Tag Archives: real estate

6 Money Saving Tips for First Time Home Buyers

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6 Money Saving Tips for First Time Home Buyers – Buying your first home requires a ton of research and careful planning. Let’s face it, you’ve never done this before, so money is probably the first thing on your mind – it is a huge expense; however, it’s incredibly rewarding to become a homeowner for the first time. Here are six tips for first time home buyers to save some money throughout the process.

 

Pay for an Inspection

At first glance you might think that this is an added expense that you can skip – wrong. If something is wrong with your potential new home, hiring a professional to conduct an inspection before you sign any papers can save you money in the long run.

 

Choose the Right Mortgage

This can be tricky, a 30-year mortgage might appear to be the best option at the beginning, but if you go with a 15-year mortgage right from the beginning, you will end up paying less in interest fees overall. Do your research to figure out what works best for you, but don’t forget about interest rates!

 

Negotiate Closing Costs

These costs typically account or 1-8% of the purchase price, so don’t be afraid to negotiate this added expense.

 

Consider a Contractor

If there are updates that need to be made, consider hiring a home contractor for some projects – however, don’t rely on them for all of the updates. Determine which projects your can do yourself and which ones require the help of a professional.

 

Bundle Cable/Internet/Phone

Cable, internet and phone are things that most people see as a necessity, so when you are moving into your new space, consider bundling these services to provide you with the most possible savings.

 

Consult a Professional

A local real estate agent is one expense that will actually save you time and money. He/she will act as a resource and provide you with the right type of guidance to get the most bang for your buck.

 

Things To Do In Central Ohio – June, 2015

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Things To Do In Central Ohio – June, 2015  – Summer is just around the corner, and what better way to enjoy the warm weather than to get out and experience all that central Ohio has to offer? Whether you’re a wine lover, a history buff, a music lover, or the outdoorsy type, there’s something for everyone to love this summer in central Ohio. Don’t miss out on these 5 events coming up in June that are sure to delight friends and family.

Columbus Crew SC Glow Run 5K

Date: June 5

Admission: $37

Location: MAPFRE Stadium

Who wouldn’t want to participate in a 5k glow run located in MAPFRE Stadium?! Light up the night with music, glow zones and a post-race party.

 

Summer in the 614

Date: June 6

Admission: Free

Location: Village Green in Worthington

Make your way out to The Village Green in Worthington for one fun night, as all of the best things about the area come together.

 

Creekside Jazz and Blues Festival

Date: June 19-21, daily hours very

Location: Gahanna, Ohio

Cost: $5-$8, Children under 12 are free

One of the most popular festivals in central, Ohio, the Creekside Jazz and Blues festival features music from over 40 artists. Bring your dancing shoes and sunscreen to maximize your enjoyment for this fun filled, 3-day festival.

 

35th Annual River Clean Up

Date: June 20

Admission: Free

Location: Hocking Hills Adventures

Hocking Hills is a beautiful place to spend your summer, so why not spend a day giving back at the River Clean Up?

 

Washboard Music Festival

Date: June 18 – 20

Admission: Free

Location: Historic Downtown Logan

Bring the whole family out to Historic Downtown Logan for activities and fun for all – not to mention great food and even better music!

Outdoor Spring Decor Tips For Your Home

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Outdoor Spring Decor Tips For Your Home – The springtime is arguably the best time of the year. It’s beautiful, bright and full of so many different colors. Take full advantage of the season and make your home look it’s very best. Here are five great outdoor spring decor tips for your home.

 

Go Bold

If you’re redecorating your outdoor furniture, consider going bold with vibrant colors. New seat cushions or outdoor throw pillows will help enhance the beautiful colors of spring, not to mention a fresh new vibe could make the space more inviting.

 

Make the Most of Small Space

If you have a small backyard or back patio, make the most of the space by adding a small table and some chairs. It’s more important to be able to socialize in a small space, than just stare at a small space – and who doesn’t want to be outdoors in the springtime?

 

Plant Fragrant Flowers

One of the best parts about spring is the different smells. Fragrant flowers and plants will take your senses to a whole new level and will make guests feel even more welcome in your festive, fragrant home.

 

Install Lighting

Whether you’re installing lights, lanterns or candles, light your outdoor space up with an additional light source. This will allow you to keep your outdoor activities going well into the night.

 

Add a Rug

Like an indoor space, a rug enhances the space and ties all of the colors together. Consider getting an outdoor rug on your back porch to do just that.

 

Decorating your outdoor space can be just as fun, if not more, than decorating your indoor space. To learn more about outdoor spring decor tips for your home, visit here.

Things to do in Central Ohio This April

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Things to do in Central Ohio This April – There are a plethora of things going on in Central Ohio this month. Whether you’re looking for an activity for the whole family, or you just want to spend a night out with friends, you will have plenty of options.

 

Here are five things going on near you this month…

 

The Columbus Blue Jackets vs. New York Islanders

Thursday April 2,  7pm

Nationwide Arena

Columbus, OH

Come out and cheer for the only NHL team in Ohio!

 

COSI After Dark – 21+ Event

Top Secret Spycraft

Thursday April 2, 5:30-10pm

COSI Columbus

333 West Broad Street
Columbus, OH 43215

COSI without kids! Tickets available for $16 at the COSI Box Office, valid photo ID required.

 

Backyard Science Day

Saturday April 11, 10am-4pm

COSI Columbus

333 West Broad Street

Columbus, OH 43215

COSI with the kids! Discover science you can find in your own backyard!

 

Adult Easter Egg Hunt

Saturday April 4, 1-3pm

Camelot Cellars

958 N High St

Columbus, OH

(614) 441-8860

Cost: $5

https://www.facebook.com/events/894169757299871

Come grab your glass of wine and hunt for the eggs hidden around the Winery. Each egg holds a prize, and two eggs will have very special prizes valued at $50 each. Each person may collect up to 3 eggs. All glasses of wine will be $1 off their regular price during the Hunt. Must be over 21 to participate.

 

Urban Euphoria at Gallery 831

April 1-30, 3-9pm

831 S Front St Columbus, OH, 43206

A solo exhibit featuring original work by local artist Joss Parker.

 

Were these suggestions helpful to you? Let us know in the comments below!

Tips for Spring Buying

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Tips for Spring Buying – Warmer weather means the return of more than just the sun and the flowers-it’s also the high season for the real estate market. It’s a great season to buy a home, since the weather is good for moving and for home improvement projects. However, since spring is the busiest time to purchase a new home that means that there is a great deal of competition among prospective home buyers. It’s important to be prepared for purchase before you begin your search for a new home. Below are a few tips to get ready for the buying process. Happy buying!

  • Set your budget. Your first step should be to decide how much you can afford to spend on a new home. Besides your asking price, also take closing costs, montly mortgage payments, a down payment, moving and other expenses into consideration. The Mortgage Bankers Association recommends that buyers spend no more than 2.5 times their income on a home. Total housing payments should not exceed 28 percent of your gross income, and total debt payments should be less than 36 percent.
  • Make a list of must-haves. What does your new home absolutely need to have? What features are negotiable and what are not? Research these now to save time when you’re searching.
  • Find a good real estate agent. A real estate agent can often give you valuable information that may not be available to you otherwise and help you find a home with all of your requirements within your budget. Ask friends and family for recommendations, or check online.
  • Get your mortgage pre-approved. Discuss your options for a mortgage with several lenders and choose the rate and terms that are right for you. This way you’ll be able to act quickly once you find a home that you love.

Keep these tips and mind and when spring hits you’ll be ready to find your new home!

Tax Write-Off’s: 101

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Tax Write-Off’s: 101- It’s that time of year again – tax season. It might not be a particularly enjoyable time; however, if you’re a homeowner, then there is a slew of tax write-offs that might be in the cards for you. Here are 6 tax write-offs that you might not be aware of, but should definitely take advantage of.

 

Mortgage Interest

Your largest tax break could come in the form of your home, due to the fact that a majority of the check goes toward interest – and that interest is deductible. Whether it’s your home’s first mortgage, or you refinanced, generally, equity debts of $100,000 or less are fully deductible.

 

Property Taxes

A large part of your monthly loan payment is likely going toward taxes. Luckily for you, the taxes will be an annual deduction as long as you own your home.

 

Selling Your Home

If and when you choose to sell your home, you will be able to avoid some of the taxes that come with the profit you’d be making. As long as the you owned the property for two years and lived in it for two of the five years before the sale, some portion of the profit will be tax free.

 

Loss Due to Weather

If you live in a place where there are some harsh winter storms, you may qualify for a casualty loss write-off. If you have to pay out of pocket for damage from a weather disaster, you may be able to write it off. This does not include anything that was covered by your insurance. However, the main thing you can do here is keep a documentation of everything you have and make sure you can prove the value of whatever was damaged.

 

Moving Expenses

If you have moved into a new home for the purpose of taking a new job, you may be eligible for a tax write-off. If the job is more than 50 miles away from your old home, you may be able to deduct lodging expenses for you and your family, as well as moving expenses to move your belongings.

 

Being a homeowner is expensive, but also incredibly beneficial. Being prepared for tax season and knowing the deductions available to you will save you more money in the long run. For more information on tax write-offs for homeowners, visit here.

Pros and Cons of FSBO

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Pros and Cons of FSBO – Once you’ve deciding to sell your home, some choose to work with a real estate professional and some choose to sell “For Sale By Owner” or FSBO. Ultimately, you don’t have to sell your home using a real estate professional but there are definitely pros and cons of selling your home FSBO. Here are a few to help you decide the right path for you…

Pros of Selling a Home FSBO:

  • Save Money – You won’t have to pay 2 real estate agents. Instead you will only be in charge of paying the agent of the buyer unless you work with the buyer directly.
  • You Are In Control – You can control how your home is staged, marketed, when you show the home, etc.
  • It’s Your Home – You know the home better than anyone. You can point out the amenities and items in the home like no one else.

Cons of Selling a Home FSBO:

  • No Help – Without an agent, you are in charge of marketing, pricing, showing, staging, negotiating, finding a buyer, doing the paperwork, etc.
  • Pricing – This is a touchy subject. Too high and you lose interest. Too low and you lose money. Real estate pros know the strategy and how to negotiate the best price for you and your home.
  • Less Visibility – This is what real estate pros do. They have a marketing strategy for your home to get you the most exposure and to target the right buyers. Without the right marketing you have less visibility.
  • Contracts – Real estate pros tell you what you need, what it means and handle the leg work for you. When you sell a home FSBO, you can get that info from a title company or an attorney but you will still most likely pay a fee for that information.

There are pros and cons to every situation. It won’t hurt to interview a real estate professional to get your questions answered and to see which route is best for you. It’s important that when you want to hire a real estate agent that it’s the right one. We recommend you interview a few to find the right one for you.

 

6 Ways To Boost Your Credit Score in 2015

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It’s that time of year again – time to declare your New Year’s resolution. So why not make your New Year’s resolution something that will ultimately help you in the long run – like improving your credit score. Improving your credit score can have a number of benefits; however, it will take a lot of patience and self control. Here are six ways you can improve your credit score in 2015.

Pull Your Credit Reports

This should be your starting point in your journey of improving your credit report. Many people don’t pull their reports, but how will you know if you’ve improved your score without a starting point?

Make Payments

Making payments on time or paying off past due accounts are both super important when it comes to improving your credit score. This is because a lot of your credit score is based on your payment history.

Don’t Cancel Old Cards

You might think it will be beneficial to cancel all of the old cards you don’t use, but it’s actually better to keep them open and use it for recurring charges like your electric or cable bill. These are likely fixed costs that you will be prepared for each month so paying them off won’t be as overwhelming.

Improve Debt-to-Credit Ratio

Your debt-to-credit ratio is how much you owe versus how much credit you actually have, and can be a huge factor in improving your credit score. You can do this by asking for a credit increase, or paying down your revolving debt first.

Request Good Faith Adjustments

Not all banks will do this, but if you notice you had one or two late payments – for things like an oversight in due date or a one-time financial problem, ask for a good faith adjustment. In the event that your bank makes the adjustment, your score will automatically increase.

Dispute Errors

Go through your reports with a fine-toothed comb to make sure there are no errors. Enlist the help of a professional if it is necessary for your situation. Many people have their credit score negatively affected by a minor error with a simple fix – don’t be one of them.

To learn more about ways to boost your credit score in 2015, visit here.

How To Sell Your Home in 2015

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How To Sell Your Home in 2015

If you’re thinking about selling your home in 2015, you’re in luck – it’s predicted that the real estate market will make it easier to buy and sell, with more options and buyers than last year. For first time sellers, preparing and putting your home on the market is often an overwhelming and stressful process. It’s difficult to know where to start, what to do and what’s the best way to do it. That’s why we’ve put together this guide with a number of tips for everything from home improvement, selecting a realtor and staging your home.

With this as a starting point, you’ll be sure to have your home sold in no time. Happy selling!

5 Tips to Sell Your Home in 2015:

  • Know who’s looking and how much your home is worth. It’s predicted that 2015 will be a popular year for first-time home buyers. Many Millenials delayed buying when the recession hit, but many are now starting families and looking to purchase their first home. Make sure to prepare your home to attract this demographic, and know how much other homes in your neighborhood are worth.
  • Find a qualified real estate agent to work with you. The right agent can offer valuable knowledge, negotiate with potential buyers in your favor and guide you in the right direction. Ask your friends, neighbors and family for recommendations of real estate agents, or search online at reputable sites such as realtor.com. Attend open houses to see a potential agent in action and get a feel for how they do business.
  • Make your home sale-ready. This often means repairing, remodeling or staging for sale. The first step is to de-personalize the house. You may love the trendy colors, but neutral walls let prospective buyers can imagine the place as their own. Pack away family photos, knick-knacks and other personal items, make minor repairs like cleaning top to bottom and remove all the clutter that’s on your coffee table, kitchen counters and end tables, as well as anything you don’t need from your shelves. Your real estate agent will be able to give you more specific instructions for how to get your home ready for showing.
  • Get a professional home inspection. Most buyers will get a home inspection before signing any papers. Should they find anything serious, the buyer may offer less for your home than you were expecting. Prepare for this by taking care of any minor repairs before putting your home on the market and having your own inspection done. This way you can be aware of any problems and consider them when determining your asking price.

We hope these tips will help you sell your home this year. Leave a comment us below, or contact us if you have any questions!

Things to do in Central Ohio – January

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Things to do in Central Ohio – January There are so many things going on in the Central Ohio area this month, so ring in the new year with all of the events and activities available to you. No matter what you’re looking for, you will have no trouble keeping your time occupied. Here are five things going on near you this month.

1. The John Schwab Band

When: The first Friday of the month

Admission: Free to attend

Leave the kids at home and gather your friends for a night out on the town. Live music and happy hour prices are a great way to wind down after a long week, so make your way out to LaScala for a good time.

2. Worthington Historical Society Antiques Show

When: Saturdays and Sundays this month

Admission: $8

Whether you’re into antiquing or not, this will definitely be a not-to-miss antiques show. There will be an amazing selection of high-quality items available for purchase with a number of new exhibitors.

3. MAC Short Film Night

When: January 7

Admission: Free

If you’re looking for a different way to spend your date night, this is definitely worth checking out. You will have the opportunity to view locally made and inspired films at the Peggy R. McConnell Arts Center of Worthington.

4. Hear & Now Author Series: Marja Mills

When: January 29

Admission: $5 – $10

Make your way out to the McConnell Arts Center in Worthington to hear from Marja Mills. She will share tales of her life in Alabama, living next door to the amazing author Harper Lee.

5. Westerville Symphony Orchestra Tunes and Tales

When: January 31

Admission: Free

If you have children between the ages of 3 and 8, this is perfect and directed towards them; however, no matter how old your kids are bring them out to the Westerville Public Library. The library, in partnership with Westerville Symphony Orchestra, will present an integration of musical adventure and storytelling, Ferdinand the Bull.

For more information on all of the great events and activities available to you in Central Ohio, visit here.