If you are considering buying a home in the Greater Columbus Area you may be thinking about a lot of issues. You probably have plenty of questions. Here are some answers for those looking to buy a home in Columbus and Central Ohio.

Should I actually consider buying a home in Central Ohio right now?

Unfortunately, many potential homeowners do not realize that they can actually own a home in spite of unfavorable circumstances such as bad credit or the current economy. A home is a very important financial asset, and much more. In a home in Columbus or any of its surrounding communities one can raise children and plan for a very healthy and vibrant future. One can also make an investment in the community. Home ownership really provides a great opportunity to live a happy and well-rounded life style.

Will a first time homebuyer in the Buckeye State have a difficult time getting a mortgage?

It's not that a first time homebuyer will have a difficult time. It will just be different. First time homebuyers may not be as knowledgeable about owning a home as more experienced buyers. Therefore, they may make more lending mistakes. However, armed with the right amount of knowledge and the patience to make financial preparations, (such as getting a credit report), a first time homeowner will not have a difficult time at all. There are many lender options that make it easy for a first time homeowner to take out a mortgage.

Jeannie,  how will I be able to tell if am a ready to buy a home?

You are ready to purchase a home in the Columbus, Ohio market if you have a steady source of income and have been employed regularly for the past 2-3 years. Also, you should have a positive record of paying your bills. You should have a couple of outstanding long-term debts in your name, such as car payments. You should have some money saved up to make the down payment on the home, and you should be able to make the mortgage payments each month, including any additional costs.

I hear there is just so much that goes into buying a home in Central Ohio. Where do I begin?

Well first you have to consider your situation. Think about how much you can afford to put down on a home. What kind of neighborhood are you looking for? After you get a clear vision of what your personal situation is, you will be able to get out a piece of paper and come up with a to-do list. On it, you should have tasks like contacting friends, relatives, and referrals. One of the main things you should have on the list is finding a good real estate agent familiar not only with one neighborhood, but ALL of Columbus and it’s multitude of surrounding communities to help you find your home. Some real estate agents who claim to be “specialists” in a particular community are actually telling you that they are out of their comfort zone if you don’t necessarily want to live in that community. Because I represent buyers and sellers throughout the central Ohio area, I am checking for new listings and developments several times a day in ALL of the greater Columbus area, and am familiar with the pros and cons on the various communities, depending on your specific needs and wants.

Working with a professional agent will help the process go much smoother. A real estate agent like myself who knows a lot about Columbus and Central Ohio can be a trustworthy guide. You can reach me at my cell at 614-668-4400 or email me at jandrews@columbus.rr.com. But why take my word for it, check out our personal web site at www.scarletnrayhomes.com! I am the “Doctor who loves House Calls!”