Benefits of Working With Our Award Winning Ohio Real Estate Agents

The Choice Properties tagline, "Your Choice for Better Service" is something we proudly stand by as Ohio real estate agents. We are committed to serving Logan County and the surrounding areas with the buyer or seller in mind, helping individuals accomplish goals they never imagined. Our staff of expert realtors provide top-notch customer service with a friendly, yet professional approach. The Choice Properties team holds unbeatable knowledge of the area as we continue to be active within the community, immersing ourselves into the market.

Locally owned, Choice Properties is a full service Real Estate agency with offices located in Russells Point at scenic Indian Lake and in Bellefontaine, Ohio. We offer a range of services from residential to commercial, agricultural to waterfront, and first-time buyers to retirees. No matter the status, our agents are ready to assist your next journey in life.

Why Choose Choice?

Our expert agents are trained to handle every mishap that may occur during the buying or selling process. This means having the understanding of completing contracts, forms, and disclosure statements, having knowledge of competitive prices in surrounding areas, the ability to handle criticism, and negotiating to overcome objections. It's important to hire a real estate agent who is familiar with counterarguing and feels confident in getting you the home you deserve. We have experience in pre-qualifying buyers, ensuring they never go out of their price range when making a bid on a home they cannot afford.

At Choice Properties, we don't sell homes. We listen to what you are seeking and help make that happen. We believe in helping buyers with decisions rather than assuming, leaving us as a partner and team.

Contact us for your real estate needs at Indian Lake and in Bellefontaine, Belle Center, DeGraff, East Liberty, Huntsville, Jackson Center, Lakeview, Lewistown, Middleburg, New Hampshire, Quincy, Ridgeway, Roundhead, Rushsylvania, Russells Point, Urbana, West Liberty, West Mansfield, or Zanesfield. It is our commitment to go beyond the expected and we thank you for choosing Choice Properties to help with your real estate needs.

Choice Properties understands your needs and desires when it comes to the home search. We are here to help you define what you want, seek the best property and move forward feeling educated and able to make good decisions throughout the process. You can trust us to help you navigate it with the best real estate agents working for you. Call us to get started on your dream home search today.

Questions to Ask When Buying an Indian Lake House

Waterfront homes hold a beauty unlike any other naturally appealing to most buyers. Although waterfront homes easily grab the eye, not many people consider the responsibilities that come with purchasing a lake house. At Choice Properties, we want you to enjoy the fun experience Indian Lake has to offer which is why we firmly believe buyers should research more on waterfront properties. We have listed questions to ask when buying an Indian Lake home, allowing you to be fully prepared throughout this exciting process!

Can You Get a Loan?

The first question to ask is the probability of getting a mortgage loan for a waterfront home. Since it's a vacation home, mortgage loans are usually higher and may take longer than residential homes, so it's important to tackle this step early on. Discussing credit score and credit history with a loan provider allows you to set a budget for your Indian Lake Home. Once you obtain your loan, our expert agents will work beside you to show you the best homes in your price range.

What Do You Want in a Lake House?

Consider making a list of must-have items you crave in a lake house, as well as those you can live without will help narrow down your search. For example, how close to the water you want to be? Do you prefer a small, quaint cabin or a large house with a dock? Taking time to discuss the amount of space and bedrooms you will need helps weed out unrealistic homes. It's important to keep an open mind when touring potential homes as it may be challenging to find a complete list of must-haves in one space.

Have You Factored in Other Expenses?

The fun and memories made are definitely worth the cost, but don't forget to factor in other expenses as well. Waterfront properties often have a higher maintenance checklist than residential homes, including dock upkeep, rusting items and wearing out do to the proximity of water. These expenses can easily be avoided by taking care of possessions and tackling any issues at the first sign.

What Insurance Have You Researched?

Have you been researching insurance plans? Because waterfront homes are more susceptible to damage from natural disasters, such as flooding, insurance rates are typically more expensive. Keep insurance rates in mind as you calculate overall budget and expenses.

Does the Property Fulfill Your Lifestyle?

Perhaps the most important question to ask yourself is if the property fulfills your lifestyle needs. In the excitement that comes with buying a waterfront home, it can be easy to lose sight of why you want to live near the water in the first place. For example, a home on a lake beach may require you to travel to a nearby dock to store and use your boat. If you don't mind traveling a few miles to get to your boat, then a dock can be ruled out! Your happiness is the final factor in determining the lake house you desire.

Choice Properties understands your needs and desires when it comes to the home search. We are here to help you define what you want, seek the best property and move forward feeling educated and able to make good decisions throughout the process. You can trust us to help you navigate it with the best real estate agents working for you. Call us to get started on your dream home search today.

Advice for Single Women Home Buyers

At Choice Properties, our agents are prepared to assist every type of homebuyer. Whether you're single or newly married, we believe it's important to have a trusted real estate agent with you every step of the way. No challenge is big enough to stop you from accomplishing your goals and starting the journey of homeownership. Our real estate agents want to help you start achieving those goals, so we have listed advice for single women home buyers to get the process started.

Getting the Home Buying Process Started

To get started on turning your dream into a reality, it's important to take a look at your credit score and history. This will give you an estimate on how much you can afford for a mortgage. Don't let this early step overwhelm you! Getting a loan estimate is easy and will prepare you when meeting with a loan provider. Consider creating a savings account for a down payment and closing costs, along with taxes, home insurance, and any repairs needed.  

Long-Term Investment

It's important to remember buying a home is a long-term investment, and even though you want to love the home you purchase there may be things you will have to update. Although homebuyers go into the process focusing on the present, keep in mind the chance of selling the home in the future. The return of investment is definitely worth the effort. Researching the market you are considering buying in will show you who is also buying in the area, allowing you to plan accordingly.

Avoid Buying Mistakes

The Choice Properties real estate agents are here to help you avoid buying mistakes, where most of them are not obvious until after you try and sell. Location and market is extremely important as this could drastically impact your chance to sell. Also keep in mind the opportunity of growth, renovations, and room add-ons. Purchasing a home with a flexible layout allows you or a future buyer to accomplish any renovations or room add-ons without a headache.  

Choice Properties understands your needs and desires when it comes to the home search. We are here to help you define what you want, seek the best property and move forward feeling educated and able to make good decisions throughout the process. You can trust us to help you navigate it with the best real estate agents working for you. Call us to get started on your dream home search today.

An Overview of the Mortgage Loan Process

Through the various steps of purchasing a home, the getting qualified for a loan may feel the most overwhelming for first-time homebuyers. The expert agents at Choice Properties understand this and are here to guide you through, which is why we created an overview of the mortgage loan process. From getting an assessment to a loan officer pre-approving you, we want you to enjoy every moment of making your dream home a reality.

Pre-Approval

The first step to obtaining a mortgage loan is go through a meeting with your lender to discuss credit score and credit history with a third party, called a tri-merge credit report. This will give you an estimate of how much money you can borrow based on financial information, such as your employment and income. Mortgage pre-approvals show sellers that you are serious with a home purchase, making you stand out among other interested buyers.

Pre-Qualified

During your research for a mortgage loan you may find pre-approval and pre-qualified, but it's important to know the difference. A pre-qualification holds a lesser meaning and is a simple glance at a borrower's credit and capacity to repay a mortgage. This is usually completed by a loan officer asking the borrower simple questions regarding credit and there is no third party involved. Although this step is good to have with your lender, it usually does not influence a seller or real estate agent.

Final Approval

This is the most excited step of the mortgage loan process! Closing on a loan means the mortgage is official and final disbursements are made. During the final approval, documents are drawn where they are then sent to the title company where the closing takes place. You have a three day window to view the terms of the loan before officially signing. Once the documents have been signed, you are then ready for move into a new home!

Choice Properties understands your needs and desires when it comes to the home search. We are here to help you define what you want, seek the best property and move forward feeling educated and able to make good decisions throughout the process. You can trust us to help you navigate it with the best real estate agents working for you. Call us to get started on your dream home search today.