Positive News for June Home Sales in Cincinnati and Dayton, Ohio; Northern Kentucky; and Southeastern Indiana

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花火8
The region’s June 2017 home sales showed positive news with most of the market area showing an increase in the average sale price and number of homes sold. Dayton, Ohio set an all-time record with its average sale price at $168,771. In Cincinnati, the average sale price rose for the 13th consecutive month and that price of $222,216 set a new record value for the month of June. Although fewer homes sold in Northern Kentucky, during June, the average sale price rose by over 5%.  In Southeastern Indiana, home sales declined a bit for the month, but year-to-date the trend is for higher sales and average sale price in that market area.

It’s a great time to buy and sell homes. Mortgage interest rates are still low. Many homes that are in move-in ready condition and priced correctly for their market area are selling quickly .

Here are the statistics:

Cincinnati

June 2017 vs June 2016

  • 1.04%% Increase in homes sold (2,810 homes vs 2,781)
  • 4.72% Increase in average sale price ($222,216 vs $212,201)  – Setting a record for June!
  • 4.76% Increase in median sale price ($174,950 vs $167,000)
  • 5.81% Increase in gross sales volume ($624,425,918 vs $590,130,872)

January – June 2017 vs January – June 2016

  • 1.11% Increase in homes sold (12,698 homes vs 12,559)
  • 6.32% Increase in average sale price ($200,271 vs $188,360)
  • 6.6% Increase in median sale price ($159,900 vs $150,000)
  • 7.50% Increase in gross sales volume ($2,543,035,796 vs $2,365,617,223)

Dayton

June 2017 vs June 2016

  • .66% Increase in homes sold (1,690 homes vs 1,679)
  • 4.58% Increase in average sale price ($168,771 vs $161,380)  – Setting an all-time record!
  • 5.47% Increase in median sale price ($144,500 vs $137,000)
  • 5.27% Increase in sales volume ($285,222,709 vs $270,956,666)

January – June 2017 vs January – June 2016

  • 3.62% Increase in homes sold (7,757 homes vs 7,486)
  • 6.43% Increase in average sale price ($154,374 vs $145,046)
  • 5.60% Increase in median sale price ($132,000 vs $125,000)
  • 10.28% Increase in sales volume ($1,197,478,652 vs $1,085,811,300)

Northern Kentucky

June 2017 vs June 2016

  • -1.66% Decrease in homes sold (710 homes vs 722)
  • 5.01% Increase in average sale price ($192,624 vs $183,440)
  • 1.89% Increase in median sale price ($167,300 vs $164,200)
  • 3.26% Increase in sales volume ($146,763,708 vs $132,443,728)

January – June 2017 vs January – June 2016

  • 5.09% Increase in homes sold (3,491 homes vs 3,322)
  • 3.69% Increase in average sale price ($177,045 vs $170,746)
  • 2.60% Increase in median sale price ($153,900 vs $150,000)
  • 8.96% Increase in sales volume ($618,067,331 vs $567,220,517)

Southeastern Indiana

June 2017 vs June 2016

  • -7.6% Decrease in homes sold (122 homes vs 132)
  • -1.3%Decrease in average sale price ($157,554 vs $159,622)
  • -3.1% Decrease in median sale price ($140,050 vs $144,475)
  • -8.8% Decrease in sales volume ($19,221,640 vs $21,070,079)

January – June 2017 vs January – June 2016

  • 3.0% Increase in homes sold (578 homes vs 561)
  • 7.0% Increase in average sale price ($158,743 vs $148,360)
  • -1.8% Decrease in median sale price ($135,000 vs $137,500)
  • 5.5% Increase in sales volume ($87,792,130 vs $83,229,979)

Look at homes for sale in Cincinnati and Dayton, Ohio; Northern Kentucky; and Southeastern Indiana.

 

 

Blair Schroeder of Sibcy Cline Named to Lead Magazine’s Great Leaders Under 40

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BlairSchroeder
Blair Schroeder, President of Sibcy Cline Relocation Services, was honored as Lead Magazine’s Great Leaders Under 40 list in July 2017. This list celebrates the strongest leaders under 40 who have made an impactful contribution to the community.

LeadMagazine_BlairSchroeder.png

About Blair Schroeder
Blair has headed up Sibcy Cline Relocation Services for the past three years overseeing its referral, corporate third-party and government lines of business. Prior to serving in this capacity for Sibcy Cline, Blair helped manage Corporate Communications for Duke Energy in Ohio and Kentucky as well as media spokesperson on legislative and regulatory issues.  Additionally, he has also served as the VP of Public Affairs for the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, worked in Government Relations for Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, and handled media relations for Boone County.

A native of Texas, Blair and his family have lived in the Greater Cincinnati area for the past 15 years.

 

 

Five Reasons to Work with a Real Estate Agent

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WhyUseAnAgent.jpgYou’re thinking of buying or selling a home. Do you really need to work with a real estate agent? Yes, you do! Here is why…

Knowledge – Reason 1
Buying or selling a home is one of the largest purchases you will make. This type of financial decision should not be made alone. A real estate agent has knowledge of the local market as a community expert, and is familiar with all of the details of the home buying and selling processes. From getting a home ready for market, pricing a property for sale, researching comparable properties or negotiating a sales contract, your sales agent has the skill set needed to get you through a myriad of details involved in a real estate sale. Plus your agent will be up-to-date on real estate laws which have to be obeyed.

Experience – Reason 2
You will probably personally experience buying or selling a home only a few times during your life – depending upon the number of times you move. A real estate agent’s daily life is spent working with buyers and sellers and looking at properties. Agents have access to the most up-to-date information of recent real estate sales.

Your agent will help you to determine the correct price to sell your home or what kind of offer should be made when buying a home.

If you’re selling a home, your agent will provide effective ways to market it and give your home maximum exposure. From photography, open houses, working professional connections to using social media, your agent will be diligent in vetting buyers and getting your home sold.

Communication – Reason 3
Part of your agent’s job is to stay in touch with you throughout the buying and selling process. He or she is there to manage expectations and minimize surprises.

Your agent will serve as “your voice” when conveying concerns to a buyer or seller. By speaking for you through a tough transaction, your agent can smooth over any issues that could lead to a turn off or kill a deal. Your agent will know what is fair with conditions and contracts.

Keep in mind that many times agents are working for their clients seven days a week, including evenings. There’s not many professions that do that! They make themselves available to their clients to answer questions that may arise.

Negotiations – Reason 4
Your real estate agent will know the ropes when it comes time for negotiation. Multiple offers on a home may be the norm in a seller’s market. You want to have a strong negotiator on your side when it comes time to writing or countering a sales contract.

A real estate agent is paid on commission which is not earned until closing. Your agent has a vested interest in keeping the selling process going all the way to the closing table.

Therapy – Reason 5
Buying or selling a home can be taxing on the nerves. Your agent will listen to your concerns. He or she will calm you when you have a home inspection that did not go as expected. Your agent will also be there to celebrate the good times with you – and take satisfaction in helping you sell an old home and finding a new one.

Look for a Sibcy Cline real estate agent here.

 

August 2017 Local Festivals and Events in Cincinnati and Dayton, Ohio; Northern Kentucky; and Southeastern Indiana

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AugustFestivals_2017.jpg
August is “Admit Your Happy Month”. Something that could make you very happy is to attend a local festival or event. Here is our list of things to do in Cincinnati and Dayton, Ohio; Northern Kentucky; and Southeastern Indiana. Events are listed by date.

August 2017 Festivals and Events

Glier’s Goetta Party on the Purple
Access the Newport Southbank Bridge (Purple Bridge) from either Newport, Kentucky or downtown, Cincinnati, Ohio
August 2, 2017
Live music on a stage at the middle of the bridge and enjoy food-trucks fair and drinks

St. Nicholas (Church) Festival
925 East Main Street in Zanesville, Ohio
Zanesville, Ohio
August 2-5, 2017

Greenhills Concerts
Greenhills Village Commons at the corner of Winton and Farragut Roads in Greenhills, Ohio
August 2 ,9, 16 and 30 2017 (+September 6)

Hump Day Concert Series
Gazebo on the Lake at 7850 VOA Park Drive at Voice of America MetroPark in West Chester, Ohio
August 2, 9 and 16, 2017
Live music, lake activities, yard games and food!

Canoegrass Festival
Tipp City, Ohio
August 3-6, 2017
This blue grass festival is along the banks of the Great Miami River.

Glier’s GoettaFest
Newport on the Levee at 1 Levee Way in Newport, Kentucky
August 3-6, 2017
Enjoy everything….goetta!

World’s Longest Yard Sale – US 127 Corridor Sale
US Highway 127 starts in Addison, Michigan and runs through Cincinnati, Ohio and Newport, Kentucky, ending in Gadsden, Alabama
August 3-6, 2107
Treasures await you along US 127!

The Take Over on the Square
The Square at Union Centre at 9285 Centre Point Drive in West Chester, Ohio
August 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31, 2017
Live music from 6-9pm.

Groovin’ on the Green Summer Concerts
310 Wessel Drive at the Village Green Park Amphitheater in Fairfield, Ohio
Seventeen weeks of live music!
August 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31

Music on the River
Downtown Lawrenceburg at 118 Walnut Street in Lawrenceburg, Indiana
August 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31, 2017
Cruise-in car show with live music. Bring your lawn chair.

Live at the Levee
Newport on the Levee at 1 Levee Way in Newport, Kentucky
August 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31, 2017
Enjoy live music!

Delhi Skirt Game
Delhi Township Park in Delhi in Cincinnati, Ohio
Food, rides, games, fireworks an a fun skirt-filled baseball game!
August 4, 2017

Holy Cross Immaculata Church Festival
30 Guido Street in Mt. Adams in Cincinnati, Ohio
August 4-5, 2017
Traditional church festival.

Brown County SummerFest
Mt. Orab Community Park in Mt. Orab, Ohio
August 4-5, 2017
Car cruise-in, live music, and great food!

Y Bridge Arts Festival
Landing Park in downtown Zanesville, Ohio
August 4-5, 2017
Visual artists, performance artists as well as food and crafts.

St. John The Evangelist Family Festival
August 4-6, 2017
9080 Cincinnati Dayton Road at St. John the Evangelist in West Chester, Ohio
A fun festival with all of the trimmings.

Days in the Park Festival
Chamberlin Park at 7640 Plainfield Road in Deer Park, Ohio
August 4-6, 2017
Food, games and rides!

St. Louis Church Festival – Owensville
St. Louis Church at 210 N. Broadway in Owensville, Ohio.
August 4-6, 2017
A fun tradition festival to enjoy.

St. Leon Fireman’s Festival
28870 St. Joe Drive (off SR 1) Ind. 1 in St. Leon, Indiana
August 4-5, 2017
Games, raffles, kids activities as well as a fish dinner on Friday and chicken dinner on Saturday.

Batesville Bash and Chamber Cruise In
Batesville, Indiana
August 5, 2017
Enjoy food and live entertainment as well asa car show line up starting at 16 E. George Street.

The Baby Boomer Festival
August 5, 2017
8100 Clyo Road it St Leonard Franciscan Living Community in Centerville, Ohio
Craft beer, live music and great food.

Ohio River Paddlefest
Ohio River in Cincinnati, Ohio
August 5, 2017
Paddle along the Ohio River – enjoy the views, live music  and the Finish Line Festival at Gilday Riverside Park with food trucks and craft beer.

British Car Day 
Eastwood MetroPark at 1385 Harshman Road in Dayton, Ohio
August 5, 2017
View over 300 British cars and motorcycle!

18th Annual Lebanon Blues Festival
Downtown Lebanon, Ohio
August 5, 2017
Listen to the blues and enjoy food and drink!

Milford Street East Food Truck Rally and Music Festival
701 Chamber Drive in Milford, Ohio
August 5, 2017
Enjoy food-truck fare, brews and live music.

The Baby Boomer Festival
St. Leonard Franciscan Living Community at 8100 Clyo Road in Centerville, Ohio
August 5, 2017
Great live music, craft beer for all born in the 1950s and 1960s.

Parish Festival at St. Teresa of Avila
1175 Overlook Avenue in West Price Hill in Cincinnati, Ohio
August 5-6, 2017
Live music, great food and lots of fun.

Summer Festival at St. Aloysius
3350 Chapel Road in Shandon, Ohio
August 6, 2017
Crafts, food and fun!

Polish Summer Fest
3690 Needmore Road in Dayton, Ohio
August 6, 2017
Polish picnic and dance at the Polish Picnic Grounds.

Union Kids Festival 
13989 Ryle Road at Jane’s Saddlebag in Union, Kentucky
August 6-7 and 12-13, 2017
Kids will enjoy a petting zoo, inflatables, play land and hay rides.

Summer Concerts
RiversEdge Park Amphitheater at 116 Dayton Street in Hamilton, Ohio
August 10, 17, 24 and 31, 2017

Party on the Plaza
7850 Five Mile Road at the Anderson Center in Anderson Township in Cincinnati, Ohio
August 10 and 24, 2017
Live band concert and lots of great food.

Great Inland Seafood Festival
Riverboat Row in Newport, Kentucky
August 10-13, 2017
Local restaurants serve delicious seafood!

RiversEdge Simmer Concert Series
RiversEdge Amphitheater in downtown Hamilton, Ohio
August 10, 17, 24 and 31
Enjoy music along the Great Miami River.

Union  Centre Boulevard Food Truck Rally
Union Centre Boulevard in West Chester, Ohio
August 11, 2017
Food, food and more food!

Runway Fest & Fireworks
10550 N. Springboro Pike, Miamsburg, Ohio at the Dayton-Wright Brothers Airport in Dayton, Ohio
August 11, 2017
Aircraft displays, airplane rides, hot air ballon rides, and fun activities for the kids

Cincy Blues Fest
Sawyer Point Park at 705 E. Pete Rose Way in Cincinnati, Ohio
August 11-12, 2017 (Dates TBD)
Enjoy hearing the blues!

Maysville Oktoberfest
Downtown Maysville, Kentucky
August 11-13, 2017
Tradition music, folk dancing, German bier and cuisine. Enjoy the parade!

Sacred Heart Church Festival
400 Nilles Road in Fairfield, Ohio
August 11-13, 2017
Tradition festival fun!

Dayton Liederkranz-Turner Germanfest Picnic
Riverscape MetroPark at 111 E. Monument Avenue  in Dayton, Ohio
August 11-13, 2017
Food, music, games as well as a biergarten and wiengarten

Our Lady of the Visitation Church Festival
3172 South Road in Green Township in Cincinnati, Ohio
August 11-13, 2017
Fun festival to enjoy.

Miami County Fair
650 N. County Road in Troy, Ohio
August 11-17, 2017
Chris Lane in concert, rides, food and fun!

Festival of the Vine
Fraze Park at 695 Lincoln Park Boulevard in Kettering, Ohio
August 12, 2017
Wine and cool jazz music!

Red Brick Reunion Porsche Show
13 East Park Place in Oxford, Ohio
August 12, 2017
View Porsches up and down the street!

Festival on the Lake at AJ Jolly Park
Alexandria, Kentucky
August 12, 2017

Springfield Gourmet Food Truck Competition
Veteran’s Park Amphitheatre in Springfield, Ohio
August 12, 2017
Food and live music!

Englewood Art Festival
Centennial Park on Union Road in Englewood, Ohio
August 12-13, 2017
Enjoy viewing artisans’ work, good and live entertainment.

Western & Southern Open Tennis Tournament
Lindner Family Tennis Center at 5460 Courseview Drive in Mason, Ohio
August 12-20, 2017
See world-renowned tennis player in action!

Art in the Garden
2410 Lanes Mill Road in Hamilton, Ohio
August 13, 2017
Chart with artists and enjoy garden tours!

Art on the Commons
Fraze Park at 695 Lincoln Park Boulevard in Kettering, Ohio
August 12, 2017
100+ national artists will display their work.

Family Day at Stricker’s Grove
11390 Hamilton Cleves Road at Stricker’s Grove in Ross, Ohio
August 13, 2017
Stricker’s Grove is open to the public only a couple of times per year with their amusement rides.

Birds of a Feather Music & Arts Festival
August 17-20, 2017
Thornhill Farm at 14114 Kenton Station Rd. in Morning View, Kentucky

Family Funfest at St. Mary Church
2853 Erie Avenue in Hyde Park in Cincinnati, Ohio
August 17- 20, 2017
Fun for all at this festival.

Midwest Regional Black Family Reunion
Various locations in Cincinnati, Ohio
August 18-20, 2017
This festival is all about the “black family” – from the parade, concerts and food!

St. William Parish Festival
4108 W. Eighth Street in West Price Hill in Cincinnati, Ohio
August 18-20, 2017
Enjoy this local festival!

St. Bernadette Church Festival
1479 Local Lake Road in Amelia, Ohio
August 18-20, 2017
Lots of festival fun!

St. John the Baptist Church Festival
5361 Dry Ridge Road in Colerain Township in Cincinnati, Ohio
August 18-20, 2017
Lots of fun at this festival!

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church Festival
5890 Buckwheat Road in Milford, Ohio
August 18-20, 2017
Live music (Rusty Griswold’s) and lots of great food and fun.

Belmont Meadows Walking Tour
St. Mark United Methodist Church at 2043 Memorial Drive in Springfield, Ohio
August 19, 2017
Tour post-war homes from the late 1940s and early 1950s.

Backyard Concert Series
General Butler State Resort Park at the Butler-Turpin State Historical House in Carrolton, Kentucky
August 19, 2017
Bring your lawn chair and listen to music while enjoying nature!

Sweet Corn Festival
Community Park at 691 East Dayton-Yellow Springs Road in Fairborn, Ohio
August 19-20, 2017
180 arts/crafts booths and food vendors. Enjoy steamed sweet corn!

Dayton African American Cultural Festival
101 Helena Street in Dayton Island MetroPark (and Courthouse Square at Third and Main Streets) in Dayton, Ohio
August 19-20, 2017
Live music, African drumming, jazz, blues, hip hop and more!

Midwest Regional Black Family Reunion
Sawyer Point on Peter Rose Way in downtown Cincinnati, Ohio
August 19-20, 2017
Parade, live performers, job fair, games and health screenings.

Bacon Fest
Fraze Pavilion at 695 Lincoln Park Boulevard in Kettering, Ohio
August 20, 2017
Enjoy crunching on bacon while you list to live music!

Cemetery and  Brewery Tour
Old Columbia Street Burying Ground and Springfield Metallic Casket Factory in Springfield, Ohio
August 23, 2017
Hear stories about Springfield pioneers, soldiers while sampling local brews.

Greater Dayton Lebanonese Festival
St. Ignatius of Antioch Maronite Catholic Church at 6915 Springboro Pike in Dayton, Ohio
August 25, 2017
Middle Eastern food, dancing and entertainment plus rides and craft booths.

Cincy Brew Ha Ha
Sawyer Pointe Park in downtown Cincinnati, Ohio
August 24-26, 2017
Brews and comedy! Have fun!

46th Swiss Wine Festival
Riverfront Park at Vevay in Switzlerland County, Indiana
August 24-27, 2017
Enjoy wine, riverboat cruises and a parade!

Taste of Blue Ash
August 25-26, 2017
Summit Park at 4335 Glendale Milford Rd. in Blue Ash, Ohio
Wonderful food to sample from area restaurants along with live music.

Germania Society Oktoberfest
3529 W. Kemper Road in Cincinnati, Ohio
August 25-27, 2017
Let the German festivities begin!

Lebanese Church Festival
St. Ignatius Maronite Catholic Church at 5915 Springboro Pike in Dayton, Ohio
August 25-27, 2017
Enjoy Middle Eastern food and entertainment.

St. Ignatius of Loyola Church Festival
5222 North Bend Road in Monfort Heights in Cincinnati, Ohio
August 25-27, 2017
Fun, food and games. Sunday dinner, too.

Progressive East Walking Tour
Greek Orthodox Church at 1127 East High Street in Springfield, Ohio
August 26, 2017
Learn about Springfield’s grand homes as you walk past East High Street.

Hog Jam Festival
8717 Claude-Thomas Road at the VFW Fairgrounds in Franklin, Ohio
August 26, 2017
Live music, hog roast and lots of fun.

VetFest Ohio
Rip Rap Roadhouse 6024 Rip Rap Road in Dayton, Ohio
August 26, 2017
Concert, bike show, sky diving, games and food!

Charm at the Farm Vintage Market
48953 Bunnell Hill Road in Lebanon, Ohio
August 26-27, 2017
Open-air vintage market with 70+ vendors and food.

Taste of Over-the-Rhine
August 26-27, 2017
1230 Elm Street in Washington Park in Over-the-Rhine in Cincinnati, Ohio

Rides on Monmouth – Newport Downtown Car Show
Monmouth Street (between 3rd and 11th Streets) in Newport, Kentucky
August 27, 2017
View over 200 classic cars and enjoy great food.

The Taste
Fraze Pavilion at 695 Lincoln Park Boulevard in Kettering, Ohio
August 31, 2017
Enjoy food from many local food vendors!

Creative Ideas to Save for a Down Payment for a Home

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SaveMoney_DownPayment.jpgThinking about buying a home but do not have any savings for a down payment? Make a conscientious decision to start saving for that home. Here are some creative ways to save money:

Use Direct Deposit
Have money directly transferred from your pay check into your savings. You will not spend what you do not see in your checking account.

Monitor Daily and Weekly Expenses
Adjusting little spending habits can result in big savings. If you have a habit of buying coffee, lunch or even snacks from the vending machine, consider cutting those expenditures. That $2 (or more) cup of coffee ends up costing $10 in a work week or almost $500 in a year. Lunch out Monday through Friday at $7 is over $1800 in a year. Brown bag lunches will bring in a huge savings towards that down payment.

If you belong to an expensive gym, consider finding a more affordable membership or exercise for free in a park.

Loose Change
An easy way to save money is to empty your wallet weekly of loose change and dollar bills. Keep the money aside and turn it into savings every month or so.

No-Spend Day – A “Spend Diet”
Can you make it 24 hours without spending money? Challenge yourself! And if you are up to it, perhaps schedule several no-spend days throughout the month.

Avoid the ATM
If you tend to be a cash spender, allot yourself an allowance and stick to it. Some people like to take their cash and divide the money into envelopes – grocery, gas, entertainment, etc…

Stop Using Credit Cards
By always paying by credit card, you may lose track of how much you are actually spending. If you do prefer to pay via a credit card, keep a tally of how much you are spending on the side of an envelope that holds all of your receipts.

How Much Is Your Entertainment Costing You
If you monitor your budget, you should be able to easily analyze how much money you spend on entertainment: restaurants, happy hours, movies, concerts, cable television and such. Consider cutting this budget to save money.

Curtail that movie habit and enjoy films on Netflix and save about $500 for the year (two people going to the movies twice a month at $10 per person with no popcorn.) Or, if watching films in the theater is a passion – consider giving up the expensive concessions! Cut the cord with cable – and start saving your money.

If attending live performance theater is important to you, consider saving cash by sitting in less-expensive seats. (If you volunteer to be an usher, you can see performances for free!)

Plan social events that are free. Go hiking in a park with friends. Tour a museum on the free day. Take advantage of free outdoor concerts. Invite friends to socialize at your home and provide your own entertainment – cards, board games or movies. Read more from The Simple Dollar blog article titled 102 things to do on a money-free weekend.

Use the library and read books and enjoy DVDs for free. (Or swap books and DVDs with friends.) Cancel magazine subscriptions. Go to the library to read magazines instead.

Gifts and Windfalls
Giving gifts can add up. Set limits on your budget. Purchase gifts on sale by planning ahead. If you are on the receiving end of a gift (and if it is appropriate) ask for a “house funding” gift in lieu of a sweater or other item.

If you receive a windfall of money (work bonus, tax refund, etc…), be sure to add that unexpected money into your savings.

Avoid Big Purchases
Although you may want a new 50-inch television, if your current TV is in working order, don’t buy it. The same goes for your car. Instead of a luxury hotel for a week of vacation, consider a “stay-cation” and have lots of fun and no hefty hotel bills.

Change Shopping Habits
Be a smart shopper. Do not buy things on impulse. Look for sales and use those coupons. If you are tempted by store email lures, unsubscribe to them. If you have online retail accounts, remove your credit card numbers. Place a sticky note on your credit card that says, “Do I really need this?”

When going shopping, make a list and stick to it. Another way of looking at a purchase is to ask yourself: “How many hours do I have to work to pay for this item?”

If you tend to be a stress spender – find another way to decompress. Do yoga or meditate at home. “Pin” things on Pinterest instead of actually buying them.

A Side Gig! Earn Extra Cash
Consider side jobs to save money. Do you have a hobby or skill for which people are willing to pay? Earn cash by becoming a dog walker – and get exercise while earning money. House sitting is another way to earn money.

Have Stuff?
Sell your unwanted or needed items on Ebay or Craig’s List. Read more about selling unwanted items.

Drive and Make Money
If you have a car that qualifies, you can make money by turning it into a mobile billboard via a car wrap. Or, speaking of cars, become an Uber or Lyft driver!

Move Back Home
If your parents are willing, you may want to consider moving back home in order to save on rent and utilities.

Research Lender Programs
There are programs that offer lower or no down payment on homes. Sometimes these programs involve certain circumstances such as a cap on income or being a first-time buyer. A few programs will require a length of residency in the home in order to have the assisted down payment forgiven. It’s always a good idea to check with your mortgage loan officer to see what programs are available.

By following these creative tips, you should be saving money. In no time, you will have enough funds for the down payment on a home!

 

First-Time Home Buyer Tips

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花火8Thinking of buying a home for the first time? This is sure to be a thrilling time for you! Purchasing a home will be one of the largest investments you will have and therefore making knowledgeable decisions is important. Here are six first-time home buyer tips to help you make your purchase:

Tip #1 – Is the Time Right for You to Buy a Home?
Buying a home is a long-term investment. Make sure you are prepared to stay in the home for at least five years. You will also need to determine if you have a stable income with money saved for a down payment as well as money set aside for moving expenses, insurance and home repairs.

Tip #2 – Work with a Real Estate Agent
Your real estate agent will be your professional guide throughout the home-buying process. Your Realtor’s experience will save you time and be of upmost importance when it is time to negotiate a sales contact. Your agent’s knowledge of current market values in areas of interest will help you find the home that meet your needs and from overpaying.

Tip #3 – Get Pre-Approval for a Mortgage
Looking for a home before you know how much you can afford can lead to frustration. By getting pre-approved for a mortgage loan, you will not only know how much you can really afford, but when it is time to make an offer on a home, that pre-approval indicates you are a serious buyer.

Tip #4 – Determine What Type of Home You Need
Figuring out what your home needs are is not as easy as it sounds. You may have a list that is unrealistic for your budget. It is best to write down what you need and what you would like to have.

For example, you may want four bedrooms, but could make do with three. A finished lower level might be nice, but is not absolutely necessary. Is an updated kitchen a requirement? Do you need lots of storage room? Is a large yard important to you? Do you need a home office?

Once you have determined your list of non-negotiable “must haves”, your real estate agent will then be better able to find homes that match those needs. Be willing to compromise. Your entire wish list will probably not be found all in one home.

Tip #5 – Location of Your Home
Where you live is an important factor in your home search. Do you want to reside near where you work? Do you need to be near a highway because you often travel? Does living near friends and family appeal to you? Do you prefer to live in an urban, suburban or rural area?

If you are open to location, you will have many more housing options than if you narrow possible locations. If you do have your heart set on a particular area, it might be best to be open minded to view homes for sale in nearby neighborhoods.

Once you have determined the area in which you prefer to live, it is always a good idea to drive around that area at different times of day to get a good feel for the neighborhood and its traffic patterns.

Tip #6 – Strategize Your Offer on a Home
Once you have found a home on which you want to make an offer, you will need to strategize with your real estate agent about your offer. Current market values, a home’s past sales history and the home’s key features are factors to consider when making an offer. In a seller’s market, your offer to purchase may not be the only one coming in to that home seller. A strong and fair offer may be the best strategy.

Look at homes for sale.

 

 

Home Sales Rose in May in Cincinnati and Dayton, Ohio; Northern Kentucky; and Southeastern Indiana!

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HomeSales_May2017.jpgMay 2017 was a strong month for home sales throughout Cincinnati and Dayton, Ohio; Northern Kentucky; and Southeastern Indiana with increases in the number of home sales from four to almost seven percent.

May 2017 was also a record-setting month in Cincinnati with the average sale price reaching $199,421. In Northern Kentucky, the average home sale price was $182,783 – the highest since September 2016. In Dayton, Ohio, the May 2017 average sale price was 4% better than last May. Southeast Indiana had a 4.0% increase in average sale price at $161,340.

Not increasing in all regions are the number of homes for sale – which still remain low. In Cincinnati the number of homes for sale is down 24.98% as compared to inventory from May 2016. In Northern Kentucky the inventory of new listings for sale in May 2017 was the highest since June 2016 – 950 homes. However, in that region the total number of homes for sale still remains low with only 1,726 properties. In Dayton, Ohio, there were 2,172 new listings added for sale in that region in May 2017 – which was up from 2,108 new listings in May 2016.

The real estate market remains strong – homes in good condition many times are selling quickly – some with multiple offers. Mortgage interest rates are still low. Look at homes for sale.

Here are the May 2017 home sales statistics:

Cincinnati May 2017 Home Sales

May 2017 vs May 2016

  • 4.05% Increase in home sales (2,695 homes vs 2,590 homes)
  • 7.05% Increase in sales volume ($537,439,239 vs $502,052,134)
  • 2.88% Increase in average sale price ($199,421 vs $193,843)
  • 1.19% Increase in median sale price ($160,000 vs $157,000)

January – May 2017 vs January – May 2016

  • .96% Increase in home sales (9,872 homes vs 9,778 homes)
  • 7.74% Increase in sales volume ($1,912,894,430 vs $1,775,446,351)
  • 6.71% Increase in average sale price ($193,770 vs $181,580)
  • 6.90% Increase in median sale price ($155,000 vs $145,000)

Source: Cincinnati Area Board of Realtors, Home Sales Report, May 2017

Dayton, Ohio May 2017 Home Sales

May 2017 vs May 2016

  • 4.03% Increase in home sales (1,626 homes vs 1,563 homes)
  • 8.07% Increase in sales volume ($256,075,029 vs $236,944,693)
  • 3.89% Increase in average sale price ($157,488 vs $151,595)
  • .71% Increase in median sale price ($133,950 vs $133,000)

January – May 2017 vs January – May 2016

  • 4.48% Increase in home sales (6,023 homes vs 5,765 homes)
  • 12.32% Increase in sales volume ($907,874,053 vs $808,282,267)
  • 7.51% Increase in average sale price ($150,735 vs $140,205)
  • 6.61% Increase in median sale price ($129,000 vs $121,000)

Source: Dayton Area Board of Realtors, Home Sales Report, May 2017

Northern Kentucky May 2017 Home Sales

May 2017 vs May 2016

  • 6.61% Increase in home sales (742 homes vs 696 homes)
  • 11.38% Increase in sales volume ($135,625,702 vs $121,771,783)
  • 4.47% Increase in average sale price ($182,783 vs $174,959)
  • 2.81% Increase in median sale price ($155,500 vs $151,250)

January – May 2017 vs January – May 2016

  • 6.62% Increase in home sales (2,771 homes vs 2,599 homes)
  • 10.35% Increase in sales volume ($479,594,468 vs $434,621,789)
  • 3.50% Increase in average sale price ($173,076 vs $167,226)
  • 2.74% Increase in median sale price ($150,000 vs $146,000)

Source: Northern Kentucky Association of Realtors, Home Sales Report, May 2017

 

Southeastern Indiana May 2017 Home Sales

May 2017 vs May 2016

  • 6.5% Increase in home sales (132 homes vs 124 homes)
  • 10.7% Increase in sales volume ($21,296,838 vs $19,238,573)
  • 4.0% Increase in average sale price ($161,340 vs $155,150)
  • 2.0% Decrease in median sale price ($136,500 vs $139,347)

January – May 2017 vs January – May 2016

  • 6.4% Increase in home sales (456 homes vs 429 homes)
  • 10.3% Increase in sales volume ($68,570,499 vs $62,159,900)
  • 3.8% Increase in average sale price ($150,374 vs $144,895)
  • 0% Increase in median sale price ($135,000 vs $135,000)

Source: Rick McMillin VP/Sales Manager of Sibcy Cline Harrison, Southeastern Indiana Home Sales Report, May 2017