Ohio is a great place to build a home, purchase a home, or select some great investment properties. Whatever reason people choose, there are many ways Ohio is putting itself on the real estate map. Some people like to be near big cities like Ohio's capital, Columbus, while others like to be away from the noise in more rural areas with less traffic. Ohio State University is in Columbus, boasts a strong economy, shopping, and activities. Other regions of Ohio boast natural wonders and places to get away from the hustle and bustle. Whatever reason people choose, there is something for everyone in Ohio. 

Cost of Living

Compared to other states in the midwest, Ohio has a relatively low to medium cost of living. The list price per square foot rest around $100. With appreciation on the upswing, there are expected gains for buyers who find the right property in the right market. Some of the best places to live offer half the cost of living in other big cities in states like Indiana and Illinois, with Chicago ranking as one of the more expensive cities to live in the midwest. 

Amusement Parks and Entertainment

People love to come to Ohio for entertainment. World-class entertainment districts and amusement parks reside here. From Cedar Point in Sandusky to Kings Island, there is never a dull moment in Ohio. Kings Island, located in Mason, is one of the largest amusement and water parks in the Midwest. Not only that, but Columbus boasts a world-class university with an entertainment district boasting arts, cinema, and a thriving holistic and organic scene focused on bringing natural foods and brews to the area. 

Amish Country

One unique feature of moving to Ohio is learning about the largest Amish population in the country. Tourists come from all over to purchase furniture, food, and to learn about their way of life. Within close proximity are shopping, restaurants, and lodging. Explore more about the Amish culture while checking out how they make their beautiful furniture and try to live a simpler life that has inspired people for decades. 

Sports

People love sports and enjoy their teams. From college teams to professional leagues, Ohio has it all. There are some people who get really into sports and others who just like to be a patient observer. There are many ways to be athletic outside of sports and go find places to hike or bike and explore some of the many wonders in the area. Nature parks, reserves, and waterways make it a fun place to visit for a weekend but many choose to stay for a lifetime. 

Nature

Hocking Hills State Park is not from Logan. This state park features caves, cabins, waterfalls, ziplines, and hiking trails. If people want to canoe, kayak, or fish, they will find it there, too. Annual festivals in Ohio include food, beer, music, and natural wonders to explore. Near Cleveland and Akron is Cuyahoga Valley National Park, along the Cuyahoga River. To the north is the Canal Exploration Center which looks at 19th-century waterways. Brandywine Falls is one of many waterfalls to explore. The railroad runs right through the park. This, and many other natural wonders, are part of living in Ohio, and why people love to build homes here.

With great schools, smaller cities, and low cost of living, it makes sense for people to consider Ohio for their next home purchase. Families love living here and people often find they don't want to live anywhere else once they've had a taste of what Ohio has to offer. 

People love to explore different places to get a sense of what it will be like to live there. With Ohio, you can never go wrong with all the wonderful ways it captivates people's attention. Nature, schools, parks, cities, and more create a great place to live for individuals and families alike. Contact Choice Properties to have one of our professionals talk to you about available properties you might consider for your next home or investment.

Ohio is the place to be for many individuals and families. There is a natural beauty, parks, and close access to highways which provide opportunities to explore nearby cities and towns. No matter what someone is looking to see or do, there is always something happening right in your backyard. To get there, however, takes a few steps before a final move is completed. 

The Right Move

People who want to move often look for similar things. They want safety, established communities, great schools, arts, and lower cost of living than where they are from. With all these in mind, it is no wonder people are looking to Ohio as the place to live. Compared with other states, Ohio's cost-of-living is one of the best in the nation. Housing prices are low and costs for electric, water, heat, and other utilities remain lower than the national average. Some other great features to consider:

• Transit routes are all over, from door-to-door bus routes to national airports and upgrades being made every year, there are myriad ways to get to and from major cities and local towns
• Schools offer diversity, generous funding, and increasing opportunities in athletics and STEM programs
• Sports and recreation are high on the list for Ohioans. Whether you support state teams or national champs, there are many reasons to love Ohio

Be Prepared

Don't leave prep work until the last minute. Moving is a considerable expense and stressor. To best prepare for a move, it helps to have some key things in your back pocket:

• Outstanding realtor: don't move without having someone in your corner to help find the best home, place to live, and amenities to suit your family's needs
• Find a way to transport furniture and goods well before the move. Researching helps lower costs, including discounts to book online or in advance of the move date (if known)
• Research the weather. Depending on where you move from, the weather might be a rude awakening when it comes to winter. Snow, sleet, ice, and rain are all part of a fall to winter scenario. Be prepared to buy the necessary equipment like snow blowers, shovels, and more to cope with it in your new home

When the day finally comes to make the big move, get a checklist together. Write everything down, check the mail to be sure all bills will be forwarded and review school checklists. Everything can be sorted when the move happens if it is quick, but it helps to have some things done in advance with a follow-up list for after the move. Proper planning helps people manage their new life in a new place but what matters is being able to finally put everything in one place and begin to grow roots in the great state of Ohio. 

When people look for a great place to live, they think of Choice Properties. We are the best in our area for helping families make the right choice for them when it comes to where to live and what type of home you desire. We help you from sale of your home to close on the new property. Contact one of our top-notch realtors at Choice Properties who specialize in the Ohio market to find the property that is right for you.

Tips for Buying a Home in Indian Lake Ohio

Indian Lake, Ohio, was formerly known as Lewistown Reservoir and was named by European American settlers for the natives that roamed the region at the time. Originally a group of small lakes and wetlands, it has now become a destination for boating and fishing enthusiasts, as well as a wonderful place to call home for the Ohio residents that surround the lake. There are major fishing tournaments and boat shows held here annually, and you'll find ice fishing and snowmobiling in the winter.

Are you interested in buying a home in Indian Lake, Ohio? Today, the area attracts almost 1.5 million visitors every year with its first rate camping, swimming and boating facilities. You'll need to be savvy to snag up a home in such a popular location.  Fortunately for you, our experienced Indian Lake real estate agents have you covered!

Get a Good Ohio Real Estate Agent

Working with a reputable and knowledgeable realtor from the Indian Lake area is key to finding the best properties. And that doesn't mean your friend who flipped a house once. A professional realtor is worth the money you might spend and helps to ensure a smooth process from beginning to end. Finding an Indian Lake real estate agent who is experienced and knowledgeable, with a good reputation, is one of the most important things you can do, especially when wanting to buy a home in an appealing location like Indian Lake, Ohio. Learn about our award-winning real estate agents and book an appointment with a Choice Properties agent today.

Find a Mortgage Lender in Ohio

A lot of buyers find a home they like first, and then look for a mortgage lender. This is backwards because what tends to happen is that the buyers fall in love with a property, and then discover that they won't be able to afford it. Don't torture yourself. Ask your real estate agent to recommend a lender if you don't know of any and figure out how much of a loan you can get before you start looking at online listings. Then you can look for homes within your budget in full confidence that you can snag it up if it suits you.

Ohio Mortgage Interest Rates

Interest rates go up and down all the time. You might hear that interest rates are at an all time low, but that doesn't mean that you'll get a rock bottom rate. Interest rates differ with different people, depending on their credit and financial history. Different lenders have different rate ceilings. Home prices are negotiable, but loans remain the same. It is recommended that you shop around for the best interest rates before buying a home through mortgage loans.

Make a Quick Decision

Where a buyer might lose out is when they take too long to make up their mind. Real estate markets are volatile at best, therefore if you find a home that is in your budget, and checks off the must have points on your checklist, you should not hesitate. Submit an offer quickly, or you'll find that the house is off the market as soon as it appears in the listings. Being prepared ahead of time with a mortgage approval is key to making swift offers when they arise.

Buying in a location as attractive as Indian Lake, Ohio can be a competitive challenge. The best thing you can do is have a qualified real estate agent at your side to help locate and negotiate the home you want to own.

Call us today for a tour of locally available homes and advice on buying a home in Indian Lake Ohio!

Many steps are included in the process of buying a home which can feel overwhelming. A good realtor can support individuals who are going through the steps of seeking to understand the process before getting pre-approval and making offers.

Impound Account

An account that is set up by the mortgage lender to pay certain property-related expenses on a person's behalf is called an escrow (impound) account. This is used for expenses like property taxes and homeowner's insurance. Many mortgage lenders require an escrow account to insure the property is not at risk. Fees vary from year to year and generally are rolled into monthly mortgage payments.

How Escrow Works

Escrow accounts come into play with several home buying expenses like home buyer's earnest money. If an offer is accepted then an earnest money check is deposited into the real estate broker's escrow account. The account is used for earnest monies only and other funds may not be mixed in with earnest money deposits but is received back at closing.

Requirements Vary

Each state varies but many states require an escrow account. Even if a person's state does not, it is helpful to have one. Without escrow, homeowners will be responsible for large property-related bills in lump sums and not always when it is most convenient (if it ever is with home issues). Failure to pay property taxes on time can also result in high fines and fees. The portion of a payment that is property tax and home insurance are taken out of each payment made and placed in escrow until it is time to make the payment. This also serves as insurance that the property is not at risk. The practice then also helps protect the homeowner and lender of record.

The best thing to do is to conduct research personally and with a dedicated realtor who can point potential homebuyers in the right direction to make wise and sound decisions. Home buying is not something to take lightly as there are many things to consider. When it comes to escrow, many potential homeowners decide to go this route so costs are covered automatically without too much forethought. Others may wish (if possible) to do without but it is certainly up to the homeowner to decide what to do based on research and what is best for the personal situation each family faces.

Get started on your search for a new home or prepare to sell property with award winning agents at Choice Properties Real Estate. Located in Logan County, we are ready to serve and assist you with all your real estate needs.