Mortgage rates and affordability pressures remain the primary national constraint in the real estate market, and today’s Federal Reserve decision reinforces that reality. The Federal Reserve held its benchmark interest rate steady at 3.5%–3.75%, signaling continued caution around inflation and economic uncertainty. At the same time, the decision revealed unusual internal disagreement, with multiple...
Conflicts in the Middle East are, above all, human tragedies—affecting millions of individuals, families, and communities. While economic discussions often focus on financial consequences, it’s important to recognize the real lives behind these events. That said, global economies are deeply connected. Geopolitical tensions can ripple across financial systems, influencing everything from oil prices...
Becoming a homeowner is exciting — but it also comes with a steep learning curve. One recent Reddit thread captured that perfectly. A new homeowner reached out to the r/homeowners community asking for the best tips on home preventative maintenance and safety. The responses were honest, practical, and full of tips you won’t always find on a checklist. 1. Learn Your Home Inside and Out One of the...
TL;DR If you’re asking “Should I sell or rent my home in Columbus Ohio?” and you have a low interest rate, renting may be financially appealing thanks to strong local rental demand and relatively stable home values. However, becoming a landlord comes with real responsibilities and risks. The best decision depends on cash flow, equity needs, long-term plans, and personal comfort with risk—not...
What Ohio Homeowners Should Know Before Selling to Cash Home Buyers If you’ve seen television ads promising a fast, easy way to sell your house for cash, you’re not alone. Selling to cash home buyers can sound appealing when you want speed and convenience, but it’s important to understand the risks before signing any contract. TL;DR — Quick Take for Ohio Homeowners TV cash buyers often...
Mortgage rates have dipped to their lowest levels in months, giving buyers new opportunities after a year of higher costs. With 30-year fixed rates now in the low 6% range, here’s what’s behind the drop and what experts expect through 2025 and beyond.
Every time you hear “The Fed just cut rates,” it’s natural to think, “Awesome—mortgage rates are gonna drop, right?” But—even though they’re related-ish—it doesn’t always work that way. Here’s the low-down on why, plus what might happen this month if the Fed does cut rates. The Fed’s Rate vs. Mortgage Rates The Federal Reserve sets the federal funds rate, which is the...
COLUMBUS, Ohio (August 21, 2025) — Housing inventory hit its highest level in a decade, and sales grew by 2.6% year over year in the latest central Ohio housing report, provided by Columbus REALTORS® and the Columbus & Central Ohio Regional MLS. There were 2,899 closed sales in July, and the median sales price rose 4.6% to $342,000. While closed sales were up 2.6% year over year, July’s...
Ever get the feeling your home could run a little smoother—with less effort? You’re not alone. From dishwashers that don’t quite clean right to musty-smelling laundry, most of us face small but annoying household problems every day. The good news? A few simple tweaks—like running hot water before starting the dishwasher or leaving your washer door open—can make a huge difference. These easy home...
Selling your home is a major decision—both emotionally and financially. One of the most common questions homeowners ask is, “Should I sell now or wait?” While perfectly timing the market is nearly impossible, understanding key trends, economic indicators, and your personal goals can help you make an informed decision. 1. Evaluate Current Market Conditions The first step is to assess what’s...