Well, it is the day after Thanksgiving when the crazy people get out there and spend their hard earned money like crazy shopping from what could be 3am till Midnight.  Read More →

Originally planned to make a repeat at the Long Cove site, Homearama 2009 will no longer be held at the premeire location in Deefield Township. WCPO announced last week that, due to frozen credit markets, many builders are having trouble qualifying for construction loans. The high-priced homes that appear in Long Cove for Homearama only can be built by a handful of builders.  Read More →

The market is tough, it’s hard for buyers and sellers.  With the help of my most trusted lender and some friends, I have a solution to recommend. Sellers helping buyers buy their home, for less money!  That is what I said.  I have a few sellers that are ready to sell their homes!  The word Motivated comes to mind. They wanted to know what would help a buyer be more comfortable with buying their home in this difficult economy.  Buyers, get ready to read and re-read this concept that helps you! Basically, the sellers agreed to finance an interest rate reduction for the buyer.  The way it... [more...]

It’s about that time to decorate for the Holidays, but your home is on the market… What do you do? It can be really nice to decorate for the Holidays during your home sale. It helps buyers create an emotional attachment to the house. But you MUST keep it subtle. Don’t cover the walls too much, or over-do. If you put out a Christmas item, put another piece of decor away. If you get a real tree (the smell is nice!), try a thinner, taller one than a round one. That way it takes up less space. You also may want to forgo the personal ornaments and go for something more generic. Just like other... [more...]

The Cincinnati Business Courier reported on November 18 that “Hamilton County residents will see an increase in their property values this year.” Every three years the Hamilton County Auditor’s office processes an update of property values. Dusty Rhodes reports that overall values of both older homes and new construction have increased 1.9 percent since 2005. These updates are based on home sales in the area in the past three years, and if homes are sold at prices higher than previous appraisals, all home values in the neighborhoods are raised. Tax bills will be based on the new values... [more...]

In the last week I have met with a seller and a buyer who are both considering a minor kitchen remodel. In Cincinnati, Kitchens and Baths are keys to the successful sale of a home. Weather you are a home seller, looking to compete in this beauty contest we call a buyers market… or a buyer looking to take advantage of this market, get a house for a great deal, and do your own upgrades, this article is for you. The National Association of Realtors does a Cost vs Value assessment every year that I participate in. They evaluate renovations and repairs that each city can make on their homes... [more...]

It can be hard to find a good contractor, sometimes. Well, I have you covered! I have worked with so many great contractors and vendors — electricians, roofers, decorators, HVAC specialists and more. It’s my own “Amy’s List.” My clients even call me long after they have purchased their home to ask for advice. I love helping them connect with the right person to help them with their small (and large) jobs. However, I don’t know everyone. That’s where Angie’s List comes in. There are so many benefits to using this comprehensive list of contractors and reviews. Angie’s List staffers... [more...]

While you’re thinking about finding a buyer for your local home, or looking for what a particular Cincinnati neighborhood can do for you as a buyer, take a moment to think of what you may have the opportunity to do for others in the city this time of year. Looking for ways to reduce holiday and/or realty stresses? Think about helping out those in need this holiday season, or simply take the time to find out what local organizations are doing for Tri-state residents. The Freestore/Foodbank is very busy this time of year. They will provide food boxes for approximately 16,000 families in need this... [more...]

Well, we have to for the market to correct itself. For the last three months inventory has been declining, and that’s great news! One major problem with the housing market was TOO MUCH SUPPLY, but it’s going away. And the number of annual home sales has increased over the last two months. The chart below indicates the market is correcting. It may continue to “over correct” for a while. But you can’t always plan that bottoming out moment — Time is of the essence! Don’t miss this opportunity. Source: Keller Williams Realty, Inc. The long-term affordability trend of 4 percent appreciation... [more...]

In this market you have to price your home realistically. Remember that I’m on your side and I want to sell your home. This market is a “Beauty Contest and a Pricing War” — no question! This is why, before listing your home, I sit down and give you the numbers. We will have to talk about the reality of the market, whatever it is at the time. I will outline a strategy to prepare the house for the Beauty Contest and I will also show you how I arrive at the price at which I would like to list your home. I have a six part process for determining the value. What you want, in the... [more...]

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