DWELL513

06/24/2026

Before real estate, Doug was building homes.

He spent years as a contractor — running five carpentry crews, framing homes across the tri-state, and building 40 to 60 of his own semi-custom homes around Cincinnati. He'd find the property, dig the foundation, and hand over the keys. Then the housing recession hit, almost overnight. Within about two weeks, the market flipped upside down.

Doug made the call: do contracting and sales both, mediocre — or focus on one. He pulled his crews aside, hung up the tool belt, and went all in on real estate. Even in the worst market in decades, he found a way to help people move.

He's an Ohio University grad with a degree in art history — Southern Italian Renaissance, to be specific — and a former college wrestler. Eighteen years later, he still loves this work.

06/24/2026

🎉🎂 Happy Birthday to our rockstar buyer agent, Erika Hall! 🎂🎉

If you've been searching for a home lately, chances are Erika has been busy working her magic and writing winning offers! 🏡✨ Her dedication, drive, and commitment to her clients make her an invaluable part of the DWELL513 team.

From competing as a collegiate soccer athlete to helping homebuyers navigate every step of the real estate journey, Erika brings the same determination, teamwork, and hustle to everything she does. When she's not helping clients find the perfect home, you can find her spending time with family or jogging along the river with her beloved labradoodle. 🐾

Join us in wishing Erika a very Happy Birthday and an amazing year ahead! 🎈🎁🎉

06/23/2026

Meet Doug Spitz.

Eighteen years in Cincinnati real estate, after a first career building homes himself. In this video, Doug talks through how he got here, how he actually finds people the right home, and a few things you didn't know about him — including what he does on a day off (when real estate lets him have one).

He's lived in this city, built in this city, and helped a lot of people find their place in it. This is a little bit of why.

We're here when you're ready.

06/22/2026

What is earnest money?

It's a deposit that tells the seller you mean it.

When you submit an offer, earnest money is your financial show of good faith. It's not the down payment. It's not closing costs. It's the signal that says — I'm serious about this house.

And in a competitive situation, that signal matters. Two offers in front of a seller, similar terms — one with $500 down, one with $4,000 down. The higher deposit doesn't just look better. It demonstrates more commitment, more sincerity, more skin in the game.

Before you tour your first home, understand what earnest money is and what it communicates.

Doug breaks it down in this short video.

06/20/2026

Saturday proof:

“Doug Spitz sold my house in a couple of days. Stages the home perfectly to get more than asking price.”

— A DWELL513 client, Google review

Thinking about selling this summer? We're here when you're ready.

06/19/2026

When do you deliver earnest money?

The moment your offer is accepted — move quickly.

You don't have to hand over the deposit when you write the offer. But once the seller signs, the clock starts. The standard contract defaults to three business days. Wire it or bring a physical check — either works.

It goes into a brokerage escrow account, not to the seller directly. There's no reason for the seller to hold it, and keeping it neutral protects you if the contract ever terminates on your terms.

Simple rule: accepted contract, move fast.

Doug covers the full timeline in this short video.

06/19/2026

The Savannah Bananas take over Great American Ball Park this weekend — Banana Ball like nothing else in sports.

Fri June 19, Sat June 20, Sun June 21: three nights of dancing players, two-hour games, and a packed riverfront. (Tickets were lottery-only and are expected to sell out — if you're going, you already know.)

Today is also Juneteenth. Celebrations are happening across the city — a good weekend to explore a neighborhood you don't know yet.

Where: Great American Ball Park, 100 Joe Nuxhall Way.

06/18/2026

First home? Deep breath. You're not doing this alone.

“I was a first-time homebuyer and I could not have been placed in better hands. They made a very overwhelming process seem a lot less scary.”

— A DWELL513 client, Google review

We're here when you're ready.

06/18/2026

What protections do you have with earnest money?

The contract works in your favor — if you work with it.

Your deposit sits in a neutral brokerage account, not with the seller. If you close, it goes toward your purchase price. If you terminate under the contract terms, it comes back to you.

The protections are there. But they require you to know your dates, follow your contingencies, and stay inside the terms. Default outside of those — and the seller may have the right to keep it as damages.

Know the contract. Know your dates. The rest takes care of itself.

Doug walks through the key protections in this short video.

06/17/2026

Ideally located between the vibrant Over-the-Rhine and the Pendleton Historic District, 1210 Sycamore Street offers a rare opportunity to own a building in one of downtown Cincinnati’s most dynamic and walkable areas.​

Just steps from the Hamilton County Courthouse and only a short distance from the Pendleton Art Center, this thoughtfully updated building provides four flexible commercial spaces ideal for office, retail, or creative business concepts.

The property has undergone significant updating, creating clean, neutral, move-in ready environments designed to suit a wide variety of businesses.​ The first and second floors were remodeled, featuring reclaimed hardwood floors, exposed brick that has been cleaned, sealed, and tuckpointed, and updated electrical systems including wiring, panels, and modern lighting.​ New ductless HVAC units provide efficient, independent climate control for each space.​ The third and fourth floors are also ready for occupancy, with final flooring selections to be chosen.

Beyond the interior improvements, the entire property has been refreshed inside and out.​ Positioned on a highly visible downtown corridor and surrounded by options for immediate parking, the building sits next to Saeso Craft Cocktail Bar and directly across from the iconic Sugar n' Spice Diner.​ The surrounding area is filled with law offices, professional services, art destinations, and neighborhood amenities, along with nearby Ziegler Park and abundant parking options.​ Easy access to major north- and southbound highways makes commuting convenient for employees and clients alike.

The building offers four separate units, each with its own utilities and independent heating and cooling systems.​ Street access to the first floor unit and elevator and stair access to floor 2,3, and 4 supports both multi-tenant and single-user configurations, allowing flexibility for growing businesses, boutique retail, professional offices, or collaborative workspaces.
If this has been on your radar, we're here when you're ready.

513-616-3798 · dwell513.com

Call now to connect with business.