Brandt Hawkins at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Platinum Realty Group

03/27/2026

🏡 JUST LISTED in Marengo!
Welcome to your slice of country living with room to breathe and space to grow! 🌳✨ This beautiful property at 4920 Township Rd 179 offers the perfect blend of comfort, privacy, and functionality.
Featuring a spacious layout, updated kitchen, and cozy living areas, this home is ideal for both everyday living and entertaining. Step outside and enjoy wide-open views, mature trees, and plenty of land to make your own—whether that’s gardening, recreation, or simply relaxing in peace.
💰 Offered at $459,900
📍 4920 Township Rd 179, Marengo
If you’ve been searching for a home that combines modern updates with a peaceful rural setting, this one is a must-see!
📲 Message me for details or to schedule your private showing.
HomeForSale AcreageLiving RealtorLife

09/02/2025

Year 14 ❤️
I can’t imagine this life without you. This past year has brought so much change, yet one thing has remained constant — you. Your unwavering faithfulness, love, support, commitment, and that incredible smile have been a constant source of strength and hope.
Together, we’ve grown — in our marriage, in our faith, and in our walk with the Lord. With Him at the center, I truly believe the best is yet to come.
I love you .hawkins11

05/08/2025

Going slow in a fast world

It's not always possible...

But I never regret making time for these things.

The weekend is almost here ... how do you plan to unwind?

04/18/2025

04/18/2025

Homeownership feeling like a far away fantasy?

Today, I’m sharing some philosophies from the man who wrote the book on personal finance. These tips have helped me tremendously (and have brought many closer to their home-owning dreams).

Please welcome to the stage: Warren Buffett

1) Monitor your finances: Be aware of the inflows and outflows by tracking income and expenses using budgeting tools like Copilot or You Need a Budget (YNAB).

2) Automate savings and investments: Set up automatic transfers to prioritize saving before other expenses, where possible.

3) Monthly progress meetings: Regularly review your spending and budget to stay focused and celebrate any wins.

4) Extra cash toward your goals: Put any windfalls (tax refunds, birthday gifts, bonuses) straight into savings.

5) Open a HYSA: A high-yield savings account (free) can earn you between ~ 4-5% annually. Use any extra income to build a 6-month emergency fund, then tackle medium-term goals (hello house!).

6) Resist lifestyle inflation: Keep it simple—stick to the older paid off car and save those extra dollars.

7) Tackle debt: Prioritize paying off high-interest debt and navigate interest rates and loan terms adeptly to reduce your overall burden.

8) Avoid unnecessary expenses: New gadget on your mind? Ask yourself if it aligns with long term goals. To be sure, sit on it for a month before purchasing.

If these tips make you eager to get started, reach out. I'd love to help you put together a plan that will set you on the path towards home ownership.

brandthawkins.com

Source: [34 Frugal Living Tips That Really Work: Warren Buffett's Saving Money Habits - New Trader U](https://www.newtraderu.com/2023/06/07/34-frugal-living-tips-that-really-work-warren-buffetts-saving-money-habits/)

04/16/2025

From good to GREAT

When it comes to an agent making an impact at a listing, the little things *are actually the BIG things.*

Of course, it's critical for us to nail the obvious things like killer photos & videos, staging and pricing your home right...but there's more!

Go ahead and swipe for what I believe to be small tweaks that take a listing from good to great.

brandthawkins.com

03/17/2025

CONFESSION

I need help!

You know the saying, "It takes a village?"

Turns out it's true for real estate, too.

This year comes with ambitious goals and a steadfast commitment to serving my clients. (Now, here is where I want you to come into the picture!)

You may know someone who has been contemplating buying or selling their home. Maybe they've been avidly searching for the perfect property or have meticulously prepared their own for the market. These are the very people I need your help connecting with.

The truth is: Referrals from friends and family are often the most reliable way to find a trusted real estate agent. Your recommendation could be the link to someone's dream home or a seamless sale.

If you've got someone in mind, don't hesitate to send me a message. I’d love to be a resource to them!

brandthawkins.com

03/11/2025

Congrats to my buyers on the successful closing of their new condo.

02/26/2025

2025 is kicking off with some notable shifts in the central Ohio housing market. January saw a 3.3% dip in closed sales compared to last year, but inventory is up by 34%, offering buyers more options. New listings have increased by 7.4%, showing that things are far from stagnant. With an average mortgage rate of 7.09%, it’s clear that buyers are still navigating some higher rates, but this could change soon.

Despite slower sales, some areas are seeing serious growth—Teays Valley saw a 92% jump in closings, and Grove City saw a 44% increase. The median sale price is up 4.8%, sitting at $299,900, with homes now taking about 43 days to sell on average, compared to 35 days last year. The outlook remains strong, and if mortgage rates drop, expect sales to pick up.

Thinking about making a move? Now’s a good time to get serious. Contact me today to talk strategy, whether you're buying or selling.

brandthawkins.com

02/19/2025

💰The small tweak that saved my buyers $50,000

There's one thing I encourage every single one of my buyers to consider...

👉 Making bi-weekly payments on their mortgage

Let's compare a traditional monthly payment vs. a bi-weekly payment.

Purchase price: $500,000

- 20% down ($100,000)
- $400,000 loan
- 30-year fixed at 6.5%
- Regular monthly payment = $2,528

MONTHLY PAYMENT METHOD

- 12 payments per year
- Total interest paid: $510,080 (yep, it's more than the loan!)
- Total paid over 30 years: $910,080 ← almost $1 MILLION by the time you've paid your loan!

BI-WEEKLY PAYMENT METHOD

- 26 half-payments = 13 full payments per year
- $1,264 every two weeks (half of the monthly payment)
- Pay off mortgage 4 years earlier
- Total interest paid: $461,325
- TOTAL SAVINGS: $48,755 🎉

🤯 YOU READ THAT CORRECTLY:

That extra payment each year (which happens naturally with bi-weekly payments) can save you nearly $50K in interest!

I'm super passionate about this topic because it's such a simple strategy to save.

💡 OTHER WAYS TO SAVE:
- Adding $200/month extra could save you $100K or more
- Round up your payment to the nearest $100
- Put tax returns toward your principal
- Use work bonuses for extra payments

brandthawkins.com

02/05/2025

Ever wondered about the various factors influencing your home's worth? Here's a quick rundown:

1) Proximity to amenities, schools, and transportation.
2) Square footage and the number of bedrooms and bathrooms.
3) Age and condition.
4) Recent sales prices of similar homes in your area.
5) The current state of the local property market.
6) Special features, home upgrades, and construction quality.
7) Local factors like employment rates and overall economic health.
8) The number of homes available vs. buyers.

Want to know what your home is worth in today’s market? DM me your address and email, and I'll send you a Comprehensive Market Analysis specific to your home.

brandthawkins.com