Chip plants, growth hacks, and big dreams – why Columbus is the Midwest’s rising star
Ohio, the “Buckeye State”, has long enjoyed a strong property market, thanks in large part to a booming population and job market. In November 2024, home prices in Ohio were up 8.7% compared to the previous year. In October 2024, the average sales price was $290,223, a 6.1% increase from the previous year. What’s more, Columbus is among the fastest-growing cities in the Midwest, with a population exceeding 900,000. This growth is supercharging the mortgage market – for investors, first-time buyers and young families.
‘I’ve always been interested in real estate’
For Graham Nadler (pictured), senior loan officer at Ruoff Mortgage, real estate is more than a career – it’s a personal passion. Based in Columbus, Ohio, Nadler’s dual perspective as both a real estate investor and advisor gives him an edge in helping clients navigate the complex world of investment properties.
“I’ve always been interested in real estate,” he told MPA, adding that he also just won Originator of the Year at his branch for Ruoff Mortgage. “I think it’s helped me talk the language to investors because I’ve been doing it myself.” From first-time buyers to seasoned investors, Nadler brings a wealth of practical experience to the table, particularly in understanding the nuances of a rapidly evolving market.
And, as Nadler told MPA, Columbus serves as both his home and a case study in strategic investment.
“I grew up here,” Nadler said. “Columbus used to feel like it revolved around Ohio State, but now it’s slowly shifting into being more of a city. It’s exciting to see.”
The city’s growth has been fueled by projects like Intel’s construction of what is potentially the world’s largest chip plant.
“We’re seeing a huge influx of construction workers flowing in to build out these projects.,” Nadler said, pointing to a rising demand for midterm rentals. “It’s not your typical Airbnb or long-term rental. Instead, we’re talking about housing for travel nurses or construction workers who need a furnished place for three to nine months. It’s been a great strategy for some of my clients.”
Nadler believes that understanding local market dynamics is key to successful investment. “I think it’s really important to be in a good market,” he told MPA. “You don’t always need a market that’s appreciating rapidly, but it obviously helps – especially when rates and prices are higher. Cash flow is harder to find these days. You have to get creative with how things are structured. In Columbus, we’ve been lucky with the level of growth and opportunity.”
‘It’s probably the cheapest money you’ll ever get’
And, for those new to real estate, Nadler is a strong advocate for house hacking, a strategy where buyers live in a property while renting out portions of it to offset costs.
“It’s probably the cheapest money you’ll ever get,” he said. “With FHA loans, you can get in with 3.5% down, and Fannie Mae just announced 5% down for owner-occupied multifamily units. That’s a huge opportunity for people starting out. I bought my first house with 3% down, convinced my girlfriend to live with me, and she paid half the mortgage. Now, we’ve moved out, and it’s a rental.”
However, securing that all-important down payment is sometimes easier said than done – especially if the buyer doesn’t have the “Bank of Mom and Dad” to rely on. According to research from Clever Real Estate, while 93% of Gen Z want to own a home, a staggering 60% believe it’ll never happen because of a lack of funds and escalating house prices. Because the odds seem so stacked against them, the younger generation is even willing to accept discounted homes with serious issues – 56% said they would purchase a home riddled with asbestos and 54% said they’d buy one that doesn’t have central air conditioning.
‘It’s a great way to get started without needing 20% down’
Nadler sees house hacking as a practical gateway to real estate ownership in a tough market.
“With higher prices and rates, it’s a great way to get started without needing 20% down,” Nadler said. “It’s not your forever home. It’s about getting equity, understanding property ownership, and setting yourself up for bigger opportunities down the road.”
While Nadler promotes house hacking as a beginner-friendly strategy, he advises caution with riskier ventures like fix-and-flip projects.
“Flipping isn’t something I’d recommend starting with,” he said. “There’s just so much risk involved – unexpected construction costs, high interest rates on hard money loans, and the possibility of going over budget. It can be challenging even for experienced investors. Learn the ropes first. Real estate is a long game, and you need to approach it thoughtfully.”
Assessing risks and returns is a critical part of Nadler’s role, and he insists on transparency when guiding clients.
“I’ll run through the numbers with them – what the mortgage is, what the potential rent could be – but I always stress the importance of having a strong team,” he said. “You hear it on all the podcasts, but it’s true: a good team can make or break your success in real estate.”
Preparation is another cornerstone of Nadler’s advice, as he told MPA that you can’t really be over prepared when it comes to jumping into the property pool.
“I always tell clients to start early,” he said. “Work with a lender to get a sense of what payments will look like at different price points. That way, when the right property comes up, you’re not scrambling. You don’t want to overanalyze to the point of doing nothing, but you also need to have your feet under you when it’s time to act.”
And marketing to investors requires the same level of commitment that Nadler brings to his client relationships.
‘It’s not just about getting referrals’
“I host local real estate investment meetups and try to attend similar events,” he said. Building connections with property managers, real estate agents, and even attorneys has been a key part of Nadler’s strategy.
“It’s not just about getting referrals,” he said. “It’s about adding value to those relationships, whether it’s sharing insights or helping solve problems.”
Nadler remains optimistic about real estate as a tool for building long-term wealth.
“It’s not without its challenges,” he said, “but the potential is there if you’re willing to put in the work. Start small, be prepared, and don’t rush into things. At the end of the day, it’s about helping people make smart decisions and watching them build something for the future.”
