Your Easy-to-Follow Guide to Buying a Home in Central Ohio
Buying a house is a big deal — exciting, a little scary, and totally doable when you have the right team in your corner. We’re The Greenwell Group, and we’ve helped thousands of families just like yours find the perfect place to call home right here in Central Ohio.
This guide walks you through everything, step by step, in plain English. No jargon, no pressure — just real talk about how we make the process smooth and actually fun.
Step 1: Get Pre-Approved (So You Know Your Real Budget)
Before you start scrolling listings at midnight, let’s figure out exactly what you can afford — and what payment feels comfortable. A solid pre-approval also makes sellers take your offer seriously.
We work with some of the best lenders in town at Howard Hanna Mortgage. They’re local, fast, and actually answer the phone.
🔗 Talk to a Howard Hanna lender today ›
Here’s How It Actually Works (The 5 Simple Steps)
- Figure out what you really want — bedrooms, schools, big yard, short commute… we listen.
- Start seeing houses — get new listings texted or emailed the minute they hit the market.
- Tour homes together — we point out the good, the bad, and the “you’ll thank me later.”
- Write a smart offer — we know how to win (even when there are multiple offers) without overpaying.
- Close and get your keys! — we handle the paperwork chaos so you don’t have to.
Want the super-detailed version? Grab our full Buyer Playbook here ›
Ready to Start Looking?
Let’s hop on a quick call or coffee. Tell us what you’re dreaming about — budget, timeline, must-haves — and we’ll build a plan that fits your life.
Latest Tips from Our Blog
Real advice from people who do this every day — no fluff.
Questions We Get All the Time
- How much do I really need for a down payment?
- Anywhere from 3% to 20%, depending on the loan. First-time buyers often put down way less than they think. We’ll show you the options.
- What if my credit isn’t perfect?
- You’d be surprised how many people buy with scores in the 600s. There are programs made for real life.
- How long does the whole thing take?
- Usually 30–45 days from accepted offer to keys in hand. We’ll give you a custom timeline once we start.
- Can I still buy if I have student loans?
- Yes! Lenders look at the big picture. We’ve helped tons of people with six-figure student debt buy their first home.
- What if there are 10 other offers?
- We write offers that stand out — without making you pay crazy over asking. Experience matters here.
- What are closing costs and who pays them?
- Roughly 2–4% of the purchase price. Sometimes the seller helps cover them — we always ask.
- Should I get a home warranty?
- It’s $400–$600 for a year of “appliance broke? call someone” peace of mind. Most of our buyers do.
Let’s Get You Started
Drop your info below and we’ll send you our full Buyer Guide plus set up a zero-pressure chat about what you’re looking for.