NEW WASHINGTON, OH (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW)—A local real estate agency and pioneer in the field is celebrating its 80th year serving the Crawford County area.
Garberick Realty, LLC, 441 East Main Street, was founded back in 1945 by Richard W. Garberick at 920 E. Mansfield Street in Bucyrus. Now a third-generation broker is carrying on the business – and the family legacy.
“One of the contributing factors of Garberick Realty’s success is the ability to change, adjust, and even pioneer the local markets,” said Stephen J. “Steve” Garberick, who took over the family operation in October 2023.
Garberick said the agency is proud of its deep roots, which can be traced to his grandfather. The original location, he said, was formerly a bar and thrift store. “It was a custom that buyers and sellers would make their deals over a beer and a handshake.”
Garberick said his grandfather – who also sold insurance – was instrumental in forming the Bucyrus Board of Realtors, serving as the group’s first president. He also helped establish the principles followed by area real estate professionals to this day.
In 1985, Richard W. Garberick officially passed the reins of the business on to his son, John R. Garberick. A lifelong resident, he devoted more than 40 years to the business – both in real estate and auction services – before deciding to retire two years ago.
Throughout the years, Steve Garberick said, Garberick Realty played a key role in giving many other local agents their start. “Some may remember Rindfuss, Knisely, and Martin real estate offices to name a few. All of them started with Garberick Realty.”
He said perseverance is key, especially in the county’s challenging market. The median sales price is $165,000 here, he said, with 64-percent of sales below asking price, compared to Delaware, Ohio, where homes go for $497,000 and 41 percent of sales are above asking.
Garberick, a Bucyrus native, has had a real estate license since 2004 and his broker’s license since 2013. He is also one of a handful of Ohio realtors to also be an insurance agent. His wife, Annette, has her real estate license and manages the office.
Staffed with five agents – one also an auctioneer – the firm is fully equipped to handle any buying and selling needs anyone could ever have, Garberick said. “Today we use all the modern tools necessary to ensure every real estate transaction is successful.”
“Even after the huge debacle of the National Board of Realtors lawsuit, we are still going strong. We constantly follow market trends,” he said. “We at Garberick Realty can’t wait to see what the next 80 years brings.”