central ohio real estate: Realtybid.com provides Reality Check - 02/02/11 02:29 AM
 
I have been looking with my buyers for a few weeks.  A few days ago I ran across a new listing that seemed to offer everything that they are looking for.  The property was being offered by a Fannie Mae Homepath agent that I closed two transactions with last year.  I knew my people would be very excited about this home.  As I looked further I noticed that the A2A remarks stated that all offers on this property had to go through www.Realtybid.com
My clients loved the house.  As I looked into placing the bid I realized a few alarming facts...
•1.       … (0 comments)

central ohio real estate: Central Ohio Home sales this year now exceed 2009 by 24 percent - 06/27/10 05:54 AM

May closings maintain frenzied pace
Home sales this year now exceed 2009 by 24 percent
 
Central Ohio home closings in May significantly outpaced the previous month as well as the previous year. The number of home
sales last month (2,401) were up 27 percent over April of this year and were 32.7 percent higher than homes closed in May of 2009.
 
"Although many believed that home sales activity would slow after the April 30 deadline for the home buyer tax credits," said Sue
Lusk-Gleich, President of the Columbus Board of REALTORS®. "However, home sales didn't just keep pace … (1 comments)

central ohio real estate: After April 30th..................What Next? - 03/14/10 04:18 AM
It seems that most agents are quite busy trying to help as many folks as possible find and sell homes prior to the April 30th deadline.  Here in the Columbus area it has been a wild and crazy ride with multiple offers, price increases and vanishing inventory.  It has been quite awhile since many of us have worked with such motivated buyers and sellers.  All of this leads us to the quiet worry of "What Happens Next?
Will our buyers and sellers continue to operate with such  a great sense of urgency?  Will real estate settle back to a slow crawl. I'm not really … (3 comments)

central ohio real estate: "Want to Save Money...Lose Your Agent" - 02/26/10 02:25 PM
 
So your Realtor® has taken you to meet a builder and after a long seemingly endless search you have finally found your "Dream House." 
Later as you ponder your good fortune you receive an unexpected call from the builder with more ‘good news.'   He tells you that you can save yourself 3% if you ditch your agent and work directly though him.   Wow, no brainer you think.  You even mange to convince yourself that if your agent really cared about your well being they will be happy to see you save money. Heck even if they are not happy, these … (7 comments)

central ohio real estate: 2009 Ohio Home Purchases - 02/09/10 07:17 AM
 

 
Although 2009 was another challenging year for Ohio Real Estate it shaped up to be slightly better than 2008. The first time home buyers tax credit helped many central Ohioans realize their dreams of home ownership. Below is a quick snapshot that tells us a little about the typical 2009 central Ohio home buyer.
47% Were First Time Home Buyers Median household income for first time buyers was $62,800 Median household income for repeat buyers was $89,700 20% of the buyers were single females 10% were single males Median age of First time buyer was 28 years Median … (0 comments)

central ohio real estate: Central Ohio Real Estate Agent or REALTOR®? - 01/26/10 08:01 AM

Looking for a Central Ohio real estate can be a daunting process. That's why most of us will choose to get a real estate professional to guide us on this journey.  Picking the right person is important when you're looking to get a great deal on a home, so you need to know what to look for.
There is some confusion about the difference between a real estate agent and a REALTOR®. A REALTOR® can be any real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR).  Each member has to follow a strictly enforced code … (0 comments)

central ohio real estate: Central Ohio Home Sales July 2009 Update - 08/21/09 05:56 AM
July 2009 Home Sales Statistics Posted: 8/21/2009 Columbus Board of REALTORS®Home prices, sales, inventory continue positive trendsKey indicators point to increased stability in central Ohio market(Aug. 21, 2009) Home sales and inventory levels remained steady in July, as more than 2,000 homes were sold, and sales were off by only 2.9 percent compared to 2008 levels, the Columbus Board of REALTORS® said today. "Pricing, inventory, and supply levels all show that we are coming out of the bloated housing market we saw a year ago," said Gary Parsons, president of the Columbus Board of REALTORS®. "These key factors in real estate … (1 comments)

central ohio real estate: Why Is A Final Walk-Through Inspection of Your New Columbus Area Home So Important? - 08/14/09 12:58 PM

It's almost time for the closing on the Columbus area home you're buying and you can't wait.  You go to the property for the final walk-through inspection.  You're so busy thinking about where the furniture is going to go and what color you'll paint the walls, you breeze right through the house.
It's after closing and moving day has arrived.  Your movers have already packed up your old house and are waiting for you to show up and unlock the door at your new Columbus area home.  You enter the house only to find that the repair the sellers were … (0 comments)

central ohio real estate: 6 Great Reasons First-Time Central Ohio Home Buyers Should Purchase Now - 07/08/09 09:26 AM

  
Although the housing market has had its fair share of ups and down, many home buyers, particularly first-time home buyers, are reaping the benefits. If you're thinking about purchasing a Central Ohio home, there are many good reasons to make your move today.  Here are six of them:
 
•1.      Low interest rates - Right now, interest rates are lower than ever before. This means you can get an extremely affordable loan and save big on interest payments.
  
•2.      Cheaper home prices - Not only are interest rates low, but homes all around are cheaper. Since the … (0 comments)

central ohio real estate: 12.9% Increase in Central Ohio Home Sales in May 2009 - 06/26/09 07:11 AM

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central ohio real estate: The Peace of Mind Program Can Get You into the Home of Your Dreams - 06/18/09 04:16 AM
 
You're found the perfect home. It has the right number of bedrooms, great living spaces, and boasts prime proximity to everything you need. With so many great incentives now is the time to buy, but you have reservations about plunging into such an important financial commitment in the midst of economic uncertainty. If you find yourself in this situation, then Real Living's free Peace of Mind Program may be just what you need.
The Peace of Mind Program gives you the opportunity to take advantage of some of the lowest interest rates today, while ensuring your financial peace of mind tomorrow. … (0 comments)

central ohio real estate: The four Most Important things to Remember With Short Sales - 06/15/09 03:07 AM

 
Purchasing a short sale can be nerve wrecking and exciting.  Many are lured in by the wonderful thought of getting a great deal on a house.   However, it is important to remember, before getting too caught up that there are many "Got Chas"  that without proper knowledge and guidance can derail your plan to short sale success.
The 4 Key things to remember when purchasing a short sale are:
 
1.  Work with a Pro
Buying a short sale requires knowledge of the process and good negotiation skills. Just as with a regular sale your agent  will  coordinate  all the … (1 comments)

central ohio real estate: $8000 Dollar Tax Credit CANNOT Be used for Down Payment...:-( - 05/19/09 06:07 AM
 
There  has been lots of discussion and articles this week indicating HUD would allow buyers to use their future tax credit of 8000.00 as a DOWN PAYMENT but as indicated below, the Fed's reversed that decision, therefore, buyers would not be able to get an advance on their tax credit for down payment.  The concern was this was no different then the "seller down payment assistance program" that was eliminated as of 1/1/09..
For more Info CLICK HERE
Stay tuned I am checking with OFHA to see how that will affect the programs they are currently offering.
 Why the Stimulus … (1 comments)

central ohio real estate: Ready...Set ....Buy - 05/13/09 12:02 AM
 
 

If you are a first time home buyer and you are sitting on the fence I urge you to jump down and get moving run don't walk to a phone and call a Realtor to get you into your new home.  With record low interest rates and the abundance of down payment programs available in the Columbus Area there are only a few obstacles to keep you from your dream house.
First, know how long you plan to be in the area.  If your job requires you to move frequently and you are unable to commit to an … (2 comments)

central ohio real estate: Why is My Home Not Selling - 04/09/09 12:50 AM

Other than the fact we are in a difficult market here in the Columbus area as with much of the country there often are other factors that can  prevent homes from selling.  Believe it or not there are a couple of quick and easy fixes that can be done to enhance your homes sellability. 
Often times when folks think of selling they may do a little research online and determine that it is cheaper to go it alone and make the decision to stick a sign in the yard and post their home on a few sites.  They fail to … (3 comments)

central ohio real estate: Declutter While Having the Best Garage/Tag Sale Ever - 04/02/09 01:50 AM

One of the surest signs of spring right up there with the time change and warmer weather is the return of Garage/Tag Sales.  Here are a few tips to help insure that you declutter while having the best sale ever just remember: HOM AD.
•·         Have everything clearly priced and affordable.  Garage/Tag sale shoppers are looking for a bargain keep that in mind as you determine prices.  Label items individually or decide on an easy pricing system.  Some chose to color code with stickers i.e..Blue items .25, Red .50 or Yellow items $1.00.
•·         Organize early.  Its best begin organizing … (3 comments)

central ohio real estate: $8000 Dollar Tax Credit = Down Payment Assistance Hurry Limited Funds!!! - 03/25/09 03:52 PM
The following information was obtained from a Countrywide Loan Officer.  I have confirmed this with several lenders.  This is One of Two New OHFA Programs that offers Columbus, Central Ohio and the rest of Ohio options for down payment assistance and incentives to help folks get excited about home ownership in 2009....
Homebuyer Tax Credit Advantage ProgramEffective Date: March 30, 2009The Homebuyer Tax Credit Advantage Program offers a second mortgage to borrowers who obtain a first mortgage through the OHFA First-Time Homebuyer Program. In order to encourage first-time homebuyers to enter the market in 2009, the program will allow OHFA first-time … (2 comments)

central ohio real estate: Making Home Affordable-New Government Site - 03/19/09 12:50 AM
 
Everyone knows that Foreclosures, Short Sales and HUDs hurt neighborhood property values.  As a real estate professional I applaud any efforts that can help stabilize the flood of distressed properties.  If you need help and would like to see if you qualify for any government housing rescue programs please check out the new site, Making Home Affordable.
Have additional questions or need other Central Ohio real estate help, please call me at 614-273-6406 or email me at Vanessa.simmons@realliving.com
 

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central ohio real estate: Is Flipping Dead In 2009? - 03/19/09 12:06 AM
 

Absolutely Not-providing you have realistic goals and know what you are doing flipping homes can still be a profitable endeavor in 2009.  This does not mean you need to be a financial genius.   The truth is that the majority of folks flipping homes are every day Joes and Janes like you and me.  Being a  rocket scientist, is not a requirement but you do need to be much smarter than you used to be to be able to make money flipping a Central Ohio property in 2009.
Think Conservative
Not in the political sense but as a general practice … (18 comments)

central ohio real estate: 3 Reasons why you should Not BUY NOW! - 03/17/09 07:27 AM
With so much information and incentives to I thought this would be a great time to explore the top 3 reasons why someone might be thinking they should wait and not try to .
 
•1.        No Money - There are many down payment programs that can help you with purchasing a home including bond money  .  HUD has a $100 Down Payment Program that can be used by any buyer.  Call your real estate professional and lender so that they can help you identify down payment options that can help you to
 
•2.       Worried about the Economy - There are real … (2 comments)