Every time you buy or sell a home you will work with a title company on the closing of the property. The title company is selected by the buyer (usually through the lender or Realtor on the buyer’s side, based on who the lender and/or Realtor usually work with.) The title company I frequently work with is Chase Legal Title in Anderson. Debbie Swain from Chase just sent me a ton of user-friendly information about titles to share with you. A lot of this stuff happens behind the scenes, a buyer or seller may not even realize all that is involved when preparing to close on your property. The... [more...]

This is something that comes up a lot with my buying clients. “Why should I use the people you recommend?” I typically have two types of buyers. People who like having a recommendation from me and choose to use a lender, inspector or other contact I typically work with; and people who become skeptical and choose to find their own, often because they are convinced they might find a “better deal.” First, buyers must be aware: your agent does not receive any benefit from recommending a professional to you. It’s illegal, unethical, and will not happen, and if you’re... [more...]

It’s nearly time for Halloween, which means we are in the heart of fall. Time to take advantage of the flavors and activities all around Cincinnati. If you’re like me, you’re excited about all the spicy pumpkin flavored treats at various eateries around town. And for those who love Halloween fun, whether scary or not, it abounds in Cincinnati. Special Treats Yagoot: This frozen yogurt shop, located in Rookwood and Kenwood, is offering it’s pumpkin flavor right now. Try it with toasted pecans for a perfect fall treat! Graeter’s: A Cincnnati institution, Graeter’s... [more...]

Announced last week, the jobless claims numbers have hit a 9 month low. This report coincided with the news that retailers posted the first monthly sales gain in over a year. These are both positive numbers, continuing on the trends of economic improvement you’ve probably been hearing about. Remember, jobless numbers are different from unemployment. The jobless claims mean the number of people applying for unemployment for the first time, so basically the number of people who have just lost their jobs. The unemployment numbers still remain high, but unemployment will be among the last of... [more...]

So, you’ve made your home purchase — now what? In talking with my CPA Mark Conrad, I asked about how exactly first-time buyers file for their 8,000 tax credit. He explained it in very simple detail: “Federal Form #5405 is the only form that needs to be filed with the tax return. It is a half page long. It is very simple to fill out. The information needed to fill out form is as follows: 1) Address of home 2) Date Acquired 3) Purchase price of home 4) What your adjusted gross income is (on the 2008 return it was line 38 on form 1040)” After calculating the credit –... [more...]

What gives me the most bang for my buck? An update to our information about the Energy Tax Credit and how you can put it to work for you. I asked my CPA, Mark Conrad of Knoll and Associates what you need to file the Energy Tax Credit. He shared this list of tips: There is a credit available of 30% of the cost of qualified purchases up to $1,500 for the years 2009 and 2010. $1,500 is the maximum amount that can be claimed for all products place in service in 2009 and 2010. To claim the credit, FORM 5695 is filed with your tax return. The manufacturer supplies the purchaser with a SIGNED CERTIFICATION... [more...]

Some great trivia! 1835 First bag of air mail lifted by a hot air balloon 1853 First practical steam fire engine First city to establish a municipal fire department and fireman’s pole 1869 First all-professional team in baseball history…The Cincinnati Red Stockings 1869 First city to establish a weather bureau 1870 First city in the US to establish a municipal university, University of Cincinnati 1880 First and only city to build and own a major road Late 1800′s Cincinnati was the first city to establish a Multiple Listing Service to sell Real Estate 1902 First concrete skyscraper... [more...]

Median Price for Hyde Park Median Price for Mt. Lookout Single Family Properties in Hyde Park Frames not supported Single Family Properties in Mt. Lookout Frames not supported Get Reports By Email Read more about the reports More Hyde Park market statistics More Mt. Lookout market statistics  Read More →

Looking for an opportunity to volunteer? I’m going to be working with a friend’s volunteer group at the Freestore Foodbank on Saturday, October 17. Join me and a couple of my team members! This project is a food-sorting day, and this is how it works: You and fellow volunteers stand along a conveyor belt. Your job will be to pull a certain type of food and pack it in to boxes. You’ll also have to quality check the package and look for expiration dates. More energetic volunteers can help move full boxes or empty the large collection bins of food onto the beginning of the belt. The... [more...]

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