Real Estate

3 tips for navigating changing real estate market conditions in CBUS

Presented by a CBUStoday Partner

Aerial photo over a Sacramento, CA home, driveway, and street.

While you can’t always count on a hot housing market, you can count on the certainty of a cash offer from Opendoor. | Photo provided by Opendoor

Location, location, location — that’s been the name of the real estate game for decades. These days, though, you may be hearing more: recession, economy, inflation… terms that definitely have less appeal.

The real estate market is cyclical, and today’s market is currently trying to find out where it will land (albeit a bit dramatically). The difference? Unlike big market turns of the past, this time we’ve swayed quickly from one extreme to the other.

In just two short years, we’ve seen outsized home price appreciation in most US markets, followed by a swift decline in housing demand. The whiplash of these fluctuations (and the uncertainty about what happens next) can be hard to wrap your head around.

The good news is, even though none of us can predict what will happen next, that’s okay. If you’re a seller or a buyer (or both) currently stuck in the loop of dreaming, hoping, anticipating + dreading, the experts at Opendoor have three tips to help ride the wave.

Wide-angle view of a woman walking a dog in front of a row of brick townhomes in Dallas, TX. — In the absence of bidding wars, you have time to get to know a neighborhood, look at different housing options, and narrow in on your “must-haves”.

Tip No. 1: Don’t worry about finding the “perfect” time to sell or buy.

Hint: It doesn’t exist. The perfect time is what works best for you and your life. Some factors, like a growing family or a new job in another state, are an easy call. But other reasons require you to dig deep. Think:

Will a move improve your day-to-day life?
Will you gain more time, be closer to friends and family, or be nearer to activities that bring you joy?

Tip No. 2: Research your financing options.

The good news: You’ve got options. Whether you’re getting a new loan, refinancing, or looking to lower your payment, a mortgage calculator can help you figure out how much you can afford in minutes. There are also rate buydowns, which can help you lower your rate. Pro tip: A lender can help you figure out what your options are.*

TIP NO. 3

If you’re house hunting (or considering it within the next 6 months), would the state of the economy cause you to stop or pause your search?

Yes
Maybe
No

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Monday, Dec. 5

UACA’s Christmas in the Park | Monday, Dec. 5 | 6-9 p.m. | Thompson Park - North Shelter, 4250 Woodbridge Rd, Upper Arlington | Free | Enjoy crafts, food, carriage rides, and a visit from Santa.

Tuesday, Dec. 6

First Tuesday Tea | Tuesday, Dec. 6 | 12-2 p.m. | Kings Art Complex, 835 Mt. Vernon Ave., Columbus | Free | Senior citizens are invited to explore dance, music, books, and news from the community.

Wednesday, Dec. 7

Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Buffalo Sabres | Wednesday, Dec. 7 | 7:30 p.m. | Nationwide Arena, 200 W. Nationwide Blvd., Columbus | $38-$285
Poetry Among the Plants | Wednesday, Dec. 7 | 6-8 p.m. | Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, 1777 E. Broad St., Columbus | $30-$35 | Read Japanese haiku and haibun (nature travel poems) in various FPC biomes and then get the chance to write your own poetry.

Thursday, Dec. 8

Andrea Bocelli: 2022 Winter Tour | Thursday, Dec. 8 | 8 p.m. | Nationwide Arena, 200 W Nationwide Blvd, Columbus | $83-$333 | Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli will put on an opera and pop performance.

We have a calendar filled with events and activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.

100+ MORE EVENTS

Weather

45º | Mostly cloudy | 20% chance of rain

Opening

Slammers Bar is opening a new location at the former Aracri Pizzeria location at 1607 N. High St. Dubbed “Slammies on High,” the spot will focus on Columbus-style pizza and operating as a LGBTQ+ friendly bar. 🍕(614now)

Sports

After USC lost to Utah, Ohio State football landed at No. 4 in the College Football Playoff rankings yesterday. The Buckeyes face the No. 1 Georgia Bulldogs on Saturday, Dec. 31 at 8 p.m. for the semifinals in Mercedez-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Go Bucks. 🏈
Ohio State women’s volleyball swept Tennessee State and USC in three sets over the weekend to advance to the NCAA Sweet 16. The Buckeyes will face Minnesota — who they beat in October and fell to in November — on Thursday, Dec. 8 in Austin, TX. 🏐

Real Estate

A German Village building at 560 S. High St. was put on the market for $1.35 million last week. Built in 1900, the 8,600-sqft building was renovated in 2010 and is currently home to Jasmine Fusion Grill and Columbus Axe Throwing, both of which are on short-term leases. (Columbus Business First)

Seasonal

Your Monday morning holiday gift inspiration, courtesy of Etsy: For the person who loves bread. For the person obsessed with their pet. For the person who can take a joke. For the kid who loves to color. Plus, all you need is popcorn or all you need is marshmallows. 🎁*

Shop

We can’t stop thinking about the luxurious floral embroidery on this beautiful red and black dress — and it’s giving us major downtown Columbus at Christmas vibes, too. The best part? It can be in your closet by Saturday with code RTRx6AM.*

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Satisfy your sweet tooth 🍰

Holiday desserts from local Columbus bakeries

The Cheesecake Girl treats are available in three locations — Hilliard, Dublin, and Budd Dairy. | Photo via @thecheesecake.girl

The holidays are a time for treats, and that includes treating yourself, right? If that’s your mindset, we’re here to share four local bakeries that are getting creative with must-try treats.

The Cheesecake Girl — Try the Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cheesecake, made with shortbread crust, cheesecake, a layer of Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes in the middle, and icing and sprinkles on top.
Plenty O’Cookies – Choose from a variety of holiday cookie sets this December like Hanukkah, ugly sweaters, and snowmen.
Belle’s Bread — A variety of Christmas cakes are now available for preorder at this Japanese bakery, including strawberry, chocolate, and Mont Blanc.
Resch’s Bakery — From pecan snowballs to Danish trees to Santa cakes, Resch’s has a holiday dessert and style for everyone.

Bonus: Who said you can’t have ice cream in the winter? Don’t forget to try Jeni’s holiday flavors.

THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Hanna.

Editor’s pick: Did anyone take advantage of Bath & Body Works annual candle day sale? I had to stop in and grab some of my favorite seasonal scents like Marshmallow Fireside and Merry Cookie. What are your favorites?

Missed Friday’s newsletter? Find a live Christmas tree and Columbus-themed ornaments to decorate it.

Connect with us.

Editorial: Mitch Hooper, Hanna Williford, Sarah Leonhardt, Josh Kranzberg, Emily Shea | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

Sales: Ana Gibson | Advertise with us.

Content marked with an * was created in partnership with 6AM City’s advertising partners. Paid content helps keep this newsletter free. 6AM City may also receive a commission on purchases made through affiliate links in this newsletter.

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