At Home with Connie Sadowski, Real Estate Expert

"Don’t Be Afraid to Sign" in its entirety originally appeared in the June 2024 issue of COMO Business Times Connie Sadowski, Realtor is a leader in  the industry and has been using Buyers Exclusive Representation agreements since 2017 to explain how she works and how she earns her professional fees. The real estate  industry has been buzzing with a recent federal class action lawsuit settlement. One of the settlement’s most significant outcomes is the requirement of Buyer’s Representation Agreements.  Starting in August 2024, all real estate professionals who are members of the National Association of REALTORS will be required to have a signed Buyer’s Representation Agreement before showing a buyer property.  These agreements, which allow a real estate broker to represent a buyer’s interest in a transaction, have been used for years. However, some buyers are hesitant to sign an agreement before viewing a home, but it’s to their benefit to do so.    Every potential buyer of a

  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 market, but having nearly two

By Ashley Fahey – Editor, The National Observer: Real Estate Edition, The Business Journals Restrictions around building new housing is a commonly cited hurdle to affordability in many U.S. markets.   Housing affordability is becoming a bigger issue for U.S. voters, spurring policymakers — especially at the state and local levels — to consider new measures aimed at easing the burden facing both renters and prospective homeowners.   While every city, county or region thinks about housing affordability (and potential solutions) differently, several common policy changes are being pursued, especially to ease restrictions around building new housing. New research from the Mercatus Center at George Mason University in Arlington, Virginia, outlines some of the biggest reforms being adopted across the U.S. today and offers a menu of potential options for policymakers to consider. Emily Hamilton, senior research fellow and director of the Urbanity Project at the Mercatus Center, said even

Favorable Inflation Data August 13, 2024 Overview: Over the past week, investors were focused on two key monthly inflation reports. In some good news for mortgage markets, all the data was in line with or below expectations, clearing the path for Federal Reserve rate cuts later this year. As a result, mortgage rates moved lower. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) is one of the most widely followed inflation indicators. To reduce short-term volatility and get a better sense of the underlying inflation trend, investors typically look at core CPI, which excludes the food and energy components. In July, core CPI was 3.2% higher than a year ago, which is down from 3.3% last month. It’s the lowest annual rate of increase since April 2021. Although this annual rate has fallen sharply from its peak in September 2022, it is still far above the readings around 2% seen early in 2021, which is the stated target level of the Fed. The primary reason is that shelter (housing) costs remain stubbornly

COLUMBUS, Ohio (July 23, 2024)—The central Ohio housing market broke its own record in June, and new listings increased, according to the latest housing statistics for June 2024 provided by Columbus REALTORS®. The median sales price hit a new all-time high. Homes sold for an average of $334,900 in June, a 3.9% increase year over year. To put that jump into perspective, just five years ago, the median sales price in Central Ohio was $181,500. “We are riding this wave of increased home prices this year. The downfall? Sellers will need to have patience as buyers are taking a little longer to make the big financial commitment,” said Columbus REALTORS® President Scott Hrabcak, “Having a dedicated REALTOR® by your side can help make the selling period a lot less stressful.” On average, homes in the Columbus & Central Ohio Regional MLS take just over three weeks to sell. Last year, homes sold in just about 20 days. “Buyers are finally getting more homes to choose from around town,” H

📝 Buyer Exclusive Agreements now the norm: New NAR settlement policy and state law is now in effect. My job as your realtor is to simplify things and educate you every step. My practice of real estate has not changed, and my clients have and will know the costs of selling and buying a home. Call Connie for her Buyer Rep Class, New Build Class, and Sellers Class. Together we will chat about the key things you need to know when building, selling and buying real estate. Be aware and keep these three points in mind: 1️⃣ You need an agreement with your buyer agent, but it doesn’t have to be exclusive or long-term. Negotiate the terms and shop for an agent you trust *before* shopping for a home. You may have to interview a few before you find the right fit. This is worth the time and effort. 2️⃣ Commission is negotiable, and now it’s written into the forms. Even though MLS doesn’t disclose the buyer agency compensation, it can still be negotiated in your sales contract. This

Navigating the Challenges of Moving with a Baby By Black Tie Moving July 18, 2024 Moving with a Baby Moving to a new home is a significant life event that comes with its own set of challenges. When you add a baby to the mix, the process can become even more complex and stressful. From maintaining your baby's routine to ensuring their safety and comfort, there are many factors to consider. Fortunately, Black Tie Moving is here to help make your next local move as smooth and stress-free as possible. In this article, we’ll explore the unique challenges of moving with a baby and how our professional services can assist you every step of the way. The Challenges of Moving with a Baby 1. Maintaining Routine Babies thrive on routine, and any disruption can lead to stress and fussiness. Moving can throw your baby's schedule off balance, affecting feeding times, naps, and bedtime routines. 2. Safety Concerns A move involves packing and transporting heavy furniture and boxes, whic