Chris Wood Cincinnati Real Estate

How Homes for sale in Cincinnati are looking up

Chris Wood — Mon, 14 May 2012 19:09:00 GMT

A quick look at how the numbers are shaping up and we quickly notice more positives. Closing out April of 2012 and our initial number, not yet posted, show that we are UP 7.26% on closings of Single Family homes and UP on the Median Price of those homes by 12.11% (These numbers are compared to April of 2011. So far this year we are up at least 9% on Single Family Sales and 4.40% on Median Price. An overview look at all the numbers combined - Single Family Homes and condos and we see these very nice...(read more)

Home for sale in Loveland, Ohio

Chris Wood — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 14:10:00 GMT

This is a well kept home in the heart of Loveland. From here you are only a few minutes walk to grocery, downtown old Loveland, the bike trail and all that the quaint river town of Loveland has to offer. This tri-level sits on a half acre and offers a private back yard with small deck and patio. A two car garage that is extra deep offers plenty of storage space, and opens to a spacious entry that leads to the family room. An easy flowing space throughout the home that moves from the living room to...(read more)

March showers us with some good homes for sale in Cincinnati!

Chris Wood — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 16:41:00 GMT

Well - what do you know - we have some positive sales numbers regarding homes for sale in Cincinnati. Looking at the March numbers - there are some really good positives there! Mortgage rates are still really good - and are expected to stay that way for a bit longer, so long as the fed keeps printing money like it's their job! A quick look at what our market did in March of 2012: We don't have the pretty charts and graphs yet, as we probably don't have all the sales numbers posted copmletely...(read more)

Give your HVAC some Love!

Chris Wood — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 14:27:00 GMT

Yay Spring! Unless of course, you have allergies, then like so many of us it can be difficult to smell anything. We have talked quite a bit about Zombie Houses and real estate troubles and I thought we should touch on some maintenance issues today. Your house needs love and pretty much constant attention, but there are some simple things you can do to help your home stay healthy and possibly save you thousands of dollars down the road. As we begin to heat up, many folks will be turning on their Air...(read more)

New Zombie Homes in the Cincinnati Area

Chris Wood — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 15:50:00 GMT

In this post we talked about Zombie Houses . Basically, Bank owned homes that are in various stages of depreciation. Foreclosure, Short Sale or even simply abandoned homes. They can depress prices of homes in whole neighborhoods and cross infect, causing other homes to fall into this status. In some areas, whole neighborhoods have fallen prey. It's good to know what is going on around you in the world of real estate these days. The market landscape changes drastically and quickly. Home values...(read more)

Zombie Real Estate in your neighborhood!

Chris Wood — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 14:56:00 GMT

(Insert creepy zombie music here) Do you have Zombie Homes in your neighborhood? Chances are you do as 25% of US mortgages are facing foreclosure - (That's quite a few by the way)! My reference here to Zombie Homes here primarily focuses on what we call REO properties or bank owned homes. These home have varying stages of the disease, from initial infection to total degradation and disrepair. These homes can quickly and easily bring property values around them down and can also ultimately infect...(read more)

Expect the Unexpected (Doesn't that make it expected?)

Chris Wood — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 17:39:00 GMT

Were you caught unprepared during the recent storms? In your car and not sure what you would do should a tornado decide to appear? Hopefully you were unaffected by the recent nasty storms but many were and quite a few are now displaced and unsure of their near future. These are times when communities should act like communities and help out their neighbors. We are fortunate to live in times where neighbors tend to stand up and be just that - good neighbors. While watching the news while the storms...(read more)

Death by Zombies, Killer Bees, and Bad Movies

Chris Wood — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 18:37:00 GMT

Are you ready for the end of days? You know...the whole 12/21/12 thing when the end of the world as we know it happens? Not that I'm so bold as to flat out predict it - I think I we all now know what happens when you do that publicly. I am, however, doing the next best thing - I'm writing about it and in the process helping you to prepare for it, or any other catastrophe that may come along (OK - that may not be the next best thing but it's on the list). Let's face it, bad stuff happens...(read more)

New Mobile Website - Find Homes Faster!

Chris Wood — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 18:46:00 GMT

Star One Realtors has recently launched their new Mobile Website! Unlike other companies, Star One sees the value of operating a mobile site with features similar to that of a mobile App - By creating and maintaining a mobile site, Star One can provide ALL the features that consumers use and enjoy when searching for properties and information - WITHOUT having to download a clunky app that needs to be updated and takes up space on your phone! Also, by having an online site - means it works on your...(read more)

Owning a house is like having another part time job

Chris Wood — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 18:44:00 GMT

As the title suggests, owning a house can be quite a bit of work. Mind you, there are quite a few benefits to owning a home, but you have to remember to take care of it. There are plenty of things that probably should be done by a professional - like cleaning and servicing your furnace and air conditioner - but there is quite a bit that you the owner can do. And it's simple stuff that could save you hundreds of dollars. Simple things like replacing the air filters on your furnace every month...(read more)

September Sales up Nearly 9%...Should I be excited?

Chris Wood — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 13:15:00 GMT

While that is a good number, anytime we can see a positive number like that it's a good thing, There is another side to it. The Average price of those sales is down another -2.63%. Cincinnati has posted a third month with an increase in sales, however, a third month with a decrease in average price. We are still down on the year compared to this time in 2010 and we're down across the board on those numbers. I have to say...all in all...not as bad as I had expected. Homes are selling, but...(read more)

The Accidental Landlord

Chris Wood — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 14:50:00 GMT

In today's market sellers are finding that more buyers are looking to rent than buy - even with interest rates and home prices as low as they as they are. One of the last things our sellers have on their minds is being a landlord. Yet, here they are faced with owning a home and having to move out of town for their job. While this can actually be a good thing for a homeowner - there are a few points to consider before renting out that home. When a home owner leases or rents their home it is no...(read more)

Great Home in Batavia Lakes

Chris Wood — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 11:03:00 GMT

Located in Batavia Lakes subdivision this home is surrounded by perfect landscaping that offers great curb appeal and privacy. Inside the home is immaculately kept - ready for you to move right in! Imagine your evenings, sitting on the back covered patio watching the birds - or take a stroll through the sidewalk community down to the lake, just behind the house. Inside you will find 3 generously sized bedrooms with a large loft that is currently being used as an office. The loft could easily be enclosed...(read more)

March Home Sales stink more than we want them too.

Chris Wood — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 17:45:00 GMT

Ok...Don't shoot the messenger. In a quick review of the March 2011 numbers compared to 2010 March numbers we can really see the effects of the First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit. In an effort to "clean up" the numbers, the Cincinnati Area Board of Realtors is releasing numbers using a 3-year rolling average. This can be helpful to see what is going on - while attempting to take out some of the affects of the tax credit. These numbers are below: Closings: March 2009: 1,389 March 2010:...(read more)

Loveland School Levy (Update)

Chris Wood — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 14:22:00 GMT

From the most recent newsletter from the Loveland School Disctrict concerning the Levy on the May 3 Ballot: The date Tuesday, May 3, 2011 is an important day for the Loveland City School District. The district has a 3.5 mill operating levy on the ballot to generate approximately $2.7 million a year for the district. "We have studied our budget and believe this is the minimum amount to keep our district financially solvent and educationally sound for the next several years. The passage of the...(read more)

FHA Announces Increase to Annual Mortgage Insurance Premium

Chris Wood — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 11:58:00 GMT

From a recent announcement by the Cincinnati Area Board of Realtors we get some confirmation that loans are going to start costing more money. It's a big increase when you see what it does to your monthly payments From CABR: HUD Mortgagee Letter 11-10 includes an announcement from FHA regarding an increase to the Annual Mortgage Insurance Premium on standard FHA loan programs and a change that affects case numbers. Here are the 7 things you need to know about these changes: 1. These changes are...(read more)

Loveland City Schools to add 3.5mil levy on ballot in May

Chris Wood — Fri, 25 Feb 2011 13:50:00 GMT

In a January board meeting a resolution was passed to add an Operating Levy to the May 2011 Ballot. Click here to ready the announcement by Loveland District: Loveland City Schools You may recall a levy that was difficult to pass back in 2008, took them twice to get it done. That levy was a non-increase and the board promised to not ask for more money until 2012. That Levy is set to expire January 2012, when this new one will take affect. - So the board can say that promises were kept. This upcoming...(read more)

A monthly list of To Do items for your Home

Chris Wood — Tue, 22 Feb 2011 16:30:00 GMT

Courtesy of our good friends over at Home Services Link ! Where you can find contractors you can trust, fast and easy - you name the project, they find you a contractor. January - Flooring - Are your carpets showing a little wear and tear? Have you always dreamed of having beautiful hardwood floors? Refinishing wood floors and replacing old carpet can reinvent a room without changing anything else. So kick-start your year with new flooring that is sure to wow (for less). January is the best time...(read more)

Closing out the year...with baited breath

Chris Wood — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 15:13:00 GMT

We closed out December with 1,197 Homes being sold through our Multiple Listing Service of Greater Cincinnati and 16,903 homes sold in all of 2010. How does that compare to last year you ask? I'm glad you did! Comparatively, we sold 9.80% fewer homes in December of 2010 than we did in December 2009. I can try to dig into the bright side here but quite frankly, I don't have the energy for it . Let's face it, that number stinks; now - let's get on with getting on. As we look overall...(read more)

Existing Home Sales Decline in October

Chris Wood — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 22:34:00 GMT

Existing-home sales retreated in October on the heels of two strong monthly gains, according to the National Association of REALTORS ® . Existing-home sales , which are completed transactions that include single-family, townhomes, condominiums, and co-ops, declined 2.2 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.43 million in October from 4.53 million in September, and are 25.9 percent below the 5.98-million-unit level in October 2009 when sales were surging prior to the initial deadline...(read more)

New Listing in Deerfield Township, Ohio

Chris Wood — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 13:59:00 GMT

Recently listed, this 2 bedroom, 3 Bath end unit Townhome has a recently updated kitchen fixtures, a finished lower level and tons of storage. Outside there is a private patio area and a HUGE green space with plenty of room for games! An attached one car garage with direct access to the kitchen make getting the groceries in easy. This Condo is located in Deerfield Township, Ohio, within walking distance to shopping, great parks, restuarants and plenty of recreation. Email me to arrange your personal...(read more)

Preparing your Home for the Cooler Months

Chris Wood — Sat, 30 Oct 2010 13:20:00 GMT

Here are some good tips and advice on preparing your home for Winter. It's a good time to get that HVAC cleaned and serviced as well as your fireplace - gas or wood, they need some attention as well! If you are looking for a contractor to do a little work on your home let me know. I have a list of contractors that I have had success with in the past. I'm glad to share! By Stephanie Andre RISMEDIA—This year has certainly flown by, and now, with the fall in full swing, it’s a great...(read more)

Why did I have to Pay for My FREE Credit Report?

Chris Wood — Fri, 29 Oct 2010 12:05:00 GMT

I was listening to the Today Show, on NBC, this morning and I overheard a conversation about how low the mortgage rates are and what banks are requiring to obtain those low rates. It's true, rates are historically low...we're talking biblical times here! However, not everyone qualifies for that advertised rate. To get the best mortgage rate lenders are requiring a credit score of 720 or higher ! Up from the previous of 680. So having excellent credit is more important than ever, and you need...(read more)

What to do...After the Storm

Chris Wood — Thu, 28 Oct 2010 12:38:00 GMT

With the recent storm and high winds that passed through you may be looking at some damage or possibly just some downed limbs in your yard. It is important however, to take some time to inspect your roof and siding to make sure that you are not missing any shingles or have loose siding. Below are some tips to managing damage to personal property: RISMEDIA, October 28, 2010--Fall brings the tall end of hurricane season and also tornadoes throughout the country. For this, Allstate is providing these...(read more)

Home Sales for September 2010

Chris Wood — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 13:26:00 GMT

Well the monthly report is out for September 2010 and as expected we can all say, "eww". Come on...say it with me! coming off a very sluggish summer September finished up with 30% fewer closings that September of 2009. Mind you, prices saw an increase of 2.74% but I don't necessarily see that as a good thing. We are sitting on over 11 months worth of inventory and there are just not that many buyers on the market right now. This tells me that the homes that sold were the cream of the...(read more)