Whether buying or selling a home, searching for an investment property, or exploring a new market, the real estate agent you choose to work with can make all the difference. We’ve compiled the top questions to ask prospective agents to help you make the best choice.
1. How long have you been a full-time real estate agent in my market?
Experience matters in real estate. Agents with significant local experience can provide insights into neighborhood trends and property values, which is important for making informed decisions. Understanding the nuances of the community where you’re buying or selling provides valuable insight into factors like schools, amenities, upcoming developments, and zoning regulations. This also helps ensure your home is priced competitively or you’re not overpaying as a buyer.
2. Have you established connections with other local professionals?
Having reliable contacts such as lenders, inspectors, contractors, and repair specialists can facilitate a smoother transaction process.
3. How many homes did your agency sell last year?
Understanding the sales volume for both the agent and the brokerage is a good way to gauge their experience and expertise. High sales volume suggests the agent knows how to navigate the market effectively and is skilled in negotiating deals that close successfully. For the agency, a strong sales performance highlights the strength of the entire team, resources, and network – all of which can benefit you.
4. Can you provide references?
Hearing from past clients can give you valuable insight into what it’s like to work with an agent. If they can’t provide references, it might be a red flag.
5. What’s your preferred method of communication and availability?
Understanding an agent’s preferred communication method ensures everyone is on the same page for timely updates, which can be critical in an active housing market. Whether they prefer phone calls, emails, or texts, understanding how they best operate – and if it aligns with your lifestyle and preferences – helps avoid miscommunication, speeds up response times, and fosters better collaboration.
6. How will you market my home?
If you’re selling, it’s essential to know how your agent plans to get your home in front of potential buyers. A solid marketing strategy might include online listings, social media promotion, and virtual tours.
7. How many of your clients are buyers? How many are sellers?
Many agents specialize in either working with buyers or sellers. Asking about the ratio of buyers to sellers can help determine if the agent’s expertise aligns with your needs—whether you’re buying or selling.
8. What is your average list-to-sale ratio?
This question helps you understand how effectively an agent prices homes and negotiates offers, providing insight into their skills in achieving favorable sales outcomes.
Our team at Vutech | Ruff, Cutler Real Estate is committed to helping you navigate the Columbus housing market. Our experienced agents have in-depth knowledge of the local housing market and can help you find the perfect home to meet your needs and budget or sell your home with confidence. Contact us today to get started.
Join us on Sunday, December 8 for a festive celebration of holiday cheer at our offices in German Village! We’re bringing the magic of the season to life with an evening filled with warmth, laughter, and delightful treats.
Event Highlights:
Photos with Santa
Capture the joy of the season with a special photo session with Santa Claus himself! Bring your family, friends, and your holiday spirit for a picture-perfect memory.
Seasonal Treats
Warm up with hot chocolate, indulge in delicious funnel cakes, and sip on Marilyn’s famous punch (it’s a must-try!). There’s no better way to enjoy the holiday season than with tasty treats by a roaring fire.
Live Holiday Music
Get into the festive groove with live holiday music that will fill the air with cheer and add to the cozy ambiance.
Late-Night Shopping & Community Charm
After the festivities, explore the beautifully decorated streets of German Village. Businesses will be open late, offering unique holiday gifts and festive décor, making it a perfect night out.
Real Estate Conversations
Stop by to meet our friendly team of real estate professionals. Whether you’re dreaming of a cozy new home or curious about the market, we’d love to chat with you about German Village and beyond.
Where: 177 E. Beck Street, German Village
When: Sunday, December 8, from 5 PM – 8 PM
Let’s make this holiday season unforgettable together. We can’t wait to see you there!
For many, your home will be your largest investment. Along with other factors like income, savings, and investments, equity in your home plays a significant role in your financial growth.
In the world of real estate, equity isn’t just a number – it’s a game-changer when it comes to buying and selling homes. It provides homeowners peace of mind and can open doors to new opportunities. The more equity you have, the more options you have. It can help you upgrade to a bigger place, fund a child’s education, or even start a business.
Additionally, when it’s time to sell, a home with solid equity is often more appealing to buyers. They see it as a sign of a well-maintained property and a smart investment. So, whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned homeowner, understanding and building equity is key to making the most of your real estate journey.
What is Equity?
Put simply, equity is the difference between what your home is worth on the market and what you owe on your mortgage. For example, if your home is valued at $450,000 and you owe $300,000 on your mortgage, you have $150,000 in equity. For homeowners, this value can represent a significant portion of their net worth and financial leverage. The more equity you have, the stronger your financial position.
How Equity Builds Over Time
Equity can also grow or shrink depending on various factors. Property value appreciation, for instance, can further boost your equity. Home improvements, if done strategically, can also contribute to growing equity. On the other hand, market downturns or declining property values can reduce your equity, impacting your financial flexibility.
Why Equity Matters for Homeowners
For sellers, equity means profit. If you’ve built up substantial equity, you can leverage it when selling your home to move up to a larger property, reinvest in other real estate, or save it for future needs like paying for a renovation or your child’s education. For buyers, understanding equity helps in making offers and planning for future financial stability. It’s not just about the purchase price; it’s about seeing a property as a long-term investment that builds wealth over time.
At Vutech | Ruff, we understand the importance of building and leveraging equity in your home-buying or selling journey. Our experienced team of agents keeps an eye on market trends, helping you to determine the best time to sell.
More than that, we believe that listening to your needs first is what builds a strong partnership in which we can work best together. Things like requirements, budget, and lifestyle must be at the forefront of our goals. The best time to buy or sell is different for everyone and Vutech | Ruff is ready to help you start to build your equity.
It is with a sense of gratitude that we celebrate the everyday gifts that we have, and those include our clients, industry partners, and members of our Vutech & Ruff | Cutler Real Estate team.
To our clients, your trust in our team is our most valuable asset. You are the reason why each of us strives to deliver dream results that exceed expectations. We are grateful for the opportunity to be a part of your homeownership journey, and we are so excited for the coming year and all that it will bring. Thank you for choosing Vutech | Ruff.
We hope that it goes without saying that without our industry partners, we simply couldn’t do what we do. Your collaboration and support enable us to navigate the complexities of the real estate market effectively. Whether through shared insights or joint marketing efforts, your contributions are invaluable to our success.
To our Vutech | Ruff team, thank you for your unwavering dedication and hard work. Each member is a unique and valued member of our team. Your commitment to our clients and each other sets us apart in this competitive industry. Together, we make dreams come true and transform challenges into opportunities. As we look ahead, let us continue to build on this foundation of trust and collaboration. Here’s to another year of growth, success, and shared achievements!
Tell us a little bit about your path to becoming a realtor.
I studied Entrepreneurship and Art History at DePaul University in Chicago. After college I stayed in Chicago and tried on a lot of different hats. I worked in home remodeling design. I worked at a 50,000 sq ft antique store selling art & imported rare furniture. And I worked as a kitchen designer for a bespoke Italian cabinetry company at the Merchandise Mart, probably my coolest job as it involved traveling to Italy to visit our suppliers. I then went to work for a leading appliance manufacturer, Miele, in San Francisco for two years. It was all of these experiences in sales and different aspects of home improvement that led to my decision to get my real estate license. I worked as a licensed agent and assistant to a broker in Oakland, CA which allowed me to quickly learn the ins and outs of running a boutique brokerage while building my own business. As much as we loved California, we decided to move back to Columbus last year to be closer to family and couldn’t be happier with our choice.
Flashback to when you were 10 years old. What do you want to be when you grow up?
I wanted to be a farmer! I had it all planned out down to the number of pigs I wanted to have (I think it was 10). Fast forward to now I have a dog, a cat, and two goats with plans for chickens next year so close enough for me.
Why did you choose to become a realtor?
I knew from my prior work experiences that I loved working with people and working in a dynamic environment that presents new challenges every day. I also love thinking about home decor and design and knew I could culminate my experiences and knowledge into a career in real estate.
What’s your favorite thing about living in Central Ohio?
I love living in a city where small businesses can thrive. I love the entrepreneurial spirit of our city and seeing new businesses and ideas popping up.
What excites you the most about the Central Ohio housing market?
I see a lot of growth potential for people investing in the Central Ohio housing market right now. I think we’re in a really exciting period of growth that will bode well for homeowners in our market in the future.
Describe your typical day for us.
Well first, coffee always. I let my goats out (Brenda & Geraldine), typically start my day with some exercise, make sure my garden is happy, and then get started on my work day. The beauty of our line of work is that once my morning routine is done, every day looks different. I’ll often head into the city for some appointments and work from our office. I usually pretend Littleton’s Market is on my way home (it is not) and swing by there for groceries on the way home. I love to cook, so on a good day I head home and cook dinner.
What sets Vutech | Ruff, Cuter Real Estate apart from other brokerages?
Our collaboration is our advantage. We are a team that works very hard but also enjoys each other’s company and that fosters a really unique environment of collective learning and growth. We are all constantly learning from each other’s experiences and finding opportunities for our clients through our shared market knowledge as a team.
What special skills or talents do you have that others may not know about?
I am weirdly very good at raffles.
Tell us a little bit about your family.
I just got married this year and live with my husband out in the country in Somerset.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I love hiking, traveling, reading, tending to my garden, and visiting every flea market and vintage shop I can find.
What are three things you can’t live without?
My laptop, lipstick & coffee.
What do you love about your job?
I love that it allows me to meet new people all the time and explore different areas of Central Ohio. My favorite part of the job is the satisfaction of helping people and seeing the excitement they feel moving into their next home and starting a new chapter.
At Vutech | Ruff, we believe that to truly provide a dream experience for our clients, we need to continuously invest in our people. Recently, our team of agents came together for an empowering internal boot camp—a day focused on bonding, collaboration, and learning.
The event wasn’t just about sharpening our real estate expertise but about reinforcing the values that have defined us for decades – although we did that, too!
We dedicated time to exploring how we can better embody our Client-Centric Approach, ensuring that each buyer and seller receives the personalized, first-class service they deserve.
With a focus on Collaboration and Teamwork, we engaged in workshops designed to build stronger internal connections, reinforcing that when we work together, we amplify the client experience.
Throughout the boot camp, we revisited our commitment to Integrity and Transparency, discussing strategies to uphold the trust our clients place in us every day.
We also leaned into Innovation and Adaptability, sharing new tools and technologies to streamline the home buying and selling process, ensuring that we stay ahead in an ever-evolving market.
As we move forward, the lessons learned from our boot camp will continue to shape the way we serve our clients—transforming the real estate journey from a transaction into a transformative, dream-realizing experience.
We can all agree, the housing market has been a bit of a roller coaster ride over the past few years. For those looking to buy a home, it can be stressful to figure out when is the best time to buy. Timing is everything in real estate, but your unique circumstances also weigh into the decision of when the right time is for you to buy a home.
We understand many potential home buyers have been holding off due to rising home prices and high mortgage rates. But those rates are starting to trend downwards, and while home prices have appreciated steadily, Columbus remains more affordable than many major metropolitan areas, offering excellent value for buyers.
Stabilizing Prices and Favorable Rates
While home values in Columbus continue to appreciate, the rate of increase has moderated to a more sustainable pace. The median sale price in Central Ohio reached $327,250 in July 2024, representing a 3.9% increase year-over-year. This steady, measured growth can provide buyers with confidence in their investment while keeping prices within reach.
Plus, when you buy a home, you’re not just securing a place to live—you’re also starting to build equity as property values increase over time. This creates more wealth that can help you accomplish other financial goals, like saving for retirement or starting a college fund for your kids or grandkids.
Mortgage rates have also shown signs of stabilization and even slight decreases in recent months. With rates trending downward from their peaks earlier in the year, now is an opportune time for buyers to lock in favorable financing terms. Trying to wait out additional rate decreases may result in higher home prices later that could potentially offset any savings on your mortgage.
Increased Inventory
One of the most exciting developments for buyers is the recent increase in housing inventory. As of July 2024, there were 4,325 homes for sale in central Ohio – a 37.9% increase from the previous year and the highest level we’ve seen since 2019. This means buyers have more options to choose from and face less competition when making offers.
A Vibrant City
Columbus continues to attract new residents, businesses, and investment, positioning it for long-term growth and prosperity. The city’s expanding job market, particularly in sectors like technology, healthcare, and education, provides a solid foundation for sustained housing demand. The market is showing robust activity, with closed sales up 12% in July 2024 compared to the previous year, indicating a healthy, active market with opportunities for both buyers and sellers.
As a trusted name in Columbus real estate, our team at Vutech | Ruff is committed to helping you navigate the Columbus housing market. Our experienced agents have in-depth knowledge of Columbus neighborhoods and can help you find the perfect home to meet your needs and budget. Contact us today to start your home-buying journey in Columbus.
Tell us a little bit about your path to becoming a realtor.
I started out in architecture college prep in high school and went to the University of Denver for a Business major and a leadership minor. After school, I worked for Lowes Hotels management training program, then moved to Chicago and worked for US Chrome in outside sales for their racing division. I moved back to Columbus in 2013 to get into real estate, I worked at Lindey’s across the street from V&R while getting my license and starting my business. For the first 5 years of my Real Estate Career, I built my business while assisting Jeff and Marilyn in being their third Realtor for showings, writing contracts, etc. Learning the business from the two best in town working with them on a daily basis taking what I could from each mentor something that I could apply to my own business and building my knowledge and expertise rapidly. I got thrown directly into the fire on a daily basis.
Flashback to when you were 10 years old. What do you want to be when you grow up?
An architect. I loved building Legos without the instructions, being creative. I also liked electronics and technology, playing with the old computers as/and before the internet became a household staple with AOL.
Why did you choose to become a realtor?
I have a passion for communication, meeting people, and relating to anyone. My business is about building quality relationships and I really enjoy that piece. Real Estate is a people business as much or more than a home business. I worked in service or sales since I was 15 years old and never had a real 9-5 job. For me, being in a job where the effort you put in affects the income you get out was ideal because I knew I could outwork most and hold myself to a high standard.
What’s your favorite thing about living in Central Ohio?
I think it’s the quality of living most. Affordable, easy to get around, amazingly friendly people. Somewhere no matter that we are the 14th biggest city in the country I run into someone, or lots of people I know at every Crew Game, Cosi with my kids, a local restaurant, or at the grocery store. I moved back here to Columbus to be closer to family because after living in Denver and Chicago during the first decade of the 2000s, Columbus was growing and had a lot of things to offer now that I had gone out and searched for in those bigger cities.
What excites you the most about the Central Ohio housing market?
We are really going through a sort of adolescence or growth spurt. There are so many shifts that are happening. People moving from out of state in mass. There is a shift towards local neighborhood centers like Bridge Park, Downtown Hillard, Creekside Gahanna, Main Street Bexley, Astor Park(around the new Crew Stadium) etc, that is adding exciting amenities to each individual neighborhood, there’s always something new and cool to explore in each pocket of Columbus. The appreciation over the last 10 years has been really extraordinary and I expect that to continue and provide equity for home Buyers and opportunities for home sellers as interest rates settle post-COVID.
Describe your typical day for us.
Get my two boys off to school, often start my day with a workout or studying the recent news or equity markets, and learn something new. Then before lunch start diving into growth pieces of my business and marketing. After Lunch is client follow-up, showings, and phone calls. If I’m not in appointments late afternoon, I’m always with my boys, playing outside with them or goofing around in their toy room. Then I cook dinner for my family 4-6 nights a week, cooking is the way I express creativity on a daily basis and take a deep breath from busy days. Get the boys to bed and then 3-5 nights during the work week I am back in my home office for a few hours to dive into a little bit more work while things are quiet and I’m not getting that many phone calls or emails.
What sets Vutech | Ruff, Cuter Real Estate apart from other brokerages?
I think the collaboration in a team of experts is what is the most important piece. We are a team of experts teaching each other, helping each other be better every single day. That makes us powerful, knowledgeable, and ahead of the market and provides more opportunities for us and our clients. We have agents in almost every market around town and therefore insights everywhere. Because of this I can sell and help my clients in every market, not just one small zip code.
What special skills or talents do you have that others may not know about?
Cooking. I love to learn new things and skills across the board but that translates to cooking especially because on top of that is a level of creativity. I rarely cook with recipes and I seek opportunities to learn new skills in the kitchen, experiment, and provide for others new food or meals. Get’s 1 or 2 new recipes a week, for better or worse lol.
Tell us a little bit about your family.
I have a beautiful wife and two young boys. My kids are turning 2 and 5 in October. We live in New Albany. We enjoy playground time, playing with neighborhood friends, sports inside and outside the house, going to COSI and The Franklin Park Conservatory. My wife is from New Orleans and we often go there for holidays including Mardi Gras every year to enjoy the culture and spend time with our friends and family down there. My wife and I have been married since 2016, as a couple we enjoy traveling, outdoor walks, trying new restaurants and dishes.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I enjoy family time, cooking, watching lots of sports(Soccer, football, F1, basketball).
What are three things you can’t live without?
My family, a sporting event to be excited about, and something new to get excited about (technology, food, something new to learn). If we are talking about physical items: My iPhone (to explore the world and stay in contact), a pair of Jordans, and a car to get somewhere out of the house.
What do you love about your job?
I love the opportunities to work with all sorts of people and help them navigate one of the most challenging transactions of their lives, I get to make so many new clients/friends per year. My office is the city of Columbus, not just our German Village location or my home office, it changes every day and can be wherever I want. There is always something new to learn, every single day. It’s a constant new challenge that I wake up and attack every day. There is nothing boring, normal or consistent. I get to be all over the city weekly. I also enjoy owning my own business, working on the growth of a small business and everything that goes along with that, above and beyond showing houses, I have to know how to be a great marketer, investor, communicator, digital/print advertiser, deep knowledge about conditions of homes and sociological predictions.
Our team at Vutech | Ruff, Cutler Real Estate had the opportunity to tour the latest standout development in Columbus, Jaeger Square. This project is already making waves in the real estate community, so let’s look at what makes it so unique.
“The Pizzuti Companies is excited to offer a new living experience in Columbus’ most historic neighborhood. Future residents will enjoy dynamic floor plans paired with walkability, onsite parking, curated art, and modern luxuries.” – Joel Pizzuti, President and Chief Executive Officer of The Pizzuti Companies
What you need to know about Jaeger Square
Jaeger Square, a groundbreaking project by The Pizzuti Companies, is set to redefine multi-family living at the intersection of Schumacher Place, German Village, and Merion Village. The development promises to transform an underutilized space into a dynamic, walkable urban environment.
Spanning 261 units, Jaeger Square is more than just a residential project—it’s a vision of refined, sustainable living. The development will feature thoughtfully designed amenities, from a state-of-the-art fitness facility and yoga studio to a rooftop solarium and artist studio. With studios, one-, and two-bedroom units, residents will enjoy elevated finishes and an amenity package that caters to modern lifestyles.
A Space Designed for Community and Connectivity Jaeger Square is set to offer more than just exceptional living spaces. The development’s design focuses on enhancing the pedestrian experience and integrating seamlessly with the surrounding neighborhoods. Key features include:
Curated Public Art: The development will showcase artwork by both established and emerging artists, adding a unique cultural dimension to the community.
Generous Outdoor Spaces: Jaeger Square will offer 15,000 square feet of outdoor amenities, including a garden located midway through the block. The area, already named the Kossuth Street Garden, will feature public seating and areas designed for social interaction.
Sustainable and Accessible Design: The project includes green roofs, brick-edged tree planters, and vibrant street frontages that contribute to a lively and eco-friendly urban environment.
Retail and Dining Options: The 8,250 square feet of retail space on the first floor will provide sophisticated dining, commerce, and entertainment options, enhancing the neighborhood’s appeal.
What to Expect
Jaeger Square is already taking shape, with completion slated for Spring 2025. Roth Real Estate Group will handle commercial leasing for this exciting development. For those interested in securing a space, contact Will Roth at will@rothregroup.com or 614.224.8660.
Jaeger Square represents a significant step forward for Columbus, introducing modern design while still honoring one of the city’s most historic neighborhoods. As the development takes shape, it promises to bring new life to an already vibrant corner of town.
For those navigating the Columbus real estate market, Jaeger Square offers the perfect blend of location, quality, and design. It’s an opportunity to be part of a forward-thinking project that enhances both the neighborhood and the city.
At Vutech | Ruff, Cutler Real Estate, we’re excited to see how this development will shape the future of Columbus and are here to guide you through all the latest opportunities in the market. Stay tuned for more updates on Jaeger Square and other exciting developments in Columbus. For more information, visit www.jaegersquare.com.
Tell us a little bit about your path to becoming a realtor.
After working in property management in Columbus for ten years, I spent the next several years in advertising sales with The Columbus Apartment Guide and Columbus CEO Magazine. I also worked for the Columbus Convention and Visitors Bureau, which is now Experience Columbus. At the time I first became licensed in (1993) it was more feasible for me to be part time. Over the years and as I continued to to learn about housing in different areas of central Ohio I eventually wanted to work in real estate all the time.
Flashback to when you were 10 years old. What did you want to be when you grow up?
It was the seventies and I was always interested in the aesthetic of homes on movie sets and tv shows. I would look at everything from the design of the home or apartment to the dishes, furniture and art. I remember I convinced my dad to wood panel our basement so it would look more like The Brady Bunch family room.
Why did you choose to become a realtor?
My first employer in property management always encouraged me to stay in the housing industry. I remember her saying there will always be a need for housing. My years in property management along with my experience in marketing and advertising sales seemed to be an appropriate foundation for understanding the principals of real estate. It was always appealing to know that being a realtor was a way to have your own business whether it be part time or full time.
What is your favorite thing about living in Central Ohio?
There are many things. To be so close to places like the Columbus Museum of Art, The Ohio Theatre, the Short North, Resch’s bakery or watching the TBDBITL march to “the shoe” is an advantage to living in Central Ohio. I also love that you can drive forty five minutes in any direction and be in rural Ohio which has so many great farmers markets and places to visit like Dawes Arboretum.
What excites you the most about the Central Ohio housing market?
MORPC reported that only 38% of people can find affordable housing in Central Ohio which is NOT exciting, but what is exciting is to know that leaders in areas such as Reynoldsburg, Whitehall and Gahanna among others are taking action in rethinking zoning codes and development review processes in effort to create more affordable housing opportunities.
Describe your typical day.
I coordinate the marketing for Vutech | Ruff and with 14 agents we are always busy. Everything is digital now which is so much nicer given how often the status can change for a home on the market today. There was a time not too long ago when there was no professional or drone photography and I might have had to drive out to Granville to take pictures of a farm, then come back downtown and work my way through parking, construction, key fabs and alarms to meet a client who was interested in touring a new condo. Then maybe a drive out to Marysville to show houses and return to German Village and turn off a house full of lights for one of Jeff or Marilyn’s listings. This was my every day at work for a long while and I loved every minute!
What sets Vutech | Ruff apart from the other brokerages?
Marilyn Vutech and Jeff Ruff are class acts and two of the hardest working people I know. If you are an agent starting your real estate career with their team you will see every real estate scenario worked through from beginning to end with patience, grace and no complaining. Marilyn and Jeff truly love helping their clients with the process of selling or buying a home. They’re the best mentors to have and the list of homes they have sold over the years consist of every size and style whether it be a small cottage, a horse farm, a mini farm, downtown condo, a traditional home in the burbs or a pre-civil war home by a busy road, they see them all!
Tell us a little bit about your family.
I live with my husband Dean who works for the Ohio Insurance Institute and our dog, Marley. Our daughter Rachel just graduated from Bishop Hartley this past spring and now attends Ohio University in Athens. My brother-in-law Jeff stays with us often and I consider myself fortunate to have life long friends and family nearby.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
As a recent empty nester, the possibilities seem endless. For today, there are drawers and cupboards that haven’t been opened for way too long because there was never time.
What are three things you can’t live without?
Family, friends and probably GPS.
What do you love about your job?
Selling your home or relocating can be quite the process and most often a stressful one. People move for different reasons but almost every time you can see the excitement or relief once the process comes to a close and that is gratifying.
Working with Vutech | Ruff over the years gave me the opportunity to see the many downtown condo developments come to life and it was a very exciting time. Growing up in Columbus, the only building in view from the east side was the LeVeque tower. Marilyn and Jeff worked endlessly with developers along with many other great agents to help downtown Columbus be a place to live and not just visit.
