what is going on in the market??

I get asked this question all the time.  Here is my take on what is going on:  There are great houses out there and you can get a lot of house for your money.  But you have to be prepared to buy!! 

People are just not as willing as they used to be to see a house that they love, buy it, then try to sell their old house.  To many, it seems too risky to own two houses.  So what I see is people becoming very frustrated.  They find a house they love, but are unprepared to buy.

So here is my suggestion.  Talk to a lender.  Find out exactly what your buying power is – lending guidelines have changed and rates are coming down.  If you are really going to take advantage of increased buying power created by this ‘move-up’ market, then let me evaluate your current home.  Let’s be realistic about what it is worth.  Face it, what your neighbor’s house sold for in 2006 has very little bearing on what your house is worth in today’s market. 

But look at the bright side – even though your house may not be worth what it was a year ago, you are probably going to get your ‘move-up’ house for less, too!  You still come out ahead!

So browse listings online for inspiration, talk to a lender and get pre approved (see my recommended lenders below),  and let’s put your current home on the market.  No sense putting the cart before the horse.  Don’t spend months looking at listings and  fall in love with your dream home only to be heartbroken.  Be prepared and buy your dream!

For no obligation loan pre qualifications, please call:

Michelle McBride @ Huff Mortgage 513.505.0354

Dick Engle @ Summit Home Loans 513.266.3160

fantastic west side listing!!

 

This new listing has just come to my attention.  I was in it about 2 years ago when it last sold and it was surprisingly cool.  West Side MCM’s are kind of rare – when I have a west side buyer, the right house is not always on the market.  Believe me, this is the right house for anyone looking for a modest sized modern! It’s on nearly an acre.  And are you ready for this?  It’s only $129,900!!  I’m serious!  PLEASE contact me right away if this is what you are looking for.  I am withholding the listing from my website so other agents don’t poach it for their clients.  It’s happening a lot (sad, but true!).  susan@cincinnatimodern.com or call 513.886.7841

top 5 reasons to buy a modern house in 2008

OK, new year, new resolution.  I’m back to blogging!  To kick off the year, I thought I would give you my top reasons why 2008 will be another great year for Cincinnati Modern real estate.

#5 – Interest rates are great (see my ‘it’s a wonderful life’ post from Nov. 15).  It really is  a good time to buy.

#4 – If you see a great house, you better buy it before someone else does and puts in vinyl windows!

#3 – This is perhaps the last time in history that you will be able to buy a MCM home from the original owner.  Original owner homes are absolute gems, often rich with written (blueprints) and verbal history.  Time is running out.  Really……

#2 – You’ll need  a ‘new’ modern house to show off all of your new Ikea stuff (coming this spring!!)

And the #1 reason – Designer clothes are cool – but designer houses are even cooler!

Happy New Year!