Are you dreaming of a new home, considering selling, or interested in the home buying process?🏠 Join us for a FREE informative and empowering seminar and breakfast! Meet local real estate agents, mortgage brokers, and builders who will be on hand to answer your burning questions. Whether you're a first-time buyer, looking to upgrade, or considering selling, this seminar is tailored for YOU! Space is LIMITED. Register today at bit.ly/3UumnAA or scan the QR code. Date: February 24, 2024 Time: 9:30 am - 11 am Location: 6381 Hamilton Woods Blvd South, Westerville, Ohio 43081 Don't miss this golden opportunity to gain valuable insights and take the first step towards your dream home journey. Let's make your housing dreams a reality! 🏡✨ For more information call Paige Ludwig, Archway Group | Coldwell Banker Realty 614.271.6782  

We are very excited to post that MORTGAGE RATES HAVE DROPPED!   Mortgage rates just hit a three-week low, with the average 30-year mortgage loan rate dropping to 7.54% — down 8 basis points from the week prior. The 15-year mortgage rate also declined, hitting an average of 8.82%, a drop of 1 basis point from the week prior. But they may not stay that way for long. There are clear signs that mortgage rates are likely to increase again in the coming weeks or months, so if you're thinking about buying a home in the near future, you need to make this one move now.  Thinking about buying a home? the one move you should make right now is to lock in your mortgage rate. By locking in your mortgage rate, you secure an agreed-upon interest rate with your lender for a specified period, typically ranging from 30 to 60 days.  This means that regardless of how market rates may change during this period, your lender guarantees that you will be offered the locked-in rate when you close on your mortgage. In essence, you're shielding yourself from the volatility of mortgage interest rate shifts that could otherwise impact your monthly mortgage payments.  If you need help finding a lender, give us a call. Our top-notch lenders will work with you to find the best rate and loan for you.   DON'T WAIT, LOCK IN YOUR RATE! 614.477.3077

The Big Benefits of Downsizing Your Home Downsizing your home can lead to financial freedom and a more sustaina... View More   5 Home Improvement Projects That Will Pay Off in 2024 Explore strategic home improvement projects to enhance your property's... View More   Simple Holiday Storage Tips to Make Your Life Easier Get 5 holiday storage tips to properly organize, pack and protect your... View More Hope you have a wonderful November! Please call me for any and all real estate needs and questions. I'm here for you!   Todd Berrien Realtor® and Owner Archway Group | Coldwell Banker 614.477.3077            

The age-old question... Is renting or buying the better option? Here’s a couple of examples of the benefits of buying a home. We are using data from Rentometer 2022 which says the average rent in Columbus is $1681/month. Per ZipRecruiter the average salary is $64,582. And per Columbus Board of Realtors, the median home price is $285,000. These charts factor home insuance, maintenance costs, etc. They also allow for a 6% yearly home value increase. Here's the rent vs buy breakdown for a $285,000 home calculated with a 20% downpayment. The same home calculated with a 10% downpayment So, it's pretty obvious! Even with a smaller downpayment, with all costs calculated, owning is better. Call us today. Inventory is good, rates are within normal ranges and home prices are only going to go up in the future! 614.477.3077  

Welcome back!  I hope you've found this blog helpful. Please share it with anyone you think might be helped by reading it. Today I'm going to cover Demographics, Inventory and Competition.  This is truly the alarming part of this blog and a must-read. Central Ohio is a relocation hotspot. Life is good here. The weather is decent and we aren't prone to natural disasters like wildfires, hurricanes, landslides, earthquakes, etc. Plus, it's a vibrant town with tons of things to do, both inside and out. Nationally, the current housing shortfall is 1.6 million homes. The housing supply hasn’t been this low since the 1970s. Buiders can't keep up with the demand. Inventory shortages are creating a seller’s market and intense buyer competition, which will only worsen as a greater amount of the population falls into prime buying age. Per US Census and Housing reports, the median age of first-time home buyers is 34 years. Based on this data, for the next ten years we will have significantly greater numbers of home buyers which will create intense competition.  And, if lower loan rates are announced, the market will be saturated with even more buyers who will drive up competition and price. Now is the window of oppotunity. There’s still plenty of inventory in the fall and winter - but competition is reduced. Buying now is the perfect time to beat the large influx of buyers in the spring.Don't risk missing this opportunity.  Call today! 614.477.3077    

Thanks for checking back in for the next installment of the Window of Opportunity. Choosing between renting and buying a home is a big decision and there are pros and cons to both. Here's a great pros and cons comparison list you can use. RENTING Pros Renting may be best if you’re staying in a place short term. Low to no repair and maintenance costs. You can choose to rent in an area that’s close to your work, your kids’ school or shops and restaurants you like. Renters insurance is relatively inexpensive. Cons Yearly rent increases are normal. The last few years in Columbus this has been a 20-27% yearly increase. No equity, no ownership. No financial gains. The landlord gets your money. Extra fees/charges due to pets, maintenance and security deposits, which are rarely ever returned to renters in full. Not tax deductible. Unlike mortgage interest, rent isn’t a tax-deductible expense; rent payments won’t lower your taxes. BUYING Pros You own it and gain equity. Every mortgage payment you make contributes to building your equity. Even if you sell your home before it’s paid off, you can cash out your equity and use it as a down payment on the next home. Investment growth. Here in Central Ohio the average home value goes up 6% every year. Tax deduction: Mortgage interest you pay decreases your income tax liability and can help you save in taxes. Pets allowed! Paint it, decorate it, fix it, change it - it’s yours. Fixed payments. With a fixed-rate mortgage, your monthly payments won’t change during the course of the loan. If interest rates rise, you’ll still be locked in to your initial rate. Payments build credit: Lenders report payments to credit bureaus, timely mortgage payments improve credit scores. Cons Upfront costs: You’ll need some cash to provide a down payment for the mortgage. However, some government-insured home loans are available with zero downpayment. Call us and we can get you connected to a lender that will find the best rate for your situation. Closing costs, which can account for 2% to 5% of the home’s sale price. These are usually added to the cost of the loan. Responsibility for repairs falls on the homeowner. Getting a Home Warranty may help with this. Additional monthly/yearly expenses like HOA fees, taxes, insurance, etc. Of course, we think buying a home is better than renting.  That's our business.  But we're telling you this information so that you can see for yourself what the benefits are. Even if you're at the "Just Thinking About Buying Stage," do yourself a favor. Call us at 614.764.2551. We can help you understand the process, connect you to lenders and help you through the entire transaction when you are ready and able. Read on for Part 4 Demographics, Inventory and Competition (it's pretty eye-opening).

Thanks for coming back for part two in the Window of Opportunity homeownership blog.  Today we're going to be discussing the wealth-building benefit of homeownership. Buying a home is the best wealth-building investment you can make. Let’s say you buy a $400,000 home and put down 10% ($40K). The national average rate that housing prices go up each year is at least 2%. (Here in Columbus it’s significantly higher 6%+). On a $400,000 home, this would be $8,000 return PER YEAR – which means on average you’re getting a 20% return on your original $40K investment. Home prices only go up - even if there's a recession.  Prices drop a little during a recession (good for buyers), but recover quickly and regain value (great for buyers). Since 1960 there have been eight recessions and after each one, home prices rebounded and increased. Take a look at the chart below. You can clearly see how your money grows.   The other financial bonus to owning a home is the mortgage interest deduction tax shelter, if you itemize. On the same $400,000 house, where the loan is $360,000, a 6% principal and interest rate is $2158. Assuming you have followed the payment plan and paid your loan, you would be paying $21,479 in mortgage interest. If you are in the typical 30% tax bracket and if you itemize on your taxes, you can actually write off 30% of the value of the interest – about $6443. That’s almost an 18% return. I hope you find this helpful.  Be sure to share this information with anyone who might find it beneficial.  And call us if you need to discuss your home search 614.764.2551. Check back later for Part 3 - Renting vs Owning.  

Welcome to Part 1 of my blog series about this unique buying time in the Central Ohio area. I hope you find it helpful.  Check in on Tuesdays and Thursdays for the next blog in this series. Today we are going to talk about how Central Ohio is at a tipping point in the housing industry. We believe this fall and winter will be a “Buyers’ Window of Opportunity” as competition will decrease and home affordability will be within reach. Here's why: Mortgage rates are at or below the 50-year average. Inventory is higher than its been for the last 3 years. There are fewer buyers in the fall. Let's look at Mortage Rates. Those record-low 2-3% aren't returning any time soon and likely they may never happen again, according to top economists, Realtor.com, Fannie Mae, the National Association of Realtors, and the Mortgage Bankers Association. These experts expect mortgage rates to be slightly lower by the end of 2023. Predictions range from 6% to 6.7% on average. Here's the takeaway - our current rates are NORMAL. Since 1971, the average mortgage rate falls into the 7-8% zone. Check out the chart below. A slightly higher rate might not be financially detrimental when purchasing a home - especially if it means you can get a home at a good price. A 7.23% rate (9/13/23 average) on a 30-year $400,000 loan creates a $2,723 monthly payment. At 6.7%, this monthly payment falls to $2,581, just a $142 difference. If you can purchase a home now, while there’s less competition, you can always refinance when rates drop.In fact, some lenders are even offering reduced costs to refinance if rates drop. Rates are within the norm. Start your buying journey.  Call us and we will help you find the best lender for your situation!

You Could be in a New Home for the Holidays Have you been dreaming of selling your home, buying a new one and moving in before the holidays? This scenario is actually fairly common and totally doable. A knowledgeable agent can guide you through the process, negotiate the best terms and get you into a new home – all in time to celebrate with family […] Have you been dreaming of selling your home, buying a new one and moving in before the holidays? This scenario is actually fairly common and totally doable. A knowledgeable agent can guide you through the process, negotiate the best terms and get you into a new home – all in time to celebrate with family and friends. Here’s how you can get started. Understand the Market Although spring and summer are considered peak buying and selling season, you can still snag a great deal during fall and winter months – if you have a good handle on your local market. Your agent is an invaluable resource for information on current inventory, comparable properties, average home prices and median days on the market. Once you know where you stand, you can weigh the options and make smart decisions. Prepare Your Home for Listing Now is the time to do a careful review of your property and determine if any repairs or upgrades are needed. Your agent can provide a list of trusted vendors, tradespeople and contractors to take care of larger tasks while staging your house for broad buyer appeal, arranging professional photography and marketing your home for maximum exposure. Get Ready to Move To further prepare your home for the market, you want to start decluttering and depersonalizing by boxing up items for donation or storage. You can make this process manageable by targeting one room at a time. Before you know it, you’ll be one step closer to the big move. Evaluate Your Finances Taking a realistic look at your financial situation is crucial to determining the size and location of the home you want to purchase and if you need to sell your current home before buying. Your agent can connect you with a reputable lender who will walk you through the available loan options. Having a good understanding of your finances will also ease any stress you may be feeling. Find Your New Home To help narrow down the search, create a wish list, prioritize your “must-haves” and check out homes for sale on coldwellbanker.com or in person with your agent. While viewing properties, imagine living there. Is the dining space large enough for Thanksgiving dinner? Do you have somewhere to hang your stockings? How will your holiday lights look to neighbors passing by? If you feel that emotional connection, you know you’ve found the one. So, is it possible to buy and sell before the holidays? The answer is yes. By working closely with a skilled real estate professional, you can set a timeline, plan out your strategy and ring in the new year in your new home. Source: Jennifer McGuire, Coldwell Banker Blue Matter July 2023

Attention investors, first-time buyers, and superhosts this is your chance to own in a very desirable area under $200k. Olde Towne East! Perfectly located, near downtown Columbus, Franklin Park, Nationwide Children's Hospital with easy access to highways. Just a five-minute walk to bars and restaurants. This adorable house built in 1903 boasts many modern updates. Front and rear porch shingles replaced, main roof serviced and in great shape. New PEX plumbing and new water heater. Pergo plank flooring, vinyl siding, and updated windows. Turnkey short-term rental or a single-family home ready for owner occupant. The second story has a bonus room which could serve as a second bedroom, walk-in closet, or office space. #justlisted #investmentproperty #archwaygroupoh #realestate #realtor #experiencesomethingdifferent

1906 A POWERFUL BEGINNING   In the aftermath of the Great San Francisco Earthquake, Colbert Coldwell founds Tucker, Lynch & Coldwell — a real estate company based on the principles of honesty, integrity and service. 1913 COLDWELL MEETS BANKER Colbert Coldwell invites Benjamin Arthur Banker to join his firm. Within a year, Banker is promoted to partner for his exceptional work ethic and business acumen. 1937 EXPANDING ACROSS CALIFORNIA Continued expansion throughout the state results in seven offices serving both Northern and Southern California. 1950 COMMERCIAL SUCCESS Coldwell Banker becomes a prominent player in commercial real estate, contributing to the development of office buildings and large-scale shopping centers. 1976 A DREAM ACHIEVED With the acquisition of several major East Coast firms, Coldwell Banker fulfills Arthur Banker’s dream of serving the entire continental U.S. 1996 REACHING NEW FRONTIERS The first international Coldwell Banker office opens in Toronto, Canada and http://coldwellbanker.com/ goes live, becoming the first website of a national real estate brand. 2007 FIRST TO GO MOBILE With smartphones rising in popularity, Coldwell Banker became the first national real estate company to offer GPS enabled listings and to configure its website for mobile users. 2023 HERE AND NOW As one of the most respected names in the industry, Coldwell Banker continues to provide its clients with world-class service across every facet of the real estate experience.

  Agents can get you a better deal Working with an agent when selling your home is likely to land you a higher selling price, and a more favorable deal. According to a 2021 report from the National Association of Realtors, the typical for sale by owner (FSBO) home sold for $260,000 compared to $318,000 for agent-assisted home sales. That’s $58,000 more in the pockets of sellers using an agent — more than enough to cover the cost of commissions and still have a healthy profit. It’s not just agents who recommend using agents. Shaun Martin of We Buy Houses in Denver, a home-buying company, agrees that having a Realtor on your team makes sense. “An experienced Realtor will be able to help you determine the right asking price for your home based on recent sales of similar homes in your area,” he says. Your home’s listing will get broader exposure “A Realtor will be able to effectively market your home to potential buyers,” says Martin. “This includes creating eye-catching listing descriptions, taking professional photos and using the latest technology to market your home online.” An agent will also make sure your home is added to the local MLS, or multiple listing service, which other agents use to help find listings that match their clients’ needs. This means many more people will see your listing — and more exposure means more people who might want to buy it. With a wider pool of house hunters to see it, your home has a better chance of getting an offer, or even generating a bidding war to really maximize the sale price. You gain access to a wide professional network On a similar note, Realtors typically have a large professional network that they can leverage during the home-selling process. Their access to a broad range of real estate pros can help connect you with a home-staging company, landscapers, real estate attorneys and many others who can help you on your selling journey. A trusted agent’s recommendation can save you the time and effort of having to research it all yourself. Agents are objective Selling your home can be an emotional experience. You likely have a lot of memories there, and it’s common to get sentimental. It can be hard for a seller to treat the place they raised their family as simply a product that’s for sale to the highest bidder — but it’s easy for a Realtor. An agent is an objective third party who can look at your home without the years of memories and emotional attachment you’ve built. That lets them provide valuable advice and guidance to get you the best price possible. Source: Bankrate.com

Are you looking for a turnkey condo that offers ample living space and modern amenities? Look no further than 4650 NW Professional in Columbus, OH. This stunning condominium is located in the coveted Winthrop Place community and boasts two full bedrooms, two full baths, and two half baths spread across three levels - ensuring that every resident has the space they need to truly unwind.From the moment you step inside, you'll be impressed by the updated finishes and open floor plan that make this condo feel like home. The great room features a beautiful brick fireplace that serves as the centerpiece of the living space, while the first level's hardwood flooring adds a touch of warmth and sophistication.One of the most impressive features of this property is the private courtyard with a paver patio that provides a serene outdoor space for relaxation and entertaining. Whether you're catching up with a friend over coffee or hosting a summertime barbecue, this space is sure to impress.In addition to the impressive living spaces, the home also features a fully finished basement with a half bath and plenty of storage, as well as a two-car garage and ample parking for guests.When it's time to retreat to your private quarters, you'll find that each bedroom features its own private bath - an amenity that is truly a rare find! And with the highly sought-after Upper Arlington Schools district, families can rest easy knowing that their children will receive a top-notch education.Overall, 4650 NW Professional is a must-see property for anyone looking for a comfortable, modern, and convenient living space in Columbus. With its prime location, ample amenities, and stunning finishes, this condo offers everything you need to create your dream home.

Looking for a home that's ready for you to move in? Look no further than 3457 Westerville Woods Drive in Columbus, OH. This 2-story home features Oak hardwood flooring throughout the first floor and upstairs hallway, as well as plenty of space for seating, cooking, and entertaining in the open-concept main floor.Upstairs, you'll find 3 well-sized bedrooms and an updated full bath, making this home perfect for families or those who enjoy having guests over. And when it's time to relax, the back yard oasis with privacy fence and large patio is the perfect spot.But it's not just the interior that makes this home so appealing. Many big updates have been made, including all new siding in 2021, A/C in 2017, and Furnace in 2023. And for those who need to work from home or just want to stay connected, there's Home Networking w/CAT 7 installed in 2017.But wait, there's more! The home comes with Ring and Nest systems, as well as a washer and dryer. And with Westerville schools and Columbus taxes, this home is truly a gem.Located close to the Erie Trail, parks, and Easton with easy Highway access, this home is perfect for those who want to enjoy the best of both worlds - peaceful suburban living with easy access to city amenities.So if you're looking for a move-in ready home in Westerville Woods, look no further than 3457 Westerville Woods Drive.

Located in the highly sought-after Golfview Woods subdivision, 2209 Cypress Creek Court is a stunning multi-level beauty that boasts meticulous care and attention to detail. With a listing price of $383,000, this charming home offers 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, and 1,697 square feet of living space. The main living area and dining area open up to the chef's kitchen, which features an abundance of Amish cabinetry and newer stainless steel appliances. Upstairs, the primary suite offers a private and updated bath and a walk-in closet. Two additional bedrooms upstairs offer great closet space and share an updated full bath. The lower level is a cozy family room with a floor-to-ceiling brick hearth fireplace, a half bath, and an additional bedroom. The unfinished area provides plenty of storage space, a laundry room, additional areas to finish, and access to the backyard. The outdoor oasis is a perfect place to relax and unwind, with a newer composite deck with a Pergola, a paver patio with lush landscaping, and stepping stones that lead to a cozy built-in firepit area, all within the large fenced yard. In conclusion, 2209 Cypress Creek Court is a perfect home for families looking for a comfortable and inviting home in an excellent location. With its beautiful outdoor space, updated amenities, and excellent location, this charming home is a must-see for anyone looking for a perfect family home in Columbus, OH.

  View in browser The Wonderful World of Green – Tips for Hydrating Plants Did you know there are proper methods to watering your plants that inv... View More       First Impressions Matter – Get Your Home Market Ready If you are considering selling your home, there are several things you... View More   Contemplating a 55+ Community? Making the decision to move to a 55+ active adult living community can... View More   I am here to help you, your friends and your family with all your real estate needs! Buying? Selling? Home valuations? Market reports? Call me and I will be happy to take care of you! Todd Berrien 614.477.3077  

If you're looking for a home that offers the perfect balance of privacy, luxury, and natural beauty, look no further than 3254 Foxcroft Drive in Lewis Center, OH. This one-of-a-kind residence sits on a cul-de-sac lot that backs to a private wooded ravine, providing a serene and secluded setting that's just minutes from all the amenities of central Ohio.Spanning over 5,000 square feet (though the auditor's report is incorrect), this home features 4 bedrooms and 3 full baths, as well as an array of high-end finishes and amenities. The light-filled 2-story great room is the centerpiece of the home, opening up to a chef's kitchen complete with stainless steel appliances, granite counters, and a hearth room. From there, you can step outside onto the large deck and take in the gorgeous wooded scenery that surrounds you.The first floor also includes a den with glass French doors, a convenient laundry room, and a luxurious master suite with an ensuite spa-like bath. Upstairs, you'll find two additional bedrooms, a loft space, ample closet space, and another full bath.But the real entertaining space is found in the walkout lower level, which boasts a guest suite with a bedroom, full bath, family room, flex space, and workshop. Stone stairs lead down to an outdoor living area that overlooks a peaceful stream, providing the perfect backdrop for everything from quiet contemplation to lively gatherings with friends and family.Located in the highly desirable Olentangy Local School District, this home truly offers the best of both worlds. So why wait? If you're ready to discover your own private sanctuary in the heart of Lewis Center, schedule a showing today and see everything 3254 Foxcroft Drive has to offer.

Dublin, Ohio is known for its beautiful neighborhoods, luxurious houses, and state-of-the-art amenities. If you are looking for a home that offers comfort, elegance, and sophistication, look no further than 4944 Pesaro Way. This Romanelli & Hughes elegant homesite is located in the private Cortona gated community and offers the pinnacle of fine living.The listing price of this exquisite home is $1,899,000, but the features and amenities it offers are worth every penny. With over 4,900 square feet of living space, this exquisitely designed home boasts four bedrooms and three bathrooms on two finished levels. The stone accented exterior, hardwood flooring, and Great Room with a 12' coffered ceiling are just a few of the features that make this home stand out.As you enter this magnificent home, you will be greeted by a motorcourt style garage entry, 9'+ ceilings, and high-end amenities throughout. The Kitchen features an island and is perfect for entertaining. With a private study, sound system, three fireplaces, and a luxurious first-floor Primary Suite, this home offers everything you need to live in comfort and style.The home also features bedroom suites on both levels, an expansive lower level with multiple entertainment rooms, a wine cellar, and a built-in pub. Whether you want to relax with friends or family, this home is perfect for entertaining. If you love outdoor living, you will appreciate the deck, patio, and gorgeous wooded views.This home is immaculate and move-in ready, offering the perfect blend of luxury and comfort. If you are looking for a home that offers the pinnacle of fine living, look no further than 4944 Pesaro Way in Dublin's Cortona gated community.

As a real estate agency, we understand the challenges that come with buying or selling a home. It can be a complex and frustrating process, especially when it comes to the home buying contract wars. Whether you're a buyer or a seller, our team has the expertise and knowledge to help you navigate the market and secure the best deal. One of the most important factors in winning the home buying contract wars is having strong negotiation skills. Our team has years of experience in negotiating on behalf of our clients, and we know how to get the deal done. We understand the intricacies of the real estate market and can help you get the best value for your home or purchase. Our offer writing process covers every angle. We will work with you to understand your needs and priorities, and then craft an  agressive offer that meets your specific requirements. We know how to make your offer stand out from the rest, giving you the competitive advantage you need in today's market. In addition to our negotiation and offer writing skills, we also stay up-to-date on the latest market trends and updates. We know the ins and outs of the local real estate market, and we can help you make informed decisions about your home buying or selling journey. Our team will keep you informed every step of the way, so you can feel confident in your decisions. At our agency, we are committed to providing our clients with the highest level of service and support. Whether you're a first-time homebuyer or a seasoned seller, we are here to help you navigate the market and secure the best deal. So, if you're ready to win the home buying contract wars, contact us today. We are here to help you achieve your real estate goals.