Date Archives: March 2020

Ohio is a great place to build a home, purchase a home, or select some great investment properties. Whatever reason people choose, there are many ways Ohio is putting itself on the real estate map. Some people like to be near big cities like Ohio's capital, Columbus, while others like to be away from the noise in more rural areas with less traffic. Ohio State University is in Columbus, boasts a strong economy, shopping, and activities. Other regions of Ohio boast natural wonders and places to get away from the hustle and bustle. Whatever reason people choose, there is something for everyone in Ohio. 

Cost of Living

Compared to other states in the midwest, Ohio has a relatively low to medium cost of living. The list price per square foot rest around $100. With appreciation on the upswing, there are expected gains for buyers who find the right property in the right market. Some of the best places to live offer half the cost of living in other big cities in states like Indiana and Illinois, with Chicago ranking as one of the more expensive cities to live in the midwest. 

Amusement Parks and Entertainment

People love to come to Ohio for entertainment. World-class entertainment districts and amusement parks reside here. From Cedar Point in Sandusky to Kings Island, there is never a dull moment in Ohio. Kings Island, located in Mason, is one of the largest amusement and water parks in the Midwest. Not only that, but Columbus boasts a world-class university with an entertainment district boasting arts, cinema, and a thriving holistic and organic scene focused on bringing natural foods and brews to the area. 

Amish Country

One unique feature of moving to Ohio is learning about the largest Amish population in the country. Tourists come from all over to purchase furniture, food, and to learn about their way of life. Within close proximity are shopping, restaurants, and lodging. Explore more about the Amish culture while checking out how they make their beautiful furniture and try to live a simpler life that has inspired people for decades. 

Sports

People love sports and enjoy their teams. From college teams to professional leagues, Ohio has it all. There are some people who get really into sports and others who just like to be a patient observer. There are many ways to be athletic outside of sports and go find places to hike or bike and explore some of the many wonders in the area. Nature parks, reserves, and waterways make it a fun place to visit for a weekend but many choose to stay for a lifetime. 

Nature

Hocking Hills State Park is not from Logan. This state park features caves, cabins, waterfalls, ziplines, and hiking trails. If people want to canoe, kayak, or fish, they will find it there, too. Annual festivals in Ohio include food, beer, music, and natural wonders to explore. Near Cleveland and Akron is Cuyahoga Valley National Park, along the Cuyahoga River. To the north is the Canal Exploration Center which looks at 19th-century waterways. Brandywine Falls is one of many waterfalls to explore. The railroad runs right through the park. This, and many other natural wonders, are part of living in Ohio, and why people love to build homes here.

With great schools, smaller cities, and low cost of living, it makes sense for people to consider Ohio for their next home purchase. Families love living here and people often find they don't want to live anywhere else once they've had a taste of what Ohio has to offer. 

People love to explore different places to get a sense of what it will be like to live there. With Ohio, you can never go wrong with all the wonderful ways it captivates people's attention. Nature, schools, parks, cities, and more create a great place to live for individuals and families alike. Contact Choice Properties to have one of our professionals talk to you about available properties you might consider for your next home or investment.

Spring is coming. Homeowners are looking for ways to get the house spring cleaned and ready for prospective buyers. Where to start is often the challenge. Depending on how routine maintenance and cleaning have been, this may be an easy or difficult task. A thorough cleaning makes the home stand out more than one that only looks good on the surface. People can usually tell a deep clean from surface clean. Prospective buyers need to envision themselves in the home. 

Clean Up and Ship Out

The best rule of thumb when spring cleaning is to get rid of things that don't belong. This may be old clothes that have not been worn or old furniture that won't be going to the new place. Reduce the amount of clutter and donate to a good cause at the same time. It is well worth the investment to stage the house for prospective buyers by taking time to bag up clothes, toys, papers, and documents that can be shredded. It also helps to put things in storage so they are out of the common areas where people might see them (like too many books, DVDs, or personal items).

Outside Clutter

Nothing is less appealing to prospective buyers than a home's exterior that has not been maintained. The outside of a home is important as a first impression. Curb appeal is important because house hunters go off first glance to request a showing. Some key tips to consider:

• Lawn maintenance matters. Keep the lawn free and clear of clutter and long grass in spring or summer. Keep it free of leaves and make sure the hedges are trimmed
• Clean up gutters and downspouts of debris to make sure it is flowing well
• Spruce up flower beds, add additional plants, or trim some hedges to clean up landscaping
• Put out a new mat that welcomes prospective home buyers to the property
• Add a few touch-ups to paint or exterior siding that will help make it look more presentable

Windows

Make sure all the windows are clean. Homes are better with blinds and curtains pointing up. A clean window still gives more light into a room and gives buyers a chance to get a clear picture of the interior of the home. Make sure to clean and get rid of streaks. Check sliding doors, large windows, and outside doors, too.

Little Things Matter

Look at all the little pieces of the home from the perspective of a potential buyer. When looking around, think of it as whether someone will think a quirk is just a quirk or if it needs work. Things that are loose and squeaky may need extra love for the moment. If knobs are missing or loose, it is best to replace them.

A small amount of cleaning goes a long way. Don't hesitate to speak to a real estate professional about getting your home spring cleaned and ready for sale. It takes a village to get it done right. Be sure to put in the time and effort now. It will pay dividends in the future.

Even if cleaning is not your favorite part of the sale process, we can help make the rest easier. Our goal is to support you as you search for that perfect property and sell your current home. We help you navigate the home inspection process, spring cleaning, and everything in-between. Let us know how Choice Properties can help you through the process. 

Buying a home can be a challenging process for young people. Millennials are buying homes at a higher rate than ever, but there are some caveats. A home inspection, while routine, should be taken seriously. From ground to roof, the entire house will be evaluated for fitness to purchase. This means the inspector walks through, documents the state of things, and points out any issues. Know what to look for in an inspection and how to know if this is a make-or-break issue during the process. 

Water Issues

Managing water starts with the exterior of a home and goes inside. One of the biggest contributors to a failed inspection is water leaking, damage, or other issues with water management. Foundations may be compromised, causing issues down the road. If water is managed well, this can help the cause. If the house is poorly managed, then water may continue to erode the foundation, seep into the home, or cause other damage. Inside the home, well and septic systems should be inspected along with filters and water heaters to make sure they've been maintained on schedule without issue.

Look Above and Below

Although the foundation is very important to a home, so is the attic. If the attic is not properly ventilated, the roof will not last to its full expectancy. Insulation in the attic is important, along with knowing how well it stays cool in summer and warm in winter. Airflow management is essential, but so it's keeping it well maintained.

Maintenance Challenges

Young buyers may be more eager to get into a dream home and start to work on creating that perfect property. To keep it in the best condition possible, there is a significant investment of time (and money) required. Homes built in the 1970s and earlier, in particular, were not maintained as well as necessary. Some have been given a few upgrades here and there, but not kept up well enough to escape constant upkeep. To keep dirt and debris buildup near doors and other areas, it means work. Upkeep and maintenance avoid big issues like the replacement of parts and systems down the road. 

A home inspection is done to keep the potential buyer aware of any issues that may come up. It does not guarantee there are no other issues or this will fix everything. The key is to stay on top of what needs immediate attention and be willing to go the extra mile to keep things updated as needed. Put away an emergency fund and look into a home warranty as ways to save some money for when things need repairs or replacement down the road. Most of all, enjoy the process of finding the right home. 

Families often look for that perfect home without realizing all homes have their issues. Choice Properties helps many families and individuals look for that perfect property. We make sure from the start until inspection and beyond you are happy with your home search and purchase. Call us to find out how we can partner with you to find the perfect home to suit your needs.

Real estate professionals often say the best time to buy a property depends on the market. Depending on where a person lives, there may be variations on when the best time is to sell a home and buy a new one. The property search can take some time. Springtime is when the market becomes flooded with properties, for sale in time for summer to end and school to begin. Buying a property in springtime never looked better. Find out why and how to get started.

Know Your Springs

Springtime is different depending on who you ask. The natural home-buying season starts around April and goes until June. After mid-June, sales and purchases may decline as people take a vacation and go away for summer trips. Springtime home buying can apply to other months of the year. In warmer climates, this means January through May. In the Midwest, this can begin when the snow melts and people start to warm to the idea of selling or buying with the winter thaw. Don't think too long and hard about timing. Speak to a real estate professional for advice but definitely do what feels the best when it feels like the time is right. 

A Little Prep Goes a Long Way

Depending on where a buyer lands, it may be helpful to spend time in the new place if possible. Check out the local scene, the schools, neighborhoods, and entertainment districts. See what people do, who is out, and get to know the area better. Interview real estate agents who seem to have a pulse on the current market trends. An agent who specializes in the area may be more familiar with downtrends and knowing when the best time to look in that area is for that perfect home. Keep location as the primary focus. It should meet the basic requirements and be in good shape. Other than that, don't worry about traditional things like looking for the perfect time. The perfect time to buy maybe now.

Catch a Glimpse

One of the best ways to see a home and all its flaws is right after winter has ended and spring comes along. Any leaking, wear and tear, and repairs tend to show up once the cooler weather wanes. This makes it easier to spot issues as opposed to house-hunting in winter. The snow is gone, the fog is rolling away, and the time is right to do some general inspections from the outside to see how a neighborhood, and property, have fared the weather. If all looks good, it might be worth a closer look. Any red flags like weather-worn roofs, siding, or other issues will appear and can be a sign to inspect further or walk away until the right home comes available. 

Don't hesitate to contact a professional in the Ohio market who understands the trends. Choice Properties has people ready to assist your search this spring, or anytime, so you can find the right home for you and your family. There are many things to consider when searching for that perfect property. Call us to have us help you set up an appointment to discuss what you need and get you started on the search.