On TheHook
These days it feels like buying a house is nothing more than a fish tale. We look at why the market is so challenging and what you can do to increase your chances in these choppy waters. Plus, meet the neighbors: folks who’ve found nontraditional paths to their own front doors.
By Carrie Blackmore and Laurie Pike
Edited by Amanda Boyd Walters
Financial Programs Increasing Home Ownership Accessibility
There’s a plethora of grants, forgivable loans, and low-interest mortgages for people needing a leg up into homeownership.
Market Moves: The New Roommates
Shared living spaces aren’t just for kids starting out. Combining resources has no age limit.
One Woman’s Journey Through the Wilds of the Real Estate Market
The chasm between what I want and what I can afford has led to some precarious but ultimately exhilarating transactions.
Market Moves: The New Downsizing
Trading suburban life for an urban rowhouse brings more freedom and new community.
Market Moves: The New Dream Home
A challenging lot from Cincinnati’s Land Bank proves just right for an architect and his family.
How Selling One Residence Led to Three New Ones
Ditching the empty nest led to more adventures for this homeowner.
Why It Feels So Hard to Buy a House and How You Can Make...
All over Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky, home prices have soared in recent years, with the Cincinnati metropolitan area experiencing some of the largest price spikes in the country in 2022 and 2023.
Editor’s Letter: November 2025
Editor-In-Cheif John Fox on the stages of homeownership.
More Home and Garden Stories
Live Your Horse Girl Fantasy in Indian Hill
This historic barn-turned-house features unique design elements and plenty of green space.
New Luxury Living in Liberty Township
Relay 129, Liberty's latest development, opens to residents for the new year.
A Million-Dollar Dwelling in Covington
A contemporary Covington ranch features thoughtful design, luxurious amenities, and spectacular skyline views.
An Authentic Queen Anne in Newport
This 1890 brick beauty is brimming with original features, but its rare tile collection is a cut above the rest.
A Moonshiner’s Mansion for the Modern Homeowner
This updated historic house was notorious during the Prohibition for its Tuscan architecture and hidden hooch.
Financial Programs Increasing Home Ownership Accessibility
There’s a plethora of grants, forgivable loans, and low-interest mortgages for people needing a leg up into homeownership.
A Surprise-Filled Mansion in Mason
This sprawling property features hidden doors and secret rooms.
Market Moves: The New Roommates
Shared living spaces aren’t just for kids starting out. Combining resources has no age limit.
One Woman’s Journey Through the Wilds of the Real Estate Market
The chasm between what I want and what I can afford has led to some precarious but ultimately exhilarating transactions.
A Confluence of History in a Covington Italianate
This elegant Italianate’s desirable address boasts fabulous views in all directions.
Market Moves: The New Downsizing
Trading suburban life for an urban rowhouse brings more freedom and new community.
Market Moves: The New Dream Home
A challenging lot from Cincinnati’s Land Bank proves just right for an architect and his family.
How Selling One Residence Led to Three New Ones
Ditching the empty nest led to more adventures for this homeowner.
Why It Feels So Hard to Buy a House and How You Can Make...
All over Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky, home prices have soared in recent years, with the Cincinnati metropolitan area experiencing some of the largest price spikes in the country in 2022 and 2023.
Multi-Million-Dollar Waynesville Mansion Features Its Own Private Nightclub
This resort-style home pairs rustic style with jaw-dropping amenities.
A Resplendent Romanesque Mansion in Clifton
This James McLaughlin-designed gem has ties to Queen Victoria and the World’s Fair.
Live Like Royalty in This Indian Hill Estate
A 14,000-square-foot home is reminiscent of a fairy-tale castle.
Homearama Debuts at Oakley’s New Foundry Park
Seven luxurious homes pull out all the design stops in a new community near Oakley.
Million Dollar Living in the Triple Crown Community
Take a peek inside the five custom residences at Cincinnati Magazine’s Showcase of Homes.
A Multi-Million-Dollar Equestrian Paradise in Waynesville
Saguaro Ranch, a 189-acre estate, blends frontier spirit with small town life.
A Roaring Twenties Estate in Green Township
If the walls could talk in this luxurious dwelling, they’d tell of flappers, speakeasies, and wild characters in Cincinnati’s history.
The Unsung Heroes of the Zoo’s Botanical Gardens
How Steve Foltz and the botanical team keep the grounds green and lush.
Overlook the Valley in a Linwood Villa
This Tuscan-style, custom-built abode offers sweeping views and immaculate interiors.
A Green Township Home for the Modern Family
A standout house from 1938 was designed with the future in mind.
A Secluded Sanctuary in East Walnut Hills
This townhome combines architectural interest with a touch of ecclesiastical energy.
A Fully Furnished Barbie Condo In OTR
An eclectic and stylish condo for sale in the heart of Over-the-Rhine.
A Carefully Preserved, Modern Home in Clifton
This Stanley Prowler-designed showstopper brings a rare taste of International Style to the Gaslight District.
Luxury Meets Outdoor Extravagance in Villa Hills
This Toebben-built mansion features spectacular design details both inside and out.
A Modern Painted Lady in Columbia-Tusculum
This classic Victorian-style home has unexpected bold hues and modern appeal.
Storage for More Than 400 Bottles of Wine in an OTR Remodel
The fresh upgrades to this home bring luxury improvements to every floor.
Architectural Extravagance in East Walnut Hills
An elegant Colonial Revival boasts an interior with ties to European castles and historic mansions.
Lytle Park Hotel’s Newly-Renovated Taft Suite is Fit for a President
Discover how a new downtown hotel uses art in an approachable way.
Library Living at the Mercantile Apartments
The Mercantile Apartments allow you to move in next to Cincinnati’s iconic members-only club for bibliophiles.
The Further Adventures of Cincinnati’s Curious Real Estate Investors and Scoundrels
Even more questionable land transfers, under-the-table deals, and innovative developments.
A Majestic Queen Anne in Clifton
This James McLaughlin-designed gem is brimming with jaw-dropping features.
Presenting a Dozen of the More Curious Real Estate Incidents in Cincinnati History
The city's long history of land grabs, property disputes, and strange developments.
A Lakeside “Labor of Love” in Dry Ridge
An Amish-built “barndominium” offers all the perks of a lakeside lodge.
A Former Theater Now a Single-Family Home in Latonia
The site of the old Delbee Theater was transformed into an open-concept home.
Classic Design Meets Contemporary Color in Over-the-Rhine
A classic exterior belies the bold hues and modern style that lie within this house.
A Villa Hills Manse That Once Housed a Legend
Builder Matth Toebben put a Northern Kentucky neighborhood on the map. Now his own custom home is on the market.
A Tudor Transformation in Pleasant Ridge
Renovator Nicole Nichols tackles a 1930s home in desperate need of TLC.
Modern Luxury Overlooking the Zoo
An enclave of new homes boasts impressive architectural credentials and a desirable location.
Historic Church-Home and Former Movie Set For Sale in Oakley
The former site of the Oakley Church of Christ and set of Miles Davis biopic was recently listed for $1.1 million.
For This Ft. Thomas Home, It Is Easy Being Green
An environmentally friendly home in NKY boasts gorgeous views, modern design, and energy efficiency.
Living Big in Over-the-Rhine
This OTR home, built during Cincinnati’s boom time, offers all the space and square footage of a suburban home.
When the “Unburnable House” Went Up in Flames
Casimir Werk played with fire in building his Cincinnati mansion, and he got burned.
Maximalist Magic in Colerain Township
This mid-century modern home boasts a colorful interior with desirable amenities.
What Happened to All the Awnings That Once Graced Cincinnati’s Buildings?
The post-war disappearance of the beloved home cooling accessories.
A Ft. Mitchell Manse is Ready to Host Your Next Party
The ’90s Homefest abode features nine bedrooms, a carriage house, and ample space for entertainment.
A Home With Historic Ties in the West End
This Italianate boasts a Millionaire’s Row address and tons of original features.
