This Week’s Real Estate Roundup — Rene’s Take

Hi everyone, Rene here! It’s been a busy week for Bryan and me, and I wanted to share a quick recap of what we’ve been talking about on the blog, in case you missed anything.

Don’t Skip the Home Inspection

We started the week with a topic that’s near and dear to my heart — home inspections. So many buyers get tempted to waive this step to make their offer more competitive, and I understand the pressure that creates. But I always tell my clients: this is your one real chance to understand what you’re actually buying. Here in Southern Ohio, that’s especially true, since a lot of our homes rely on well water and septic systems that need their own separate inspections. It’s a detail that’s easy to miss if you’re not from here — trust me, having relocated to this area myself, I know firsthand how much local knowledge like this matters.

Making Sense of the Highland County Numbers

We also dug into the latest Highland County market data this week, including a 17% drop in median sold price from the month before. I know a number like that can feel alarming if you’re watching from the outside. But when you look at the full picture — inventory still low, homes still selling at a solid clip — it tells a very different story. I never want to hand someone a headline number without the context behind it. That’s not being honest, and honest guidance is something I take seriously with every single client.

Why We Build in a Coming Soon Window

For sellers, we talked about something Bryan and I do with every listing — a coming soon campaign that builds interest 7 to 10 days before a home officially goes live. Before real estate, I spent years in retail management, and if there’s one thing that taught me, it’s that presentation and timing matter. A home that launches with built-in buzz performs very differently than one that quietly appears with nothing behind it. It’s a small shift in approach that makes a real difference.

The Honest Truth About FSBO

We wrapped up the week with For Sale By Owner — a topic I think deserves an honest, no-scare-tactics answer. The data shows FSBO sales are at an all-time low, and sellers who go that route typically net less, even after saving on commission. I do not sell my clients; I serve them — and that means giving people the real numbers, even the inconvenient ones, so they can make the decision that’s genuinely right for them.

Thank You for Following Along

I’m so grateful every time someone takes the time to read what we share, ask a question, or reach out. That trust means everything to me. If any of this week’s topics struck a chord — whether you’re buying, selling, or just starting to think it over — I’d love to hear from you.

📞 Call or text me: 937-205-6513 🌐 VanceTeamRealtors.com

Talk soon, Rene