Barbara Chasteen is President Elect for Butler-Warren Association of Realtors in 2021

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Barbara Chasteen Sibcy Cline Realtors

Barbara Chasteen, Executive Sales Vice President with Monroe-Middletown Sibcy Cline, has been elected by her peers as President Elect for the Butler-Warren Association of Realtors starting in 2021.

Barbara is thrilled with the election and is looking forward to serving her term. She is dedicated to making the real estate profession the best it can be.

Barbara’s leadership and experience serving the board is extensive: She served as a director in 2007; secretary in 2008; president elect in 2009; president in 2010; past president in 2011; as well as secretary again in 2013, 2017 and 2018. (She has also served a Director at Large for Ohio Realtors in 2012.)

Additionally, Barbara has served on many board committees including: community outreach, building, professional standards, website/social media, member services, finance/budget, nominating, RPAC/legislative and newsletter.

Barbara has been a licensed real estate professional since 2003. She was born and raised in Middletown, Ohio and resides in Carlisle. In the community, she is a board member of the Sorg Opera House in Middletown and a supporter of her grandchildren’s youth activities, sports and theater performances.



Robin S. Sheakley: Women Who Mean Business, Cincinnati Magazine’s 300 Most Powerful Business Leaders and Deloitte’s Cincinnati 100

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Robin Sibcy Sheakley Sibcy Cline Realtors

Robin S. Sheakley, President of Sibcy Cline Realtors®, has had a very busy year in 2020 with the promotion of new company initiatives as well as dealing with the Pandemic that began mid-March. Her quick response, motivating guidance, and willingness to adopt creative solutions to Pandemic challenges have given agents and employees a strong trust in her leadership abilities. With a strong year and record-high home sales, Robin has secured the company a spot among companies that are thriving during difficult economic times. 

This fall, others in the region have begun to take notice. Robin received three business honors in recognition of her abilities and hard work: 

Cincinnati Magazine’s 300 Most Powerful Business Leaders
This annual list showcases top, local business leaders. Robin was recognized as the fourth generation to lead the family-owned business at Sibcy Cline. She was one of 36 real estate professionals honored and one of only five women in that category.

Deloitte Cincinnati 100
Honors are bestowed annually to private, local businesses that portray leadership in making Cincinnati a great place to live and work. Robin was one of four women to make this list for 2020. This is the 24th year that Sibcy Cline has been part of this list.

Women Who Mean Business
The 12 honorees for this top-professional list from the Cincinnati Business Courier were recognized for professional achievements. Robin was cited for her tenure with the company along with her leadership in rolling out new relationship management programs as well as making a swift change during the start of the Pandemic in March to a digital and virtual work environment.  

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

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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.

Elegant DIY Decor for Your Thanksgiving Feast

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With Thanksgiving just around the corner, homeowners can easily spruce up around the house to make the coming weeks a little more festive before Turkey Day.

Fall autumn festive table setting place setting with pumpkins, p
In fact, a lot of the do-it-yourself decorations homeowners can put up at this time of year can be quite beautiful and very much in line with the feeling Thanksgiving is meant to engender, according to Country Living. For example, designing foliage-based centerpieces for dining room tables is a common staple at this time of year, but decorators can also throw in a more personal touch by making leaf-shaped cards and asking guests to fill out what everyone is thankful for.

Another bit of decorating work that’s easy enough to make is napkin rings that double as seating cards for every place at the table. With a bit of fancy card stock and a little creativity, painting elegant and unique designs to indicate who will sit where is easy enough, and can show off any host’s creativity. Once the cards are made, finishing the decoration with a high-quality ribbon threaded through both ends can add that final touch that quite literally ties the DIY decoration together.

Finally, while many families resort to having a classic “kid’s table” because they can’t fit all the bodies in one room, it’s still nice to dress that other area up. Making sure youngsters have an attractive centerpiece of their own and hand-decorated goodie bags to denote where they should sit can go a long way toward making their holiday meal just a little bit warmer.

Pumpkins and Gourds with a mirror reflection

Dress Up Around the House
Of course, dressing up the dinner table is one thing, but it can also be a fun activity to make decorations for other parts of a home. For instance, making a Thanksgiving-themed candle holder for coffee tables or shelves isn’t all that difficult and can make a home feel much more inviting. All you will need is a large candle, a jar big enough to hold it and some fall materials like raw corn kernels or pumpkin seeds from a number of stores.

In addition, taking time to string together a bunch of fallen leaves to create a banner or bunting that can hang from a porch, fireplace mantle or shelves can add some fun fall color to any room.

The good news is there are many simple DIY decorating ideas available online for just about any season, so it shouldn’t be too hard to seek out even more information about how to make a home stand out to friends and family as Thanksgiving approaches. And for the most part, it’s easy for just about any member of the family to complete these design flourishes with minimal investment of either money or energy.

Get more ideas for fall home decor from Sibcy Cline’s Pinterest fall-decorating-ideas board!

Local Holiday and Winter Events in a Socially Distanced Way

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Winter 2020 is going to be different this year when celebrating the holidays. Although many community holiday events have been cancelled, there are still many events where you can still be socially distanced or enjoy remotely. We listed holiday events for Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky, Southeastern Indiana and Dayton and Springfield, Ohio.

Events are listed regionally:

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CINCINNATI, OHIO

Christmas Night of Lights
November 6 – January 9, 2020
Coney Island at 6201 Kellogg Avenue in Cincinnati, Ohio
Two-mile car ride through Cincinnati displays and light shows

Fountain Square Ice Rink
November 7, 2020 – February 15, 2021
Fifth and Vine Streets, Downtown Cincinnati, Ohio
Reservations required

Winterwald (Winter Forest) at Germania
November 7–8, 2020
Germania Society of Cincinnati at 3529 West Kemper Road, CIncinnati, Ohio
Traditional German shopping experience”

Holiday in Lights
November 13, 2020 – January 2, 2021
Sharon Woods at 11450 Lebanon Road, Sharonville, Ohio
View holiday lights from your car

Holiday Junction Featuring Duke Energy Holiday Trains
November 13 – December 31, 2020 (Closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays)
Cincinnati Museum Center at 1301 Western Ave. Cincinnati, Ohio
9,000sf of trains with displays from the 1900s and 1930s

A Very Merry Garden Holiday at Krohn Conservatory
November 14, 2020 – January 10, 2021
Krohn Conservatory at 1501 Eden Park Drive, Cincinnati, Ohio
The greenhouse will be decorated for the holiday! See building replicas of Cincinnati landmarks

Lebanon Old-Fashioned Country Christmas
November 14, 2020
Lebanon Fairgrounds at 664 N. Broadway, Lebanon, Ohio
Crafts, gifts and more

Borealis (formerly Holiday Lights on the Hill)
November 20, 2020 – January 3, 2021
1763 Ohio 128 (Hamilton-Cleves Road) at Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park in Hamilton, Ohio
Two-mile round trip drive-through light display

The Christmas Ranch
November 20 – December 23, 2020
Morrow, Ohio
One million holiday lights that are synced to music.

Christkindlmarkt
November 20–22, 2020
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.

Holiday in Lights at Sharon Woods
November 21, 2020 – January 2, 2021
Sharon Woods Park. at 11450 Lebanon Road (Route 42) Cincinnati, OH 45241
Drive through Sharon Woods to see the lights.

PNC Festival of Lights
November 21 – January 3, 2021 + January 8, 9 10, 15, 16 and 17, 2021 (Closed on Thanksgving, and Christmas Eve and Day)
Cincinnati Zoo at 3400 Vine Street, Cincinnati, Ohio
Reservations required! Enjoy all of the lights and the animals

Holiday Lights on the Hill
November 22, 2020 – January 5, 2021
Pyramid Hill at 1763 Hamilton Cleves Road, Hamilton, Ohio
Annual drive-through display of lights

Light Up Middletown
November 26 – December 31, 2020
500 Tytus Avenue at Smith Park in Middletown, Ohio
Drive-through light display!

FOUND Cincinnati Holiday Lights
November 27 – December 24, 2020
Downtown and Over-the-Rhine locations, Cincinnati, Ohio
Enjoy the festive lights

Virtual Macy’s Light the Square
November 27, 2020
Fountain Square, downtown Cincinnati, Ohio
Watch the tree lighting online or on Channel 5 WLWT.

Holiday Lights – Downtown Cincinnati
November 27 – December 24, 2020
Downtown, Over-the-Rhine and The Banks
Dazzling light displays! Key weekend dates: December 5, 12 and 19, 2020

Oxford Night Lights
November 28, 2020 – January 17, 2021
Oxford, Ohio
Enjoy holidays lights at various locations

Light in the Forest
December 3–6, 10–13, 17–20, 26–31, 2020 and January 1–3, 2021
Cincinnati Nature Center at 4949 Tealtown Rd., Milford, Ohio
Tickets required. Gentle lights illuminate trees while you walk through the forest. Music, bonfires and more at the lodge.

A Christmas Nightmare – Dent Schoolhouse
December 4–5, 2020
5963 Harrison Ave, Cincinnati, Ohio
Holiday decor and a bit of fright

First Friday – Middletown
December 4, 2020
1105 Central Avenue, Middletown, Ohio
Enjoy meeting the artists.

Christmas in the Village
December 4–6, 2020
Downtown Waynesville, Ohio
Entertainment, carolers and more

Holiday Market at Findlay Market
December 5–6, 2020
Findlay Market, Over-the-Rhine, Cincinnati, Ohio.

Light Up Madeira
December 5, 2020
Downtown Madeira (Miami Road), Cincinnati, Ohio
Shop and enjoy Madeira. Virtual lighting of the tree at 6pm.

Symmes Township Operation Santa
December 5, 2020
Throughout the township

The City Flea at Washington Park
December 12, 2020
1230 Elm Street, Cincinnati, Ohio
Support local businesses

Hannukkah at Oakley Square
December 12, 2020
Oakley Square on Madison Road, Oakley (Cincinnati), Ohio
Menorah lighting

Cincinnati Reptile Show
December 13, 2020
Holiday Inn Centre Park of West Chester at 5800 Mulhauser, West Chester, Ohio
See 1000s of spiders, inserts, snakes and more

Hanukkah at Fountain Square
December 13, 2020
Downtown CIncinnati, Ohio
Register for this event. Dancing dreidel, crafts and more. Virtual experience available, too.

The Nutcracker
December 17–23, 2020
Music Hall Ballroom, Cincinnati, Ohio
A classic ballet with a limited audience

Outdoor Menorah Lighting
December 17, 2020
Jewish Community Center at 8485 Ridge Road, (Amberley Village) CIncinnati, Ohio
Light the menorah!
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DAYTON AND SPRINGFIELD, OHIO

Sugarplum Festival Of Trees
November 14, 2020
Dayton Masonic Center at 525 W. Riverview Ave., Dayton, Ohio
View the trees! Boutique and raffles.

A Carillon Christmas
November 20 – December 30, 2020
1000 Carillon Boulevard in Dayton, Ohio
Thousands of lights, live music and more!

Clifton Mill Christmas Lights
November 27– December 30, 2020
Clifton Mill at 75 Water Street in Clifton, Ohio
3.5 million Christmas lights throughout the mill, riverbanks and bridges

Dayton Holiday Festival
November 27, 2020
Downtown Dayton, Ohio
Children’s parade, tree lighting on Courthouse Square and more.

Holiday Lights at Lost Creek Reserve
November 27– December 27, 2020
Lost Creek Reserve at 2645 E. St. Rt. 41 in Troy, Ohio
Drive-through light tour!

Riverscape Ice Skating
November 27, 2020 – February 2021
Downtown Dayton, Ohio
Outdoor ice rank at Riverscape MetroPark

Rike’s Holiday Windows
Schuster Center
December 2–6, 9–13 and 16–20, 2020
Register for your time slot to view the windows

Christmas in the Village
December 4–6, 2020
Downtown Waynesville, Ohio
Entertainment, carolers and more

New Year’s Eve: Vienna, City of My Dreams
December 31, 2020
Schuster Center, Dayton, Ohio
Celebrate with the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra

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NORTHERN KENTUCKY

Light Up the Fair
November 13 – January 2, 2021
Boone County Fairgrounds at 5819 Idlewild Road in Burlington, Kentucky
Mile-long drive of twinkling lights that sync up to music

Holidays@BCM
November 21, 2020 – January 3, 2021
1600 Montague Road, Covington, Kentucky
Behringer-Crawford Museum will have holiday lights, displays, music and crafts. The trains will be spread throughout the museum this year.

Christmas Town
November 27 – December 20, 2020
Creation Museum at 2800 Bullittsburg Church Road, Petersburg, Kentucky
Live nativity and light display

Sims Furniture Holiday Windows
November 27 –holiday season 2020
727 Madison Ave, Covington, Kentucky
View animated holiday decor

Water Wonderland with Scuba Santa
Novermber 27 – December 24, 2020
Newport Aquarium at 1 Aquarium Way, Newport, Kentucky
Santa’s in the water! (No mermaids this year)

Christmas Time at the Ark
November 27 – December 20, 2020
Art Encounter at Ark Encounter Drive, Williamstown, Kentucky
Projection show and other activities

Queen City Blues Fest
December 12, 2020
The Southgate House Revival at 111 E. 6th St., Newport, Kentucky
Lives blue music

Celebrate Snowmen Tot Tuesdays
December 15, 2020
Behringer-Crawford Museum at 1600 Montague Avenue in Devou Park, Covington, Kentucky
Listen to a story and create a snowman (There is a participation limit)

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SOUTHEASTERN INDIANA

A Victorian Christmas Exhibit at Hillforest
November 20 – December 30, 2020 (Tuesdays – Sundays. Closed on Thanksgiving)
213 Fifth Street, Aurora, Indiana

Milan Christmas Walk
November 21, 2020
Milan, Indiana
Walk, shop and eat!

Festival of Trees & Host of Angels
November 27 – December 31, 2020
Lanthier Winery ay 123 Mill Street, Madison, Indiana
Midwest’s largest collection of holiday angels
Go back in time to experience a Victorian Christmas

Batesville’s 11th Annual Tree-Lighting Celebration
November 27, 2020
Downtown Batesville at S. Main St. and W. George St., Batesville, Indiana
Tree lighting, shopping and Santa Drive By

Batesville Historical Society Caroling
November 27– December 19, 2020 (Fridays and Saturdays)
Batesville Historical Museum at 15 W. George Street, Batesville, Indiana
Sing along!

First Annual Holiday Lights at Liberty Park
November 27, 2020 – January 3, 2021
Liberty Park at 716 South Park Avenue, Batesville, Indiana
Enjoy the lights!

Metamora Christmas Walk
November 29 – December 20, 2020 (Fridays – Sundays)
Metamora, Indiana
Enjoy all of the lights while walking and shopping.

Inflatable-Wonderland
December 1–31, 2020
2026 N Old Michigan Rd., Osgood, Indiana
View holiday inflatables as you drive through; Facebook

Lohrum Christmas in the Park
December 1, 2020 – January 3, 2021
Ripley County Fairgrounds art 525 W. Beech St., Osgood, Indiana
Walk or drive-thru light display; Facebook

Batesville 11th Annual Tree-Lighting Celebration
December 4, 2020
S. Main St. and W. George St. (downtown), Batesville, Ohio
Parade, Santa and music

Holiday Affair on the Square
December 5, 2020
Versailles Courthouse Square at 101 E. 1st North St., Versailles, Indiana
Parade, Santa and winter-market vendors

Are we missing an event? Let us know: sknabe@sibcycline.com







When is the Best Time To Sell Your Home?

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Have you ever thought about what time of year is best for selling a home? Each season brings different pros and cons. We have broken down the real estate seasons for you:


SPRING
Historically, spring is the best time to sell. It’s warm and buyers will be out looking for a new home. Statistically, studies show homes that sell during May bring in the highest amount and sell the fastest. Think about it – for those with school-aged children – May is when the school year is coming to a close and is a perfect time to make that move. Plus, springtime shows off homes very well. Plants are emerging and the grass is green. Curb appeal is at its best.

Negatives about selling during spring? There really are not any. There will be more competition of homes available for sale, but there are also more buyers during this time.

SUMMER
The warmer months of summer can be a “hot” time to sell your home. Anyone with children may be focused on getting into that new home before the new school term begins in August or September. Those types of buyers may have competitive offers for your home!

The negative about selling during summer is “vacation”. Some potential buyers may be away enjoying their holiday instead of looking at homes to buy.

FALL
The fall season usually has fewer homes for sale as well as fewer buyers. However, with current market conditions of not enough homes for sale, those spring and summer home buyers could still be waiting for your home to come on the market. Also, COVID-19 kept many people inside during the spring and summer. That has caused pent-up demand for homes for the fall season. Remember, there may be fewer people in the market to buy during fall, but they will be more motivated to make an offer.

The cons of selling during autumn? Fall is not as nice weather wise and the curb appeal of your home will not be at its peak. You’ll need to stay on top of raking dropping leaves as well as replace summer flowers with fall versions.

WINTER
Don’t worry if you are planning on selling your home in the winter season. It may be cold and blustery, but the home buyers who come to view our home are usually not tire kickers. They want to buy! They are determined to find a home now and not wait until spring. Winter tends to have fewer homes for sale and that can work in your favor. Again, with the current tight inventory of homes for sale, some buyers may be waiting until this time to purchase when there is less competition to purchase a home. And, if the months of January and February have mild weather conditions, this can encourage people to get out early for that home buying and selling season.

The negatives about selling your home during winter? If it snows, you will need to maintain a cleared driveway and sidewalks. It is also best to keep holiday decor to a minimum – buyers need to be focused on your home’s features and not excessive holiday trimmings. Outside features such as a deck, patio or pool will not look their best. Perhaps have photos of these spaces from warmer months available for prospective buyers to see.


As you can see, each season has its pros and cons when selling a home. When are you planning to sell? Be sure to connect with your favorite Sibcy Cline agent and discuss what is the best strategy for you!

Best Local Candy Stores – Where to Stock Up on Sweet Treats

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Who knew our region had such a sweet spot for sweet spots? We certainly didn’t realize the wide variety of confectionary companies that made their home in Cincinnati, Dayton, Springfield, Southeastern Indiana and Northern Kentucky. After browsing the numerous shops, specializing in everything from gummy bears, old-fashioned candy, handmade and bean-to-bar chocolates, it is clear that when it comes to sweet treats you can find anything your heart or tastebuds desire. Here’s a brief rundown of what our area has to offer:

CANDY STORES WITH VARIOUS REGIONAL LOCATIONS

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Esther Price Fine Chocolates
8621 North Pavillion Dr., West Chester, OH
7501 Montgomery Rd., Cincinnati, OH
5500 Harrison Ave., Cincinnati, OH
1709 Wayne Ave., Dayton, OH
194 Woodman Dr., Dayton, OH
269 N. Main St., Centerville, OH
4810 Bolzano Blvd., Clayton, OH
Esther Price Candies continues the tradition of old-fashioned quality using the same recipes that Esther Price herself perfected over 85 years ago! They are a tried-and-true source of delicious chocolates.

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Graeter’s
50+ locations (including Cincinnati and Dayton, OH; Northern KY)
In 1868 a young Louis Graeter moves to Cincinnati, Ohio to sell ice cream at neighborhood street markets. Graeter’s is now the only commercial ice cream manufacturer anywhere in the world to use French Pot freezers, and its two-gallon batches are the smallest in the industry.

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Winans Chocolates and Coffees
14 locations throughout Cincinnati, Dayton and Springfield, OH
Established in the late 1800’s and in its fourth generation of family ownership, Winans Chocolates and Coffees brings cutting-edge flavors and time-tested quality.

CANDY STORES IN CINCINNATI, OHIO

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Aglamesis Bro’s.
3046 Madison Road and 9899 Montgomery Road, Cincinnati, OH
Aglamesis Bro’s has been around since 1908 when it was originally known as The Metropolitan. Its Oakley location ice cream and candy parlor remains virtually unchanged and is considered by many to be one of the very last original ice cream parlors from a bygone era. You must try the root beer float – it’s served with tea cookies.

Candy Stash Sweets & Treats
7125 Liberty Centre Dr., West Chester, OH
An old-fashioned candy shop, this store has yummy sweets from the 50’s, 60’s, 70’s, 80’s and 90’s. You can create a personalized candy stash with mix and match sweets at a flat price! This store also has rolled ice cream and craft soda.

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Chamoda’s Candy Café
11512 Chester Road, Sharonville, OH
Indulge in your favorite candies and coffees at Chamoda’s. They also boast the largest and best assortment of gummy bears. Enjoy a drive-up window for your orders.

Chocolats Latour
4037 Hamilton Avenue, Northside, Cincinnati, OH
Try their chocolate bars and hand-painted truffles. It is works-of-art for your mouth! They also have  caramels and brittle. This is a go-to place for Valentine’s Day and Easter seasonal chocolate. This is a wonderful candy store when you need a special gift.

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Doscher’s Candy Co.
6926 Main St, Cincinnati, OH 
Doscher’s Candies was founded in 1871 by Claus Doscher, a German immigrant who arrived in Cincinnati in 1868. They are widely known for their Doscher’s French Chews and handmade candy canes. They also have candy buttons, root beer barrels, caramels and other individually wrapped candies. (Doscher’s is the oldest U.S. manufacturer of candy canes! Read more here about this company.)

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Fawn Candy Co.
4271 Harrison Ave. and 2692 Madison Rd., Cincinnati, OH
Since 1946, The Fawn Candy Company has been owned and operated by Cincinnati’s Guenther family. They make the confections the old fashioned way – selecting only the finest of ingredients and continuing to cook many of their confections over an open fire. Enjoy munching on jelly beans, chocolate turtles, “caramellows”, and sea salt caramels.

Golden Turtle Chocolate Factory
120 S. Broadway St., Lebanon, OH
Homemade chocolates! This candy store has turtles, cherry cordials, toffee, buckeyes, truffles and assorted chocolate boxes. When you go, you’ll have a difficult time making up your mind of what to select.

Groovy Gumball Candy Company
6848 Wooster Pike in Mariemont (Cincinnati), OH
You’ll find candies from yesteryear as well as European treats, cotton candy, gourmet-Belgian fudge and ice cream. They create homemade waffle cones daily.

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Haute Chocolate Inc.
9424 Shelly Lane, Cincinnati, OH
Haute Chocolate has been creating freestyle chocolate treats since 1979. In addition to chocolates, enjoy munching on brownies – imagine their two-pound brownie! They have beautifully boxed tins and gift sets as well as seasonal sweets.

Henry’s Candy Co.
243 High Street, Hamilton, OH
Candy is sold by the pound with treats including chocolates, gummies, lollipops and more. Fill your bag! They also feature snack mixes. Follow on Facebook.

Holly B’s Sweets
33 S. Main St., Waynesville, OH
Twenty-six years making homemade candy! Enjoy their chocolates, fudge and other candies.

It’sugar
7125 Haskell St., (Located at Liberty Center) Liberty Township, OH
Swedish fish – check. Pop rocks – check. Skittles – check. Pez – check. They have all kinds of gummy sweets, too. Fill up your candy bag. Be sure to check out their candy-scented hand sanitizers.

Karma in the Kitchen
8779-B Cincinnati Dayton Road, West Chester, OH
This wonderful shop features chocolates and caramels. And, for those of you watching the carb count or are vegan, they have sweets for you, too! makes their sweets in small batches. They also feature soft-serve ice cream. Follow on Facebook.

Lebanon Candy & Sports Cards
38 E. Mulberry Street, Lebanon, OH
Find some old-time candy here. And you can purchase sports trading cards!

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Loveland Sweets
124 W. Loveland Avenue, Loveland, OH
Inspired by a love of fine chocolates and homemade confections, Gloria Wilson founded Loveland Sweets in 2006. You’ll also find gummies, novelty candies, ice creams and coffees. This is a quaint shop filled with goodness.

Macaron Bar
1206 Main St., Cincinnati (Over-the-Rhine), OH
3431 Edwards Rd., Cincinnati, OH
Although technically not candy, these sweet confections look and taste amazing! All ingredients are gluten free. These macarons are eye candy to behold and eat. They make perfect gifts.

 

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Maverick Chocolate Co.
129 W Elder Street, Cincinnati, OH
Family-owned and operated bean-to-bar chocolate company located at Findlay Market.

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Murray Bros. Old Time Store
4446 Montgomery Rd., Cincinnati, OH
Murray Bros. Old Time Store specializes in selling vintage candies. They are proud to offer Marpro Marshmallow Cones, BB Bats and Kits Taffy, which are made right here in Cincinnati.

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OTR Candy Bar
1735 Elm Street, Cincinnati, OH
OTR Candy Bar operates as part of Findlay Market and offers a vast array of local and national candies, retro sodas, soda floats, specialty gift baskets, and Cincinnati-themed goodies.

Patty’s Old Fashioned Popcorn
3437 Michigan Avenue, Hyde Park, Cincinnati, OH
Enjoy gourmet popcorn and classic candies such as turtles.

Peter Minges & Son Confectionary
138 W. Court Street, Cincinnati, OH
The Queen City’s oldest candy store. Specializes in bulk sales. Awesome store to visit in person with original hardwood floors and an old-style candy store vibe!

Quaintrelle.pngQuaintrelle Confections
1210 Main Street, Cincinnati, OH
Artisan marshmallows including a s’more bar! Build your own!

Ruby’s Chocolates
6741 Gilmore Road, Hamilton, OH
3923 Isabella Ave. in Oakley (Cincinnati), OH
Chocolates and candies! And at the Oakley shop, there are truffle cakes and Joy Sticks!

Supreme Nut and Candy
6147 Glenway Ave. #2, Cincinnati, OH
10829 Montgomery Rd., Cincinnati, OH
5800 Cheviot Rd., Cincinnati, OH
This family-owned candy operation features many candies and chocolates by the pound. You can also purchase nuts and dried fruits. It’s a great place to stock up if you are having a party with a candy bar.

Tickled Sweets and Treats
317 Main St, Milford, OH
This local sweet shop features locally produced Auel’s Fine Chocolates. Enjoy fresh fudge, too!

Trailside Provisions
120 Karl Brown Way, (historic) Loveland, OH
This shop features chocolate-dipped treats along with coffee, popcorn, jams, syrup and more! It’s a great place to browse for gifts.

CANDY STORES IN NORTHERN KENTUCKY

Galerie Au Chocolat
3380 Langley Dr., Hebron, KY
This store features candy as well as toy/candy sets! When shopping here, Think about picking up great (and delicious) gifts here.


The Gifted Apple
Aspen Place, Union, KY
Do you love caramel apples? Then you will love this shop. They offer gourmet caramel apples dripping with chocolate and other delicious treats. Think toffee, peanuts, pecans, M&M’s and more and have fun looking at all of the apples!


Hickory Dickory Dock Retro Candy & Mor’
540 6th Street, Dayton, KY
It’s a nod to the past at Hickey Dickory Dock. Here you will find some favorite retro candies – some from the 1800’s all the way through the 1990’s. At this candy store, you will find B.B.Bats, Kits, Chick-O-Stixs, Yum Yum Cones, Chuckles, Neccos and more! The store also serves ice cream and sells retro toys.


Natalie’s Candy Jar
3087 B Terminal Dr., Hebron, KY
Flying in or out of the airport? Located at the CVG airport, Natalie’s Candy Jar features chocolates and other sweets! At this candy store, you will see gummies, chocolate-covered nuts and jelly beans along with many more varieties of candy to drool over.

Papas Candies
921 Baker St., Covington, KY
Papas is known for wonderful opera creams, seasonal Easter egg candies as well as Putman’s chocolates. Although you cannot shop at Papas Candies since it is not a retail operation, you can purchase these local candies at various grocery and drug stores. Papas is looking into possibly offering their candies via the Internet in the future.

Perfetti Van Melle
3645 Turfway Road, Erlanger, KY
This is not a retail store, but Perfetti Van Melle is one of the world’s largest candy manufacturers (located in Northern Kentucky). Here they create Airheads, Mentos and Chupa Chups Magic lollipops. (Think Charlie and the Chocolate Factory!)

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Schneider’s Sweet Shop
420 Fairfield Avenue, Bellevue, KY
Founded in 1939 by the Schneider Family, Schneider’s originated as an old-fashioned neighborhood candy and ice cream store. Their most popular item (that is unique to the Kentucky area) has always been their opera creams. They are also known for their amazing homemade ice cream and ice balls. Try the caramel apples in the fall. They are a great place to stop for Valentine’s Day and Easter treats.

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See’s Candie
7875 Montgomery Road, Sycamore Township
Enjoy chocolates, fudge. nuts and more! A National operation, See’s has been making candy since 1921. 

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Sweet Dreams Candy Co.
One Aquarium Way, Newport, KY 41071
Located next to the Newport Aquarium at Newport on the Levee, Sweet Dreams Candy Company offers a delicious assortment of treats. They offer homemade buckeyes, sea water taffy, fudge, brownies, cookies as well as old-fashioned candies like Coconut Long Boys and Neccos. It’s difficult to make a decision of what candy to select when shopping here.

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Sweet Tooth Candies
125 W. 11th Street, Newport, KY
Sweet Tooth Candies’ fine chocolates are made with over hundred years of tried and true experience. They offer delicious, homemade chocolates and ice cream all year long. In the fall you will find caramel apples at this store.

CANDY STORES IN DAYTON AND SPRINGFIELD, OHIO

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Bellbrook Chocolate Shoppe
101 E. Alex-Bell Rd., Suite 144, Centerville, OH
Bellbrook Chocolate Shoppe is a family-owned and operated business that has been in existence since 1984. Their chocolates and shortbread are handmade in their “shoppe”.


Bratt Tasties
11 E. Dayton St., West Alexandria, OH
Candy and ice cream with a small-town vibe.

Candy Break
208 Market Street, Brookville, OH
Chocolates and confections

Candy on the Curve
3741 W SR 185, Piqua, OH
Old-fashioned candy selections

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Friesinger’s Fine Chocolates
45 N. Pioneer Blvd, Springboro, OH
919 N. Main St, Dayton, OH
This family-owned business manufactures the finest quality nuts and candy in two facilities in Dayton and Springboro, Ohio. Products are marketed under various brand names which include Dayton Nut, Friesingers, Candy Farm and Riverdale Fine Foods.

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Kilwins Dayton-Beavercreek
4391 Holly Drive, Beavercreek, OH
Kilwins began in 1947 and continues to offer the finest quality, traditional down-home confections and ice cream that are kitchen made fresh from premium ingredients and original recipes.

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Grandpa Joe’s Candy Shop
42 S. Main Street, Miamisburg, OH
1212 Central Avenue, Middletown, OH
1 East Main Street (on the square)\ Troy, OH 
They carry a wide variety of vintage and modern candy favorites. Over 325 flavors of Old Fashioned Glass Bottled Soda.

La Puf Sweets Bakery & Candy
1003 Shroyer Rd., Dayton, OH
Old-fashioned candy plus cotton candy

Marie’s Candies
311 Zanesfield Rd., West Liberty, OH
Gourmet chocolates that are drool worthy

The Peanut Shoppe
1576 E. Main St., Springfield, OH
Candy and nuts – what’s not to love?

Signature Confections
2495 Commons Blvd, Suite A4, Beavercreek, OH
Their goal is to produce the finest gourmet products to meet customer’s chocolate desires for every event or special occasion – from weddings to corporate galas.

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Sweet Sensations
Dayton Mall, 2700 Miamisburg Centerville Rd, Dayton, OH
This store offers a variety of gourmet chocolates, over 300 candies and nuts from your childhood as well as chocolate-covered strawberries, fudge and ice cream.

Trophy Nut Company
320 N Second St, Tipp City, OH
Bulk candy as well as features Winan’s Chocolates

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Wise Choice
6171 Brandt Pike, Dayton, OH
Wise Choice has a hundreds of authentic British Foods, gifts and candies from Jolly Olde Britain and Ireland. They’ve been shipping British goodies to Anglophiles and British expats living and working in the USA and Canada since 1997!

CANDY STORES IN SOUTHEASTERN INDIANA

DJ’s Bakery
523 Green Blvd., Aurora, IN
Sells Fawn candy (along with donuts!)

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Photo courtesy of Plug’s Sweet Tooth Facebook

 

Plug’s Sweet Tooth
313 2nd St., Aurora, IN
This store is brimming with gourmet popcorn, ice cream and candy. Because of that, if you love flavored popcorn, you’re going to have a wonderful time making your selections. Plug’s also features “Move Night Baskets” that include a selection of popcorn, five boxes of theater candy and a DVD movie. Be sure to follow them on Facebook.

Strong’s Sugar Shack
98 E. High St., Lawrenceburg, IN
Find all kinds of wonderful treats here – from ice cream, floats, malts, coffees, mixed bulk candy and more. With all of these sugary treats, it’s a great place to stop by for a snack. Follow them on Facebook.

La Sweets
24201 Stateline Rd. Suite A, Lawrenceburg, IN
La Sweets is “the premier chocolatier in southeast Indiana”. And, as the “premier”, they create handmade chocolates, custards and gelato. In addition to confections, gift baskets are available. Thirdly, if you need coffee, say no more – they will serve your favorite cup of joe along with a muffin of scone. And lastly, La Sweets create incredible wedding cakes and specialty cakes.

McCabe’s Greenhouse & Floral
1066 W. Eads Parkway, Lawrenceburg, IN
McCabe’s makes gourmet fudge on site. Pick up a plant or flowers and something sweet to to eat. They have over 20 flavors of fudge and you can purchase by the piece or slab.

Updated: November 2020, 2020 – Did we miss your favorite candy shop? Let us know and we will add it! sknabe@sibcycline.com

Local Home Sales Report: September 2020

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Home sales increased for all regions in September. In Northern Kentucky, sales rose by 21% and in Dayton they increased by almost 20%. In Greater Cincinnati, the area saw the most home sales of any September on record.

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 September 2020:

CINCINNATI / SOUTHEASTERN INDIANA

September 2020 vs  September 2019

  • 21.05% Increase in homes sold (2,582 homes vs 2,133 homes)
  • 12.77% Increase in average sale price ($255,093 vs $226,210)
  • 16.91% Increase in median sale price ($215,000 vs $183,900)
  • 36.51% Increase in gross sales volume ($658,651,352 vs $482,504,994)

January–September 2020 vs January–September 2019

  • -.73% Decrease in homes sold (19,580 homes vs 19,723 homes)
  • 8.21% Increase in average sale price ($245,072 vs $226,487)
  • 10.27% Increase in median sale price ($204,000 vs $185,000)
  • 7.42% Increase in gross sales volume ($4,798,517,765 vs $4,467,010,658)

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

DAYTON

September 2020 vs September 2019

  • 19.65% Increase in homes sold (1,705 homes vs 1,425 homes)
  • 16.13% Increase in average sale price ($210,555 vs $181,317)
  • 10.49% Increase in median sale price ($179,000 vs $162,000)
  • 38.94% Increase in gross sales volume ($358,996,607 vs $258,376,767)

January–September 2020 vs January–September 2019

  • .80 Increase in homes sold (12,662 homes vs 12,561 homes)
  • 10.30% Increase in average sale price ($195,169 vs $176,939)
  • 9.41% Increase in median sale price ($167,950 vs $153,500)
  • 11.19% Increase in sales volume ($2,471,234,447 vs $2,222,527,849)

Statistics courtesy of Dayton Realtors September 2020 Home Sales Report

NORTHERN KENTUCKY

September 2020 vs September 2019

  • 21.04% Increase in homes sold (742 homes vs 613 homes)
  • 12.28% Increase in average sale price ($233,407 vs $207,884)
  • 13.95% Increase in median sale price ($205,000 vs $179,900)
  • 35.91% Increase in sales volume ($173,188,285 vs $127,433,333)

January–September 2020 vs January–September 2019

  • 1.08% Increase in homes sold (5,617 homes vs 5,557 homes)
  • 6.70% Increase in average sale price ($225,772 vs $211,602)
  • 11.12% Increase in median sale price ($199,900 vs $179,900)
  • 7.85% Increase in sales volume ($1,268,166,726 vs $1,175,873,753)

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

Look for homes for sale here.

Seven Home Improvement Ideas to Help Sell Your Home

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If you are considering making improvements to your home, think towards the future with changes that will appeal to buyers. Projects to focus on are the kitchen, bathrooms, floors and paint. Here are seven improvement ideas to consider:

One – Lighting
Make rooms light and bright. Add lighting under cabinets in your kitchen to make the room look more inviting. Consider recessed lighting.

Two – Kitchen
If you are not up to a large renovation, one improvement to consider is replacing older appliances such as the dishwasher and refrigerator. If the cabinets are not appealing, consider sanding and painting them.

Three – Closets
Buyers want walk-in closets. If you cannot make your closet larger be sure to make it look as spacious as possible when selling.

Four – Bathroom
Recaulk the tub. (Use caulk-be-gone to get rid of the old caulk. Fill the bathtub with water after you have caulked to stretch it while it dries.) If you have old wallpaper in the bathroom, remove it and paint the walls. Old shower doors should be removed or replaced.

Five – Paint
Fresh paint makes a big difference in rooms. Use neutral colors if you plan to sell. Paint the trim with high-gloss white paint.

Six – Moldings
Details, like moldings, add charm and character to rooms.

Seven – Floors
Hardwood floors are very popular with costs ranging from $3-$8 per square foot. (Add another $3 per square foot for professional installation.) If you have carpet, have it professionally cleaned.

Need help with your improvements? Contact Sibcy Cline Home Services. They can put you in touch with vetted, professional home-service vendors.

8 Homes for Sale Now with Fabulous Fireplaces

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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!