A Family Outgrowing the Edges of Their Daily Life
Kevin and Danielle Ohms loved their home in Golfview Woods. They bought it back in August 2009 for $159,000, long before their three kids filled the rooms and their schedules became anchored around Hilliard Darby schools and activities. The home served them well through 15 years of life, growth, and routines—yet by 2024, it no longer fit the scale or rhythm of their days.
Most of the kids’ activities, friends, and commitments were now on the far side of Hilliard. Every week meant more cross-town drives, more juggling, and less breathing room. On top of that, the home itself was feeling tight. It had done its job beautifully, but it wasn’t built for a five-person household with older kids.
They were ready for a change: more space, less friction, and a location that matched the life they were actually living.
Space, Timing, and the Fear of Disruption
The Ohms family wasn’t searching casually—they had a very specific vision:
- A 4+ bedroom home
- Ideally a five-level split
- Located only in Hoffman Farms or The Estates at Hoffman Farms
These neighborhoods checked every box: proximity to schools, a strong community feel, trails, ponds, and layouts that worked exceptionally well for busy families.
Their biggest concern was timing. They wanted to move without disrupting the school-year cycle, which placed pressure on both the search and eventual sale. With inventory tight in Hoffman Farms, the fear was simple: Would the right home appear in time?
Make the Search Active, Not Passive
Kevin and Danielle were decisive and focused—an ideal match for a proactive strategy.
After studying the neighborhood, I determined that roughly 500 homes in Hoffman Farms and The Estates could meet their criteria. Instead of waiting for a listing to appear on the MLS, we expanded the search.
I sent 500 individually addressed letters to homeowners, explaining who the Ohms family was and the specific type of home they were hoping to purchase.
The goal wasn’t pressure. It was clarity. And it worked.
We received five responses, including two off-market opportunities we toured privately. Seeing these homes helped the Ohms family stay grounded: the right home could appear, even if it wasn’t publicly listed yet.
The Right Home, a Competitive Field, and a Clear Win
In the end, the home Kevin and Danielle purchased appeared on the public market—and it was a near-perfect fit.
As expected, it drew strong interest and multiple offers. Because we were well prepared and understood the neighborhood’s pricing patterns and competition dynamics, we wrote a clean, compelling offer built to stand out.
Their offer was accepted. The school-year rhythm stayed intact. And the family could finally shift focus to preparing their Golfview Woods home for market.
Wear, Tear, and What Almost Went Sideways
Selling a home after 15 years carries both emotional and practical complexity. The Ohms’ home had been well maintained, but raising three kids in a modest footprint leaves normal signs of use. Their biggest concern wasn’t the market—it was preparing the home so it showed well without erasing the life lived there.
Before listing, I arranged for a 7-point pre-listing inspection covering major components: roof, foundation, structure, plumbing, electrical, and more. The goal wasn’t to replace the buyer’s inspection—it was to identify potential deal-killers early so nothing would derail the sale once in contract.
A few meaningful items surfaced. They weren’t dramatic, but they needed attention. We brought in the right contractors, resolved the issues, and ensured the listing would go live without hidden complications.
Once on the market, the home drew steady traffic. After 12 days, the Ohms accepted an offer for $375,000, slightly above their list price of $374,900.
A home they purchased for $159,000 in 2009 closed at $375,000 in July 2024—a clear, calm outcome after years of responsible ownership.
A Home That Fits the Life They’re Actually Living
Moving into Hoffman Farms brought immediate relief and real joy to the entire family.
The kids now walk the trails, fish in the ponds, and ride bikes with neighborhood friends. Activities are close. Commutes are shorter. Evenings feel calmer. The daily grind shrank, and the home itself finally fits the size and pace of their family.
Danielle shared a message after they settled in that captured the shift perfectly. Paraphrased:
“May is always one of our busiest months, and adding buying, selling, and vacations made it a lot. But this house is everything we hoped for. The kids are outside constantly, exploring the neighborhood and using the trails. We’re so grateful for your help—this is exactly where we’re meant to be.”
More Ease, More Space, More Alignment
The Ohms family now lives in a home that supports the life they’re living today—not the life they were living in 2009. What began as a starter home in Golfview Woods became a meaningful chapter of their family’s story. But Hoffman Farms reflects who they are now: active kids, busy schedules, and a need for space to spread out and breathe.
They didn’t just upgrade their home. They upgraded their daily life.
A Clear Plan Makes Big Transitions Feel Manageable
Buying and selling back-to-back can feel overwhelming, especially when timing and school schedules matter. But a clear strategy, honest preparation, and proactive search methods turn uncertainty into manageable steps.
The Ohms family’s move wasn’t about luck—it was about having a plan built for the life they wanted next.
