Planning to sell your house in Ohio this year?
Ohio attracts home buyers with its affordable housing, strong job market, and cultural amenities. Whether you’re selling a house in Columbus, Cleveland, or Cincinnati, this guide will help you through the entire home selling process and help you save money along the way!
⚡ Save thousands in commission: Match with top local listing agents who offer a low 1.5% listing fee.
5 ways to sell your house in Ohio
There are five different ways you can sell your house in Ohio.
#1: For most home sellers, selling with a realtor is the best option. You get expert support throughout the entire process, helping you sell quickly and for top dollar. In fact, our recent study reveals that home sellers who sold with a realtor profited $79,000 more than sellers who sold without a realtor.
#2: If you want the support of a realtor but want to save money on commission fees, consider selling with a low-commission realtor or discount real estate broker. These types of realtors typically offer the same services as traditional agents but at a discounted price. Examples of low-commission real estate companies include Clever Real Estate, Redfin, and Upnest.
#3: If you’re a highly experienced seller, you could sell without a realtor to save money on commission fees. However, keep in mind that this method can be highly complex, resulting in lower sale prices and a delayed selling timeline. You’ll also likely need to pay for a flat fee MLS listing service to market your listing to agents and their buyers.
#4: If you need to sell as fast as possible and your house is in poor condition, selling to a cash home buyer can be a good option. These companies are typically investors who pay for houses in cash, don’t require repairs, and can close in as little as two weeks. The drawback is that you’ll make less than market value for your home (typically just 70%). Examples of cash buyer companies include HomeVestors and MarketPro Homebuyers.
#5: If you need to sell as fast as possible and your house is in good condition, consider selling to an iBuyer. Similar to cash home buyers, iBuyers can pay in cash for your home, but they typically only purchase homes in relatively good condition. Examples of iBuyers are Opendoor, Knock, and Homeward.
Method
✅ Pros
🚫 Cons
Selling with a traditional agent
Professional pricing, access to the MLS, negotiation skills, higher final sale price
Commission rates
Selling with a low-commission realtor / discount real estate broker
Lower commission rates, access to the MLS,
May offer fewer services than traditional agents
Selling without a realtor (FSBO)
More control over the selling process, no commission fees
Complicated selling process, legal pitfalls, potentially lower sale price, potentially longer to sell
Selling to a cash home buyer
Fast/hassle-free sale
Lower sale price (around 70% of market value)
Selling to an iBuyer
Fast/hassle-free sale
Home needs to be in good condition, lower sale price
How to sell a house in Ohio with a realtor
In our 2024 home selling study, 73% of recent home sellers said that selling with a realtor is the best way to sell a home, and 40% said it was the fastest method.
An experienced agent in Ohio can help you with every part of the selling process, from preparing the house for listing to closing the deal. You’ll have to pay agent commission fees, which average about 5.60% in Ohio, but you’ll likely gain a much better profit on your sale vs. selling without a realtor.
Step 1: Find the right realtor in Ohio
Using an agent matching service is often the easiest way to find an experienced Ohio real estate agent near you. You’ll provide some basic information about your property and what you’re looking for in an agent, and within minutes, you’ll have a selection of agents to choose from.
Other ways of finding an agent in Ohio include:
- Searching for agents on real estate websites. Platforms like Zillow, Homes.com, and Realtor.com let you look for agents, review their sales history, and read customer reviews.
- Asking for referrals from friends, family, and neighbors. Ask them about their agent’s communication skills, negotiation tactics, and local market expertise.
- Checking your local realtor association. Contact your local real estate board in Ohio for a list of experienced agents who meet your criteria.[1]
- Attending open houses. Meet with agents in person and observe how they market the home.
Once you have a pool of agents to choose from, we recommend interviewing at least 3 of them, asking questions about their recent sales, services that they offer, commission rates, and market knowledge of your specific neighborhood.
The average listing commission rate in Ohio is 2.92%.
However, you can try to negotiate with your agent to receive a lower rate, especially if your house is in great condition, you plan to buy your next house with them, or you’ve received competing proposals from other agents.
Step 2: Choose the right time to sell your house
Work with your agent to analyze local market data and seasonal patterns to help you decide when to list your home.
💰 If you want the best listing price: In Ohio, May is the best month to sell your house for the highest price, according to historical data. During this month, the average listing price is around $23,412 more yearly average listing price in Ohio.[2]
⚡ If you want to sell fast: In Ohio, May is the fastest month to sell your house, according to historical data. During this month, homes stay on the market for an average of 31 days, which is 12 days faster than the yearly average.[2]
Step 3: Consider making some low-cost repairs before listing
Before setting a price for your home, it could be a good idea to make some minor repairs to boost its overall value and hopefully get a higher sale price. Your agent can help you decide which repairs are worth making, and which ones aren’t worth the time and money.
To get you started, here are some home repairs with the highest return on investment in Ohio.[3]
Job cost: $2,257
Resale value: $3,652
% recouped: 161.80%
Job cost: $4,330
Resale value: $6,596
% recouped: 152.30%
Job cost: $10,844
Resale value: $12,163
% recouped: 112.20%
Job cost: $26,263
Resale value: $23,576
% recouped: 89.80%
Job cost: $11,101
Resale value: $8,619
% recouped: 77.60%
Job cost: $22,012
Resale value: $15,482
% recouped: 70.30%
Job cost: $18,249
Resale value: $12,488
% recouped: 68.40%
If you don’t have the time or money to make repairs before listing your house, you have options! You can sell your house as is in Ohio with a real estate agent or to a cash home buyer. Even better, get an instant cash offer for up to 100% of your home’s value!
Step 4: Set a competitive price for your home
After you’ve made any necessary or minor repairs, it’s time to price your home for sale. Your agent should create a comparative market analysis of your home, analyzing its age, location, size, and features compared to recently sold homes in the market. From this report, you’ll be able to set a realistic price range that’s supported by data.
Effective pricing strategies
- Set the price slightly below market value to generate multiple offers (helpful if you need to sell fast).
- Price at round numbers (e.g., $300,000 vs $299,900) to appear in more search results.
- Adjust listing price based on seasonal demand and inventory levels.
Common pricing mistakes
- Overprice based on emotional attachment.
- Set price too high, causing the house to stay on the market.
- Set price too low, which may make buyers think something is wrong with the house.
- Fail to adjust price when market conditions change.
To get an idea of pricing in your area, take a look at the typical home values and median listing prices in top Ohio cities.
| City | Typical Home Value | Median Listing Price |
|---|---|---|
| Cleveland | $226,310 | $241,725 |
| Cincinnati | $282,645 | $324,950 |
| Columbus | $311,242 | $349,700 |
| Akron | $214,826 | $217,975 |
| Toledo | $184,143 | $226,950 |
Step 5: Complete Ohio seller disclosure requirements
Before listing your home for sale, it’s a good idea to complete the Residential Property Disclosure Form.[4] These disclosures let prospective buyers know about any defects and issues with your property, as legally required by Ohio law.
It’s important to correctly fill these disclosures for two reasons:
- Legal protection: Sellers who fail to disclose known issues can face lawsuits and financial liability after the sale.
- Buyer consent: Disclosures allow buyers to make educated decisions and negotiate fairly based on the property's true condition.
Your real estate agent or attorney can help you navigate these legal documents to protect yourself against legal disputes.
Step 6: Market the home and schedule showings
Once you and your agent have set a price, your agent will list your home on your local Multiple Listing Service in Ohio. This is an online database that lets real estate agents view what homes are for sale. Your listing will also be syndicated to online platforms like Zillow, Trulia, and Homes.com, where prospective buyers can find your house and request showings.
As the seller, you don’t have to worry about managing the home showings yourself, as this is your agent’s responsibility. Your realtor will work with buyer’s agents to schedule showings at your property, and they’ll pass along feedback from potential buyers.
What to do for home showings
- Deep clean and declutter all spaces.
- Open blinds/curtains for natural light.
- Turn on all lights and set a comfortable temperature.
- Ensure the exterior is tidy with clear walkways.
- Leave during showings to make buyers comfortable and remove any pets or pet items.
What NOT to do for home showings
- Leave personal items, valuables, or sensitive documents visible.
- Hover during showings or interact with buyers.
- Block access to any rooms or spaces.
- Play music or TV during showings.
Step 7: Receive offers and negotiate as necessary
Most listings in Ohio stay on the market for 57 days until a final offer is accepted. This timeline can vary, depending on the home’s location, its condition, and whether you need to sell quickly.
When you start receiving offers, your real estate agent will walk through them with you and highlight the pros and cons of each. When evaluating offers, pay close attention to things like:
- Price and financing terms: This includes the total offer amount and how the buyer plans to pay, whether through cash or a mortgage loan. A cash offer typically means a faster closing with less risk of falling through compared to an offer with traditional financing.
- Contingencies and conditions: These are requirements that must be met for the sale to proceed, such as passing a home inspection or appraisal. Fewer contingencies generally mean a stronger offer with less chance of cancellation.
- Earnest money deposit: This is the "good faith" deposit the buyer puts down to show they're serious about the purchase. It typically ranges from 1% to 10% of the sale price. A larger earnest money deposit indicates the buyer is committed and provides more protection if they back out.
- Buyer requests/credits: These are specific items the buyer wants included in the sale or money they're asking you to provide for repairs or closing costs. These requests directly impact your net proceeds.
- Closing timeline: This is the proposed date for completing the sale and transferring ownership.
You can choose to accept the offer, counteroffer, or deny the offer completely. Work with your agent to decide which option is right for you.
Following the 2024 NAR lawsuit, buyers are now responsible for negotiating buyer’s agent commission directly with their agent.
However, many sellers still choose to cover that cost as a concession to incentivize buyers. In Ohio, the average buyer’s agent commission is 2.68%.
Step 8: Wait for inspection, appraisal, financing, and final walkthrough
Once you’ve accepted an offer, the buyer will enter their due diligence period. They’ll typically schedule an appraisal, order a home inspection, and secure their financing (if they aren’t paying in cash).
Home appraisal process in Ohio
A home appraisal is a professional assessment of your home's value conducted by a licensed appraiser. Mortgage lenders typically require it to ensure the loan amount doesn't exceed the property's value. The buyer is usually responsible for scheduling the appraisal and paying its cost.
If the appraisal comes in lower than the agreed sale price, the lender won’t approve financing for the full amount. The buyer may try to renegotiate the price, pay the difference in cash, order a new appraisal, or back out of the sale (if they have an appraisal contingency).
Home inspection process in Ohio
A home inspection is a professional evaluation of your property's condition by a licensed inspector. They primarily examine the structural integrity of the home, its major systems (electrical, plumbing, HVAC), and potential safety issues.
If significant issues are discovered, the buyer may request that you make repairs or give credits at closing. Major issues, like mold, structural issues, or termites, may cause the buyer to back out (if they have an inspection contingency).
Underwriting process in Ohio
Underwriting is the lender's review of the buyer's financial information and property details to ensure the loan meets their requirements. Issues during this process can often cause delays in closing. If your buyer is paying in cash, they can skip this process altogether.
The final walkthrough
A final walkthrough is the buyer's last inspection before closing to verify the home's condition matches the purchase agreement and any agreed-upon repairs are complete. They’ll visit the property with their buyer’s agent and examine the home in person.
Before the final walkthrough, ensure that the house’s condition matches buyer expectations and take photos to document its condition. Remove all personal belongings, ensure everything is clean, and keep utilities running.
Step 9: Close on the home
Once the due diligence process is complete, the closing process officially begins! The buyer will typically attend closing in person, but as the seller, you have the option to do your part electronically.
Your real estate agent will guide you through this process and inform you about the documentation required. While a real estate attorney isn't required for closing in Ohio, you might consider hiring one for added protection. Though most transactions proceed smoothly with title companies and real estate agents, an attorney can offer critical support if you encounter complex issues or have specific legal concerns. They can meticulously review your sale documentation, address potential complications, and ensure your interests are fully protected throughout the transaction.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions if you don’t understand something — your agent is there to guide you through this process with minimal stress!
Step 10: Pay Ohio closing costs and real estate commission
As the seller, you can pay your part of the closing costs from the proceeds of your home sale. Closing costs can include buyer incentives, prorated property taxes, and recording fees.
In Ohio, seller closing costs are typically 3.06% of the sale price. For the median value home in Ohio, that would be about $6,920.
Closing costs don’t include real estate commission, which is around 5.60% in Ohio. For a median value home in Ohio, that would be around $12,656 (if you’ve agreed to pay the buyer’s agent commission as well).
If you want to save on real estate commission fees, you have options. A low commission realtor can charge a 1.5% listing fee, compared to the typical 2.92% in Ohio — at this rate, the average Ohio seller would save $3,209 in realtor fees.
Frequently asked questions about selling a house in Ohio
In Ohio, sellers must pay their portion of property taxes up until the closing date, with payments typically prorated between buyer and seller. The average property tax rate in Ohio is 1.53%. A year of property taxes is typically around $3,458 for the median value home in Ohio.
The seller typically pays Ohio transfer taxes, which is $1.00 per $1,000 of the home sale price. For the median home value in Ohio, that would be about $226.
You're off the hook for paying federal capital gains tax, as long as you've lived in the house for at least two years out of the past five years. As for state capital gains tax in Ohio, capital gains that aren't subject to exclusions are taxed as ordinary income at a rate of 3.75%.
In Ohio, seller closing costs are typically 3.06% of the sale price. For the median value home in Ohio, that would be about $6,920.
Seller closing costs typically include things like buyer incentives, prorated property taxes, and recording fees.
According to Zillow, Ohio is currently experiencing a neutral market. This indicates that housing supply and demand are balanced in Ohio, giving buyers and sellers equal footing. An experienced real estate agent can help navigate this market and get a fair price for your home.
On average, it takes around 92 days to sell a house in Ohio. This accounts for 57 days on the market and 35 days days to close.
In Ohio, the average listing commission is 2.92%. The average buyer’s agent commission is 2.68%.
Related reading
Why you can trust us
Vetted data sources
Our research team draws local data from prominent real estate platforms, including Zillow, Realtor.com, and Redfin, to provide insights on the Ohio real estate market. We analyzed current home values, listing prices, sales timelines, and other metrics to create this guide on selling a house in Ohio. We keep our pages updated with the latest market data to ensure accuracy.
We also used survey data from two of our home-selling studies:
- How to Sell Your House (2024): Surveyed 1,000 recent American home sellers
- For Sale Without a Realtor Survey (2024): Surveyed 1,000 recent American home sellers
Proven track record
We've matched 154,000+ clients with vetted realtors who offer discounted listing fees. Our nationwide network features 16,000+ top-performing agents from leading brokerages, all focused on delivering simple, cost-effective solutions. So far, we've saved our customers over $180 million in realtor fees, and that number is only growing.
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Our work has been featured in The New York Times, Business Insider, Inman, and HousingWire. We maintain a perfect 5-star Trustpilot rating, backed by 3,400+ verified customer reviews.
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