Author Archives: susanaknabe

Ten Home-Staging Ideas When Selling Your Home

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Home Staging IdeasWhen selling your home, having it strategically staged to appeal to a wide variety of buyers is highly recommended. Buyers will be able to mentally move in and leave them with a lasting positive impression. Here are 10 staging ideas and tips to make your home look its best:

(1) Clean Your Home
We are talking extreme cleaning. Do not skimp on making sure your home is spotless from top to bottom. The cleaner your home is, the more appealing it will be to home buyers.

(2) Get Rid of Clutter
We understand you love your “stuff.” Keep in mind people touring your home will not love it as much. When selling, it’s time to store all family photos, collections and other items that make your home look cluttered and crowded.

Are your closets full, too? Clean them out to make them look more spacious.

(3) Group Furniture
Rooms will look larger when when furniture floats away from walls. Position chairs and couches into groups. If you have too many pieces of furniture in a room, consider storing a few chairs or a couch. Or, use that extra chair from the living room and place it in an almost-empty guest bedroom or study.

(4) Get Rid of the Junk Room
Many people have one room designated for storage – aka the “junk room.” Convert that space into a room with purpose by transforming it into a reading room, zen room, study or exercise area.

(5) Don’t Block Your Windows – Let There be Light!
Natural light is a good thing to show off in your home. Open all heavy curtains and let the light shine in. If you have any furniture blocking windows, now is the time to move pieces away from obstructing window views. If your room is still dark, be sure to add lighting. (Aim for 100 watts for each 50 square feet.)

(6) Master Bedroom
Make the master bedroom into a retreat. Consider a neutral bed covering with a throw blanket and several pillows.

(7) Decorate in Threes
Although you do not want to showcase clutter, a bit of home decor is pleasing. Groupings of three are appealing to the eye. Vary your items in height and width with the largest item set in the back and the smallest placed in the front.

(8) De-Personalize Your Home
When your home is for sale it is a good idea to make wall colors neutral to appeal to most buyers’ taste. If you have rooms with bold colors, consider repainting them to something neutral. Remember, you can add back your personality with color when you move to your new home!

(9) Painting Tip
If your goal is to make a room look larger, paint it the same color as an adjacent room.

(10) Outside Rooms
A patio or porch is a great place to show off “outdoor” rooms. Be sure to stage those areas and make them look special

Need professional help with staging your home? Contact Sibcy Cline Home Services. They can put you in touch with a vetted company experienced in home staging, painting or other home-related needs.

Seven Tips to Prepare your Home for Winter

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Fall is the best time to take advantage of the weather to winterize your home. A handful of quick and easy projects can help avoid serious issues and potentially even save money. Here are seven tips for getting your property ready for the snow and sleet, whipping winds and frigid temperatures that come with winter:

1) Start with the Heat
Perhaps the easiest way to prepare a home for winter is to look at the furnace and make sure it’s in good working order, according to Popular Mechanics. We recommend hiring a professional to review your heating system yearly.

Additionally, you should swap out old air filters at this time of year. Why change them regularly? Fresh filters will not only make the heating system run more efficiently (which can save a lot of money), but also improve overall air quality in your home.

2) Look for Drafts
A critical aspect of keeping a home well-heated when winter weather arrives is making sure the whole house is as efficient as possible. It’s important to confirm there are no parts of the home where heated air is leaking out. Some home experts note that all the little cracks, fissures and holes around doors and windows in an average house can add up quickly, becoming equal to the size of an open window. Inspect every window for fissures that can be easily patched with caulk or other sealants.

3) Take Care of the Water
Many homes have water lines that run outside of them to spigots on the side of the house or into lawn sprinkler systems. Shut off water access to these water spigots and then flush them out so they’re completely empty to help prevent pipes from freezing and bursting.

If basements aren’t kept at warmer temperatures or some plumbing runs along the outside of the house, it’s important to properly insulate any pipes in those places to reduce the risk of rupturing or bursting.

4) Up on the Roof
The average homeowner might not put a ton of thought into the condition of the roof simply because there is not an occasion to get a good look at it. Now is the time to get out the ladder and inspect it, because things like missing tiles and damaged shingles can become big problems. When snow piles up on a roof on top of a damaged or missing protective material, the weight and the wetness can combine to cause leaks and even collapses in some extreme cases.

Fall is also the time to clean out gutters so nothing gets clogged during winter months. Ice dams can build up quickly and create some potentially serious water damage that compromises the integrity of that part of the roof.

5) Invest in a New Thermostat
For those with older homes, now is a good time to install a new, advanced thermostat that’s programmable (and possibly Internet enabled). These devices give homeowners a lot of control over their home’s temperature on an ongoing basis. Homes can be programmed to turn down the heat when no one is home – during the school or work day – while maintaining a safe level for the plumbing system. This reduces heating bills and doesn’t strain the furnace. This will save a lot of money in utility bills.

6) Bring it Inside
Homeowners should store lawn furniture and other items to keep them in good shape for upcoming warmer months. Portable generators, grills and lawn equipment shouldn’t be left to the elements and need to be stored safely in the garage, shed or basement.

7) The Fireplace
For anyone with a fireplace, it’s a good idea to make sure it is free of debris for winter. The residue from having too many fires can build up in the chimney or there may be problems from animals nesting there. These issues could lead to some backup of smoke or fire.

Need Assistance with your fall home projects?
Contact Sibcy Cline Home Services for assistance with your home-related projects. They can recommend vetted local service vendors to you.

Brought to you by HMS Home Warranty.  HMS is an industry leader with over 30 years of creating success for clients and providing peace of mind for customers. To learn more click www.hmsnational.com

 

 

Sibcy Cline Super Open House Weekend is November 3 and 4, 2018

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Super Open HouseSibcy Cline Realtors is hosting a Super Open House Weekend on November 3 and 4, 2018.  There will be some great homes for sale held open for public viewing. Look at homes for sale here.

The weather outlook is positive for Saturday and Sunday with little chance of rain. The Bengals are not playing a football game on Sunday – it’s their BYE week. It’s going to be a super time to look at some homes for sale and BUY one!

November Fun Things to Do throughout Cincinnati and Dayton, Ohio; Northern Kentucky; and Southeastern Indiana

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November things to do

It’s November and a great time to think about enjoying a local festival or event. There are many holiday boutiques this month as well as Christmas-themed events. Or, enjoy live music or a play. Redsfest is at the end of the month if you are still in baseball mode. Here is our list of 100+ events throughout Cincinnati and Dayton, Ohio; Northern Kentucky; and Southeastern Indiana:

Events are in order by date.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Through November 4, 2018
Aronoff Center for the Arts vat 650 Walnut Street, Cincinnati, Ohio
The golden ticket! The candy man!

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White Christmas
November 1 – December 31, 2018
La Comedia Dinner Theatre at 765 W. Central Avenue in Springboro, Ohio
Enjoy dinner and live theater with Christmas carols and more!

Rumpelstiltskin
November 2, 2018
Fairfield Community Arts Center at 411 Wessel Drive, Fairfield, Ohio
The classic tale performed by TCT on Tour with Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati

Antique Christmas
November 2, 2018 – January 6, 2019
316 Pike Street at the Taft Museum of Art in downtown Cincinnati, Ohio
See antique ornaments and toys at this festive display.

Lawrenceburg’s Whiskey City Festival
November 3, 2018
Lawrenceburg Event Center at 91 Walnut Street, Lawrenceburg, Indiana
All kinds of whiskey-style activities with master distillers, live music and more

First Friday / Second Look at Pendleton Art Center – Middletown
November 2-3, 2018
1105 Central Avenue, Middletown, Ohio 45042
Artists will be available to show off their talents, food, music and more!

Greater Cincinnati Holiday Market
November 2-4, 2018
Duke Energy Convention Center in downtown Cincinnati, Ohio
350 boutiques will be tempting your pocketbook!

Hearth Warming Holidays
November 2-4, 2018
Downtown Waynesville, Ohio
Shop and collect recipes to make a cookbook.

Harvest Fest
November 3, 2018
10235 Mill Road, Cincinnati, Ohio
Live music, petting zoo and Kolping Schnitzel Haus dinners

Northside Record Fair
November 3, 2018
North Church at 4222 Hamilton Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio
Thousands of records to look at and buy!

Pumpkin Chuck
November 3, 2018
221 Oxford Avenue at Stanbery Park in Mt. Washington, Cincinnati, Ohio
Bring your pumpkins and watch them fly!  Music and food.

Lawrenceburg Whiskey City Festival
November 3, 2018
91 Walnut St. at the Lawrenceburg Event Center in Lawrenceburg, Indiana
Enjoy whiskey, music and food! Admission fee.

The Legend of Pocahontas
November 3-4, 2018
The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati at 4015 Red Bank Road, Cincinnati, Ohio
Enjoy the legend of Pocahontas

NMRA Annual Dayton Train Show
November 3-4, 2018
Montgomery County Fairgrounds at 645 Infirmary Road, Dayton, Ohio
The National Model Railroad Association presents its 4th annual train show

St. John Fall Craft Show and Chicken Dinner
November 3-4, 2018
25743 State Route 1, Dover, Indiana
Enjoy purchasing crafts and home-baked goods. Chicken dinner on Sunday.

In Love and Warcraft
November 3–18, 2018
The Carnegie at 1028 Scott Blvd., Covington, Kentucky
Gamer girl makes money writing love letters for people having relationship problems but is unprepared when she falls in love.

Cincinnati King
November 3 – December 23, 2018
Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park at 962 Mt. Adams Circle, Cincinnati, Ohio
Enjoy hearing and learning about the history of King Records

All-You-Can-East Turkey Dinner and Christmas Bazaar
November 4, 2018
American Legion Auxiliary, 25329 Legion Road, NewAlsace, Indiana
Turkey dinner, raffles and a bake sale

Carnegie Hall Annual Thanksgiving Dinner
November 4, 2018
14687 Main Street, Moores Hill, Indiana
Traditional turkey dinner

Holiday Jam
November 4, 2018
Wright State University Nutter Center at 3640 Colonel Glenn Highway, Dayton, Ohio
Start your holiday shopping!

Southern Ohio Indoor Music Festival
November 9–10, 2018
Roberts Centre in Wilmington, Ohio
Enjoy acoustic and bluegrass music

Southern Ohio Indoor Music Festival
November 9–10, 2018
Roberts Centre in Wilmington, Ohio
Enjoy acoustic musical groups.

Southern Ohio Indoor Music Festival
November 9–10, 2018
Roberts Centre at  123 Gano Road, Wilmington, Ohio
Enjoy live acoustic groups

Annual Dayton Book Fair
November 9–11, 2018
Montgomery County Fairgrounds at 1043 South Main Street in Dayton, Ohio
100,000 books (records, magazines, movies and games) will be available for purchase!

Cincinnati Coffee Festival
November 9–11, 2018
Music Hall, Over-the-Rhine, Cincinnati, Ohio
Love your “Joe”? Enjoy tastings, live music and more!

Cincinnati Coffee Festival
November 9–11, 2018
1241 Elm Street at Music Hall in Over-the-Rhine in Cincinnati, Ohio
Enjoy samplings, music and elegant pastries. Admission fee.

Proof presented by Fairfield Footlighters
November 9–18, 2018 (various days)
Fairfield Community Arts Center at 411 Wessel Drive, Fairfield, Ohio
2001 Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award for Best Play

Minumental
November 9 – December 7, 2018
Art Academy of Cincinnati at 1212 Jackson, Cincinnati, Ohio
Original works of art no larger than 2″x2″

Christmas Night of Lights
November 9, 2018 – January 1, 2019
Coney Island at 6201 Kellogg Avenue in Cincinnati, Ohio
Two-mile car ride through Cincinnati displays and light shows

Light Up the Fair
November 9 – January 5, 2019
Boone County Fairgrounds at 5819 Idlewild Road in Burlington, Kentucky
Mile-long drive of twinkling lights that sync up to music

Big Beers Barley Wines Beer Fest
November 10, 2018
500 Belmont Park North at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Dayton, Ohio
Premium boutique beer festival.

Holiday Art & Craft Show
November 10, 2018
Kettering Recreation Center at 2900 Glengarry Drive, Kettering, Ohio
80+ vendors!

St. Lawrence Athletic Turkey Delite
November 10, 2018
St. Lawrence at 3680 Warsaw Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio
Games and more!

St. Martin of Tours Martinfest
November 10, 2018
3720 St. Martin Place in Cheviot in Cincinnati,  Ohio
Raffles, catered dinner and more.

Thanksgiving on the Ohio Frontier
November 10, 2018
Shawnee Lookout at 2008 Lawrenceburg Road, North Bend, Ohio
Reenactment of frontier day

A Crystal Holiday at Krohn Conservatory
November 10, 2018 – January 6, 2019
Krohn Conservatory at 1501 Eden Park Drive in Cincinnati, Ohio
Replicas of famous Cincinnati landmarks, trains, evergreens, poinsettias and more!

Holiday Traditions @BCM (Toy Trains)
November 10, 2018 – January 13, 2019
Behringer-Crawford Museum in Covington, Kentucky
Enjoy all of the choo choos!

26th Annual Blue Ash Veterans Day Ceremony
November 11, 2018
4343 Cooper Road, Blue Ash, Ohio
Veterans will be honored at the Blue Ash Bicentennial Veterans Memorial Park followed by a lunch

Sanctuary Series – Trill Seeker Flute Choir
November 11, 2018
230 E. High Street, Springfield, Ohio
Flute ensemble with musicians from UD and SW Ohio

Veterans Day Program
November 11, 2018
Florence Government Center
Paying tribute to those who have served

Union Terminal’s Homecoming Week
November 11-17, 2018
Union Terminal at 1301 Western Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohi
Many events and a ribbon-cutting ceremony

Art on Vine at Rhinegeist
November 11, 2018 (+December 16, 2018)
Rhinegeist Brewery at 1910 Elm Street, Cincinnati, Ohio
Enjoy art and homemade goods from 70+ local artists

Christmas at EnterTRAINment Junction
November 11 – December 31, 2018
7379 Squire Court in West Chester, Ohio
Enjoy holiday trains! Entrance fee.

Holiday Toy Trains
November 10, 2018 – January 13, 2019
Behringer-Crawford Museum at 1600 Montague Road,  Covington, Kentucky
Enjoy all of the choo choos!

A Crystal Holiday at Krohn Conservatory
November 10, 2018 – January 6, 2019
Krohn Conservatory in Cincinnati, Ohio
Enjoy the holiday by visiting Krohn Conservatory

Walk+ Wine at Sharon Woods
November 15, 2018
Sharon Woods at 11450 Lebanon Rd., Sharonville, Ohio
See the holiday light early! Then taste some local wines.

The Turn of the Screw
November 15–18, 2018
Patricia Corbett Theatre, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio
A mystery with ghosts and foreboding

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical
November 16–18, 2018
The Schuster Center at 1 W. 2nd Street, Dayton, Ohio
A TV classic now on stage!

Christmas in Historic Springboro Festival
November 16–18, 2018
Springboro, Ohio
The best way to spread Christmas cheer, is winging loud for all to hear!
Shops, see Santa and more!

Christmas in Historic Springboro Festival
November 16–18, 2018
Springboro, Ohio
Enjoy a parade, entertainment, 5k run, crafts and more!

Christkindlmarkt
November 16–18, 2018 
Germania Society of Cincinnati at 3529 W. Kemper Road in Cincinnati, Ohio
Heated tents with German music, children’s lantern parade, petting zoo, German food and drinks as well as German ornaments available for purchase.

Sugarplum Festival of Trees
November 16–19, 2018
Dayton Mason Center at 525 W Riverview Ave, Dayton, Ohio
Enjoy viewing and bidding on fabulously decorated trees

A Small Fire
November 16 – December 1, 2018
Falcon Theatre at 636 Monmouth Street, Newport, Kentucky
Engaging play about devotion during trying times

Twelfth Night
November 16 – December 2, 2018
Cincinnati Shakespeare Company at 1195 Elm Street, Cincinnati, Ohio
Twists and turns in this Shakespearean play

The Christmas Ranch
November 16 – December 23, 2018
Morrow, Ohio
One million holiday lights that are synced to music.

North Pole Express
November 16 – December 29, 2018 (various days)
Lebanon Mason Monroe Railroad at 127 S. Mechanic Street, Lebanon, Ohio
Santa will visit the kids on the train ride.

Holiday Lights at Sharon Woods
November 16 – December 31, 2018
Route 42 Sharon Woods in Sharonville, Ohio (Cincinnati)
Outdoor Christmas lights display to enjoy while driving through Sharon Woods

Holiday Lights on the Hill
November 16, 2018 – January 1, 2019
1763 Ohio 128 (Hamilton-Cleves Road) at Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park in Hamilton, Ohio
Two-mile round trip drive-through light display

6th Annual Sunman Celebrates the Season
November 17, 2018
Sunman Legion Post 337, 412 Eastern Avenue, Sunman, Indiana
Parade ends at the Legion Post. See Santa and Mrs. Claus

Victory of Light Psychic Festival
November 17–18, 2018
Sharonville Convention Center at 11355 Chester Road, Sharonville (Cincinnati), Ohio
Readings, vendors and seminars – it’s all psychic!

PNC Festival of Lights
November 17 – January 1, 2018
Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden at 3400 Vine Street, Cincinnati, Ohio
Enjoy a winter wonderland of 3 million LED lights

Holiday Junction Featuring the Duke Energy Holiday Trains
November 17, 2018 – January 6, 2019
Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal at 1301 Western Ave., Cincinnati, Ohio
9,000sf of trains with displays of Cincinnati from the 1900s – 1930s

St. Boniface Thanksgiving Festival Northside
December 18, 2018
4305 Pitts Street, Cincinnati, Ohio
Enjoy turkey or roast beef!

A Taste of Lebanon Mediterranean Food Festival
November 18, 2018
St. Anthony of Padua Maronite Catholic Church at 2530 Victory Parkway, Cincinnati, Ohio
Enjoy a Middle Eastern experience!

St. Anthony of Padua Maronite Church Taste of Lebanon
November 18, 2018
2530 Victory Parkway in Cincinnati, Ohio
Enjoy all kinds of Lebanese culture: kibbee, spinach pies. tabouli. falafel and  pastries!

LM&M Railroad North Pole Express
November 18 – December 30, 2018 (various dates)
127 S. Mechanic St. at the Lebanon Mason Monroe Railroad in Lebanon, Ohio
Nine-mile round-trip train ride with Santa and cocoa

Light up the Levee Grand Illumination
November 20, 2018
Newport at the Levee in Newport, Kentucky
Holiday music, treats, Santa, ice sculpting and more. 1.4 million lights to enjoy.

Victorian Christmas
November 20 – December 30, 2018 (closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve/Day)
Hillforest Victorian House Museum at 213 Fifth Street in Aurora, Indiana
Step back into time and see Christmas as it was celebrated years ago.

Family Movie Night
November 21, 2018
Mess Hall at Tower Park, Ft. Thomas, Kentucky
Free movie. Concessions for sale

A Christmas Carol
November 21, 2018 – December 29, 2018
926 Mount Adams Circle at Playhouse in the Park in Cincinnati, Ohio
Bah! Humbug!

Thanksgiving Day 10k Run and Walk
November 22, 2018
Paul Brown Stadium in downtown Cincinnati, Ohio
The 108th year for this annual event. Run/walk and then go home to gobble down!\

Price Hill Thanksgiving Parade
November 22, 2018
Ferguson Road/Glenway Avenue to Warsaw Avenue to St. Lawrence Parish Center in Price Hill, Cincinnati, Ohio
Two-mile parade with a grand marshal, king and queen!

Light Up Middletown
November 22 – December 23, 2018
500 Tytus Avenue at Smith Park in Middletown, Ohio
Drive-through light display!

Dayton Holiday Festival
November 23, 2018
Downtown Dayton, Ohio
Children’s parade, tree lighting on Courthouse Square and more.

Dayton Holiday Festival
November 23, 2018
Downtown Dayton, Ohio
Enjoy the Grande Illumination and children’s parade. Live entertainment and reindeer!

Grand Illumination
November 23, 2018
Downtown Troy, Ohio
Artisan fair with carriage rides, music and the arrival of Santa on a fire truck as well as the Christmas tree lighting

Chocolate Tasting and Full Moon Hike
November 23, 2018
Glen Helen Nature Preserve, 405 Corry St., Yellow Springs, Ohio
Bring your fave chocolate to share!

Macy’s Light Up the Square
November 23, 2018
Fountain Square at Fifth and Vine Streets, downtown Cincinnati, Ohio
Live music, food trucks and lighting of the tree!

Ale! to the Queen City
November  23–24, 2018
Mehring Way between Elm and the Roebling Bridge
Enjoy craft brews from local breweries and live entertainment

Arctic Blast
November 23–24, 2018
Carol Ann’s Carousel at 8 W. Mehring Way, Cincinnati, Ohio
Learn all about penguins. Crafts add giveaways!

Cincideutsch Christlindlmarkt –First Weekend
November 23-25, 2018
Fountain Square at 520 Vine Street, Cincinnati, Ohio
Enjoy German spiced wine, baked goods and handcrafted items.

Winterfair
November 23–25, 2018
Northern Kentucky Convention Center in Covington, Kentucky
Enjoy viewing the work of over 250 artisans.

Hometown for the Holidays
November 23–25, 2018
Main Street (US 50) in historic Milford, Ohio
Carriage rides, Victorian Carolers, free antique fire engine rides

Woodland Lights at Countryside Park
November 23 – December 2, 2018 (Weekends)
December 7–23, 2018 (Nightly)
Washington Township, Ohio
Walk through a half-mile wonderland of Christmas lights.

Festival of Trees
November 23 – December 24, 2018
123 Mill Street in Madison, Indiana
More than 100 trees are decorated for viewing!

Christmas Town
November 23 – December 30, 2018
Creation Museum at 2800 Bullittsburg Church Road, Petersburg, Kentucky
Live nativity and light display

ChristmasTime at the Ark
November 23 – December 30, 2018
Art Encounter at Ark Encounter Drive, Williamstown, Kentucky
Projection show and other activities

Winterfest
November 23, 2018 – December 30, 2018
Kings Island in Mason, Ohio
Nine winter wonderlands featuring holiday lights, ice skating, rides and seasonal costumed characters

Water Wonderland with Scuba Santa
November 23 – December 31, 2018
1 Aquarium Way at Newport Aquarium in Newport, Kentucky
Visit underwater Santa!

Clifton Mill Christmas Lights
November 23, 2018 – December 31, 2018
Clifton Mill at 75 Water Street in Clifton, Ohio
3.5 million Christmas lights throughout the mill, riverbanks and bridges

Whispering Christmas
November 23 – December 31, 2018
Fort St. Clair Park at 135 Camden Road, Eaton, Ohio
Drive-thru lights display with 2 million lights

Englewood Holiday Celebration
November 24, 2018
333 W. National Road, Englewood, Ohio
Enjoy a holiday open house with live music, a visit from Santa and cookies

Hometown HolidDazzle Illuminated Parade and Festival
November 24, 2018
Wilmington, Ohio
All kind of wonderful holiday wonderfulness

Hometown HoliDazzle Illuminated Parade and Festival
November 24, 2018
Wilmington, Ohio
Enjoy the parade, crafts, train ride, carnival and more!

Macy’s Downtown Dazzle
November 24, 2018 (+December 1 and 8, 2018)
Downtown Cincinnati
See Santa rappel down Huntington Bank Center, fire works and free rides on the Cincinnati Bell Connector.

Train Rides at Carillon Park Railroad
November 24, 2018 (+December 8, 2018)
Carillon Park at 1000 Carillon Boulevard, Dayton, Ohio
Take a ride on a miniature train!

Westside Holiday Market
November 24, 2018
WestSide Market at 3719 Harrison Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio
Caroling, Santa and bonfires! Local food trucks.

Shandon Christmas in the Country
November 24–25, 2018
St. Aloysius, Shandon, Ohio
Welsh cakes, crafts, antiques, Santa, carriage rides and more!

Susan Swayne and the Bewildered Bride 
November 24 – December 16, 2018
Know Theatre of Cincinnati at 1120 Jackson Street, Cincinnati, Ohio
A  play set in the Victorian era with double crosses

Tree Lighting – Edgewood, Kentucky
November 25, 2018
City Building, Edgewood, Kentucky
Santa and Mrs. Claus will be there – refreshments, too!

Hollywood Series at the Air Force Museum Theatre
November 25, 2018 (+December 10, 2018)
Air Force Museum Theatre at 1100 Spaatz Street, Dayton, Ohio
Enjoy a favorite film on a very large (six-story tall) screen

Riverscape Ice Skating
November 25, 2018 – February 28, 2018
Downtown Dayton, Ohio
Outdoor ice rank at Riverscape MetroPark.

Miracle on Main Street
November 25 – December 16, 2018 (Weekends)
Downtown Aurora, Indiana
Santa arrives on November 25 and the Christmas tree will be lit along with a parade. Other weekends enjoy the Dickens Villages.

Here Come The Clydesdales
November 28, 2018
The Party Source at 95 Riviera Dr., Bellevue, Kentucky
Ten Clydesdales from St. Louis will be on display!

Christmas Tree Festival
November 28 – December 2, 2018
Lima, Ohio
See almost 100 Christmas trees decked out for the holiday!

A Carillon Christmas
November 28 – December 30, 2018
1000 Carillon Boulevard in Dayton, Ohio
Thousands of lights, live music and more!

Alice in Wonderland
November 28 -– December 30, 2018
Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati at 1127 Vine Street, Cincinnati, Ohio
Watch the tea party and Queen of Hearts – and Alice!

Swan Lake
November 29, 2018
Taft Theatre at 317 E. Fifth Street, Cincinnati, Ohio
Enjoy the National Ballet Theatre of Odessa and their 55 ballet professional

International Fair Trade Sale
November 29 – December 1, 2018
Lawrenceburg Fairgrounds at US 50, Lawrenceburg, Indiana
Hand-crafted gifts from around the world

A Christmas Story
November 29 – December 23, 2018
Covedale Center for the Performing Arts at 4990 Glenway Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio
You’ll Shoot Your Eye Out! A classic live performance!

Batesville 9th Annual Tree Light Celebration
November 30, 2018
S. Main Street and W. George Street, Batesville, Indiana
Shop Santa’s Village, take a carriage ride and enjoy live choirs. St. Nick will make an appearance.

Redsfest
November 30 – December 1, 2018
Duke Energy Convention Center at 525 Elm Street, Cincinnati, Ohio
Meet current and former Reds’ players, purchase memorabilia and lot of games

Christkindlmarkt
November 30 – December 2, 2018
Hamilton Courtyard Marriott at One Riverfront Plaza, Hamilton, Ohio
Enjoy German food, beer and Christmas items.

Christmas in the Village
November 30 – December 2, 2018
Waynesville, Ohio
Santa arrives daily. Horse-drawn carriage rides, carolers, shopping and more!

MVBT presents The Nutcracker
November 30 –December  9, 2018 (various dates)
Fairfield Community Arts Center at 411 Wessel Drive, Fairfield, Ohio
Enjoy this classic holiday ballet!

Mr. Popper’s Penguins
November 30 – December 16, 2018 (various dates)
Town Hall Theatre at 27 North Main Street, Centerville, Ohio
A family holiday musical!

 

 

 

What to Look For When Buying a Home this Fall

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If you are looking to purchase a home during the fall season, it’s always best to consult with your real estate agent for advise on the best ways to maximize negotiating power. In today’s real estate market, bidding wars can be common despite the usual seasonal slowdown in real estate sales activity in autumn.

Be Financially Prepared
Home buyers need to understand the current status of the real estate market and how fast-paced it is currently. Someone with a low credit score or the inability to make a down payment may find it more difficult become pre-approved for a mortgage. Additionally, understanding the current market main mean making a fast decision for an offer to purchase a home.

Is This the Right Home in the Right Place at the Right Price?
Sometimes would-be buyers are all too eager to make a home purchase without actually considering the condition of that local market. They are willing to make too many compromises on what they’re looking for just in hopes of buying sooner than later. There isn’t necessarily anything wrong with that approach, but it’s important for buyers to think about whether their new homes fit their long-term living plans.

Buyers should seek advice from their agents about local market shifts and trends to make better informed decisions as well as consider how long to plan on owning that home before thinking of moving again.

Strike When It’s Wise
Home buyers should keep in mind why autumn is such a buyer-friendly season in the first place. While competition is still considerable because of existing market conditions, the number of people looking at homes does decrease, making purchasing a home a bit easier. Sellers who have had their homes on the market since the start of spring may be more motivated to make a deal than they were in the summer.

Look at homes for sale here.

Brought to you by HMS Home Warranty.  HMS is an industry leader with over 30 years of creating success for clients and providing peace of mind for customers. To learn more click www.hmsnational.com

 

 

 

September 2018 Home Sales Report for Cincinnati and Dayton, Ohio; Northern Kentucky; and Southeastern Indiana

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September 2018 Home Sales ReportHere is the September home sales report for Cincinnati and Dayton, Ohio; Northern Kentucky; and Southeastern Indiana. The low inventory of homes for sale has been a factor in the lower number of homes sold in all regions. Average and media sales prices remain high.

Cincinnati
Although September 2018 sales did not exceed September 2017’s numbers, the month was still one of the top three strongest months in the past 10 years.

September 2018 vs September 2017

  • -7.50% Decrease in homes sold (2,109 homes vs 2,280 homes)
  • 4.70% Increase in average sale price ($207,894 vs $198,567)
  • 6.88% Increase in median sale price ($171,000 vs $160,000)
  • -3.16% Decrease in gross sales volume ($438,449,223 vs $452,744,807)

January – September 2018 vs January – September 2017

  • -1.06% Decrease in homes sold (19,865 homes vs 20,078 homes)
  • 6.04% Increase in average sale price ($214,736 vs $202,505)
  • 7.30% Increase in median sale price ($174,900 vs $163,000)
  • 4.91% Increase in gross sales volume ($4,265,728,807 vs $4,065,895,821)

Statistics courtesy of Cincinnati Area Board of Realtors September 2018 Home Sales Report

Dayton
Year-to-date, the Dayton region has had positive increases in homes sold, average and median sales prices as well as sales volume as compared to 2017.

September 2018 vs September 2017

  • -7.21% Decrease in homes sold (1,665 homes vs 1,710 homes)
  • 5.02% Increase in average sale price ($167,717 vs $1159,699)
  • 7.41% Increase in median sale price ($145,000 vs $135,000)
  • -2.55% Decrease in sales volume ($222,225,022 vs $228,050,163)

January – September 2018 vs January – September 2017

  • .98% Increase in homes sold (12,495 homes vs 12,374 homes)
  • 6.34% Increase in average sale price ($166,133 vs $156,227)
  • 6.64% Increase in median sale price ($142,900 vs $134,000)
  • 7.38% Increase in sales volume ($2,075,833,595 vs $1,933,148,167

Statistics courtesy of Dayton Realtors September 2018 Home Sales Report

Northern Kentucky
Average sales price, median sales price and sale volume were up September 2017.

September 2018 vs September 2017

  • -5.04% Decrease in homes sold (603 homes vs 635 homes)
  • 9.64% Increase in average sale price ($196,570 vs $179,282)
  • 5.00% Increase in median sale price ($168,000 vs $160,000)
  • 4.12% Increase in sales volume ($118,531,976 vs $113,844,185)

January – September 2018 vs January – September 2017

  • -1.31% Decrease in homes sold (5,488 homes vs 5,561 homes)
  • 7.52% Increase in average sale price ($193,776 vs $180,224)
  • 6.69% Increase in median sale price ($167,500 vs $157,000)
  • 6.11% Increase in sales volume ($1,063,443,610 vs $1,002,229,156)

Statistics courtesy of Northern Kentucky Association of Realtors September 2018 Home Sales Report

Southeastern Indiana
The Southeastern Indiana region had increases in average and median sale prices in September. Year-to-date, this region is ahead on homes sold as compared to 2017.

September 2018 vs September 2017

  • -27.0% Decrease in homes sold (81 homes vs 111 homes)
  • 10.3% Increase in average sale price ($181,896 vs $164,868)
  • 6.0% Increase in median sale price ($168,500 vs $159,000)
  • -19.5% Increase in sales volume ($14,733,579 vs $18,300,402)

January – September 2018 vs January – September 2017

  • 2.3% Increase in homes sold 946 homes vs 925 homes)
  • 6.9% Increase in average sale price ($168,999 vs $1158,138)
  • 7.0% Increase in median sale price ($152,500 vs $142,500)
  • 9.3% Increase in sales volume ($159,872,986 vs $146,277,568)

Statistics courtesy of Rick McMillin – Southeastern Indiana Board of Realtors MLS Homes Sold Report dated October 19, 2018.

Look at homes for sale.

Halloween Safety Tips – for your Home and the Trick or Treaters

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4.1.1
It’s almost time for  Halloween. The kids will soon have fun wearing their costumes and trick or treating in their neighborhoods. Here are tips to make this holiday a safe one:

Home Safety

  • Clear your walkway of any debris and wet leaves to avoid tripping or slipping hazards.
  • Keep pets inside, away from doors or windows so they won’t scare trick-or-treaters.
  • Don’t hand out candy that could be a possible choking hazard for young children.
  • Have your porch/entrance well lit if you are handing out candy. Keep the lights off if you do not want visitors.
  • Young children should not carve pumpkins.

Trick-or-Treating

  • A parent or responsible adult should always accompany young children.
  • Older unsupervised children should go out with a group, follow an acceptable/safe route, and return home at a specific time.
  • Only visit homes with a porch light on and never enter a stranger’s home or car for a treat.
  • Put electronic devices down and keep heads up.
  • Stay on the sidewalks, cross only at corners, and don’t run across the street.
  • Make sure to carry flashlights, especially if staying out after dark.
  • Travel only in familiar, well-lit areas and avoid trick-or-treating alone.
  • Don’t eat any treats until returning home so you can carefully inspect them.

Costumes

  • All costumes, wigs and accessories should be made of fire-resistant materials.
  • Accessories like swords or knives should be made out of cardboard or a flexible material.
  • Pick brightly colored costumes and fasten reflective objects to clothing and bags so they are visible to motorists.
  • Avoid oversized or high-heeled shoes that can cause a child to trip.
  • Make sure masks or other head accessories don’t impede vision. (It is advisable to use make up or face paint instead of a mask.)
  • Avoid tripping hazards, make sure costume is not too long and shoes are the proper size.
  • Remove all makeup before going to bed to prevent skin and eye irritation.
  • Attach your child’s name and contact information inside their costume.

Want to know what day and time to trick or treat day in your neighborhood?