Remote transactions are common and fully supported through digital signing, virtual showings, and remote closing options. While this was possible prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, our sales team fully adopted these processes at that time, facilitating 415 sales during the first 12 months of the pandemic, including Ohio's six-week-long shelter-in-place phase.

The key is working with a team that has systems to keep the process moving even when you're not physically present. We manage in-person steps on your behalf and provide clear documentation so nothing is overlooked. Many of our relocation clients complete their entire process remotely with confidence.

Use live video tours, third-party data sources, recorded walkthroughs, and written summaries so your decisions aren't based on assumptions. A transparent process should give you equal clarity to being here in person. That being said, when working with relocation clients, we strongly recommend spending 2–3 days with your Realtor to drive the neighborhoods, learn the amenities, practice commutes, tour schools, etc.

Important factors include schools, commute patterns, amenities, and long-term neighborhood trajectories.

• Schools: https://www.greatschools.org/ohio/
• Commute: https://www.google.com/maps
• Crime data: https://cincinnatioh.gov/police/crimemap/

We help you interpret these resources using insights from 4,800+ Cincinnati transactions, so you can make an informed decision based on objective information.

Ask about the age and condition of major systems, any known repairs, and how the home functions day-to-day. Good agents should point out potential concerns rather than downplay them. Our agents conduct tours with a focus on identifying risks early, based on thousands of walkthroughs. Transparency during tours helps prevent surprises later.

Additionally, there is a more intensive layer of due diligence that is conducted on your behalf after a price and terms have been negotiated. This is frequently referred to as an "inspection contingency period" and can include a formal home inspection, termite inspection, radon inspection, sewer inspection, and home insurance review.

A structured process includes financing readiness, home search, touring, offering, inspections, appraisal, and closing. A good agent explains each step upfront and revisits expectations as you go. Our process is modeled on over 4,800 successful transactions, which helps eliminate uncertainty. If this is your first time purchasing a home, when we conduct our first consultation with you, we will review each step of the process, what to expect, key decisions, and how long each phase takes.

Excellent question! Use comparable sales, condition-based adjustments, and cost-benefit analysis to guide your offer. And while we like to think that emotion doesn't play a role in these decisions, it certainly does! What you pay is a blend of what the market will bear and what is the right place to make memories for you and your family. Your agent should present data and options, not pressure you toward a number, as well as help you navigate the emotional part of the decision. Our negotiation strategies were shaped through $1.26B in sales, giving us a strong base for evaluating value.

Also, know that you can make the purchase of your home contingent on a satisfactory home appraisal. An independent, third-party appraiser is sent out to confirm that the home is worth the price you have agreed to pay. If you are borrowing money to purchase the property, your bank will insist on this step.

Contingencies are consumer safeguards designed to ensure you understand what you're buying. A good agent will educate you on the process and what to expect through each phase. He or she will walk you through the findings, next steps, and, most importantly, educate you on your options should issues arise during this due diligence period.

A team structure ensures that communication, scheduling, and document handling are consistently managed. You benefit from multiple specialists within a high-functioning sales team, rather than relying on one person for everything. As they say, "a jack of all trades is master of none," and we believe that a team of specialists will provide a better experience with better results than an individual agent.

At The Chabris Group, our systems have evolved from over 4,800 closings to ensure you are protected in what can feel like an overwhelming process. That structure is why many first-time buyers report feeling supported and informed. To learn more about first-time buyers' experiences working with The Chabris Group, check out www.askTCG.com/reviews.

Most homes benefit from decluttering, minor repairs, curb appeal improvements, and professional photos. A good agent provides a clear prep plan tailored to your home—not generic advice. There is no "one-size-fits-all" technique for preparing a home for sale. When your TCG agent meets you at your home to consult with you on your move, he or she will review how to prepare your home for sale.

At The Chabris Group, our clients' homes sell 62% faster than the Cincinnati average because we apply data-driven preparation standards. Preparation is one of the most controllable factors in a successful sale, and we will empower you with options to maximize your home's preparation.

Pricing should be based on comparable sales, condition, market dynamics, buyer expectations, and your personal timing and financial goals—not guesswork! Your agent should show you market data and explain how buyers perceive value in your area.

Pricing correctly can be one of your strategic advantages. In fact, at The Chabris Group, our clients' homes sell for 1% more than the Cincinnati market average, reflecting accuracy in pricing and negotiation. Consider this: if your home is worth $500,000, then The Chabris Group's marketing plan and pricing strategy will net you $5,000 more cash on the sale.

Effective marketing includes professional photography, staging guidance, targeted advertising, peer-to-peer networking, and outreach to a large pool of active buyers—not just posting to the MLS! You should ask your agent to see a clear plan for marketing your home and generating buyer leads before listing.

At The Chabris Group, we represent 3% of all Cincinnati transactions, which gives us broad visibility into what actually drives buyer activity. Moreover, The Chabris Group spends over $20,000 per month on marketing and lead generation (more than most agents spend in a year), generating hundreds of leads per month. Strong marketing improves both speed and final price, as evidenced by our clients selling their homes 62% faster than the market average and for 1% more of their asking price than the market average.

Consider more than price—financing type, contingencies, timing, and buyer reliability all matter. Your agent should help you compare offers in a structured, risk-focused way. Our guidance is shaped by over 4,800 negotiations, which provides insight into which offers tend to hold together. A thoughtful evaluation reduces surprises after acceptance.

A clear selling process includes staging and home preparation, pricing strategy, marketing rollout, showings, negotiation, and closing. Your agent should define expectations early and provide updates throughout. Our workflow is based on $190M in average annual sales, giving us a structured approach to each stage, which nets our clients 1% more money 62% more quickly than the market average. Our intent is to make the process predictable, understandable, efficient, and profitable.

What makes a good return on investment varies from investor to investor. If you are new to real estate investing, congratulations! We believe residential real estate is one of the best wealth-building vehicles available. As you define what makes a smart long-term investment, focus on cash flow, condition, rent demand, maintenance, appreciation, and long-term neighborhood patterns. A good advisor should show you how each factor impacts risk and return.

At The Chabris Group, we have designed a consultation specifically for real estate investors to ensure we are clear on what a good return on investment looks like for each client. We believe our job is to save your time and only show you investment opportunities that match your criteria. In fact, we have investors who transact as many as 20 investment properties per year based on our investor systems and representation.

Look for areas with consistent rental demand, stable pricing, and manageable operating costs. Historical patterns are often more predictive than short-term trends. Also realize that "strong investment potential" means different things to different investors. Are you looking for low risk and high appreciation? High cash flow and low appreciation? Are you looking to force appreciation through renovation and then hold? Maximize leverage? House hack?

All of these considerations impact which neighborhoods provide the strongest return on investment. Consulting with your agent and being clear about what "strong investment potential" means to you is critical. Otherwise, you may miss the perfect opportunity because you were not clear on your goals.

Large-scale teams simply do exponentially more sales than the average agent. That means they have exposure to more deal flow and tend to see more opportunities. Large-scale teams often have multiple off-market investment opportunities that they offer to clients before those properties reach the open market.

With over 600 clients served last year—many of whom are active investors—we maintain broad visibility into new and off-market opportunities. This structure supports investors who want consistent deal flow.

Look for someone who values data, transparency, and strategic thinking—not just closing transactions. A strong partner helps you evaluate properties objectively, plan long-term, and adjust strategy as markets change. The goal is a relationship focused on long-term results and continued trust, rather than one-off deals.