• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer

The Columbus Team | Columbus & Central Ohio Real Estate

Your source for Worthington, Dublin, Columbus & Central Ohio Real Estate Information

Let’s Chat!
614.888.6100
  • Home
  • For Sale
    • Home Search Login
    • View Our Listings
    • View Our Lease/Rentals
  • Buying
    • Buying a Home
    • Customize your home search
    • Communities
    • Schools
    • Financing
    • Estimate Your Mortgage Payment
    • Building a Home
  • Selling
    • Selling a Home
    • Market Watch
  • Communities
  • Our Team
  • About Us
    • Why We’re Different
  • Reviews
  • Blog

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions about Building a New Home

January 19, 2010 by The Columbus Team

Why is it so hard to find out about all the possible builders?

The new build market is a constantly shifting target- builders and communities come and go as neighborhoods get built up and new ones start. A builder today may not exist a few years from now- companies merge, dissolve, and go out of business.

What’s the biggest motivating factors when people build a new home?

  • Location
  • Price range (both the monthly payment and the total price)
  • Features- floor plans and amenities.

What’s the difference between a “production” and a “semi-production/semi-custom” home?

A production home is a set floor plan that either cannot be modified, or has very limited modification choices. At the most extreme end is a home that has predetermined the floor plan on the lot, the color and flooring choices, and even the landscaping. The advantage to production restrictions is that the builder can control their building costs to a greater degree, and often offer more competitive pricing.

A semi-production/semi-custom home takes an existing floor plan and offers modifications. Some builders will make elaborate changes; others offer limited choices. There are usually a wider variety of upgrade options available as well.

Why is everything an “upgrade”? It seems like I’m being nickel-dimed to death.

The mindset for building a home is completely opposite from buying an existing home. With an existing home, “what you see is what you get”. You may note if the color of the room matches your decor, but you’re probably not noticing if the floorboards are 2″ or 4″, or if the lightswitch plate is brass or plastic.

When building a home, these are all choices (among many others) that can be made, and with each comes a different cost. At times this selection process can become mind-numbing, as well as unexpectedly expensive.

TIP: When looking at initial pricing of a home, it’s a good idea to add about $10-20,000.00 to the initial price. It’s a very good rule of thumb that the final price will meet or exceed this amount as you develop what you really want.

Why are there always price increases as the community develops? Is it a better idea to get in at the very beginning?

Actually, it’s simple- the builders want to make a profit (that’s why they’re in the business, folks). So do the people who sell the lumber, drywall, windows, etc. As time goes on, it’s a given that one or more of these groups is going to have a price increase….. which is going to be passed on to you, the buyer.

Regarding building at the very beginning…… there’s a calculated risk that needs to be carefully decided. Some communities have started out with grandiose plans (and price tags!) that the market turned their noses up at. As time went on (with insufficient sales), these builders significantly downsized the floor plans, choices, etc to lower prices. In these examples, resale for the original homeowners is going to be hurt. On the other hand, those in popular communities have enjoyed quick equity in their homes as pricing and demand went up.

What is meant by “Buyer Representation”?

When a realtor is working with you on your behalf, that person is professionally and legally bound to represent your best interests. Remember, if you choose to work directly with a builder representation without a realtor, that builder representative is legally bound to represent the builder’s interests- they are an employee of the builder.

How can a good realtor “make it all better”?

An additional benefit of working with a good realtor is that he/she is always looking at your purchase with future resale in mind, and can give you important advice regarding choices that will improve your resale. Realtors work in both markets- new build and existing homes. We intimately know what buyers want and will pay extra for.

What is the realtor’s commission, and who pays for it?

The realtor usually receives a 3% commission based on the original contract price of the home, and the builder pays for it. It’s a very common misconception that somehow the buyer has to pay a commission- not true in the state of Ohio.

Here’s the BIG question…. can I get a “better deal” if I don’t use a realtor? After all, I’m looking at my bottom line here……

Here’s another common misconception- and the answer is NO. In the vast majority of cases, the builders out there have a general fund that either goes to marketing/advertising, or to paying the realtor’s commission- it’s a set fund. The builder is NOT going to give a discount for not using a realtor…. it’s the same price to you.

(of course, my realtor voice wants to chime in- if it doesn’t cost you to use a realtor, you’re not going to get the home any cheaper NOT using a realtor, and the realtor is legally representing your interests……. what are you, nuts? Use a realtor!)

However……. there are a few unethical people out there who love to break the rules. So, yes… I have heard of occasional builders/builder reps who have a “nod-nod, wink-wink” policy where the realtor was cut out of the deal, and the buyer got something extra (sometimes under the table).

To those whose eyes are gleaming after reading the last two sentences, I offer the following: Your home is (usually) your biggest investment. If you choose to work with a person that does not legally represent your interests, and has demonstrated their lack of ethics in one area….. what do you think the odds are that ethics issues may arise in other areas? Beware..

…….

I visited a builder’s model home on my own, and now they say I can’t use a realtor. What’s that all about?

Some builders have funny rules about realtor participation. They insist that the initial contact with the builder comes from the realtor- it’s called “registering” the buyer. In these cases, if you visit a model home and you fill out a form, or the sales rep fills out a form for you- Surprise! You have been “registered”. That sales rep has added you to their Quota belt, and will probably get an incentive if you buy a home.

If you want to use a realtor, there’s an easy way to get around this. Simply give the sales rep one of your realtor’s business cards, or tell them your realtor’s name/number. In the vast majority of cases (most people are honest, hardworking folks just like you), you’re set, and there no futher problems.

In that rare case where they are insisting you can’t have your realtor participate, there’s a simple way to ensure you can be represented- tell the builder you’re not going to build without your realtor participating. When it comes down to the wire, the builder will want to make a sale- and you will have the personal representation you desire.

Is “cost per square foot” a good way to compare different builders?

The “cost per square foot” form of measurement is a good way to get a very generalized big picture of value, but it’s not a good way to to determine accurate value. This ballpark form of measurement doesn’t take into account any of the amenities of the home, which hugely impacts value. A home with granite counters, wood shelving built-ins, elaborate trim and crown molding, etc. will have a much higher cost per square foot than a home with laminate counters and plain plastic coated trim. Likewise, when comparing two different builders in the same community there will be different finishes and detail quality issues to consider.

Use this to get an initial “big picture”, then tune in on the fine differences. It’s important to keep in mind the many, many differences that are not accounted for in the “square foot” comparison.

Filed Under: Building a Home, Buyer Info Tagged With: buiulding a home in central ohio, columbus builders, frequently askied questions, new build faqs

Buying a Home with The Columbus Team

November 10, 2009 by The Columbus Team

Let TheColumbusTeam help you sail smoothly through your real estate purchase! Our Team is experienced and dedicated to finding your ideal home. We learn exactly what you want – new build, condo, townhouse, acreage, ranch, two-story – whatever your house preference is, we have the experience and navigational skills to find it for you.

Use our Market Watch instant notification system to find new listings that match your personal home buying criteria. With today’s busy schedule, this will save you a lot of time!

Our Buyer’s Guide will educate you on your real estate purchase and transaction.

Draw on the experience of your own Buyer Specialist. Our Buyer Specialists are skilled negotiators who have consistently found new homes for our clients in record time. They successfully negotiate and close an average of one transaction every 2.7 days! Put their knowledge and experience to work for you. Even builders realize the value of using Buyer Specialist representation. Consideration of floor plans, upgrades, lots and amenities are thorough & efficient, thereby saving you time and money.

Why choose to paddle your own canoe, when you can smoothly sail through the home purchase process with confidence knowing you have the expertise of TheColumbusTeam by your side!

Contact The Columbus Team about Buying a Home

Contact Us

Something on your mind...

Love our site so much you want to tell us...

Interested in our assistance to buy or sell a home...

Just want to say hello...

Please drop us a note and let us know!

Filed Under: Buyer Info

Selling a Home with The Columbus Team

November 10, 2009 by The Columbus Team

TheColumbusTeam is a group of real estate professionals dedicated to supporting you throughout the sale of your home. Each member has a focus on “Smooth Sale-ing” with our Gold listing.

We work hard to ensure the sale of your home is a relaxed and positive experience. You are our priority.

Our Market Watch analysis helps you judge the prices in your neighborhood while our exclusive Seller’s Guide gives you a thorough education on selling a home. We use our House Coach to make suggestions that will maximize your home’s appeal to buyers.

On average, our listings sell within 45 days at 97.9% of the asking price.

Our services are designed to make selling your home simple, efficient, and enjoyable. We manage all details of the sale; develop a marketing plan, determine your best price, set up signs, prepare brochures, set appointments, negotiate contracts, and coordinate closing details, including a Concierge Service to switch utilities. Written reports are sent to keep you abreast of all real estate activity. As a VVIP member, your Listing means peace of mind as well as a satisfying home sale.

In this day and age of “Do-It-Yourself,” we recognize that some home owners want to chart their own real estate voyage. If you prefer to complete some of the home sale duties yourself, ask us about our Seller’s Choice Listing Program.

We work hard to earn your trust and loyalty. Come join TheColumbusTeam, and experience the difference!

Contact Us

Something on your mind...

Love our site so much you want to tell us...

Interested in our assistance to buy or sell a home...

Just want to say hello...

Please drop us a note and let us know!

Sign up to “test drive” the Columbus Team! We’ll show you why our clients stay with us!

Filed Under: Seller Info

Columbus, Ohio…A Great city to live, work and play!

December 3, 2008 by Jeanne O'Keefe

The NY Times is writing about Columbus! Business First is touting Columbus as One of the 10 Best Cities to do Business in 2009 and we still have good reason to celebrate our beloved Buckeyes and their crushing defeat over the team to our North….you know who I’m talking about. (Even if your not a football fan, the city does FEEL it when we win or loose during football season and everybody loves a winner!) Our Columbus Crew won the MLS Championship this year. We are famous around the globe because of our Crew! The Columbus Board of Realtors reminds us that Real Estate is always local and we do enjoy an “Affordable, Stable and Available” market place for homes. I have several friends who have enjoyed the “Columbus Boomerang Effect” even further bolstering my personal opinion that we are an Awesome City! (Have any people in your life that leave for a bit, but come back to plant some roots? That’s the Boomerang Effect!) While I love so much of the development plans Columbus has underway and I’ll always be a fan of the University District and all that it encompasses, our music scene is completely stellar and where do I start with our impressive array of restaurant choices! However, I’ll always maintain, that Columbus works because of our people. It’s always about the people despite all the other treasures we have to offer. You might have to poke around a little bit to find your people, but once “you’re in”, you are home. What are some of your favorite things about Columbus? We would love to hear from you!

Filed Under: Greater Columbus News Tagged With: Buckeyes, CBR, Columbus, Columbus Board of Realtors, Columbus Business First, Columbus Crew, Development, NY Times, OSU, people, River front development, university district

Short List of Fun Fall Activities in Central Ohio

September 29, 2008 by Jeanne O'Keefe

Welcome to the new blog spot for The Columbus Team at Keller Williams Capital Partners Realty. We know Columbus! Thanks for reading and please let us know if there is anything you want to know about Columbus Real Estate, Real Estate in general or an event you want to know more about or even promote. We’ll do our best to share our knowledge and help keep you informed.

Fall has arrived and if you’re like me, a life-long Columbus resident, we welcome the change of seasons with an unspoken excitement for cool evenings with friends on the porch, Mother Nature’s gift of color and all the exceptional fresh veggies that come to the table quicker than we can eat their bounty! (Actually, there are countless more reasons to love the Fall Season, but this is just a start.) One can smell the familiar scent of the illustrious urban fire pit as we take advantage of our sacrificed trees and branches while we review our day, contemplate our future and enjoy our blessings. On the flip side, we know what is coming next…. As the seasons shift we’ll experience Darkness by 5 PM, icy car window’s to scrape in the morning and a general slow down as we hunker down for the coming winter, but enough about that!

Let’s celebrate the season and fall in love with our city again! Here’s a short list of fun fall activities to take advantage of in Central Ohio before Old Man Winter takes hold:

1. Circle S Farms: Kids can play in a barn full of hay, take a hay ride to the pumpkin field and enjoy a taste of the country.

2.Wexner Center for the Arts: Make sure to see the latest and greatest exhibits.

3.Circleville Pumpkin Show:  If you haven’t been, this is a great small town slice of Americana full of treats, crafts and Pumpkins!

4.Boo at the Zoo: Check the Columbus Zoo website for times through October for family friendly fun at our very own world class Columbus Zoo & Aquarium!

5.Ohio’s Haunted Houses: We’ve got all the up to date info for you on our Columbus Haunted Houses page.

6.COSI: COSI is always enjoying new exhibits and beginning in October, “Sesame Street Presents: The Body” will launch a new interactive exhibit. Check out the annual membershipfor great savings. If you go a couple of times in a year, it’s well worth the cost of the membership.

7.Renaissance Festival: The annual Renaissance Festival is in full motion for the season with loads of entertainment, food and jolly good times in the spirit of 16th Century England during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I on 30 acre historical replication of a village in Harveysburg, Ohio. Get your turkey legs here!

8.OSU Football: Easy entertainment during the home games can be found everywhere you look, but most especially along Lane Ave. bordering the north side of the University. Go Bucks!

We are so fortunate to live in Columbus, a dynamic hub nestled in Central Ohio with so many outlets for culture and arts, sporting events, amazing restaurants and world class libraries and parks. Enjoy!

Filed Under: Greater Columbus Events Tagged With: arts, boo at the zoo, central ohio, Circle S Farms, circleville pumpkin show, Columbus, columbus zoo, COSI, culture, events, experience columbus, fall, ghost tours, ghost tours at the statehouse, haunted, keller williams, ohio, OSU football, renaissance festival, santa maria, sports, sue lusk-gleich, the columbus team, wexner center for the arts

  • « Go to Previous Page
  • Go to page 1
  • Interim pages omitted …
  • Go to page 68
  • Go to page 69
  • Go to page 70

CALL  |  EMAIL  |  VISIT

(614) 888.6100 Homes@TheColumbusTeam.com
100 E Wilson Bridge Road
Worthington, OH 43085

Connect with Us!

Facebooktwitterpinterestlinkedinyoutube

Question or Comment?

Search our Site

Angie's List Certified Badge
If you have a disability and are unable to access our site, please contact us at 614.888.6100. We will be happy to make all information accessible in any format necessary.
All information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.
kw Capital Partners KELLER WILLIAMS logo
Sue Lusk-Gleich & The Columnbus Team Badge
  • Home
  • Blog
  • Buying a Home
  • Why We’re Different
  • Our Team
  • Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2019 · The Columbus Team

Copyright © 2019 · The Columbus Team on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in