
If you're one of the thousands of homebuyers waiting for rates to fall, you should know it's already happening. And they recently crossed an important milestone. Rates officially dipped their toes into the 5s – something that hasn't happened in about 3 years.
This moment marked a critical threshold. Now, rates are sitting in the low 6% territory. And expert forecasts project they'll hover near this range throughout the year.
Here's why that's so good f...

When the holidays roll around, travel plans, family gatherings, and all the chaos of the season may make you think it's better to pull your listing off the market or to wait until 2026 to sell your house. But here's the thing.
Waiting could mean missing out on a great window of opportunity. Because while other sellers are stepping away, you can lean in – and that might actually give you the edge. Here are 4 reasons selling now may be the better bet.
Don't let the season fool you....

Did you know? According to a recent study, 72% of people with student loans think their debt will delay their ability to buy a home. Maybe you're one of them and you're wondering:
Having questions like these is normal, especially when you're thinking about making such a big purchase. But you should know, you may be putting your homeownership goals on the backburner unnecessarily.
In the simplest s...

When you need a breath of fresh air far from the city crowds, you'll find ample space to roam in Columbus. With many miles of bike paths and trails, our city has a lot to offer for anyone who loves the great outdoors.
Columbus is also a major hub for state-wide trails and greenways, some of which stretch for hundreds of miles across the Buckeye State. These bike paths in the Columbus area offer ample opportunities to get outside, get in shape, and simply enjoy the greener side of Central Ohio.
Three Creeks Metro Park, 3860 Bixby Road, Groveport, OH 43125
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A favorite multi-use trail that stretches roughly 25 miles across Franklin County, the Alum Creek Trail offers a well-maintained hard surface for hikers and cyclists. The trail follows the picturesque Columbus river corridor, from Westerville to Three Creeks Park, passing through several parks and neighborhoods along the way. Construction on the trail was completed in 2015, and the Alum Creek Trail has quickly become the go-to destination for Columbus residents looking to get outside.
Whetstone Park, 3901 N. High St., Columbus, OH 43210
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The Olentangy Trail is a great place to go for a bike ride, but for many first-time visitors to Columbus, its central location makes it one of the most popular ways to explore the city on foot. The trail connects the community of Worthington to downtown Columbus, meandering through several neighborhoods along the banks of the Olentangy River. Along the way, the Olentangy Trail passes through the Ohio State University campus, with trailheads at Whetstone Park as well as several other major city parks.
Scioto Trail Park, 2951 S. High St. Columbus, OH 43207
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The first greenway ever built in Columbus, the Scioto Trail has been a treasured resource for hikers and cyclists in the city since 1976. It's still a favorite local bike path, with sections on either side of the Scioto River, including the downtown riverfront, where you can get a great view of the Columbus skyline. The most well-known section of the path is the Scioto Mile, which includes a string of prominent parks, promenades, and landmarks. Near the south edge of Downtown Columbus, the trail traverses the beautiful Scioto Audubon Park, including a trailhead at the Audubon Nature Center. The Scioto Trail also directly connects to the Olentangy Trail.
7262 Hayden Run Road, Hilliard, OH 43026
Following an old abandoned rail line from Old Hilliard to Cemetery Pike, the Heritage Trail one of the less-used bike paths in the Columbus area. That makes it a great place to beat the crowds, although the Heritage Dog Park at one end of the trail does make it a popular spot for dog walking. Paved, well maintained, and easy to follow, it's a great place for an afternoon bike ride, passing through about 7 miles of fields and farmlands just outside Columbus.
Three Creeks Metropark, 3860 Bixby Road, Groveport, OH 43125
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Running parallel to its namesake creek for most of its 18-mile length, the Blacklick Creek Greenway stretches from Reynoldsburg to Groveport on the southeastern edge of Columbus. There are several parks and trails in the Columbus area where you can hop on the Blacklick Creek Greenway, but a favorite spot is Three Creeks Metro Park. This park marks the spot where the Alum, Big Walnut, and Blacklick creeks join; and it's also home to sections of both the Blacklick Creek Greenway and the Alum Creek Greenway.
Chestnut Ridge Metro Park, 8445 Winchester Road NW, Carroll, OH 43112
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While many of Columbus' bike paths are great for easy rambles along relatively flat, paved trailways, the mountain bike trail at Chestnut Ridge Metro Park offers something a little more extreme. Just a few miles southeast of Columbus, Chestnut Ridge is actually the first ridge of the Appalachian Mountains, and the Chestnut Ridge Mountain Bike Trail is a great place for an intense mountain biking experience. The trail runs a little over 9 miles through deep woods, with many steep climbs and descents, along with a few bridges and some steep, banked turns. The trail is divided into two loops, one for beginner to intermediate mountain bikers, and the other for experienced cyclists only.
Inniswood Metro Gardens, 940 S. Hempstead Road, Westerville, OH 43081
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The Big Walnut Trail stretches a little over 10 miles through several Columbus area parks, including Inniswood Metro Gardens, a lovely botanical garden and nature preserve that's open free of charge seven days a week to the general public. Popular for jogging and dog walking as well as biking, the Big Walnut Trail is a paved multi-use trail that also offers expansive views of Hoover Reservoir and the parks along the lakeshore.
Battelle Darby Creek Metropark, 1775 Darby Creek Dr, Galloway, OH 43119
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Just over 16 miles long, the Camp Chase trail runs between the cities of London and Columbus, acting as a connector between Madison and Franklin counties. The trail is relatively level and easy for biking, consisting of paved double-track that follows the course of a railroad line. In addition to being a great biking spot for Columbus residents, the Camp Chase Trail is also a crucial link in the much longer Ohio to Erie Trail, which stretches 326 miles across the state of Ohio from southwest to northeast.
Did we forget to mention your favorite trail? Be sure to let us know in the comments section!

The popularity of Asian food in the Columbus area now extends to a beverage. Bubble tea, created in Taiwan during the 1980s, usually contains milk and sugar along with a wide range of "toppings." While these add-ins include red beans, pudding and jelly, the most common one is tapioca pearls that give bubble tea its distinctive, Instagram-ready look.
Whether you're a bubble tea newbie or long-time fan, you'll find your perfect drink at these wonderful tea and juice shops (and one sushi joint!) around Columbus.
809 Bethel Road, Columbus, OH 43214
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If you want a primer on bubble tea, head to The Brewed Leaf. Customers rave about the authenticity and wide range of drink options available. In addition to tapioca pearls, you can choose from toppings such as wild rice, red bean, pudding, and aloe. The Brewed Leaf even has tea topped with a layer of cream cheese, a popular variation in China that gives the tea a welcome savory touch. Settle in with your drink over one of the board games the shop keeps on hand. Hours are 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. daily.
2781 Olentangy River Road, Columbus, OH 43202
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It may not be a traditional culinary duo like spaghetti and meatballs or bacon and eggs, but Chicken & Tea has become a favorite combo around Columbus. The food truck serves bubble tea along with traditional Taiwanese fried chicken dishes, including their signature giant chicken cutlet that's the size of your head. Complete your meal with sweet potato fries or fried broccoli, green beans, or mushrooms. Chicken & Tea operates March through November, so check their Facebook page for updates. Standard hours are 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. weekdays and 4 p.m. - 8 p.m. weekends.
982 N. High St., Columbus, OH 43201
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ZenCha Tea Salon has the elegantly soothing ambiance you associate with drinking tea. ZenCha's mission of promoting international tea arts is accomplished by their professionally-trained "tea ambassadors," who are charged with providing elite customer service and helpful knowledge to all customers. The tea menu lists nearly 100 options from Asia, Europe and Africa, while bubble tea comes in delicious flavors such as peach, hazelnut, and caramel. Enjoy classic afternoon tea, including finger sandwiches, scones, and petite sweets, weekdays from 2 p.m. - 5 p.m. Stop in from 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. Monday and Wednesday through Friday, 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Sunday, when brunch is served all day.
921 E. Johnstown Road, Columbus, OH 43230
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East meets West at Pochi Café with its blend of bubble teas and made-to-order sub sandwiches crafted with fresh meats and cheeses. Sandwiches like chicken parmesan, cheesesteak, and Italian come in 6-, 10- and 20-inch sizes. Other drink choices include smoothies with exotic flavors such as taro-coconut, peach-lychee, and mango-passion fruit. The updated diner-style seating area suits Pochi Café's stated belief in "The Art of Relaxing." Hours are 10:30 a.m. - 9 p.m. weekdays and 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. weekends.
2899 N. High St., Columbus, OH 43202
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Like a little karaoke with your bubble tea? Little Moon Café & Tea hosts Karaoke Night every Saturday from 6 p.m. - 10 p.m. With other regular events such as Monday Game Nights and Tuesday Euchre League, the charming café is a great place to hang out with old friends and make new ones. Each Monday at 1:30 p.m., Little Moon also serves as the base for Clintonville Entrepreneurship Center, a community resource for current and aspiring small business owners. Little Moon is open daily from 1 p.m. - 9 p.m. except Friday and Saturday, when hours are extended to 10 p.m.
1502 N. High St., Columbus, OH 43201
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How good is the bubble tea at Knobu Sushi? Satisfied customers talk about the bubble tea as much as they do the sushi. What makes Knobu Sushi's bubble tea so special? The right degree of sweetness, size of the tapioca pearls and pearl-to-tea ratio. Sushi itself comes primarily in three different forms: rolls, burritos, and poke bowls, with each order customized for your choice of ingredients. Hours are 11 a.m. - 9:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. - 10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 11:30 a.m. - 9:30 p.m. Sunday.
1440 Bethel Road, Columbus, OH 43220
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"Life is uncertain ... eat dessert first." Sometimes you just want to get down to the good stuff, and those are the times you head to Wali Dessert. Bubble tea fits perfectly into their menu of ice cream, smoothies, juices, and baked goods. Sit back in one of the comfy chairs or couches and indulge your sweet tooth. Order online for quick take-out. Wali Dessert is open noon - 10 p.m. every day but Tuesday.
5025 Olentangy River Road, Columbus, OH 43214
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Want a light lunch to go with your bubble tea? Tea Zone Bakery & Café fits the bill. The menu features ramen and udon, two classic noodle dishes, along with lunch boxes that include your choice of protein with rice and kimchi. Be sure to try the bingsoo, a traditional Korean shaved ice dessert topped with fruit, ice cream, and other yummy add-ins. Don't leave without picking up some of the amazing baked goods such as potato bacon bread, apple fritters, or fresh fruit cake. Hours are 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Thursday and 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
3951 Easton Square Place E., Columbus, OH 43219
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Add a little variety to your bubble tea at Koko Tea Salon & Bakery. Instead of tapioca pearls, go with popping pearls filled with strawberry, mango, or peach juice. Koko specializes in cupcakes, another sweet treat with widespread popularity. Mix and match from the extensive list of cake and icing flavors that includes salty caramel, cake batter, peppermint, and Hawaiian coconut. If you want a more classic tea experience, Koko's downtown location at 361 E. Broad St. is open exclusively as a tea house. Events include lunch hour teas, traditional high teas, mimosa teas, kids' teas, and themed teas. Reservations are required. Hours at Easton Square are 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and noon - 6 p.m. Sunday.
1990 N. High St., Columbus OH 43201
The name may not be literal, but it's close. Between bubble tea, fresh tea, slushes, espresso, and punch, Millions of Milk Tea has a seemingly endless number of beverage options. While beverages are the main event, Millions of Milk Tea also has a similarly impressive menu of Chinese appetizers, soups, and entrées. You could probably eat lunch AND dinner every day for a year without ever repeating a meal. Millions of Milk Tea is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Which beverage found in Columbus fits you to a "tea?"