Today's Home Buying Process

Whether you have never bought a home before, or it's been a few years, the home buying process is probably a little more complicated than you think. Finding a great agent and loan officer to work with are important steps in making sure you're prepared for the whole process. But your first step is determining what you need in a new home as well as what you would like in the perfect home, and understanding the difference. Most parts of Cincinnati have very low inventory available, so you may end up deciding on a home that has all the right bones but needs cosmetic updates -- remember to leave room in your budget for future improvements!

How to Make the Most of a Seller's Market

All signs point to plenty of buyers looking to sell homes, but most areas of Cincinnati are seeing low inventory. Homes are going pending quickly, especially the best ones in "move-in ready" condition. If you've been thinking about selling your home, this may be a great time to get a custom market evaluation from me to learn what your home might sell for and how to best prepare your home to sell.

The most successful buyers have thoroughly researched their financing options and are ready to make an offer quickly after seeing a home. Most sellers will not accept an offer that does not have a solid mortgage pre-approval letter, or proof of cash funds. So, if you are thinking about buying and you have not yet started the pre-approval process, it's time to get on that! I have some recommended lenders for you on the Helpful Info tab above. If you are worried about affording a home, be sure to ask about available grant programs which offer money toward your down payment and/or closing costs. And if you want to buy but also have a home to sell, I can help you estimate appropriate timelines for marketing your home and finding the next one!

Great Neighborhoods: Pleasant Ridge

Comey & Shepherd

Once a well-known crossroads for travelers between Cincinnati and Zanesville, Pleasant Ridge is a historic neighborhood that is experiencing a revitalization almost universally admired and approved by its residents and surrounding areas. Its tree shaded streets and central business district along Montgomery Road make for a truly walkable neighborhood, yet it is still within easy distance to local highways. Locally-owned businesses thrive here, and word is there's even more on the way. Housing prices in Pleasant Ridge have risen about 1.8% in the last year, with plenty of renovation activity and a diverse population. The median age of homes in this area is 79 years, so there's plenty of historic architecture to fall in love with!

• SUPER CUTE STARTER HOME: This 2 bedroom, 1.5 bathroom home on Mapleleaf Avenue has a one-car garage and an updated kitchen. 1,030 square feet of old world charm at an affordable price point comes with a fenced backyard as well! $109,900
• TWO STORY STUNNER: Located on desirable Grand Vista Avenue, this 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom home has a private deck off the master suite and a rare-for-the-area two car garage. Check out the enclosed front porch included in the 1,712 square foot home. $189,900
• KITCHEN OF YOUR DREAMS: I toured this one just the other day! Only a block from shops and restaurants, this 3 bedroom, 1.5 bathroom home has a built-in 1 car garage and plenty of updates. The huge eat-in kitchen is gorgeous, and the bedrooms are generously sized as well -- you'd never know this home was only 1,392 square feet. $209,900
• SO MUCH SPACE: Another lovely 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom home, this one is 114 years old and has garage parking for 3 cars. With a 2nd floor laundry and open high ceilings, original stained glass and hardwood floors, you don't want to miss this 2,418 square foot home. $239,900

If you're looking for a home in Pleasant Ridge, keep in mind that the market here is pretty hot, with the best homes selling very quickly and often going into multiple offers. The best deals will be on homes that still need some updating -- maybe a bathroom, or an unfinished basement.

Great Neighborhoods: Clifton

"Clifton-Cincinnati-map" by Wholtone - http://www.openstreetmap.org/

Back to the list helpfully compiled by Cincinnati USA! Today's featured 'hood is Clifton, home to the University of Cincinnati, a few hospitals, the fantastic Cincinnati Zoo, and some of the most popular night life in the city. From concerts at Bogarts on Short Vine to ethnic food and specialty shops on Ludlow, Clifton has plenty to see and do. Thanks to the high population of university students, this area is also very walkable -- making a property in this area great to live in OR to rent out for nearly guaranteed income! While there are several subsections of what many of us know as Clifton, including Clifton Heights, University Heights, Corryville, and Avondale, for the purposes of our home search we'll use the MLS-defined area of Clifton.

• CRAFTSMAN BUNGALOW: This 3 bedroom, 1.5 bathroom single family home on Foulke Street has gorgeous details and a back deck. The front porch has been enclosed to add more usable space for a total of 1,393 square feet, and the roof was replaced this year! $103,900
• 2.5 STORIES, 100 YEARS OF HISTORY: This 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom single family home on Southview Avenue boasts an updated kitchen, newer roof, and a large open room on the 3rd floor that could be used as a fourth bedroom. With just over 2,000 square feet of living space, you could live here yourself or rent it out! $124,900
• DOUBLE LOT WITH A VIEW: Buy it now and rent it out when you upsize -- this 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom home on Klotter Avenue has great views from the 2nd floor deck and a private backyard. Plenty of updates in this 1,200 square foot home, including the kitchen and bathroom. $125,000
• MOVE-IN READY CONDO: This 2 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom condo is in the basement of a 120 year old former single family, but there's plenty of light and open space! There is a private entrance, but the HOA takes care of the big stuff (including hazard insurance). Definitely worth looking at the 1,290 square foot unit, created only 5 years ago with great finishes. $129,000
• UPDATED GEM OVERLOOKING PARK: This 3 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom home has been completely renovated -- and qualified for tax abatement! This one features a master suite and a rear deck that overlooks Fairview Park. For 1,536 square feet this close to downtown, $199,000 doesn't seem too bad!

Hope you enjoyed the tour! There's plenty more on the market in Clifton, but move-in ready homes in the Gaslight district are definitely selling more quickly than anything else. For investors considering buying in Clifton, be sure you consider carefully how many bathrooms you have for all the bedrooms -- even college students need some privacy!