Cincinnati’s Homearama 2020 at Walworth Junction

Posted on June 30, 2020 by susanaknabe

Cincinnati’s Homearama is scheduled for October 10–25, 2020 and is located at the Walworth Junction community at the Historic East End of Cincinnati. This is the first home show hosted by the Home Builders Association of Greater Cincinnati within city limits.

Seven new homes will be featured with home prices starting at $1,000,000.

Home Show Details
October 10–25, 2020
Monday–Thursday: 4pm–9pm
Friday–Sunday: 12pm–9pm

GPS address: 3107 Walworth Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45226

Tickets cost $19 at the gate or online. Discount tickets are available from Kroger stores for $17. Children under 12 are admitted for free when accompanied with an adult. (No strollers, wagons or backpacks permitted.)

Parking is free. Visitors can walk or use a shuttle bus to the home show. Wear comfortable shoes as the parking area is a grass field.

Local food trucks will be on site.

About Walworth Junction
Walworth Junction has 30 single lots and is located on Walworth Avenue near theRiverside Drive and Delta Avenue intersection. (The site was formerly the Pennsylvania Rail Road’s Pendleton Yard.)

The community is close to the Columbia-Tusculum business district and the East End’s Riverside Drive businesses.

May 2020 Home Sales Report for Cincinnati and Dayton, Ohio; Northern Kentucky; and Southeastern Indiana

Posted on June 25, 2020 by susanaknabe

Very low interest rates, good weather as well as reasonable prices for homes have kept the real estate market strong even through there were COVID-19 stay-at-home orders.

Although sales were down, average and median sale prices rose – encouraging news for those thinking about selling their homes.

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

CINCINNATI / SOUTHEASTERN INDIANA

May 2020 vs May 2019

-26.88% Decrease in homes sold (1,950 homes vs 2,667 homes)
3.24% Increase in average sale price ($238,994 vs $231,499)
5.37% Increase in median sale price ($201,250 vs $191,000)
-24.52% Decrease in gross sales volume ($466,038,682 vs $617,407,053)

January–May 2020 vs January–May 2019

-9.78% Increase in homes sold (8,816 homes vs 9,772 homes)
5.29% Increase in average sale price ($229,270 vs $217,757)
6.09% Increase in median sale price ($189,900 vs $179,000)
-5.01% Decrease in gross sales volume ($2,021,243,057 vs $2,127,917,355)

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

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DAYTON

May 2020 vs May 2019

-25.29% Decrease in homes sold (1,285 homes vs 2,106 homes)
4.24% Increase in average sale price ($188,935 vs $181,258)
7.02% Increase in median sale price ($166,900 vs $155,950)
-22.13% Decrease in sales volume ($242,781,843 vs $311,763,470)

January–May 2020 vs January–May 2019

-10.25% Decrease in homes sold (7,583 homes vs 8,449 homes)
8.08% Increase in average sale price ($181,599 vs $168,020)
9.45% Increase in median sale price ($157,000 vs $143,450)
-.08% Decrease in sales volume ($1,042,922,477 vs $1,043,742,673)

Statistics courtesy of Dayton Realtors May 2020 Home Sales Report

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NORTHERN KENTUCKY

May 2020 vs May 2019

-25.80% Decrease in homes sold (558 homes vs 752 homes)
5.20% Increase in average sale price ($217,314 vs $206,571)
6.42% Increase in median sale price ($193,685 vs $182,000)
-21.94% Decrease in sales volume ($121,261,268 vs $155,342,050)

January–May 2020 vs January–May 2019

-8.47% Decrease in homes sold (2,529 homes vs 2,763 homes)
9.39% Increase in average sale price ($215,6 vs $196,761)
7.87% Increase in median sale price ($185,000 vs $171,500)
.13% Increase in sales volume ($544,333,099 vs $543,652,032)

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

Where to View 2020 Fourth of July Fireworks in Cincinnati and Dayton, Ohio; Northern Kentucky; and Southeastern Indiana

Posted on June 24, 2020 by susanaknabe

Celebrate the Fourth of July 2020 by viewing fireworks! Wear your red, white and blue when you oooh and aaah at them. Here is our list of local Fourth of July fireworks celebrations throughout Cincinnati and Dayton, Ohio; Northern Kentucky; and Southeastern Indiana.

Due to COVID-19, please be sure to verify your favorite local fireworks are not cancelled. There are still areas that are going to light up the sky.

In order by region and community:

CINCINNATI, OHIO REGION FIREWORKS

Blanchester
Red White & Blanchester Blue
July 4, 2020 – Fireworks at dusk (Festival is July 3-4, 2020)
Blanchester High School – 953 Cherry St.

California
July 3, 2020 at 10pm
Free drive-in fireworks show at Coney Island. Gates open at 8:30pm. Must reserve your spot!

College Corner
College Corner Old Fashion 4th of July Festival
July 4, 2020
College Corner Park Grove, College Corner, Indiana (Ohio)
Parade and fireworks

Fairfield
Red White and KaBoom
July 3, 2020 at 10pm
Fireworks to be viewed throughout the city! Just look up in the sky.
No festival – only the fireworks this year. Parks closed at dusk.

Hamilton
Hamilton July 4th Celebration
July 4, 2020 at dusk
No parade or festival. The city is testing launch locations. The fireworks will be shot higher into the sky.

Harrison
Harrison 4th of July Celebration
July 4, 2020 at dusk
300 George Street at Harrison Community Center in Harrison, Ohio.
Celebration starts at 4pm with a parade. (No entertainment, food, drinks, activities for kids and live music this year.)

Indian Hill
Indian Hill Fourth of July Celebration
July 4, 2020 – Fireworks at 9:45pm at Stephan Field
Parade and festival are cancelled.

Lebanon
July 3, 2020 at 10pm
Colonial Park West at 720 North Broadway, Lebanon
Festival is cancelled. Fireworks at 10pm.

Drive-In Concert
Warren County Fairgrounds
July 3, 2020
Listen to the Kevin McCoy Band from your car! Evening ends with fireworks.

Loveland/Symmes Township
July 4, 2020
11660 Lebanon Road at Symmes Township Park
The Firecracker Festival is cancelled for this year, but there will be fireworks.

Madeira
July 4, 2020 – 9:30am
4th of July Drive-Thru Parade
St. Paul United Methodist Church at 8221 Miami Road, Cincinnati, Ohio
Enter parking lot off Galbraith Road. No fireworks, but first 300 kids receive a goodie bag

Mason
Red, Rhythm and Boom
July 3, 2020 – virtual event
Videos and virtual activities

Kings Island Fireworks
July 4, 2020 at dusk
6300 Kings Island Drive in Mason
Pass-holder event with reservations. Watch from Mason!

Middletown
The BOOM!
July 3, 2020 at 9:30pm
Berachach Church at 1900 Johns Road, Middletown, Ohio

Parade at 10am at Smith Park at 500 Tytus Avenue.

Montgomery
Montgomery Independence Day
July 3, 2020 – 7:00pm concert at Montgomery Park (streamed online)
July 4, 2020 – A Reverse Parade! Parade units are stationary at Sycamore High School and cars tour around them. 10am-12pm

South Lebanon
July 4th Fireworks
July 4, 2020
Rogers Park at 60 S. High Street, South Lebanon, Ohio
Enjoy the fireworks (No festival)

Sycamore Township
July 4, 2020 at. 10pm
March First Brewing at 7885 E. Kemper Road, Sycamore Township
Live music; tailgating in the parking lot. Bring lawn chairs

Symmes Township
July 4, 2020
There will be fireworks. (The Firecracker Festival is cancelled this year.)

Wyoming
July 4, 2020
Oak Park in Wyoming.
Watch from home – the park will be closed. Or watch from Village Green, North Park, Spring Valley Bank parking lot and tennis courts, Wyoming High school turf field.

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DAYTON AND SPRINGFIELD, OHIO REGION FIREWORKS

Beavercreek
July 4, 2020 at 10pm
Mall at Fairfield Commons at 2727 Fairfield Commons Blvd., Beavercreek, Ohio
Before fireworks, there will be live entertainment. No parade this year.

Huber Heights
Star Spangled Huber Heights Fireworks
July 4, 2020 at 10pm
Thomas A. Cloud Park 4707 Brandt Pike in Huber Heights
Parade at 10; Food trucks 6pm–10pm

Lebanon
City of Lebanon Independence Day Celebration
July 3, 2020
Fireworks at 10pm. (No festival)

Springboro
July 4, 2020 at 9:45pm
Springboro Red, White & Boro Fireworks
Springboro High School at 1675 S Main Street, Springboro, Ohio

Troy
July 4, 2020
1000 South Market St., Troy, Ohio
Fireworks along the Great Miami River

Yellow Springs
July 4, 2020
Fourth of July Parade at 2pm; Did not see mention of fireworks

NORTHERN KENTUCKY REGION FIREWORKS

Augusta
July 4, 2020
Fireworks over the Ohio River

Bellevue
July 11, 2020 at 10pm
Thomas J. Wiethorn Memorial Beach Park

Edgewood
July 4, 2020
No fireworks.
Door and mailbox decorating contest Concert at 7pm in Presidents Park.

Falmouth
Pendleton County Fairgrounds at 320 Fairgrounds Road, Falmouth, Kentucky
No fireworks. Parade at 2pm.

Florence
Florence Independence Day Celebration
Florence Dept. of Public Health Stadium at 7850 Tanners Lane, Florence, Kentucky
July 3, 2020 Fireworks at 10pm (rain date: July 4)
Fireworks – not festival for 2020; enjoy the fireworks from your car or yard if you live nearby; limited parking at the Florence Government Center. You can view the fireworks within a 2-mile radius of the Government Center.

Ft. Thomas
July 4, 2020 at 10pm
Fireworks shot from Rossford, Tower and Highland Parks. Watch from home – no entry to the parks.

Independence
July 4, 2020 Fireworks at 10pm
Donna Yeager Amphitheater in Memorial Park at 2003 Jack Woods Parkway in Independence, Kentucky
Parade at 11am starting at Summit View on Madison Pike and leads to Simon Kenton High School (2.5 mile wide parade for social distancing!)

Union
Union Celebrates America
June 26, 2020
Union, Kentucky
Only fireworks this year at dusk. No parade or street party. Fireworks will be shot high – you should be able to enjoy from where you live in Union.

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SOUTHEASTERN INDIANA REGION FIREWORKS

Aurora
Aurora Red, White and Boom
July 5, 2020
Lesko Park – Indiana 56, Aurora, Indiana
Fireworks at 10pm (Festival is cancelled)

College Corner
College Corner Old Fashion 4th of July Festival
July 4, 2020
College Corner Park Grove, College Corner, Indiana (Ohio)
Parade at 4pm and fireworks

Greendale
Greendale Independence Day Fireworks
July 4, 2020 at dusk (9:30pm)
827 Nowlin Avenue at Greendale Park in Greendale, Indiana
Virtual 5k run/walk and fireworks

Greensburg
Lake Santee Fireworks
July 4, 2020 at dusk – residents and guests only
Lake Santee (13 SW Wren Parkway) in Greensburg, Indiana
Beach Bash, Clarksburg Volunteer Fire Department lunch, entertainment at the amphitheater

Liberty Indiana
Liberty 4th of July Festival
July 3–4, 2020 – unconfirmed 765-458-5976
Live music, beer garden, food and crafts – no mention of fireworks

Madison
Madison Regatta Fireworks and Parade
July 4, 2020
Riverfront in Madison, Indiana
Fireworks at the Bicentennial Park (No parade or festival)

Metamora
Fireman’s Festival and Fireworks
July 4, 2020 at dusk
Metamora, Indiana
The fire department raise funds with this fun festival. Enjoy the beer garden and live music. Parade at 6pm and fireworks at dusk.

Rising Sun
Rising Sun Fireworks on the River
July 11, 2020 at dusk
Riverfront Park at 200 S. Front Street, Rising Sun, Indiana

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VIRTUAL
Live from Music Hall: A Virtual July 4th Celebration
July 4, 2020 (7–8pm)
Patriotic music from the Cincinnati Pops at Music Hall streamed live!

Updated: July 2, 2020

Celebrate the Fourth of July without Leaving your Home

Posted on June 22, 2020 by susanaknabe

Independence Day is the perfect holiday to celebrate at your home. Whether you are having a barbecue, picnic or party, here are some ideas to make your Fourth of July celebration even more patriotic:

Beverages
Keep red and blue soda and juices cool on ice in a white tub. And, serve them in Mason jars with a red and white straw. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, make a layered red, white and blue beverage. Go here or here to learn how.

Bake a Pie
There is nothing more American than pie. Think cherry or blueberry for this holiday. Or make this berry tart here.

Cherry Bombs
Freeze fresh cherries into ice cubes. See this idea here.

Ice Cream
Be patriotic and eat red, white and blue ice cream! (Or top your ice cream with patriotic-colored sprinkles.) Firecracker Popsicles are popular, too.

Decorate!
Display the American flag. String up red, white and blue lights. Make sure your plates and cups look patriotic, too.

For even more ideas, look at Sibcy Cline’s 4th of July Pinterest board.

2020 County Summer Fairs near Cincinnati and Dayton, Ohio; Northern Kentucky; and Southeastern Indiana

Posted on June 19, 2020 by susanaknabe

Summertime definitely means attending a county or state fair. Steeped with tradition, fairs are full of the sights and sounds of farm livestock, fast rides and carnival-style food and games. And we cannot forget entertainment like the demolition derby, monster truck shows and tractor pulls. Gardeners and cooks show off their best items at fairs, too, seeking a coveted blue ribbon from judges.

Be sure to have fun at one of these local county throughout Cincinnati and Dayton, Ohio; Northern Kentucky; and Southeastern Indiana.

Due to the coronavirus, please check with your favorite fair before heading out to make sure it has not been cancelled or postponed.

Fairs are listed by state and alphabetically by state and then county:

States Fairs

Indiana State Fair
Cancelled for 2020
Indianapolis, Indiana
Plans in place for a 4-H Livestock Show August 7–September 5, 2020

Kentucky State Fair
August 20–30, 2020
Louisville, Kentucky

Ohio State Fair
Cancelled for 2020
Columbus, Ohio

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Kentucky Local County Fairs
Look at this PDF for information about how fairs are to operate in Kentucky.

Alexandria Fair and Horse Show
September 2–7, 2020
Alexandria, Kentucky

Boone County Fair and Horse Show
Cancelled for 2020
Burlington, Kentucky

Carroll County Fair
Cancelled for 2020
Carroll County Fairgrounds in Carroll County, Kentucky

Gallatin County Fair
July 21–25, 2021 (No 2020 event)
Warsaw, Kentucky

Grant County Fair and Horse Show
Cancelled for 2020
Grant County Fairgrounds at 115 Baton Rouge Road in Williamstown, Kentucky

Kenton County Fair
July 13–18, 2020
Independence, Kentucky
Abbreviated event for 2020. (No track events, rides…) See the 4-H kids livestock and horse show.

Pendleton County Youth Fair
July 26–August 1, 2020
320 Fairgrounds Road at the Pendleton County Youth Fairgrounds in Falmouth, Kentucky

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Ohio Local County Fairs
Look at this PDF for information about how fairs are to operate in Ohio.

Adams County Fair
July 15–18, 2020
836 Boyd Avenue in West Union, Ohio
Facebook

Allen County Fair
August 21–29, 2020
Allen County Fairgrounds at 2750 Harding Hwy., Lima, Ohio

Brown County Fair
September 28–October 3, 2020
Georgetown, Ohio

Butler County Fair
July 26–31, 2020
1715 Fairgrove Avenue in Hamilton, Ohio
(Was cancelled — but is now scheduled! Limited livestock showings. No amusement rides.)

Champaign County Fair
August 7–14, 2020 (Check first before attending)
Champaign County Fairgrounds at 384 Park Avenue, Urbana, Ohio

Clark County Fair
July 24–29, 2020
Springfield, Ohio

Clermont County Fair
July 26–August 1, 2020
1000 Locust Street in Owensville, Ohio
Modified Junior Fair (not open to the public)

Clinton County Fair
July 11–18, 2020
Clinton County Fairgrounds
958 W. Main Street in Wilmington, Ohio

Darke County Fair
August 21–29, 2020
Darke County Fairgrounds at 800 Sweitzer Street, Greenville, Ohio

Green County Fair
August 4–8, 2020
120 Fairground Road at the Green County Fairgrounds in Xenia, Ohio
Junior Fair only

Hamilton County Fair
Cancelled 2020
7801 Anthony Wayne Avenue in Cincinnati, Ohio

Highland County Fair
September 6–12, 2020
Hillsboro, Ohio

Logan County Fair
July 12–17, 2020
301 East Lake Avenue at the Logan County Fairgrounds in Bellefontaine, Ohio

Miami County Fair
August 14–20, 2020
650 N. County Road in Troy, Ohio
Junior Fair only

Montgomery County Fair
Cancelled for 2020
645 Infirmary Road, Dayton, Ohio at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds

Preble County Fair
August 1–8, 2020
722 South Franklin Street at the Preble County Fairgrounds in Eaton, Ohio
Limited tickets to be sold

Shelby County Fair
Cancelled for 2020
655 South Highland Avenue at the Shelby County Fairgrounds in Sidney, Ohio

Warren County Fair
July 20–25, 2020
Warren County Fairgrounds at 665 N. Broadway in Lebanon, Ohio
Enjoy the tractor pull, Great Cowboy competition, a rodeo, fun rides and food!

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Indiana Local County Fairs
Look at this PDF for information about how fairs are to operate in Indiana.

Aurora Farmer’s Fair
September 30–October 3, 2020
Aurora, Indiana
Parade, rides, exhibits and food!

Dearborn County 4-H and Community Fair
June 22–27, 2020
Lawrenceburg Fairgrounds in Lawrenceburg, Indiana
(No entertainment – 4-H only)

Decatur County Fair
Cancelled for 2020
545 S Co. Road (200 W) in Greensburg, Indiana
Decatur Fairgrounds
4-H projects are still being turned in. Animals are being shown on an in-out basis.

Fayette County Fair
July 30–August 8, 2020
Connersville, Indiana

Franklin County Fair
July 13–18, 2020
Brookville, Indiana
Virtual 4-H events only for 2020

Jefferson County Fair
Cancelled for 2020
3852 Indiana 256 in Madison, Indiana

Ohio County 4-H Fair
Virtual for 2020 (as of 07/28/2020)
Rising Sun, Indiana

Ripley County 4-H Fair
Cancelled for 2020
Walhill Farm at 857 Six Pine Ranch Road in Batesville, Indiana
Fair will be closed to the public. 4-H members and their families can view animals which are being shown on a show-and-go basis.

Switzerland County Fair
July 5–11, 2020 (Please check before going. Read more here.)
Switzerland County Fairgrounds 507 Vineyard Street, Vevay, Indiana

Union County Fair
July 18–23, 2020
411 Patriot Blvd., Liberty, Indiana

Updated July 28, 2020

Five Curb-Appeal Ideas to Consider When Selling Your Home

Posted on June 15, 2020 by susanaknabe

Curb appeal plays an important role in luring potential buyers to want to see what’s inside the home for sale, too.

An alluring walkway, an array of colorful flowers, an inviting nighttime glow and other visually pleasing characteristics can draw more people, and subsequently increase competition for the property and raise its overall value.

Here are a few of the curb-appeal projects buyers will be drawn to:

1 – Stick with Sustainability
Sustainability is popular among homeowners and buyers. Luckily it isn’t difficult to boost curb appeal in a sustainable way. One perpetually popular curb appeal project is a well-lit walkway. When potential buyers drive by the property at night they will be enamored with all of the lights. Solar-powered path lights can kick up your curb appeal in this sustainable and affordable way. Look here and here for ideas.

Additionally, home sellers may want to try using sustainable materials. Walkways made of reclaimed stone or siding composed of recycled materials will appeal to buyers with sustainability on the mind. (See more about stone walk ways with tip #4.)

2 – Enhance the Front Door
Make your front door a statement piece and focus! Paint it to stand out. Replace door fixtures and hardware. Perhaps consider adding wood moldings around the door. Look for ideas here and here.

3 – Instant Garden
Container gardens add color and are appealing. Place them in a staggered, asymmetric arrangement. Find ideas here and here.

4 – Buyers Love Low Maintenance
A front yard should look lovely, but require little work. This means choosing flowers and other plants that are hardy enough to survive with minimal attention; and products that rarely, if ever, need repairs or touch ups. From gutters to gardens, there should be minimal upkeep required. Yards that look like they need to be completely renovated are more likely to turn potential buyers off before they ever step foot inside the house.

5 – Steal the Hearts of Buyers with Stone and Brick
Natural stone and brick have an affluent appearance that can improve the value of a home. Homeowners can mix the two together for a unique and attractive combination. Look for ideas here and here.

Need assistance with your curb appeal? Contact Sibcy Cline Home Services. They can recommend a service vendor to meet your needs.

11 Tips to Enjoy a Vacation while Staying at Home

Posted on June 8, 2020 by susanaknabe

You’re staying at home because that beach vacation is just not going to happen this year due to COVID-19. What are you going to do when taking time off but have no where to go? Here are 11 ideas to still feel like you’re on vacation while at home:

1 – Pretend You’re Away From Home
When you go on a real vacation, most people tune out email and other digital distractions. With a “staycation” you need to do the same. Limit time on texts, email and the TV. Just unplug.

2 – No Routine
You’re on vacation – sleep in and wear your PJs all day. Have breakfast food for dinner. Take an afternoon nap.

3 – No Cooking
Be sure to order in or take away your main meal – just like you would do on vacation.

4 – Make Your Home into a Hotel
Convert your home into a hotel-style atmosphere. Take turns waiting on each other every day. The person on “vacation for the day” doesn’t need to make a bed, cook or clean – and will have drinks and meals served. Think about offering hotel-style treats such as a massage or manicure. Be sure to remember to have turn-down service that includes a chocolate on the pillow. Set up an amenity bar with water, soda and snacks.

5 – Decorate
If you have vacation-themed items in your home, decorate with them. Think tropical table settings with string lights. Pull out beach balls, too. Be sure to wear your beach-style clothes, too.

6 – Playlist
Use Spotify to play beach-style music or watch a YouTube video of waves along a beach. (Go here or here.)

7 – Have Fun in the Backyard
Grab a beach towel and head outside for some R&R. No pool? Buy a plastic baby pool or fill up a large bucket and stick your feet in to get that pool vibe.

Have a campout in the backyard. Set up a tent or use blankets as shelter. (Get some inspiration here and here.) Roast s’mores. Share scary stories. If sleeping in a tent is not appealing, have a “game day” in the yard instead. (Look for game ideas here, here and here.) Be sure to grill hamburgers and hot dogs.

Create a mini golf course. Have fun putting!

8 – Staying Inside?
Consider having inside fun, too. Play board games. Set up camp in the living room. Host a movie marathon. Have a treasure hunt. Make the kitchen table into craft central and get creative!

9 – Explore
Enjoy the nearby outdoors by going for a bike ride, hike or walk – either in your neighborhood or park. Find a new street or trail to explore. Want to investigate a new park or trail? Use the AllTrails app.

10 – Go to a Foreign Country – Sort Of
Select a country and then “travel” remotely. Learn about that country and then cook food from the region. For example: If “visiting” Mexico, you could play Hispanic music, have a taco bar and have a fiesta. If you are heading to Paris, eat a croissant, sip cafe au lait or enjoy a glass of wine. Wear stripes and a beret. Ooh la la.

11 – Want to Learn?
Use the time at home to learn something fun. It might be a good time to brush up on chess strategies, learn how to create a special meal or take up a new hobby. There are so many ways to learn – just “google” your topic of interest. SkillShare offers some free classes.

Most of all – treat your time off as a vacation. Don’t tackle chores. They will always be there upon your return “home”!

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

Posted on June 1, 2020 by susanaknabe

There is still strong interest for homes for sale through this challenging time of COVID-19. Low interest rates and a low inventory of available homes for sale have continued the fast-paced home-buying market.

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