Category Archives: Buying A Home

Should You Build a New Home or Buy a Fixer Upper?

Posted on by
1
Buy a new or old home


Buying a home can be one of the largest investments – both financially and emotionally – that many people will ever make. The debate between buying a new home and a fixer-upper becomes one with many factors to evaluate. Here are some of the pros and cons of each scenario:

NEW HOME – PROS

Everything’s New
In newer homes you know all plumbing, electrical, HVAC, lighting and other systems that your house runs on are brand new and should be worry-free.

Fresh and Clean
“Move-in ready” is a key benefit of buying a new home. Everything – from floors to walls – is clean and fresh and requires no additional work before moving in. This can reduce the  time frame and stress level of purchasing a home.

Potential for Warrantees
A new home’s water heater, air conditioner, roof and other features may still be under warranty, offering peace-of-mind when it comes to replacing or repairing high-ticket items.

NEW HOME – CONS

Cost
One of the downsides of moving into a newer, cleaner, up-to-date home is usually the higher price tag. You may not have a lot of repairs or replacements to make, but newer amenities can affect the overall price of the home.

Location
You may not find many newer homes being built in established neighborhoods, which may mean you have to look in newer subdivisions on the outskirts of the metro area.

Character and Charm
While a newer home will usually fit all your needs as far as living space and layout, some new homes don’t offer the architectural detail and style that give an older home its character and charm.

FIXER-UPPER PROS

Discounted Price
One of the main benefits of buying a fixer-upper is the discount that often comes with such a purchase. Of course, there will be other costs involved in repairing or remodeling, but many of those costs can be offset by the discounted purchase price.

Architectural Style
Unless you are looking to build a high-end custom home, many newer homes do not have the same architectural detail and character as many older homes do.

Personal Touch
Fixing up an older home allows you to go through a similar process of building a home when it comes to making selections on flooring, paint, appliances and other finishing touches. These decisions will help personalize a well-used home into your own.

FIXER-UPPER CONS

Time
Time constraints can be a difficult obstacle to negotiate when buying a fixer-upper. Getting the home ready while living in the space or waiting to move until all work is done can be a task that requires patience.

Unforeseen Issues and Costs
While walk throughs and inspections should give you a pretty good idea of what lies ahead, there’s always the possibility that some issues or repairs will present themselves during the rehab process. Fixing these unforeseen issues can cost time and money.

Labor Intensive
Unless you hire someone to do all the work, which may negate the cost savings on the purchase price, be prepared to get your hands dirty. If you decide to do the work yourself, expect things to take a bit longer and possibly cost a little more than you imagine.

4 Benefits of Homeownership

Posted on by
Reply
homeownership benefits

Home: whether it’s a studio apartment or a 6000-square-foot mansion, it’s the place that you feel most comfortable. It’s the place where you are surrounded by the things, people, and pets you love. And while it might not seem like there is much of a difference between paying a landlord or paying a mortgage, there are big benefits to making the leap to owning your own home.  Let’s take a look at some of the most compelling reasons to consider homeownership.

You Can Make it Your Own 

Want to change the paint color on the walls? Renovate the bathroom? Add a garden? Whatever changes you want to make to your home, you have the freedom when you own it.  

As it turns out, this freedom to make improvements to your home can bring more joy to your life. The 2022 Remodeling Impact report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) measures with a “joy score” how much happiness specific changes to your home can bring. According to NAR, “There were numerous interior projects that received a perfect Joy Score of 10: paint entire interior of home, paint one room of home, add a new home office, hardwood flooring re-finish, new wood flooring, closet renovation, insulation upgrade, and attic conversion to a living area.”  

Need help with home improvements? Reach out to Sibcy Cline Home Services for connections to local, vetted professionals.  

The Opportunity to Build Wealth 

“Owning a home continues to be a proven method for building long-term wealth,” said Lawrence Yun, the chief economist for the National Association of REALTORS (NAR). NAR found that during the 10 years between 2010 and 2020, total housing income wealth for 980,000 middle-income households surged by $2.1 trillion.  

The Federal Housing Finance Agency breaks down the changes to home values by region and metropolitan area. You can see these changes by looking at the House Price Index. For example, the House Price Index can tell you that if you had bought a home in January 2020 for 100,000, it would be worth approximately $133,000 in January 2022, which is $33,000 in equity back in your pocket. When you rent, you build equity for the landlord. When you buy, you build equity for yourself.  

Also, buying a home is a hedge against inflation, since your payments are locked in. While your property value rises and other goods continue to cost more, your monthly housing payment stays the same and is typically locked in for 15-30 years.  

If you are interested in pre-qualifying for a mortgage, or would like to refinance to tap into your current home’s equity, reach out to Sibcy Cline Mortgage.  

Planting Roots Increases Stability  

In addition to the tangible financial benefits, it’s been proven that homeownership has long-term social benefits to families, communities, and the country as a whole. “Because of these societal benefits, policy makers have promoted homeownership through a number of channels. Homeownership has been an essential element of the American Dream for decades and continues to be so even today,” reports NAR.

Renters are more likely to move frequently, while homeowners tend to be embedded in the community for a longer period of time. This creates an overall stabilizing effect on both individuals and families that results in higher educational accomplishments and lower crime rates.

Homeownership Creates a Sense of Community  

From the very beginning, the act of buying a home engages an entire community network of individuals and industries that play a role in the process. Numerous contractors, specialists, lawyers, town and city officials, and so many other professionals are necessary to make the transaction happen. Every individual you work with, including your Sibcy Cline real estate agent, has a team of people involved behind the scenes. 

That means when you buy or sell a home, you’re leaving a lasting impression on the community at large. But it goes beyond that—homeowners are more inclined to be active participants in their communities.  “Owning a home means owning part of a neighborhood, and a homeowner’s feelings of commitment to the home can arouse feelings of commitment to the neighborhood, which, in turn, can produce interactions with neighbors. Overall, attachment to the neighborhood is stronger for homeowners and longterm renters than for more transient residents,” reports NAR.

Ready to take the leap? Browse the latest listings on the region’s #1 website for home search, sibcycline.com.

Need an agent? A REALTOR® from Sibcy Cline is trained to give you the best support and service from start to closing on your transaction.

7 Smart Reasons to Use Your Home Equity

Posted on by
Reply

“Homeownership has cemented its role as part of the American Dream, providing families with a place that is their own and an avenue for building wealth over time. This ‘wealth’ is built, in large part, through the creation of equity…Building equity through your monthly principal payments and appreciation is a critical part of homeownership that can help you create financial stability.”

-Freddie Mac

The past year may have had its challenges, but there have been some silver linings. Home values, for example, have risen rapidly resulting in huge equity gains for homeowners. The average amount of equity that homeowners have gained in the last year is over $33,000 and the average homeowner has over $216,000 in equity (Source: CoreLogic).

These gains in equity are great news for homeowners. According to Jay Buten, VP of Production for Sibcy Cline Mortgage Services, “Now is a great time for homeowners to take advantage of the increased values and utilize the equity to improve their overall financial picture.”

There are many ways that homeowners can choose to use their equity to give themselves a leg up financially, from debt consolidation to college expenses. “It’s a great time for homeowners to evaluate their personal finances and look for opportunities to benefit from the increased equity they have gained.” said Buten.

Think you might be able to use your equity? Here are 7 smart ways to consider:

1. Move Up to Your Dream Home

One of the most common ways that homeowners use their equity is to sell their home in order to buy or build something more suitable to their needs. Sellers can use the cash they make at closing for their next down payment OR take out a bridge loan that allows them to borrow that cash before they close to make their down payment on a new home. 

2. Home Improvements

Improving your home can further increase its value and your equity, depending on the type of improvements you choose to do. 

3. College Costs

This can make sense when the interest rates are lower than other sources for borrowing money for education. 

4. Debt Consolidation

Homeowners can save money by using equity to pay off high-interest debt. 

5. Long-Term Investments

Some long-term investments, such as a second home or rental property, can be worth drawing on your equity. 

6. Wedding

Rather than using credit cards or other high-interest sources to fund a wedding, consider drawing on your home equity to celebrate this long-term commitment.

7. Start a business

Starting a business or investing in a current one can bring a huge return on the investment of your equity.

Ready to get started on buying or refinancing? Reach out to one of our Sibcy Cline loan officers!

February Local Home Sales Report

Posted on by
Reply
February Local Home Sales Report Sibcy Cline Realtors

February 2021 saw lots of snow and ice with winter in full force upon the region. With such fierce winter conditions, homes still sold! In Cincinnati, the median sales price increased (over the prior year) for the 22nd consecutive month. The median days on market was just three days – a 57% decrease from February 2020. In Northern Kentucky, home sales for February rose by 6% and sales prices increased by almost 14%. In the Dayton region, home sales units increased from last February by almost 2%. Sales volume increased by almost 13%.

Mortgage rates are low. Home values are high. It’s a great time to list your home for sale and for buyers to find their dream home.

Here is a report by region of homes sales throughout February 2021:

CINCINNATI OHIO / SOUTHEASTERN INDIANA

February 2021 vs February 2020

  • -1.4% Decrease in homes sold (1,570 homes)
  • 13.3% Increase in median sale price ($199,900)
  • -57.1% Decrease in median sales on market (3 days)
  • -52.6% Decrease in active homes for sale (1,376 units)
  • -20.7% Decrease in new listings (1,825)

Statistics courtesy of Cincinnati Area Board of Realtors® February 2021 Home Sales Report

DAYTON AND SPRINGFIELD OHIO

February 2021 vs February 2020

  • 1.8% Increase in homes sold (1,020 units vs 1,002)
  • 10.83 Increase in average sale price ($194,047 vs $175,085)
  • 7.14% Increase in median sale price ($159,900 vs $149,250)
  • 12.82% Increase in gross sales volume ($197,928,332 vs $175,434,750)
  • -26.10% Decrease in new listing units (1,056 vs 1,429)

January–February 2021 vs January–February 2020

  • 5,78% Increase in homes sold (2,050 vs 1,938)
  • 12.25% Increase in average sale price ($193,507 vs $172,389)
  • 10.34% Increase in median sales ($160,000 vs $145,000)
  • 18.74% Increase in sales volume ($396,689,451 vs $334,089,446)
  • -21.62% Decrease in new listing units (2,190 vs 2,794)

Statistics courtesy of Dayton Realtors February 2021 Home Sales Report

NORTHERN KENTUCKY

February 2021 vs February 2020

  • 6.21% Increase in homes sold (513 homes vs 483 homes)
  • 13.56% Increase in average sale price ($236,556 vs $208,307)
  • 21.04% Increase in median sale price ($210,000 vs $173,500)
  • 20.61% Increase in sales volume ($121,353,541 vs $100,612,415)

January–February 2021 vs January–February 2020

  • 5.84% Increase in homes sold (960 homes vs 907 homes)
  • 14.35% Increase in average sale price ($236,702 vs $206,991)
  • 17.14% Increase in median sale price ($205,000 vs $175,000)
  • 21.04% Increase in sales volume ($227,234,294 vs $187,741,312)

Statistics courtesy of Northern Kentucky Association of Realtors® February 2021 Home Sales Report

6 Tips Buyers Need to Know in a Seller’s Market

Posted on by
Reply

Happy African American Family In Front of Beautiful House.When selling and buying homes, there are three types of real estate markets: buyer’s market, seller’s market and a neutral market. When experiencing a seller’s market, there is a higher demand for homes than the supply has to offer. With not enough homes for sale, buyers tend to compete for the same available homes – which can drive prices up.

(Printable!) Six Tips When Buying a HomeDownload

Here are some tips home buyers need to know when buying a home in a seller’s market:

One – Get Mortgage Pre-Approval
You need to know how much home you can afford in order to make an offer on a home, especially in a seller’s market. It is a good idea to become pre-qualified for a mortgage loan to figure out that budget. Once pre-qualified, you can provide a pre-approval letter when making an offer which lets the seller know you are a serious buyer.

Two – Work with a Real Estate Agent
Working with a real estate agent is vital in a seller’s market. Homes that come onto market may sell in a matter of hours. Your real estate agent will be in tune with the availability of new homes for sale so you can act quickly. If there are no homes on the market in the area you desire to live, your agent can reach out to that area’s homeowners to see if they would be willing to sell.

Try to be one of the first showings with your agent. If you delay until the weekend, the home may be sold.

Three – Do Your Research
Knowing where you want to live and what your housing requirements are is important in a seller’s market. Communicate to your agent what home features are a must and those you would like to have but could do without. In this type of market, finding a home with everything on your list probably will not happen. It is best to look for potential in a home to make it work for you. But, do not buy a home you do not love. Remember, you will be living there for at least five years if not longer.

Four – Fast Offer
You may need to act fast with your offer on a home in a seller’s market. A low-ball offer will not work in this type of market. Be prepared to offer full price or over-the-asking price.

When you make an offer, it may work in your favor to find out why the seller is moving so you can figure out what kind of closing date to offer. Making things easier for the seller could work to your advantage. Make your best offer first and be prepared for a bidding war.

Five – Cash Offer
Cash offers and strong earnest money deposits indicate a serious buyer.

Six – Fewer Contingencies (A Clean Offer)
There are usually a few contingencies (such as the home inspection) in a purchase contract. In a seller’s market, the fewer contingencies, the more attractive your contract will look to the seller.

Counter offers are not always advisable in a seller’s market.  The seller does not need to write a counter and can move on to the next offer.

________________________

Rejection :<
A seller can accept only one offer. If your offer is rejected, remember the home seller wants to make the most money with the least inconvenience. In addition to price, the seller may have accepted another offer that offered better terms (larger cash up front, fewer or no contingencies, already pre-approved for a mortgage, etc…)

If your offer is not accepted, keep your spirits up. There will be another home that meets your needs and soon become your dream home.

6 Tax Benefits for Homeowners

Posted on by
Reply

Buying a home is usually the single biggest purchase most of us make in our lifetimes. And while there are many benefits to owning a home, they may differ for everyone. As Pat Kuether, President of Mortgage Services at Sibcy Cline, points out, “A first time borrower might be looking to build wealth and find that perfect home to raise a family; A baby boomer might want the sense of comfort and security that comes with owning your own home, while the corporate transferee might see it as a transitional commitment.” 

While everyone is different, there is one benefit to home ownership for all of us. “In all of these examples, the fact that you can take advantage of the tax deduction is a huge benefit,” says Pat.    

Tax Benefits to Claim on Your Tax Return  

The tax benefits of homeownership are significant, and knowing what benefits are available to you will help you get the most money back on your taxes this year. We’ve compiled a list below for your reference.  

1. Mortgage Interest 

This is the biggest tax benefit you will receive for being a homeowner. Every homeowner who is married and filing jointly who has a mortgage up to $750,000 can deduct the interest paid on their loan. Single filers can write off up to $375,000. You may also be able to deduct the interest on a home equity line of credit of up to $100,000 when it is used to purchase or make improvements to your home.  

If you purchase home from $150,000 to $250,000, you will pay about $6000-$10,000 in mortgage interest in the first year, and you will be able to then deduct that against your income. The larger the mortgage, the larger the deduction becomes.  

Here’s how it works: You will receive a 1098 form from your lender which lists the mortgage interest you paid. You can use the amount on this form on Schedule A of your 1040 to deduct from your taxes owed.  

2. Property Taxes  

The latest rules for property taxes (a.k.a. real estate taxes) allow you to deduct up to $10,000, which includes both state and local taxes.  

If you paid your taxes directly, you will need to keep receipts and copies of checks to claim this deduction. When you pay through an escrow account with your lender, the total will be on your Form 1098.  

3. Mortgage Points  

When you take out a mortgage, it is common to pay “points” to the lender in order to reduce your interest rate. Paying these points is another tax benefit of being a homeowner since they are also tax deductible.  

You will need to check with your lender to evaluate your mortgage payment and see if you qualify for this deduction. For example, if your monthly payment includes $200 for points, your deductible would be $2,400.  

4. Private Mortgage Insurance  

When you don’t put 20% down on a home, lenders require that you buy private mortgage insurance (PMI). Although this is an added expense to your mortgage, you can claim it as a deduction.  

There are a couple of guidelines for this deduction. The first is that your mortgage must have been taken out after 2007. The other is that you can’t claim this deduction if your income is over $100,000 if you are married or over $50,000 if you are single.  

5. Home Office Expenses 

Although many of us worked from home this past year, this benefit is only available to self-employed workers and the guidelines are strict. If you qualify, you can deduct up to $5 per square foot for up to 300 sqaure feet of office space—a maximum deduction of $1500.  

Included in this deduction are other expenses such as your electric bill, internet bill, and computer equipment.  

6. No Capital Gains Tax

One last benefit of homeownership comes when it is time to sell. You are not required to pay taxes on the profit you make when you sell your home, up to $500,000 if you’re married and $250,000 if you’re single.  

There are some guidelines around this benefit that are worth checking out, but most homeowners will not have to pay any taxes on their profits from selling. This is a huge benefit and allows homeowners to use the money on the purchase of a new home if they choose.  

Help with Claiming Your Tax Benefits  

Figuring out which tax benefits you qualify for and what documentation you need can be confusing and frustrating. If you have any questions regarding your tax benefits related to home ownership, get in touch with a loan officer with Sibcy Cline Mortgage Services for assistance.  

November Home Sales Report

Posted on by
Reply
November home sales report

Home sales increased for all regions in November. In Greater Cincinnati, the area had the most home sales of any November on record. In Northern Kentucky, sales rose by 20% and in Dayton they increased by almost 19%.

Mortgage rates are low. Home values are high. It’s a great time to list your home for sale and for buyers to find their dream home.

Here is a report by region of homes sales throughout November 2020:

CINCINNATI / SOUTHEASTERN INDIANA

November 2020 vs November 2019

  • 13.22% Increase in homes sold (2,167 homes vs 1,914 homes)
  • 11.02% Increase in average sale price ($251,501 vs $226,546)
  • 17.84% Increase in median sale price ($215,000 vs $182,450
  • 25.69% Increase in gross sales volume ($545,002,032 vs $443,609,220)

January–November 2020 vs January–November 2019

  • 1.88% Increase in homes sold (24,348 homes vs 23,898 homes)
  • 9.24% Increase in average sale price ($246,927 vs $226,041)
  • 11.93% Increase in median sale price ($205,950 vs $184,000)
  • 11.30% Increase in gross sales volume ($6,012,183,077 vs $5,401,928,888)

Statistics courtesy of Cincinnati Area Board of Realtors November 2020 Home Sales Report

DAYTON

November 2020 vs November 2019

  • 18.97% Increase in homes sold (1,405 homes vs 1,181 homes)
  • 10% Increase in average sale price ($198,977 vs $180,881)
  • 12.90% Increase in median sale price ($198,977 vs $180,881)
  • 30.87% Increase in gross sales volume ($279,562,150 vs $213,619,991)

January–November 2020 vs January–November 2019

  • 3.42% Increase in homes sold 15,787 homes vs 15,265 homes)
  • 10.91% Increase in average sale price ($196,644 vs $177,296)
  • 11.05% Increase in median sale price ($169,900 vs $153,000)
  • 14.71% Increase in sales volume ($3,104,416,420 vs $2,706,425,382)

Statistics courtesy of Dayton Realtors November 2020 Home Sales Report

NORTHERN KENTUCKY

November 2020 vs November 2019

  • 20.70% Increase in homes sold (659 homes vs 546 homes)
  • 18.06% Increase in average sale price ($241,216 vs $204,323)
  • 23.61% Increase in median sale price ($216,309 vs $175,000)
  • 42.49% Increase in sales volume ($158,961,420 vs $111,560,662)

January–November 2020 vs January–November 2019

  • 5.26% Increase in homes sold (7,098 homes vs 6,743 homes)
  • 10.39% Increase in average sale price ($228,376 vs $206,886)
  • 13.07% Increase in median sale price ($201,257 vs $178,000)
  • 16.20% Increase in sales volume ($1,621,016,065 vs $1,295,035,283)

Statistics courtesy of Northern Kentucky Association of Realtors November 2020 Home Sales Report

Look for homes for sale here.

Pandemic-Triggered Home Trends

Posted on by
Reply

The pandemic of 2020 has changed a lot of things and the housing market is no exception. Perhaps no one predicted that lockdowns, stay-at-home orders and a record number of employees working from home would cause a surge in buying and selling homes, but it has.

Along with this surge has come a change in the reasons why sellers list their homes as well as new trends for what buyers want in a home. Recently, Sibcy Cline President Robin S. Sheakley spoke to the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber’s journal REALM to share some of her insights into the changes happening across the region. Here are some of her observations.

Staying at home forced people to take a good look at the space they live in.

“When the governor issued stay-at-home orders, you saw people really taking stock of their housing and understanding that if they’re going to be locked inside they want different things for their homes,” Robin told REALM, “People were realizing their houses were too big, too small, too urban, too rural, perhaps too open, perhaps too choppy.”

Home improvement efforts triggered a desire for something new.

“We saw a huge trend in home repair and home improvement, and then a lot of people started realizing I’m ready for something different,” Robin said.

The way people shop for homes has shifted drastically.

“There are plenty of stories of homes that were bought without people ever physically going in them, but purchased virtually,” she said. “With the amount of drone photography and videography now, there are all sorts of ways to get a really great sense of a property without standing there yourself.”

In addition to why people move and how they shop for homes, Robin noted a few trends in what buyers are looking for in homes. Here are the top trends she’s noticed:

Spa-like Bathrooms

The need for stress relief is greater than ever, so people are shopping for bathrooms that offer some space for retreat and relaxation.

Home Offices

In the era of working from home and online schooling, homeowners are in need of more space to separate and focus. “We’ve seen people converting bedrooms to offices a lot,” she said.

Outdoor Entertaining Space

The need for social distancing in well-ventilated spaces has increased the desire for more space to gather outside. “People want to be outside. They’re looking to be able to cook, serve, and entertain outdoors,” Robin said.

Downsizing

Some homeowners spent time during the pandemic assessing their space needs and concluded that they need less space, not more. Some want to reduce the time and money they spend maintaining a large home. “There are many people who spent the past nine months looking around asking, Why do I have so much space?” she said.

Ready to make the move? Visit sibcycline.com to browse homes for sale or find an agent.

Made for Service: Sibcy Cline Program Keeps the Heart in Military Moves

Posted on by
Reply
After a decade of service overseas, Donnie Lawrence became a homeowner through U.S. Military on the Move®.

Donnie Lawrence was still in high school when he enlisted in the army in 2007. “My parents had to sign the paperwork because I was 17,” he said.  

For the next decade, Lawrence’s entire life was spent in service to his country. He went through basic training and then various deployments to Iraq, Qatar, and Guantanamo Bay. But he also had a daughter that he had to leave behind and rarely saw. “For the first half of my daughter’s life, I was overseas,” he said. 

That’s why it was a particularly emotional time for Lawrence when his time of service concluded, and it came time to settle down and buy a home. “It was like closing a chapter of my life, of being overseas. Now I’m becoming a homeowner,” he said.  

Lawrence had never bought a home before and he was uncertain about the process. He was looking at different options when his cousin, Tammy Young, relocation director at Sibcy Cline, informed him of the U.S. Military on the Move® program that the brokerage offers to veterans and active duty service members. The program gives participants who qualify a rebate or credit at closing based on the sale value of the home.  

“Other programs I looked into claimed to serve veterans, but the rate I got with Sibcy Cline was actually lower, and the military rebate was more,” he said. “And not just that, but it was more personal. I had an all-star team,” Lawrence said, who was matched up through Sibcy Cline with agents Karen Bevins and Pete Marx. In addition to Bevins and Marx, Lawrence noted that Jason Shoe of Sibcy Cline Mortgage was instrumental in helping to close the deal and get him into his first home.  

“Other programs I looked into claimed to serve veterans, but the rate I got with Sibcy Cline was actually lower, and the military rebate was more. And not just that, but it was more personal.”

Donnie Lawrence

Calling out Bevins as a strong support in the process, Lawrence noted that when things got emotional for him and he just wanted to buy a house, any house, she was there as a voice of reason to remind him of the things that he had defined as “must-haves” in his new home. “She really kept working to find me the right home,” Lawrence said. “And she did. I still can’t believe it’s mine.”  

Donnie Lawrence worked with Sibcy Cline agents Karen Bevins and Pete Marx to purchase his first home through the U.S. Military on the Move®  program.

Lawrence, who serves as master fitness trainer at the 1-174 Air Defense for the Ohio Air National Guard in Woodlawn, OH and also works full-time for Mobilcomm on the tower crew, chose to buy a home in the region where he grew up, Clermont County. “Clermont County really honors veterans. They’ve done so much for me.” 

Clermont County Commissioner Bob Proud is a longtime friend and supporter of Lawrence. “Bob always sent me turkey jerky when I was overseas,” he said, laughing, “and he still sends me turkey jerky!” Lawrence also mentioned the support of fellow Clermont County resident Keith Maupin, who runs the Yellow Ribbon Support Center in Clermont County. Maupin’s son Matt was taken prisoner in Iraq in 2004 and his remains were later discovered near Baghdad.  

One of the first things Lawrence did when he moved into his new home was to put a POW flag in front of the front door, partly to honor Matt Maupin, but also as a reminder of the service of all veterans, particularly those who served in Vietnam. “They didn’t get the parades and ceremonies and all the assistance that we get now,” he said, “but they served with honor. And because they wore the uniform, I can wear the uniform.”  

Donnie Lawrence stands in front of his new home in Clermont County, where he has placed a POW flag to honor fellow soldiers who served the U.S.

For more information on how you can get a military rebate, view our video here.

8 Homes for Sale Now with Fabulous Fireplaces

Posted on by
Reply

Cozying up to the hearth this winter is just one reason to buy these beauties now.

Is a fireplace on your list of “must haves” in a new home? If so, you are in luck this fall! There are homes for sale now from Sibcy Cline that make it easy to imagine yourself curled up and ready for a long winter’s nap.

Riverside Warmth in Terrace Park, OH

This home for sale now at 307 Wanoka Woods Terrace in Terrace Park is listed by Shelley Miller Reed with Amy Roe of Sibcy Cline.

There is no better place for a fire than next to the water, and this home for sale in Terrace Park, OH on the Little Miami has it. You can go for a walk down to the river and then come home to the comfort of your home and start up the fire to get your frosty toes toasty again.

This home is the perfect place to “self-isolate among the treetops,” according to Cincinnati Magazine, and we couldn’t agree more.

Winter Wonderland in Liberty Township, OH

8318 Poppy Lane in Liberty Township, OH is listed by Tom Letzler of Sibcy Cline.

The pops of bright color next the white background of this hearth in Liberty Township, OH could put even the Grinch in the holiday spirit. Everything about this room makes you want to start decking the halls for the season of merry, when the days are dark but our hearts burn bright.

You’ll not only have the physical warmth of the fire, but that priceless heart-warming joy of settling into a home that feels just right.

A Homey Haven in Union, KY

This Union, KY home at 2416 Royal Castle Way is listed by the McMahan Team of Sibcy Cline.

With two roomy acres to roam in Union, KY, this home for sale now provides the perfect place to gather in and relax next to the fire. You can sink deep into the sofa for a nap or sit by the fire to read your book.

Take off your shoes, wrap up in a soft throw, and forget the rest of the world. There just isn’t anything that can go wrong here in this room.

Sofas for Days in Guilford, IN

21563 Fox Rd. in Guilford, IN is listed by Team Hamilton of Sibcy Cline.

Have you ever dreamed of lounging on the world’s longest sofa next to a warm fire? This home for sale in Guilford, IN may just be your dream home. The best part? There is not just one, but two of the longest sofas we’ve ever seen to rest your weary bones after a long day.

If enough space for two very long comfortable sofas isn’t enough to convince that you should buy this home today, then make sure to notice the stunning architecture of the wood and stone hearth. That, together with the porthole windows on either side, creates an aesthetic that will elevate your everyday to something truly extraordinary.

Condo Comfort in Mariemont, OH

This second-floor condo is available at 3818 Miami Rd. in Mariemont, OH and is listed by Patti Sibcy and Elaine Greiwe with Sibcy Cline.

If you’re looking for a home for sale that’s more compact than a sprawling estate and a better fit for your active urban lifestyle, but still ranks high on the homey scale, you can find it at 3818 Miami Rd. in Mariemont, OH. There’s no shortage of comfy or cozy in this home! Here, condo living steers clear of lacking character and warms things up with an inviting hearth.

The bonus here is that homey doesn’t feel cramped. The large windows and high ceilings give the space an airy feel that will save you from feeling like the walls are closing in this winter. No cabin fever in this expansive space!

A Spacious Respite in Hamilton Township, OH

This listing at 7470 Stillwater Dr. in Hamilton Township is listed by Julie K. Back of Sibcy Cline.

Ready to cast your worries aside and sink into deep relax mode in front of a roaring fire? Look no further than 7470 Stillwater Dr. in Hamilton Township, OH. And, in a world that requires social distancing, you’ll have space in this room to invite some companions.

In this home for sale there is a generosity of space to spread out and plenty of windows to take in the beauty of nature while enjoying the much-needed company of others.

Cozy Comfort in Wyoming, OH

This home at 35 B Vale Ave in Wyoming is listed by Steven Wolber of Sibcy Cline.

There are some houses for sale that just exude the feeling of “home”. As soon as you walk in, you want to kick off your shoes and get comfortable. 35 B Vale Ave in Wyoming, OH is one of those houses.

The brick and tile on this hearth go a long way in creating that kind of inviting space we all love. The earthy tones warm up all the surrounding white without sacrificing the open, airy quality of the room. With the window view to the trees in the backyard, you have all the elements for this being your favorite space in the house.

Snuggle Up in Deerfield Township, OH

This home at 8756 South Shore Place in Deerfield Township is listed by Meghan Homan-Welage of Sibcy Cline.

There just isn’t anything that makes a fireplace more fabulous than a stone hearth. In this home for sale at 8756 South Shore Place in Deerfield Township, OH, you get a rock solid invitation to take a Sunday snooze and warm the chill out of your bones.

If you’re looking for a home for sale to make your own, you won’t find many with a hearth worth staring into during all the long hours of a lazy winter day. Bring your own blankets and find your way home to this relaxing fireside.

Love looking at beautiful spaces in homes for sale now? Check out our recent features with beauteous bathrooms and heavenly backyards!