Ohio REALTORS® President Talks Housing Market on ABC6 On Your Side
On April 2, 2025, Ohio REALTORS® President Michelle Billings joined Lisa Rantala from ABC6 On Your Side for a live conversation about the state of the real estate market in Ohio. The discussion touched on topics top of mind for many Ohioans, including housing inventory, home prices, and incentives for new buyers.
Michelle addressed the dip in housing sales this past February, which Ohio REALTORS® previously reported using data from Multiple Listing Services. She attributed the slowdown to seasonal trends and expressed optimism about a strong spring market ahead, thanks in part to stabilizing mortgage rates.
Central Ohio remains one of the state’s fastest-growing regions, but it’s also facing long-standing challenges in meeting housing demand. Michelle noted that the housing shortage didn’t happen overnight. It’s the result of years of compounding issues—rising construction costs, restrictive zoning ordinances, and increasing interest rates. She emphasized that Ohio is currently short approximately 100,000 homes, and building more housing is essential to stabilize prices.
Addressing zoning reform, Michelle explained that local zoning regulations vary widely, so there won’t be a one-size-fits-all solution. However, she highlighted the importance of legislative advocacy and encouraged citizens to engage with their local governments to support zoning changes that can streamline the building process and increase housing supply.
Michelle also pointed to a shift toward a more balanced market, where buyers are seeing greater negotiation power. This includes opportunities for seller concessions and access to programs like Ohio Homebuyer Plus, launched in January 2024 by Ohio Treasurer Robert Sprague, which assists first-time homebuyers with down payments.
Her message to prospective buyers: if you’re thinking about buying real estate in Ohio, work with a REALTOR®. A REALTOR® can help you understand current market trends, explore financing options, and guide you through every step of the buying process.
Watch the full interview with Michelle Billings on ABC6 On Your Side below.
