Today is Monday, January 05th, 2009

All Posts Tagged With: "Columbus Real Estate"

Down payment assistance program going going…

On October 1, 2008, the downpayment assistance program disappears.

This program combined with private lenders such as Ameridream, made it possible for people to add the down payment to their loan for a fee.  Many buyers who qualified for a loan but did not have money to put down or closing costs, would take advantage of this program.  It was one way to put buyers into homes and stimulate the market.

However, if people have no money to put down or enough for closing costs, isn’t this enabling a potential foreclosure? Getting into a mortgage they probably cannot afford and having no equity in it can lead to disaster. This, of course, is a generalization and does not apply to everyone.

First anyone with a pulse could get a loan. Now the guidelines are so stringent that qualified 800’s credit scores, 20% down buyers are not getting into their purchases because the underwriters are being too conservative.  Appraising is a bigger joke now in Columbus, Ohio than ever.

Everything was over appraised and over valued.  We know what happened there….

We are the second highest state for foreclosures….now ligitimate deals are falling apart because of appraisers going to the other end of the spectrum..either buyers have to put more down, sellers have to lower their price (even more) or the lenders raise the buyers’ rates because the LTV is not as great due to the “too low appraisal”

So if you want to “get the money” for your new home built in to your future mortgage..hurry up.  Otherwise, you might just have to do it the old fashioned way…save for your purchase and qualify!!!!

Columbus Housing Market Showing Signs of Stability

After a record low number of houses sold last month -approximately 1,500 out of 16,000 listed homes (NOT including FSBO’S)..ouch!But still, Columbus is considered one

Out In Columbus, Ohio

Are you “out” in Columbus? Hot spots include the Short North restaurants and bars. Downtown dancing? Catch a show or go to the Theater? How about Professional hockey? The Arena district has it all.

How much is your home worth in Columbus, Ohio?

What is the best way to price to your Columbus, Ohio home to sell in this Buyer’s market?

First, interview a few professional Real Estate agents that have successfully sold in your area.

Next, go over the comps, the comparable home sales, in your area within the last 6 months. It is best to have those comps for similar homes in similar condition. This includes size (square footage),

Gay Columbus Ohio and Real Estate

Where do you want to live in Columbus if you are Gay?

The obvious choices are the Arena District, the Short North, German Village, Victorian Village, Italian Village and Clintonville. But what if you do not want to live near downtown and still have access to shopping and nightlife?

If condos are your thing,