Home remodeling is still worth the investment, according to the 2009-2010 Cost vs. Value Report. According to the data in the report, various types of siding and window replacements and expansions of living spaces round out the list of the top ten ways to get the greatest return on investment for a remodel. And many of the projects that are receiving top returns are mid range and modest cost projects. So don’t let a slow economy prevent you from making an upgrade to your home. Keep it mid-range to see the best return. The best thing to do? Do the upgrades as you can and as you want to. It’s... [more...]

This has been a busy year! We’ve taken some of our most helpful blog entries of 2009 and listed them here: Help your Neighborhood — Buy Local Do I need a Realtor if I Build New Construction? How to Tell if an Agent is Lying to You SELLERS: Questions to Ask Your Realtor BUYERS: Questions to Ask Your Realtor Cincinnati Among America’s Best Bargain Cities New Appraisal and Lending Regulations 36 Hours in Cincinnati Home Staging Gives Your Listing a Boost Ten Myths Shared by First-Time Buyers Energy Star Upgrades Can Earn You Tax Credit Using a Residential Tax Abatement in Cincinnati Professional... [more...]

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“…You’re stupid or broke.” That is according to Marc Roth of Buisness Week. A blunt message, but a powerful one. He points out that if you want to buy a house you should act SOON or regret it. The reason? The interest rates are historically low — around 5%. Roth has studied the history of the rates and points this out: “First, rates have far further to move upward than downward; for more than 30 years, 7% was the low and 18% the high. The norm was 9% in the 1970s, 10% in the mid-1980s through the early 1990s, 7% to 8% for much of the 1990s, and 6% only over... [more...]

This Week in Hyde Park The median list price in Hyde Park this week is $344,900. Inventory has been lightening lately and the Market Action Index has been trending up. Though days-on-market is increasing, these are mildly positive indications for the market. Supply and Demand Home sales have been exceeding new inventory for several weeks. While still a Buyer’s market, prices seem to have responded by moving upward. If the demand trends continue, expect prices to keep marching upward, especially once we see a Seller’s Market. Market Action Index The Market Action Index answers the question... [more...]

GREEN home! Geothermal heat, solid well constructed house, open and very large, more space in basement to grow!  Read More →

Sellers are always considering working without a Realtor, and in these difficult times people always think they can save money by doing so. (Think about it: if this were true would I even have a job?!) So, you think you want to go it alone? See if you have the following qualities one needs to successfully sell a house by owner. TIME: I hope you have lots of free time. Selling your own home is time consuming. Prepare to take days off from your job and be willing to devote your free time as well. INTERIOR DESIGN SKILLS: Your house will need a makeover in this competitive market, especially if you... [more...]

A HERS (Home Energy Rating System) rating is an analysis of a home’s projected energy efficiency in comparison to a ‘reference home’ (based on 2006 International Energy Conservation Code.) The reference home is basically a standard, built-to-code home. The rating, done by a certified Home Energy Rater, involves both an analysis of a home’s construction plans, as well as onsite inspection and testing. The Home Energy Rater uses special software to analyze the expected energy use of the home based on the construction plans. That study yields a pre-construction score, which... [more...]