There are over 2,570 Cincinnati open houses this weekend!

Need a few more reasons why it is A Great Time to Buy a Home in Cincinnati!

To find out which listings will be open, use this Open House Search

Should I buy a home now or wait? I’ve never been asked this question more than in the previous few years as real estate news and economic woes have dominated the news.
Buying or selling is a personal decision first and a business decision second for many people. People get married, babies are born, kids go off to college, etc. Buying or selling can be a need and not just a want.

When you read that home prices are falling or it is taking longer to sell a home it is certainly normal to question your decision or spend longer gathering information about what to do.

• Which way are prices trending?

• Which way are mortgage rates trending?

• Which way is the amount of homes for sale trending?

For anyone sitting on the fence, this is a MUST READ before jumping off!

Should I Buy a Home Now or Wait?

Or as the great Warren Buffett said “We simply attempt to be fearful when others are greedy and to be greedy only when others are fearful.”

Mortgage rates are near historical lows, home prices are at lows, and inventory is starting to decrease (which will send prices higher and provide much less choice).

Call me today and ask Should I Buy a Home Now or Wait?

Last week a prospective home buyer said “I don’t want to pay for an agent,” and I hear this a lot; that is why I bring it up.

Using a professional Realtor is very important. I’m sure you’ve heard before that buying a home is one of the biggest investments you’ll ever make. If going to the doctor was free, why would you ever try to fix your own broken leg? You wouldn’t. A Realtor sells homes for a living; we sell more each year than you will in your entire life. We have an intense knowledge and expertise of the Cincinnati real estate market (we do much more than open doors..).

FAQs

• Won’t I pay less for a house if I don’t use an agent?

ABSOLUTELY NOT! Many people think that because there is only one agent involved (instead of two) that the seller will be more flexible on price because they only have to pay one agent. In theory this would make sense, but in reality the seller will pay the same amount either way. The only difference is if the seller’s agent keeps it all or has to split it with a buyer’s agent. A good Realtor is a professional negotiator…you will pay less for a home if you use an agent!

• Won’t it be easier if I just use the listing agent also?

The listing agent legally has a duty to protect the seller’s interests. The seller wants the most money possible for their home. Is that what you want? The buyer and seller have conflicting wants. Using your own buyer’s agent will make sure that you have someone biased towards you and fighting for your cause. And it’s FREE!

• What will a buyer’s agent do for me?

Here are just a few of the many things I do for my buyer clients…
Setup automatic home searches, so you’re the first to know when your dream home hits the market.
Refer you to a few reputable lenders to get you the best deal and the right loan for you.
Tour homes with you and point out important characteristics.
Give you my professional opinion of what a home is worth, so you pay the least amount possible.
Refer you to a few reputable home inspectors so you get a thorough inspection of the home.
Explain all the legal contracts involved and guide you through the entire process.
Negotiate offers on your behalf to achieve your objective of getting the best deal possible.
And I answer all your questions, because that’s my job!

To recap, whether you use me or someone else, the use of a buyer’s agent is absolutely crucial when buying a home. We will save you tons of money, and you won’t pay a dime!

• Maximum of $7,500
• First time buyers only
• Homes purchased April 9, 2008 – JULY 1, 2009
• A zero interest loan for 15 years

I love this program! What Cincinnati first time home buyer doesn’t need a bigger tax refund from Uncle Sam? Although this is really a loan (not a gift), it is a great thing! Cincinnati first time home buyers can use this money to do renovations, buy furniture, a down payment for a new car, or just SAVE IT! The possibilities are endless.

Many Cincinnati first time home buyers can find themselves feeling a little “tapped out” after the purchase of their first home. Coming up with a 3.5% down payment, paying miscellaneous closing costs, inspection fees; all this money going out sometimes depletes the financial cushion that you had in savings. This extra $7,500 in the bank will make you feel a lot more financially sound.

Since this is not a “gift” from our government, it does have to be repaid. The repayment period is 15 years though! If you claim the entire $7,500, and repay over 15 years, this will only be $500 a year. That is only $41 a month to have access to $7,500 right now. I think this is a great loan for Cincinnati first time home buyers. Even better, you don’t start repaying the loan until two years after it is claimed! For a Cincinnati first time home buyer that purchased a home in 2008, you won’t start repaying it until tax time 2010!

Have you found your first dream house but you wrote it off because you didn’t think you had the money to remodel that kitchen? Think again! I specialize in working with Cincinnati first time home buyers, so give me a call and let’s go make your dream a reality in 2009. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to call or email me for the answers. Also check out the website below for more information.

Complete legal details of the tax credit can be found at http://www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com/ or by consulting your tax professional.