Agent Spotlight: Sarah Abbitt

We are proud of the team we have built at Vutech | Ruff, Cutler Real Estate. Our team of qualified agents stands as the cornerstone of our real estate agency, bringing a wealth of experience, expertise, and dedication to guide you through your real estate journey.  

We are excited to share more about the team behind Vutech | Ruff, Cutler Real Estate. Keep reading to get to know Sarah Abbitt. 

Tell us a little bit about your path to becoming a realtor 

I began my education at Capital University in Nursing.  I realized nursing wasn’t for me and switched gears to work on my associate degree at Columbus State.  During this time, I worked full-time for an insurance software company, Ebix Inc., formerly Peak Performance.  While working for the software company, I managed several different areas within the company.  I worked on HR processing, payroll / AR / AP, planning conferences, and managing colleges.  While working at Ebix / Peak, I had the experience of merging three multi-million-dollar companies.  This work experience helped shape my career and prepare me for managing my own business.  After staying home for a few years to raise my children, I returned to college and obtained my bachelor’s degree in business at Franklin University.  I graduated from Franklin University the same year I obtained my Real Estate License.  I had big goals in 2016!  After obtaining my license, I joined the Vutech-Ruff team in June of 2016.   

Flashback to when you were 10 years old. What do you want to be when you grow up? 

When I was 10 years old, I lived in Nashville, TN.  I lived near Alan Jackson and Dolly Parton.  I went to school with Travis Tritt’s daughter and my friend’s mother had written a song for Patty Loveless.  I remember visiting the Grand Olde Opry and thinking to myself how cool it would be to be a famous singer.   

Why did you choose to become a realtor? 

By the time I was in high school, my parents had owned 12 different homes.  I lived in 7 of those.  As my family picked up to move each time, my interest in viewing properties grew stronger.  I enjoyed seeing the different architecture and styles of homes in the varying cities.  As I grew older, it was intriguing to me to be able to run my own business while still being able to love what I do.  I also loved the fact that I could build my schedule around my children or work from home as needed.   

What’s your favorite thing about living in Central Ohio? 

My favorite thing about living in Central Ohio is the proximity to so many different things: Hocking Hills, Buckeye Lake, Short North, Easton Town Center, Polaris Mall, OSU Stadium, Blendon Woods, Blue Jackets Ice Rink, and so much more!  Being born in Columbus, I have witnessed Columbus’s growth since the early 80’s.  The downtown area has transformed in more ways than one.  The development that our city is putting into our infrastructure, parks, and business is drastically different than what I have seen in years prior, and this is a direct reflection of the growth our city is experiencing.   

What excites you the most about the Central Ohio housing market? 

The growth we are going to witness over the next 7-10 years is going to be astonishing.  To hear headline news call us the next “Silicon Valley” is very exciting.   

Describe your typical day for us. 

Part of my morning routine includes checking the MLS for new listings, coming soons, and automated searches I have set up for my clients.  If I see any listings that could be of interest to any of my clients, I reach out to them to gauge their interest.  I check my schedule for showings that day and check each of my transactions to make sure they are on target for closing.  Later in the morning, I like to catch a Jazzercise class before jumping headfirst into my day. 

What sets Vutech | Ruff, Cuter Real Estate apart from other brokerages? 

Just as our motto states, “We are the dream experience”.  When working with a Vuetch-Ruff agent, our clients rest assured knowing they will have a quality experience along the way.  The Vutech-Ruff team is based on building relationships, not just closing transactions.  I tell my clients at every closing, “Things don’t end here.  Please utilize me as a resource moving forward.”  I, as do my teammates, genuinely enjoy receiving updates on our clients’ home improvement projects, marriages, additions to the family, etc.. As I look inward to our team, I am thankful to work for a team that functions as a family business and truly cares about the well-being of each individual on the team.  

What special skills or talents do you have that others may not know about? 

It has been a couple of years since I picked it up, but I have played the violin since 4th grade.  In high school, I was the second chair seat, and I played with the Columbus Symphony Orchestra.  When my girlfriend got married, she asked me to play during her wedding ceremony.  I was also a color guard in high school and marched in the Rose Bowl Parade.  Although those days are long gone, I did participate in the alumni ceremony three years ago with my alumni band.  Currently, I enjoy Jazzercise classes as a means of working out.  

Tell us a little bit about your family. 

My family consists of my two children, Tagan (13) and Scarlett (10), and my two cockaliers, Luna and Nova.  My children stay active with hockey, mountain biking and dance.  When they aren’t busy with their own activities, they enjoy helping me with showings, playing with our dogs, and spending time with friends and family.  My extended family all live within a couple of miles of me.  We have several family gatherings a year, which consist of 30 people or more.  My two children are the youngest of 12 grandchildren but do well at keeping up with the older clan.  

What do you like to do in your spare time? 

My favorite thing to do in my spare time is travel.  My number one location is the beach but as I get older, I am yearning to view more historical landmarks.  When I am not traveling, I like to entertain friends and family or participate in family and friend gatherings.  

What are three things you can’t live without? 

My family, my dogs, and my health. 

Finding your dream home is one thing. Your dream experience is another. Contact us to discuss.  

What To Expect in the Central Ohio Housing Market: Fall 2023 

When we talk about the housing market in Central Ohio, the common theme is around interest rates – higher rates. Sellers only want to sell if necessary, and buyers continue to have difficulty finding homes due to low inventory.  

It can be hard to understand what is happening right now, as well as what to expect as we head into the final quarter of 2023. Based on our years of experience, here are three trends we expect to continue in the Central Ohio housing market this fall. 

Sellers will have a decision to make 

Sellers are deciding if they really “have” to move. The frenzy of record-high housing prices we have seen over the last few years is starting to cool down as the market is trending toward stabilization. 

Keep in mind that many homeowners have established equity in their homes and are sitting on a mortgage payment with a record low of 2-4% interest rate. In fact, the Columbus Board of Realtors recently reported that between January 1 and June 30, homes, on average, appreciated by over 20%. And they will continue to increase in value, contributing to higher home prices. 

The good news is that we are seeing an increase in inventory and fewer bidding wars.  

Buyers regain negotiating power 

Now that the buyers have more options, they have gained some leverage. While still contingent on factors including financial situation, property, neighborhood, etc., buyers are beginning to see opportunities such as:

  • • Opportunities for negotiation 
  • • The ability to offer under-asking if they have cash 
  • • Less money out of pocket 
  • • Less waiving of appraisals, contingencies, etc.

Less focus on interest rates 

Interest rates are higher; there is no way to avoid that. But there are other ways to save money when buying a new home in the current market. Remember those opportunities for negotiation that we mentioned?  

Our seasoned real estate expert Jacquie Goumas Fox notes, “People have grown accustomed to the higher interest rates. They have accepted them for what they are and factor that into their budget.”  

The bottom line 

The supply/demand imbalance will continue in Central Ohio. With the news of Intel, there are plenty of economic drivers for business, and entertainment opportunities are abundant. The fact is that while we have always known that Central Ohio is a great place to live, the rest of the world is figuring it out for themselves and the desire to live here will remain high.  

When you are ready to have a conversation about buying or selling, turn to our trusted team at Vutech | Ruff to help you navigate the complexities of the Central Ohio real estate market. We go beyond the standard practice and work collaboratively and creatively to help you reach your desired outcome.

It’s one thing to find your dream home, it’s another to have your dream experience. 

The Vutech | Ruff Way

The Vutech | Ruff Way

With the real estate market on a never-ending “rollercoaster” of highs (interest rate hikes) to lows (low inventory), it is no wonder why it is so challenging to navigate the complexities of buying and selling a home. This is why we have stood by our #1 goal, and that is to make the process as easy as possible for our customers.   

We were recently asked the question; how do you best describe an experience with Vutech | Ruff brokerage? We believe it is these six points that differentiate us from others in the industry.   

  • Simply put, we know Central Ohio. From the schools to the communities to all those “little things” you just would not know about Central Ohio unless you have lived and worked here your entire life. Marilyn Vutech and Jeff Ruff have been partners since 1993 and boast a team of fourteen licensed agents who specialize in all areas of real estate, including buying, selling, investing, and relocation to Central Ohio. Inside track? We think so!  

  • In this challenging market, experience is KEY. Not only has Vutech | Ruff been serving Columbus, Ohio for over three decades, but we recently joined the Cutler Real Estate brand which has been helping people buy and sell homes for 75 years. Their core values emulate ours and our combined experience and expertise are unparalleled in the market.   

  • We offer effective strategies and superior services. Buying and selling homes looks a lot different now than it did just a few years ago. Technology and digital spaces have never played such an integral role in real estate, which makes the access to tools and resources that we have since joining the Cutler Real Estate brand simply invaluable. And, frankly, they are tools that others in our industry do not have.   

  

“The technology and support from Vutech | Ruff, and the constant commitment to excellence, gives them a very boutique-like feel without feeling antiquated.”  

  

  • Our combined team approach works. From open houses to showings to just “having each other’s back”, our commitment to one another and our clients comes across in everything we do. When asking our clients for words to describe our team, we were given “professional, down-to-earth, and very reliable.”  

  • We personalize…everything. We believe that listening to your needs first is what builds a strong partnership in which we can work best together. Things like requirements, budget, and lifestyle must be at the forefront of our goals.   

  • Dream homes are one thing. Your dream experience with the process is another. We understand the emotional toll that listing and/or searching for your home can take on you and your family. We hope to make the process as easy as possible- from home inspectors and mortgage brokers to lawyers and contractors, we can connect you with the best in the business.   

The real estate process is complex, and our goal is to make it smooth and stress-free for you. Our “all-in” approach and out-of-the-box thinking, along with our years of experience and expertise allow us to deliver the highest quality of service to you. This is how we describe the Vutech | Ruff experience.