The number of new listings January through April (12,588) is now 4.2 percent lower than the same period last year.

“The number of residential homes for sale continues to decline - which is what the market needs,” said Jim Coridan, 2012 President of the Columbus Board of REALTORS®. “The inflated inventory we experienced  after the housing boom of the mid 2000’s caused home prices to decrease. But 2011 saw a real stabilization of those inventory levels. As a result, home sale prices are rising.”

The average sale price of a central Ohio home in April was $165,324 – up 8.4 percent from last year and 7.7 over the previous month.
Although inventory levels are down and sale prices are up, there appears to be no shortage of buyers.
Central Ohio home closings in April outpaced the previous month as well as the previous year. The number of April home sales (1,748) was up 5.7 percent over March of this year (1,653) and was 2.6 percent higher than homes closed in April of 2011 according to the Columbus Board of REALTORS®.

Home sales this year (January through April) now exceed 2011 by 6.6 percent.

“Even though inventory is down and prices are up, there’s a solid market of motivated buyers out there right now,” adds Coridan. “REALTORS® report that, if a house comes on the market that is in good condition and is realistically priced, it’s sold within days – and sometimes within hours.”

According to the latest Housing Market Confidence Index (by the Ohio Association of REALTORS®), 95 percent of central Ohio REALTORS® describe the current housing market as moderate to strong and 97 percent expect it to be moderate or strong in the next six months. With regard to home prices, 95 percent expect home prices to remain the same or rise in the next year.

The Columbus Board of REALTORS® Multiple Listing Service (MLS) serves all of Franklin, Delaware, Fayette, Licking, Madison, Morrow, Pickaway and Union Counties and parts of Athens, Champaign, Clark, Clinton, Fairfield, Hocking, Knox, Logan, Marion, Muskingum, Perry and Ross Counties.

The monthly housing reports can be found at ColumbusRealtors.com/stats. The reports include breakouts for 18 central Ohio counties and 52 local municipalities and school districts. New areas included in the 2012 reports include: Grove City and local school districts for Big Walnut, Miami Trace, Johnstown-Monroe and Northridge.

While you'll purchase real estate for the long-term and for primarily your enjoyment, I believe that you should not pay too much. Alternatively, when selling, you should receive the best price for your home. I will work closely with you to ensure all of your goals are met. By visiting my website, you can analyze recent home sales, prepare an online market analysis, or get current information on the market. Please visit traceysellshomes.remax.com.

I am dedicated to helping you build your future. Whether, you are buying or selling, I encourage discussion of this important topic. Ask me about all the benefits of working together, won't you?

Tracey Hartson

RE/MAX CHAMPIONS
(614) 322-5116

Central Ohio home sales, contracts and prices up in the first quarter

First quarter home sales in central Ohio were up 7.1 percent versus first quarter 2011 sales (4,045 vs. 3,776). March home sales jumped 36 percent to 1,653 compared to the previous month (1,215) and were up 6.1 percent more than last year (1,558) according to the Columbus Board of REALTORS®.

“This upward trend in home sales began last summer,” said Jim Coridan, President of the Columbus Board of REALTORS®. “Average sale prices are increasing, but at a much more cautious pace.”

Average sales price fell 30.6 percent from its decade high of $192,642 in June 2005 to $133,604 in February 2009. The average sales price of a central Ohio home in March 2012 was $153,557 – 6.5 percent higher than one year ago.

The 3,466 homes listed for sale in March marks a 56.7 percent increase over the previous month, but is still 10.4 percent lower than March of 2011. The median list price of new listings last month was $149,900 – 3.5 percent higher than one year ago.

Housing inventory, which peaked at 19,291 in July 2010, continues its downward trend as the local market seeks to rebalance. Total inventory is now just over 11,500 reminiscent of inventory levels in 2003 and 2004.

Months supply has remained near 6.5 for the first three months of 2012 – a healthy level for central Ohio.

“Sales, contracts and home prices are all up this year,” adds Coridan. “This coupled with the temperate inventory levels makes for a much stronger central Ohio housing market than we had a few years ago.”

According to the most recent Ohio Housing Market Confidence Survey, 86 percent of central Ohio REALTORS® see the current housing market as moderate to strong and 89 percent expect it to be moderate to strong in the next six months. However, local professionals are split as to whether home prices will stay the same or increase over the next year.

The Columbus Board of REALTORS® Multiple Listing Service (MLS) serves all of Franklin, Delaware, Fayette, Licking, Madison, Morrow, Pickaway and Union Counties and parts of Athens, Champaign, Clark, Clinton, Fairfield, Hocking, Knox, Logan, Marion, Muskingum, Perry and Ross Counties.

The monthly housing reports include breakouts for 18 central Ohio counties and 52 local municipalities and school districts. New areas included in the 2012 reports include: Grove City and local school districts for Big Walnut, Miami Trace, Johnstown-Monroe and Northridge.

Central Ohio home sales, contracts and prices up in the first quarter

First quarter home sales in central Ohio were up 7.1 percent versus first quarter 2011 sales (4,045 vs. 3,776). March home sales jumped 36 percent to 1,653 compared to the previous month (1,215) and were up 6.1 percent more than last year (1,558) according to the Columbus Board of REALTORS®.

“This upward trend in home sales began last summer,” said Jim Coridan, President of the Columbus Board of REALTORS®. “Average sale prices are increasing, but at a much more cautious pace.”

Average sales price fell 30.6 percent from its decade high of $192,642 in June 2005 to $133,604 in February 2009. The average sales price of a central Ohio home in March 2012 was $153,557 – 6.5 percent higher than one year ago.

The 3,466 homes listed for sale in March marks a 56.7 percent increase over the previous month, but is still 10.4 percent lower than March of 2011. The median list price of new listings last month was $149,900 – 3.5 percent higher than one year ago.

Housing inventory, which peaked at 19,291 in July 2010, continues its downward trend as the local market seeks to rebalance. Total inventory is now just over 11,500 reminiscent of inventory levels in 2003 and 2004.

Months supply has remained near 6.5 for the first three months of 2012 – a healthy level for central Ohio.

“Sales, contracts and home prices are all up this year,” adds Coridan. “This coupled with the temperate inventory levels makes for a much stronger central Ohio housing market than we had a few years ago.”

According to the most recent Ohio Housing Market Confidence Survey, 86 percent of central Ohio REALTORS® see the current housing market as moderate to strong and 89 percent expect it to be moderate to strong in the next six months. However, local professionals are split as to whether home prices will stay the same or increase over the next year.

The Columbus Board of REALTORS® Multiple Listing Service (MLS) serves all of Franklin, Delaware, Fayette, Licking, Madison, Morrow, Pickaway and Union Counties and parts of Athens, Champaign, Clark, Clinton, Fairfield, Hocking, Knox, Logan, Marion, Muskingum, Perry and Ross Counties.

The monthly housing reports include breakouts for 18 central Ohio counties and 52 local municipalities and school districts. New areas included in the 2012 reports include: Grove City and local school districts for Big Walnut, Miami Trace, Johnstown-Monroe and Northridge.

I know from experience that for some people, the process of finding a home is mostly work, and little joy. The road can seem long.and winding.

As your premier Columbus Ohio REALTOR, I just like to give factual and useful information to both buyers and sellers for the area I represent.

For the month of February 2012 in the city of Columbus Ohio, there were 397 properties that were SOLD and successfully closed. The average list price of these 397 properties was $121,580 and the average SALE price ended up at $113,652. The average days on the market for these 397 homes was 95 days.

For statistical information in your neighborhood, give me a call anytime, (614) 707-6570. I will be happy to provide you with stats on your specific neighborhood and answer any real estate related questions for you.

Tracey Hartson REALTOR® ….. No Promises, Just Results!

Not only were central Ohio housing sales up in January, but they showed the highest activity for that month since 2008. The 1,125 sales showed a 6.0 percent increase over January of 2011 according to the Columbus Board of REALTORS®.

In addition, 1,845 residential homes and condos were placed in contract – up over 40 percent from the same time one year ago.

“Sales last month were at the same level as we experienced just prior to the housing boom,” said Jim Coridan, 2012 President of the Columbus Board of REALTORS®. “It’s a direct result of the increased activity during the last few weeks of 2011 – and a great way to begin 2012.”

The inventory of homes for sale in central Ohio continued to decline during 2011 and the beginning of 2012, helping to further stabilize the local housing market. The total number of homes for sale at the end of January was 11,322 – 26.5 percent lower than the previous year (15,391).

“Traditionally a sellers market, central Ohio has been a buyers market since the end of the housing boom back in the mid 2000s,” said Coridan.

A seller's market is one in which there are more buyers than homes for sale. Since supply is less than demand, homes will be higher priced and more attractive to the sellers in the market.

In contrast, a buyer's market is one in which there are lots of sellers and relatively few buyers, which leads to lower prices.

“We were fortunate to have experienced positive absorption last year,” adds Coridan. “The result is that now we’re down to pre-housing boom inventory levels.”

“This is good news for homeowners who want to sell their home and move up and those who’ve been wanting patiently for the inventory levels to come down.”

You've just bought the home of your dreams, signed the contract and packed the moving van -- you're all set, right? Not if you haven't sold your current home first. So you put it on the market and you wait. And wait. And wait. In many cities where it makes more financial sense to rent than own, buyers may simply not be interested. In others, buyers do come along, but they don't have enough money saved for a down payment or their credit isn't good enough. How will you ever sell this house?

For many, the rent-to-own home may be the best option. Also called a lease-to-own house, the process works similarly to a car lease: Renters pay a certain amount each month to live in the house, and at the end of a set period -- generally within three years -- they have the option to buy the house. Each month of rent they pay is income for the seller, while a portion of it goes toward a down payment to eventually buy the home.

Both renters and sellers need to be very clear about the contract they draw up before they agree to this arrangement. Renting-to-own has advantages and disadvantages for both parties. Sellers who have already bought a new house will have relief from paying two mortgages at once, and in a slow housing market with many homes for sale, this may be their best option. Buyers who can't yet afford a house may be able to get one more quickly.

I specialize in helping buyers and sellers achieve their real estate goals in the Central Ohio area including but not limited to Columbus, Pickerington, Reynoldsburg, Pataskala, Canal Winchester, and the surrounding areas. Call me today - (614) 707-6570

Many times a day I am asked why or if it’s important or necessary to be pre-approved. My answer is always the same, YES it is important to be pre approved. Throughout this article I will stress the main reasons I feel it is not only important but necessary to be pre approved before looking at properties.

I specialize in helping buyers and sellers achieve their real estate goals in the Central Ohio area including but not limited to Columbus, Pickerington, Reynoldsburg, Pataskala, Canal Winchester, and the surrounding areas. Call me today - (614) 707-6570

Tracey Hartson

REALTOR®

Tracey Hartson and Associates

(614) 322-5116 office

(614) 707-6570 cell/text

(614) 416-9185 fax

RE/MAX Champions

10400 Blacklick Eastern Road

Suite 110

Pickerington, Ohio 43147

(614) 864-8200

Tracey Hartson – REALTOR®

My name is Tracey Hartson, my office is in Pickerington, Ohio with RE/MAX Champions and is about 10 minutes from Columbus, Ohio. I specialize in helping buyers and sellers achieve their real estate goals and dreams in Columbus, Ohio and surrounding areas. I am also a neighborhood expert in Pickerington, Reynoldsburg, Pataskala, and Canal Winchester.

I have 6 years experience in the real estate industry along with 21 years of customer service. I have a team of professionals that include multiple licensed real estate agents, a talented marketing director as well as non-licensed assistants and a support team to guarantee a smooth quality transaction relieving you from the stress that home buying and selling can produce. We have many exclusive tools that always exceed the expectations of buyers and sellers. We give our buyers an amazing, yet easy to use, most up-to-date and informative search site that is fully integrated with us so that we see what you see. Our sellers get a marketing program that no other company offers. These are just two tools that make us second to none. We live and work by a “Refuse to Lose” motto and would be excited at the opportunity to talk with you, meet, and earn your business while becoming the only REALTOR you will ever need or want.

My client’s say it best…..

Tracey is dedicated and tenacious. ...... Ron, Pickerington, Ohio

Tracey is great at what she does. ….. Erica, Reynoldsburg, Ohio

I recommend them to anyone wanting to sell or buy. ...... Barbara, Lancaster, Ohio

View All Testimonials

I began my career in real estate as a result of my deep desire to help people achieve the goal of home ownership. I am proud to be a top-producing agent in my office and throughout central Ohio. I achieved this status by meeting people just like you and providing them with outstanding service. Become a client today and a friend for life.

I was born in Columbus, Ohio and grew up in the Lincoln Village neighborhood. I now call Pickerington, Ohio home after residing in great cities like Dublin, Worthington, Grove City, and Groveport, Ohio. I am a proud mother of 2 girls. They both have hobbies in competitive sports, one swimming, and the other in gymnastics. As a family we enjoy spending time together and sharing our daily lives with one another. I am also a 9 year volunteer teacher at Madison Christian Church in Groveport, Ohio.

Tracey Hartson REALTOR® ….. No Promises, Just Results!

RE/MAX agents average more sales than other real estate agents. They are better qualified to set the right price for the homes they list, better equipped to market those homes, and likely to find clients engaged in the home-buying process in a shorter period of time. That experience and education also means they are better qualified to find the right home for any buyer. The home-buying process can be a daunting task. But with the expertise of a RE/MAX agent, buyers can rest easy.

I specialize in helping buyers and sellers achieve their real estate goals in the Central Ohio area including but not limited to Columbus, Pickerington, Reynoldsburg, Pataskala, Canal Winchester, and the surrounding areas. Call me today - (614) 707-6570

Will the short sale fever continue in 2012? Executives at Bank of America said last year that the bank closed about 40,000 short sales in 2009 that number jumped to 93,00 to 94,000 in 2010. By 2011 Bank America had closed more than 100,000 short sales and predicts 60% Increase in 2012.

• §                     Legal fees
• §                     Repairs
• §                     Current taxes
• §                     Taxes in arrears
• §                     Current interest
• §                     Interest in arrears
• §                     Insurance
• §                     Insurance in arrears
• §                     Real estate commission
• §                     Holding costs
• §                     HOA fees
• §                     Eviction cost

TODAY Pickerington, Ohio 43147 has 216 Homes For Sale with an average list price of $212,838.00

Tracey Hartson REALTOR® - No Promises ..... Just Results!

TODAY Pickerington, Ohio 43147 has 216 Homes For Sale with an average list price of $212,198.00

Tracey Hartson REALTOR® - No Promises ..... Just Results!

A short sale is a sale of real estate in which the proceeds from selling the property will fall short of the balance of debts secured by liens against the property and the property owner cannot afford to repay the liens' full amounts, whereby the lien holders agree to release their lien on the real estate and accept less than the amount owed on the debt. Any unpaid balance owed to the creditors is known as a deficiency.  Short sale agreements do not necessarily release borrowers from their obligations to repay any deficiencies of the loans, unless specifically agreed to between the parties.

A short sale is often used as an alternative to foreclosure because it mitigates additional fees and costs to both the creditor and borrower; however both will often result in a negative credit report against the property owner.

My name is Tracey Hartson, my office is in Gahanna, Ohio with EXIT Realty and is about 10 minutes from Columbus, Ohio. Whether you are buying a home or homes in Columbus, Dublin, Hilliard, Grove City, or Westerville Ohio, I am a REALTOR that specializes in helping buyers and sellers achieve their real estate goals and dreams. I am also a neighborhood expert in Pickerington, Reynoldsburg, Pataskala, and Canal Winchester.

Price Reduced! From a new driveway to brand new kitchen and bathrooms this completely rehabbed beautiful 2 story 3 bedroom 1.5 bath is ready for you to call home. Large lot, fenced back yard with great views of park. Rehab includes new kitchen, new baths, new flooring, new carpet, new paint, new fixtures, if it was not replaced, it has been upgraded. Home warranty included with purchase. Hurry!!

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