown is a matter of determining what is most important to you and then matching you to the right condo. Do you want to be able to walk to all the galleries in the Short North or would you rather be a short stroll to the office? Is night life close by a priority for you or do you demand luxury and nothing short of it?

Whatever your needs there is a place for you Downtown. If you would like to start your Downtown Columbus condo search now then go here to see what is available now. If you would like more help or to be put on a detailed search to match your exact criteria then contact me today and I can get you started.