Let's face it, the past few months have delivered an array of challenges – challenges none of us thought we'd be facing a year ago. Nonetheless, here we are and there's no going back in time. But there is more than one silver lining here, one of which being Medina's housing market. And to learn all about how COVID-19 has impacted our unique market as well as what it looks like to be a seller or a buyer right now, we had the opportunity to sit down with M.C. Real Estate professional Courtney Boron.
Aside from a short stint in Florida, Courtney has been a life-long Medina resident, making her knowledge of the area and the market exceptionally sharp. She became interested in real estate at a young age because her grandmother was a real estate agent with a local brokerage. She says, "As long as I can remember, I would follow along with [my grandmother] on appointments, and would act as if I was [a realtor] myself! I have always been interested in seeing the architecture and finishes in homes, and in 2016 I decided to get my license and pursue my passion full-time."
Shortly after receiving her license, she joined the M.C. Real Estate team. She explains, "It was important to me to choose a local broker with a good reputation and connection to the community."
Since joining the team, Courtney has kept her finger on the pulse of the housing market – locally, regionally and even nationally.
"The Medina housing market is unique not only to the national market but even the regional market. Nationally, Medina County (and Northern Ohio for the most part) hasn’t historically been subjected to the massive swings in appreciation or depreciation like major cities. While that might not help as much when the market is good as in some other high-value hotspots in the country, it also doesn’t hurt as much when the market takes a turn for the worse," Courtney explains. "It has a level of consistency. Regionally, it is highly desirable for a number of reasons, including its proximity to multiple major highways, its charm in its bedroom communities and its relatively affordable housing."
Furthermore, Courtney details that summer is historically a good time to be a buyer and a seller. At this time of year, sellers benefit because it truly is a seller's market overall. And buyers benefit because there is the highest amount of homes on the market during this season.
And even though things have changed slightly due to COVID-19, Courtney explains that this summer is still a great time to buy or sell because the demand hasn't changed much: "Overall, there have been some bumps in the road but the local housing market has adapted well. Between March 1 and May 11, there were 429 homes sold in Medina County. We have taken precautions consistent with the federal and state government to implement best practices to keep [our buyers] safe and have even created a few different ways for them to see a home virtually or via Facetime. We are also asking sellers to keep doors open and lights on so it helps to limit the number of touchpoints within the home."
Courtney also says that "she can’t think of a better time in [her] career than now to be a seller," as supply is extremely low and demand is particularly high. She even anticipates that it will stay this way for most of the year but will likely find a balance over time as people become more comfortable putting their houses on the market.
If you're considering putting your house on the market, here are a few insider tips from Courtney:
1. Buyers are looking for a home that is truly move-in ready, from trendy paint colors to kitchen, and bathroom updates. We live such fast-paced lives from working to families, most buyers do not have the time to commit to updates. Walking into a home, knowing all they have to do is move-in is extremely important.
2. Buyers love open concept homes, no matter their age.
3. Flat, clean lines with natural tones are becoming more and more popular.
4. Stay away from the color grey; that trend is starting to become less popular.
For more information about Courtney and M.C. Real Estate, visit MCRealEstateOhio.com or call them at 330.723.9911.