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Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2024

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COLUMBUS – As the spring temperatures and housing market warm up, the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Real Estate and Professional Licensing (REPL) encourages first-time homebuyers to take advantage of April being Fair Housing Month by becoming acquainted with federal and state fair housing laws.

“Fair Housing Month is a great opportunity to remind buyers who are new to the real estate process that the more they know, the easier the process will be for them to navigate,” REPL Superintendent Daphne Hawk said.

First-time homebuyers accounted for 33 percent of market activity in Ohio last year, according to a study conducted by Ohio Realtors in partnership with REPL.

Ohio and federal law both prohibit discrimination in the buying, selling, or renting of real estate based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin. Ohio law also prohibits discrimination based on ancestry or military status. Fair housing law covers discrimination in the offering, showing, selling, and renting of homes, apartments, condominiums and cooperatives.

“Generally, it’s rare for an Ohio real estate agent or appraiser to have a fair housing complaint. Often times, discrimination occurs in rental housing because landlords may not fully understand their obligations under the law.” Hawk said. “It’s extremely important that property owners know what the law is, which is why we encourage them to access our Landlord’s Property Management Guide. This guide not only connects property owners with a range of fair housing resources, it also can help them find licensed property managers who may be a good fit to manage their properties.”

In 2022, there were more than 33,000 complaints filed in the U.S. with private fair housing organizations, local and state Fair Housing Assistance Program agencies, and HUD. This includes more than 2,200 complaints filed in Ohio, a majority of which were disability-related complaints.

The Ohio Division of Real Estate and Professional Licensing may take action against a licensee if they are found to have engaged in unlawful discriminatory practices. Anyone who feels that he or she has been discriminated against is urged to contact the Ohio Civil Rights Commission or the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Licensees have an obligation to notify the REPL superintendent immediately if they have been found to have violated laws pertaining to discrimination in housing and/or housing accommodations.

The Ohio Housing Finance Agency provides virtual and in-person trainings for real estate agents on fair housing laws. Titled “Fair Housing Foundations,” the class takes a historical view of fair housing and civil rights as well as reviewing current housing, advertising and lending laws. Real estate agents participating in the class can receive three hours of civil rights credit. A list of upcoming classes is available here.

For more information on fair housing resources, Ohioans can access the Division’s consumer guide at com.ohio.gov/FairHousingGuide.

POSTED: 04/16/24 at 7:45 pm. FILED UNDER: Real Estate

Ohio Association of Realtors information

The Ohio Association of Realtors reports the number of single-family homes and condominiums put under agreement dropped in February, as extreme weather conditions throughout the month negatively affected contract signings.

“The frigid temperatures and significant snowfall Ohio experienced in February had a significant impact on deterring potential buyers from house hunting,” said OAR President Chris Hall. “Additionally, it’s become evident over recent months that our housing market is becoming more balanced, experiencing variances in activity based on current conditions.”

Housing Market artwork 8-2012Ohio’s February Pending Home Sales Index of 104.1, a forward-looking indicator based on contract signings, fell 10.9 percent from February of last year (116.8) and 7.4 percent from last month (112.4). The February Index did match the month’s 2012 score of 104.2.

Compared to 2008, a historically healthy market that marked the end of five consecutive record years for existing home sales and the onset of the recession, February’s Index score of 104.1 marks a 4.1 increase.

A pending sale or a sale “under agreement” is when the buyer and seller agree on terms of the sale of a home and have a signed purchase and sale agreement, but have yet to close and be recorded as such.  Refer to the attached report to view the pending home sales index and methods.

OAR, the largest professional trade association in the state with more than 26,000 members, is the only organization that compiles this statewide information from selected Multiple Listing Services each month. The tracking of “pending sales” provides reliable information about where the market is heading in coming months.

POSTED: 03/29/14 at 6:50 am. FILED UNDER: Real Estate

Ohio Association of Realtors information

The number of homes sold across Ohio in February fell 4.3 percent from the level posted during the month a year ago, according to the Ohio Association of Realtors.

Home sales activity in February fell 2.9 percent from the level reached in January 2014.

“Extreme winter conditions played a role in cooling homes sales activity throughout Ohio, as our level of activity slid slightly for the second consecutive month,” said Chris Hall, president of the Ohio Association of Realtors. “A survey of the state’s real estate professionals conducted during the month found that two-thirds of respondents indicated that the cold, snowy conditions resulted in a marked decline in home buying activity.

Housing Market artwork 8-2012“Additionally, it’s apparent that the marketplace, as a whole, is becoming more balanced following an unprecedented streak of 30 months of year-over-year gains. The ongoing stabilization of the state’s housing sector will result in traditional ebbs and flows in activity.”

February’s average home price of $130,082 reflects a 4 percent increase from the $125,061 mark posted during the same month last year.

Sales in February reached a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 116,636, a 4.3 percent decrease from the 121,880 level during the month a year ago. The market also experienced a 2.9 percent decline in sales from January’s upwardly revised, seasonally adjusted annual rate of 120,119.

Around the state, 16 of the 20 markets tracked reported declines in sales activity levels. The average sales price increased in 14 markets.

Data provided to OAR by Multiple Listing Services includes residential closings for new and existing single-family homes and condominiums/co-ops. The Ohio Association of Realtors®, with more than 27,000 members, is the largest professional trade association in Ohio.  Click here to view the methods addressing OAR’s reporting of home sales activity.

To view OAR’s seasonally adjusted Ohio home sales report and a market-by-market analysis of sales activity throughout Ohio and local contact information, click here.

POSTED: 03/21/14 at 12:21 am. FILED UNDER: Real Estate

Ohio Association of Realtors information

The Ohio Association of Realtors reports that the number of single-family homes and condominiums put under agreement in December increased from the results from the prior year.

“It’s evident, based on the slight increase in the number of home purchase contracts that occurred in December, that the Ohio housing market is becoming more balanced in its ongoing recovery,” said OAR President Chris Hall. “December’s uptick in pending sales reverses a slight two-month dip for the marketplace, which had previously posted 29 consecutive months of year-over-year gains dating back to May 2011.

Housing Market artwork 8-2012“Our housing market is undoubtedly entering a more traditional period, one that will experience monthly ebbs and flows in activity moving forward,” Hall added. “Ohio’s housing market remains well positioned for would-be buyers as we enter a new year, with favorable interest rates, stable pricing and continued improvement in our overall economic condition.”

Ohio’s December Pending Home Sales Index of 123.1, a forward-looking indicator based on contract signings, increased 1.5 percent from the December 2012 index score of 121.3.

An index of 100 is equal to the average level of contract activity during 2008, which marked the end of five consecutive record years for existing home sales and the onset of the recession. Activity levels in 2008 are reflective of a historically healthy, balanced market. Our December 2013 pending sales index of 123.1 marks a 23.1 percent increase from the benchmark December 2008 index of 100. Additionally, the current result is an improvement from the PHSI marks posted during the month in Ohio in 2009 (91.2), 2010 (87.0) and in 2011 (111.2).

A pending sale or a sale “under agreement” is when the buyer and seller agree on terms of the sale of a home and have a signed purchase and sale agreement, but have yet to close and be recorded as such.

OAR, the largest professional trade association in the state with more than 26,000 members, is the only organization that compiles this statewide information from selected Multiple Listing Services each month. The tracking of “pending sales” provides reliable information about where the market is heading in coming months.

POSTED: 02/03/14 at 7:39 am. FILED UNDER: Real Estate

Ohio Association or Realtors information

The number of homes sold across Ohio increased 8 percent in October, as the market posted year-over-year gains in activity for the 28th consecutive month, according to the Ohio Association of Realtors.

“The Ohio housing market is continuing to maintain a modest, steady pace in terms of its overall level of sales and pricing growth,” said OAR President Thomas J. Williams. “While our string of consecutive monthly gains has been instrumental in our effort to rebuild an important sector of our economy, it appears that we’re entering into a more traditional housing marketplace … one that stabilizes and experiences ebbs and flows in overall activity.”

Housing Market artwork 8-2012Sales through the first 10 months of 2013 reached 110,674, a 16.7 percent increase from the 94,871 sales posted during the same period a year ago. The average sales price (January through October) this year is $142,820, a 5.4 percent increase from the $135,464 mark set during the period a year ago.

Total dollar volume this year has topped $15.8 billion, a 23 percent increase from the 10-month mark of a year ago of nearly $13 billion.

Sales in October reached 11,076, an 8 percent increase from the 10,257 sales posted during the month a year ago. The October 2013 sales total is the month’s best mark since 2006. The average sales price of $137,039 is a 2.3 percent increase from the $133,914 average price posted in October 2012.

Data provided to OAR by Multiple Listing Services includes residential closings for new and existing single-family homes and condominiums/co-ops. The Ohio Association of Realtors, with more than 26,000 members, is the largest professional trade association in Ohio.

To view a market-by-market analysis of sales activity throughout Ohio and local contact information, go to: http://www.ohiorealtors.org/wp-content/uploads/Stats/13HS/Oct13Vocus.pdf.

POSTED: 11/23/13 at 1:17 am. FILED UNDER: Real Estate

Ohio Association of Realtors news

The number of homes sold across Ohio increased 16.9 percent in August, as the market posted year-over-year gains in activity for the 26thconsecutive month, according to the Ohio Association of Realtors.

“The Ohio housing market, with each passing month, continues to build a solid foundation for a sustainable and growing marketplace,” said OAR President Thomas J. Williams. “Attaining an unprecedented 26 straight months of year-over-year gains in sales activity – our longest stretch of uninterrupted growth in 16 years of tracking Ohio home sales – is a clear indicator of robust consumer confidence and a renewed appreciation that, long-term, housing is a sound investment.”

Housing Market artwork 8-2012Sales through the first eight months of 2013 reached 88,268, a 17.5 percent increase from the 75,134 sales posted during the same period a year ago. The average sales price (January through August) this year is $143,786, a 6.1 percent increase from the $135,465 mark set during the period a year ago.

Total dollar volume this year is nearly $12.7 billion, a 24.7 percent increase from the eight-month mark of a year ago of nearly $10.2 billion.

Sales in August reached 13,545, a 16.9 percent increase from the 11,583 sales posted during a year ago. The August 2013 sales total is the month’s best mark since 2006. The average sales price of $149,963 is a 3.4 percent increase from the $145,093 average price posted in August 2012.

Data provided to OAR by Multiple Listing Services includes residential closings for new and existing single-family homes and condominiums/co-ops. The Ohio Association of Realtors, with more than 26,000 members, is the largest professional trade association in Ohio.

To view a market-by-market analysis of sales activity throughout Ohio and local contact information, click the following link: http://www.ohiorealtors.org/wp-content/uploads/Stats/13HS/Aug13VOCUS.pdf.

POSTED: 09/20/13 at 5:58 am. FILED UNDER: Real Estate

Ohio Association of Realtors news

The number of homes sold across Ohio surged 25.8 percent in July, as the market posted year-over-year gains in activity for the 25th consecutive month, according to the Ohio Association of Realtors.

“Home sales activity in July remained brisk, helping the marketplace maintain its steady progress in recovering from the economic challenges that tested the foundation of the industry a few years ago,” said Thomas J. Williams, president of the Ohio Association of Realtors. “Attaining increased sales for the 25th consecutive month — our longest stretch of uninterrupted growth in 16 years of tracking Ohio home sales — is a clear indicator of growing consumer confidence and a renewed appreciation that housing is a solid, long-term investment.”

Housing Market artwork 8-2012Sales through the first seven months of 2013 reached 74,666, a 17.5 percent increase from the 63,551 sales posted during the same period a year ago. The average sales price (January through July) this year is $142,701, a 6.7 percent increase from the $133,710 mark set during the period a year ago.

Total dollar volume this year is nearly $10.7 billion, a 25.4 percent increase from the seven-month mark of a year ago of nearly $8.5 billion.

“We’re experiencing widespread improvement in Ohio’s housing sector, with 18 of our 20 markets posting year-to-date gains in sales,” Williams said. “In a state as diverse as Ohio — with a blend of large, urban cities and smaller, rural locales — achieving balanced growth is a positive development and bodes well for our ongoing recovery effort.”

Sales in July reached 13,354; a 25.8 percent increase from the 10,619 sales posted during a year ago, and reached the month’s best mark since 2005. The average sales price of $156,738 is a 7.2 percent increase from the $146,228 average price posted in July 2012.

Data provided to OAR by Multiple Listing Services includes residential closings for new and existing single-family homes and condominiums/co-ops. The Ohio Association of Realtors, with more than 26,000 members, is the largest professional trade association in Ohio.

POSTED: 08/24/13 at 6:30 am. FILED UNDER: Real Estate

Ohio real estate price news

The Ohio Association of Realtors reports that the number of single-family homes and condominiums put under agreement in June rose for the 26th consecutive month compared to the results from the prior year.

“The increase in the number of homes put into contract in June is another important step forward in Ohio’s ongoing effort to establish a solid, stable housing marketplace,” said OAR President Thomas J. Williams. “It’s becoming evident, with each passing month, that buyers are gaining confidence in the market and an appreciation that home ownership is a wise long-term investment.”

Housing Market artwork 8-2012Ohio’s June Pending Home Sales Index of 137.9, a forward-looking indicator based on contract signings, rose 13.4 percent from the June 2012 index score of 121.6.

An index of 100 is equal to the average level of contract activity during 2008, which marked the end of five consecutive record years for existing home sales and the onset of the recession. Activity levels in 2008 are reflective of a historically healthy, balanced market. Our June 2013 pending sales index of 137.9 marks a 37.9 percent increase from the benchmark June 2008 index of 100. Additionally, the current results also best the PHSI marks posted during the month in Ohio in 2009 (97.9), 2010 (77.2) and in 2011 (104.4).

A pending sale or a sale “under agreement” is when the buyer and seller agree on terms of the sale of a home and have a signed purchase and sale agreement, but have yet to close and be recorded as such.

OAR, the largest professional trade association in the state with 26,000 members, is the only organization that compiles this statewide information from selected Multiple Listing Services each month. The tracking of “pending sales” provides reliable information about where the market is heading in coming months.

POSTED: 07/31/13 at 5:52 am. FILED UNDER: Real Estate

Real estate market news

COLUMBUS — The Ohio Association of Realtors reports that the number of single-family homes and condominiums put under agreement in May rose for the 25th consecutive month, compared to the results from the prior year.

“With each passing month, we’re continuing to make steady, significant progress in rebuilding a solid foundation for stable, growing housing marketplace in Ohio,” said OAR President Thomas J. Williams. “It’s evident that buyers are not only confident that homeownership is a wise, long-term investment, but are eager to take advantage of the ideal conditions that exist in today’s marketplace with favorable pricing and low interest rates.”

Ohio’s May Pending Home Sales Index of 145.6, a forward-looking indicator based on contract signings, rose 20.1 percent from the May 2012 index score of 121.2.

An index of 100 is equal to the average level of contract activity during 2008, which marked the end of five consecutive record years for existing home sales and the onset of the recession. Activity levels in 2008 are reflective of a historically healthy, balanced market. The May 2013 pending sales index of 145.6 marks a 45.6 percent increase from the benchmark May 2008 index of 100. Additionally, the current results also best the PHSI marks posted during the month in Ohio in 2009 (89.0), 2010 (70.4) and in 2011 (101.8).

A pending sale or a sale “under agreement” is when the buyer and seller agree on terms of the sale of a home and have a signed purchase and sale agreement, but have yet to close and be recorded as such.

OAR, the largest professional trade association in the state with 26,000 members, is the only organization that compiles this statewide information from selected Multiple Listing Services each month. The tracking of “pending sales” provides reliable information about where the market is heading in coming months.

POSTED: 07/01/13 at 5:46 am. FILED UNDER: Real Estate

Ohio Association of Realtors news

The number of homes sold across Ohio rose 16.2 percent in May, as the market posted year-over-year gains in activity for the 23rd consecutive month, according to the Ohio Association of Realtors.

“With each passing month, the Ohio housing market is continuing to make significant, steady progress in its effort to fully recover from the economic challenges wrought by the recession,” said Thomas J. Williams, president of the Ohio Association of Realtors. “Attaining 23 consecutive months of gains in sales activity — our longest stretch in uninterrupted growth in 16 years of tracking Ohio home sales — is a clear indicator of growing consumer confidence and a renewed appreciation that housing is a solid, long-term investment.

Sales through the first five months of 2013 reached 48,255, a 15.8 percent increase from the 41,665 sales posted during the same period a year ago. The average sales price (January through May) this year is $133,747, a 6.3 percent increase from the $125,846 mark set during the period a year ago.

Total dollar volume this year is nearly $6.5 billion, a 23.1 percent increase from the five-month mark a year ago of $5.2 billion.

“Throughout Ohio we’re experiencing gains in both activity levels and average sales price, with 17 of the 20 markets we track showing improvement so far in 2013,” Williams said. “Having so many of our individual markets record positives in a state as diverse as Ohio — with its unique blend of big urban markets and smaller, rural locales — is yet another positive indication that the Buckeye State is making significant headway in its recovery effort.”

Sales in May reached 12,820; a 16.2 percent increase from the 11,029 sales posted during the month in 2012, and reached the best mark since 2007. The average sales price of $148,143 is a 9.3 percent increase from the $135,560 average price posted in May 2012.

Data provided to OAR by Multiple Listing Services includes residential closings for new and existing single-family homes and condominiums/co-ops. The Ohio Association of Realtors, with more than 26,000 members, is the largest professional trade association in Ohio.

To view a market-by-market analysis of sales activity throughout Ohio and local contact information, go to http://www.ohiorealtors.org/wp-content/uploads/Stats/13HS/May13Vocus.pdf.

POSTED: 06/24/13 at 6:23 am. FILED UNDER: Real Estate