Posts by Teri Frymyer

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. 

Home warranties are an interesting thing, considering they can bring peace of mind but also affordable fixes for a home with older appliances. A seller may offer one in closing to sweeten the pot, which makes it a reasonable consideration for potential buyers. Even though a home warranty may sound like good financial protection, it is good to know more about them and whether this investment is worth making.

How a Home Warranty Works

A home warranty is a contract between a homeowner and a home warranty company. Costly repairs on appliances in a new home purchase can be difficult to swallow, especially after spending so much to move into the home. Home warranties typically cover repairs of a furnace, air conditioning unit, plumbing, and electrical systems. Major appliances like washers, dryers, and refrigerators are often also included. Most plans offer the basic coverage, but some additional components can provide a better umbrella for any repairs that are needed which exceed the basics.

Know the Costs

Even though a home warranty is only a few hundred dollars upfront for a year, the cost depends on what property is purchased. If the family owns a condo or townhouse, the warranty may cover more or less than a single-family home and costs will shift accordingly. The home's square footage does not impact the price unless the property is more than 5,000 square feet. Garages should be covered by the basic policy, also. Some other considerations:

• Home warranties charge a service call fee of between $75 to $125 every time the request is made to examine an issue
• If more than one contractor is needed, there may be costs for each of them to visit the property
• Some problems are not covered by the warranty or will be denied coverage

Peace of Mind

A home warranty truly provides peace of mind to homeowners looking to pay the premium 'in the event something happens.' Much like any other insurance, those premiums get paid out in case something were to go wrong or something major breaks. For sellers of the home, a one-year home warranty with purchase can provide protection against buyer complaints later if defects arise. This does not exempt a seller from the legal requirement to disclose problems with the home upfront.

Potential Drawbacks

One gray area homeowners may not be aware of once they move is the 'proper maintenance' clause. This clause is the source of many disagreements between home warranty companies and warranty holders. Companies may use this clause to exclude or deny claims. The homeowner and contract who make the house call may disagree on what constitutes proper maintenance. If the furnace was not maintained by previous owners, for example, they may limit how much they payout or the company can deny payment of the claim. Another area that is not always discussed is the fact the premium may get paid yearly but that money could be put into a fund for emergency repairs that won't cost a premium upfront. Just because a premium is paid, and a contractor paid to visit the home, does not mean repairs will be made and the homeowner is out a few hundred dollars or more.

Although a home warranty is not a guarantee, it is protection against potentially expensive repairs. Prior to purchase, discuss it with the realtor. Find out the options and check around. Be sure to know your options before you buy one and make sure it is the right choice for you and your family. 

Choice Properties works with families to ensure they make the best decisions possible when buying a home. We help you navigate the process of buying a home from the start of your search until closing. Our experts work hard to ensure you are satisfied with the process of looking for your family's next home. Call us if you are ready to find that perfect property to suit your needs. 

Millennials are a unique group of people with a wide array of interests, experiences, and desires for travel and adventure. They also struggle under the weight of debt for school while seeking to be employed in a shifting economy. Living 'paycheck to paycheck' is the norm for many millennials, but now they are seeking new opportunities in real estate. While homeownership seemed out of reach for many people due to rising costs, nearly half of millennial first-time homebuyers feel ready to purchase their first home. 

Meeting the Challenges

Millennials are not new to challenges. Unfairly labeled as 'having it easier,' than previous generations, they work hard to create new work environments and spaces, redefining what people think of as 'work.' Delayed marriage can often delay the onset of that first home purchase. More often, millennials are working while raising a family to keep costs low. Older millennials graduated during the last great recession and found themselves struggling with an economy not hiring, school debt, and a housing crisis all in one. This made them more resilient and less fearful in the current economy to strike while the iron is hot.

Home Ownership Perks

Giving up creature comforts like going out to eat with friends and buying the latest gadget is easy for some millennials focused on buying a home. Young homeowners are getting savvy about what they buy, where, and how they invest in property for the future. As millennials make their new homes, renovate, and buy furniture, they create space for themselves and the family they can enjoy. They are looking to move out of bigger, more expensive cities in suburbs or smaller towns with a more community feel. Some of the perks they enjoy:

• DIY projects with the help of more stores and helpful shows demonstrating how to care for a home
• Using the sharing economy to barter and use friends to help them navigate homeownership like lawn care and maintenance
• Creating vibrant communities of young people with young families
• Investing time in learning about interest rates and mortgages to avoid higher payments in the future 
• Buying less house for the money or investing in fixer-uppers
• Encouraging friends and other millennials to invest in their own homes

Building equity for the future is important. It is also important to have a stable home environment in which to raise a family. The concerns and worries over rentals can drive people to homeownership quickly, investing more money up front to make an investment down the road. Millennials are joining the homeownership club now more than ever and reaping the great benefits of having their own property to call home sweet home. 

Millennials are not the only people purchasing homes. Everyone is looking to own property at low-interest rates and in affordable markets. Choice Properties helps you decide where and when to invest in property for your future. If you are a millennial, or someone looking to buy a future home, call us. Let us help you make the best investment possible for your family.

When people put together a home energy checklist, they are usually looking to save a few bucks. Just a simple switch here and a turn of the knob there can add up to literally hundreds of dollars in saved money over the course of a year. For individuals or families who live in places where the climate shifts year-round, it is extremely helpful to keep a checklist handy and go over it every month or so to be sure things are where they should be. 

Heating and Cooling

Heat accounts for 38% of energy use for houses on average;  more in some places, and less in others. Small changes to eating habits can bring down astronomical bills and make it more palatable:

• Check filters: most people forget this regular maintenance check but it is really simple. Set a calendar reminder every month on the same day and time to check the furnace, air conditioner, and heat pump if needed. Note the size of the filters and replacement parts. Keep a spare one handy to make it an easy swap
• Check thermostats: depending on the system, hundreds of dollars may be saved by setting it properly. A smart thermostat is being used in many homes that can be accessed remotely by phone app to increase or decrease temps when the person is away
• Heating blanket: lower the thermostat by a few degrees and invest in heating blankets and heavy comforters to stay warm

Cooling

If the heating and cooling system are one, many of the same steps apply as above. If not, here are a few simple checks to keep in mind:

• Close blinds during the summer days to keep cool air in and open again at night
• Turn off A/C in spring and fall to save money but also air out the home
• Use small fans or ceiling fans to cool the home rather than A/C
• Plants can help: go green and be eco-friendly with evergreen shrubs around the home to protect it from cold wind. Plant trees on the south and west sides of the yard for shade and to cool the house in summer

Appliance Checks

Appliances can use lots of electricity and heat. Whether it is air or water, heating elements use energy inefficiently. A home checklist helps fix issues with appliances to save money down the road:

• Check dishwashers to be sure they clean the dishes with a shorter wash cycle
• Use cold water for laundry to save money
• Use a toaster oven for quick-heating food rather than fire up the big oven for small-batch cooking
• Check efficiencies on all heating and cooling appliances in the house to be sure they're functioning at maximum capacity
• Turn off devices completely when not in use, including televisions, laptops, and other things which often get left 'powered on' and use up precious energy resources

A few other quick fixes can include checking light bulbs and switching them out for energy-efficient ones. Also, replace burnt-out bulbs and don't leave house lights on when not at home unless necessary. Keeping everything in working order and efficiently saves hundreds, if not thousands, over the life of a home (and the pocketbook). 

Families are going with Choice Properties for their realtor because they can help them find the right home for their needs. Whatever it is you are looking for, we will sit down to do a checklist of what your needs are and what you desire. If you are ready to take the next step in finding that perfect property, call Choice Properties today.

Ohio is the place to be for many individuals and families. There is a natural beauty, parks, and close access to highways which provide opportunities to explore nearby cities and towns. No matter what someone is looking to see or do, there is always something happening right in your backyard. To get there, however, takes a few steps before a final move is completed. 

The Right Move

People who want to move often look for similar things. They want safety, established communities, great schools, arts, and lower cost of living than where they are from. With all these in mind, it is no wonder people are looking to Ohio as the place to live. Compared with other states, Ohio's cost-of-living is one of the best in the nation. Housing prices are low and costs for electric, water, heat, and other utilities remain lower than the national average. Some other great features to consider:

• Transit routes are all over, from door-to-door bus routes to national airports and upgrades being made every year, there are myriad ways to get to and from major cities and local towns
• Schools offer diversity, generous funding, and increasing opportunities in athletics and STEM programs
• Sports and recreation are high on the list for Ohioans. Whether you support state teams or national champs, there are many reasons to love Ohio

Be Prepared

Don't leave prep work until the last minute. Moving is a considerable expense and stressor. To best prepare for a move, it helps to have some key things in your back pocket:

• Outstanding realtor: don't move without having someone in your corner to help find the best home, place to live, and amenities to suit your family's needs
• Find a way to transport furniture and goods well before the move. Researching helps lower costs, including discounts to book online or in advance of the move date (if known)
• Research the weather. Depending on where you move from, the weather might be a rude awakening when it comes to winter. Snow, sleet, ice, and rain are all part of a fall to winter scenario. Be prepared to buy the necessary equipment like snow blowers, shovels, and more to cope with it in your new home

When the day finally comes to make the big move, get a checklist together. Write everything down, check the mail to be sure all bills will be forwarded and review school checklists. Everything can be sorted when the move happens if it is quick, but it helps to have some things done in advance with a follow-up list for after the move. Proper planning helps people manage their new life in a new place but what matters is being able to finally put everything in one place and begin to grow roots in the great state of Ohio. 

When people look for a great place to live, they think of Choice Properties. We are the best in our area for helping families make the right choice for them when it comes to where to live and what type of home you desire. We help you from sale of your home to close on the new property. Contact one of our top-notch realtors at Choice Properties who specialize in the Ohio market to find the property that is right for you.