Central Ohio's housing market is healthy and stable.

All real estate is local, yet the media often ignores the differences between markets and talks about national trends. That's why so many people are missing the message that central Ohio is faring well. In 2007 alone, more than 24,000 homes sold in central Ohio. Could yours be next?

Columbus is the 7th most affordable place to "live well," according to an October 2007 report from Forbes.com. Our city was given that honor based on our housing affordability, our low cost of living, the entertainment options we have, and our overall quality of life.

Columbus is the 3rd most stable housing market, according to a study conducted in late 2007 by Forbes.com and MoodysEconomy.com. Researchers chose our market based on the strength of our economy, plans for construction, low foreclosure rates, the availability of the local credit markets, our high home sales rates, and the affordability and availability of housing.

Considering our healthy economy and job market, central Ohio housing is "undervalued," according to the Chief Economist of the National Association of REALTORS^®. That's good news! It means that housing prices here are lower than what experts would expect them to be for such a healthy market.

The biggest housing boom in central Ohio history occurred between 2003 and 2006. Although 2007 did not quite reach those record levels, 2007 remains the 4th best housing market since the Columbus Board of REALTORS^® began collecting statistics.

The central Ohio real estate market has experienced a 40% increase in home prices over the past decade, and that positive trend is expected to continue.

With strong home sales in every central Ohio suburb, from Grove City and Pickerington to Westerville and Dublin, our metropolitan area continues to offer many choices for homeowners. This market is healthy all the way around - any way you look at it.