The "Name Your Price" Trap: Why Central Ohio Homeowners Are Being Targeted
If you own a home in Central Ohio, you’ve likely felt a change in the air. There may have been a few flurries this weekend, but we are officially on the cusp of the busy spring market. Whether you’re in a historic suburb, a quiet cul-de-sac, or a growing new community, the demand across the Columbus region remains incredibly strong - even if the number of "For Sale" signs doesn't show it quite yet.
But lately? Things have reached a whole new level.
Right now, real estate in Columbus feels incredibly scarce, especially in high-demand areas. Because the Kenney & Co. team lives in the same communities where we work, we see these lows firsthand every single day.
Upper Arlington (Liz’s neighborhood):
Only 11 single-family homes for sale in the entire school district.Muirfield Village (Teresa’s neighborhood):
Just 6 single-family homes and 1 condo on the market.Ballantrae (Sheila’s neighborhood):
Only 3 single-family homes and zero condos available.
When supply is that low, the laws of supply and demand drive home values up. But, if you aren’t watching the market as closely as we are, you might fall prey to a new wave of predatory practices.
The Anatomy of a "Ghost" Buyer
Lately, homeowners across Central Ohio have been receiving a relentless barrage of "personalized" texts and postcards. They often lead with shiny promises: "All cash," "No showings," and "Close when you want."
Liz recently decided to engage with one of these text threads to see how they operate.
After promising her the world, they asked: "What price would make you feel good about moving forward?"
She replied: "Curious to know what price you think would be fair."
The response? "Do you have an asking price, if you don't mind me asking?"
Notice the "good manners" used to mask a predatory request. They are fishing. They want you to set the anchor point because they’re betting you don’t realize how much your equity has grown.
If you name a price that sounds "good" to you based on data from even six months ago, they’ll snap it up, knowing they can flip it for a massive profit that should have stayed in your pocket.
Know the Difference: Professional Outreach vs. Predatory Fishing
It’s important to clarify one thing: as Realtors, we also reach out to homeowners. But there is a massive difference between a "Cash Predator" and a licensed professional doing targeted outreach for a specific client.
The "Name Your Price" Predator: Usually a faceless company or a chatbot. They are the buyer, and their goal is to buy low so they can profit later. They have no legal obligation to protect you or provide an accurate market valuation.
The Kenney & Co. Professional Outreach: When we reach out, it’s because we represent a vetted, qualified buyer with a real interest in your specific community. We have a fiduciary duty to protect our clients and act with total transparency. We don't ask you to guess your value; we provide you with the data, the local comps, and a professional valuation based on current market reality.
Your Equity is Not a Bargain
We live in this community. We walk the same neighborhoods and shop at the same stores as you do. It turns our stomachs to see neighbors being targeted by companies that view their homes as nothing more than a bargain-bin find.
In a market this tight, your home is likely your largest financial asset. You deserve more than a chatbot hiding behind "polite" questions - you deserve a licensed, knowledgeable advocate who is legally bound to look out for your interests.
Don't leave your hard-earned equity on the table. Whether you are ready to move or just curious about the true value of your home in today's Columbus market, make sure you have a pro in your corner. Let's connect.
Kenney & Co. Group at KW Consultants Realty
Local Roots. Smart Moves. Lasting Wealth.
📍 Based in Central Ohio | Helping Buyers, Sellers, and Investors
Teresa 📞 614-975-8370 📧 teresakenney@kw.com
Sheila 📞 614-264-1800 📧 sheilagibbons@kw.com
Liz 📞 614-517-2268 📧 lizkoehler@kw.com
🌐 kwkenneyandco.com 🌐 teresakenneyrealty.com
Want to know WHY they are rushing?
It isn't a coincidence that your phone is blowing up this week. While these "Ghost Buyers" use polite scripts, there is a major legal deadline looming on March 2nd that is triggering this frenzy.
Read Part 2: How Ohio SB 155 is changing the game for Central Ohio homeowners