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From Listing to Closing: How to Navigate the Greene County Property Market Like a Pro

1/25/2026

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Buying or selling property in Greene County, Ohio can be complex, whether it’s a rural farm, residential home, or commercial building. Local zoning rules, market trends, and property features require expert knowledge. In this guide, we’ll walk you through every stage—from listing to closing—so you can navigate the Greene County market confidently.

Step 1: Understand the Greene County Real Estate MarketKnowing the market is the foundation of any successful transaction. Greene County offers diverse opportunities:
  • Farms and land with water and sewer access
  • Historic homes with renovation potential
  • Residential properties in Xenia, Cedarville, and surrounding towns
  • Commercial spaces with strategic business potential
Research recent sales, market trends, and property values to gain leverage as a buyer or seller.

Step 2: Prepare Your Property or Define Your Search Criteria
  • Sellers: Enhance curb appeal, complete minor repairs, and stage your property for showings.
  • Buyers: Create a clear checklist: acreage, location, amenities, zoning, or renovation potential.
Being precise saves time and increases your chances of a successful transaction.

Step 3: Partner With a Local Real Estate ExpertAn experienced Greene County agent:
  • Knows zoning regulations and local market nuances
  • Can identify hidden opportunities
  • Guides you through negotiation and paperwork
Working with a professional ensures smoother transactions and protects your interests.

Step 4: Negotiate Offers Effectively
  • Sellers: Price strategically based on market value and comparable sales.
  • Buyers: Know your budget, contingencies, and negotiation limits.
Expert negotiation helps achieve the best terms for both parties.

Step 5: Close the Deal with ConfidenceClosing involves inspections, appraisals, and legal documentation. Stay organized and responsive to avoid delays. With careful planning and expert guidance, closing can be a seamless, stress-free experience.

Navigating Greene County’s real estate market doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By understanding the market, preparing thoroughly, working with an expert, and staying organized, you can successfully buy or sell property—from farms and historic homes to commercial buildings.
Ready to start your Greene County real estate journey? Contact me today at (502) 640-9245 for personalized guidance.
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What Is FinCEN and Why Real Estate Buyers Should Pay Attention

1/23/2026

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If you buy or sell real estate using an LLC, trust, or other entity, you’ve probably heard more talk lately about FinCEN. While it doesn’t change how property is bought or sold in Ohio day-to-day, it does add new federal reporting requirements that real estate investors need to understand.

FinCEN stands for the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, a bureau of the U.S. Department of the Treasury. Its job is to combat money laundering, fraud, and illegal financial activity by increasing transparency around who actually owns and controls businesses and assets.

Historically, all-cash real estate purchases using LLCs or trusts allowed buyers to remain relatively anonymous. FinCEN has identified real estate as a common vehicle for money laundering, especially when properties are purchased through entities rather than individuals.  As a result, new federal rules are expanding reporting requirements for certain real estate transactions.

Starting December 1, 2025, FinCEN will require reporting for many all-cash residential real estate transactionsinvolving legal entities such as:
  • LLCs
  • Corporations
  • Partnerships
  • Trusts
These reports will disclose:
  • The beneficial owners of the entity (people who ultimately own or control it)
  • The individual who controls or manages the entity
  • Basic details about the property and transaction
This information is reported to FinCEN, not recorded publicly at the county level.

​Not every transaction triggers FinCEN reporting. The rule primarily targets:
  • All-cash purchases
  • Residential property
  • Entity buyers, not individuals
Financed purchases and some entity structures may be exempt, but that determination is typically made by the title company or settlement agent.

If you plan to buy property through an LLC or trust:
  • Make sure your entity records are accurate and up to date
  • Know who qualifies as a beneficial owner under FinCEN rules
  • Be prepared to provide ownership and control information at closing
This is not a tax and does not impact property ownership rights—but failure to comply can result in significant federal penalties.

FinCEN rules are about transparency, not restricting real estate investing. For most Ohio buyers, closings will still look the same—but behind the scenes, there is more federal reporting involved when entities and cash purchases are used.  If you regularly buy land or residential property through an LLC, it’s smart to talk with your attorney, CPA, or title company now so there are no surprises at closing.

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Emerging Hot Spots: Land Markets to Watch in 2026

1/19/2026

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Ohio’s land market is off to an active start in 2026, and several regions are standing out as prime opportunities for buyers, investors, and developers. Whether you’re looking for farmland, residential development ground, or long-term investment property, understanding where growth is happening can give you a major advantage.

​Here are three Ohio land markets gaining momentum this year.

1. Southwest Ohio: Dayton–Cincinnati Growth Corridor
The I-75 corridor between Dayton and Cincinnati continues to attract attention. Expanding logistics hubs, advanced manufacturing, and steady population growth are increasing demand for both industrial and residential land. As housing development pushes outward from city centers, rural and semi-rural tracts in Warren, Butler, and Miami counties are seeing stronger price appreciation and faster sales.

2. Central Ohio: The Columbus Tech and Data Center Boom
Central Ohio remains one of the hottest land markets in the Midwest. Ongoing investment in technology, data centers, and infrastructure around Columbus is driving demand for development-ready acreage. Farmland on the outskirts of Franklin, Delaware, and Licking counties is being repositioned for future residential and mixed-use projects, making this area especially attractive for long-term investors.

3. Northwest Ohio: Affordable Land with Rising Demand
Northwest Ohio is emerging as a value-driven market. With comparatively lower land prices and improving transportation access, counties around Toledo and Findlay are drawing interest from agricultural operators and developers alike. Industrial expansion tied to manufacturing and energy storage is also boosting demand for large tracts of land.

What This Means for Buyers and Sellers
For buyers, 2026 presents opportunities to get ahead of future development by securing land in growth corridors before prices climb further. For sellers, well-located properties are commanding strong interest and competitive offers, especially those near major highways and expanding metro areas.

Ohio’s land market is becoming more regionally dynamic than ever. Watching these emerging hot spots closely can help you make smarter, more profitable real estate decisions this year and beyond.
If you’re considering buying or selling land in one of these areas, local market insight is more important than ever.
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Why ohio farmland is a smart investment in 2026

1/16/2026

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As investors continue to look for stable, long-term assets, Ohio farmland is standing out as one of the most attractive investment opportunities in 2026. With strong agricultural fundamentals, steady land appreciation, and increasing interest from both local and out-of-state buyers, farmland across the Buckeye State offers a unique mix of income potential and security.
Here’s why Ohio farmland deserves serious consideration this year.

1. Consistent Land Value Growth
Historically, Ohio farmland has shown steady appreciation, even during periods of broader economic uncertainty. Unlike more volatile asset classes, farmland values tend to move gradually upward, supported by limited supply and ongoing demand for food production.

In many regions of Ohio, especially western and northwestern counties, land values have remained resilient due to strong crop yields and established farming infrastructure.

2. Strong Agricultural Production
Ohio ranks among the top agricultural states in the nation, producing corn, soybeans, wheat, and livestock at scale. This productivity makes farmland not just a speculative asset, but a working investment capable of generating rental income through cash rent or crop-share agreements.

For investors who prefer hands-off ownership, leasing land to experienced local farmers can provide reliable annual returns.

3. Diverse Investment Opportunities
One of Ohio’s biggest advantages is its regional diversity.
Northwest and West-Central Ohio are known for highly productive row-crop land. Central Ohio benefits from proximity to growing metro areas, increasing long-term development potential. Southern and Eastern Ohio offer more affordable acreage with opportunities for recreational, timber, or mixed-use properties. This diversity allows investors to align farmland purchases with their goals — income, appreciation, recreation, or future development.

4. Hedge Against Inflation
Farmland has long been viewed as a natural hedge against inflation. As input costs and commodity prices rise, land values and rental rates often follow. In an environment where investors remain cautious about inflation and interest rates, tangible assets like farmland provide added peace of mind.

5. Limited Supply, Growing Demand
Farmland is a finite resource. As population growth, infrastructure expansion, and development continue, the amount of available agricultural land gradually decreases. This scarcity supports long-term value growth, especially in areas near expanding cities and transportation corridors.

6. Favorable Long-Term Outlook
Looking ahead, farmland demand is expected to remain strong due to global food needs, renewable energy projects, and conservation programs. Ohio’s central location, transportation access, and strong farming communities position it well for sustained interest from investors and operators alike.
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Final Thoughts
In 2026, Ohio farmland represents more than just land — it’s a stable, income-producing, and inflation-resistant investment with long-term upside. Whether you’re a seasoned investor or exploring land ownership for the first time, Ohio offers opportunities across a wide range of price points and property types.
If you’re considering buying or selling farmland in Ohio, working with a knowledgeable land specialist can help you identify the right opportunities and maximize value in this evolving market.

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Key Things to Consider When Buying Land

1/13/2026

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​Buying land in Southwest Ohio can be a smart investment, whether you’re planning to build a home, start a farm, or purchase recreational or investment property. However, buying land is very different from buying a house. If you’re considering land for sale in the Dayton area or surrounding counties, here are the most important factors to consider before making an offer.

1. Intended Use of the Land: Before purchasing land in Ohio, clearly define how you plan to use it. Are you looking for residential land, farm ground, hunting property, or commercial acreage? Your intended use affects zoning, financing, and development options. Not all land for sale in Ohio can be used for every purpose.

2. Zoning and Local Regulations: Each county and township in Ohio has its own zoning regulations. Land in Warren County, Clinton County, Greene County, or Montgomery County may have different restrictions on building, farming, or subdivision. Always confirm zoning and permitted uses with the local zoning office before purchasing.

3. Access and Road Frontage: Access is one of the most important factors when buying land. Some Ohio land parcels may be land locked or rely on private easements. Make sure the property has legal, deeded access and adequate road frontage for future development, farming equipment, or residential use.

4. Utilities and Availability: Many rural properties in Southwest Ohio do not have utilities readily available. Buyers should investigate:
  • Electric service availability
  • Public water vs. well options
  • Septic system requirements
  • Internet and cell coverage
Bringing utilities to vacant land can significantly impact your budget.

5. Soil Quality and Drainage: Soil type plays a major role in building and farming success. If you’re planning to build or install a septic system, a soil or percolation test may be required. Farmland buyers should also consider soil productivity and drainage, especially in agricultural areas around Dayton.

6. Floodplains and Environmental Factors: Some Ohio properties are located in flood zones or near waterways. Review FEMA flood maps and check for wetlands or conservation restrictions. These factors can limit building options or require additional permits.

7. Survey and Property Boundaries: A current land survey confirms acreage, boundaries, easements, and access points. This is especially important when purchasing rural land in Ohio, where boundary markers may not be clearly visible.

8. Financing Land in Ohio: Land loans typically differ from traditional home mortgages. Many lenders require higher down payments and shorter loan terms. Property taxes can also vary based on agricultural use, CAUV status, or development potential.

9. Location and Long-Term Value: When buying land near Dayton or surrounding communities, consider long-term growth, road improvements, and nearby development. Location, zoning flexibility, and access all influence future resale value.

10. Work With a Local Ohio Land Specialist: Buying land involves more moving parts than buying a home. Working with an experienced Ohio land real estate agent can help you navigate zoning laws, surveys, access issues, and negotiations. Local expertise is invaluable when evaluating land for sale in Southwest Ohio.

Purchasing land in Southwest Ohio can be a rewarding investment when done correctly. By understanding zoning, access, utilities, and local regulations, buyers can avoid costly mistakes and find property that truly fits their goals.

If you’re considering land for sale near Dayton, Ohio, working with a knowledgeable land specialist makes all the difference.

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    Jared M. Williams is a licensed real estate broker who specializes in land and farm sales throughout Ohio.

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