First day of summer June 21
The summer real estate market, what’s in store for buyers and sellers? Would like to recap the results of the spring market activity: the Real Living HER website has noticed an increase in website visitor activity throughout the spring season. RealLivingHER.com has attracted more than 190,000 visitors per month. Buyers click thru to see the listings that have the most photos and it’s a real great way to showcase a listing.
Columbus Board of Realtors Statistics
The statistics for the amount of homes that are for sale vs. homes that have sold: we are seeing signs of stability in the housing market. Home sales and prices increased, inventory levels are down compared to spring levels in 2008. With less houses coming onto the market listing prices tend to rise, 6,756 homes have sold year to date. There have been many first time buyers in the market taking advantage of the first time home buyer tax credit.
The Spring Real Estate Market
The 2009 Central Ohio real estate market has been quite busy lately. Recently I have listed many nice homes. When a new listing is obtained a checklist of activities must be completed to provide the seller with good exposure to buyers who are in the market to make a home purchase.
Photos, photos and more photos
Excellent photos are very important to the marketing process. As the old saying goes a picture is worth a thousand words. Photos make an impression on a buyer, so numerous photos added to a listing will result in buyers wanting to stop by for a personal tour. You need to get the buyer thru your front door, good photos creates the ‘gotta see that house’ syndrome.
The importance of the list price
Accurate pricing is so important in today’s market. If the price is too high difficulty is added to the process. The first few weeks a home is listed there should be a flurry of activity of buyers and agents previewing the home. A more accurate price will attract buyers to want to look at a home. If there are no showings the list price is too high. Many showings but no offer is a sure sign the list price needs to be adjusted downward. There is always a magic number that will catch the buyer’s attention. Statistics show that the sooner a home goes into contract after it’s initially listed the more money the seller will net. The longer a home sits on the market its “old news” buyers start to think that something is wrong with the house; if a seller receives an offer it’s usually very low.
Strict Appraisal Requirements
Recently both FHA and conventional appraisers have new guidelines that must be followed when calculating value. An appraiser must complete a detailed report which is submitted to the buyer’s lender to certify the value of a home. If comparable sales within the past six months do not support the sale price then the home will not appraise. This spells trouble, sellers and buyers have to renegotiate, if terms cannot be agreed upon the house falls out of contract, the sellers then have to put their home back on the market.
$8,000 Tax Credit
Calling all first time home buyers, don’t miss out, take advantage of a deal of a lifetime. It’s a gift; the Federal Government is giving you a big fat gift, all you have to do is purchase a home. Yes there are a few requirements but they are minimal for most. If you take advantage of this tax credit you will look back and whisper to yourself joyfully, boy did I luck out when I purchased my first home. FHA lenders are allowing the $8,000 to be used in addition to the required 3 1/2% down payment; talk to your lender that has pre-approved you for more details. Buyers I will guide you thru the home buying process.
Housing affordability
Buyers have tremendous purchasing power there is a good selection of homes for sale in all areas of Central Ohio. First time home buyers don’t forget about the $8,000 tax credit. Homebuyers who make their purchase between Jan. 1 thru Dec. 1, 2009 are eligible for the credit so don’t delay; December will be here before you know it. Keep in mind it takes time to find the home that is right for you. It can take up to 45 days or longer to process your loan so the clock is ticking; don’t miss out on being able to claim your $8,000 gift.
Peace of mind
Mid-June, Real Living HER rolled out the Peace of Mind Plan. Many buyers would like to purchase a home to take advantage of today’s low interest rates along with the good selection of homes that are priced right. Buyers are hesitant due to the economic realities that we are facing. The Real Living’s Peace of Mind plan is designed to provide comfort to buyers, giving them confidence to make a home purchase. If a home is financed thru Real Living Mortgage, Real Living will provide you with one year of insurance benefits that cover a monthly mortgage payment of up to $1,500 for up to six months if you become involuntarily unemployed during the first year you are in your new home.
Many dads just can’t wait to cook on their man size grills, some Central Ohio outdoor living spaces are quite elaborate. What’s important to most dads is having the family gather to enjoy a meal together that might include hamburgers, hotdogs, brats and maybe a steak. No celebration is complete unless there is dessert. Dad would sure enjoy a dish of ice cream from either 
There are numerous golf courses in the Central Ohio area, some are exclusive, many are private and some are public. There are over 35 courses in Franklin County, 26 in Delaware County and many are also located in Licking and Knox counties. Some of the most famous golf courses are the
Browsing thru the Columbus Dispatch Sunday newspaper I noticed a grand Father’s Day advertisement. On June 20 and 21 every dad that visits 
When you are a small child your dad looks very tall, his voice is so deep sometimes stern but loving. It was fun to curl up in his strong arms which makes you feel so secure you knew he would protect you. Most modern dads spend as much time as they can with their children. The older generation dads loved their children but they didn’t show much emotion. Being in the real estate biz I see how dads interact with their children, many are involved in their sports activities, give them a helping hand with their school projects, some are gourmet chefs they know how to make a mean mac-n-cheese and of course hot dogs on the grill is their specialty. As the children grow into adults they come to realize that their dads really did do their best they gave as much as they could. Now on their special day take a moment to wish them a very special Happy Father’s Day.
Dads if you have never owned a home the federal government is offering you an $8,000 gift, the First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit. If you are thinking about purchasing a home
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