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Cincinnati Real Estate

CABR Press Release – Sept. Sales Up Nearly 9%

Friday, October 21st, 2011

October 20, 2011

Contact: Pete Kopf, CABR President, 513-871-4040 [office], 513-235-3867 [cell]

Gene Snavley, CABR Exec.Vice President, 513-543-2211 [cell]

September Sales Up Nearly 9%;

Local home sales for September – at 1,419 units – were up 8.9% over September 2010. It was the third month in a row of increased sales.

Last month’s average price was $ 151,015, compared to a year prior of $ 155,097. Average price for the first 9 months of 2011 was $153,209 compared to $159,260 the same 9 months a year ago.

“Home affordability and low interest rates continue to be the driving forces for home sales in the greater Cincinnati market,” said Pete Kopf, president of the Cincinnati Area Board of Realtors. “Times are tough with economic uncertainty, but this is a great time for first-time home buyers and move-up buyers to take advantage of our extremely affordable market.”

At a current interest rate of 4.25% for 30 years, the monthly payment for an average priced home of $ 151,015 would be $743. When you add in the income tax benefits, it only makes sense to buy vs. rent today,” says Kopf “Interest rates today are very low and today’s buyers are taking advantage of these rates while they last.”

Today, the greater Cincinnati housing market has 9 months of available inventory compared to 11 months a year ago. A balanced housing market has 6 months of inventory. Buyers have the advantage in today’s market with the amount of inventory available. This means that sellers must reasonably price their homes to compete with other sellers and their property needs to be kept in good condition to generate buyer’s interest.

Summary of Single Family and Condominium Sales

Multiple Listing Service of Greater Cincinnati

Cincinnati Area Board of Realtors®

Nationwide, September home sales were down 3.0%o from August on a seasonally adjusted basis and up 11.3% from September 2010. Sales slowed in September of 2010 from the effects of last spring’s home buyer tax credit.

Don’t forget to focus on cost. Don’t just focus on price.

Thursday, August 25th, 2011



I came across this article today and thought it deserved a reprint. With interest rates at a near 50 year low and home prices down off of 2005-2006 highs, it’s a great time to buy!

Why They Are Saying to Buy A Home Now
by The KCM Crew on June 14, 2011 http://kcmblog.com

Despite what appears to be a non-stop wave of tough news regarding real estate, four major media players have come out this month with the same advice: It Is Time to Buy a Home! Here are the four articles and a breakdown as to why the advice makes sense.

The Wall Street Journal: Why It’s Time to Buy

CBS Money Watch: Why the Time to Buy is Now

Forbes Magazine: 9 Reasons to Buy a House Now

National Public Radio: For Many, It’s Still a Good Time to Buy a Home

With prices continuing to depreciate in most regions of the country, some may wonder why these four entities are suggesting to their readership that now is the time to buy. Each organization realizes that PRICE is not as important as COST. The cost of a home can go up even if prices continue to fall. Unless you are an all cash buyer, you must take into consideration the expense of mortgaging when calculating the full cost of a home. Here is some information to consider.

Interest Rates
Currently, interest rates sit at historic lows. However, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, PMI and the National Association of Realtors are all projecting approximately a 1% increase in mortgage rates over the next year. A one percent increase in rate negates a ten percent fall in prices.

Lending Standards
The government has proposed a tightening of lending standards called Quality Residential Mortgage (QRM). If accepted as proposed two things will happen:

The qualification process for loans will become more difficult
The cost of a loan will increase

Bottom Line
There is a reason more and more financial organizations are suggesting to their followers that now is the time to buy a home: because the cost of purchasing a home is about to increase (even if prices continue to fall).

Cincinnati Press Release: July Home Sales Up 19% From A Year Ago!

Thursday, August 18th, 2011

Press Release
Cincinnati Area Board of Realtors®
The following press release was sent to the local media today at 10:20 a.m.
August 18, 2011
Contact: Pete Kopf, CABR President, 513-871-4040 [office], 513-235-3867 [cell]
Gene Snavley, CABR Exec.Vice President, 513-543-2211 [cell]

Home Sales Hit 1,571 in July;
Year-to-Date Sales Reach 9,800

Home sales locally last month totaled 1,571 units, with a $166,351 average selling price.

That represents a 19% increase in sales from a year earlier when a surge in spring sales – due to a short-term federal home tax credit — advanced some of the normal July 2010 sales to a few months earlier. Accordingly, it makes the year-over-year July sales not a true apples-to-apples comparison.

That said, sales last month were still favorable. It brought the total 7-month 2011 sales to 9,800 units and a total dollar sales volume of $1.48 billion.

“Home affordability, right now, is at the best of this year,” said Pete Kopf, president of the Cincinnati Area Board of Realtors.

He’s referring to current mortgage rates, now at a 2011 low of 4.25% for a 30-year fixed rate home loan. It peaked at 5.09% in mid-February. The difference now saves a buyer about $50 a month, or $600 a year, in housing payment for each $100,000 of home loan.

Kopf said “When you add a low mortgage rate to attractive housing prices and a good inventory of houses on the market to choose from, it’s a three-way win for buyers.”

Please click this link to read the article in its entirety.

Anyone Need A Lighthouse?

Tuesday, July 26th, 2011

Are you sitting at your desk today thinking, “I really wish I could find the perfect lighthouse to buy in Ohio”? If so, you’ll need to hurry up to get a bid on this gem up for auction thru the GSA Office of Real Property Utilization and Disposal.

The 60 foot white and black striped tower is located in Conneaut, Ohio and marks the entrance into the Conneaut River from Lake Erie.

It’s not too common to see lighthouses for sale, but another larger Lake Erie lighthouse did sell about a month ago for around $72,000.

As of posting the current bit is $7000. For more information please visit http://1.usa.gov/oK2THM

Is This Neighborhood Safe?

Friday, June 3rd, 2011


If you’ve worked with an Ohio Realtor you know there are a few questions your agent cannot answer. Ohio real estate law prohibits agents from commenting on how “safe” a neighborhood is or on if a home is in a “good” school district. I know this frustrates some buyers, but if you think about it, these are very subjective questions. As a Realtor I have been asked these questions many times. My opinion of what is a “safe” area or what is a “good” school district may not be the same as my clients. Everyone has different needs and opinions of what is “safe” or “good”.

The good news is that I can help you get answers to your questions. Crime statistics are readily available from the Cincinnati Police website and thru Trulia’s new crime maping program.











There are also excellent statistics and reports available to help you choose a school district for your child. These can be found thru the State of Ohio at http://ilrc.ode.state.oh.us/

Cincinnati Real Estate Activity

Tuesday, May 24th, 2011

Whether your looking for a Cincinnati home or investment property, I’ve got some great deals for you. Check out my new listing and price reductions below:

New Listing

3771 Hyde Park Ave in Oakley – Tastefully updated brick 3 story traditional home with an open floor plan that’s great for entertaining. This home has 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths and a large kitchen that includes granite counters and an island with lots of usable space. Two car garage. Two system zone HVAC. Walking distance to Oakley and Hyde Park Square. Priced at $469,000.




Price Reductions

3013 Lavinia in O’bryonville (Evanston) – Located 1 block off of O’Bryonville, you’ll love the location! Close to great restaurants and shopping. This large 5 bedroom home has newer carpet, replacement windows and the interior was recently painted. This home is currently rented for $1100 per month and could be a great home or investment property for your portfolio. Price reduced to $99,000.




4015 Carter Ave in Norwood – Great home! This 5 bedroom 2.5 bath home would work well for owner occupancy or a Xavier rental. Large rooms, fresh paint on the interior, 2 car garage! This home is currently rented to Xavier students for $1500 per month. Price reduced to $119,000.







Other Great Listings

3818 Floral Ave in Norwood – This 4-bedroom Floral Ave. home is move-in-ready with neutral paint, rich inlayed wood floors, a signature red door and plenty of curb appeal. Accents include a 2nd-floor bay window, pocket doors and a rebuilt front porch. Well-maintained. Priced to sell at $174,900.






2152 Julie Terrace in Reading – This well-maintained 4 BR home is conveniently located and across from Mt. Notre Dame High School & near Cross County Highway. The home has wooded rear yard privacy and a great layout. Many updates over the last few yrs. 1st fl laundry, part fin LL game room. Priced at $171,900.

Finally Some Good News for Rookwood Exchange!

Tuesday, May 10th, 2011

Rookwood Exchange News!

Well there is finally some good news for the future for Rookwood Exchange. After a lengthy eminent domain battle and years of unused space in the heart of Cincinnati, progress on the project is being made. According to Jeffrey R. Anderson Real Estate Inc, ground breaking for the Rookwood Commons expansion is set for Fall 2011.

Preliminary plans include a 16 screen movie theater, a Courtyard Marriott hotel and several upscale dinning establishments. Further down the road the plan includes an office building, more restaurants and a second hotel.

While doing some online research on the project I have come across several renderings on what the development may look like.

Photos Courtesy of Hixon Inc.

I’m excited for the finished product but I am not looking forward to the construction and traffic along Edwards Rd and Smith Rd. Years ago there was discussion of re-designing the entrance and exit ramps to I-71 around Rookwood Commons and Rookwood Exchange. I wonder what will be done to ease traffic congestion.

Sources:

http://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/print-edition/2011/04/22/100m-expansion-set-for-rookwood.html

http://www.hixson-inc.com/retail/MixedUse/rookwood.html

Five Fix-Ups That Cost Under $1000

Wednesday, April 20th, 2011

1. Cleaning and decluttering – Remove personal items such as family photos, declutter closets to make them look larger and clear off your kitchen countertops.
Estimated cost: $290
Estimated return: $1990

2. Brighten your home – Take down old curtains and open your blinds, clean all windows, update lighting fixtures and install the brightest bulbs possible.
Estimated cost: $375
Estimated return: $1550

3. Don’t forget the carpets – Replace or steam clean dirty carpets, repair floor creaks if possible.
Estimated cost: $647
Estimated return: $1739

4. Outdoor Landscaping – Curb appeal is very important as it’s your home’s first impression. Clean up your flower beds, make sure all plants are healthy, mow your yard, consider adding more flowers or bushes and don’t forget to mulch.
Estimated cost: $540
Estimated return: $1932

5. Stage Your Home – Rearrange furniture to optimize flow, remove large furniture from small room, incorporate artwork, and play soft music in the background.
Estimated cost: $550
Estimated return: $2194

Excerpted from HomeGain’s 2011 Home Sale Maximizer Survey, www.homsalemaximizer.com and Realtor Magazine

Preparing Your Home for Sale

Thursday, March 24th, 2011

Spring is here in Cincinnati and we’re coming into one of the busiest seasons for real estate. With so many people getting ready to list their homes for sale I thought I would repost Comey’s handy “Preparing Your Home for Sale” reminder sheet.

As a home seller it is important to remember that not everyone has the same taste in home décor. You need to view your home through a “buyer’s eyes.” Our goal will be to make the home appeal to the masses. Here are some simple things you can do to improve the value of your home and help ensure a quicker sale:

Exterior

  • Mow the lawn and trim the trees and shrubs away from the house.  You can’t sell a house that can’t be seen.  Rake the leaves; remove dead plants, flowers and shrubs.
  • Put tools, garbage cans, hoses, toys ets. neatly in the garage.
  • Clean windows and front door.  Paint if needed.  Polish brass trim.
  • Seal or resurface the driveway.

Interior

  • Use bright light bulbs in foyer fixture.
  • Clean woodwork, carpeting, windows.
  • If necessary, paint walls a light neutral color.

Living Room

  • Remove extra furniture that can make the room look smaller/cluttered.
  • Clear away magazines, books, and unnecessary objects.
  • Add lamps if the room is dark.

Kitchen

  • Thoroughly clean the oven.
  • Clean all appliances inside and out.
  • Wax and polish the floor.
  • Remove pictures, magnets and reminders from the refrigerator door.
  • Clear off the countertops.

Family Room

  • Clean the fireplace
  • Consider replacing the carpeting if it’s color is not neutral
  • Remove warn furnishings

Bathrooms

  • Put things away!  Make every bathroom look like a guest bathroom.
  • Make sure all fixtures are immaculate.
  • Fix leaky faucets, rust stains, and plumbing that may squeak or bind.
  • Caulk and grout tile.  Bleach discolored grout.

Master Bedroom

  • Keep in mind that after the kitchen, the master bedroom is the next most important room in the house.
  • Furnish the room simply.
  • Pack away off-season clothes to make the closets appear roomier.

Children’s Bedrooms

  • Remove all posters, clothes and clutter.
  • Patch and paint the walls if necessary.
  • Open the curtains and shades.

Garage

  • The perfect garage contains only cars!  If this is not possible clean up and toss out unneeded items.
  • Clean and seal the cement floor.
  • Clean and organize shelf areas.

Cincinnati Area Board of Realtors March 2011 Press Release

Monday, March 21st, 2011

Press Release

Cincinnati Area Board of Realtors

March 21, 2011

Contact: Pete Kopf, CABR President, 513-871-4040 [office], 513-235-3867 [cell]

Contact: Gene Snavley, CABR Exec. Vice President, 513-543-2211 [cell]

Home Sales Up 1.9% in February; Year-to-Date Sales Up 2.82%

Local home sales in February – for the second consecutive month – improved over a year ago.   Sales last month totaled 963 compared to 945 in February from a year ago, for a 1.9% improvement.

In addition, the February 2011 sales figure is 7.6% ahead of January sales (963 vs. 895)

Home Sales Jan. Feb.

2011                    895   963

2010                   862   945

Year-to-date home sales (counting January and February) are up 2.82% over the similar 2-month period a year ago (1858 vs. 1807).

The Cincinnati-area housing market, with a gain in sales, was one of the top metro areas in the sate last month.  The Cleveland/Akron, Columbus and Toledo markets saw a decrease in sales.

“Real estate is always a local issue, and the fact that Cincinnati posted gains for the month shows the relative health of our region,” said Pete Kopf, president of the Cincinnati Area Board of Realtors.

Kopf cited three primary reasons why sales, in general, are on the upswing:

  1. Buyers’ concerns that if home mortgage rates increase later in 2011, it is smarter to lock in attractive rates now instead of waiting for higher costs as the year progresses.  A 30-year fixed rate loan slipped to 4.85% last week, but that isn’t expected to last through the summer.
  2. Rent increases currently going on  are making renters realize the tax benefits they could receive with home ownership compared to no tax benefits in renting.  [Mortgage interest costs and property taxes are deductible on federal income tax returns for home owners.]
  3. There currently is an ample inventory of homes to choose from, which offers attractive buying opportunities at all price levels.

“More home showings are happening early this year,” said Kopf.  ”That’s a positive sign the housing market has stabilized and the pent-up demand for homes is being handled successfully.”

Nationwide, February home sales were down 9.6% from January on a seasonally adjusted basis, and down 2.8% from February 2010.

Market Recap

  • Avg. Sales Price: 379,000

  • Avg. Days on Market: 69

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