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

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  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
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  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
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  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.