Laurie's Blog

3-CAR GARAGE WITH A HOUSE!

Laurie Scalf (RE/MAX Victory) — Mon, 08 Oct 2012 12:48:30 -0700

3-CAR GARAGE WITH A HOUSE!

Nicely updated 3 Bedroom Home with a 3 CAR GARAGE!!

Updates to this home include an Updated Kitchen

Updated Bath

Newer Windows and Siding.

New Furnace and Central Air in 2007.

Outside is a Large Yard that is partially fenced and a nice sized Patio. This home is ready for a new owner to move right in! Call Laurie Scalf at 937-470-7879 for a private showing!

Updated and Unique Home in Beavercreek

Laurie Scalf (RE/MAX Victory) — Sun, 08 Apr 2012 07:22:51 -0700

Updated and Unique Home in Beavercreek $128,000

You have got to see this Nicely Updated and Open 3 Bedroom home in Beavercreek!

Attached Garage

Full Walk-out Basement

This home sits on a very nice lot with a 2 tier deck

Comes with a Hot Tub!

Inside you will find hardwood floors in the living room and the Fireplace has an insert for heat and New Stainless Steel Liner in 2011. There is a pass-through for firewood from the garage to the fireplace! This home also features Solid Wood 6-panel Doors, New Closet Doors, New Flooring in the Kitchen and Dining area, newer Windows and Doors, new lighting, a new water softener and an 80 Gallon Water Heater. Wired for internet in all the bedrooms. The Kitchen has already been done for you and has 2 pantries and more cabinets than you know what to do with, a large breakfast bar and 2 separate sinks. The Bathroom, updated recently, is Spacious and Bright! Truly a Unique Home! Schedule your showing today!

Beautiful Newer Home on Nearly an Acre

Laurie Scalf (RE/MAX Victory) — Sun, 08 Apr 2012 06:28:51 -0700

Newer Home on Nearly an Acre

Come and take a look at this beautiful 8 year old home on nearly an acre! Built in 2004 by Wayne Homes with 3 bedrooms upstairs and an additional bedroom or office space on the lower level, there is plently of room for everyone! The Master Bedroom offers 2 large closets and it's own full private bath. The main floor is open from the living room through the dining room and kitchen. On the lower level there is a large family room and an extra bedroom or study. There is also an additional unfinished basement. Outside you will find lots of space, a nice deck and a lower patio. This property backs up to the bike/walking trails. Come take a look! $175,000

Making Sense of a CMA -Competitive Market Analysis

Laurie Scalf (RE/MAX Victory) — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 09:36:29 -0800

Making Sense of a CMA - Competitive Market Analysis

Here are some things I would recommend looking at when looking at active, expired, pending and sold listings on your CMA.

*What is the average List price in your neighborhood on active homes

*What is the average Sale price in your neighborhood on sold homes

*You’ll notice that Sale Price is more than likely only 3-4% lower than FINAL List Price on the Sold properties

*What is the average number of days on the market?

*What is the original list price of the fasted selling properties? You’ll probably notice the sold homes that were originally priced too high, eventually lowered their price, still sold for market value, but the time on the market was longer.

*Look at Expired listings and Do Not Follow their lead on price! These houses did not sell!

*What is the price per square foot on the Sold properties? This helps when homes are not very similar in a neighborhood. The highest dollar per square foot price will be the houses with major updates like kitchens, baths and roofs. These homes also have the most amenities.

*How does yours compare in terms of size, upkeep and amenities? Obviously, the lowest square footage price will be the homes that are the least updated, but most homes will fall somewhere in the middle.

*The key here is to price it just below the bucket where it objectively fits. Information on the updated features is usually in the marketing remarks of the MLS listing provided by your agent.

*Pricing your home on an even number price point helps your home come up in more searches. Let’s assume your Correct Market Value is 175,000.

*If you price your home at 174,900 you would come up in a search from 150,000-175,000.

*However, you would not be in a list of homes from 175,000-200,000. Set your price on the even dollar, in this case right at 175,000.

If a home is overpriced, buyers may not even see your home. Let’s use the scenario above and assume a buyer is looking for homes up to 175,000. If you’ve priced your home above the market at 185,000, that buyer would not even see your home because it will not come up in their search for homes up to 175,000.

If you would like a CMA on your home, you can request one here, or go to www.LaurieHomeSales.com

Pricing your home to sell

Laurie Scalf (RE/MAX Victory) — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 09:30:20 -0800

PRICING YOUR HOME TO SELL

The market price of a home is clearly what a buyer is willing to pay for it.

Now I’m not here to paint an ugly picture, I am here to give it to you straight. Setting the price right is the single biggest factor in getting the most for your house in the shortest amount of time.

I know what you are thinking. If I list it too low, I won’t have room to negotiate. Let me help! If your home is overpriced in this market, it will be impossible to sell until it is priced for the current market. Yes, I said Impossible! Buyers will not even come to look at your house. The buyers are the experts on the market. They know the competition well.

Neighborhood price comparisons are the only way to set the right listing price. If a home is reasonably priced and market-ready it still sells pretty quickly and usually within 3-5% of asking price.

The first step in pricing it right - Get a CMA from a Qualified Agent– A Competitive Market Analysis, keyword being “Competitive”! It is a summary of homes that are active, expired, pending and sold in your market.

Some facts about a CMA -

This is a report of ONLY your neighborhood.

Information is no older than 6 months.

Things to look at on your CMA

Active properties - These are your competition, go in a couple of them when they have their open houses. Look through their pictures online.

Þ Compare objectively, where your property is better, worse, bigger, smaller, more or less updated. So you have an idea of what the buyers will have to choose from. This information will go a long way in pricing your home to be COMPETETIVE.

Þ You do not want to be the most expensive home in the neighborhood

Most importantly, take a look at the SOLD homes. These are true to life numbers of what homes in your neighborhood will sell for.

My next post will be about How To interpret a CMA

For more seller tips go to www.LaurieHomeSales.com

Seller, What's a Buyer's Market when you're moving up?

Laurie Scalf (RE/MAX Victory) — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 21:16:06 -0800

Seller, What's a Buyer's Market when you're moving up?

BUYER’S MARKET DEFINED

Þ A Surplus inventory of homes on the market

Þ More Sellers than Buyers

Þ Low/No appreciation levels

Þ Motivated Sellers as your competition

Þ Sellers offering incentives

Þ More than 6 months of supply on hand, based on the number of homes sold per month (Many markets have 9-12 Months Supply)

Let’s think about this. If you are moving up, A Buyer’s Market or a Seller’s market, does it matter?

If you want to sell your home to buy another home, the Buyers market, or Seller’s market, for that matter is less relevant to the big picture than you might think.

Any dollars that you may give up on the sale of your home, you are very likely to make up when you buy. It washes out, so pricing it right in the first place is a win-win situation for you.

In this Buyer’s Market, who demands a bargain?

1. Buyers for your house

2. You, when you move

Just some food for thought!

Great Home near The Greene in Kettering

Laurie Scalf (RE/MAX Victory) — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 20:13:01 -0800

Priced at only $109,900!

Updated raised Ranch home in Kettering. Walking distance to schools, Kettering Rec Center and The Greene. This home has 2 full baths and 3 bedrooms plus a bonus room that could be used for a 4th bedroom or a Study. The lower level is completely finished. Furnace and C/A 2006, newer roof, newer carpet, Updated Kitchen, built in speakers. 1 car extra deep garage. Owner looking for an offer!

Contact me now for your private showing.

Search more listings at http://lauriehomesales.com/browselisting.aspx

High Visibility Storefront Available for $85,000

Laurie Scalf (RE/MAX Victory) — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 10:57:43 -0800

High Visibility Storefront Available for $85,000

Storefront, retail space, warehouse space available in a great location!

On the corner of Wilmington Pike and Shroyer Rd.

Lots of frontage and great traffic counts.

Building is 1452 Square Feet per county records, also has about 1000 square feet in the basement.

Parking lot.

Leasing is also available.

Belmont -3 Bedroom w/Garage and Basement for $695 per Month

Laurie Scalf (RE/MAX Victory) — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 10:52:51 -0800

Belmont -3 Bedroom w/Garage and Basement for $695 per Month

Nicely updated 3 bedroom, 1-1/2 bath home with garage.

The kitchen and bath are newly tiled and many of the windows are new.

Freshly painted and available immediately. There is also a huge attic for storage. Credit check. No dogs/cats

Huber Heights - Nicely updated and Priced to Sell

Laurie Scalf (RE/MAX Victory) — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 10:42:52 -0800

Huber Heights - Nicely updated and Priced to Sell

$79,000

Charming and well kept 3 bedroom home with lots of updates.

This home has a very spacious living room!

The eat-in kitchen and the bathroom have new tile flooring.

The master bedroom is extra large with a lot of closet space.

*Roof was replace in 2010.

*Newer windows and water heater!

*All appliances stay.. Even the Washer and Dryer!

*Fully fenced in yard, a storage room and a great deck!

The garage has a built-in workbench and overhead storage.

This home is move-in ready, priced to sell and is waiting for a new owner!

Beavercreek Schools - 3 Bedroom for under $60,000

Laurie Scalf (RE/MAX Victory) — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 10:37:53 -0800

Beavercreek Schools - 3 Bedroom for under $60,000

BEAVERCREEK SCHOOLS! HUGE PRICE REDUCTION!

Very spacious and well-kept home with 1325 Square Feet. (GREAT VALUE - Priced at only $45 per sq. foot!!)

This home has many updates besides new carpet and fresh paint thoughout. The huge eat-in kitchen has new flooring and the refrigerator and range stay!

There is a wonderful 20' x 17' Family Room addition that is open to the covered patio!

Outside you will find a nicely landscaped yard with 2 sheds!

New Carport, fixtures, lighting, Siding and the Heating and Air in the Family Room and more!

This is a great home ready for a new owner. Come take a look, you won't be disappointed.

NEWER HOME AVAILABLE FOR RENT IN KETTERING

Laurie Scalf (RE/MAX Victory) — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 10:32:09 -0800

NEWER HOME AVAILABLE FOR RENT IN KETTERING

$1975 per Month!!!

Spectacular 5 Bedroom/4 Bath home! Only 3 Years Old!

Two-story entry w/an open staircase and beautiful hardwood floors through the entry way, hall, dining area, kitchen and morning room.

The Great room is 26' x 25'

Beyond the kitchen is a 10'x 18' Morning Room w/access to the oversized deck.

Upstairs you will find 4 ample sized bedrooms. The Owners Suite has a sitting area, walk-in closet and owners bath w/ a spa tub & separate shower.

In the Finished basement is the 5th bedroom with Egress, an office space, a huge rec room and the 3rd full bath.

Other features -whole house speakers on all 3 floors with multiple sources, central vacuum, an extra large water heater, oversized deck and 2 storage areas in the basement. This home is approx. 3800 Square Feet including the basement w/egress! Amazing home! Come take a LOOK!

This home is also for SALE for $269,000

Beautiful Newer home in Kettering

Laurie Scalf (RE/MAX Victory) — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 10:23:30 -0800

Beautiful Newer Home in Kettering

$269,000

Spectacular 5 Bedroom/4 Bath home! Only 3 Years Old!

Two-story entry w/an open staircase and beautiful hardwood floors through the entry way, hall, dining area, kitchen and morning room.

The Great room is 26' x 25'

Beyond the kitchen is a 10'x 18' Morning Room w/access to the oversized deck.

Upstairs you will find 4 ample sized bedrooms. The Owners Suite has a sitting area, walk-in closet and owners bath w/ a spa tub & separate shower.

In the Finished basement is the 5th bedroom with Egress, an office space, a huge rec room and the 3rd full bath.

Awesome Deal in Bellbrook

Laurie Scalf (RE/MAX Victory) — Thu, 12 May 2011 10:15:27 -0700

This Lovely Home is within walking distance from Sugarcreek Reserve and Downtown Bellbrook!

Comes complete with lots of upgrades!

*New flooring throughout.

*Beautiful bamboo flooring in the living room, dining room and hallway.

*The kitchen and family room have New Cork Flooring.

*The hall bath is updated with tile.

*All the windows have been replaced with new insulated windows and in the front of the home, windows have been expanded to full length to let in an abundance of natural light.

*The kitchen has lots of cupboards, countertops and even 2 pantries.

*The garage is extra deep with a work bench in the back.

*Other improvements include upgraded electrical service to 200 amp, lights and recessed lighting, master bath flooring, new garage door, new insulated patio door and much more!

Outside you will enjoy a private backyard with lots of recently trimmed trees and a large patio. The shed and treehouse stay with the home.

Call to schedule your private showing! 937-470-7879

Newer home near WPAFB

Laurie Scalf (RE/MAX Victory) — Fri, 29 Oct 2010 09:06:28 -0700

NEWER HOME NEAR WPAFB

Nice Price and READY TO SELL! Motivated Seller with an Absolutely Immaculate Home!

*3-bedroom, 2 Full Bath

*1 story home with a Full Basement

*Located on a cul-de-sac! 1406 Square Feet PLUS the Full Basement to finish as you please! Basement is already plumbed for a 3rd bathroom!

*Split bedroom floor plan, the master suite has a large Master Bath with walk-in closet and lots of storage.

*Living room w/cathedral ceilings and a beautiful fireplace

*Open floor plan to the breakfast area and the kitchen.

*Separate Formal Dining Room.

*NEW ROOF with dimensional shingles in 2010.

*Fresh new carpet, lighting and paint make this home even more appealing!

*Brand new patio and Fully Fenced and beautifully landscaped for you.

*Immediate or flexible occupancy!

Call Laurie Scalf at 937-470-7879 for your private tour!

Commercial Property Upper Sandusky, Ohio

Laurie Scalf (RE/MAX Victory) — Thu, 07 Oct 2010 08:09:07 -0700

Commercial Property for sale- Restaurant for sale Upper Sandusky, Ohio

Includes equipment!

Restaurant location is on the US 23/ US 30 corridor and CR 199 exit in Upper Sandusky, Ohio. Full service restaurant for sale. 6600 Square feet. D5 Liquor License is negotiable. Parking lot with 115 spaces. Seats 225 with 175 in the main dining room and 50 in the bar area. For private parties part of the main dining room can be closed off to seat 80 guests. There is also a 27 x 27 storage shed in the back with overhead doors. Price is inclusive of attached inventory list. Assumable loan at 5%!!!

US 30 / US 23 Corridor take the 199 exit
Location intersection of US 23, US 30 & 199

Call or email Laurie Scalf for your private showing! 937-470-7879

Restaurant for Sale Upper Sandusky, Ohio

Laurie Scalf (RE/MAX Victory) — Thu, 07 Oct 2010 08:00:16 -0700

Restaurant for sale Upper Sandusky, Ohio $825,000

Includes equipment!

US 30 / US 23 Corridor take the 199 exit
Location intersection of US 23, US 30 & 199

Call or email Laurie Scalf for your private showing! 937-470-7879

4 Bedroom Home 5 Minutes from WPAFB for under $120,000!

Laurie Scalf (RE/MAX Victory) — Tue, 05 Oct 2010 11:08:18 -0700

SOLD!!! Spacious 4 bedroom 2 bath home on just under 3/4 acre for under $120,000.

This home has a split-bedroom floor plan with the large master bedroom, with double closets on one side and 3 more bedrooms on the other.

The home sits on a quiet cul-de-sac across from the park!

Updates include a new bathtub and surround 2009, new heat pump with a/c and furnace 2008, new tile floor in the family room 2009, water heater 2007, new windows and insulated door in 2004, new garage door and NEW Roof with complete tear off in 2010. All kitchen appliances stay with this home.

Outside there is a 12' x 30' deck and an in-ground electric dog fence. Excellent rated Beavercreek Schools.

Email or Call for your private showing!

Does the room look small to you?

Laurie Scalf (RE/MAX Victory) — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 14:10:58 -0700

If you are putting your home on the market, you want it to be appealing to potential buyers. Staging a small space can be a challenge. These tips will help.

The last thing you want to do is make a small room seem even smaller with the “wrong” furniture, arrangements and accessories.

A small space does not have to lack style! With the right accessories, furniture and colors your small space can leave buyers with a “big” impression.

1. Furniture – Make sure the furniture is the right scale for the room. An over-stuffed sofa in a small room will appear to shrink the space. Call attention to the architectural and design features of the room by making nice hardwood floors or the bay window your focal point. Using smaller furniture will help do that.

2. Natural Light - Using natural light is one major thing you can do. Play up all the windows. The natural light coming in will help open up your space. Using complementary curtains instead of blinds will help frame the light. Blinds can seem heavy.

3. Storage – a sleek media storage cabinet helps manage the clutter. Using an ottoman that double as storage is another way to keep the clutter to a minimum and space to a maximum.

4. Mirrors – Expand the room. Other transparent or reflective surfaces like glass can give the appearance that the room is less full. There are even mirrored object you can use around the room.

5. Other light features – Use nice modern fixtures, lamps and shades. Play up the design with modern or recessed lighting.

6. Color – Paint 3 walls a neutral color and one wall with a splash of color. This will help give the appearance of a bigger area.

These tips will help you get your small space designed for a big impression with potential buyers!

Wright Patterson Air Force Base Area - COMPARISON Home Sales Average Price By Area

Laurie Scalf (RE/MAX Victory) — Tue, 11 May 2010 10:22:16 -0700

Wright Patterson Air Force Base Area - After I posted the Average Sale Price by Area, I realized that a year to year comparison might be in order to give you prospective on the market from year to year. (rounded to nearest thousand)

Area	2009 Ave Price	2008 Ave Price	2004 Ave Price	2001 Ave Price	Appreciation from 2001 to 2009

Beavercreek/Bvrck Twp.	207,000	213,000	199,000	171,000	21%
Bellbrook	236,000	226,000	237,000	204,000	16%
Centerville/Washington Twp	227,000	248,000	240,000	210,000	8%
Fairborn	102,000	111,000	108,000	107,000	-5%
Huber Heights	99,000	110,000	112,000	100,000	-1%
Kettering	121,000	124,000	135,000	124,000	-2%

for more information visit my website

Wright Patterson Air Force Base Area - Home Sales Average Price By Area

Laurie Scalf (RE/MAX Victory) — Tue, 11 May 2010 09:22:38 -0700

Wright Patterson Air Force Base Area - Home Sales Average Sales Price By Area

Are you curious about the average sale price in some areas near WPAFB? The 2009 totals are below.

AREA AVERAGE SALES PRICE

Beavercreek/Beavercreek Twp. $206,879

Bellbrook $235,540

Centerville/Washington Twp. $226,616

Fairborn $101,594

Huber Heights $ 99,362

Kettering $121,340

For more information visit my website.

Getting your home ready to Sell

Laurie Scalf (RE/MAX Victory) — Mon, 10 May 2010 14:31:37 -0700

GETTING YOUR HOME READY TO SELL

Outside

Make a good first impression, whether buyers are driving by or finding you on the internet or on the MLS listing. Whatever impression you make will be a lasting one and may determine if the potential buyer will want to come inside and investigate further the possibility of buying your house.

Curb Appeal -When a buyer gets a list of homes for sale from their agent or online and drives by to take a look, with one quick glance the buyer decides if he wants to go inside to consider your house. The inside of a home can be excellent, but if the outside is not inviting they will not come though the door to see it.

Þ Maintain your yard – powerful way to let buyers know that you take care of your home.

o Kill mold and mildew on the house, sidewalks, roof, or driveway.

o Stow away unnecessary garden implements and tools.

o Clean windows and gutters.

o Edge sidewalks and remove vegetation growing between concrete or bricks.

o Mow the lawn. Get rid of weeds.

o Rake and dispose of leaves

o Trim tree limbs that are near or touching the home's roof.

Inside

When you step inside, what do you see, feel, smell?

Is it welcoming? Are the windows dirty? Is there an old light fixture that makes a room look dated?

Basic Repairs -The first step to selling your home is the basic repairs. All the little things in the house that bother you will definitely bother the potential buyers coming through your house. The drippy faucet, the paint peeling on the ceiling, that old carpet in the back room, you know what needs to be done. Hire a handy man and put him to work for a couple of days on your house.

Big impact items for small price

Þ Paint the front door and trim. It will add appeal to the front appearance of your house

Þ Add outside fixtures like a new mailbox, new house numbers, lights, new door knob or door bell. A nice potted plant to give your home a welcoming feeling

Þ Rent a power washer – Clean the house, drive, sidewalk, patio and deck. This can make old look new again

Þ Wash walls and windows – Clean windows make a fresher look both outside and in

Þ Paint one or more walls in a room – adding a warm shade of color can change the feel of a room

Þ Update hardware on kitchen cabinet doors – get rid of unsightly or broken and dated hardware and you freshen the entire kitchen

Þ If needed, repaint your cupboard doors a neutral color

Þ Replace molding in a room – makes the room look crisp

Þ Replace dated light fixtures – this can be very inexpensive, using the same wiring as the old fixture

Þ Replace tired or corroded faucets – this helps give the impression that you are keeping up with the plumbing in the home

Þ Replace light switches and outlets – this gives the impression that new electrical wiring has been installed

If you have big ticket items that you know will need to be done on the house, get your estimates in advance, even if you do not plan to do the work. A roof or carpet are good examples of this. If you have those estimates available, it will help the buyer determine if they can afford the home and will come in handy when negotiations begin.

STAGING YOUR HOME

Staging is a very important step of this process. Every room must have a specific purpose.

Bedrooms are for sleeping. Dining rooms are for eating. Family rooms and living rooms are for relaxing or entertaining.

General Staging Tips

Make Space Leave in the rooms only the necessities that make each room look big. Extra furniture can be taken out and stored. Make sure the space is open and easy to move around in.
De-Clutter – Pre-pack for your move. Pack up all the things you won’t be needing immediately. This is a good time to pack up the silver and china. Don’t forget closets, cupboards and drawers. Potential buyers will open everything. Appliances included! So make sure everything is clean, clutter-free and organized!
Make it shine! Spic and Span is what you need. It’s free and it makes the home look well cared for in the process.
No Smells… make the buyer run away FAST! Pet odor, musty smells, smoke odor has to go.
Neutral - Make sure that you have neutral colors on your walls. Neutral doesn’t mean white, there are many shades of beige or sand that warm up the space and add light and life to the room.
Light - I can’t tell you what an important roll light plays in a room. Clean the windows, open the curtains and make sure you have at least 2 or 3 sources of light in each room. You will be turning them all on before each showing!
Flow and placement of items is very important. The buyer should be able to easily scan the room. Furniture and artwork should be of the right scale for the room and walls. Remember to keep only the things that are necessary and store the rest.
Make sure that your pets are removed or restrained for showings.

De-Personalize! The fewer things you that make it “your” home the better. Family pictures, knick knacks, collectibles, should be boxed up and moved. Allow the buyer to easily give the home the needed personality in his mind.
Do you have a focal point. Arrange furniture around the fireplace, picture window or lovely woodwork.

For more information visit my website

Centerville Ohio Living

Laurie Scalf (RE/MAX Victory) — Wed, 05 May 2010 11:54:40 -0700

Centerville, Ohio Living

Convenient Location

Close to Interstate 75 for easy travel to Dayton or Cincinnati and I 675 to get around Dayton. Centerville and Washington Township are often linked together as one area. One reason for this is that they share the same School District.

Access to Wright Patterson Air Force Base - The commute is approximately 20 minutes using 675 North.

School District - With a State of Ohio designation of "Excellent with Distinction", Centerville School District has one of the highest school rankings in the area. For more information on the schools visit The Centerville City Schools website.

Shopping and Restaurants

The Dayton Mall - has many stores and restaurants. There are over 100 stores and/or restaurants in the Dayton Mall and surrounding area. Separate from the main mall The Village at Dayton Mall has some great restaurants and stores.

Parks and Recreation

Parks and Recreation - There are 48 parks in Centerville/Washington Township. There are playgrounds and a sprayground for those hot summer days. Other features include tennis courts, hiking trails, fountains, picnic shelters, a dog park, sand volley ball courts, soccer fields and many other opportunities for outdoor recreation. The park district also offers programs such as Nature, Fitness/Wellness and Athletics.

Stubbs Park - Catch the Summer Concert Series in the Centerville Community Amphitheater where you can enjoy a free concert every Sunday at 7:00 P.M. from June through September.

For more information visit my website

8 Most Expensive Mistakes Sellers Make

Laurie Scalf (RE/MAX Victory) — Wed, 05 May 2010 07:51:26 -0700

8 Most Expensive Mistakes Sellers Make

I have seen many of these mistakes in my experience and want to send a word of caution to you. These mistakes are Common and Costly!

1. Putting your house on the market before it’s ready. When you put your home on the market, you should have already completed the cleaning, painting, curb appeal, carpet or other small improvements to your home. Don’t do these things AFTER you put it on the market. This only creates chaos.

2. Not knowing your numbers before you list. Don’t wait until after you have listed your home to find out the details of your mortgage and what the market will bear for your selling price. How much do you owe on your home? Do you have a prepayment penalty? How much will your home likely sell for? What fees are involved with closing, taxes, commissions, etc.? Also think about what items may come up during the inspection process. Once you know your numbers and are comfortable with the reality of it, you will be in a much better position to sell your house.

3. Not Disclosing Problems on Property Disclosure Forms – if you know of issues in your home, disclose them. Do not try to hide these items. Most states have these disclosure forms that must be filled out honestly when you sell your home. Not disclosing issues that you know about can lead to law suits down the road.

4. Not hiring a competent agent. If you hire an agent to handle the sale of your home, make sure they know the business of selling homes. They must have a proven track record of keeping up with the details and successfully closing homes. Making this mistake could cost you time and money.

5. Making it difficult to show your home. When buyers want to see your home, make it happen. You must be flexible on this and you must keep your home ready to show. Give the kids a weekly bonus for keeping their rooms clean and each day make sure you are ready for a last minute out-of-town buyer who needs to find a home quickly.

6. Pricing it too high. Maybe this should be Mistake #1. The seller sets the asking price, so price it wisely. The market will set the "sales" price and that is based on facts and a good solid market analysis. If you price yourself above the market, you may have a “for sale” sign as a permanent fixture on your front lawn. Then buyers will assume there is something wrong with your house.

7. Not keeping your emotions in check. Once you put your home on the market, it becomes a business transaction. Potential buyers are going to come and look. Your home may or may not fit for some buyers. It’s important that you step back and not get emotional if the buyer doesn’t appreciate the home the way you have.

8. Being insulted by an offer - As in mistake #6, don't feel insulted if you get an offer that is based on the market value of your home and not the asking price. Someone likes your home enough to make an offer on it, isn't that great! The market determines price and the buyer is looking at several homes and knows the prices of them. Many times if you get a lower offer, it's because the buyer has done his homework and has other similar homes in mind for the price he is offering you.

If you would like more information on selling your home, visit my website

Kettering Ohio Living

Laurie Scalf (RE/MAX Victory) — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 12:42:19 -0700

City of Kettering Living

What’s in Kettering ?

Kettering School District - Click here for information on Kettering Schools.

Parks and Recreation

Parks Galore The City of Kettering has 21 community parks to enjoy. Walking and fitness trails, tennis courts, fishing ponds, BMX bike track, baseball/softball diamonds, soccer/football fields and basketball courts!

The Fraze Pavilion in Civic Commons Park on Lincoln Park Boulevard , a wonderful outside pavilion, hosts summer concerts with nationally known stars. Also, every month in the summer they host $2 Tuesdays and $5 Fridays for a concert that won’t break the bank! This park features ponds, walking paths and fountains.

Rosewood Arts Centre - A 34,000 Square Foot Facility for classes in dance, theater, writing, art, pottery, visual and fine arts. From Preschool to adult. They also have gallery exhibitions, theater performances, studio use, special events and rentals.

Kettering Recreation Complex - This is a 145,000 Square Foot Facility that offers an ice arena, gymnasium, a lap pool and spa, a walk/run track, a nursery and many aerobic and fitness classes and much more.

Shopping & Restaurants

Town & Country Shopping Center is the home of Trader Joe's upscale grocery store. There are lots of privately owned boutiques as well as, Books and Co, Stein Mart and a Buffalo Wild Wings located here.

Mama DiSalvo Risturante - is a favorite local restaurant that has been serving excellent Italian Cuisine since 1979.

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Beavercreek/Beavercreek Twp.	$206,879
Bellbrook	$235,540
Centerville/Washington Twp.	$226,616
Fairborn	$101,594
Huber Heights	$ 99,362
Kettering	$121,340