Power of the Web — From a Homebuyer's Perspective

Today, 80% of those in the market for a new home are beginning their search online. Aimlessly driving around looking for open houses and sifting through classifieds are practices of the past. The Internet has made the home-buying process fun, simple and less stressful, and we at Real Living are helping homebuyers search from the comfort of their very own home.

Virtual Tours
By logging-on to RealLiving.com or my Web site, you can now view hundreds of home listings — and these listings contain more than just a straight-on photo of the home with a few details. Real Living agents have the ability to create a virtual tour of a home, allowing our homebuyers to view each room at multiple angles in sharp, colorful images as well as an extensive floor plan.

Podcasting
Real Living agents are also using podcasts, which are pre-recorded media files posted to a Web site and made available for download, so homebuyers can listen to them on personal computers or mobile devices. Our agents are creating podcasts to showcase their listings, communities and dynamic marketing skills to potential homebuyers.

MyRealLiving 2.0
Real Living offers our customers a password-protected portal at RealLiving.com where they can create an account; personalize, organize, save and share property information and searches; keep a calendar of key events; and sign-up to receive alerts for new listings, price reductions and open houses.

Blogs
It's a good idea to stay educated on real estate industry news and trends. Newspapers, trade publications and the Internet have always been great sources of information, but now blogs are also a good source. Real Living discusses the latest real estate news and company updates on our blog site at Blog.RealLiving.com.

The Internet has given us so much over the years, and its presence in the real estate industry is now making a big impact in the way we buy and sell homes. Contact me to learn more.

Weighing Your Mortgage Options

When choosing a lender, you should always do your homework and shop around. I would be happy to provide you with a referral, but ask your friends too!

Also, check out the company you're doing business with. Has it been around for a while? Are there any complaints against the company? Can the lender give you any references?

When you have settled on a lender and are ready to pick out the mortgage product that best fits your financial needs, keep in mind that all lenders offer a variety of home financing options. Most loan rates will be similar to the current interest rates; however, differences in how a loan is structured can result in large savings or costs to you when buying a home. Loans may differ in such items as term (length of the loan), prepayment options or penalties, processing fees, no-credit fees and mortgage insurance considerations.

Most mortgages are offered for terms of 15 or 30 years — other terms are available under some circumstances. Your monthly payment changes depend on the length of the mortgage. Typically, the longer the term, the lower the monthly payments and the more cash you'll have for other expenses. With a shorter term, you'll have higher monthly payments, but you'll save on interest costs over the life of the loan.

A qualified lender will work with you to find the best choice, but if you need help, here are a few of the basics:

Fixed-Rate Mortgages offer the same interest rate, monthly principal and interest payments throughout the entire term of the loan. This type is typically the most popular because it offers stability and predictable monthly payments. It's best for those of you who plan to stay in your home for a long time.

Adjustable-Rate Mortgages (ARMs) feature an interest rate that periodically adjusts with changing market rates. The ARM often offers a low beginning interest rate as a "teaser." However, this rate will go up after a certain time. ARMs are best for people who plan to move or refinance in a few years or for buyers who know their income will rise in the future. ARMs seem to be decreasing in popularity. New ARMs dropped to a 25% market share late last year, according to Freddie Mac's annual ARM survey. That's down from a high of 33% in 2004.

In the past, ARM rates were consistently and considerably lower than the 30-year fixed-rate products, which made them very appealing. But now, the fixed-rate and ARM loan products are fairly close in rates, so buyers are shying away from them and locking in with a permanent fixed-rate loan.

Balloon Mortgages are offered for short terms — usually five or seven years. They have low, monthly payments followed by a balloon payment requiring repayment of the entire balance at the end of the term. The monthly payments are low because the interest rate is generally lower than a fixed-rate mortgage and payments are amortized over 30 years. This type of loan may be appealing if you are trying to get started in a new home, but you must be sure you will be able to make the final balloon payment.

Contact me for more information.

What's Your Home Worth?

Market value is the main concept you must understand when determining the value of your home. But what is it and how it can help you price your home?

What is market value?
Market value is the amount prospective buyers are willing to pay at the time homeowners are ready to sell. The best way to find out the market value of your home is to ask me for help. I can ensure that you get the best price by providing and discussing with you the Comparative Market Analysis (CMA).

What is a CMA?
The CMA will include homes in your area that are currently on the market, expired from the market, pending a sale and already sold within the last three to six months. Of course, the best indicator of your home's value is the price for similar homes in your area that have already been sold. The comparison is based on the proximity to your home and the similarity of characteristics such as lot size, square footage, number of bedrooms and baths, etc.

It's a good idea to sit down with me to discuss how each factor of the market analysis affects your home's value. You can consider the current listings to identify the competition, recently sold homes to indicate what buyers are willing to pay, homes with a sale pending to show the current demand and expired homes to suggest what buyers are unwilling to pay.

What are the dos and don'ts?
Do obtain the CMA and discuss the findings with me. Don't price your home based on factors not affecting the market value. Those factors include how much money you need to buy your next home, how much you paid for your current home, how much you paid for home improvements, the value of similar homes in different communities, area appreciation statistics, the cost to build the same home today and personal attachment.

Discovering how much your home is worth is the first step to ensure that your home is priced correctly. So, take the time, do the research, talk with me and together we can decide what the best price is in today's market.

Contact me for more information.

Grilling 101

When it comes to good grilling, follow these rules:

1. Always keep your grill clean.

2. Use oil or cooking spray on your cooking grate when grilling low-fat meats and other foods. Do not apply cooking spray to a lit grill.

3. Always give yourself plenty of time. Don't leave your family and/or guests waiting.

4. Always keep an eye on what you're grilling.

5. Do not use spray bottles of water to control flare-ups. Flare-ups are caused by too much fat and too much heat. Trim excess fat, and when it's time to turn the meat, move it to a different part of the grill.

6. Do not add sugary or oily sauces or marinades to meat on the grill. This causes burning.

7. Keep your grill away from anything flammable like lighter fluid, fences, etc.

8. Spice up your food a good hour before you grill. This lets the flavor sink in.

9. Use the proper tools. Forks are good for eating, not for grilling.

10. Always make more than enough for everyone.

Window Makeover

Before you begin your window makeover there are a few things to consider — most importantly deciding on what style of treatment will work best for your window. You should consider how your window opens and make sure that your treatment won't interfere with how your window functions. Once you've got the details down, it's time to get creative! Below are hottest trends in window treatments and ideas that will help you give your home a new look.

Be Colorful
Adding new color or incorporating colors to an existing window are quick ways to update your window. The color forecast for 2007 is white paired with black or navy and an ocean palette including teal, aquamarine and soft green. Jewel tones are also popular and exude a sense of calmness, so try a lavender, orange or gold.

Go Natural
Bringing the outdoors, indoors, is another trend. Exposed wood grain in blinds and natural woven shades are popular. Wood is also big in decorative hardware. Woven shades come in a variety of colors of wood and easily let in diffused light while still giving you privacy when it is needed.

Be Luxurious
Silk, velvet, fur, leather and suede not only look elegant, but also are soft to the touch. The opulent textures create a feeling of simplicity and elegance. To add even more luxury to your room, add some embellishments to the design — try sparkling crystal or beaded tassels.

Go Bold
Patterned fabric is big this year and bold prints top the list of window treatment trends. Incorporating bright florals, geometric patterns and bold stripes to your window makeover will add a youthful spunk to the room.

Be Tech-Savvy
If you're up on the latest gadget, then you may want to equip your windows with blinds that can be controlled with a remote control, a light switch or even the Internet. You can make these high-tech window treatments easy on the eyes by layering fabrics with high-thread-count cottons — it will cozy up your window and room.

For more home-owning tips, contact me today

Get Your Deck Ready for Summer

Before officially kicking off the summer, ensure your deck is ready for the season. Follow these simple steps and you'll be able to not only maintain your deck, but also enjoy it for years to come.

Clean
Begin by sweeping any leaves or debris off your deck. Continue by using a garden hose to gently spray off the deck. Finish by using a deck cleaner, which you can spray or brush on.

Repair
Start by inspecting your deck for any repairs that need to be made. Use a screwdriver to poke the wood boards to check for rotting and a hammer to secure any loose nails.

Protect
Use a stain or clear wood preservative to protect your deck. A clear wood preservative will protect your deck while leaving it with a clear finish. It also contains a UV protector which will be helpful in protecting against the summer rays. If you chose to use a colored stain, make sure the stain is in a shade you like and is water-repellant. Once you begin staining, be sure to apply the stain parallel to the deck boards.

Enjoy
Your deck can be an enjoyable place for you, your friends and your family to enjoy the nice weather and each other's company. Keep in mind, it can also be a great feature that will add value to your home when it becomes time to sell!

For additional home-owning advice, contact me today.

Beginning Home-Buyer Basics: Part One

Helpful tips for first-time homebuyers
Don’t let the home-buying process intimidate you! Check out these home-buying tips that are sure to keep the process easy.

Start online. A good way to find out about homes on the market is by shopping around. Just as you would search for various types of appliances, electronics and other products – home shopping is just the same! RealLiving.com has great tools to help buyers explore the market, without even stepping outside!

Choose a loan term. Find out if a 15-, 20- or 30-year mortgage loan works best for you. Your Real Living Mortgage consultant will be happy to review your long and short term financial goals to determine what works best for you – without burning a hole in your pocket!

Work with me to gain a better understanding of the buying process. You’ll feel safe knowing that your agent is on your side and getting you ready to buy your first home. For more home-buying and -selling tips, visit our Tools and References page on OhioRealLiving.com today!

Stay tuned for more beginner home-buying tips.

Beginning Home-Buyer Basics: Part Two

Beginning Home-Buyer Basics: Part Two
Helpful tips for first-time homebuyers
Buying your first home can be a daunting task. That’s why Real Living is here to share with you these home-buying tips that are sure to keep the process easy.

Get pre-approved. Find out how much you can afford before you start looking. By getting pre-approved, you’ll have a realistic picture of what kind of home you can purchase. It’ll help set the stage before you start shopping.

Look at your options. Learn about options for making a down payment. Ask your Real Living Mortgage consultant about your down payment options – you may be surprised that you can put down a few extra dollars!

Work with me to gain a better understanding of the buying process. You’ll feel safe knowing that your agent is on your side and getting you ready to buy your first home. For more home-buying and -selling tips, visit our Tools and References page on
!


Stay tuned for more beginner home-buying tips.

Beginning Home-Buyer Basics: Part Three

Helpful tips for first-time homebuyers
Don’t let the home-buying process intimidate you! Check out these home-buying tips that are sure to keep the process easy.

Start online. A good way to find out about homes on the market is by shopping around. Just as you would search for various types of appliances, electronics and other products – home shopping is just the same! OhioRealLiving.com has great tools to help buyers explore the market, without even stepping outside!

Choose a loan term. Find out if a 15-, 20- or 30-year mortgage loan works best for you. Your Real Living Mortgage consultant will be happy to review your long and short term financial goals to determine what works best for you – without burning a hole in your pocket!

Work with me to gain a better understanding of the buying process. You’ll feel safe knowing that your agent is on your side and getting you ready to buy your first home. For more home-buying and -selling tips

Stay tuned for more beginner home-buying tips.

Home Maintenance Issues

Home Maintenance
Home ownership offers an exciting opportunity to create a personal living space that's uniquely yours. As such, your home will no doubt tell a lot about you and your family.

In fact, if you think of your home as both a picture (something to look at and enjoy) and a mirror (a reflection of you), it's easy to see why regular home maintenance is so important.

And you don't have to be a seasoned do-it-yourselfer. If you're like most people, you'll easily be able to tackle normal maintenance jobs.

Real Living has created these monthly maintenance lists. Print them out and use them as handy reminders to help you keep your home in tip-top shape.

Remember that paying attention to basic home maintenance responsibilities will help protect your investment. Keep in mind that maintenance needs vary from home to home and community to community so you may want to add (or subtract) a few things from these lists, depending on where you live.

Finally, when your to-do list includes finding your next home, contact us for a free home market analysis.

January

Keep plenty of salt handy in your garage or basement for icy sidewalks and walkways.
Examine and clean kitchen appliances.
Vacuum the condenser coil located in the back or bottom of the refrigerator and clean the drain pan.
Wash kitchen exhaust hood and air filters.
Clean dishwasher food filters and check that openings in spray arms are clear.
Store a fire extinguisher within reach of your stove.
Check your attic for adequate insulation.

February

Check the snow load on your roof. If it seems excessive, call a roofing contractor to remove the snow, which could otherwise cause the roof to leak or collapse.
Clean faucet aerators and shower heads.
Remove and replace any worn or crumbling caulk or grout in and around bathtubs, sinks and toilets.
Vacuum bathroom vent fan covers.
Make sure the lightbulbs in all home fixtures are of the correct wattage.
Replace all extension cords, lamp cords and plugs that are brittle, worn or damaged.

March

Inspect walls and ceilings for cracks or bulges, and patch and paint as necessary.
Hire a professional to check your water heater.
Check basement and crawl space for moisture or leakage after wet weather.
Examine exterior fascia and trim for deterioration.
Repair cracked, broken or uneven driveways and sidewalks.
Inspect your stairs and railings for any loose sections.

April

Hire a professional air conditioning contractor to inspect and maintain your system.
Inspect your roof for any missing, loose or damaged shingles.
Check the fireplace flue to make sure it is closed for the warmer weather.
Remove your storm windows.
Repair or replace screens with holes large enough for insects to enter your home.
Scrape and paint any wood surfaces that have peeled or weathered.
Clean and inspect your lawn mower.

May

Remove debris from gutters and downspouts.
Fertilize and aerate your lawn.
Extend downspouts away from house onto splash blocks.
Inspect your deck or patio, and paint if necessary.
Clear window wells.
Replace or repair old and damaged water hoses.

June

Prepare flower beds and plant your garden.
Clean and organize your garage.
Repair any damage to fences.
To conserve energy, set your thermostat to the highest comfortable setting.
Re-grade soil around foundation walls as needed.
Examine and trim trees and shrubs away from the home.

July

Examine your basement, attic and other small spaces for summer pest infestation.
Inspect all window and door locks to assure safety.
Check your home for any water leaks or water damage.
Inspect and maintain your air conditioning unit and replace filters.
Keep your lawn green by watering efficiently.
Hold a garage sale to clear away any unwanted items.

August

Clean dryer vent duct.
Test your sump pump.
Replace any broken lightbulbs and make necessary repairs to outdoor lighting.
Inspect and maintain your air conditioning unit and replace filters.
Use grass clippings as fertilizer.
Be sure all family members know the location of water and gas shut-off valves.
Prepare your garden and lawn for cooler temperatures.

September

Trim tree limbs and vegetation away from roof and siding.
Schedule an appointment with a heating professional to check and clean furnace.
Fertilize lawn and garden.
Purchase the necessary equipment to winterize your pool.
Inspect roof openings and flashes; weatherproof as needed.

October

Disconnect garden hoses and shut off the valve to outside faucets.
Caulk or place weather-stripping around windows and doors to prevent drafts.
Replace or clean furnace filter.
Remove screens from windows and install storm windows.
Run all gas-powered lawn equipment until the fuel is gone.
Plant spring bulbs.
Test and change the batteries in all smoke detectors.

November

Make sure shovels and snow blowers are in working order.
Insulate pipes in your home's crawl spaces and attic.
Clean downspouts and gutters to remove leaves and debris.
Check supply of electrical fuses, breakers, candles and flashlights.
Remove birds' nests from chimney flues and outdoor electrical fixtures.
Inspect exterior lighting at walkways and entrances for safety.

December

Monitor ice build-up in gutters and downspouts.
Inspect all interior plugs and switches for safety.
Check and maintain fire extinguisher.
Examine wood burning flues for blockage and clean if necessary.
Grind ice cubes in garbage disposal to sharpen blades.
Check attic for leaks and condensation.
Store firewood at least 30 feet away from the house.
For more information or for additional real estate advice, contact me today or visited my web site @ www.OhioRealLiving.com

Credit and Buying

Give Yourself Some Credit
Credit is an important component in helping you find the best loan product to meet your home buying needs.

The way you handle credit obligations can greatly affect your loan choices and the interest rates you can get. In short, the better credit you have, the more loan options you will have to choose what is best for you and your financial goals.

If you're in the market to buy a home, and you want to make sure you're doing everything you can to maintain good credit, here are a few tips:

DO pay what you owe – regularly and on time.
DON'T skip payments.
DO have a checking and a savings account.
DON'T hold more than four credit cards.
DO keep your total debt-to-income ratio under 36 percent.
DON'T exceed or continually increase your line of credit.
DO keep track of your spending and stay within your budget.

Your lender will view your credit report, when determining which loan products are best for you. Using your credit history, the credit bureau will develop a credit score. The higher your credit score, the more likely you are to qualify for a loan with the best interest rates.

Not sure where you stand? It’s wise to obtain a copy of your credit report in order to find your FICO score at least once a year, and especially before making a large purchase, like a house or a car, in order to review for accuracy and find out how you can work on improving it, if necessary. You'll see the consumer credit given to you over the past seven years and be able to check your highest balance and current balance on outstanding debt, as well as see details about on-time and late payments. Your home mortgage consultant should be able to help you better understand what your score means.

You can get your credit report from many sources, but should you find something in yoru report that may not be accurate, only the credit agencies can actually correct the data on your report. Contact the three major credit agencies directly:

Equifax: 1-800-685-1111 or www.equifax.com
Experian: 1-888-397-3742 or www.experian.com
TransUnion: 1-800-916-8800 or www.transunion.com

As for less-than-perfect credit, you should know that lenders typically are more concerned with how you’ve handled your recent credit than with what happened years ago. But even if you have a blemish on your credit history, don't let that stop you from buying a home. Buying a home – and paying your mortgage on time each month—is a great way to build your credit. If you’ve got credit questions, your first step should be to contact a trusted home mortgage consultant who can help you find the right loan product to help you attain the home of your dreams.
For more information or for additional real estate advice, contact me today or visited @ www.OhioRealLiving.com

Existing vs. New Home

Existing vs. New Home
New home or previously owned? That is, perhaps, one of the first questions you may ask yourself in your home search process. Perhaps you've fantasized about purchasing a fixer-upper and giving it an extreme makeover. Or maybe you've always dreamed of building a home from the ground up and making all new color and appliance choices.

Whatever your desire, talk to your Real Living agent about which choice is best for you. S/he can help you consider your personality, lifestyle, budget and personal preferences, as well as show you both new and existing homes that may be of interest to you. And s/he'll share with you information on numerous builders and developments in the communities that interest you most.

You may already know why you should work with a Realtor® to help you find an existing home, but make sure you also learn more about why you need an agent for a new home purchase, too.

In the meantime, here's a quick look at the main benefits of each type of home.

New homes offer:

Convenience and new amenities. Standard options for new homes usually include amenities such as whirlpool tubs, central air/heat and large mirrors.
Peace of mind. Safety devices such as smoke detectors, circuit breakers and ground fault interrupters come standard in newer homes. Also, new homes are subject to improved safety requirements, which means no-lead paint and asbestos-free insulation are used in its construction.
Comfort. High-tech solutions in heating and cooling and state-of-the-art materials (such as windows) sometimes ensure a more comfortable, energy-efficient surrounding.

Existing homes offer:

Stability. The hallmark of an existing home is a well-developed neighborhood with established zoning laws and school districts.
Resale value. The return-on-investment for an existing home is often greater; especially in historic neighborhoods where the entire area is undergoing renovation and experiencing an upswing in property values.
Savings. Typically, there's more room for negotiation – especially when it comes to incorporating items such as a repair allowance. In addition, expect to save money on "hidden" costs such as landscaping, unforeseen repairs or dues for a homeowner's association.

Keep in mind that both choices have associated costs. New homes are subject to elevated construction and lumber costs, while existing homes often require some type of repair or remodel.

Get an idea of common remodeling costs for existing homes.

Regardless of whether you choose a new or existing home, one thing's certain: home ownership remains a strong investment and home improvement a good re-investment of your financial resources.

With numerous benefits for both building new and buying an existing home, you may find it helpful to consult with a Real Living real estate professional to help you choose a primary path. S/he can listen to your thoughts on both options and help you determine which path meets your current needs.
For more information or for additional real estate advice, contact me today or visited @ www.OhioRealLiving.com

Condo vs. Home

Come Home to Condo Living
Looking for a place to call your own but without some of the traditional hassles of home ownership -- like yard work? Then you may want to consider purchasing a condominium.

Condos are popular for a number of reasons including size, location, amenities and, of course, limited lawn care and maintenance responsibilities.

Only you can decide -- based on your lifestyle, your budget and your personal preferences -- if condo living is right for you.

To help, we've devised this condo readiness quiz:

Do you want or need to minimize the time you spend on yard work and household maintenance chores?
Do you favor "extras" such as a swimming pool, fitness center, party house or storage facility?
Do you need to reduce your monthly mortgage expenses?
Are you comfortable paying a condo fee (averaging $100-$400 monthly) in exchange for upkeep of common areas, including snow plowing, leaf removal, parking lot maintenance and lawn mowing?
Are you willing to submit to the rules and regulations for your community set forth by a condo board?

If you answered yes to one or more questions, condo living may be in your future, so consider the following next steps:

Look at both single-family homes and condos before narrowing your selection.
Talk with current condo owners to get a feel for the pros and cons of condo living.
Ask for specifics about condo fees, rules and regulations. (Some condo boards assess additional charges for maintenance work outside of routine maintenance.)
Talk with your Real Living buyer's agent to learn more about other things you should know before buying a condo.
Relax and enjoy looking at your options. There's no substitute for diligent research and self-reflection.
For more information or for additional real estate advice, contact me today or visited @ www.OhioRealLiving.com

7 habits of people with great credit scores.

People with great credit scores have earned them for a reason - they have always borrowed money, and paid it back on time. There's really no trick to what they've done, and there is no one action that will help you get a great credit score. When someone asks me how to earn a good credit score, I tell them to look at the spending habits of those with great scores, and to develop the same habits. Here are the 7 habits of people with great credit scores.

1. Never Pay Cash
People with great credit scores want every purchase to count. And a purchase doesn't count unless the 3 bureaus know about it! The only way to make sure that the bureaus know how much money you're spending is to put everything on your card(s). Rather than deposit your paycheck and spend, think of your spending as a monetary cycle: Put your paycheck in the bank, spend with your credit cards, and pay off the cards with the funds you've already deposited. It's one extra step that pays off big with the added security and boost to your score that credit cards provide. Credit cards aren't just for larger purchases anymore. Using your credit cards for items like soft drinks and gum has become so common that credit card companies have given a name to them: "Micro-purchases."

2. Never Use a Debit Card

You won't find a debit card in the wallets of people with great credit scores. Debit cards provide you absolutely nothing that a credit card won't, and credit cards will build your credit score! Furthermore, if someone steals your credit card, you're protected against fraudulent purchases, while with a debit card, you're out of luck! People with great credit scores take every opportunity to build their credit - going to the grocery store, buying gas, or renting movies!

3. Pay Off Your Balance(s)

People with great credit scores don't typically carry high credit card balances. The easiest way to emulate this is to make sure that you don't carry ANY balances. You'll obtain the best credit score if you make sure that you're using the smallest portion of your potential limit - which means "Zero." People with great credit scores make sure to use their cards, but pay the balance off every month.

4. Put Yourself on a Bill Payment Schedule

In order for the credit bureaus to reward your good spending habits, you have to pay your bills on time. However, you have a little leeway. While it's not a good idea to pay your bills a few days late because your creditors will charge you late penalties, it won't affect your credit score negatively unless you pay them more than 30 days late. The easiest way to stay on top of your bills is to pick one day out of the month to take care of everything.

5. Consistently Request Higher Credit Card Limits

Because people with great credit scores habitually borrow money and immediately pay it off, the credit card companies are very comfortable consistently raising their spending limits. People with great credit scores consistently request higher limits because it allows them the freedom to borrow and keep a balance, if the need arises, without lowering their scores. You will have the best credit score if you keep the balances of your cards below roughly 35% of the spending limit of each card. People with great credit scores don't habitually spend over 35% of the limit of their cards. Furthermore, if you have high limits, you can take advantage of the promotional offers that the banks offer from time to time. A borrower I know with a great score recently transferred the second mortgage on his home to a 1.99% APR promotional rate on his credit card - the rate is good for the life of the loan!

6. Never Close a Credit Card Account

The credit bureaus take into account the age of your credit lines - and people with great credit scores know this, and exploit it. Many times, people with mediocre or low scores will pay off a card they've abused and close the account because they subconsciously think it was the card's fault they let the balance get as high as it did. This is NOT the correct thing to do in this situation. That card has a great history behind it! You've shown the bureaus that you're willing to borrow a large sum of money and then pay it down to zero. People with great credit scores NEVER close credit card accounts because they want to show that they have a long history of properly using credit.

7. Never Rent

Your home is probably the largest purchase you will ever make in your life, and is the one purchase that can make the biggest impact on your credit score. When you purchase a home, you're showing the bureaus that you can consistently budget yourself to pay a large portion of your income towards an account on a monthly basis. There are a number of reasons people with great credit scores refuse to rent, and the impact of paying a mortgage on their scores is one of them. When a first time homebuyer finally closes on their home and pays the mortgage on time for a few months, they will see their credit score jump around 50 points - and sometimes higher!

People with great credit scores haven't achieved anything too terribly difficult - they've merely adopted some fantastic spending habits. If you would like to earn a great credit score, borrow these habits and watch your score climb. Along with your score, your financial health should benefit, as well!
For more information or for additional real estate advice, contact me today or visited @ www.OhioRealLiving.com

Tips for Building Custom Homes

If you're thinking of building a custom home, the first and most important step in the process is to have an experienced, competent real estate agent — like me — on your side. I have the tools and expert knowledge to help you design a home that best fits your lifestyle and budget. I can also connect you with qualified, local builders. It is critical that you have me with you at every step of the building process — I will represent you and your best interests while builders will represent the company for which they work, not you.

The next step is to make a list of what you like and dislike about your current home, room-by-room. This will give you an idea of what features you need or want in your new home. Also, consider the activities you enjoy doing around the house. If you like to cook, you may want to focus on your likes and dislikes of your kitchen. If you live with family, consider their preferences as well.

When finished with your list, keep in mind the features that are often overlooked or undervalued when designing homes. Storage space falls under both categories because you can never have enough of it. Whether it is a larger pantry, more kitchen cabinets or an additional crawl space, remember to make room for as much storage space as possible.

Some people dream of building a home with a wide, three-car garage for additional space, but not all lots allow for that. The alternative is a deeper, two-car garage that still provides room for your lawnmower, sporting equipment and extra refrigerator.

Electrical outlets and cable and phone jacks are small but important features that are often overlooked. It is a good idea to have at least one cable and phone jack per room and as many electrical outlets as possible — especially outside for hanging holiday lights or using snow and leaf blowers.

Building your own home can also give you the chance to adapt to your changing lifestyles. If you have or are planning to have children, design your home with a finished basement. You may also want to add a mudroom for extra coats, boots and tennis shoes. Empty nesters might want a first-floor master bedroom and laundry room to avoid walking up and down stairs.

When designing your floor plan, always consider the layout and orientation of each room. For instance, you may want a certain room facing the morning sun and another toward the shade. Also, when making a list of what you like about your old house and what you want to add to your new one, remember that every project has a budget. Seek out a professional estimate for your custom home before doing too much planning.
For more information or for additional real estate advice, contact me today or visited @ www.OhioRealLiving.com

Power of the Web: From a Seller's Perspective

Power of the Web: From a Seller's Perspective

The Internet is the fastest-growing venue for consumers to learn and gain information about the real estate industry, and the tech-savvy Generation X and Yers are leading the 80% of buyers who use the Internet to search for homes. With such a high percentage of the market surfing the Web for a new home, we at Real Living know the importance of putting our listings online. We use a 360° marketing plan that incorporates traditional marketing — direct mail, fliers, yard signs, etc. — and digital marketing, which is composed of online, inventory and permission-based e-mail marketing.

Online Marketing
In order to provide maximum exposure for our clients' listings, we utilize a variety of digital marketing tools, including virtual tours from FloorPlanOnline, CirclePix and VHT; video podcasts from MLPodcast™; blog site service from Real Estate Blogsites™; and Real Living Stories®, which are property, agent and community videos produced by TurnHere.

Inventory Marketing
With 78% of buyers starting their home search via search engines, it's critical that a listing appears on the first few pages of the results. Thanks to our innovative search engine optimization strategies, our listings appear on Google, Yahoo! and MSN search results, making them easily accessible for potential homebuyers.

E-Mail Marketing
I know how important it is to stay connected with my network of clients, family and friends. Real Living offers me monthly e-newsletters and e-cards available for almost any occasion. A friendly holiday wish accompanying a home listing is a great way to attract more potential buyers to my clients' homes.

With the emergence of the Internet, podcasting and even wireless mobile Internet, the sky is the limit as to how many potential buyers can view a home online. We at Real Living understand the importance of the Internet in the home-selling process and are always looking for more innovative ways to get exposure for our listings.

For more information or for additional real estate advice, contact me today or visited @ www.OhioRealLiving.com

Turn Your Home Green

Create a plan
It's the classic statement of think before you act. Creating a well-thought-out plan and design will save you time and money and even reduce stress.

It's about quality, not quantity
When it comes to materials or contractors, don't go for the cheap stuff. Flimsy construction will end up costing you in time and money to correct mistakes.

Preserve existing landscape
Think about other uses for structures or plants before you dig and tear down. For example, a crumbling concrete sidewalk can easily be turned into a stepping-stone path or garden edging.

Go organic
Using organic matter like compost, rotted manure and chopped leaves is said to be one of the wisest landscaping investments possible — it's inexpensive and will improve your existing soil.

Do it yourself
Get your hands dirty! It will save the cost of hiring a professional and you can take pride in your work. You can also hire neighborhood kids to shovel or lay sod — they are probably in need of extra cash and it will be easy on your wallet.

Use the experts
Visit your garden center and ask them about what will be the best plants to plant in your garden and learn how to take care of them.

Avoid the impulse buy
An impulse buy is never a good idea when it comes to shopping for anything — so always keep your landscaping budget and plan handy when you are out buying materials.

Use your new garden to save on your grocery bills
Plant the fruits, vegetables and herbs that your family enjoys — it will make for a tasty home-cooked meal and will cut down on the bills.

For more information or for additional real estate advice, contact me today or visited @ www.OhioRealLiving.com

Turn Your Home Green

Buy new light bulbs
When it's time to buy light bulbs, opt for the premium fluorescents. They will shine a pure-white or buttery-golden light and can cut your electricity bill by 5%. These bulbs can range from $3 to $12.

Have a barbeque
Outdoor grilling doesn't just result in a tasty burger — it's also good for the air. Outdoor grills use less energy that your electric kitchen stove and also keep heat out of the house; therefore, lowering air conditioning costs. Choose a grill that uses propane or natural gas because they emit 5.6 pounds of carbon dioxide per hour whereas a charcoal grill emits 11 pounds!

Brew coffee with an energy-efficient coffee machine
The energy-efficient coffee machines brew coffee at the exact temperature recommended for coffee; therefore, it doesn't waste any extra heat and you'll never have burnt coffee again!

Buy a flat screen monitor
The old, bulky monitors not only take up space, but they also increase your electric bill. You'll save money by switching to an LCD flat-panel model because a flat screen uses as little as a third of the electricity as the conventional tube-based models. You should also consider this when shopping for large-screen TVs — the savings are in the LCDs and rear-projection models because they use less than half the energy of plasma TVs.

Clean-up with recycled papers towels
Next time you're in the paper good aisle, throw the recycled paper towels into your cart — they're cheap and environmentally-friendly.

Become an expert recycler
Local recycling practices may vary, but there are a few universal rules that you can follow. First of all, shopping bags never go in your recycling bins. Look on the bottom of your plastic items for a number and only put the items with a one or two in your bin. Second, don't put light bulbs, broken glass or bits of food into your bin — they slow up the process and make waste professionals feel like they've been tossed to the curb.

For more home-owning advice or any other real estate needs, contact me today.

Spring Cleaning Time

Spring cleaning is a great time to complete those chores you've been putting off all year — or in some cases, for the last few years. The process can be overwhelming at times, but if you create a list of projects and complete a few each day, the spring cleaning process can be quite manageable and even fun! Here is a helpful list to get your started:

Wash your blankets, comforters and rugs, and have your carpet shampooed and floors waxed.

Clean all walls, ceilings and woodwork, including baseboards. Repair any cracks in the plaster.

Empty everything out of the refrigerator and freezer. Throw away any unused or expired items and place the rest in a cooler. Scrub down all interior surfaces, including around the doors.

Clean and sweep under the refrigerator and other heavy appliances like your washer and dryer.

Empty your kitchen cabinets and closets, and discard any unused items or stale chips or cereal. While you're at it, organize your spices and put them in alphabetical order for easy access.

Dry-clean all curtains and draperies, and wash your windows inside and out.

Dust furniture, ceiling fan blades, light fixtures and window blinds.

Go through your closets and wash and pack away all out-of-season clothing.

Re-caulk tubs, showers and sinks. Also, fix your leaky faucets and remove any water or rust stains in these areas.

Tighten loose doorknobs, pulls on drawers and cabinets, towel racks, switch plates and outlet covers.

If you have a garage, clean it out. Create efficient storage for sporting goods, camping equipment and garden tools.


It's also important that you enjoy yourself during spring cleaning. Turn up your favorite music, open your windows for some fresh air and have fun! If you're looking for more cleaning or home maintenance tips, contact me today.

How to Stage Your Home

Make a good first impression
Touching up the outside is a must. Create curb appeal by throwing a coat of bold, glossy paint on the front door — it will make the home seem cheerful. Polish the door knob and knocker to make them shine. Lay new mulch and plant bloomed-potted plants — all this makes for a welcoming abode.

Depersonalize
Put away family photos and anything else that is unique to you. The goal here is for buyers to focus on the space and structure of the home — not the current homeowners. This will help them visualize their things in the home.

Get your swatches ready
You also should consider painting and re-carpeting in neutral hues. If a home has torn carpeting or chipped paint, some buyers struggle to look past the defects and are not able imagine how the home could appear. The typical buyer can only see a home as is. In addition, some buyers may take into account the inconvenience of painting or re-carpeting themselves, which may reflect in their bidding price.

Maximize your space
Homeowners tend to clump furniture together — but the rule of thumb is two pieces per wall. Arranging your couch and chairs away from the walls and in a conversational setting will also help create extra space.

De-clutter
It's also a good idea to rent storage space in order to de-clutter — this will add significant value to your home. Contact me to learn about the partnerships Real Living has with moving companies offering discounts on storage facilities and vans.

Let in the light
Make sure your home has lots of light. If you have heavy, dark curtains, switch to simple sheer ones — they are light and airy and will visually enhance the size of the room. Also, leave the lights on when you know your home will be shown.

Don't forget to sniff
Pleasant, refreshing smells are also key, but stay away from lighting too many candles — it will give the idea that you're hiding something. Instead, display fresh flowers as centerpieces and decoration.

For more home-selling advice, contact me today.