Real Estate Information

Big-bang projects can make or break a home sale from the moment potential buyers exit their car.  Not only can a new front door make a lasting impression, but so does a garage door.  If you're thinking of replacing your garage door in preparation for selling your home, consider several factors:   Consider how potential buyers might want to use the garage.  A selling point for garage tinkerers might be windows or upgraded insulation.  Windows let in natural light and make an enormous difference in the usability of your garage.  BUT...place the windows in the top panel only - not the 3rd panel to prevent would-be thieves from checking out the contents.    Insulation will knock the edge off of the cold in the winter and keep the garage cool in the summer and will prevent bumps on the inside from showing as dents on the outside.

Click the link below to view John's video tip on Ohio Loan Programs.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r7oCqGXxldI

Click the link below to get good advice on taking care of your walks & driveways AND spending quality time with your wife.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H7LyrdFTGd4

Click the link below to view John's 1 minute 5 second Video Tip.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RIdBMxsqArA

Click below to view John's 48 second video tip.

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QDdFZGsqu4c

Check out John's 56 second video about buying a home and interest rates. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4KkfZGyozbo

Would you like to receive FREE market updates on homes in your area?  If so, go to www.FREEcolumbusmarketsnapshot.com

We can customize a search for you so you receive up to date information on the sales and listings in your area.

In addition to the market updates you can also get information on the community and schools.

It's easy to sign up, just click on the link above to get started or give me a call.

Good News!  Lenders have finally hired enough people to handle the onslaught of short sales (selling your property for less than what is owed to the bank).  It is possible to get a lender to respond in a timely fashion now...that being a couple months as opposed to the 6-10 months it used to take.  Financial hardship forcing one to sell on a short sale is frustrating and stressful...but it's a slightly better option than getting foreclosed.  A short sale damages your credit score about 100 points and prevents obtaining a new mortgage loan for a couple years, whereas a foreclosure either voluntary (deed in lieu of foreclosure) or involuntary will ding credit about 200 points and prevents you from getting a mortgage loan for 8 years or more.

Short sales are a large part of our business and we are effective at getting them done.  If you know someone who is having a problem making their mortgage payments have them get advice on their options before they run out of time.  One can recover in a couple years after selling short, but it's difficult to ever recover after a foreclosure.  Yet, 2/3rds of homeowners experiencing foreclosure never consulted a Realtor, attorney or tax advisor.        

For additional information on short sales or foreclosures give me a call.

Interest rates have fallen again!  4 5/8% on a 30 year fixed rate!  We have been so busy lately with the stimulus money expiring that I haven't sent a tip for nearly 2 months.  We were concerned about home sales falling, but thank goodness interest rates fell instead.  If you want to buy or sell, now may be the opportune time, however if you are staying put you may need to consider refinancing.  Call me for reputable lenders.  Don't be tempted to use a lender you find on the internet, or you'll most likely not be happy with the result.

Delaware County has been ranked the #1 healthiest county in Ohio in which to live, according to Robt Wood Foundation & University of Wisconsin.  Franklin Co. ranked  64.  Fairfield 15, Licking 29, Union 30, Knox 38.  Criteria used was morbidity, mortality, tobacco use, diet, exercise and other factors (probably quality of fishing).  How many of our tax dollars do you suppose was spent on this useless survey? 

Anyway, if I sold you a house anywhere except Delaware Co I want to apologize and let you know I'm ready to get it on the market right away and sell you a lovely home in Delaware Co.  I'm really concerned about your health!  SO CALL TODAY!

$6500 & $8000 TAX CREDIT UPDATE

New IRS policy states first time buyers and move up buyers who purchase before April 30 need to file IRS Form 5405 (available at www.irs.gov) and the HUD closing statement.  To qualify for the $8000 or $6500 you have to purchase before April 30 and close by June 30.

There is still time. Seriously, call me right away!