Ohio Real Estate Blog

Tuesday, 25 May 2010

If you own or plan to purchase a home, then you know that insurance is not just a luxury, it's a requirement of your loan. While you should not skimp on certain coverage items, there are some steps you can take to reduce your overall premium.

If you have a security system installed and operating, you might lower your premium by 5% or more. You'll just need to provide your insurer with a copy of your contract or latest statement. Also, while newer homes have smoke alarms already installed, hooking them up in an older home might also reduce your premium by as much as 10%.

Just like health or auto insurance, if you increase your deductible on homeowners insurance, you'll reduce your premium. Just be sure you're prepared to pay out of your pocket for smaller repairs which are under the amount of your deductible.

If your policy is held by a company that also offers auto or health insurance, look into discounts for multiple policies. You could save a percentage on both your homeowners and auto policies, for example.

Another money (and time and stress) saver is to document everything in your home with a photographic inventory. Store photos, CDs or videos in a fireproof box or, preferably, a safety deposit box off site. This will reduce the time and effort required to complete a claim, and guarantee an accurate record when you're asking for replacement payments.

Posted by: Kathy Henne AT 01:01 pm | Permalink | Email

Tuesday, 18 May 2010

The "right" way to invest!

If you can hear the whispers below the din of panic, you know that the recent financial and housing collapses have actually created some amazing opportunities for smart investors. Low interest rates and depressed property values have combined in an environment favorable for long-term gains.

It may not be for everyone, but if you're in the right financial position, you have plenty of options. However, there is a right way and a wrong way to invest, and it's the wrong way that led so many to suffer in the recent housing crisis.

Don't think about investing in real estate until you've saved up for your nest egg and have held or reduced your expenses to keep it growing. Your money doesn't work for you unless it's "your" money.

Similarly, don't begin your investment adventure until you've polished up your credit score. The best opportunities go to those with up-front cash and excellent credit. Excellent credit will maximize your borrowed capital by assuring that you get the lowest interest rates and best terms.

It then follows that you should not over-borrow. Real estate markets are continually cycling up and down. Learn the lessons of the recent debacle, and don't over-leverage yourself to the point you can't survive a down period in the cycle. If you're smart about it, you won't get rich quick, buy you will get rich right!

Posted by: Kathy Henne AT 01:18 pm | Permalink | Email

Friday, 14 May 2010

Recent Piqua Area Real Estate Sales 5/1-5/31/10

Recent Piqua Area Real Estate Sales 5/12-5/31/10

The local Multiple Listing Service lists the Piqua area homes as sold with real estate agents.

427 S Downing, Piqua, 3 bed, 1 bath, 2214 sq ft, original list price $37,900, list price at sale $28,800, sale price $21,000, 101 days on market

437 Weber, Piqua, 2 bed, 1 bath, 720 sq ft, original list price $46,900, list price at sale $39,900, sale price $39,900, 178 days on market

927 Caldwell, Piqua, 3 bed, 1 bath, list price $84,900, sale price $83,500, 27 days on market,

719 Greene, Piqua, 3 bed, 2 bath, original list price $92,900, list price at sale $89,900, sale price $91,000, 100 days on market

1830 Parkway, Piqua, 2 bed, 1 bath, list price $99,900, sale price $95,000, 176 days on market

2885 Snyder, Piqua, 3 bed, 2 bath, list price $158,000, sale price $156,000, 14 days on market

1612 Washington, Piqua, 2 bed, 1 bath, list price $71,000, sale price $71,000, 2 days on market

911 Young, Piqua, 2 bed, 1 bath, orignal list price $69,900, list price at sale, $46,000, sale price $93,500, 494 days on market

738 Gordon, Piqua, 3 bed, 1 bath, original list price $69,900, list price at sale $65,000, sale price $65,000, 57 days on market

526 Cottage, Piqua, 2 bed, 1 bath, list price $59,900, sale price $62,500, 40 days on market

1254 High, Piqua, 3 bed, 1 bath, original list price $55,000, list price at sale $38,500, sale price $26,587, 125 days on market

601 First, Piqua, 2 bed, 1 bath, list price $55,000, sale price $54,000, 11 days on market

601 Boone, Piqua, 4 bed, 1 bath, original list price $65,000, list price at sale $58,500, sale price $40,287, 62 days on market

908 Broadway, Piqua, 3 bed, 1 bath, list price $75,000, sale price $75,000, 5 days on market

302 McKinley, Piqua, 3 bed, 1 bath, original list price $69,500, list price at sale $63,500, sale price $63,500, 248 days on market

414 Camp, Piqua, 4 bed, 1.5 bath, list price $87,500, sale price $85,000, 54 days on market

602 Robinson, Piqua, 5 bed, 2 bath, list price $87,500, sale price $87,500, 65 days on market

1038 Walker, Piqua, 3 bed, 1 bath, original list price $70,000, list price at sale $67000, sale price $68,000, 137 days on market

723 Clark, Piqua, 2 bed, 1 bath, original list price $79,900, list price at sale $64,900, sale price $64,900, 253 days on market

210 Brentwood, Piqua, 3 bed, 1 bath, list price $77,500, sale price $75,500, 31 days on market

714 College, Piqua, 3 bed, 1.5 bath, original list price $114,900, list price at sale $104,900, sale price $104,900, 28 days on market

207 Levering, Piqua, 3 bed, 2 bath, list price $125,900, sale price $120,000, 93 days on market

251 E Main, Piqua, 3 bed, 2 bath, original list price $50,000, list price at sale $48,900, sale price $47,000, 52 days on market

110 Drexel, Piqua, 2 bed, 1 bath, original list price $91,900, list price at sale $86,500, sale price $82,000, 220 days on market

3685 Bausman, Piqua, 3 bed, 1 bath, list price $134,900, sale price $132,900, 31 days on market

1815 Park, Piqua, 4 bed, 2.5 bath, list price $164,900, sale price $159,000, 26 days on market

1919 Carlyle, Piqua, 3 bed, 1 bath, list price $169,900, sale price $165,000, 1 day on market

209 Jean, Piqua, list price $94,900, sale price $94,900, 36 days on market

Keep in mind that the seller may have paid for the buyer's closing costs which reflect in the sales price. For more information on these homes or any homes in Miami or Shelby Counties, please contact Kathy Henne at Kathy@KathyHenneTeam.com or 937-778-3961.

Posted by: Kathy Henne AT 02:12 pm | Permalink | 0 Comments | Email

Monday, 10 May 2010

Don't miss your opportunity for the buy of a lifetime!

A First Time For Everything

An article appeared recently in the New York Times that beautifully illustrates the opportunities today's real estate market offers. A mother working two jobs saved up for a down payment and managed to buy a large home for a price that was 20% lower than it's selling price just a few years before.

While sellers are still feeling pressure, buyers with stable incomes and good credit histories are beginning to spread a "feel good" vibe throughout the industry. Conditions have literally never been better for first-time buyers. Affordability has never been higher and interest rates are great. The selection of inventory is vast and most sellers have priced their homes reasonably.

As more buyers enter the marketplace, the ripple effect will be felt far and wide. When they purchase a highly affordable foreclosure or "short sale," they have removed a distressed property form the listings, improving the chances other homes in the area will also sell. When they buy a "traditional" listing, that in turn sets off a chain reaction whereby the sellers in turn will purchase another home, from sellers who will in turn buy another home, and so on and so on.

You probably get the picture now. As we approach some stability in real estate, all indications are that prices will begin rising again. As the market approaches recovery, don't miss your opportunity for the buy of a lifetime.

Posted by: Kathy Henne AT 02:03 pm | Permalink | Email

Wednesday, 05 May 2010

Add beautiful curb appeal

Do you remember your mom doing "spring cleaning?" If you're selling your home, it's essential to take care of the details, both inside and out. Since buyers first see your property from the street, there are some steps you can take to pique their interest in seeing more.

Obviously, color makes an impact. Emphasize two or three colors in your flower beds and shrubs, and coordinate your blooms with the seasons, be it spring or summer. Also, make sure your trees and shrubs are properly sized to the house and grounds, and not blocking any of your home's positive features.

Perfectly maintaining your lawn is critical while you're on the market, since a well-manicured lawn powerfully symbolizes your pride of ownership and attention to maintenance. You can reduce the time invested in mowing and watering if you can do some simple landscaping with rocks, ornamental grasses and drought-tolerant plants.

The sound of water is also attractive to buyers. Even if you don't have a pond, you can achieve the same effect by installing a small fountain in the yard, or even running a electric fountain on your porch or deck.

Finally, there are a couple of architectural flourishes that add interest, such as colorful window boxes, a trellis with flowering vines, or even a pretty new mailbox. Contact your experienced real estate professional for a wealth of other ides to attract buyers to your door.

Posted by: Kathy Henne AT 03:01 pm | Permalink | Email

Wednesday, 05 May 2010

New Listings Of Homes For Sale In Piqua Area

Real Estate For Sale In Piqua Area

Homes For Sale In Piqua, Ohio

2105 Fawn Ct, Piqua, 5 bed, 2.5 bath, 2152 sq ft, $185,000

2113 Fawn Ct, Piqua, 3 bed, 2.5 bath, 1858 sq ft, $192,000

910 Young, Piqua, 2 bed, 1 bath, 892 sq ft, $55,000

1212 Walker, Piqua 2 bed, 1 bath, 768 sq ft, $49,000

5010 Buckneck, Bradford, 3 bed, 1 bath, 1407 sq ft, $35,000

6 Marymont, Piqua, 3 bed, 3.5 bath, 2878 sq ft, $190,000

128 Linden, Piqua, 2 bed, 1 bath, 688 sq ft, $15,000

1026 North, Piqua, 4 bed, 1 bath, 1440 sq ft, $40,000

902 Candlewood, Piqua, 3 bed, 1 bath, 980 sq ft, $72,000

For more information about thes homes or any homes in Miami or Shelby Counties, please contact Kathy Henne at 937-778-3961 or Kathy@KathyHenneTeam.com

Posted by: Kathy Henne AT 01:26 pm | Permalink | 0 Comments | Email