How Much Is My Home Worth?

Quickly Find Out What It's Really Worth, by Email, for Free

It is important to regularly determine your home's value. Even if you're not interested in selling your home, having a Comparative Market Analysis, or CMA performed on your property can help guide you in determining if the county assessment, the basis for your property taxes is accurate (click here for a guide on disputing your property tax assessment). This information can also be used to determine if you are carrying the proper amount of homeowner's insurance coverage as well as which repairs and/or upgrades to consider in order to improve/maintain the value of your home.
This is even more important if you're thinking of selling your home? Listing your home at the right price is crucial to its eventual sale and a CMA will aid you in determining what your home is worth, and where your home fits in with other similar homes in your area. (click here for tips on How to Set a List Price for Your Home)
A home's value is determined by several factors, the primary contributing factors are; the location of the home, the size of the home (that is the total square footage), it's age and physical condition, number of bedrooms, number of bathrooms, the size of the lot it is situated upon and it's location within the community. The amenities and level of finish, such the type and quality of flooring materials, cabinetry, countertops and features such as gourmet kitchens, media rooms, steam showers are additional factors that affect value. Location and proximity to things such as; shopping, entertainment districts, major highways, etc. have a major impact on the desirability of an area and thus home and land values.
Home values are also  affected by current economic conditions. The number of homes currently for sale in an area as well as what comparable homes (called "comps")  have for recently sold are used to determine what qualified buyers are currently willing to pay for similar properties. The assessed (tax) value of a home is not necessarily a good estimate of value and in some instances these values can be off by as much as 35%!
Let us do a quick "Comparative Market Analysis" for you, for free, and with no obligation. Also known as a CMA, this analysis compares your home to others that are currently on the market and to those that have recently sold.
As top REALTORS®, we determine the value of  area homes on a daily basis. Using the information you provide below, we can perform a quick market analysis, and give you a free estimate of what your home is worth in today's market.
Remember, market conditions can be different, even from one neighborhood to the next. We will take these and numerous other factors into account when determining the true market value of your home.
This service is completely free and without obligation. There are absolutely no strings attached. Why? We want the chance to demonstrate our expertise as top local real estate agents.






How to Set a List Price for Your Home
Understanding Real Estate Value
How Accurate are Zillow Zestimates
Why You Need a Realtor to Accurately Price Your Home
Why Should You Use a Realtor When Selling a Home
The Services We Perform for Our Clients

Home Buying Process - Step By Step To Buy a Home in Columbus OH

Are you looking to buy a new Home in the Columbus and Central OH Area? In this Columbus home buying article, I’ve outlined the seven main steps in getting ready to make a purchase.

If you’re ready to buy a home or seriously considering doing so in the near future and want to know more about what to expect from the 45 - 120 day process, please keep reading.

For assistance or questions, please contact Jason Opland and The Opland Group, with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate at theoplandgroup@gmail.com or 614-332-6984.

Step 1: Contact a Realtor It is easy to get lost in the real estate mix, especially with properties in Columbus OH in such a high demand. You will want to work with the best Columbus and Central OH Realtor. Start by checking agent reviews on sites like Realtor.com, Zillow.com, Trulia.com, Google for great Columbus and Central OH Realtors. Reviews are provided by buyers and sellers who have previously worked with these agents and upon completion of their transactions. The sites mentioned above include agent production and activity logs which are an indication of the agent's level of experience (consider the difference between a part-time real estate agent who sells a few properties for friends and relatives and someone who treats it as a full-time business venture), as well as a sales history which demonstrates the parts of town the agent has the most experience in. Communication style can also be important and if you want to get to know your agent on a more personal level you can also check sites like LinkedIn and Facebook.

Step 2: Find a Mortgage Broker

It’s critically important to find a good mortgage broker. Here’s an article on how to find a great mortgage broker. In summary, start early, find someone through a good referral and be careful of Big Banks and internet lenders.

Step 3: Receive Your Pre-approval

A pre-approval provides an estimate of what you can borrow. Provide income, debt, and down payment figures. The lender then provides you with an estimate of how much house you can afford. The process should take you a few hours. It is critically important that buyers secure a mortgage pre-approval before shopping for a home.

Step 4: Meet Your Realtor

Once you know how much home you can afford, your Realtor can give you good recent data on neighborhoods, sales trends, a buyer’s checklist and help you find and screen homes for sale. Get a free market snapshot report on any Columbus and Central OH neighborhood.

Step 5: View Columbus and Central Homes For Sale

Buying a home is likely one of the single largest purchases you’ll ever make. Review neighborhoods carefully, pick the type of property you want (single family homes, townhomes or condos), and screen for amenities (beds, baths, etc.) Your Realtor can help you filter by area, quality of construction, price, lot value, and construction value to help you find good options.

Step 6: Determine Your Favorite Home

When you see properties you like, add them to your shortlist. Get more details on those homes and get a tour of 4-6 homes at a time (if you see more than that in a session, they start blending together). Pick your favorite and when you’re ready to move forward . . .

Step 7: Make An Offer

Your Realtor should provide you with information on the neighborhood, recent sales trends, a comparable analysis of recently sold homes, and help provide you with guidance on pricing.

Step 8: Begin Negotiations

Depending on the market (seller’s market means that you need to be quite competitive; buyer’s market means you can shop for deals) you’ll want to adjust your negotiation style. In most parts of Central OH, we’re in a balanced market - but it is neighborhood by neighborhood dependent. Your Realtor should be familiar with the neighborhood and help you negotiate your home purchase/sale accordingly.

Step 9: Finalize Terms Of Sale

Depending on the market, finalizing the terms and conditions typically takes between 48-72 hours. Items will include price, financing amounts, inspection periods, closing dates, known repairs, non-realty items. You’ll want to ensure your Realtor guides you through the home buying and sales process and protects your interests.

Step 10: Prepare Contract

The real estate purchase contract is a legal agreement documenting everything in the terms of sale. Both the buyer and seller have obligations, deadlines and penalties for missing these obligations (this is why you need a great team between your Realtor, mortgage broker, inspector and title company).

Step 11: Contract Timeline Begins

The real estate contract will typically contain lots of dates - this is the contract timeline. There may be a deadlines set for inspections, earnest money deposits, applying for financing, appraisals, qualifying for your loan, and closing. Your Realtor should guide you through this process, but you’re responsible for meeting the deadlines.

Step 12: Home Inspections

It is often in your best interest to ensure that the property is structurally sound and in good general condition and as such you'll want to have a home inspection performed. You’ll want a professional home inspector to check the exterior, interior, structure, roofing, electric setup, heating, plumbing and insulation of your new house.

Special inspections (e.g. stucco, foundation, moisture, insects) may be needed depending on the property you’re purchasing. Your Realtor should have vendors they work with frequently to help you get a shortlist of qualified resources.

Step 13: Finalize Financing

Typically, the buyer will have a period (“inspection period”) where they can back out of the contract for any reason and just lose their earnest deposit. After this period ends, normally the buyer is obligated to close on the home in the agreed upon timeline, otherwise they are at risk of losing their earnest money. It’s so important you have a good lender who can meet contract deadlines without causing you stress and headache.

Step 14: Closing

Usually, the closing is held at a title company (the firm that guarantees you’re purchasing the home free and clear of any debt or incumberance - and gives you insurance to protect against this). It’s often a 45 minute to 1 hour process where they confirm that all of your funds have arrived, all of the conditions to closing and transfer of title have been met, and give you the keys.

You’re done!

Congratulations homeowner! You’ve purchased a new home. Your Realtor should also be make recommendations on movers, housekeepers and service providers that you may need in your new abode.

As with all things, doing the necessary preparation, getting the right information, and finding the best help is crucial.

For assistance or questions, please contact Jason Opland and The Opland Group, Better Homes and Gardens Realty at theoplandgroup@gmail.com or 614.332.6984.

FHA Program Allows Former Home Owners to Buy Again Sooner

Normally an individual who sold his or her home through a short sale or lost it in a foreclosure would have to wait 36 months to purchase a home again ( primary residence ) with an FHA fixed-rate mortgage. However, the FHA Back to Work Program allows a buyer to purchase a new home just 12 months after a foreclosure, short sale or a deed in lieu of foreclosure. The program -- which was announced in 2013, and extended through Sept. 30, 2016 -- aims to fulfill a lofty goal: offering families a second chance at homeownership.

In order to qualify you'll need to demonstrate the financial problems that caused you to forfeit your prior home.

How You Can Qualify: The FHA Back to Work Program requires participants show that the loss of their previous home was truly due to circumstances beyond their control. Participants must demonstrate that since the financial calamity, the have re-established their income and have paid their other obligations as agreed. Unfortunately, the program does not consider previous loan modifications, adjustable-rate loan recasting, inability to rent a previous income property, or even divorce to be sufficient enough reasons to qualify.

Loss of Income: Participants must show a 20 percent loss of income or more for at least six consecutive months leading up to the event to qualify. For example, if the previous foreclosure, short sale or deed in lieu happened due to loss of income, you would meet this requirement if your pre-event income was $100,000, and dropped to $80,000 or lower for six consecutive months beforehand.

How to support your claim: The lender with whom you're applying will order a verification of employment. The verification of employment would support the dates of when the loss of income occurred. Other supporting documentation would include lower year-to-date earnings with pay stubs within the dates your income dropped. W-2s and/or tax returns that show lower reported wages for that time frame will also meet the FHA requirement.

Full Recovery With Satisfactory Credit: FHA wants you to demonstrate that you're back on both feet. You'll need to show that since the previous financial calamity, you have re-established your income and have paid your other obligations as agreed.

How to support your claim: Participants will need to have a credit score of at least 640, or to have gone through a HUD-approved counseling agency related to homeownership and residential mortgage loans. Tip: A 12-month favorable credit history on your other debt obligations would support the credit score requirement.

Missing the FHA Second-Chance Boat: These FHA requirements draw a clear line in the sand by asking for specific related documentation that led to the loss of the home. If a buyer who had a foreclosure, short sale or deed in lieu of foreclosure is unable to provide a clear, documented 20 percent loss of income for six consecutive months leading up to the event, it will be difficult for them to get qualified for this program. Here's why: The nature of lending in today's credit environment involves revealing all aspects of the borrower's credit, debt, income and assets. A simple letter of explanation detailing the circumstances that led to the event is simply not enough; for this program, supporting documentation needs to corroborate the story.

Post-Foreclosure Timelines

If the short sale, foreclosure or deed in lieu of foreclosure took place within the last 12 to 36 months ... Then a documentable loss of income of 20 percent or more for six months remains in effect.

If the short sale, foreclosure or deed in lieu of foreclosure took place 36 months ago or longer ... Then the previous loss of income documentation threshold does not apply, and a borrower would be eligible for a new FHA loan, as long as the credit, debt, income and assets are acceptable with the lender. A prior home loss does not automatically preclude your ability to qualify.

If the short sale, foreclosure or deed in lieu of foreclosure took place 36 months ago or longer... Then the lending requirements for other types of loans are as follows:

• Conventional loan -- You're eligible with 20 percent down (to avoid private mortgage insurance) seven years after the event, or three years after with documentable extenuating circumstances and a lender exception;
• VA loan -- 36 months out from the date of the event;
• USDA loan -- 36 months out from the date of the event;
• Jumbo mortgage (this is for loan amounts that exceed the maximum loan limit for a conventional loan in your area) -- most lenders require seven years from a foreclosure or a deed in lieu, for a short sale they want 30 percent down and 36 months out or longer.

Finally, your credit scores will most definitely have taken a hit after you lose your home. However, you can still get to work on rebuilding your credit, and establishing a good payment history on your other debts. You can start by checking your free annual credit reports and your credit scores. There are many programs that allow you to monitor your credit scores for free, including Credit.com, which also gives you an analysis of your credit, and can help you create a plan to get your credit back on track.

If you, or someone you know is considering Buying or Selling a Home in Columbus, Ohio please contact The Opland Group. We offer professional real estate advice and look forward to helping you achieve your real estate goals!


The Opland Group Specializes in Real Estate Sales, Luxury Home Sales, Short Sales in; Bexley 43209 Columbus 43201 43206 43214 43215 Delaware 43015 Dublin 43016 43017 Gahanna 43219 43230 Grandview Heights 43212 Hilliard 43026 Lewis Center 43035 New Albany 43054 Pickerington Powell 43065 Upper Arlington 43220 43221 Westerville 43081 43082 Worthington 43235

Pulte Homes buys Land for Liberty Trace Subdivision in Powell

Pulte Homes plans to transform 115 acres in Liberty Township into 139 lots for single-family homes.

The land held by two Rush family trusts was sold to Dominion Homes which has since been acquired by Pulte Homes. Dominion Homes purchased the land in April for nearly $6 million, or $43,000 a lot before site development for each housing parcel that township trustees approved in a December zoning.


This is a premier Powell OH location, offering great visibility with Liberty Township Park across the street. The community will feed to the exceptionally rated Olentangy School District. The sale included two houses on the southeast edge of the property including 7201 Old Liberty Rd.

Dominion Homes had planned to build “enhanced” models from its Tradition Collection of housing models at the Liberty Trace subdivision, where prices were to begin in the low $400,000s. Dominion which had previously focused largely on first-time home buyers, was in the process of refining their efforts to offer homes to the second and third step-up buyer, and Pulte Homes will likely proceed with these plans for Liberty Trace as well as expansion into higher price points and the targeting of move-up home buyers.

Dominion also broke ground on the 44-lot Celtic Crossing subdivision close to Dublin Jerome High School. That development will include Tradition Collection houses starting in the mid-$400,000s.

If you, or someone you know is considering Buying or Selling a Home in Columbus, Ohio please contact The Opland Group. We offer professional real estate advice and look forward to helping you achieve your real estate goals!

The Opland Group Specializes in Real Estate Sales, Luxury Home Sales, Short Sales in; Bexley 43209 Columbus 43201 43206 43214 43215 Delaware 43015 Dublin 43016 43017 Gahanna 43219 43230 Grandview Heights 43212 Hilliard 43026 Lewis Center 43035 New Albany 43054 Pickerington Powell 43065 Upper Arlington 43220 43221 Westerville 43081 43082 Worthington 43235

Understanding Home Inspections

Buying a home could be the largest single investment you will ever make. To minimize unpleasant surprises and unexpected difficulties, you’ll want to learn as much as you can about the newly constructed or existing house before you buy it. A home inspection may identify the need for major repairs or builder oversights, as well as the need for maintenance to keep it in good shape. After the inspection, you will know more about the house, which will allow you to make decisions with confidence.

A home inspection is an objective visual examination of the physical structure and systems of a house, from the roof to the foundation. The standard home inspector’s report will cover the condition of the home’s heating system; central air conditioning system (temperature permitting); interior plumbing and electrical systems; the roof, attic and visible insulation; walls, ceilings, floors, windows and doors; the foundation, basement and structural components.

While economical and useful, these reports have limits that must be acknowledged. Too often, the significance of this report is overstated, leaving the buyer and seller exposed to unreasonable expectations, which can lead to unhappy clients, disagreements, and even lawsuits. There are several important considerations home buyers need to understand about their home inspector.

1. Some home inspectors are not licensed

Some states, such as Ohio, have no licensing or state certification for home inspectors. While a license or credential is not a guarantee of competence, it is an indication the inspector has completed a minimum level of education.

There are a number of credentialing organizations, including: American Society of Home Inspectors, and the National Association of Home Inspectors. These organizations each have their own qualifications, exams, and code of ethics. Buyers should seek out an inspector certified by one of these major organizations which is as easy as visiting their websites and conducting a search for inspectors in your area. Do not accept so-called “company certifications,” which are simply in-house programs and not subject to any industry oversight.

2. Insurance is important

While it's rare, an inspector can occasionally miss an important item that could point toward a significant repair issue. In the event this occurs, consumers will be disappointed if the inspector is unable to pay for the necessary repair of the neglected item. Your client should hire an inspector with current liability insurance.

3. Occasionally a specialized expert is required

An inspector will sometimes report on a significant item that requires particular expertise. For example, if a question is raised regarding a crack in the home's foundation, you may need advice from a structural engineer. An architect or general contractor might be needed to determine how an unpermitted addition might be legitimized with the building department.

The home inspector is the first but not necessarily the last word on things. Consumers may want to bring in further expertise if the report indicates a problem.

4. Home inspectors do not eliminate all risk

The home inspection is only visual. The inspector cannot see inside walls to confirm that the framing is solid or that the plumbing or wiring was properly installed. Exterior finishes typically cover a home’s most important elements, so inspectors look for clues. However, the absence of cracks does not mean a wall is strong, and the absence of stains on the ceiling does not guarantee the roof is watertight.

The typical home inspection contract alerts consumers to these limitations. Be sure to read and understands this. This is critical to help remind you that the inspector will not tear open walls, expose the waterproofing of windows, or remove any part of the home. The risk of potential hidden problems remains, even after the best visual assessment of the property.

Buyers need to understand that a visual inspection (“AVID”) and the home inspection are not a 100% guarantee and protection from any problems with the home.

5. Pick the best, not the cheapest

Home inspection prices vary and it can be tempting to hire the cheapest. There may be a reason a company’s price is low. Are they new? Do they take far less time on the inspection? Do they have a poor reputation and need a catchy low price to get business? Home inspections are a minuscule cost relative to the total price of a home. We encourage our clients not to focus solely on price and hire the best available.

6. No Home is perfect

Reviewing all the inspection paperwork is a preventative measure to make sure you know what you're getting yourself into. It's always better to be safe than sorry, especially when it comes to one of the largest financial investments you'll ever make.


The first logical step would be to ask the seller to fix any problems. If the seller refuses, a buyer should work with their REALTOR® to negotiate a price reduction. If a solution cannot be reached, the buyer should look for another home.


In short, if you can't buy a home at the price you want and in the condition you want, you shouldn't buy that home.


If you, or someone you know is considering Buying or Selling a Home in Columbus, Ohio please contact The Opland Group. We offer professional real estate advice and look forward to helping you achieve your real estate goals!


The Opland Group Specializes in Real Estate Sales, Luxury Home Sales, Short Sales in; Bexley Columbus Delaware Downtown Dublin Gahanna Grandview Heights Granville Grove City Groveport Hilliard Lewis Center New Albany Pickerington Polaris Powell Upper Arlington Westerville Worthington


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Mobile Devices Drive Today's Home Buyers Search Efforts

You see smartphone and tablets all around you... from business professionals in airport lounges, to teenagers waiting in lines, and distracted drivers waiting at red lights. People check their phones 150 times per day and mobile device usage has become ingrained in our daily lives, empowering us to get immediate answers, make use of otherwise unproductive time, and to interact and stay connect with others whenever we want through phone calls, video chats, and social media.


And mobile users love their apps. As smartphone and tablet users, we spend 89% of our media time on mobile apps, compared with just 11% browsing mobile websites. For home buyers, apps have become an instrumental medium to interact with consumers. There are many mobile resources available to home buyers for: searching, pricing, and comparing homes. Today's house hunters can integrate their mobile search efforts allowing them to immediately expand their knowledge about which homes are on the market, who the listing agent is as well as local open house locations and times. With a couple of texts or emails between buyers and agents, a real estate deal can and often is originated through a mobile device. 


The top 4 Real Estate websites now report over 50% of their monthly traffic comes directly from mobile devices. If you're considering buying or selling a home there's a very good chance you will utilize your mobile device and one of these real estate apps during your purchase or sale. We recently reviewed the top mobile real estate search apps in an article, What's the Best Mobile Real Estate Search App.


If you, or someone you know is considering Buying or Selling a Home in Columbus, Ohio please contact The Opland Group. We offer professional real estate advice and look forward to helping you achieve your real estate goals!
The Opland Group Specializes in Real Estate Sales, Luxury Home Sales, Short Sales in; Bexley Columbus Delaware Downtown Dublin Gahanna Grandview Heights Granville Grove City Groveport Hilliard Lewis Center New Albany Pickerington Polaris Powell Upper Arlington Westerville Worthington

New Homes Less Expensive to Maintain than Existing Homes

Beyond the ability to make selections and personalize your house, one of the key virtues of a new  home is the savings that come from reduced energy and maintenance expenses.


For routine maintenance expenses, 26% of all homeowners spent $100 or more a month on various upkeep costs. However, only 11% of owners of newly constructed homes spent this amount. In fact, 73% of new homeowners spent less than $25 a month on routine maintenance costs.  The AHS classifies new construction as homes no more than four years old.

Similar findings are available for energy expenses. According to the 2011 AHS, on a median per square foot basis, homeowners spent 81 cents per square foot per year on electricity. Owners of new homes spent less: 68 cents per square foot per year. For homes with piped gas, homeowners spent on average 50 cents per square foot per year. Owners of new homes spent just 34 cents per square foot per year.


The 2011 data show similar results for various other utilities. For water bills, homeowners averaged 28 cents per square foot per year, while owners of new homes averaged 22 cents. 


These data highlight that a new home offers savings over the life of ownership due to reduced operating costs. And in fact, these reduced costs result in lower insurance bills as well. The median cost for all homeowners of property insurance is 39 cents per square foot, while it is only 31 cents per square foot for owners of new homes.


These reduced expenditures represent one of the many reasons that the current system of appraisals needs updating to reflect the flow of benefits that come from features in a new home.


If you, or someone you know is considering Buying or Selling a Home in Columbus and Central Ohio please contact The Opland Group. We offer professional real estate advice and look forward to helping you achieve your real estate goals!


The Opland Group Specializes in Real Estate Sales, Luxury Home Sales, Short Sales in; Bexley Columbus Delaware Downtown Dublin Gahanna Grandview Heights Granville Grove City Groveport Hilliard Lewis Center New Albany Pickerington Polaris Powell Upper Arlington Westerville Worthington