Central Ohio’s housing market is evolving faster than ever. Prices are still climbing—the June 2025 median hit $350,000, up 4.5 % year-over-year—but a bigger pool of listings (inventory up nearly 33 %) means you can’t rely on frenzy alone to fetch top dollar. columbusrealtors.com
Add a landmark settlement that removed buyer-agent commissions from MLS displays and requires written representation agreements before showings, and 2025 may be the most rule-changing year for sellers in decades.NAR Barron's
So how do you stand out—and cash out—in this new environment? Below, Styer Real Estate Professionals distills fresh market data and on-the-ground insights into a playbook for homeowners planning to sell in the next 6–12 months.
Inventory Is Up, but So Are Expectations
After years of shortage, available homes finally crossed the 5,000-listing mark—the highest since 2019.columbusrealtors.com That extra choice gives buyers leverage: they’re scheduling more showings, comparing finishes, and negotiating repairs. Your takeaway? Presentation and pricing discipline now matter as much as location.
Strategic pricing beats “let’s test the market.” Over-price by 5 % and your listing could stagnate while neighbors notch quick offers.
A three-week clock: With median days-on-market at 25, the first 21 days are make-or-break.columbusrealtors.com Plan professional photos, pre-inspection fixes, and launch marketing all at once to maximize early buzz.
Niche demand pockets still exist—ranch homes inside I-270, EV-ready garages, and first-ring suburbs along the Intel corridor continue to draw multiple offers. Lean on hyper-local data, not national headlines.
How the Commission Shake-Up Affects Sellers
Under the NAR settlement (effective August 17, 2024), MLSs no longer display what you’re offering a buyer’s agent. Compensation is now a private negotiation—or buyers may choose to pay their reps directly.NAR
What it means for you:
Flexibility – You’re free to offer any amount (including $0) to buyer agents, but remember that many buyers will factor their own out-of-pocket costs into their offers.
Transparency Wins – Savvy sellers outline commission options in the listing package, reducing misunderstandings and delays.
Value Signals – Competitive compensation can widen your buyer pool and speed up the sale—especially for first-time buyers who may be tight on cash.
Marketing Moves That Outperform in 2025
With more homes on the shelf, sophisticated marketing is no longer optional. StyerREP sellers net an average 3.1 % higher sale-to-list ratio than the Columbus MLS average, thanks to:
Story-driven media – Lifestyle reels showing not just your kitchen but your morning walk to North Market.
Targeted digital ads – Geofencing Intel’s new fabs or Nationwide Children’s Hospital job posts to capture relocating talent.
Private-agent previews – Exclusive tours for top buyer agents build buzz before public launch.
Timing the Market: Myth vs. Math
Conventional wisdom says “sell in spring.” Recent numbers tell a more nuanced story:
| Month | Median Sale Price | Avg. Days on Market |
|---|---|---|
| March ’25 | $338 K | 29 |
| June ’25 | $350 K | 25 |
| September ’24 (last fall) | $332 K | 32 |
Early summer still commands peak prices and the fastest contracts—provided your home is photo-ready before Memorial Day. Fall offers slightly fewer buyers but also less competition, which can mean cleaner offers for unique properties.
Quick Tips
Pre-inspect to fix deal-killers (roof, HVAC) and control the narrative.
Schedule professional photography two days after deep cleaning for maximum shine.
Price within 1–2 % of the most recent comparable rather than tacking on “wiggle room.”
Offer an attractive buyer-agent fee or a closing-cost credit—whatever best markets your property.
Lock your interest rate for the next purchase early; buying power shifts fast.
FAQs
Q1: Do I still have to pay a buyer’s agent at all?
A1: No. MLS rules no longer mandate an advertised offer. You and your listing agent decide whether to offer buyer-agent compensation and how much. Some sellers find a competitive offer widens their audience and nets a stronger bottom line.NAR
Q2: Will rising inventory push prices down?
A2: Not immediately. Columbus is still adding jobs faster than housing, so demand keeps a floor under prices. Expect moderate appreciation (2–4 %) rather than the double-digit spikes of 2021–22.columbusrealtors.com
Q3: How long does staging really delay my timeline?
A3: Professional staging typically adds 5–7 prep days but can cut days-on-market by up to 40 %, often offsetting the time investment with a faster, higher-priced sale.
Conclusion & CTA
In 2025, the best-prepared sellers will separate themselves from the pack: pricing sharply, marketing creatively, and navigating new commission rules with confidence. Ready to see what your Columbus home could command? Book a free, no-obligation home-value consultation with Styer Real Estate Professionals and discover how our full-service listing approach turns your property into the next neighborhood success story. Get started here.