PAULDING COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PRESS RELEASE                   February 20, 2025

PAULDING – The Paulding County Economic Development (PCED) office recently hosted a regional Realtor Roundtable discussion on Friday, February 14th.  The purpose of the roundtable was to hear directly from Megan Foos, the Chief Executive Officer of the Northwest Ohio Realtors Association, and allow time to address the obstacles and concerns faced by realtors.

Many regional realtors were invited to attend.  Representatives from Strahley Realty, Gorrell Brothers Realty, Foltz Realty, Realty 5, and Coldwell Banker Classic Properties attended.

In addition, two students from Wayne Trace High School, who have an interest in researching whether realty is a good fit for their future, participated in the round table.

Foos shared data about average home sale prices in the region and county, in addition to a number of home sales.  Realtors expressed their concerns about the lack of current viable inventory, although it was noted that this is a nationwide issue, not just in Paulding County.

Another noted significant concern was the language barriers faced by realtors when working with individuals who do not speak English proficiently.  This seems to be a growing issue in the county and region.  The group shared a variety of options they have been using to overcome the barrier.

The students were asked what questions they had in regard to both this meeting and the industry overall.  Lots of interactive discussions followed as the realtors shared best and worst practices in their training and development in the industry.  Foos shared various educational opportunities available to new and established realtors. This led to Ohio Tech Cred discussion in regard to training reimbursement funding available.

In what has become a resourceful, requested, and welcome annual meeting in Paulding County, the meeting closed out with open questions and valuable insights shared and addressed by attendees.