Historic Homes Available NOW in Cincinnati!

Wikipedia

Does the thought of owning a historic home give your heart a little flutter? Do you wish your home had character to spare? Being a lover of historic architecture myself, I took a peek in the Cincinnati MLS to find some great historic homes that have been updated to accommodate modern life. Before you buy an older home -- especially one older than 125 years like these -- it's a good idea to check out this article from Realtor.com. 

Did I mention that all of the homes below have garages that fit at least 2 cars? This is not an exhaustive list, just a sampling of my favorites! 

• 344 Poplar Street, Miami Township, OH 45147: 5 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, 3,088 square feet, $200,000
• 199 Spring Street, Batavia, OH 45103: 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2,808 square feet, $149,000
• 905 Greenville Avenue, Glendale, OH 45246: 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 3,222 square feet, $399,000
• 3475 Boudinot Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45211 (Westwood): 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 3,668 square feet, $224,900
• 4515 Park Place, St. Bernard, OH 45217: 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2,446 square feet, $129,900
• 244 North 7th Street, Hamilton, OH 45011: 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2,600 square feet, $107,000

There are also plenty of homes on the market in the greater Cincinnati area older than 100 years that need work (some more than others, of course). Whether you're looking to buy something move-in ready or you'd like to oversee your own renovations, I can help you find the right home and the right lender for your needs. Happy house hunting!

How Do I Change Utilities?

There's so much going on when you're buying or selling a home -- even more if you're doing both at the same time -- that it's easy to forget the details. Changing over the utilities is a fairly important detail, though: can you imagine moving into your new home, only to realize that the power has been turned off?  The general rule of thumb in Cincinnati is that the seller should contact the utility companies at least one week before closing to allow time for final readings to be scheduled. The buyer should also contact the utility companies during this time to set up their accounts; if you haven't had a previous account in good standing with any of these companies, you may need to provide additional information which can take a few more days.

You can also ask some utility companies about the average bill for an address when you're deciding whether to make an offer on a property. Usage is different for everyone, but chances are a very high number means that there is room for improvement in the efficiency of the home. Finally, television and internet service can vary by street rather than municipality, so you'll need to Google those options!

Great Neighborhoods: Blue Ash

There are some pretty awesome neighborhoods in Cincinnati, so choosing which one to feature is difficult! To take the pressure off me (and to comply with laws that prevent me from telling any potential client about my preferences for or against certain neighborhoods) I've decided to follow the list provided by Cincinnati USA, our local convention and visitors' bureau. First up is Blue Ash, which had the first municipal airport in Cincinnati and has been incorporated since 1955.

2 BEDROOM CONDO: Even though it needs some updating, the 2 bedroom 2 bathroom condo at 9348 Hunters Creek Drive is a steal at just $117,000 for over 1500 square feet of living space.

3 BEDROOM DETACHED: One day I'll sit down and find out whether my impression that there are more Cape Cods than any other home style in Cincinnati is true. In the meantime, take a gander at the well-maintained 4701 Belleview Avenue, complete with updated kitchen and 2 full bathrooms for $237,000.

ONE FLOOR LIVING: For those buyers looking for a home large enough to entertain, but with all the necessities on one floor, 5492 Kenridge Drive has it covered. The home is also handicap accessible and boasts two kitchens -- one on each custom designed level -- for $899,000.

SUBURBAN SPECIAL (4 BED 2.5 BATH): For your average family, this 2800+ square foot home at 32 Carpenter's Run Court with a half acre lot and plenty of parking should do the trick, if you've got $550,000.

Homes for the "Average Cincinnatian"

Keller Williams Advisors Realty

Did you know that the average home sale price over the past six months in Cincinnati's city school district is about $178,000? The average home size was 3 bedrooms with 2 - 2.5 bathrooms and 1677 square feet. Let's take a look at what $178,000 buys you! All homes below have at least a one car garage, 3 bedrooms, and 2 full bathrooms.

• 3979 Dickson Avenue: This 93 year old brick home in Avondale features several recent upgrades including a large back deck, and also a two car detached garage. The full basement is finished, giving this 3 bedroom 2.5 bathroom home over 2200 square feet of living space. $175,900
• 5722 Bramble Avenue: Originally built in 1900, this Madisonville home will be open to the public this Sunday (October 11th) from 2 to 3pm. Check out the tall ceilings and historical details of this 3 bedroom 2 bathroom home! $181,000
• 2879 Cyclorama Drive: This spacious ranch in Westwood has 3 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms in over 3000 square feet of living space! A two car rear entry garage and great curb appeal suggest that this home will not be on the market long. $175,000
• 1530 Northview Avenue: This cute Cape Cod in Northside is larger than it looks, with 4 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms. Check out the modern updating and a finished walkout basement this Sunday during the open house from noon to 1:30pm. $179,900