Home Buying Tip #11 - The Appraiser's Role In The Home Buying Process! - 01/24/08 02:52 PM
The appraiser's role in the home buying process is to determine a value of the property for their client, the lender.   No, not for you, the buyer, but the appraiser is looking out for the lender's interests in the value of the property, because if something goes wrong and you can't make the payments any longer, then the lender needs to know that they have a salable property.  
In the early 2000s, it was easier for appraisers to value properties, because home values kept rising.  Though they did need to be careful not to over-value. Now, appraisers need to figure out if … (0 comments)

Home Buying Tip #10: Insights To Selecting Homeowner's Insurance! - 01/17/08 11:05 AM
The other day I asked one of my Preferred Service Team Professionals, Karen Bastian of American Family Insurance, the following question: "What are some things a buyer needs to know about making a decision on which homeowner's insurance policy to purchase for their new home?" Here's what Karen said:"There are several things to consider when purchasing a homeowner's insurance policy.First we'll look at the dwelling coverage, which is insuring the structure itself and anything permanently attached to the structure (such as kitchen cabinets). It's very important to make sure the policy is covering your house for replacement cost. There's software we … (0 comments)

Cincinnati Home Buying Tip #9 - 01/10/08 10:07 AM
Watch Out For Homestead Tax Reduction!
The state of Ohio has expanded the Homestead Exemption program to reduce property taxes for all qualifying senior citizens and permanently disabled homeowners, who are at least 65 years of age. What does this mean to you, the home buyer?When you're planning to make an offer on a property and you're determining what your monthly payment will be, you need to make sure that the property taxes that are being quoted on the Multiple Listing Service information sheet don't include the Homestead Exemption as a credit. Unless you're 65 or older, you won't be getting … (0 comments)

Cincinnati Home Buying Tip #8 - 01/03/08 04:24 PM
When deciding on whether you want to purchase a house or condo, you really do have four choices in your decision-making.Your choices are:
Doing nothingYes, no one can force you to buy a home. While most people will greatly benefit from owning real estate, there are a few people, who at certain points in their lives, should continue to rent and not put a financial burden on themselves.Doing it on your ownThis is also an option, but why would you do it? If you needed surgery, would you operate on yourself? If you were going to court, would you represent yourself? Usually … (0 comments)

Have You Seen "The Big Idea"? - 01/01/08 04:48 PM
I was switching channels recently one night and saw a show that surprisingly refreshing.
It's called "The Big Idea with Donny Deutsch"!
It's on Monday through Friday nights at 10:00pm EST on CNBC.
Donny interviews ordinary people, who have come up with a great ideas and turned them into a million dollar or more successful business.  He normally has 3 - 5 different people on each night.
He has also successful people like Warren Buffett, Bill Gates and Donald Trump among others.
What I get out of the show is listening to the different philosophies and disciplines other successful people have and then see how I can … (9 comments)