First time home buyers -- now's the time!

First time home buyers make up the vast majority of home buyers right now, and why not? Now is still a great time to buy, especially if you don't have a house to sell! Interest rates are still very low, and probably won't be as low for many years to come! The biggest difference between now & in the recent past, is that you'll probably need at least 3-5% down and excellent credit. Real estate continues to be an excellent long term investment, so what are you waiting for? There are many, many homes to choose from, so contact your local Realtor today to see what you've been missing out on!
realtor4colubus@yahoo.com

Selling a home in this market....

Over the past few weeks, it's become ever more evident than ever that the homes on the market that are in great, updated, move-in condition are the ones that are still selling (at least in some areas), and quickly at that! "Good" condition isn't cutting it in this day and age, (one of the best buyer's markets ever seen)! Most buyers these days are very picky (and rightfully so) and are willing to spend an extra $20K to get a home that's ready for them to move right into! If you're concerned as to whether or not your home falls into this category, contact me, or a local stager to make sure your home shows the best that it possibly can! All the little things really do make a difference in this market (dusty light fixtures, cobwebs in corners, dirty/sticky kitchen counters, etc.). With a little money out of pocket, some extra elbow grease and attention to detail, your home can be one of these homes!

Zero real estate tax increase for the next 3 years!

Another entity is stepping up to see what they can do to help the economy and struggling homeowners.

http://www.franklincountyohio.gov/auditor/News_Releases/2008/06_02_08.htm

HELOC's a thing of the past?

In the midst of the largest mortgage crisis the US has ever seen, some lenders are now pulling in the reins on Home Equity Lines of Credit (HELOC). Many lenders are not offering HELOC's at all anymore and are freezing the ones borrowers have already obtained in an effort to prevent borrowers from using more than what their property value can hold.

Local real estate market info. you can count on!

Sponsored by CBR (the Columbus Board of Realtors):

http://www.columbushousingfacts.com/

House deals?

With all the homes on the market that are bank-owned and need some TLC, or are homes that have had long time home owners (empy nesters) in need of some updates, there are many great buying opportunities out there! Do to recent requests, I have started sending out weekly or bi-weekly e-mails containing some of the properties I've found that offer great opportunity! If you'd like to be added to the list, let me know!

Ohio Heroes Program

OHFA is offereing special interest rates on mortgages for those employed full-time in the following professions:

Active Military
EMT's
Firefighters
Healthcare workers
Military Veterans
Paramedics
Police Officers
Teachers

http://www.ohiohome.org/homebuyer/heroes.htm

Value listed on Auditor's page high?

http://www.franklincountyohio.gov/auditor//Real_Estate/board_of_revision/bor%20notice.shtml

If you have purchased a home in Franklin County or you have an appraisal from a licensed appraiser that states that your home is worth less than the value listed on the Auditor's page, today is the deadline to file to have your value reviewed.

New Home Buying Seminar

4/10 from 7-9 PM at the Bridgewater Conference Center on Sawmill Pkwy. in Powell. Sponsored by the BIA and CBR, and admission is free! Builders will be on hand to show you what they offer.

http://www.biahomebuilders.com/

Happy Easter!

Spring has finally arrived, so the calendar says, and the home buyers are ready to go! The interest rates are still near record lows, making it a great time to buy! Sellers, stay focused and positive! Buyers are out there, and sooner or later, that perfect buyer will walk through your door!