Category: Blog

When you think of Findlay, you probably picture its welcoming neighborhoods, great schools and small-town charm—but did you know our city is also home to some incredible local businesses? Beyond the well-known chains, Findlay is full of hidden gems where entrepreneurs bring creativity, community and heart to everything they do. Whether you’re new to the area or have lived here your whole life, these local spots are worth adding to your list.

Coffee Shops with Character

Findlay has no shortage of cozy cafés, but tucked-away favorites like Coffee Amici or We Serve. Coffee. offer more than just caffeine. These shops provide a warm place to connect with friends, enjoy local art and support small business owners who care deeply about community.

Boutiques and Specialty Shops

Skip the mall and head downtown to explore Findlay’s boutique shopping scene. Stores like Trends! on Main showcase everything from stylish apparel to one-of-a-kind home goods. These small shop makes gift-giving personal and fun while keeping your dollars local.

Local Dining You Can’t Miss

Sure, everyone loves a good chain restaurant—but Findlay’s hidden gems deliver flavors you won’t find anywhere else. Places like Stix Asian Cuisine or The Bistro on Main highlight diverse menus, cozy atmospheres and owners who take pride in serving their neighbors. And for a sweet treat, Dietsch Brothers Fine Chocolates is a local institution that’s been delighting families for generations.

Unique Experiences

Looking for something different to do in town? Findlay offers plenty of options. Findlay Brewing Co brings craft beer lovers together with locally brewed favorites, while Riverbend Recreation Area and the Mazda Museum provide fun experiences for families and visitors alike.

Why Supporting Local Matters

Every time you shop at a small business in Findlay, you’re investing back into the community. These businesses hire local employees, contribute to area schools and nonprofits and add the character that makes our city special. Supporting them isn’t just good for the economy—it’s good for our community’s heart and soul.

Thinking about making Findlay your home?
Dawn Heidlebaugh and the Designer Realtor Group not only help families buy and sell homes, they also share the best of what makes our city thrive. Whether you’re looking for your perfect neighborhood or just want to explore more of what Findlay has to offer, connect with Dawn today.

Selling your first home is an exciting milestone, but it can also feel overwhelming if you’re not prepared for the process. Many first-time sellers in Findlay, Ada and the surrounding areas make a few common mistakes that can cost them time, money and peace of mind. Here’s what to watch out for—and how to steer clear.

1. Overpricing Your Home

It’s natural to want top dollar for your home, but setting the price too high can turn buyers away before they even walk through the door. An overpriced home often sits on the market longer and may eventually sell for less than if it were priced correctly from the start.

How to avoid it:
Get a professional home valuation and listen to your real estate agent’s advice. They’ll use recent local sales and market trends to recommend a competitive, realistic price.

2. Ignoring Curb Appeal

First impressions matter. If your home looks uninviting from the street, buyers may never see all the great things inside. Peeling paint, overgrown shrubs or a cluttered porch can signal neglect.

How to avoid it:
Tidy up your yard, add fresh mulch, and consider painting your front door for a quick facelift. For more ideas, check out these curb appeal tips.

3. Not Staging or Decluttering

Buyers want to see themselves living in your space—not your stuff. Crowded rooms, personal items or bold décor can make it harder for them to imagine calling your house “home.”

How to avoid it:
Declutter, depersonalize and consider simple staging. Remove family photos, clear off countertops and add a few neutral touches to make your home look bigger and brighter.

4. Skipping Repairs and Updates

Small issues like leaky faucets, chipped paint or squeaky doors can add up and turn off potential buyers. Many sellers underestimate the impact of minor repairs.

How to avoid it:
Tackle a “fix-it” list before you list. Take care of easy repairs and consider affordable updates like new cabinet hardware or fresh paint. These little things show buyers you care about the home’s condition.

5. Trying to Sell Without a Real Estate Agent

Going the “for sale by owner” route might sound tempting to save on commission, but it often leads to less exposure, more stress, and a lower final sale price.

How to avoid it:
Work with a local expert who knows the market, handles negotiations and guides you through every step. An experienced agent brings marketing power and peace of mind.

6. Not Being Flexible With Showings

Limiting access to your home can limit your offers. Buyers (and their agents) often have busy schedules and may need to see your home at different times.

How to avoid it:
Be as flexible as possible with showing times. The easier it is for buyers to tour your home, the sooner you’ll find the right one.

7. Letting Emotions Rule

Your home is full of memories, but buyers are looking for a place to make their own. Getting offended by offers or feedback can cloud your judgment and stall the sale.

How to avoid it:
Stay focused on your goals, lean on your agent for guidance and remember that feedback is meant to help—not hurt.

Ready to Sell With Confidence?

Avoiding these common pitfalls will put you on the path to a smooth, successful sale. If you’re thinking about selling, reach out to Dawn and the Designer Realtor Group for local expertise and personalized guidance every step of the way. Want to know your home’s value? Get your free home valuation here.

After seven years as a local real estate agent, Dawn Heidlebaugh has decided to grow her business with The Danberry Company. She has developed a team, Designer Realtor Group, and joining her are licensed agent Shantell Hartley and two others currently studying for their state and national exams. She has plans to continue to interview and hire dynamic individuals to join their team.

Not only is Dawn a Realtor, but her family owns and operates Heidlebaugh Family Farms. Her husband, Kyle is third and with their daughters Lexis and Chloe, now fourth-generation Hancock County farmers. The farming community looks to Dawn for their land buying or selling needs. She understands agriculture financing, surveys, tile maps, soil samples, and yield potential that all farmers need to know while buying or selling farm ground. She knows the questions to ask to ensure that her buyers and sellers have the best possible transactions.

As a wife, mom, stepmom, and now grandma (Ya-Ya) to her precious Rory, she is absolutely dedicated to helping you and your family fi nd the perfect home. If you want to sell, Dawn and her team will go above and beyond to get your home sold. Her innovative “out of the box” marketing strategies make her stand out from other agents. Designer Realtor Group has the answers clients need when it comes time to buy or sell. Whether you are a long-time homeowner, have bought and sold several homes or a fi rst-time home buyer her team will always be there to guide you to a successful closing.

Hancock County, OH, with its vibrant communities and scenic landscapes, is a sought-after real estate hub. But selling your home here, as anywhere, requires strategic preparation. From ensuring your home looks inviting to finding the right agent, here are seven tips to help you sell your home swiftly and at the right price.

1. Prioritize Curb Appeal:

First impressions count. Potential buyers will judge your home even before they step inside. Spruce up your front yard, maintain a manicured lawn, repaint your front door and replace outdated mailbox or house numbers. A captivating exterior can significantly boost interest.

2. Stage Your Home:

Staging showcases the potential of your home. Declutter rooms, add fresh flowers and ensure each space is well-lit. You want buyers to visualize themselves in your home, so consider depersonalizing spaces while still keeping them warm and inviting.

3. Price It Right:

Overpricing can make your property linger on the market, while underpricing might make you lose out on potential profit. Conduct a comparative market analysis or consult with a trusted real estate agent to find that pricing sweet spot.

4. High-Quality Photos Matter:

In today’s digital age, most buyers will first encounter your home online. Invest in professional photography to ensure your home looks its best. Showcase different areas of your house, especially the key features.

5. Make Necessary Repairs:

Address any pending home repairs – leaky faucets, broken windows or chipped paint. Not only do these repairs eliminate potential negotiation points, but they also present your home as well-maintained and move-in ready.

6. Be Flexible with Showings:

The more people see your home, the higher the chances of securing a sale. Be accommodating with your showing times, ensuring potential buyers can view your property at their convenience.

7. Choose the Right Agent:

Perhaps the most critical step is finding a knowledgeable, local real estate agent. An experienced agent, like Dawn Heidlebaugh Realtor, understands the nuances of the Hancock County market. They can provide invaluable insights, from staging tips to pricing strategies, ensuring your home stands out in the listings.

Selling a home is more than just a transaction; it’s a pivotal moment in one’s life. Every decision made during this process lays the foundation for the next chapter in your journey. With the expertise and guidance of Dawn Heidlebaugh Realtor, you’re not only ensured a seamless selling process but also the empowerment to take charge of this significant milestone. As Dawn often says, “This is Your Moment. Own It.” Partner with her, and together, make the most of this transformative time.

Navigating the world of real estate can often feel like decoding a foreign language. For both seasoned investors and first-time buyers, understanding common terminologies can make the property journey much smoother. Here, Dawn Heidlebaugh Realtor breaks down the key terms every property enthusiast should know.

1. Appraisal:

An evaluation process where a property’s value is determined by a certified professional. The appraiser takes into account the property’s location, its condition and comparable property sales in the area.

2. Closing:

The final and arguably most anticipated step in the property buying process. This is where the transaction is finalized and ownership is officially transferred from seller to buyer.

3. Equity:

The difference between the market value of your property and the outstanding amount you owe on it. As you pay off more of your mortgage or if your property’s value rises, your equity increases.

4. Pre-Approval:

Before you start house hunting, it’s wise to know how much you can borrow. A pre-approval is a written assurance from a lender about the amount they are willing to lend you. It gives you a clear budget and shows sellers you’re a serious buyer.

5. Contingency:

Conditions outlined in a contract that must be met for the transaction to go through. Common contingencies include home inspections, appraisals and securing financing.

6. Escrow:

When you hear the word escrow, think “neutral third party.” In real estate, escrow ensures all parties uphold their end of the bargain. It’s where important items like the earnest money deposit are held until the deal is closed.

7. Fixed-rate vs. Adjustable-rate Mortgages (ARM):

A fixed-rate mortgage has a constant interest rate and monthly payments. In contrast, an ARM has an interest rate that may change periodically, causing monthly payments to increase or decrease.

8. Title:

The document that provides proof of ownership of a property. When you buy a home, the title is transferred to your name, ensuring you’re the recognized owner.

9. Underwriting:

Once you’ve applied for a mortgage, your application will go to an underwriter. This process involves verifying your financial information and assessing the risk of giving you a loan. If everything checks out, you’ll be approved!

10. Realtor vs. Real Estate Agent:

While these terms are often used interchangeably, there’s a distinction. All Realtors are real estate agents, but not all agents are Realtors. Realtors are members of the National Association of Realtors and adhere to its strict code of ethics.

Armed with this glossary, you’re better equipped to navigate the real estate waters. Remember, understanding is the first step toward making empowered decisions. And when you’re ready to dive into the property market, having an expert like Dawn Heidlebaugh Realtor by your side can make the experience seamless and successful.