Central Ohio Real Estate Cafe'

What an exciting time to be a 1^st Time home buyer.  Everything is on sale and your rich Uncle Sam is going to give you a tax credit of $8000 dollars as an incentive to stop renting and go out and buy your dream home.. However, before you rush off to take advantage of that credit take a second to review the tips and advice here.

Do Your Homework

When you are looking through homes they all look great just ask anyone who has done a home search,   Often after you close and move in things still look pretty good and then you start to notice the "little" things. You start to question how you could have totally over looked this and that.   There may be things that you knew to be on the lookout for but somehow were missed each time you walked through. This is why it is so important to have your Central Ohio home thoroughly inspected by a professional home inspector.

Avoid Last Minute Surprises

Issues with Title can not only cause you heartburn on closing day they can totally derail the transaction and cause you to be without a home.  I was recently made aware of a situation where a couple sold their home and had to move out so that the new owners could move in.  The couple had title issues with their new home and was forced to find somewhere else to live until the title issues were resolved.  Title is not the sexiest part of the home buying and selling process to think or talk about but it is a vital part and by working with your agent you can find a reputable title company that can help you avoid any last minute surprise during the home closing process.

Don't be a Victim of Rookie Mistakes

Outside of the typical problems that will likely be uncovered by a good home inspection there are a few typical first time buyer mistakes that you will want to avoid, a few of which include:

•·         Underestimating the cost of fixing up an older home.

•·         Failing to negotiate better terms and conditions.

•·         The full impact of a long commute and how to decide how far is too far.

You want your home buying experience to be exhilarating, fun and exciting and it will be providing you work with professionals that can help you avoid costly mistakes.

Whether you need a recommendation for a professional lender, home inspector or contractor for your Central Ohio property, I can help.  Call me at (614)273-6406 or email me at Vanessa.simmons@realliving.com

LINKS:

$8000 Stimulus Plan:  http://centralohiorealestateinformation.blogspot.com/2009/03/how-stimulus-bill-can-help-you-get-your.html

Professional home inspector:  http://www.ashi.org/

Home closing process:  http://homebuying.about.com/od/buyingahome/qt/101107_homclose.htm

First time buyer mistakes: http://www.realtor.org/rmosales_and_marketing/handoutsforcustomers/handouts/buyer12

Beware that fake websites are popping up with the intent of gathering your contact information.  An example of such a web site is bailout.hud-gov.us/ .  Please note that this is not a HUD site, even though it has official looking photos and an official 'government looking' seal. 

Paging through this site even shows that they include a consumer alert tab that warns of fraudulent websites.  There is absolutely no connection to HUD.  Their disclosure page reveals that they are, "....a for profit business....."  Consumers beware.

If you are looking for assistance with Central Ohio Real Estate including HUD properties, please give me a call at 614-273-6406 or email me at Vanessa.simmons@realliving.com

For More Information on HUD Properties Please See:

How To Purchase A HUD Home...

How Does HUD's $100 Down Program Work?

Hey Good Neighbor...

I Won the HUD Bid But....(I don't want the house)

We are all short on time these days, and never does that become more apparent than when trying to buy or sell Central Ohio real estate.  Deciphering the ins and outs of real estate can seem like a full-time job itself.  That's why many people decide to hire a real estate agent to guide them.

•·         A good real estate agent must have a working knowledge of local property values to make sure you get the most for your money.  Having an agent working for you full-time to find the Central Ohio home that you've been dreaming of can cut out a lot of hours of research and headaches.  A qualified real estate agent will simplify the search for the right property and can direct you to financing as well.

•·         If you're looking to sell your property, your agent will help you determine best price to put on your home.  They'll be able to help you get the most for your property in the shortest amount of time.  Your agent will set up showings for your property and help sort through which offer to accept.

•·         When it comes time to make an offer to buy Central Ohio real estate, your agent will handle the contract negotiations and the paperwork.  Your real estate agent will be right there with you all the way through the loan closing.  They will assist in the title paperwork that is required for each real estate transaction. 

A real estate agent can also be a REALTOR®; this means they are a member of the National Association of REALTORS®.  Each member is required to follow a strictly enforced code of ethics.  The REALTOR® promises to put the well-being of the person they're hired by ahead of his or her own.  They must tell you if they or any family members will benefit from any part of the transaction. 

Ready to work with a professional REALTOR®?  Learn more about my services and how I can help you achieve your real estate goals by calling 614-273-6406 or going to my website at realliving.com/Vanessa.simmons.

For More Home Buying/Selling Tips See:

  Should I Stay or Should I GO?

 How To Purchase A HUD Home...

So you have an old house but you still want to think and live green.  Here are a few tips that can help you retrofit and teach your old Central Ohio home a new "Green " trick.

•1.        Replace old windows with energy efficient windows.  If replacing windows is not in the budget prevent drafts with caulk or seal the window off with plastic.

•2.       By using recycled flooring products we can reduce our dependency on fossil fuel and.  Using natural fiber rugs and flooring is also effective in reducing oil requirements.

•3.       When you think paint ...think "Green".  Not only does it helps shrink our carbon footprint it is a wonderful way to improve indoor air quality in your Central Ohio home.

•4.       Replace old fashioned light bulbs with LED lights which are more reliant and energy efficient.  Studies show that by replacing your 5 most used light you will save $100 per year.

•5.       When looking to replace appliances look for energy star products.  These products save 10-30% on the operating costs.

•6.       Add a programmable thermostat.   This can save you about 10% on your heating and cooling bill every year.

•7.       Plug leaks around doors and plumbing and electrical outlets.  These are areas that often go forgotten in our quest to make homes more energy efficient.

•8.       Installing a water heater jacket around your water heater and wrapping your pipes is another cost effective way to green up your home and save money.

•9.       By spending $100 dollars every two years to have a professional check out your HVAC you can save you 10-15% on your heating and cooling bill each year.

•10.   $285 dollars per year can be saved by installing low-flow faucet and shower systems.  These systems do not affect water pressure.

Even if you do just one or two of these suggestions they will help your save money and help the environment too.

For More Green Ideas See:  Thinking Spring....Think Green for your Landscape

If you are looking for more cost effective tips to help your home sell call me at 614-273-6406 or email me at Vanessa.simmons@realliving.com

We are finally at the end of February and here in Ohio we are enduring another long winter.  Time to start thinking spring and here are 5 Ways Easy Ways to "Green" Your Central Ohio Landscape

•1.       Make a compost pile using kitchen and garden waste.  Mixing them together in a bin in your yard will accelerate the process.  The compost material, used in your gardens, will increase water retention and provides nutrients for plants.

•2.       Plan to put an automatic timer on your water hose.  Installation is quick and easy and requires no wiring or digging and is an excellent way to reduce water consumption.

•3.       Consider the use of solar powered lightinginstead of electric lighting to reduce energy cost and still maintain safety and aesthetics.

•4.       In a few weeks when it is time to fertilize do so carefully.  Do not wash fertilizer spills into the street or down sewer drains.  Consider using compost or organic materials instead of commercial products for fertilizing.

•5.       Research the use of Biological pest control for a natural chemical free way to rid you gardens of unwanted pests.

These are a few quick and inexpensive ways that you can think green this spring in your landscape.  If you are looking for more cost effective tips to help your home sell call me at 614-273-6406 or email me at Vanessa.simmons@realliving.com

OUCH!!

 Was all I could muster after that shocking statement from a fellow agent in my office.    My daughter plays basketball for Pickerington North High School's freshman team.  They had an undefeated season this year, doing far better than their male counterparts, I might add.

Pickerington, Ohio is known for girls' basketball, being the home to a few state championships.  Several graduates have gone on to play for The Ohio State University and other great institutions.   

I would be the first to admit that back in the late 70's when I played high school sports our fan base consisted of a few faithful followers and often not even our own parents.  But today these girls have elevated their game and are pulling in a crowd.  Not yet to the level of the boys but a definite improvement and getting better...

So before you succumb to old assumptions do yourself a favor and check out the Lady Panthers and The Lady Tigers  ........they have some real Ballers!

Looking for a Central Ohio Home in please feel free to call me at 614-273-6406 or email me at Vanessa.simmons@realliving.com

REMINDER.... all cell phone numbers are being released to telemarketing companies and you will start to receive sale calls.

.... YOU WILL BE CHARGED FOR THESE CALLS

To prevent this, call the following number from your cell phone:

888-382-1222.

It is theNational DO NOT CALL list. It will only take a minute of your time. It blocks your number for five (5) years. You must call from the cell phone number you want to have blocked. You cannot call from a different phone number.

If I can assist you with any of your Central Ohio real estate needs please call me at 614-273-6406 or vanessa.simmons @ realliving.com