Why Buy Or Sell Real Estate In Ohio? – Karen Blum
On this episode of The Closing Table, we sat down with Karen Blum!
To watch the full episode, check it out on YouTube below. In the meantime, here’s a summary of the conversation…
Here’s what you missed from Karen Blum…
The conversation began with Karen offering insights into her life outside the world of real estate. Beyond her professional endeavors, she is a devoted mother and a loyal friend. She takes great pleasure in attending art shows, craft exhibitions, and food fairs, immersing herself in the rich cultural tapestry of Cleveland, where she resides.
Karen’s current market primarily encompasses the picturesque region of Southeast Ohio. This area boasts a delightful mix of settings, from bustling urban environments to the serene charm of the countryside. The experiences on offer are as diverse as the landscapes themselves. County fairs, art exhibitions, and vibrant shopping and dining options are all readily available, depending on your location within each county.
Turning our attention to the real estate market, Karen observes some interesting dynamics at play. The price per square foot continues to exhibit an upward trend, indicative of a healthy market. Properties typically spend an average of around thirty days on the market, though this duration can fluctuate depending on their pricing strategy. One intriguing aspect is the wide range of homes available, with prices spanning from as low as 90k to a million dollars, catering to a broad spectrum of prospective buyers.
Shifting gears, Karen reflects on her experiences with unique and unconventional properties. Interestingly, she admits that she has yet to come across a property that could be described as truly bizarre. However, her line of work often exposes her to homes in various states of disrepair, which can be rather disheartening. Karen firmly holds the belief that every house possesses a unique character, and encountering one that has fallen into neglect always strikes an emotional chord.
Nevertheless, Karen finds solace in her profession through witnessing the remarkable transformation of these neglected homes. Collaborating with experienced property flippers, she has the privilege of witnessing these properties being revitalized, infused with newfound life and affection. The sheer joy of participating in the process of rekindling a home’s spirit, bringing it back to life, and presenting it to the world as a magnificent and livable space remains the most gratifying aspect of her real estate career. It is these moments that continually reaffirm her passion for facilitating home sales and sharing in the excitement of homeownership with her clients.
Embracing the philosophy of “doing the right thing every time” sets a high standard for Karen’s service. This ethos has been ingrained in her family for generations, from her grandmother to her mother, and she carries it forward in her real estate career. It’s a principle rooted in kindness and truthfulness, learned from her background in the arts, where constructive criticism is vital. This philosophy ensures that every action is guided by the client’s best interests and never from a negative place. Running her business ethically, she believes, is always the right choice.
Karen has never found it challenging to adhere to this philosophy, as it has consistently yielded positive outcomes. In her view, clients making the biggest purchase of their lives often have high expectations and strong needs, making them seek expertise and guidance. She acknowledges that there will always be challenges and emotions during the transaction, but her commitment to her clients remains unwavering. Her goal is to proactively address issues before they become major concerns, reassuring her clients that she has their backs.
Karen’s love for art intersects with her real estate journey, enhancing her ability to connect with clients on a deeper level. When she walks into someone’s home and observes their choice of art and collectibles, it provides insights into their personality and helps her connect with them as individuals. Her artistic perspective also aids in staging and offering suggestions to clients for improving their living spaces without fundamentally changing their world.
The most challenging aspect of the real estate industry, according to Karen, is navigating the intricate process from a signed contract to closing. Numerous complications can arise, such as title issues or repairs uncovered during inspections. The key to addressing these challenges lies in fostering strong working relationships with other realtors. Collaborative efforts and meeting halfway for the clients can often smooth out the bumps along the way.
When asked about dealing with unforeseen issues during home inspections, Karen immediately recalls a situation where she had to navigate a particularly challenging scenario. In this case, the issue revolved around a septic system inspection. The home had been vacant for an extended period, and the buyer’s lender required a septic inspection before finalizing the loan. However, a legal requirement stipulated that the septic system could only be inspected if the property had been occupied for at least 60 days.
Karen’s solution to this dilemma was rooted in her emphasis on effective communication and collaborative problem-solving. She engaged in a constructive dialogue with the other agent involved, relying on their strong working relationship to brainstorm solutions. By putting their heads together, they devised a plan to satisfy the lender’s requirement without violating the legal restrictions. This required adept negotiation skills, not only between the agents but also between the buyer and seller. In the end, both parties found a satisfactory resolution, highlighting the importance of working together to meet the clients’ needs and objectives.
Transitioning to the topic of buying or selling homes during the winter or holiday season, Karen offers a perspective that underscores the idea that there is never a “bad” time for such transactions. Life’s changes and needs can arise at any moment, necessitating a move regardless of the season. However, she emphasizes that viewing a house during the holiday season can be particularly special. The warmth, love, and festive cheer that permeate a home during this time can make it even more appealing to potential buyers. In essence, Karen suggests that the holiday season adds an extra layer of charm and character to a property, making it a unique and heartwarming experience for buyers.
The conversation wraps up with Kevin posing a practical question to Karen: Knowing what she knows now and utilizing today’s resources, what approach would she take to own a home? Karen begins by emphasizing the importance of getting pre-approved for a mortgage. This initial step provides crucial insight into affordability, including an understanding of the potential monthly payments. She further recommends staying in contact with a loan officer throughout the home-buying process, especially considering variations in taxes across different counties.
Karen’s next piece of advice revolves around defining one’s priorities and non-negotiables when it comes to home features. Identifying must-haves and deal-breakers, as well as understanding which aspects are open to negotiation, empowers prospective buyers to approach the market with clarity and confidence. It’s about recognizing one’s financial capabilities and preferences and using them as a guiding framework for the home-buying journey.
Check out Karen Blum:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/karen.fisher.14855
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenblumrealtor/
If you loved this episode subscribe so you never miss one! Want more The Closing Table content? Head over to our blog.