Buy a Home in 2023 - Haring Realty

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How to Achieve Your 2023 Homeownership Goal

January 9th, 2023 by Haring Realty

Buy a Home in 2023 - Haring Realty

Housing has been through a wild ride in 2022. As the action settles down, our REALTORS® want aspiring homeowners to know there are plenty of opportunities to take advantage of. With the right strategy, 2023 can be the year you achieve the dream of homeownership.

No matter if you've got your eye on Mansfield homes for sale or homes elsewhere in our area, there are steps you can take right now to prepare yourself. The sooner you begin, the easier it will be to secure a financing package that helps you close on a house you'll love.

Here's how to get started the right way:

Choose a Trusted Local Real Estate Agent
First and foremost, choose an agent. A local Ohio real estate agent specializing in first-time homebuyers can help you access the right resources. There are many federal, state, and local programs to assist you with your first home, but you need to know about them before you can use them!
Get Clear on Your Property Priorities
With a real estate agent's guidance, you get a clear idea of what homes are available in neighborhoods that appeal to you. You'll see the price range and how it compares to features you're interested in. As you clarify what you want, you'll spend more time focused on the properties you'll really love.
Navigate Mortgage Preapproval
Preapproval for a mortgage means a lender has reviewed your finances in detail and determined what kind of financing package you qualify for. That contrasts prequalification, which is just an estimate. If you complete preapproval early, it means you can bid quickly on a home you want.
Choose a Property that Fits
Now it's time for the fun part! Your real estate agent will guide you to properties that meet your needs, both in amenities and budget. While virtual tours are always available, face-to-face open houses are back in style for 2023. Don't hesitate to take your time and ask plenty of questions.
Get an Inspection
A home inspection is an absolute must for any Ohio home. Even if a seller lists a property "as is," you are usually required by your lender to get a home inspection. It's typically around $200 and extremely thorough, disclosing any issues in each room. You can negotiate to have the seller fix these if needed.
Get an Appraisal
Lenders also require a professional home appraisal, so they don't accidentally provide a bigger funding package than the buyer actually needs. Most appraisals don't lead to any surprises. Occasionally, the inspection reveals a major wiring, sewage, or roofing issue that may lower the value.
Do a Walkthrough
Following the inspection, the seller is given some time to make necessary repairs. This may be anywhere from a week or two to a month. Afterward, the buyer has the opportunity to walk through the property and confirm that any changes previously agreed upon have been taken care of.
Get to Closing
Closing is the final step in the home-buying process. Your real estate agent will advise you on documents you need to bring. You'll sign many, many pages over 1-2 hours. Closing is usually simple, but there can sometimes be last-minute problems with "clear title," the seller's legal right to sell the property.
Enjoy Your Accomplishment
There will be plenty of time to paint and decorate, so don't rush into anything. Usually, you'll receive the keys to your new home immediately after closing and can start moving in. A relaxed approach will help you unwind and get settled.

Contact us to find out more about North Central Ohio real estate, and be sure to download our Real Estate Buyer's Guide today!

Categories: Buy a House

Tags: Mansfield OH, First Time Homebuyers, For Buyers, buyers, Finance, Mortgage, Buying a house, Lucas OH, Haring Realty, Shelby OH, Bellville OH, Ashland OH, Ontario OH, Crestline OH, Crestview OH, Delaware OH, Fredericktown OH, Galion OH, Hillsdale OH, Lexington OH, Madison OH, Mapleton OH, Marengo OH, Mount Gilead OH, Plymouth OH, Sunbury OH

Jim Hairston Cell: (567) 241-2642 Email Me

Disclaimer: All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. All properties are subject to prior sale, change or withdrawal. Neither listing broker(s) or information provider(s) shall be responsible for any typographical errors, misinformation, misprints and shall be held totally harmless. Listing(s) information is provided for consumers personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumers may be interested in purchasing. Information on this site was last updated 04/14/2026. The listing information on this page last changed on 04/14/2026. The data relating to real estate for sale on this website comes in part from the Internet Data Exchange program of Delta Media Group MLS (last updated Tue 04/14/2026 1:32:17 AM EST) or CBRMLS (last updated Tue 04/14/2026 12:44:28 AM EST) or Ashland MLS (last updated Mon 04/13/2026 10:00:38 PM EST) or Firelands MLS (last updated Mon 04/13/2026 11:11:45 PM EST) or MLS NOW (last updated Tue 04/14/2026 12:17:30 AM EST) or Mansfield MLS (last updated Mon 04/13/2026 11:47:14 PM EST). Real estate listings held by brokerage firms other than Haring Realty may be marked with the Internet Data Exchange logo and detailed information about those properties will include the name of the listing broker(s) when required by the MLS. All rights reserved.
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How to Achieve Your 2023 Homeownership Goal

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