When Is the Best Time to Sell a House in Central Ohio?

What’s the worst time to list a house in Central Ohio?

Local sales trends show that the start of the year is generally the least favorable time to sell a home in Central Ohio. In January and February, homes tend to sell for less and spend more time on the market. For instance, in January, homes in Columbus typically sell for 12.74% below the annual average and stay on the market roughly 24 days longer than usual.

What seller concessions help close a sale in Central Ohio?

To help ensure a smooth and successful sale, Central Ohio sellers often offer concessions or credits to buyers. These incentives can vary based on market trends, the home’s condition, and what buyers are looking for.

Here are some common seller concessions in Central Ohio that can make your home more appealing and may help speed up the closing process:

• Assist with some of the purchaser’s closing expenses
• Help fund a temporary mortgage interest rate reduction
• Provide a repair credit to manage issues identified during the home inspection
• Cover the buyer’s home inspection or appraisal costs
• Pay for the initial months of HOA dues, if relevant
• Cover the commission fees for the buyer’s real estate agent
• Prepay property taxes or homeowners’ insurance premiums for the first year

Insider tips to help sell your house in Central Ohio

Leading real estate professionals in Central Ohio are experienced in helping sellers reach their goals — no matter the season or market conditions.

Here are a few insider tips to help you sell your house with confidence:

1. Set the right price from the beginning

Pricing above market value can result in a stagnant listing and lead to price reductions later. Implementing an informed pricing approach that takes recent comparable sales into account helps attract strong initial interest and multiple competitive offers.

2. Select an excellent agent

Partner with a knowledgeable area agent familiar with your local market who can assist in pricing, promoting, and negotiating with confidence. The ideal agent understands how to position your Central Ohio property for a successful sale. According to HomeLight’s data, agents in the top 5% tend to sell homes for about 10% more compared to the average agent.

3. Address necessary repairs

Fix noticeable problems such as dripping faucets, broken tiles, or peeling paint — small flaws can often raise concerns about larger hidden issues among buyers. Concentrate on repairs that deliver a good return and instill buyer confidence. A skilled Central Ohio agent can also advise you on what repairs to avoid.

4. Boost curb appeal both in person and online

Well-maintained landscaping, a tidy exterior, and bright lighting at the entrance enhance your home’s curb appeal and create a favorable first impression for visitors. Quality photos and virtual tours ensure your Central Ohio home grabs buyers’ attention as they browse listings online.

5. Remove clutter and personal items

Decluttering by eliminating extra furnishings, personal pictures, and collectibles helps open up spaces and makes the home more appealing. A neutral, tidy environment allows prospective buyers to envision themselves living there.

6. Provide a home warranty

Offering a home warranty can reassure buyers by minimizing worries about future repair expenses, especially for older houses in Central Ohio. It can also differentiate your listing in a competitive marketplace.

7. Be accommodating with showings

The more convenient it is for prospective buyers to view your property, the quicker a sale is likely. Providing availability during weekends and evenings for showings can particularly benefit buyers coming from out of town or those who work full-time.

8. Think about staging

Staged properties typically sell more quickly and at higher prices since they help buyers better picture how to use the space. Even partial or virtual staging can significantly improve your listing’s appeal.

Need Help Buying or Selling Your Central Ohio Home?

Need help selling your home? Partner with a trusted, top agent in your local Ohio market. We analyze over 27 million transactions and thousands of reviews to find you the best agent for your unique situation.

Find Agent

Answers to other Central Ohio home-selling questions

What if I need a fast sale and closing in Central Ohio?

While some homes in Central Ohio may sell right away, a quick sale is never guaranteed. If you need to sell fast or lack the time or funds to make necessary repairs, consider requesting an all-cash offer via HomeLight’s Simple Sale service.

In just a few minutes, you can fill out a brief questionnaire and receive a no-obligation cash offer within one day. Simple Sale provides cash offers on homes in almost any condition throughout Central Ohio, allowing you to skip repairs, open houses, and prep work — with the possibility to close in as little as 7 days.

What is the biggest mistake Central Ohio home sellers make?

One of the most common mistakes Central Ohio sellers make is listing their homes at too high a price. Overpricing can cause a home to sit on the market longer, making it less appealing to buyers and potentially resulting in lower offers.

Find a top Central Ohio agent for a successful sale

Determining the best time to sell a house in Central Ohio can depend on your specific goals. However, achieving a fast and profitable sale doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right knowledge and resources, you can make smart choices and avoid common pitfalls.

Partnering with a top Ohio agent ensures you have a reliable guide and advisor to support you throughout the home-selling process. Connect with a leading agent today.

If you’re buying and selling a home simultaneously, explore HomeLight’s innovative Buy Before You Sell program. This forward-thinking approach allows you to tap into your home equity and simplify the process. Submit a non-contingent offer on your next home and move only once. Watch this brief video to discover more. 

Header Image Source: (Roger Starnes Sr/ Unsplash)