Trick or Treat for the Troops

For the second year in a row, Coldwell Banker West Shell has teamed up with WKRC Channel 12, The Cincinnati Enquirer, Relay Express, R & L Carriers, The USO and others to sponsor Trick-or-Treat For The Troops, an initiative created to provide a small piece of home to our men and women serving abroad. Through the month of October, we will be collecting unused (still packaged) DVDs to be distributed to US Troops in an effort to bring them a much needed break from the stresses of active duty our soldiers must face everyday. Last year, we were able to collect over 10,000 DVDs for our troops. The appreciation they showed was overwhelming, with Master Chief Rich DeTersa, Kuwait saying, “It is great people like you that make me proud to serve. God Bless you and God bless America!” This year, we hope to show them the same support, and are asking our friends and family to help.

If you are interested in donating to Trick-Or-Treat For The Troops, you can drop off DVDs at any Coldwell Banker West Shell Office or contact me to schedule a pick-up at your home or office. Even if you don’t live in Cincinnati, your contribution will mean so much to our soldiers. Let me know if you would like to donate, and we can figure out the best way to get your DVDs to the USO. Also, please pass this information on to your friends, family and coworkers. The more we can collect the more lives we can touch.

Thanks to all of you for your support of Trick-or-Treat For The Troops, and the continued support of my business.

Once again BUY NOW!

Cincinnati Real Estate—One of the Most Stable
Money Magazine recently published a study that shows Cincinnati is one of six cities where property values are most likely to rise and least likely to decline over the next 12 months.
Buying a home today in Greater Cincinnati makes good financial sense.
Why?
Three key reasons:
1. Great Inventory — More Choices Anyone looking for a home today will find a tremendous selection—nearly 16,000 properties are listed in the Cincinnati MLS. Whether you’re looking for a starter home, a high-end custom home or something in between, you’ll find just the home you’re looking for.

2. Low Interest Rates — With the current low rates, you have significantly more buying power. How low are rates today? Those who bought a home in 1963 were paying roughly the same rate as you’ll pay today. The rates won’t stay this low forever. Buying a home now can save you thousands of dollars in interest.

3. Home ownership — Will Always be a Good Investment Even if you are on the fence for now, that’s OK. There will be plenty of opportunities to buy a home when you’re ready. Home ownership is a vital engine in the American economy. It creates strong communities and builds wealth for families who buy homes. Home ownership won’t go out of style. Home owners are invested in our communities. They are the joiners, fixer-uppers, and watchdogs that make our nation strong. Nine out of 10 consumers consider home ownership to be a sound financial decision. Purchasing a home is a great way to invest your money. In the past 40 years,real estate has delivered the most consistent positive return over any investment. When you are buying a home, you are building equity and adding to your assets.

Super Open House in Cincinnati

MLS Super Open House is Sunday, Oct. 5th! REALTORS® have scheduled 2,500+ Open Houses in Greater Cincinnati and the surrounding areas serviced by the MLS, on October 5. This is a great opportunity for buyers to get an idea of the homes currently available to purchase and to tour the available inventory. Even those persons not currently in the market for a new home can benefit from this event. You just may realize that the time is right to make a move.

The media says it's a bad time to buy a home....WRONG!

What's the deal with all this doom and gloom? Sure gas prices are high and the media would have you believe we are headed for the disaster of the day but in reality we still have it pretty good. The majority of Americans have a job, can provide for their families and still live in a free country! And that's not so bad.

Think no one is buying these days? In 2007, over 26,000 were sold in the Tristate. With historically low interest rates, a wealth of available mortgage products and a fantastic selection of homes for sale, now is a great time to buy a home.

Think again, and think for yourself. Don't let the media tell you it's so bad out there..It's not!

Cincinnati is HOT!!!!

Congratulations to Cincinnati!! CNN Money just named Cincinnati as one of the six best places to buy a home. Now finally the rest of the world knows what we have known all along....Cincinnati is a great place to live.

Housing Myth #1

1. I’ve read that now is a bad time to sell my house.

Not true! With historically low interest rates, a good selection of homes for sale, and more qualified first-time and move-up buyers, now just might be a great time to sell your house. Three things that can actually bring a bigger market of potential buyers are price, location and condition. It is vital to work with a full-service, Coldwell Banker Sales Associate like me who understands these aspects, and has access to the most comprehensive tools and resources to address your real estate needs.

What?? Good News in Real estate!

So I know you have been hearing horrible news from the national media about the housing market. Well I thought I'd share a few stats to get things in perspective:

Greater Cincinnati: A 25-Year Perspective
Year Homes Sold Total Sales Volume Average Selling Price Average Mortgage Rate

1982 5,956 $379,800,397 $ 63,768 14.82%
2007 22,256 $3,869,836,160 $173,878 6.42%

Also, in Walter William’s column in the Jan. 28, 2008 issue of the Cincinnati Enquirer, he reported that according to Temple University’s professor of economics William Dunkelberg:
* 96% of all mortgages nationwide are being paid on time.
* 30% of American homeowners have no mortgage.
* Delinquency rates were higher in the 1980s than they are today.
* Only 2% to 3% of all mortgages are in foreclosure

Finally, in Greater Cincinnati from 2002 to 2007 there was an average home value appreciation of 8%. That's right APPRECIATION!

Stop litening to all of the doom and gloom. Start talking to the right real estate agents. The ones who are going well!