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

Tips for Buying a Home in a Seller’s Market

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6Tips_Buyers.png
House hunting in a seller’s market can be tough. With not enough homes for sale, the challenge is for a buyer to make an offer that rises to the top and is accepted by a home seller. How do you do it? It’s all about being flexible and knowledgable. Here are six tips to bring your “A” game when buying a home in a seller’s market:

1. Work with a Real Estate Agent
When buying a home, it is advisable to have agent representation. This professional will first sit down with you to review the entire home-buying process so you know what to expect. Your agent will then search for homes that meet your criteria in areas you prefer. Your agent will know of homes coming onto the market and alert you to be prepared. He or she will also craft an offer to purchase that is strong and works in your best interest.

2. Know Your Budget
Understanding how much home you are qualified to purchase is very important – especially in a seller’s market. Getting pre-qualified for a mortgage loan is your first step in creating a home budget. Once you have this information, you can feel secure in making a strong offer on a home that includes documentation of this pre-approval.

3. Need vs Want – Type of Home and Location
Once you know how much you can spend on a home, the next things to determine are the kind of home and amenities needed. This list may include the number of bedrooms and baths, ranch-style home versus two story, type of floor plan or walkability factors. By keeping an open mind of what your major needs are, the more homes you can consider in a seller’s market. When creating your list, you need to consider: “I need” and “I wish I had”.

Remember, no home will be a “perfect place to live” – especially when searching in a seller’s market. Try to keep an open mind. If the home needs updating, will it work within your budget to make those changes? Can you make do with a floor plan that offers three bedrooms instead of four?

Location will also be a consideration. You may want a home located near your work, shopping or close to a highway.  If your preferred neighborhood is out priced for your budget, you will need to start looking at other nearby areas. Widening your search geographically will cast a larger net of available homes on the market.

4. Be Ready to Act Fast
A key factor for home buyers in a seller’s market is to make a timely offer. You will need to stay on top of the daily changes in the market and when a new property is listed, be flexible with your schedule to view that home immediately and be prepared to make an offer.

5. Make a Strong Offer
In a seller’s market, think through your offer strategy. A low-ball offer will probably be dismissed right away. Don’t nickel and dime the seller. Too many contingencies can be a turn off to a seller. Think through the occupancy date and what would be appealing to that seller.

6. Be Prepared For a Bidding War
You may get caught in a bidding war for that dream home in a seller’s market. You do not want to overpay and will need to have a limit set of what you are willing to offer. Know the market and do your research on home values.

With multiple offers, the seller has his or her pick of which offer to accept, start a counteroffer process or reject all offers. The seller does not need to inform any potential buyers of the multiple offer situation. If the seller counteroffers, other offers may still come in for consideration. A seller does not have to respond to offers in the order received or reveal the status of other offers. With multiple offers, the seller has the upper hand and can use it to increase the price or improve the terms of sale.

In such a bidding war, you can either give your best offer and hope it is the strongest, or have an escalation clause that lets you bid up to a certain limit. If caught in a bidding war, you need to be available to your agent so your bid remains active.

If your offer is not accepted, do not panic. There will be other homes for sale. Don’t let your impatience to buy a home ruin your budget by offering too much for a home. Know your limits.

With these six tips, you are ready to start your home search in a seller’s market! Starting looking for homes for sale.  Find a Sibcy Cline agent.

July 2017 Festivals and Events: Cincinnati and Dayton, Ohio; Northern Kentucky; and Southeastern Indiana

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There are so many fun things to do this summer. Our region hosts many local festivals and other events throughout July.  Read our list of upcoming festivals and be sure to attend one. (If you’re interested in Fourth of July celebrations and fireworks be sure to check out our local fireworks blog article.)

Here is our list of July festivals and events for Cincinnati and Dayton, Ohio; Northern Kentucky; and Southeastern Indiana. Festivals and events are in order by date:

July 2017 Festivals and Events

Liberty 4th of July Festival
Union County Courthouse Law at 26 W Union Street in Liberty Indiana
June 30 – July 2, 2017
Fun, food and games!

Fireman’s Festival and Fireworks
Metamora, Indiana
July 1, 2017
The fire department raises funds with this fun festival!

Vogt’s Farm Annual Blueberry Festival
Vogt Farm at 12115 North State Road 129 in Batesville, Indiana
July 1, 2017
Enjoy blueberry treats along with live music and a petting zoo.

Abraham Lincoln Freedom Festival
Rockport City Park in Rockport, Indiana
July 1, 2017
Parade, food, music and fireworks – all celebrating Abe Lincoln.

Berry Blast
Hidden Valley Fruit Farm in Lebanon, Ohio
July 1-2, 2017
Enjoy hayrides, treats and fun!

Warsaw Kentucky River Days Celebration
Warsaw, Kentucky
July 1-3, 2017

America’s Celebration – Newport Motocycle Rally
Festival Park along Riverboat Row in Newport, Kentucky
July 1-4, 2017
Entertainment, food and lots of motorcycles!

Red, White and Kaboom
1300 Hunter Road at Harbin Park in Fairfield, Ohio
July 3, 2017
Music, games and fireworks.

City of Dayton Lights in Flight Fireworks Festival
Riverscape MetroPark at 111 E. Monument Avenue in Dayton, Ohio
July 3, 2017
Multi-cultural festival with lots of food, live entertainment and fireworks!

LaRosa’s Balloon Glow
Coney Island, Cincinnati, Ohio
July 3, 2017
Enjoy the day at Coney Island including live music and stay until evening when the hot air balloons will fill the sky.

Red, Rhythm and Boom
Mason Municipal Campus in Mason, Ohio
July 3, 2017
Multi-platinum artist Phillip Phillips (American Idol) will be performing. Enjoy carnival rides, a zipline, lots of food. The Skydiving exhibit starts at 6pm. Fireworks at 10pm.

Americana 5k Run/Walk Festival
Centerville High School Stadium at 500 E. Franklin Street in Centerville, Ohio
July 3-4, 2017
Enjoy a live concert and a parade!

Red, White and Blanchester Blue Festival
Downtown Blanchester, Ohio
July 3-4, 2017
Food, rides, hot dog eating contest, car show, parade, games and more!

Fireman’s Fourth of July
Augusta, Kentucky
July 3-4, 2017
Enjoy the fish fry and other foods as well as activities and games. And the grand finale are the fireworks over the Ohio River!

Fort Thomas 150th Birthday Celebration
Fort Thomas, Kentucky
July 3-8, 2017
A week of celebration with all kinds of activities and fireworks on the 4th.

Star Spangled Spectacular
Faurot Park in Lima, Ohio
July 4, 2017
5k walk/run, food booths, kids’ entertainment, car show, live music and fireworks at 10pm.

Sisters of Notre Dame 4th of July Festival
1601 Dixie Highway in Covington, Kentucky
July 4, 2017
Fun, food and more!

Red, White and Boonshoft
Boonshoft Museum of Discovery at 2600 DeWeese Parkway in Dayton, Ohio
July 4, 2017
Enjoy themed experiments, entertainment and the best indoor fireworks display. Local food vendors serving yummy offerings.

Red, White and Blue Ash
Summit Park in Blue Ash, Ohio
July 4, 2017
All kinds of fun as well as live entertainment (The Steel Woods and REO Speedwagon) with the fireworks starting at 10pm.

July 4th Fireworks Festival
South Lebanon
July 4, 2017
A fun festival ending in fireworks at dusk.

Anderson Township Independence Day Parade and Festival
Anderson Towne Centre at 7500 Beechmont Avenue. Parade starts at 10am at Beechmont Fire Station at 7954 Beechmont Avenue.

Americana Festival
Centerville, Ohio
July 4, 2017
5K run/walk, parade, street fair and fireworks at the Centerville High School.

Independence Day Celebration
Historic downtown Loveland, Ohio
July 4, 2017
Kid zone, food trucks, parade, live music, Jackson Street Market and fireworks at 10pm.

RiversEdge Simmer Concert Series
RiversEdge Amphitheater in downtown Hamilton, Ohio
July 4, 13, 20 and 27; August 10, 17, 24 and 31
Enjoy music along the Great Miami River.

Racefest 2017
Carrollton, Kentucky
July 5, 2017
Enjoy race-car simulations, car and motorcycle show as well as live music and food.

Hump Day Concert Series
Gazebo on the Lake at 7850 VOA Park Drive at Voice of America MetroPark in West Chester, Ohio
July 5, 12, 19 and 26  (and Wednesdays through August 16, 2017)
Live music, lake activities, yard games and food!

Glier’s Goetta Party on the Purple
Access the Newport Southbank Bridge (Purple Bridge) from either Newport, Kentucky or downtown, Cincinnati, Ohio
July 5, 12, 19, 26, 2017 (and every Wednesday through August 2, 2017)
Live music on a stage at the middle of the bridge and enjoy food-truck fair and drinks.

The Take Over on the Square
The Square at Union Centre at 9285 Centre Point Drive in West Chester, Ohio
July 6, 13, 20, 27 (and Thursdays through August 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
Live music!
July 6, 13, 20, 27; August 3, 10,17, 24 and 31

Festival of the Bells
Hillsboro, Ohio
July 6-8, 2017
Parade, food booths, car show, games, 5k run/walk, pet parade and live entertainment.

Country Concert
7103 State Route 66 at Fort Loramie, Ohio
July 6-8, 2017
Enjoy Blake Shelton and more!

Music on the River
Downtown Lawrenceburg at 118 Walnut Street in Lawrenceburg, Indiana
July 6, 13, 20, 27, 2017 (+August 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31)
Cruise-in car show with live music. Bring your lawn chair.

The Kevin Sonnycalb Memorial Fireworks Festival
Shawnee Park in Xenia, Ohio
July 7, 2017
Traditional festival and fireworks!

Sun Valley Music Festival
July 7-8, 2017
AJ Jolly Park at 1565 Race Track Rd. in Alexandria, Kentucky

Batesville Fire & Rescue Summerfest
Batesville, Indiana
July 7-8, 2017
Enjoy a parade, beer garden, chicken and smoked pork as well as live entertainment and lots of activities for kids to enjoy. It’s the biggest little German festival in Indiana!

Ohio Jeep Fest
344 Fairgrounds Road (Ross County Fairgrounds) in Chillicothe, Ohio
July 7-9, 2017
Fee. First annual Ohio Jeep Fest! Beep! Beep!

St. Pius X Summer Festival
348 Dudley Road in Edgewood, Kentucky
July 7-9, 2017
Live music, food, pig roast on Sunday.

St. Thomas More July Fest
800 Ohio Pike at St. Thomas More Church in Cincinnati, Ohio
July 7-9, 2017
Traditional festival with all of the fun!

Fire In Your Mouth, Fire in the Sky
8501 Camden-College Corner Road at Hannon’s Camp America at College Corner, Ohio
July 8, 2017
Fiery food and fireworks! Spicy food cook off.

Cincinnati Taco Festival
705 E. Pete Rose Way at Yeatman’s Cove along the Ohio River in downtown Cincinnati, Ohio
July 8, 2017
All kinds of tacos for $2 each plus pepper-eating contest and chihuahua beauty pageant. Advanced tickets required.

Kickin Chicken Wing Fest
695 Lincoln Park Boulevard at Fraze Pavilion in Dayton, Ohio
July 8, 2017
Enjoy hot wings and music!

Springsfest Music and Craft Beer Festival
Yellow Springs, Ohio
July 8, 2017
Music and beer – what more could you ask for?

St. Lawrence Summer Church Festival
3680 Warsaw Avenue in Price Hill in Cincinnati, Ohio
July 8-9, 2017
Chicken dinners are Saturday and Sunday. Werkhaus turtle soup. Lots of fun!

Clinton County Fair
Clinton County Fairgrounds at 058 W. Main Street in Wilmington, Ohio
July 8-15, 2017
Harness racing, games, rides and food!

Greenhills Concerts
Greenhills Village Commons at the corner of Winton and Farragut Roads in Greenhills, Ohio
July 12, 19, 26, 2017 (+August 2 ,9, 16, 30 and September 6)

Summer Concerts
RiversEdge Park Amphitheater at 116 Dayton Street in Hamilton, Ohio
July 13, 20, 27, 2017 (+August 10, 17, 24 and 31)

Live at the Levee
Newport on the Levee at 1 Levee Way in Newport, Kentucky
July 13, 20, 27, 2017 (+August 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31)

2017 Electronic Dayton Music Festival
Land of Illusion at 8762 Thomas Road in Middletown, Ohio
July 14-15, 2017
Attend this two-day festival with two stages and 23+ music artists!

Festival in Sycamore
Bechtold Park at 4312 Sycamore Road in Sycamore Township
July 14-15, 2017
Listen to Grammy-nominated Ambrosia, the Greg Kihn Band and the Marshal Tucker Band. Enjoy great food!

Oldenburg Freudenfest
Oldenburg, Indiana
July 14-15, 2017
Everything’s German at this fun festival! Enjoy German food, games and music!

St. Cecilia Parish Festival
3105 Madison Road in Oakley in Cincinnati, Ohio
July 14-16, 2017
Food, games, rides and fun! Enjoy live music, too. Petting zoo on Sunday.

Bacon, Bourbon & Brew Festival
Festival Park along Riverboat Row in Newport, Kentucky
July 14-16, 2017
This festival celebrates the historic local industries of brewing and pork. Enjoy all kinds of great food, music and games.

St. Gabriel Summer Fest (Church Festival)
Glendale, Ohio
July 14-16, 2017
Traditional church festival.

Backyard Concert Series
July 15, 2017
General Butler State Resort Park at the Butler-Turpin State Historical House in Carrolton, Kentucky
Bring your lawn chair and listen to music while enjoying nature!

Blues, Brews and BBQ
Pyramid Hill sculpture Park at 1763 Hamilton-Cleves Road in Hamilton, Ohio
July 15, 2017
Enjoy live blues music along  with BBQ from various vendors and craft beer.

Crazy Cardboard Boat Regatta
Voice of America MetroPark in West Chester, Ohio
July 15, 2017
Build your cardboard boat and race around the lake.

Bastille Day Celebration
Downtown Montgomery in Cincinnati, Ohio
July 15, 2017
Vive la France! Enjoy music, vendor food and kids activities.

Culture Fest (Church Festival)
2573 St. Leo’s Place at St. Leo’s Church in North Fairmont in Cincinnati, Ohio
July 15, 2017
Enjoy music along with Guatemalan, Salvadorian and Columbian food! (No alcohol or gaming.)

Sweet Corn Festival
Georgetown, Kentucky
July 15, 2017

Barnstorming Carnival
Springfield Beckley Airport in Springfield, Ohio
July 15-16, 2017
Enjoy aviation’s roots when you view plans from 1920’s, 30’s and 40’s.

Dayton Blues Festival
Riverscape MetroPark at 111 E. Monument Avenue in Dayton, Ohio
July 16, 2017
Enjoy the blues!

Kids, Cultures & Crafts Festival
3400 Vine Street in Avondale at the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens in Cincinnati, Ohio
July 19, 2017
$1 Zoo admission. Enjoy crafts from all cultures that day.

Party on the Plaza
7850 Five Mile Road at the Anderson Center in Anderson Township in Cincinnati, Ohio
July 20 (August 10 and 24), 2017
Live band concert and lots of great food.

Miami Valley Music Fest
Troy, Ohio
July 21-22, 2017
Enjoy live music!

BBQFest
Downtown Sidney, Ohio
July 21-22, 2017
Sample all kinds of BBQ wonderfulness.

Ohio Challenge Balloon Festival
Smith Park at 500 Tytus Avenue and Verity Parkway in Middletown, Ohio
July 21-22, 2017
Balloon race, live music, food, and carnival ride.

Augusta Riverfest Regatta
Augusta, Kentucky
July 21-22, 2017
Enjoy watching the race along the Ohio River!

Kolping Schutzenfest Church Festival
July 21-23, 2017
This “shooting” festival is a tradition dating back 500 years in Germany.  Participants shoot at a hand-carved eagle and attendees enjoy German food, drinks and entertainment.

Immaculate Heart of Mary Church Festival
7770 Beechmont Avenue in Anderson Township in Cincinnati, Ohio
July 21-23, 2017
Traditional festival activities.

St. James the Greater Parish (Church) Festival
3565 Hubble Road in White Oak in Cincinnati, Ohio
July 21-23, 2017
Games, food and lots more.

Swamp Romp
695 Lincoln Park Boulevard at Fraze Pavilion in Dayton, Ohio
July 22, 2017
Zydeco music with a taste of Louisiana!

One Love Fest Cincinnati
Washington Park in Over-the-Rhine in Cincinnati, Ohio
July 22, 2017
Peace and unity via speakers and music. Food trucks will be on hand to handle your hunger!

Buckeye Bourbon & BBQ Festival
Miami Valley Gaming at 6000 SR63 in Lebanon, Ohio
July 22, 2017
Sample bourbon and BBQ while enjoying live music!

Unlock the Block Music Festival
Latonia, Kentucky
July 22, 2017
Listen to some great music!

SummerSing 2017
Christ Church Cathedral at 318 East Fourth Street in Cincinnati, Ohio
July 24-30, 2017
A participatory choral festival!

Cincinnati Music Festival
Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio
July 27-29, 2017
Originally called the Ohio Valley Jazz Festival, you will enjoy lots of talent including Usher, Mary J. Blige, Kem, Fantasia, BBD, Anthony Hamilton, Confunkshun and more.

Sharonfest
Gower Park at 10990 Thornview Drive in Sharonville (Cincinnati, Ohio)
July 28-29, 2017
Party With a Purpose: Music, rides, games and more!

Bright Community Festival
23759 Brightwood Drive at the Bright Fire Department
July 28-29, 2017
This annual festival raises money for the Bright Fire and EMS departments.

Blooming Grove Fireman’s Festival
Blooming Grove, Indiana
July 28-29, 201** (Cannot confirm dates)
This festival helps to support the volunteer fire department.

Holy Cross Parish Church Festival
3612 Church Street in Latonia, Kentucky
July 28-29, 2017
Live music, games, corn hole and great food.

St. Ann Parish Church Fiesta
3064 Pleasant Avenue in Hamilton, Ohio
July 28-29, 2017
Traditional church festival.

Sharon Fest
Gower Park at 10990 Thornview Drive in Sharonville, Ohio
July 28-29, 2017
Music, rides, games and food.

Greater Anderson Days
6910 Same Road in Beech Acres Park in Anderson Township, Cincinnati, Ohio
July 28-30, 2017
Live music, games, rides, Anderson’s Got Talent and fireworks on Sunday.

Bacon, Blues and Brew Music and Arts Festival
Batesville, Indiana
July 28-30, 2017
Enjoy American “roots” music! Kids activities and great food!

Our Lady of Lourdes Parish Church Festival
2832 Rosebud Drive in Westwood in Cincinnati, Ohio
July 28-30, 2017
Beer garden, rides, games and food.

Dayton Celtic Festival
Riverscape MetroPark in Dayton, Ohio
July 28-30, 2017
Enjoy everything Irish!

Adjust Your Eyes Music and Arts Festival
Various places throughout Northside in Cincinnati, Ohio
July 28-30, 2017
Lots of live music!

GreekFest at Sts. Constantine and Helen (Church Festival)
Middletown, Ohio
July 28-30, 2017
Traditional Greek food and pastries plus lots of fun festival things to do.

St. Bartholomew Church Festival
8375 Winton Road in Finneytown in Cincinnati, Ohio
July 28-30, 2017
All the fun of a traditional festival!

St. Margaret of York Fest
9483 Columbia Road in Loveland, Ohio
July 28-30, 2017
Church festival with food, drink, rides and lots of entertainment.

Holy Trinity Parish (Church) Festival
Norwood, Ohio
July 28-30, 2017
Traditional festival with all of the fun and food.

Boulevard Bash
Fraze Pavilion in Kettering, Ohio
July 30, 2017
Enjoy this food truck festival with live music!