columbus ohio real estate: Finding Your Perfect Home
- 11/18/10 02:33 AM
As the old saying goes, real estate is all about location, location, location. But, there is a lot more to it than just plain geography when it comes to finding your perfect home. There are a lot of things to consider during the search because, for most, a home is the most significant purchase they will ever make.
Choose A Good Area
When searching for your perfect home, the obvious place to start is with the selection of a location. If you have children, you may want to choose a home that is close to good schools and … (0 comments)
columbus ohio real estate: 6 Reasons it Pays to Shop Around Before Choosing a Mortgage
- 08/26/10 02:23 AM
By Paige TeppingRISMEDIA, August 26, 2010--You wouldn't buy a house without shopping around first, right? Then why would you commit to the loan you use to buy that house without making sure you're getting the best deal possible? From the experts at LendingTree, here are six reasons why it's essential to take a few minutes to browse before you borrow: 1. To get the best interest rate possible Over the life of a $200,000, 30-year fixed rate loan, a one-tenth of a point difference in interest rate could save or cost you thousands of dollars. 2. To pay lower loan fees … (0 comments)
columbus ohio real estate: FHA Launches Short Refi Opportunity for Underwater Homeowners
- 08/09/10 02:57 AM
RISMEDIA, August 9, 2010--In an effort to help responsible homeowners who owe more on their mortgage than the value of their property, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development provided details on the adjustment to its refinance program which was announced earlier this year that will enable lenders to provide additional refinancing options to homeowners who owe more than their home is worth. Starting September 7, 2010, the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) will offer certain ‘underwater' non-FHA borrowers who are current on their existing mortgage and whose lenders agree to write off at least ten percent of the unpaid … (0 comments)
columbus ohio real estate: DIY Painting 101
- 07/20/10 05:47 AM
By Stephanie AndreLooking to spruce up your home, but don't know where to start? From molding to choice of color, there's a lot to consider before dipping your brush in the paint. Does a room really look smaller with a darker color on the walls? Should your ceilings be white? Do you want to add an accent wall?Here are some tips on getting started: Getting Started · Size up your room. How you use color depends on where you use color. Each room has its own unique elements and function. First think about the structure of the room. Consider its … (0 comments)
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)
columbus 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)
columbus 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)
columbus ohio real estate: Tax Credits for Replacing Windows, Doors, and Skylights
- 12/16/09 05:26 AM
By: Gil Rudawsky Published: September 9, 2009 Do you qualify? Your windows are drafty or more than 15 years old. You install qualifying replacements in 2009 or 2010. You haven't already maxed out the energy tax credit on other upgrades. High-end products are more expensive, but they are often better constructed and more energy efficient. Image: Andersen Windows, Inc.
Does it feel like money is escaping through your home's drafty windows, doors, and skylights? You might be able to keep at least some of that cash in your pocket by taking advantage of federal energy tax credits for … (0 comments)
First Time Home Buyer's Tax Credit 2.0 The extension of the 2009 First Time buyers tax credit not only gives procrastinators a little more time to take advantage of the up to $8K tax credit, the extension also offers some exciting new benefits. Military Benefits: Members of the Armed Services, intelligence, and foreign services, who are on active duty and spend a minimum of 90 days outside of the US in 2009, will get an additional year to buy their homes, up to May 1st, 2011. Another benefit is a waiver on the time of occupancy of the … (1 comments)
columbus 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)
columbus 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)
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)
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)
columbus 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)
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)
Those of us who work with short sales only need to mention "Countrywide" and instantly delays and slow processes are understood. Often the mere mention of "Countrywide" will harness sympathy and compassion. The name has sparked frustration from sellers, buyers and agents across the country. So it should come as no surprise that many of us are anxiously waiting to see if the Bank of America (BofA) acquisition and name change will bring about real change. When I recently read that Countrywide President David Sambol was given a 20 Million dollar retention bonus, by BofA I was more … (2 comments)
Having buyer's remorse is quite natural for many folks and often shows up in a variety of places including purchasing a home. The anxiety of committing to a mortgage long term for a family home or even investment property can be unnerving and sometimes even downright frightening. Although a little concern is to be expected it is imperative to that you not let fear cripple you into not taking action. Taking no action can not only lead to your missing out on that "perfect" property, you have been looking for, it could cause you to miss out on … (5 comments)
columbus ohio real estate: Affordable Housing Super Sunday Open House
- 04/06/09 08:57 AM
Mark Your Calendar-Affordable Housing Super Sunday Open House Affordable Housing Super Sunday Open House will occur Sunday April 19th, 2009. This event is sponsored by the Columbus Board of Realtors and will feature over 200 affordably priced ($125,000) homes all over the central Ohio area. If you spot by to visit any participation home on 4/19/2009 you can register to win one of the following exciting prizes: Whirlpool Stainless Steel Smooth Top Electric Range & 25 cu ft Side-by-Side Refrigerator with water & ice Dispenser courtesy Dominion Homes & WhirlpoolWii Gaming Systems courtesy Perma View(ANDERSON Replacement Windows) & Tim Moffitt & Nancy Garrabrant, … (7 comments)
columbus ohio real estate: April is Fair Housing Month
- 04/02/09 02:56 AM
In honor of Fair Housing Month the Columbus Urban League is sponsoring a "Buying Time" Workshop presented by National Speaker Mildred Wilkins President/Founder of Hom Ownership Matters. Who should attend: Anyone who is experiencing a hardship that has or will prevent them from maintaining a current status on their mortgage payments. The work shop will be free to the public and will focus on practical ways to handle foreclosure prevention and intervention. The focus will be arming the consumer with information and tools that will allow them to "Buy Time" by blocking their lenders foreclosure actions. Buying time can allow … (1 comments)
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