Real Estate Blog for Buyers and Sellers - Norby Fischer

EPIQUE NEWS LIVE

What's Happening in the Columbus Housing Market Right Now? Here's the November 2026 Snapshot

What's Happening in the Columbus Housing Market Right Now? Here's the November 2026 Snapshot

If you're wondering whether it's a good time to buy or sell in Central Ohio, here's what October's numbers, the most recent complete month, say. The headline stats: Median sale price: $337,500 (September: $337,000; August: $347,950) Median days on market: 15 (September: 14; August: 11) Months of
What's It Like Living in Grandview Heights? A Walkable City of About 1.3 Square Miles With Its Own Schools, Police, and Library, Minutes From Downtown

What's It Like Living in Grandview Heights? A Walkable City of About 1.3 Square Miles With Its Own Schools, Police, and Library, Minutes From Downtown

Grandview Heights is its own city, not a Columbus neighborhood. At about 1.3 square miles, it sits just northwest of downtown, bordered by Columbus, Upper Arlington, and the village of Marble Cliff. It grew quickly after a streetcar line reached the area in the early 1900s, and much of its character
What Makes Real Estate Deals Almost Fall Apart? Five Common Scares, and How Each One Usually Gets Saved

What Makes Real Estate Deals Almost Fall Apart? Five Common Scares, and How Each One Usually Gets Saved

Happy almost-Halloween. Plenty of real estate deals that close smoothly had at least one moment where it looked like they wouldn't. These are the scares that come up most often, and what usually saves the deal. The appraisal comes in low. The lender lends against the appraised value, so a gap open
What's It Like Living in Pickerington? The "Violet Capital of Ohio" Pairs a Historic Village Core With Newer Neighborhoods and Quick I-70 Access

What's It Like Living in Pickerington? The "Violet Capital of Ohio" Pairs a Historic Village Core With Newer Neighborhoods and Quick I-70 Access

Pickerington sits east of Columbus, mostly in Fairfield County with a small portion in Franklin County. Founded in 1815 as Jacksonville and renamed in 1827, it grew from a small farming village into one of the larger suburbs on the southeast side. In 1996, the state legislature named it the "Violet
Who Pays the Real Estate Agents? Sellers Pay Their Listing Brokerage, and Buyer Agent Pay Is Set in the Buyer's Written Agreement

Who Pays the Real Estate Agents? Sellers Pay Their Listing Brokerage, and Buyer Agent Pay Is Set in the Buyer's Written Agreement

This question got more complicated after the practice changes that took effect in August 2024, following the National Association of REALTORS® settlement. Here's how it works in Central Ohio today, using the standard Columbus REALTORS® forms. The ground rules. Commissions are not set by law and are
What's It Like Living in New Albany? Planned Georgian-Style Neighborhoods, 80-Plus Miles of Trails, and a Major Business Park

What's It Like Living in New Albany? Planned Georgian-Style Neighborhoods, 80-Plus Miles of Trails, and a Major Business Park

New Albany sits northeast of Columbus in Franklin and Licking counties, and much of it was planned from the start. Beginning in the late 1980s, the community was designed around a consistent architectural style, green space, and a walkable village center, and that planning shows almost everywhere yo
Can You Buy a Home With Student Loans? Yes. Lenders Care Most About Your Monthly Payment, Not the Balance

Can You Buy a Home With Student Loans? Yes. Lenders Care Most About Your Monthly Payment, Not the Balance

This myth keeps a lot of qualified buyers renting longer than they need to. Student loans don't disqualify you from buying a home. They count toward your debt-to-income ratio (DTI), the same way a car payment does. How lenders count them. In most cases, the lender uses the monthly payment shown on y
What's It Like Living in German Village? Brick Streets, 1800s Brick Homes, and Historic Review for Anything Exterior

What's It Like Living in German Village? Brick Streets, 1800s Brick Homes, and Historic Review for Anything Exterior

German Village sits just south of downtown Columbus, and it looks the way it does because residents fought to save it. Settled by German immigrants in the 1800s, the neighborhood declined through the first half of the 20th century, then was rescued by a local preservation movement starting around 19
What's Happening in the Columbus Housing Market Right Now? Here's the October 2026 Snapshot

What's Happening in the Columbus Housing Market Right Now? Here's the October 2026 Snapshot

If you're wondering whether it's a good time to buy or sell in Central Ohio, here's what September's numbers, the most recent complete month, say. The headline stats: Median sale price: $337,000 (August: $347,250; July: $350,000) Median days on market: 14 (August: 11) Months of inventory: 2.62 (Augu
What Is a Contingency in a Home Purchase? A Condition That Lets You Exit the Deal, and Three of Them Protect Most Buyers

What Is a Contingency in a Home Purchase? A Condition That Lets You Exit the Deal, and Three of Them Protect Most Buyers

A contingency is a condition written into the purchase contract. If it isn't satisfied by its deadline, the protected party can usually terminate, and a buyer who terminates properly generally gets the earnest money back. Miss the deadline, and the protection usually goes away. Here's how the main o
What's It Like Living in Clintonville? Early-1900s Homes, Wooded Ravines, and North High Street at the Center of It All

What's It Like Living in Clintonville? Early-1900s Homes, Wooded Ravines, and North High Street at the Center of It All

Clintonville is a neighborhood inside the City of Columbus, just north of the Ohio State campus. It grew up along the streetcar lines that pushed north on High Street in the early 1900s, and that history still shapes almost everything about it. Where it is. There are no official borders, but most
Are Fall and Winter Bad Times to Sell? No — and the Data on Buyer Motivation Says Otherwise

Are Fall and Winter Bad Times to Sell? No — and the Data on Buyer Motivation Says Otherwise

Every autumn, sellers ask whether they should wait until spring. Usually the answer is no. Here's the honest case. Fewer listings means less competition for attention. In spring, your home competes against every other home in your price range — and there are a lot of them. In fall and winter, buyers
What's It Like Living in Worthington, Ohio? Historic Character Just Inside 270

What's It Like Living in Worthington, Ohio? Historic Character Just Inside 270

Worthington sits just inside I-270 on the north side, and it's one of the few Central Ohio communities where "historic" isn't marketing — the town was founded in 1803, and the village green at High Street and 161 has been the center of things ever since. Old Worthington is the anchor: a genuinely wa
What Happens If the Appraisal Comes In Low? You Have Four Options — Here's How Each Works

What Happens If the Appraisal Comes In Low? You Have Four Options — Here's How Each Works

Your offer was accepted, inspection went fine, and then the appraisal comes in below the purchase price. Here's what's actually happening and what you can do. First, what an appraisal is for. Your lender is loaning money against the property as collateral, so they hire an independent appraiser to co
What's It Like Living in Delaware, Ohio? A County Seat With Its Own Identity

What's It Like Living in Delaware, Ohio? A County Seat With Its Own Identity

Delaware sits about 25 miles north of downtown Columbus, and unlike many communities in the metro's orbit, it isn't a suburb that grew out of Columbus — it's a city with its own history, downtown, and identity that Columbus grew toward. Downtown Delaware is the real draw: a historic, walkable distri
Do Open Houses Actually Sell Homes? Rarely Directly — But They Serve a Real Purpose

Do Open Houses Actually Sell Homes? Rarely Directly — But They Serve a Real Purpose

Here's an honest answer you might not expect from an agent: most homes are not sold to a buyer who wandered in off an open house. The buyer usually comes from the MLS, portals, and scheduled private showings. So why do them? They generate exposure and momentum. A busy open house creates real activit
What's It Like Living in Hilliard, Ohio? A Guide to the Northwest Side's Steady Performer

What's It Like Living in Hilliard, Ohio? A Guide to the Northwest Side's Steady Performer

Hilliard sits on the northwest side of the Columbus metro and has grown from a small farming community into one of Central Ohio's more substantial suburbs — while keeping a recognizable center. Old Hilliard is the historic core: a small walkable district with local restaurants, shops, and the Hillia
What's Happening in the Columbus Housing Market Right Now? Here's the September 2026 Snapshot

What's Happening in the Columbus Housing Market Right Now? Here's the September 2026 Snapshot

If you're wondering whether it's a good time to buy or sell in Central Ohio, here's what August's numbers — the most recent complete month — actually say. The headline stats: Median sale price: $349,900 Average days on market: 28.7 Months of inventory: 2.52 Homes sold at 97.1% of original list price
Do You Really Need a Home Inspection? Yes — and Here's What Skipping One Actually Risks

Do You Really Need a Home Inspection? Yes — and Here's What Skipping One Actually Risks

Short answer: yes. I'd say that to my own family, and I say it to every buyer I work with. What an inspection is. A licensed inspector spends two to three hours examining the home's systems and structure — roof, foundation, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, drainage, appliances — and delivers a written re
What's It Like Living in Powell and Liberty Township? A Look at Delaware County's Southern Edge

What's It Like Living in Powell and Liberty Township? A Look at Delaware County's Southern Edge

Powell sits just north of the Franklin County line, and along with surrounding Liberty Township it forms one of Central Ohio's most sought-after residential corridors. Here's the honest picture. Historic downtown Powell is compact and genuinely charming — local restaurants, a few shops, and commun
What's It Like Living in Gahanna, Ohio? Creekside Charm on the Northeast Side

What's It Like Living in Gahanna, Ohio? Creekside Charm on the Northeast Side

Gahanna sits on the northeast side of Columbus, and it's one of those communities that punches above its name recognition. Officially designated the "Herb Capital of Ohio" (yes, really — there's an herb garden and festival heritage behind it), Gahanna blends established neighborhoods with one of the
What Changes in the Housing Market After Labor Day? The Fall Shift, Explained

What Changes in the Housing Market After Labor Day? The Fall Shift, Explained

Every year, the housing market changes character after Labor Day — reliably enough that smart buyers and sellers plan around it. Here's what typically shifts and why it matters. The buyer pool shrinks — but sharpens. Summer's "we'll move if we find something perfect" browsers largely step back once
What Does a Buyer's Agent Actually Do? Far More Than Open Doors — Here's the Real Job

What Does a Buyer's Agent Actually Do? Far More Than Open Doors — Here's the Real Job

There's a running joke that buyer's agents just unlock doors and collect a check. Let me pull back the curtain on what the job actually involves — because the door-opening part is maybe 5% of it. Before you ever tour: A real buyer consultation — your goals, budget, timeline, financing plan. Connecti
What's It Like Living in Grove City, Ohio? The Southwest Side's Best-Kept Non-Secret

What's It Like Living in Grove City, Ohio? The Southwest Side's Best-Kept Non-Secret

Grove City, on the southwest side of the Columbus metro, has quietly become one of the most compelling value stories in Central Ohio — and the people who live there would prefer you keep that quiet. Sorry, neighbors. The Town Center: Grove City's historic downtown has real charm — local restaurants,
Is the Zestimate Your Home's Actual Value? No — It's an Algorithm's Guess, and the Gap Can Be Thousands

Is the Zestimate Your Home's Actual Value? No — It's an Algorithm's Guess, and the Gap Can Be Thousands

Automated home value estimates — Zillow's Zestimate being the most famous — are a starting point, not an answer. Even the companies behind them say so. Here's how they work: an algorithm crunches public records, tax data, past sale prices, and listing information to estimate what your home might b
What's It Like Living in Dublin, Ohio? A Guide to One of Columbus's Signature Suburbs

What's It Like Living in Dublin, Ohio? A Guide to One of Columbus's Signature Suburbs

Dublin, on the northwest side of the Columbus metro, has spent decades building a reputation — and unlike some reputations, this one's earned. Here's the honest local picture. Two downtowns, really. Historic Dublin offers stone buildings, Irish heritage, and independent restaurants along the Scioto
How Long Does It Take to Buy a House? Typically 2–4 Months From Serious Search to Keys

How Long Does It Take to Buy a House? Typically 2–4 Months From Serious Search to Keys

The honest answer: from the day you get pre-approved to the day you get keys, most of my buyers land somewhere between two and four months. But the range is wide, and knowing what drives it helps you plan. Here's the typical timeline, broken down: Pre-approval: a few days. Gathering documents and ge

EPIQUE NEWS LIVE

What's Happening in the Columbus Housing Market Right Now? Here's the November 2026 Snapshot

What's Happening in the Columbus Housing Market Right Now? Here's the November 2026 Snapshot

What's It Like Living in Grandview Heights? A Walkable City of About 1.3 Square Miles With Its Own Schools, Police, and Library, Minutes From Downtown

What's It Like Living in Grandview Heights? A Walkable City of About 1.3 Square Miles With Its Own Schools, Police, and Library, Minutes From Downtown

What Makes Real Estate Deals Almost Fall Apart? Five Common Scares, and How Each One Usually Gets Saved

What Makes Real Estate Deals Almost Fall Apart? Five Common Scares, and How Each One Usually Gets Saved

What's It Like Living in Pickerington? The "Violet Capital of Ohio" Pairs a Historic Village Core With Newer Neighborhoods and Quick I-70 Access

What's It Like Living in Pickerington? The "Violet Capital of Ohio" Pairs a Historic Village Core With Newer Neighborhoods and Quick I-70 Access

Who Pays the Real Estate Agents? Sellers Pay Their Listing Brokerage, and Buyer Agent Pay Is Set in the Buyer's Written Agreement

Who Pays the Real Estate Agents? Sellers Pay Their Listing Brokerage, and Buyer Agent Pay Is Set in the Buyer's Written Agreement

What's It Like Living in New Albany? Planned Georgian-Style Neighborhoods, 80-Plus Miles of Trails, and a Major Business Park

What's It Like Living in New Albany? Planned Georgian-Style Neighborhoods, 80-Plus Miles of Trails, and a Major Business Park

Can You Buy a Home With Student Loans? Yes. Lenders Care Most About Your Monthly Payment, Not the Balance

Can You Buy a Home With Student Loans? Yes. Lenders Care Most About Your Monthly Payment, Not the Balance

What's It Like Living in German Village? Brick Streets, 1800s Brick Homes, and Historic Review for Anything Exterior

What's It Like Living in German Village? Brick Streets, 1800s Brick Homes, and Historic Review for Anything Exterior

What's Happening in the Columbus Housing Market Right Now? Here's the October 2026 Snapshot

What's Happening in the Columbus Housing Market Right Now? Here's the October 2026 Snapshot

What Is a Contingency in a Home Purchase? A Condition That Lets You Exit the Deal, and Three of Them Protect Most Buyers

What Is a Contingency in a Home Purchase? A Condition That Lets You Exit the Deal, and Three of Them Protect Most Buyers

What's It Like Living in Clintonville? Early-1900s Homes, Wooded Ravines, and North High Street at the Center of It All

What's It Like Living in Clintonville? Early-1900s Homes, Wooded Ravines, and North High Street at the Center of It All

Are Fall and Winter Bad Times to Sell? No — and the Data on Buyer Motivation Says Otherwise

Are Fall and Winter Bad Times to Sell? No — and the Data on Buyer Motivation Says Otherwise

What's It Like Living in Worthington, Ohio? Historic Character Just Inside 270

What's It Like Living in Worthington, Ohio? Historic Character Just Inside 270

What Happens If the Appraisal Comes In Low? You Have Four Options — Here's How Each Works

What Happens If the Appraisal Comes In Low? You Have Four Options — Here's How Each Works

What's It Like Living in Delaware, Ohio? A County Seat With Its Own Identity

What's It Like Living in Delaware, Ohio? A County Seat With Its Own Identity

Do Open Houses Actually Sell Homes? Rarely Directly — But They Serve a Real Purpose

Do Open Houses Actually Sell Homes? Rarely Directly — But They Serve a Real Purpose

What's It Like Living in Hilliard, Ohio? A Guide to the Northwest Side's Steady Performer

What's It Like Living in Hilliard, Ohio? A Guide to the Northwest Side's Steady Performer

What's Happening in the Columbus Housing Market Right Now? Here's the September 2026 Snapshot

What's Happening in the Columbus Housing Market Right Now? Here's the September 2026 Snapshot

Do You Really Need a Home Inspection? Yes — and Here's What Skipping One Actually Risks

Do You Really Need a Home Inspection? Yes — and Here's What Skipping One Actually Risks

What's It Like Living in Powell and Liberty Township? A Look at Delaware County's Southern Edge

What's It Like Living in Powell and Liberty Township? A Look at Delaware County's Southern Edge

What's It Like Living in Gahanna, Ohio? Creekside Charm on the Northeast Side

What's It Like Living in Gahanna, Ohio? Creekside Charm on the Northeast Side

What Changes in the Housing Market After Labor Day? The Fall Shift, Explained

What Changes in the Housing Market After Labor Day? The Fall Shift, Explained

What Does a Buyer's Agent Actually Do? Far More Than Open Doors — Here's the Real Job

What Does a Buyer's Agent Actually Do? Far More Than Open Doors — Here's the Real Job

What's It Like Living in Grove City, Ohio? The Southwest Side's Best-Kept Non-Secret

What's It Like Living in Grove City, Ohio? The Southwest Side's Best-Kept Non-Secret

Is the Zestimate Your Home's Actual Value? No — It's an Algorithm's Guess, and the Gap Can Be Thousands

Is the Zestimate Your Home's Actual Value? No — It's an Algorithm's Guess, and the Gap Can Be Thousands

What's It Like Living in Dublin, Ohio? A Guide to One of Columbus's Signature Suburbs

What's It Like Living in Dublin, Ohio? A Guide to One of Columbus's Signature Suburbs

How Long Does It Take to Buy a House? Typically 2–4 Months From Serious Search to Keys

How Long Does It Take to Buy a House? Typically 2–4 Months From Serious Search to Keys