Making the decision to sell your home may come with a range of emotions. It's nostalgic to see this chapter of your life come to an end, yet exciting to start a new journey. Selling your home may feel like a stressful time,  but when working with a trusted real estate agent it's quite the opposite! The biggest factor to selling your home is hosting an open house, allowing potential buyers to take their time exploring the home. Of course, when working with a Choice Properties real estate agent, we will go above and beyond to ensure your home selling needs are met and handled. Here is our guide to hosting a successful open house. 

What is an Open House?

An open house is an event in which the home for sale can be visited by interested buyers without having an appointment. Your Choice Properties agent will manage the staging of your home by arranging refreshments, snacks, welcoming visitors, and offering tours of the property. 

What Should I Do Before an Open House?

It's important to allow potential buyers to feel welcomed into the home. This is an opportunity for them to envision themselves in the space, making it crucial to have both exterior and interior cleaned and maintained. When posting your home to sell, prepare for an open house by cleaning the outdoor space. You should:

• Mow the lawn
• Trim overgrown bushes and trees
• Touch up on chipped paint
• Clean/organize the garage
• Power wash driveway 

Once the exterior of the home is in tip-top shape, it's time to move inside! Consider this checklist of preparing for an open house:

• Set the temperature to a comfortable level 
• Depersonalize the space
• Organize and clean closets 
• Deep clean the kitchen, including stove, backsplash, and countertops 
• Clean bathrooms, preparing fresh soap and hand towels
• Vacuum and shampoo carpets 

The main benefit of hosting an open house is to help the home sell quickly. Taking the time to prepare the exterior and interior of your home will help the open house go smoothly, where your expert real estate agent will take it from there. 

Choice Properties understands your needs and desires when it comes to the home search. We are here to help you define what you want, seek the best property and move forward feeling educated and able to make good decisions throughout the process. You can trust us to help you navigate it with the best real estate agents working for you. Call us to get started on your dream home search today.

The Home Selling Process Step-by-Step

With life comes new adventures whether you are transitioning careers, growing your family, or moving into a new neighborhood. Re-locating is a great way to start fresh and comes with new, exciting opportunities. Many families make the decision to sell their home and move to a new neighborhood. Perhaps you are attracted to the entertainment a new area has to offer, or you simply desire a home with more living space. The first step to starting this journey is to sell your home. When working with a Choice Properties real estate agent, we are sure to guide you through the home selling process step-by-step.

Step 1: Preparing Your Home to Sell

When selling your home, it's important to make the space feel welcoming for potential buyers. First impressions are powerful in real estate, as this gives buyers an opportunity to envision themselves living in the space. When preparing your home to sell, remember to focus on:

• Cleaning. Although this may be an obvious, having a clean home free of clutter and dirt is an easy place to start. Wiping down ceiling fans and baseboards will do wonders for any home.
• Fresh Paint. Taking time to give walls a coat of fresh paint can liven up any space. Incorporate it with curb appeal by painting the front door a bold, warm color.
• Curb Appeal. Maintaining the outside of the home is just as important as cleaning the inside. Guests should be greeted with cut grass and landscaping as they enter the driveway.

Step 2: Listing Your Home for Showings

To get the selling process started, you must first list your home! Our professional agents will assist you in listing your home to guide you on the right path for a successful closing. A trusted agent should be knowledgeable on possessing the wealth of the area, ensuring your home is listed at the correct price. Once the home is listed, showings will be arranged. Showing a home gives potential buyers the chance to take their time when viewing the space.

Step 3: Price Negotiation

The patience from updating small features if your home to hosting showings has finally paid off as someone made an offer, congrats! This phase of the home selling process is important, as your real estate agent will use their knowledgeable negotiation skills. Once you and the buyer have agreed on a price, a formal contract will be written.

Step 4: Closing on The Sell

The final step in the home selling process is to close on the home. During this time, paperwork will be reviewed by all parties to ensure details are set in place. This details include transaction costs, adjustments, tax details, and other information. Your Choice Properties agent will assist you with the final documentation of the closing of your home to assure all questions are answered.

Choice Properties offers you a chance to find the home of your dreams. We work with your budget and ideas in mind to support your ultimate vision. Call us if you are ready to check out the available inventory or to speak with a reputable agent who can assist you with your home buying needs.

How to Run a Logan County Ohio Property Search

When you're looking to buy a house in Logan County, there are some standard searches that you should perform to locate available properties. A good Logan County Ohio property search should be able to find out fairly easily what's on the market, whether there is a lien on the house you want, or if it's up for foreclosure or other special circumstances relevant to making an offer to buy. It may seem that this information is difficult to find, but in reality it's not.  Especially when your favorite Logan County real estate agents are here to help you out!

Researching Properties in Logan County Ohio

You can conduct a Logan County Ohio property search if you are interested in purchasing a home from a private owner, or a bank owned foreclosure property. It's also worth your while to perform a title search. A title search will verify who the current owner of the property is, and disclose any additional liens. Getting this information will help protect you, as the potential buyer, from purchasing a property that might come with additional issues attached to it.

The title search process is not as complicated as it sounds. As a matter of fact, all property records are public and anyone can run a title search. Your first step is to conduct a Logan County Ohio property search for the title is to go to the Tax Assessor's office. This will be where you can obtain specific information about the property you're interested in. The property tax record will usually include a description of the property and the lot number as well.

The next step in the process is to contact the County Clerk, which is where you'll find the title and deed for your prospective property. Here you can use the information from the Tax Assessor's office to look up the book and page number for the property.

Making title searches a part of your due diligence is important, as not only will you confirm the title holder, you can also check on liens. A lien on a house is a legal claim against the property. It gives creditors a stake in the home and a way to collect debts owed to them. There are two types of liens that can be placed against a property. A voluntary lien is a lien the homeowner agrees to — like a mortgage. An involuntary lien is typically placed on a property due to unpaid obligations like a tax bill or a home improvement invoice. As a buyer, you will want to know if the property has any involuntary liens against it. While a property can most certainly be sold with an involuntary lien on it, most buyers will not want to purchase it, and lenders will not want to offer loans for it either.

As you can see, running a Logan County Ohio property search can be revealing. You will want to learn everything you can about the home you eventually buy, and running the search will give you peace of mind you need to do so.

You can find the perfect property in Logan County by looking through the listings on offer at www.cprealestate.com.

The start of seller season in real estate begins April 1st, which also happens to be April Fools' Day. The time to sell a house is list it now and get ready. Homes show better in springtime. A seller is more likely to move a house quickly at good market value this time of year. In a competitive market, sellers may make a mistake by waiting to list property. Spring is a great time to showcase a home's best assets and help people envision living in the property. Some simple, yet effective, tips can position a seller's home on the market, save stress and help retain power of negotiation for fair market value.

First Impressions

Curb appeal is very important when selling a property. Landscape can take time to maintain. Instead, go with low-water grass and drought-tolerant plants. Visit the local garden center and explore native plants. Spruce up the front yard and back patio. Potential buyers love to see how relaxation and entertainment is possible in a new space. Make the front porch and entryway as attractive as possible as potential buyers will stop at this point to get into the home and have time to look at surroundings.

Model Home

The emotional connection to a home is an important selling point.. A home that sells fast is one which follows these get-ready tips:

• De-personalize the space to help potential buyer envision living there

• Remove family photos and kids artwork

• Edit collections, books, closets, cabinets, pantry and end tables

• Make home look as big as possible to showcase rooms

• Focus on big spaces in the home which will be used often like the kitchen (functionality, neutral design choices)

• Splurge on a few main spaces which have a lot of resale value (master bath, living room)

Marketing

A house will not sell itself without some help. Think of the process in three parts: pricing, listing, showing. View comparable properties in the area then set a competitive price point to ensure a quick sale.

Get more people to the open house by listing the property on a Friday before opening the home the following Sunday. The long exposure helps before showing. Following the open house, compare all offers on Sunday night. In a good market, multiple competing offers will be given and the home can sell at or above the list price.

Competitive markets may be more aggressive. Direct mailers may be needed to potential buyers to let everyone know about the property for sale. A 'broker's open' invites brokers and real estate agents to view the property before an open house to receive feedback on selling more quickly.

Forget Perfect

Highlight the positives of the property such as access to schools, health clubs or green space like parks. A positive approach will help the property sell quickly and easily, a win-win for all parties involved.

Get more advice on how to get ready for this years selling season. It's a hot one!

Contact one of our agents today.

Ohio is currently seeing a boon in the real estate market for luxury lakefront homes. More people are interested in buying property than at any point since 2005. With this busy real estate market, it is a great time to consider the options when searching for luxury lakefront homes which suit the needs of the entire family.

Hot Market

Nationwide sales have been going steadily up since February, 2007. The spring buying season is approaching when homes go up on the market in time for summer and fall sales. Realtors are anticipating a stronger than ever buying season this year. Homebuyers are looking for more properties and, with many available on the current market, the demand is higher than ever. Steady job growth combined with an improving economy means more households are saving up for that perfect lakefront property.

Trends

The past several years have seen a downturn in the real estate market due to fluctuations in the job market and overall economy. When these two are weaker, people are less likely to look to make big purchases or moves. A recent look at trends in home purchases by the Ohio Association of Realtors demonstrates a swifter than average pace of families seeking their perfect home at an increase of around 14% over the year before. In the Ohio house market, strong sales and steady growth are leading to great deals on homes.

Buy Now

As with any market trends, when there are an influx of buyers for available properties, prices can rise. Now is the best time to consider buying lakefront property on the market, whether new or existing, before prices go up. Due to high demand, lakefront luxury homes don't generally last long as they are in higher demand than other properties in the area. It is currently a buyers market in that there are more buyers than sellers after years of a sluggish market. Mortgage rates are low with rises expected so now is a great time to get started on the search and begin putting together criteria for purchasing a home.

Luxury lakefront homes are in demand and the market is open for all buyers with fewer properties at low prices. Ohio is a hot market right now with a growing economy and improving employment statistics which make homebuyers more confident than ever that, without a doubt, buying a home right now is the right decision.

Get more advice on how to get the process started to get you that luxury dream home.

Contact one of our agents today.

Finding the perfect home can take some time but the market is growing and sale prices are still low. Doing research is key prior to  finding Indian Lake Ohio homes for sale which suit the family's needs. Follow these tips to find a home that's a good fit.

Take the Long View

Search for a home that will be in the family at least five to seven years (ideally). Time, effort and expense are considerations when moving including closing costs. Staying in a home longer helps avoid added expense and stress. The extra time put into the home, as well as any work completed within the home, can help add value long term and avoid any downturns in the real estate market.

Growth

Family's needs change over time whether it's additions (babies, returning older children). Seek out properties with potential for growth and provide room for expansion. Houses for sale in Indian Lake, Ohio are a perfect example of properties which offer lots of room to grow at an affordable price.

Flexibility

Homes with lots of options usually suit a family's needs better than ones which are less flexible. A home that is functional for years to come with an open floor plan style can be adapted to changes while a kitchen with a view of a living area is great for keeping an eye on young kids as well as entertaining family and friends.

Find a Suitable Type

To find the perfect home requires knowing what best suits one's personal style. Homes are not one size fits all. There are many styles including condos, houses, townhomes. A person who does not want the responsibility of upkeep for a home may want a townhome versus a single family residential house. Likewise, a family who would like a vacation style home in a resort community with amenities may prefer to search for houses for sale in Indian Lake, Ohio which has many great features of a small community with access to waterfront dining, activities year round and plenty of suitable properties for families of shapes and sizes.

Location

A home's location is one of the most important aspects of buying real estate. Families who desire a quiet neighborhood in which to raise kids may not be looking for homes near a busy street or in the middle of an urban city environment. While that may suit a single person or couple, once children arrive, many families seek the peace, tranquility and safety of a suburban neighborhood which offers community, friendly neighbors and access to great schools while still being near to an entertainment district and work. A home's location with a spectacular view also attracts friends and family to come visit which is many families choose houses for sale on a lake or by water.

Choice Properties has agents ready to help you find the perfect home by the lake.                                                                  Contact us today at 937-842-2244 to set up an appointment!

Get more advice on finding the perfect Indian Lake home for your budget.

Contact one of our agents today.

Living on the water may seem like a luxury, but more people than ever before are finding affordable properties with a wide range of budgets. Whether shopping for a smaller property or luxury accommodation, there are vacation homes on the water for all people with some considerations to keep in mind when shopping for that special home.

Emotional value

People shop for a home with their hearts set on a certain lifestyle. There is tranquility and peace which comes from choosing waterfront property. Whether it is oceanside, lakefront or something in between, there is something serene about owning a vacation home on the water. Once a person lives by the water, it can be hard to give that up because of all the amenities included such as water sports, activities, opportunities to connect with neighbors and many other benefits.

Bang for the buck

Vacation homes on the water retain their worth longer than property away from water. Valuation depends on the location and type of waterfront property (lake, canal, ocean). There is only a limited amount of land on which to build homes by the water which make these locations more desirable and valued more highly. Costs may be higher to maintain a luxury vacation home due to environmental and insurance factors, which vary depending on location. Florida waterfront property will be quite different from a home purchased by a lake in the Midwest. There are deals to be had on vacation homes on the water, with the right research and diligence in searching for the perfect property.

Structure

A property's foundation is an important factor when looking at waterfront property. Due to the various elements (which vary based on region) a home's foundation can shift or change over time. There are also important elements of the property's land to look for since this is something which won't change including water quality, swimming and boating conditions and docking for boats, to name a few.

Experienced Realtor

An experienced real estate agent with knowledge of waterfront properties, values and the market can help negotiate the best deal. Ask questions about the neighborhood, amenities, quality of life, dining and entertainment options and what the area is like during the time you plan to vacation in the home. Work with a realtor who specializes in vacation homes on the water which can save time and money when looking for that luxury home everyone can enjoy for years to come.

Choice Properties has agents who specialize in waterfront properties. Call today at 937-842-2244 to discuss your needs and to help you find the right waterfront vacation home of your dreams.

Get more advice on finding the perfect summer vacation home.

Contact one of our agents today.

Retirement is a time to kick back, relax and enjoy life. What better way to enjoy this time of life than to retire on the water. Many people choose to retire near water for the serenity, peace and quiet of a lifestyle which moves at a slower pace and is more low key. The natural beauty of water is that it affords many opportunities to do activities like boating, skiing, fishing, beaches and more.

Paradise

There are fewer things more enjoyable than sitting on a deck listening to the water as it gently rolls into shore. Water is not only pleasing to the ear but the eyes as well. Birds and other wildlife flock to water for its natural resources which also provide hours of beauty in nature to enjoy. Taking advantage of opportunities to be in nature is one of the great features which compel people to retire on the water.

View

People who look to retire on the water do so for the amazing views of the water. Whether it is an ocean or a lake, waterfront homes provide an endless array of beautiful scenery to take in from the comfort of one's own home. There are also opportunities to walk on the beach, through a nearby park or take a stroll and find new vistas which can't be seen from one's own porch. A great water view is also relaxing which is a great reason to retire on the water.

Family

Nothing is better than being able to entertain family and loved ones in a home by the water. Some people prefer the company of only a handful of people when retired or, because they are quite busy in retirement, enjoy lots of people coming in and out of a home and sharing the beautiful views. When searching for waterfront retirement homes, notice what type of home, what size and location speak to you. Seek out properties which allow for space to do activities with loved ones but also provide a respite from the busyness of life.

Amenities

A person who looks to retire on the water has many options from which to choose. Living in an area where it is quiet can be peaceful but having access to entertainment, waterfront dining, boating and additional opportunities can also be exciting. Some want to live in the midst of the action and others choose a home on a quieter plot of land away from people. Fishing, kayaking, sailing and swimming are just some of the activities available to people who own property by the water.

It is easy to work with Choice Properties real estate agents to find the perfect retirement home on the water.                                 Call us today at 937-842-2244 for more information and to get started on your home search.

Get more advice on finding that perfect home for your retirement.

Contact one of our agents today.

One of the reasons people search for investment property in Ohio is to gain financial freedom. Financial independence is possible with an investment property if a person knows how to go about finding the right home and the ins and outs of putting money into an additional place. There are many benefits to purchasing such an investment in Ohio, especially Indian Lake, as prices are low and demand is going up for homes by the water. To increase cash flow, an investment property can be leased or rented out and eventually sold for profit. The appeal of injecting cash into a property which can build equity and profit later is possible. Follow these steps to   get started.

Establish a Limited Liability Corporation (LLC)

An LLC is a private limited company which is a designated business structure. This is ideal for smaller businesses because it limits and shield's an entrepreneur's personal liability risk by the enterprise's liabilities. Any individual who uses an LLC does so to protect their rights as business owner against legal issues.

Find a Good, Reputable Real Estate Agent

A good real estate agent can find out immediately if a property will be a worthwhile investment. They will know the area and market values to help make the best choice. When a property is selected, cash will need to be available on hand for a 20% deposit. A good lender is key to help process the loans in a timely fashion. Choice Properties has excellent trained, qualified real estate agents available to help in the selection of an investment property in Indian Lake, Ohio and beyond.

Property Rehab

Homes are prone to wear and tear and investment properties are no exception. As years go by, a property will need upkeep as it may not be well taken care of by tenants. Damage is an inevitable part of owning a home so keeping a fund available for leaky roofs, new heating units and more is a consideration.

Contracts

Be selective when choosing renters for a property. Rent arrangements need to be covered in a contract. Failure to outline this in a written agreement may result in difficulties later if the need to evict a tenant arises or if other issues come up.

Patience

Patience is important when searching for investment property in Ohio. Indian Lake is an area with lots to offer but it will take time to locate the best property. It is time consuming to search for contractors and good renters. Taking time now will save a headache later so be patient, take time and do it right from the start.

Business First

Do not let renters get away with anything. After all, an investment is part of one's financial portfolio which can affect the quality of life. It is better to kick out a poor tenant for non payment or other issues than let the issue linger and risk losing money.

Choice Properties has agents ready to speak with you about investment properties in Indian Lake, Ohio.                                      Don't wait, call today at 937-842-2244 to discuss the options and get started!

Get more advice on steps it takes to own an investment property.

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Find Incredible Properties All Over the Indian Lake Ohio Map

Indian Lake boasts 5,800 acres of lakes and 800 acres of parks featuring year-round recreation. Camping, boating, swimming, fishing, hiking and more are on offer including many unique restaurants and dining opportunities. Antique stores, marinas, golf courses and other amenities make this area the jewel of Ohio. Whatever a person is looking for, incredible properties exist all over the Indian Lake Ohio map.

Logan County

Logan County is located in western Ohio. Rich with natural beauty, it is also steeped in history as American Indians called Logan County home. What started with small villages throughout the county, areas began to grow such as Bellefontaine which became the county seat. Campbell's Hill is the highest point in Ohio with the first concrete street in America, built in 1891. Several natural caves dot the landscape including two open to the public: Ohio Caverns and Zane Caverns. Two castles are open for tours, owned by the Piatt family located in the Mad River Valley near West Liberty, Ohio.

Neighborhoods

Russells Point

Russells Point is situated with an amazing view of Indian Lake. Waterfront views are an enticing feature of living in this neighborhood. Along with local restaurants, bars and other amenities, properties in the area include waterfront locations with a boat dock as well as spectacular water views of the Indian Lake area. Many available properties take advantage of the lake view with beautiful windows overlooking the water and decks for entertaining guests. The neighborhood is friendly, inviting and caters to a wide range of people who enjoy the water.

Lakeview

Lakeview is one of the most spectacular areas to live within the Indian Lake Ohio region. Many homes boast waterfront and lake views as well as personal boat docks. Great schools, neighbors and amenities surround this neighborhood. Fishing and other water activities can be enjoyed from the vicinity of home. Sprawling properties with acreage are available as well as smaller homes. It all depends on the individual's needs and desires.

Finding the right property in the Indian Lake Ohio map is a challenge with so many beautiful locations from which to choose. From newer developments to rustic, historic villages the area boasts many opportunities to select a home with features that best fit an individual's budget and desires. The region is historically significant but also hosts many tourists and visitors who enhance economic development and build on the tradition of Indian Lake as a destination for all people. When searching for property in the Indian Lake area, the options are truly endless. Enjoy the waterfront dining options, golf courses, camping, hiking and biking or take a day out on the lake. The choice is yours to make when you choose Indian Lake as the place to reside and call home.

Get more advice on finding the best property for you.

Contact one of our agents today.

The Key to Buying Waterfront Property

Purchasing a home is a complicated process from pre-approval to the last signature. Buying 'waterfront' property throws another layer of complexity into the process. Real estate agents who work with waterfront properties on a regular basis understand the process backwards and forwards. Finding an experienced agent can really make the process take less time when they know what an individual is looking for and will tailor the search to those specific properties. These tips will give an idea of what to expect when doing research on buying waterfront property.

Tips

Find a real estate agent who specializes in waterfront properties. A general agent will not have detailed knowledge of waterfront properties in the area to find the best deals on available properties.

Property over structure. People may fall in love with a house only to realize the view is not great, the water is murky, it is difficult to get to the water or the place has less privacy than desired.

Consider property to fit lifestyle. A beautiful property half an hour away from the water may not suit everyone. If being close to water is desirable, start the process with this in mind before entering negotiation.

Check for structural issues due to weather. Waterfront homes are more susceptible to the elements than an average home. Investment in weatherproofing can help avoid some of these concerns.

Research insurance requirements. Review this early to be sure what is necessary before buying. Waterfront homes may require several policies.

Find out what changes can be made. If a new dock or other change is desired, research local government policies. Some may be more strict than others. Before committing, understand the financial and legal ramifications might be. Also look into what activities are allowed on the water as some may have restrictions on motorized watercraft including jet skis and speedboats.

Meet the neighbors. Speak with people who live nearby and knew the previous owners. Seek insider information about living in the community, any issues with the property or waterfront-related concerns.

Get to know responsibilities as an owner. When buying waterfront property, find out what upkeep and maintenance of the property is required by any homeowners associations (if applicable). Review conditions, covenants, restrictions or CC&Rs in addition to speaking with the HOA management company.

Getting Started

With helpful tips in hand, it is time to start the process of buying waterfront property. An agent who specializes in waterfront homes should be able to provide useful insights into the home and location but it is up to the individual buyer to learn as much as possible prior to contacting an agent for assistance. A real estate agent may not know all the ins and outs (as the neighbors might) or may not include information helpful to a particular homeowner's search. Making a list of what is important will be helpful when seeking that next property to buy on the water and will make for a more satisfied customer come time to sign the papers.

Get more advice on buying waterfront properties.

Contact one of our agents today.

Maybe you stumbled on 'the one' with the first property you looked at, but it's more likely you've been at it for months, critiquing every detail until at long last, you found it. Your dream home. Landscaping to die for surrounding a home just right for you and yours. It has all the neighborhood amenities you wanted. The location is perfect. This is it!

Now what?

Here are some tips to remember when making your first offer to buy. 

First, there is no absolute wrong or right way to do this. Be realistic with your offer, however. Working with a good real estate agent can go a long way toward helping you do this. You don't want to offend anyone by offering fifty grand for a home valued at half a million. On the flipside, you don't want to pay more for a property than it's worth either. Knowledge is power.

Compare and evaluate any notes you've taken while attending open houses or private viewings. Narrow down what you liked about the schools and neighborhoods, the amenities to each home, et cetera. Your agent can then pull up comparable listings based on the features that appealed to you. With these numbers, you can establish a ballpark offer price.

Now would be a good time to give your lender a head's up. If it's been more than thirty days since you've touched base, or if your financial status has changed in any way, they may need updated information. Having a pre-approved mortgage loan ready to go allows you to act fast and lets sellers know that you're serious.

If you or your agent take a little extra time to research the listing history on the property in which you're interested, you may discover information to give you some negotiating room. Have there been price reductions? How quickly does the seller want to close? Are there any active bids on the house?

Depending on the answers to these questions and any others regarding closing terms, and the ballpark price you determined based on the current market, you'll be able to make an offer which is advantageous to both you and the seller, hopefully making it a win-win situation for all parties.

For more information on making an offer on your dream home, contact Choice Properties Real Estate to speak with one of our award-winning agents today!

Whether you are looking to buy or sell a home in Central Ohio, you'll need to know your market, i.e. your 'comps'. Comps are the homes in the area where you are transacting business that are comparable, meaning they are in the same neighborhood, are similar in size, layout, and condition, and have similar features or extras (like pools, fireplaces, or even neighborhood playgrounds).

These comps are used when determining pricing. From the buyer's standpoint, knowing the market gives them a place to start with a fair offer, while from the seller's viewpoint, comps help them to figure the best price point for the property. A good real estate agent stays on top of their local market, making sure to understand the ins and outs of what makes a property comparable.

Location, location, location . . .

When pricing or valuing a home, the first thing you want to do is look at what's nearby. Stay within the neighborhood to ensure things like the age of the homes and the community features are similar. School zones make good measures of parameters.

No time like the present . . .

Keep your eye on the pending sales. The initial bargaining has taken place between the buyer and seller, so these are, in effect, a plethora of current data for the market—including the latest 'dollar per square foot' average. A good rule of thumb is to look at sales within the last three months, but not more than six months old, as trends could've changed drastically in that time.

Show me the extras . . .

With the where and when pinned down, now you can look at the fun stuff, the property features. The main thing to compare here are the number of bedrooms/bathrooms and the lot size. Narrow those down, and then you can get into the smaller extras. Views, updated appliances, flooring materials, pools, garages, fireplaces . . . the list can get rather long, but these are the creature comforts that are going to help you turn your purchase into an Indian Lake Home (or sell your property to the highest bidder).

Don't overanalyze or stress . . .

While it is a good idea to have some knowledge of how the market works, there are professionals available to help you navigate the world of home buying and selling. Choice Properties has trustworthy agents to assist with the petty details of each comparable Logan County home. We make it our job to know the market so that you can make Indian Lake, Bellefontaine, or the surrounding areas your home.

2014 was a relatively strong year for real estate across the farm belt and greater Midwest.  However, the National Association of Home Builders predicts 2015 will be even stronger for single-family homes, despite the continued rise of mortgage rates.  While the recovery seems to be delayed in many states, Ohio is noticing a resurgence of interest in homes and available land.  In the meantime, let's focus on the standard best practices that have kept us strong for decades.

It's the Little Things

The best possible presentation of a house is necessary to capture an eager buyer's eye.  Little things like trimming the bushes near the front door, changing out old welcome mats, and de-cluttering closets and shelves will add to an already well-prepared home. 

Take Notes

If you're a buyer looking at the home options available on the market, you're probably seeing several properties a day.  In this situation it's helpful to keep a notebook on you and make notes on the properties you visit.  Pros and Cons for each house will help you make a decision later on.

Sell for Spring

The winter months are over so it's time to start thinking springtime at your home.  Fresh flowers are always a nice touch for highlighting the rebirth of warm weather and add color and life to the rooms of your home.  Spring cleaning is important, especially to wash away the salt brine from the winter roads and the clutter that accumulates while we're hibernating. Take advantage of the smiles brought on by the sunshine.  

Transparency is Trust

A smart home buyer is going to hire an inspector or two to investigate the quality and possible problems with a property so it behooves sellers to be forthright with the state of the home.  Don't try to hide anything because buyers will assume you're hiding even more.  Try to get minor fixes out of the way like plumbing leaks and paint jobs.

We're all hopeful this year on both sides of the real estate market so let's keep the enthusiasm rolling and make this a great year for home buyers and sellers!

While the winter is known for many things in Central Ohio, being an ideal time for selling your home is not necessarily one of them.  However, you might be surprised by the statistics.  Real Estate company Redfin recently published the results of a study they conducted across all 50 states that suggests, surprisingly, that December through March are excellent months to list and sell your home.

It may not be the most convenient time to move, but people are motivated in the winter months to get out of their current situation.  Winter and the snow it brings can sometimes show us the worst side of our neighborhood and location.  This is when people get restless in their cabin fever and start to look for a new place to live.  The Redfin study showed that 74% of homes listed in February of 2014 sold within 90 days.  That's some incentive to get listed, isn't it?!

When you decide to take the plunge and get listed this month, don't worry about those major remodeling overhauls.  It's often not worth it.  Instead, focus on the smaller renovations that can be accomplished in a weekend and on a small budget.  These will be more beneficial in the long run.  Home shoppers in the winter, while motivated, are also aware of the effects the snow season has on the appearance of a property and can be more forgiving than in the bright light of summer.

Some simple fixes to get you ready to sell in winter include a paint job to the porch or rooms with scuffed or worn walls and replacing simple fixtures in the entryway and major living areas.  These can often make the place look new with just a subtle touch.  If you intend to go a bit further, one of the most successful renovations you can make to improve the value of your home to prospective buyers is to refinish the countertops and cabinets in the kitchen.  Replacing them entirely is an option if necessary but a fresh update to the kitchen is always welcome to those looking to relocate.

Enjoy the snowy months because you may just find a motivated buyer.  As always, your friendly neighborhood agents at Choice Properties are just a phone call away.