
If you've recently decided you're ready to become a homeowner, chances are you're trying to figure out what to do first. It can feel a bit overwhelming to know where to start, but the good news is you don't have to navigate all of that alone.
When it comes to buying a home, there are a lot of moving pieces. And that's especially true in today's housing market. The number of homes for sale is still low, and home prices and mortgage rates are still high. That combination can be tricky if you don't have reliable expertise and a trusted advisor on your side. That's why the best place to start is connecting with a local real estate agent.

Even with so much data showing home prices are actually rising in most of the country, there are still a lot of people who worry there will be another price crash in the immediate future. In fact, a recent survey from Fannie Mae shows that 23% of consumers think prices will fall over the next 12 months. That's nearly one in four people who are dealing with that fear – maybe you're one of them.
To help ease that concern, here's what the experts say will happen with home prices

If you're worried about a coming recession, you're not alone. Over the past couple of years, there's been a lot of recession talk. And many people worry, if we do have one, it would cause the unemployment rate to skyrocket. Some even fear that a spike in unemployment would lead to a rash of foreclosures similar to what happened 15 years ago.
However, the latest Economic Forecasting Survey from the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reveals that, for the first time in over a year, less than half (48%) of economists believe a recession will actually occur within the next yea...

First settled in 1788, Cincinnati has grown into the largest metropolitan area in Ohio. Cincinnati's story is told through an assortment of remarkable buildings and landmarks that testify to the city's durability. Explore the Queen City by visiting these great attractions.
28 E. 5th St., Cincinnati, OH 45202
If you've ever watched the popular sitcom WKRP in Cincinnati, you've seen this iconic fountain during the opening credits. While its official name is "The Genius of Water," most people know it as the Tyler Davidson Fountain after the Cincinnati businessman to whom it was dedicated. Large figures around "The Lady" represent various practical uses of water. The four child figures, representing the pleasures of water, are actually freshwater drinking fountains.
2950 Gilbert Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45206
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You don't have to be a book lover to enjoy a visit to the Harriet Beecher Stowe House. While it was the childhood home of the Uncle Tom's Cabin author, the house offers a fascinating glimpse into the history of Cincinnati. In the 1930s, the home became the Edgemont Inn, listed in the legendary "Green Book" as a safe haven for African-Americans. During spring, summer, and fall, the HBSH also serves as the starting point for various walking tours. Starting February 1, hours are 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and noon - 4 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $6 for adults and $3 for ages 6-17.
315 W. Court St., Cincinnati, OH 45202
Firefighters and other first responders are everyday heroes. Learn more about this noble profession at the Cincinnati Fire Museum, listed on the National Historic Registry. Did you know that Cincinnati established the country's first paid fire department in 1853? Museum artifacts include some of the oldest firefighting equipment in existence, such as leather buckets, alarm drums, and an actual steam fire engine. Fire safety education is conducted in the Safe House, an interactive exhibit where visitors take part in a simulated "fire event." Museum hours are 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Admission is $8 for adults and $6 for ages 7-17.
416 Clark St., Cincinnati, OH 45203
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p>At the turn of the 19th century, William Betts accepted 111 acres of land as payment for a loan. It's doubtful he knew that the Betts House, which he built on that property for his family of nine, would still be standing as his legacy into the 21st century. Incredibly, the house has survived industrial growth, urban decay, and even an earthquake to remain as the oldest brick house in Ohio on its original site. Exhibits and programs are often attended by historians and architects to study building materials and traditions of the past. The Betts House is open Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from noon - 5 p.m.
12075 Shore Dr., Loveland, OH 45140
Travel back to the medieval times of Middle Age Europe without leaving Ohio. Loveland Castle is a faithful, full-scale replica of keeps built by the Roman Empire a thousand years ago. The castle was originally constructed in the late 1920s by Harry Andrews as a getaway for his group of Boy Scouts and Sunday school members. Keep an eye out for ghosts that are reputed to live in the castle and pack a picnic lunch to enjoy afterwards on the scenic grounds. Hours are 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily except November 1 through March 31, when the castle is open on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday only. Admission is $5 for ages 5 and up.
650 Walnut St., Cincinnati, OH 45202
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From the stunning Victorian-Gothic exterior to the various artistic companies that call the building home, the Cincinnati Music Hall is one of the city's more impressive attractions. Performances are held in Springer Auditorium, the central portion of the building, which features a mural called "Allegory of the Arts" on its domed ceiling. Springer Auditorium has hosted a diverse list of world-famous musical artists, including Frank Sinatra, Prince, and Bob Dylan. Indoor tours are conducted year-round, while outdoor tours are offered during summer months. Visit the website for tour information and calendar of events.
4949 Tealtown Rd., Milford, OH 45150
In 1965, Stanley M. Rowe, Sr.'s long-held dream of an educational outdoor preserve came true. Thanks to the efforts and donations of several prominent Cincinnati residents, the Cincinnati Nature Center opened to the public. Rowe Woods, the center's core property, was once the 175-acre estate of Carl and Mary Krippendorf. Neil McElroy, one-time chairman of Proctor & Gamble, donated Long Branch Farm for use as a green space. Most recently, in 1995, siblings Jim and Dorothy Gorman gifted their family's Gorman Heritage Farm, which provides a valuable look at an actual working farm. Admission is $10 for adults and $6 for ages 4-12. Pets are welcome for a $3 fee. Visit the website for seasonal hours.
230 E. 13th St., Cincinnati, OH 45202
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Dating back to the 19th century, the Over-the-Rhine National Historic District is one of the country's largest and most intact urban historic districts. Unlike most historic districts that feature exquisite mansions and elaborate architecture, the OTR, as it's affectionately known, is notable for its origins as a working-class neighborhood of German immigrants. In the 21st century, the OTR is a vibrant mix of past and present. You can easily spend a day or more visiting attractions such as Findlay Market, the Brewery District, and an eclectic mix of boutiques, restaurants, and entertainment.
Whether you're a lifelong resident or new to the area, what's the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the word, "Cincinnati?"

Elevate your grocery shopping by stopping by one of Ohio's specialty food markets, which sell plenty of delicious and interesting foods. You'll be able to try new foods and make your meals more special and tasty.
Explore these specialty food markets around Northeast Ohio, Columbus, and Cincinnati the next time you shop.
1979 W. 25th St., Cleveland, OH 44113
Opening in 1912, West Side Market is Cleveland's oldest municipally owned market. Its setting is beautiful, with the building designed by renowned architects who included a 44-foot-high tile vaulted ceiling and a 137-foot-tall clock tower. Its eclectic mix of shops includes Theresa's Bakery, known for more than 30 types of fresh, homemade bread and European pastries, including 17 flavors of cannoli. Rita's is another popular market vendor where you'll find a variety of stuffed olives, fresh horseradish and barrel kraut, and fresh-ground peanut butter.
3885 Medina Rd., Akron, OH 44333
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With its motto of "Real food is good food," Mustard Seed Market has followed many stringent ingredient standards since 1981. Its products are free of high-fructose corn syrup, artificial colors and flavoring, harmful chemicals and preservatives, saccharin and aspartame, antibiotics and hormones in meats, bleached or bromated flour, and irradiation. Fill your cart with produce from local farmers that's organic whenever possible, fresh-baked bread, pastries, and pies, high-quality, responsibly sourced meat and seafood, bulk foods, and more. And in the grocery department, you'll find affordable, high-quality, natural foods from local suppliers.
6005 County Road 77, Millersburg, OH 44654
Bunker Hill Cheese is a third-generation family-owned company that was established in 1935. The company partners with local farmers and makes over 25 types of cheese, averaging 50,000 pounds a week. Whether you'd like cheese for a snack, to use in a recipe, or to help create a delicious charcuterie board, you can find it here. You'll find A2 milk cheese (easier to digest), cheddar, farmers cheese, fiesta jack marble with jalapeno kick, Bermuda onion, feta, raw milk cheese, and more. And to carry the cheese theme even further, the market sells Heini's cheese fudge in flavors including blueberry, chocolate, and rainbow sherbet.
59 Spruce St., Columbus, OH 43215
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North Market, located in downtown Columbus, has been open for nearly 150 years. The venue houses more than 30 independently owned small businesses where you can pick up a wide variety of fresh produce, meat, poultry, specialty food items, and more. For a delicious snack, stop by American Nut Company, specializing in Bavarian Glazed Roasted Almonds and Pecans with a touch of cinnamon, vanilla, and sugar. For a prepared meal, visit Flavors of India, which serves dishes made with freshly sourced ingredients and healthy herbs and spices.
7860 Olentangy River Rd., Columbus, OH 43235
The Hills Market is a unique shopping destination where you can shop inside the market or have your groceries delivered. Its departments sell wholesome, fresh foods, including produce from Ohio farmers and family-owned distributors. Its full-service butcher shop features high-quality meat sourced from around Ohio without any growth-promoting hormones or antibiotics. The produce department features hand-selected fruits and veggies from Ohio farmers and family-owned distributors. For added convenience, stop by the Chef's Case for house-made dishes, including the market's popular crab cakes with sherry cayenne dipping sauce.
1440 Gemini Place, Columbus, OH 43240
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Carfagna's Market aims to provide the best quality items at the lowest possible price. The market isn't tied to any particular suppliers, so the owners are free to shop around to find and sell the best products from small and family-owned businesses. Its butcher shop sells meats cut fresh daily and sourced from farmers who implement humane practices. You can also treat yourself to a wide variety of fresh, delicious foods, including treats from Columbus' largest homemade Italian cookie selection, homemade cannoli filled to order, organic homemade pasta sauce, and handmade artisan pasta.
4450 Eastgate South Dr., Cincinnati, OH 45245
You'll find a unique mixture of specialty grocery items at Jungle Jim's International Market, including colorfully unique sodas where you can try a new root beer or be adventurous and buy Buffalo Wing Soda. If you love coffee or tea, stop by the Coffee Bar, where you'll find over 50 varieties of coffee from local micro-roaster Seven Hills, as well as over 20 varieties of loose-leaf teas. You'll also find dozens of honey varieties and honey-related products like honey candy, butter, or cream. And make sure to stop by the Candy Castle for nostalgic favorites or trendy new candies.
1801 Race St., Cincinnati, OH 45202
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Located just blocks from downtown in the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood of Cincinnati, Findlay Market attracts more than one million visitors a year. You'll find plenty of farm-fresh, locally sourced specialty foods for sale from more than 50 full-time merchants. If you're craving a ready-made meal, stop by Flavors of the Isle, where you'll find dishes with a blend of Southern soul food and Jamaican cuisine. Try the jerk chicken, made with the owner's homemade jerk seasoning and sauce. Or visit Dean's Mediterranean Imports for nuts roasted onsite, many varieties of Lebanese-style yogurt, pita breads, and more.
6920 Burlington Pike, Florence, KY 41042
Remke Markets has several locations throughout the area and is known for its excellent customer service. In addition to the usual grocery offerings, you'll find a dedicated soup and salad bar as well as a sushi bar. If you'd like to save time and effort but still get the products you love, try the Mobile Market app, where a trained personal shopper selects items from your order and has it waiting for you when you come to the store.
What specialty food markets do you visit in Ohio, and what items are your favorites to buy?