Comprehensive online guide now available to Ohioans for Homeownership Month
In a tight real estate market, it’s more important than ever for consumers to have the right resources at their fingertips. There were more than 127,000 home sales across the Buckeye State last year, and more than 27,000 sales in the first quarter of 2024.
In recognition of Homeownership Month during June, the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Real Estate and Professional Licensing announces a new guide to help equip Ohioans with the information they need to find the right real estate agent in the event they plan on buying or selling a home in coming months.
With constant change in the real estate market, it’s important that consumers select the right agent for their needs. The Finding the Right Real Estate Agent Guide serves as a valuable online resource for individuals as they navigate the often complex process of buying or selling property. The guide is easily available by clicking here as well as on the Division of Real Estate and Professional Licensing's website.
“Homeownership is a pathway to achieving the American Dream, however many Ohioans may not be aware of the resources available to assist them with finding quality affordable housing. Homeownership Month is a great time to highlight the resources we can offer to first-time homebuyers, renters, senior citizens, and others to navigate specific housing needs,” said Governor Mike DeWine.
“We understand the importance of choosing the right real estate agent, as this decision can significantly impact the outcome of any real estate transaction,” said Daphne Hawk, Superintendent for the Division of Real Estate and Professional Licensing. “This new guide is designed to provide clear and concise information to help individuals assess and select the best real estate agent suited to their unique situation and needs.”
The guide covers a wide range of topics, including:
• Qualities to look for in a real estate agent.
• Questions to ask when interviewing potential agents.
• Tips for evaluating an agent's track record and reputation.
The guide also incorporates insights from industry experts and highlights key considerations that can help consumers make well-informed decisions throughout their real estate journey. Whether a consumer is a first-time homebuyer, seasoned investor or homeowner looking to sell, the guide offers practical advice and actionable steps to streamline the agent-search and selection process.
The Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Financial Institutions also recently shared tips on how to choose the right mortgage lender. That information also is available by clicking here.
In addition to the guide, Commerce has partnered with the Ohio Housing Finance Agency (OHFA) to highlight resources to help make buying a home more affordable, such as down payment assistance, career-related interest rate discounts and other loan products. To apply for an OHFA program, interested homebuyers should contact an OHFA-approved lender in their area. A list of program-participating credit unions and mortgage companies is available on OHFA’s website. More information on the programs as well as eligibility requirements can be found at myohiohome.org.
OHFA also provides free virtual and in-person training for mortgage and real estate professionals on how to use its programs and the eligibility requirements, so they can pass this information along to clients. Courses for real estate agents include Fair Housing Foundations and OHFA Homebuyer Programs, and classes available to mortgage professionals are Mortgage Tax Credit and Becoming an OHFA Expert. For available trainings, real estate professionals should click here, and mortgage professionals should click here. Mortgage and real estate companies can also schedule classes for their employees by contacting Jon Duy at jduy@ohiohome.org.
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