A recent survey by the National Association of Realtors sought to uncover the nation’s attitudes about homeownership — from both renters and homeowners.  Overall, the survey found that both groups still value the idea of homeownership. The survey revealed that homeowners are more likely than renters to find vaule and connection to their community, as well as are more likely to play an active roll in their community. “Owning a home provides a healthy and stable environment for raising a family” Renters: 64% agree or strongly agree Homeowners: 87% agree or strongly agree “Owning... [more...]

7-day stats for Single Family properties in CINCINNATI, OH45208 as of February 18, 2011 Median List Price $311,950 Average List Price $389,442 Total Inventory 158 Price per Square Foot $158 Average Home Size 2,076 Median Lot Size 6,578 Average # Beds 3.33 Average # Baths 2.39 Homes Absorbed 9 Newly Listed 5 Days on Market 192 Average Age 27 Median Price for homes in CINCINNATI, OH 45208 as of February 18, 2011 is $311,950 Inventory for homes in CINCINNATI, OH 45208 as of February 18, 2011 is 158 Average Days on Market for homes in CINCINNATI, OH... [more...]

Remember the very beginning of the homebuyer tax credit in 2008? The first incarnation of this tax credit required repayment of the credit over time after the first two years. This means that for those buyers who took advantage of the early credit, that repayment time starts now with the 2010 tax return. (Remember, the 2009 and 2010 tax credits do not get repaid.) See our 2008 entry, “Federal Housing $7500 Tax Credit is a LOAN.” This is what my CPA Mark Conrad had to say about the credit at the time: “The $7,500 is really a interest free loan from the Federal Government. The... [more...]

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Americans have developed an addiction to bottled water — and it can be an unhealthy one. According to the NRDC, more than half of Americans drink bottled water and one third of us drink it regularly. Sales have tripled in the last 10 years. The bottles have created a lot of extra trash, and there’s no guarantee that the water inside is “special.” (It usually isn’t.) Plus, there are growing concerns regarding bottling companies and their effects on communities, as well as the safety of the plastic bottles. Bottled water brands have been tested by the Environmental Working... [more...]

The National Association of Realtors profiles buyers and sellers each year. Here are some of the findings: Buyers: Median age for first-time buyers: 30 Median income for first-time buyers: $59,900 First-time homebuyers made up 50 percent of the market 36 percent of buyers start their home search online. For repeat buyers only, that number is 41 percent Only 4 percent of buyers purchase a foreclosure, but half consider it and 39 percent don’t consider it More than 8 in 10 buyers purchase with an agent Sources of down payments for repeat buyers: savings, 57 percent; proceeds from sale of... [more...]

What inspired buyers to purchase homes in 2010? Not surprisingly, affordability was the driving factor. That’s according to the Wall Street Journal, based on a survey of buyers who purchased homes in the second half of last year. (Survey by Weicher Realtors, Inc.) Twenty eight percent of respondents listed “favorable financing” as their primary reason. It’s no secret that inventory is high, home prices are low and, most importantly, interest rates are lower — this is allowing buyers to get great deals on real estate. Clearly this is true for buyers last year even after... [more...]

This Saturday your crawling tot can participate in the Huggies Little Movers Diaper Dash at area Babies ‘R’ Us stores. The winner at each location will receive a free three month supply of Huggies! This event is happening across the country on Saturday (February 5) from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Crawlers between seven and 12 months are eligible for the race. Fastest crawler wins! Race to the guest services desk at your Babies ‘R’ Us store to register or to learn more information. You have to register before your child can participate. Cincinnati-area locations are: BABIES ‘R’... [more...]

According to the most recent Cost vs. Value report, nine of the 10 most cost-effective home projects are completed outside the home. Kitchen and bath remodels may still be on the top of many buyers’s lists, but they may not give you the same return on your investment as upgrades you make to your exterior. Many of these upgrades can actually lower your energy costs — sellers can find a lot of value in making some of these upgrades. This continual value may explain why the return on investment is so high. The top ten return-on-investment projects and percentage returned: Entry Door Replacement... [more...]