If you’re in the market to buy or refinance a home, you might’ve celebrated when you heard about the Federal Reserve’s recent rate cut. Many people assume that when the Fed lowers rates, mortgage interest rates will follow. But if you’ve been watching the market, you might have noticed that mortgage rates didn’t budge—or even […]
All posts by Kyle Alfriend
November 2024 Central Ohio Market Update
Hello, Central Ohio! I’m Kyle Alfriend with Alfriend Group, bringing you your November 2024 real estate market update. Let’s dive into what’s happening right now in our market and what you can expect as we wrap up the year. Housing Demand & Inventory Inventory is tight – no surprise there – with available homes lower […]
Ohio’s Real Estate Taxes: What Every Homeowner Needs to Know Before They Buy
When it comes to real estate in Ohio, there’s one thing you’ve got to understand upfront: property taxes. They’re often an afterthought, but property taxes can be a game-changer when it comes to buying, selling, or deciding where to invest. Here in Central Ohio, taxes vary widely between communities, and knowing the ins and outs […]
4 Popular Mortgage Programs for First-Time Home Buyers
My Thoughts: A Real Estate Agent’s Perspective on the NAR Settlement and Its Implications
The National Association of Realtors (NAR) recently settled multiple lawsuits with home sellers, agreeing to pay out $418 million and implement significant rule changes for Multiple Listing Services (MLS) and real estate agent practices. These changes, effective in August, have sparked a range of reactions—from panic to indifference. Major headlines, such as CNN’s “The 6% […]
Contractor Nightmares: 5 Red Flags to Watch for and How to Escape a Bad Hire
As the housing market continues to tighten, with rising prices and bidding wars, many buyers are looking at lower-priced homes that require some updates. This makes sense. With most buyers seeking move-in ready homes in excellent condition, buyers willing to do some updates can get some great discounts on their home purchases. But then comes […]
Ohio Landlord-Tenant Laws Every Landlord Should Know
Understanding Ohio tenant-landlord laws is crucial for every landlord to ensure they comply with legal requirements and foster a positive relationship with tenants. I share this as a broad overview from my 35+ years of experience as a landlord and real estate investor. However, I am not an attorney. Before taking any actions or creating […]
Top 5 Tips for a Smooth and Stress-Free Home Sale
Selling a home can be one of the most stressful experiences of your life, but it doesn’t have to be. According to CNBC, nearly 40% of Americans cry during the process of selling their home. That sounds like a mental health crisis and a possible divorce waiting to happen. To help you avoid that, here […]
When Is the Best Time to Sell Your House?
Exploring the best time to sell your house? Welcome to the summer selling season—a prime time when the most buyers are out looking for homes, and the most houses are on the market! If you’ve been browsing properties lately, you’ve probably noticed an uptick in competition. But if you’re planning to sell, now is the […]
Buyer Beware: 5 Common Problems You May Find in Homes
Searching for your dream home is tough enough on its own, but discovering significant and possibly expensive issues lurking within your new abode can dampen your excitement. This is a common fear among house hunters, as it can substantially affect how much you’ll need to invest to make the home truly yours. However, there is […]