At Home with Connie Sadowski, Real Estate Expert

Do you find yourself in extreme drought conditions? Understanding what drought conditions can do to your foundation starts with understanding your regions  soil conditions. The most common soil in Cental Ohio is clay. Other soil types are sandy soils, m iamian soils well suited for agriculture, muck or black soil best suited for growing vegetables, and limestone bedrock.  Clay soil is nearly always the reason for bowing walls  and settlement of your home. Clay is an expansive soil, meaning when it gets wet or holds water it will expand putting pressure on the exterior of your foundation walls. The opposite is also true during dry periods when it will shrink and let pressure off the walls. This effect compares to a pushing and shoving match and over the years your foundation loses the fight causing deflection —any type of inward movement such as bowing and tipping. In extreme drought conditions, settlement tends to occurs.  Settlement of a home is when your foundation...

  COLUMBUS, Ohio (Aug 22, 2024)—  Columbus Realtors reports closed sales are up 12 percent, and inventory has surged to its highest point in five years in the latest housing statistics for July issued by Columbus REALTORS®.   There were 2,806 closed sales in July, a 12 percent uptick over July 2023. The most significant rise came in total inventory, which increased from 3,137 homes for sale in July 2023 to 4,325 homes for sale in July 2024. That’s a 37.9% increase year over year. It also marks the largest number of homes for sale in a single month since November 2019.   The median sale price in central Ohio is $327,250, a 3.9% increase year over year. Last month, it reached an all-time high in the region at $334,900.   “The fact that there are over 1,200 more homes available on the market right now than this time last year is a positive for prospective home buyers,” said Columbus REALTORS® President Scott Hrabcak.   “Columbus remains an in-demand seller’s m...

If you’re in the market to buy a home, there’s some exciting news for you. Many people assume that newly built homes are more expensive than existing ones (houses that have already been lived in), but that’s not always the case. In fact, exploring newly built homes can sometimes lead to more cost-effective options, especially today. Hard to believe, right? But the data doesn’t lie. CAUTION: Do not go it alone, take me, an experienced real estate expert with you to all appointments or you might not have your own agent and may be forced to have no independent representative. Dont register on a builders website....you might not be allowed to bring me to represent you! Here are two key reasons working with your agent to look into new home construction could help you find a more budget-friendly option. Reason 1: Lower Median Prices for Newly Built Homes The median sales price for newly built homes is lower than the median sales price for existing homes today. This might seem surprising, ...

If you’re trying to decide if you’re ready to buy a home, there’s probably a lot on your mind. You’re thinking about your finances, today’s mortgage rates and home prices, the limited supply of homes for sale, and more. And, you’re juggling how all of those things will impact the choice you’ll make. While housing market conditions are definitely a factor in your decision, your own personal situation and your finances matter too. As an article from NerdWallet says: “Housing market trends give important context. But whether this is a good time to buy a house also depends on your financial situation, life goals and readiness to become a homeowner.” Instead of trying to time the market, focus on what you can control. Here are a few questions that can give you clarity on whether you’re ready to make your move. 1. Do You Have a Stable Job? One thing to consider is how stable you feel your employment is. Buying a home is a big purchase, and you’re going to sign a home loan stating you...

  Homebuyers in the market who are frustrated by the low inventory are finding what they want in new construction.  Among the obvious advantages are that it is fresh and new, has never been lived in, and can be personalized to an individual's taste and needs. New construction homes can be more expensive upfront, but they can save you money in the long run. These homes are built to the latest building codes, which means they are more energy-efficient and require less maintenance. They also come with warranties that can help protect you from unexpected repairs. New construction homes can be a great option for first-time homebuyers. They offer a blank slate that you can customize to your liking, and they don't have the same wear and tear as older homes. Working with a REALTOR®️can help you navigate the process of buying a new construction home. They can help you find the right builder, negotiate a good price, and make sure that the home is built to your specifications. ...

  Dive into the art of home organization with my top tips. Ready to turn your house into a dream home? Let's declutter and design for a lifestyle that speaks volumes. Sure, I'd be happy to help! Organizing your home can make a significant difference in creating a comfortable and efficient living space. Here are some top tips for home organization: 1. **Declutter First:** Before organizing, go through your belongings and declutter. Donate or discard items you no longer need or use. This will make the organizing process much easier. 2. **Room by Room:** Take it one room at a time. Start with a room that needs the most attention. Divide the room into zones and focus on organizing one zone before moving on to the next. 3. **Storage Solutions:** Invest in storage solutions that suit your needs. Consider bins, baskets, shelves, and storage furniture. Utilize vertical space to maximize storage. 4. **Labeling:** Labeling is key to maintaining an organized space. Clearly label container...

            Who do you know looking to sell, buy, or build real estate? Odds are, you’ve probably given and received lots of referrals in the past. Whether it’s recommending your favorite Girl Scout cookie seller or polling your social network for a plumber, or even asking friends to introduce you to someone who might make a fundraising donation, referrals are a powerful way to connect with the people you know - and who they know in turn.  By the way, do you know anyone who might need real estate advice?  Or who is curious what homes are selling for in their neighborhood? It would be my honor to offer some insight!     2023 IN REVIEW   REAL ESTATE   ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE The best of 2023 from around the web The hidden power of referrals AI: Shaping our future, transforming our world                                REAL ESTATE INDUSTRY UPDATES ...

How not to make money mistakes as a homeowner.   The keys to your home are in hand.Finally, you can install your dream patio.You can paint the walls without losing your security deposit.Heck, you could knock out a wall. You’re  soooo  ready to be a homeowner.So ready in fact,  you’re about to make some costly mistakes. Wait, whaaat? “You have to rein it in and be smart,” says Daniel Kanter, a homeowner with five years under his belt. Especially in your first year, when your happiness, eagerness (and sometimes ignorance) might convince you to make one of these eight mistakes: #1 Going With the Lowest Bid The sounds your HVAC system is making clearly require the knowledge of a professional (or perhaps an exorcist?).But you’ve been smart and gotten three contractor bids, so why not go with the lowest price?You might want to check out  this story from a Michigan couple . Rather than going with a remodeler who’d delivered good work in the past, they hired a contracto...