The Wenzler Concierge Group’s Complete Home Buying Guide for Centerville

I grew up in Centerville, Ohio! Centerville, Ohio has been fortunate over the years to maintain some of the best schools in the state (https://www.centerville.k12.oh.us/about-us/report-card) and real estate values have always been strong. I have never seen a fluctuation in prices, it is always steady and always sought after. Centerville, Ohio has a lof of history, and diversity in neighborhoods, price points, making it an affordable place to live. There are many parks, and events, shopping and easy access to highways,

The historic “Heart of Centerville” offers residents a variety of boutique shopping, fine dining, and other businesses to explore. Be sure to check out the early stone houses and Town Hall Theatre while you are there. Residents of Centerville also enjoy a variety of outdoor recreation opportunities too. Head to the Leonard E. Stubbs Memorial Park to walk the trails, spend the afternoon at the playground, or take in an outdoor concert at the community amphitheater. If you are planning to purchase a Centerville home for sale this year, consider the steps you will need to take moving forward.

The first step involved with a new home purchase involves determining your budget and goals for your new home. It is important to meet with a Centerville real estate agent and a local lender, to determine what your goals are for your new home purchase. A local agent will have insight to how quickly the market is moving and will have tips to financially prepare you. A local lender will be able to tell you what you can afford. 

Before you start looking for homes, it is important to meet with a local lender and go through the  pre approval process. In today’s market, a seller will not entertain an offer that is not accompanied with a pre approval letter or proof of funds. We recommend that you talk to at least 2 different lenders to determine the best option for you. Lenders will vary on the programs they offer, closing costs and their process overall. Once you know what you are pre approved for, you are prepared to enter the market with confidence!

 

Once you have your budget established, think about the type of home you are interested in. Are you looking for a condo or single-family home on property? Is there a specific home style or architecture you prefer? Check out your target area's different neighborhoods to see what appeals to you most. Determine the square footage you need, along with any specific room or space requirements. For example, if you work from home, you may require a dedicated home office. If you are passionate about cooking or entertaining, you may need a kitchen with double ovens, a large island with seating, or a walk-in pantry. Think about your lifestyle and how the features of a new home would best support it.

 

Your real estate agent should also be deeply familiar with the city and neighborhoods you are interested in. They should be able to speak to the amenities available, including walkability to shops and restaurants. Your real estate agent should also be informed about the school systems and transportation options available near your new home. If you want easy access to outdoor recreation, they should be able to guide you to homes near your preferred walking trails, parks, or golf courses. Your real estate agent’s knowledge of the area will also include professional connections. They will be able to provide professional recommendations, including interior decorators, landscapers, and contractors, depending on your needs moving forward.

 

Your real estate agent should not only know the area, but they should also be able to speak to the trends of the current Centerville real estate market too. They will know which of the available listings fit your budget and lifestyle. They will share MLS listings and schedule private showings of properties you are interested in. They will guide you to open houses and use their professional connections to share new listings as soon as they become available. You should also expect your real estate agent to suggest other tactics depending on the market.

 

Once you have found the house you are interested in, your real estate agent will help craft and present your offer. Their knowledge of the market will help determine how competitive you will need to be. If your offer is accepted, you will move forward with providing an earnest money deposit to solidify your intentions to purchase the property. If your offer is countered by the seller, you will work with your agent to determine if you want to accept the new terms or counter again. Once a purchase price/terms is agreed upon, you then schedule a home inspection. Your agent will help determine if you are in a good position to request concessions or repairs to the property following the inspection. An appraisal of the property will be scheduled, as lenders will not loan money beyond what the home is worth. Finally, a closing date will be set to complete the remaining paperwork and transfer ownership.

If you have decided upon your budget, goals, and non-negotiables, you may be ready to move forward with hiring a knowledgeable real estate agent. The Wenzler Concierge Group has a deep understanding of their community as both real estate agents and residents in the area. Their passion and experience with the Centerville real estate industry provides their clients with an ongoing relationship and resource they can trust. Contact the team at The Wenzler Concierge Group to start looking for your new Centerville home today.