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As the new year approaches and talk of the housing market in the new year approaches, rest assured that no matter your plans or goals, the Skinner Group will be here to serve you! Check out some common housing goals or plans and how we can help you: Find a bigger home: If 2025 is the year your family needs more space, we’ve got you covered! We can help you narrow your Central Ohio real estate search based on location or housing needs, and we can also work with you on a new a build. A new build is another excellent option for those seeking more space. Move to Central Ohio: Reading this from out of town? Welcome! We’d love to serve you in your search for finding your new place to call home in Central Ohio. The region boasts numerous communities, towns, and neighborhoods all with their own benefits and unique characteristics. Contact the Skinner Group today to inquire about serving as buyer representation. Sell your current Central Ohio home: No matter the reason, if you’re looking to sell your Central Ohio home in 2025, give us a call as soon as possible. The sooner the Skinner Group can chat with you about seller representation, the better we can serve you. Downsize: Just as many families and home owners might be looking for more space, many families and home owners are now on the opposite end and looking to downsize. We know this can be a tricky and delicate process, whether navigating the emotions of selling the family home, or finding the place that’s ‘just right’ (maybe downsize means a ranch layout or a smaller yard), but we’re here to serve you and your family. Relocate around/across Central Ohio: New schools. Closer to work. Have a home with a basement. Any of those reasons and countless more have been reasons why a family might move across town or just a couple of zip codes over without a significant change in home size. You likely have a key reason to want to move, but might need some help in sorting through the details whether on the buying or selling side. No matter the reason, the Skinner Group is eager to hear from you about buyer or seller representation in 2025! Until then, we wish you the happiest of holiday seasons and all the best in the new year!
As we arrive at the time of year prime for holiday gatherings, if you’re also in (or will be in) the season of home buying, you may want to factor in your future holiday hosting plans. Do you always throw the best dinner parties? Or, maybe at least the best take-out pizza parties? Maybe you’d like to ease the hosting duties from an older family member once you have the space to do it? Let’s walk through some of these thoughts in a room-by-room format, just as if you were doing a real home walk-through with your experienced realtor. Having notes and preferences will later make your home buying experience smoother and give your realtor more to work with, and more options to show you. Open floor plans: Those serious about hosting family and friends, and especially larger parties, might want to zero in on homes with open floor plans allowing for guests to always feel part of the action and no one ‘cut off’ when in another room. Your buyer representing realtor can help you narrow down the search for this style of floor plan. Sometimes sellers will even mention a home is ideal for hosting. Guest bedrooms: Don’t forget to consider how often you currently host overnight guests, or how often you could host once your new home is purchased or even as other family members or close friends make their own life moves in the coming years. Seasoned realtors of your area can also keep an eye out for properties with in-law suites or other guest room features. Living/family rooms: Where does everyone end up during a holiday party other than the kitchen? The living room. If you have dreams of your big extended family one day holding their gift exchange in your living room, or having epic holiday party games with friends, make sure they can all fit! Fireplaces are also great considerations and for some could be the make-or-break feature in two otherwise similar homes. Kitchen: Serious home chefs will want to let their buyer representation realtor know that they’re looking for well-equipped and spacious kitchens, while others may want the counter space for slow cookers or pizza boxes. Whether you cook in or take-out, parties have food and if you plan on throwing many parties, you’ll want to plan ahead for how to make and arrange those meals. Outdoor space: Thinking of being the summer party house in your family or friend group? Tune your home search toward properties with ample outdoor space and even features such as spacious patios, outdoor living and cooking areas, or even a pool. An experienced realtor can also lend thoughts on how much outdoor space is needed to bring those outdoor living dreams to life if the home's backyard is a blank slate. Want a little more control in these areas of your future home? A custom new build can be a great option for having a blank slate and a little more say in the home’s features. Here at the Skinner Group, we work with numerous Central Ohio new build partners and would love to bring a new build dream to life! Whether it’s also buying season or not right now, we wish you a happy holiday season from our family to yours!
If you’re planning to, or know you’ll be selling and moving in spring/summer of 2025, some of your prep work could start now to save you stress later. As experienced realtors here at The Skinner Group, we’re all in favor of reducing stress for our clients! As 2024 winds down, what are some things you could begin working on now in advance of selling (or even buying) in 2025? Identify Fixes: Identify the places in your current home that must be addressed before placing on the market, and create a plan of action for addressing those fixes. If outside help (plumber, etc.) is required, it’s best to be in touch with those professionals early to get on their schedules and get the needed financial estimates and conversations underway. Plan Upgrades: “Fresh” is always a great selling point, so start making notes and plans for simple refreshes. Holiday breaks can make for ideal times for simple and fun upgrades… and surely your out-of-town aunt would love to give you her opinions on refreshing your kitchen as you pass the gravy on Turkey Day! All of that adds up to knowing what refreshes you’ll make and when you’ll do it. Don’t forget the outside: You wrote down the leaky faucet and better cabinet handles on your to-fix list, but don’t forget about the part of your home that others see first! Exterior improvements could be as simple as overgrown garden control, or more complex like cracked patio steps. Similar to interior fixes or improvements, create a list and a plan of action for addressing. Some of this will likely need to wait until spring, but you can still plan out how you’ll do it and even browse for the most cost-effective methods to carry out your project. Find a realtor: Here at the Skinner Group, we’d love to work with you to sell your Central Ohio home. Reach out and simply say “hello”, or we’d also love to chat about your ideal selling timeline now so that it can come to life. Reaching out to an experienced realtor early allows for everyone to have more time to achieve the common goal of buying or selling with the best outcomes possible. Research future needs: If you’re planning to sell the home your currently live in and have no next residence lined up, then you're probably going to experiencing the buyer life as well in looking for a new home. If you haven’t already, take some time to consider not just your current, but your future needs in your next home. An experienced realtor can be great to chat with and make sure you haven’t overlooked a future need. Our next blog post will actually help you consider these future needs in the context of the holidays-- so stay tuned! Just like many other things in life where success begins in the ‘off season’, so can be true for preparing to sell your home. Preparing ahead of the spring and summer real estate selling season can put you ahead, save some stress, and lead to the best outcomes. Reach out to an experienced realtor, reach out to the Skinner Group today!
The -ber months, or the last four months of the year, have arrived and while Central Ohio might not always feel like it’s flannel and hot cocoa weather right now, we also know how quickly that can change! Whether necessity, mindset, or both, the last four months of the year can get future home owners and those looking to build new in Central Ohio thinking about home features ideal for fall and winter. Check out our list below of fall and winter-minded features to consider in a new build in Columbus. Some of these are also elements that a realtor can search for in the event you’re not building or would like to shop around. Fireplace: The warmth, the ambiance, the classic touch, it almost needs no introduction! But if you’re genuinely interested in including a fireplace you’ll want to bring that up in conversations with your new build realtor and other building partners to make sure its in your plans… and your budget. Attached garage: Another fall and winter favorite in Central Ohio to avoid clearing snow off cars or rain-soaked dashes to your street-parked vehicle. Your realtor can discuss options available, and if you’re looking on the market your realtor can narrow down the search based on attached garage size. Wet shoe landing area, aka a “mud room”: We know, “mud room” might have you thinking of a well-loved (or, well-worn) farmhouse out by the pumpkin patch, but it gets wet and muddy inside city and town limits too! Ohio’s quite dry lately, but “wet and blah” is one of the usual seasons. Whether it’s your laundry room or you build a clever boot nook in your entryway, you’ll want somewhere to go with those wet shoes. Holiday décor planning: If you’re a big decorator for the seasons, then it’s never too early to think about Christmas tree placement. In a new build, you’d review plans with your realtor and others, while in touring houses on the market you can easily use your imagination. Electric outlet placement: New builds allow the homeowner to be in the know about their new home, even down to the electric outlets. Builders might not be able to grant every wish (that’s a question for your realtor), but if you know in advance that you’d like additional outlets in the kitchen so you can plug in a dozen slow cookers, or you need some outlets placed differently for accessibility needs, speak up early so that your requests can be considered. Realtors in partnership with the builders love bringing these dreams to life, but only if they know about them first! If anything on this list, or other elements, are considered a must-have in your new build home, make sure everything is mentioned in early conversations with your realtor. Seasoned realtors like the Skinner Group are skilled at listening and helping you make a house your dream home.
If you’re considering a move to Central Ohio, one of the fastest growing areas in the US, you might be wondering about your transportation situation. While things could be different from what you do now, Central Ohio and Columbus have several points to highlight when it comes to getting across town and even to other parts of the country! An experienced realtor familiar with Columbus and Central Ohio can provide the in’s and out’s of transportation options for the property you’re considering. At the Skinner Group, we also love to take your needs into account and find properties that line up with your needs. Interstate and highway access: Central Ohio and Columbus are served by I-70 (east-west), I-71 (north-south), I-270 (the outerbelt) and numerous other highways. Knowing which highways you’re more likely to use before beginning your Columbus real estate search can be helpful. If you have family in Cleveland, you might want easy access to I-71, while others may want the easiest route to their new Columbus-area job. The airport: John Glenn International Airport is growing just as the city of Columbus grows. Even Central Ohio residents outside of Columbus or even Franklin County can enjoy a short airport commute depending on location and time of day. If you’re a frequent flier with a need for a short airport commute, be sure to bring that up to your experienced realtor to best tailor your real estate search. Multi-car garage: Here at the Skinner Group, we’re in love with new builds lately. One benefit of a new build is having a say in the garage size. We rely heavily on cars in Central Ohio, making a connected, multi-car garage a popular feature for homes whether you’re shopping homes on the market or you’re looking into the new build option. Walk-ability: Relying on cars doesn’t mean we can’t walk anywhere. If you’d rather walk than drive to certain places, bring this up to your experienced Central Ohio realtor so they can zero in on potential listings that fit that bill. Here at the Skinner Group, some of our common walkable neighborhoods include the Town Center area of Grove City. Just want to get in a walk for some exercise? Even if the pharmacy is too far of a walk, Central Ohio has countless neighborhoods and parks that are perfect for your 30-minute walk. Lastly, park-and-walk for dining and shopping is popular in certain areas as you can just park once, but then enjoy everything else on foot. It's so important to have a plan of how you’ll get around your new hometown, whether you’re commuting to work, buying groceries, or traveling outside your new city limits. An experienced realtor can help you sort through your transportation needs and narrow down ideal listings and better tailor your search for the next great place to call home!
In the spirit of back-to-school season in Central Ohio, we wanted to share some pointers on how your realtor can help you navigate the school search when you move to a new area. While many families are likely situated for the new year in their new homes, if your next move will include finding a new school system, save this post! Real estate listings will include the school district the home is located in, both for school attendance purposes and any tax purposes. Many real estate listings will go on to mention the area elementary, junior high/middle school, and high school that a student at that address would attend. Both attendance and taxes are vital pieces of information and can sway real estate decisions for prospective home buyers. Sometimes families will already know which school district they’d like to live in, or have several top picks. Here at the Skinner Group, we also know some families will be brand-new to Central Ohio or even Ohio (Columbus is among the fastest growing cities in the US) so we’re prepared to introduce you to the many education options for the first time. Experienced realtors in the area will be able to fill in the picture with details of additional school options in the district or even if the home is close to the boundary of another district. "Filling in the picture" may be a literal sense by viewing additional maps and comparing distances. Realtors will be ready with website information and other contact information for the school or schools of interest. Realtors really do know a little bit of everything and everyone in their communities! Expert realtors, such as the Skinners, are prepared to direct your questions to additional resources and additional contact information. At the least, an experienced realtor always has a plan to find out answers! Additional education questions families might have include: Where can I find current and reliable additional information on this school district/where do they post real-time updates? How could I learn about private school options? What accessibility or special needs services are available? What is the transportation/bussing situation for the area schools? And while young families will typically focus on K-12 education options as they browse real estate options, choosing a new home in Columbus or Central Ohio also puts a family in touch with many post-secondary options (by chance you’ve heard of The Ohio State University?). Adults looking to return to the classroom have many options in and around Columbus. Whether you’re a parent, a teacher, a student, or all of the above, the Skinner Group is ready to field your education questions as you search for a new home in Columbus!
Future homeowners can win big right now with new builds in the Columbus, Ohio market. New builds currently account for over one-third (35% to be exact) of the Columbus housing market. Numerous important points about new builds play into a buyer’s favor right now. Let’s break them down: Cut out some frustration points: A good realtor can help curb frustration in any real estate transaction, but with a new build buyers can forget about navigating the multiple offer situation, escalations, and inspections would be part of the building process instead. Together with your realtor, you can focus solely on the property that will be your new home. Get what you want, and more of it: With a new build, buyers will have some options for customization and may feel like they didn’t have to ‘settle’ for ‘good enough’. With new construction, a homeowner can sometimes afford a little more too, when considering the lower costs of repairs, utility bills, and the warranties. A seasoned realtor familiar with new builds can act as a guide in this process and also guide through any financing incentives a builder has presented to the new homeowner. It's on the house: Did you know buyer representation is free with new construction? Most people don’t, or don’t know until it’s all said and done. Buyers will pay the same with or without representation, so why not work with a knowledgeable and experience realtor to serve as your guide? The Skinner Group is ready to serve as your new build realtor! Opportunities aplenty: The Columbus market and Central Ohio real estate market is full of opportunities with more than just one place to build and more than one builder option. Builder options The Skinner Group works with include reputable names: M/I, DR Horton, Pulte, Epcon, Rockford, and Fischer. New build opportunities are all over Franklin County, Columbus, and the immediate suburbs of Columbus, Ohio. For those looking a little further out from the immediate Columbus area or outside of the I-270 outerbelt, new build opportunities are also available in Commercial Point and Ashville, Ohio, which are in Pickaway County but still easy access to Columbus. Are you ready to learn even more about new build options in Columbus and Central Ohio and pursue home ownership with a new build? Contact the Skinner Group today to see how they can serve as your realtor and guide you through the exciting process of building your new home.
Summer is a popular time to move no matter the season of life—recent college graduate, young family, or new retiree. A realtor’s job isn’t finished yet as a seasoned and expert realtor will provide you with the tools and advising for a successful move. With a little planning and these moving tips, moving to your next home can be a breeze. Allow plenty of time and manage it well: Time management is important when moving from your previous residence into your new home. Plan in extra time to allow for delays and consider a more gradual move in process if able. As you work with your experienced realtor to establish the closing and first date to move in, a realtor can also help you with a more specific timeline. Realtors will have plenty of ideas to help your moving day, or moving week, flow smoothly. Utilities: Summer heat makes utilities a high priority moving tip and moving to-do list item! Getting your new home’s utilities (electric, gas, water, etc.) up and running will start to make it feel like home and make the process more comfortable. Don’t forget other utilities such as internet or cable. If you’re in a new market with numerous internet/cable provider options, your realtor will be happy to weigh in on your options. Your realtor is a resident of your area, too, so they’ll have insights from past clients and as a customer themselves. Packing the essentials: Pack all of your essential items or “must have” items for your new home together and within easy access when you begin to unpack. Some realtors might have lists of these popular items to help you stay on track. Organize these moving boxes and others by labeling and having a moving packing checklist. If anything is going to storage (short or long term), keep a careful list of your storage items so you can access later. An expert realtor can put your in touch with moving resources such as moving companies best suited for you, and even storage facility information. Getting to know the new area: If you only moved a few blocks, then you’re already aware of your new home’s overall surroundings. But if your new home is in a new-to-you zip code, it’s time to explore. Realtors are experts of their areas, so a chat with your realtor can help you find a place to start exploring. For the Skinner Group, Greg and Evan are familiar with many Central Ohio cities and towns such as Grove City, Dublin, Worthington, Pickerington, Delaware, Granville, Orient, West Jefferson, and many neighborhoods of Columbus. Just as your realtor worked with you through your buying/selling process, your realtor will still have your best interests in mind when it’s time for moving day. For an expert realtor in Central Ohio, contact the Skinner Group today.
In the realm of real estate, the decision to buy a new build is often met with excitement and anticipation. From the allure of pristine finishes to the promise of modern amenities, new construction homes offer a unique appeal to prospective buyers. However, navigating the complexities of purchasing a new build can be daunting without the guidance of a seasoned professional. This is where the expertise of a Realtor shines brightest, offering invaluable support and insight throughout the entire process. Let's explore the advantages of enlisting the assistance of a Realtor when purchasing a new build. Access to Exclusive Listings: Realtors often have access to a wide range of new build developments, including exclusive listings that may not be readily available to the public. By leveraging their network and industry connections. Market Knowledge and Expertise: A Realtor's in-depth knowledge of the local market is a valuable asset when purchasing a new build. They can offer valuable insights into neighborhood trends, pricing dynamics, and upcoming developments, helping buyers make informed decisions. Additionally, Realtors understand the intricacies of new construction contracts and can negotiate favorable terms on behalf of their clients. Guidance Through the Building Process: Purchasing a new build involves various stages, from selecting floor plans and design options to overseeing construction milestones. A Realtor acts as a trusted advisor, guiding buyers through each step of the building process. They can provide recommendations for reputable builders, accompany clients to design center appointments, and liaise with builders to address any concerns or modifications. Protection of Buyer's Interests: One of the primary roles of a Realtor is to protect the interests of their clients. When buying a new build, Realtors advocate for buyers throughout the transaction, ensuring that their rights are upheld and their best interests are represented. From reviewing contracts and warranties to conducting thorough inspections, Realtors work diligently to safeguard buyers against potential risks and pitfalls. Streamlined Communication: Effective communication is key to a successful real estate transaction, especially when dealing with multiple parties involved in the construction process. Realtors serve as the primary point of contact between buyers, builders, lenders, and other stakeholders, facilitating clear and timely communication to keep the transaction on track. Negotiation Power: With their negotiation skills and market expertise, Realtors can often secure favorable pricing and incentives for buyers of new builds. Whether it's negotiating upgrades, closing cost assistance, or builder incentives, Realtors leverage their influence to maximize value for their clients. Post-Purchase Support: The support of a Realtor doesn't end at closing. They continue to assist buyers even after the keys are handed over, providing valuable resources and recommendations for home maintenance, reputable contractors, and community amenities. In conclusion, buying a new build through a Realtor offers numerous advantages that streamline the process and provide peace of mind for buyers. From access to exclusive listings to expert guidance and negotiation power, Realtors play a pivotal role in helping buyers navigate the journey of purchasing a new construction home. With their knowledge, experience, and dedication to client satisfaction, Realtors ensure that the path to homeownership is as smooth and rewarding as possible. Want to speak with someone about your new build project contact us at the Skinner Group.
Intro Are you considering selling your home but not sure when the best time to do so would be? Spring may just be the ideal season to unlock the benefits of putting your home on the market. With warmer weather, blooming flowers, and longer daylight hours, spring creates a welcoming atmosphere for both sellers and buyers. In this blog post, we will explore the advantages of selling your home in the spring and why it may be the perfect time for you to make a move. Increased Curb Appeal The enhanced visual appeal of your property in spring cannot be overstated. This season breathes life into your home's exterior, showcasing it in its most flattering light. Vibrant blooms, a verdant lawn, and the glistening sun combine to create an irresistible visual draw for potential buyers. This natural beauty not only increases your home’s attractiveness but also signals to buyers that your property is well cared for. To maximize this seasonal advantage, consider investing in professional landscaping, applying a fresh coat of paint where needed, and performing any external repairs. These efforts will not only bolster your home's curb appeal but also set a positive tone for buyers' overall impressions, enhancing the likelihood of a swift and successful sale. More Active Buyers Spring ushers in a period of heightened activity within the real estate market, as buyers emerge from the winter months eager to commence their search for the perfect home. This surge in buyer interest is propelled by the agreeable weather and the increased daylight hours, which encourage more people to venture out and explore available properties. As a result, sellers who list their homes during this bustling season can benefit from the intensified competition among buyers. This dynamic often translates into a quicker selling process and the potential for receiving multiple offers, thereby giving sellers an advantageous position in negotiations. By choosing to market their property in spring, sellers can access a broader audience of motivated buyers, ready and willing to act swiftly on their decision to purchase a new home. This increased buyer activity is a key reason why spring is considered one of the best times to sell, creating a favorable market environment for sellers aiming to achieve optimal outcomes. Better Home Presentation The spring season naturally enhances the presentation of your home, allowing its best features to shine. The abundance of natural light and the fresh, airy feel of spring days can transform interiors, making spaces appear larger, brighter, and more inviting. This is a pivotal advantage for sellers aiming to make a memorable impression on potential buyers. Utilizing this season's attributes, sellers have the unique opportunity to open windows and integrate outdoor living areas into the home's appeal, effectively expanding the usable space and showcasing versatility. Staging becomes an even more powerful tool in spring, with the ability to incorporate vibrant colors, floral arrangements, and lighter textiles that echo the season’s vitality. These touches not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of the home but also evoke emotions of renewal and comfort, creating a connection with buyers as they envision themselves living in the space. Spring's backdrop is unparalleled for highlighting your home's appeal, leveraging the season's optimism to attract interest and engagement from buyers. Favorable Moving Conditions One of the overlooked yet significant advantages of selling your home in spring relates to the logistics of moving. The season's temperate climate presents an ideal scenario for both sellers and buyers, reducing the likelihood of facing unpredictable weather conditions that can complicate moving plans. This period of moderate weather is crucial for a seamless transition, allowing for the efficient packing, transporting, and unpacking of belongings without the added stress of dealing with either the sweltering heat of summer or the icy roads of winter. Additionally, the longer daylight hours provide more time each day to manage the myriad tasks associated with moving, from the final walkthroughs and inspections to the actual move itself. For sellers, this means that the home can be prepared and presented in its best light, with ample opportunity to address any last-minute details or adjustments. Buyers benefit from the ability to comfortably explore their new surroundings and settle in without the haste that adverse weather conditions can impose. This combination of favorable weather and extended daylight significantly contributes to a smoother, more efficient moving experience, making spring an opportune time to transition to a new home. Alignment with School Calendars For families considering a move, timing the sale of their home with the school year can offer significant benefits. Spring presents an opportune window to align the real estate process with the academic calendar, particularly for those with school-aged children. Opting to sell during this season allows for a strategic timeline where the transaction can be completed, and the family can relocate in the summer months. This synchronization with the school break minimizes disruption to children's education, enabling a smoother transition into new schools at the beginning of the academic year. It's a thoughtful approach that not only considers the logistics of moving but also prioritizes the educational and emotional adjustment of children to their new environment. Additionally, having the summer to adjust before the new school term starts gives families the chance to explore their new community, participate in local activities, and establish friendships, laying the groundwork for a supportive and enriching start at a new school. This thoughtful planning can make a significant difference in ensuring a seamless move that respects the rhythms of family life and educational commitments, making spring an ideal time for families to consider listing their homes.