5 Tips to Avoiding a Rental Scam

So since the housing collapse it is no secret that a single family’s or individuals with lower income have leaned toward renting versus buying.  As a renter, it is important for you to be just as savvy as a new home owner, and help yourself to avoid a rental scam.  We have lined up some of the best tips in the industry so you can stay… Read More

Is the Historical Lima Memorial Hall Worth Keeping?

The Lima Memorial Hall is a historic performing arts center and city hall on the edge of downtown Lima, Ohio, Designed by the architectural company of Dawson & McLaughlin and named for local military veterans, the Beaux-Arts building was built in 1908. A dominating aspect of its architecture is the massive marble staircase that rises from the foyer to a second-floor open balcony.  As a performing… Read More

Use Houzz to Remodel or Design Your Home

There are a lot of publications out there for remodeling your house, but there is new one that is taking the Internet by storm.  Houzz.com is a collaborative platform for home remodeling and design, that is bringing homeowners and home professionals together in a uniquely visual community.  Here are just a few things you can do after signing up which is also FREE! 1. Ideabook: This is closely… Read More

4 Reasons to Buy Real Estate in 2015

2015 the year you achieve greatness? The year you break bad habits?  The year you get you promoted? Or How about the year you buy a house?  The mood is as high as Mt. Everest we roll into 2015, and the expectations have never been greater. The real estate industry has never looked better, even before the Great Recession, and it’s time you get back… Read More

Selling Your House in the Winter

The winter months can take a big chunk out of the number of buyers actively looking in the market, but the serious ones will stick around. Also, the number of properties that you are competing against declines during the winter. Here are few things you can do to help make your home more attractive during the winter and interesting to potential buyers. Less Listings  These… Read More

Should I Buy a House in the Winter?

Snow is falling, the pantry closest is full of non-perishables foods, and your snuggled into the couch next to the fireplace.  You have pretty much decided not to leave the house until spring shows up, however you are not sure how to explain that your boss on Monday. With all that free time though, you start fantasizing about buying a new house, and we’ve all heard rumors… Read More

Home Staging and Why it is Important

You have probably noticed when looking through real estate properties that the picture quality from property to property can change dramatically. That is usually from some sort of staging which has been done by the homeowner or selling agent. What is staging? Should you consider it for your residential property? Home staging is the act of preparing a private residence for sale in the real… Read More

Holiday Cooking Advice

Whether you’re an experienced cook or preparing to host your first holiday gathering, a little food safety advice can go a long way and ensure a safe, healthy and happy holiday dinner. These simple tips will help you prepare a safe meal and how to safely prepare any left overs you might have.   Two Times = Too Many It’s true: 38 percent people admit to… Read More

How to Choose a Neighborhood for Your Home Search

Narrow your home search by identifying neighborhoods that are right for you. This helps keep your search focused and efficient. Your local REALTOR® can offer neighborhood information to guide you in your search. When evaluating a neighborhood you should investigate local conditions. Depending on your own particular needs and tastes, some of the following factors may be more important considerations than others: quality of schools… Read More

The 30 Year Mortgage Rate

If you have been watching the news recently, then you would know that this week the 30 yr. mortgage rate dipped below 4% for the first time in 2014.  The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 3.97% last week, down from 4.12% the week prior and 4.28% the same time last year. the average hasn’t been below 4% since the week of June 20, 2013, when it… Read More