Michael Bishop, the cooler, Real Estate Agent, Howard Hanna. 614-600-4554 Call/text. Specializes in helping clients buy, sell, invest in properties. New build home sales & licensed Realtor in OH over 20 years. Focused on Columbus & Central OH. Also counties: Franklin, Licking, Delaware, Fairfield, Union, Madison, Pickaway & beyond. In-depth market knowledge & data. A top realtor, top negotiation skills, plus a network of industry contacts also helping clients. Achieving optimal results, our reputation is based on service & quality. Helping home, condo, and all types of residential property buyers, sellers. Using closed sales, numbers, facts and data. Often called comps, covering 1-3 years. Realtor who - Helps clients: Know the Numbers.
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Michael Bishop, the cooler, Real Estate Agent, Howard Hanna
We were in the area visiting friends and thought we'd look at some properties for sale while there. I have toured properties for sale in a dozen states, owned four homes and one piece of land and designed a home for it in three states, and sold three homes. I have never left a property more angry than I did after meeting Michael Bishop. I did NOT need comps or cost per square footage described to me in detail, or what a "cellar" is, or any of the other mansplaining he did. But the absolute kicker was the form he demanded I signed *after* showing me the property, stating it was "required" because he showed me the property. What it was was a legal document requiring me to use him as my agent. I have never, EVER been asked to sign anything just to look at a property for sale and I would never work with someone so unscrupulous again.
JD
Joe Deafenbaugh
Aug 16, 2025
5.0
Michael is an active and engaged agent, which is refreshing to see. He was highly communicative and consistently present for his clients throughout the entire process. From my perspective as the home inspector, it was clear that he prioritized his clients’ best interests and made sure they had the support and guidance they needed at every step. I would not hesitate to recommend Michael’s services to anyone looking to purchase a home.
DJ
Dion Jackson
Jul 23, 2025
5.0
Great realtor to work with!
JD
Jos dPau
Jul 20, 2025
5.0
Me and my husband we are first time homebuyer. We used Michael to purchased our first home. We learned a lot from him from beginning till closing. He was very helpful and always available whenever we schedule to see the house. He is well experienced in the field that makes us confident as well all through the process. We would highly recommend him to anyone looking for a realtor.
JK
John Kalo
Jul 19, 2025
5.0
I have never use Mike as a Realtor, but I've worked on the other side of a deal with him. Mike as the Buyers Agent, me as the Listing Agent and I'll say two simple things. 1. I would be happy to work on the other side of a deal with him again, he is sensible, collaborative and does his best to keep moving forward despite the road blocks that may occur, and we had a few. 2. If I wasn't a Realtor and needed one, I would absolutely consider Mike. Please keep in mind because I'm a Realtor, I know many Realtors, and I know many other good ones I'd consider. Bottom line is, there are some lazy, incompetent Realtors out there. Mike is not one of them. Great guy, great Realtor, it was a pleasure working a deal with you!
Frequently Asked Questions About Michael Bishop, the cooler, Real Estate Agent, Howard Hanna
The NAR lawsuit settlement. Does this mean home, or condo, buyers now have to pay commissions to the agent, realtor, real estate agent or buyer's broker?
Yes. No. Maybe. That seems like avoiding the question but it is accurate.
One definite change is - Buyers now must sign a document with the agent, or realtor prior to viewing a property for sale. The document will address the fact the buyer agent, expects compensation for services. If the property seller is not paying the expected fee, then the buyer(s) may be obligated to pay the fee, or the portion not covered by the property seller.
This became effective in August 2024. How it will impact real estate in Central Ohio is still undetermined. The general premise as I understand this was to make it more clear to property buyers, that the person representing them, through the purchase process is getting paid for their service.
In most cases sellers have paid the fees, costs or commissions.
Example: The process has been the seller pays a fee of 6% to their listing broker. The listing broker then often offered the buyer's broker a fee of 3% - or half the total commission paid by the seller.
This information was published on most MLS's so all agents could see if commissions were offered and if so - how much. This information will no longer be visible to agents via the MLS. It can be published though many other sites but not in the MLS.
The buyer representation form used by my current broker gives two options for duration of the agreement. #1. The first one is a long term because it automatically renews up to one year. I wouldn't want to sign that, so I'll recommend the second option #2. which provides a start date and end date. It extends automatically, but only if the buyer is in contract. If in contract it extends through the purchase close date.
Summary suggestion: Go for a short term agreement.
My recommendation is something like #2. If you've just met your agent. How do you know if you'll like them? Are you confident in their knowledge and experience? Do you understand what they are telling you? Do you feel like you are gaining knowledge about housing, the market and the process? Are they responsive to your calls, emails and text messages? Are they available when you need them?
Until you have these basic needs satisfied, I would stick to shorter term representation. If your agent does a good job. And continues to do a good job, you can continue to renew any necessary forms.
But you don't want to find out, after signing some long term agreement that the agent really isn't very timely.
I’m thinking about buying a home, what should I do first?
Great question.
The most common answer is you need to talk to a lender and get pre-approved.
I mostly agree; however, that's not any type of requirement. If you know your credit is good and your savings are sufficient, then you can likely pass on this initially. That doesn't mean you shouldn't get pre-approved early in the process. A pre-approval is needed sometimes in the early stages so you can make an offer, if the situation merits!
What are good second and third steps when getting started on the home buying process?
Try to determine where you'd like to live: This might be a county, a specific city, it could be a zip code, a school district, or maybe as specific as a neighborhood or street.
Find a local expert that helps you find properties and get you into see the ones you like - quickly. I'd recommend an agent that you can call, text, or email and they respond back- FAST. The market is slower (2024) but it is still quite competitive. If you miss out on seeing homes you like, because your agent is not available. Or your agent doesn't answer your phone call. Or your agent doesn't respond to text messages, or just is not getting you into see the properties. That agent is either too busy, or too unprofessional (my opinion), their failure to call back, text back, email you back can cause you to have "lost opportunities.
You don't want to say "I found a perfect property but my agent didn't answer"; or we didn't get a chance to see it. Or my agent couldn't get me in for a few days and while we waited it sold to someone else.
When can I go see homes or properties I like?
Typically, even with vacant properties, the showing times will typically have to fall between 8 AM and 8PM.
Some are more restrictive and a few may be more open on the schedule times.
One issue is the newer electronic lockboxes (where the key is stored) also have some time limitations for when they operate.
There are also occasions where the responsible party to be called, does not answer, or return phone calls, emails, or text messages. Obviously, those properties can be hard to see.
Regarding seeing properties. What if me and my partner are on different schedules?
This can be challenging. The ideal way is for both to go together, but in the real world, sometimes this is difficult. I urge a buyer, or buyers to see the property ASAP. So the recommendation I give is to go ASAP, as the norm.
If only one can go that is fine. If the first person (A) doesn't like the property - then the one who hasn't see it, generally says no need to schedule them in to see it.
If person A, does like it, then a second showing can be scheduled ASAP for buyer two (B). Over the ~20 years in real estate - I've found when two are buying, then in almost 100% of those cases, both have to like the property and be in agreement about proceeding.
If your agent is not willing to do the extra work to make it happen - are they truly looking out for your interests? Buyers already have tough market conditions, so I would advise taking a view that the agent should be your ally. Working above and beyond to make the magic happen.
If you are a committed buyer, shouldn't you also have a real estate agent committed to helping you? Whether that means showing a house, once, twice or even 3-4 times. A committed agent is a powerful ally in your quest to find your home.
What if I am searching remotely? Is there a way to see homes virtually?
This is another challenge for a buyer, when searching remotely.
In most cases an agent truly committed to helping their buyer can request permission from the seller to view the property and share a Facetime tour.
Another method that can work is for the buyer's real estate agent to request permission to take a video and upload the video and share with the buyer(s). This has become a more widely used practice since COVID. But it still requires the owner & listing agent's consent.
I have used this method a few times with remote buyers, and I became aware of how effective it could be back in 2015, when I sold a 7,000 brick mansion in Ohio to a buyer from Tennessee. It was my own listing but once he saw the video, he came to Ohio viewed it in person and purchased the home. Video is powerful.
When touring homes or properties can I take pictures or a video if I really like it?
No. If permission is given by the seller, or seller agent you can, but it is private property and you cannot take pictures or video without permission.
If I see and tour a home I love, is it ok to talk openly about while in the home?
I'd advise a buyer NOT to talk openly about how much you like, or love the home… when in the property.
In many homes, there are listening devices used for normal home uses but they can also be open lines for listening.
Remember the role of your buyer agent is, in part, to help you negotiate the best terms possible.
If the seller happens to hear you comment like: "I love this home, I want it!"
How motivated does that make the seller to negotiate? or come down on the price? or help with buyer fees? I recommend buyers hold (positive) comments until they get back outside. Also making sure they are away from a ring doorbell or other listening devices that can be listening outside.
How do I find out about my credit score?
There are many places you can check your credit for free, online.
From comments I hear from lenders, these sites are helpful, but not generally comprehensive. I would encourage a buyer to start with one of these prior to beginning a formal loan application to purchase a home or property. Get a grasp of your overall creditworthiness, but then be prepared to start discussions with mortgage loan pro.
Who is Michael Bishop and what services does he offer?
Michael Bishop is a real estate agent with Howard Hanna specializing in buying, selling, and investing in residential properties across Central Ohio, including Columbus and surrounding counties. He offers home buyer and seller representation for both houses and condos.
What areas does Michael Bishop serve?
He serves Central Ohio areas including Columbus, New Albany, Westerville, Gahanna, Worthington, Granville, Newark, and more across Franklin, Delaware, Licking, and Fairfield counties.
How can I contact Michael Bishop?
You can contact Michael Bishop by calling or texting 614-600-4554 or emailing michaelbishop@howardhanna.com.
What are Michael Bishop's business hours?
Michael Bishop is available Monday to Friday from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM, Saturday from 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM, and Sunday from 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM, with some holiday closures.
Where is Michael Bishop's office located?
His office is located at 5207 Hampsted Village Center Way, New Albany, Ohio 43054, USA.
Does Michael Bishop have online resources or social media?
Yes, Michael Bishop has a website (https://HowToBuyOrSellaHouseOrCondo.com), Facebook page, Instagram (@cooler_realtor), YouTube channel, LinkedIn profile, and a Pinterest page for real estate insights and updates.
Are there free parking options available near Michael Bishop's office?
Yes, there is free onsite parking as well as free street and lot parking available near his office.
What nearby real estate agencies or agents are close to Michael Bishop's office?
Nearby real estate agents and agencies include Christensen Team - Howard Hanna Real Estate Services, Julie R. Wills | Julie & Company - Howard Hanna, Realtor Rainy Nikolova - Howard Hanna, The Raines Group, Kim Comisar - The Raines Group HER Realtors, HER Realtors, Julie and Company, and TEGG Homes.
What other businesses or services are located near Michael Bishop's office that could be helpful?
Nearby businesses include iNote Capital (auto loan provider), Great Wall Chinese Restaurant, En Vogue Nails and Spa, The UPS Store 3910, Shred Nations, and Ascension BXNG women's clothing store.
How might nearby restaurants and services benefit clients visiting Michael Bishop's office?
Clients can enjoy dining at places like Great Wall Chinese Restaurant or take care of errands such as shipping at The UPS Store and personal care at En Vogue Nails and Spa nearby, making visits convenient and pleasant.