Real Estate Market

We are excited to share with you are most recent family photo.  As the new year is now in full swing - from my family to yours - May 2010 be a wonderful year for you and your family.

Are Your Property Taxes Too High?

What value does the county auditor value your home at? Do you know? Your property taxes are based on the value the county auditor places on your home and the tax rate for your area. I can check this value for you or you can check it for yourself at your county auditors website. If the value is higher than you feel you could sell your home for, you can file for a revision (or new value ) by filing a  complaint to the Board of Revisions.

This form needs to be postmarked before March 31. Call me if you need help at 513-602-6000

Butler County   Butler Compaint form       

Clermont County   Clermont Complaint form

Hamilton County    Hamilton Complaint form 

Warren County  Warren Complaint form   

PS: The greatest compliment I can receive is the personal recomendation of your friends and family! Of all the people you know, who is the next person to make a move?

Call 513-602-6000 or email me today! Kevin@KevinDuffy.com

Stay informed of what is going on in the real estate market for Cincinnati, Ohio.

The following link will allow you to preview the market stats from 1990 through 2009.

Year-to-Date Market Stats 

As your real estate professional for Cincinnati, Ohio - Let's Connect!

New Move-Up Buyer Tax Credit

Qualified move-up buyers may now take a $6,500 credit ($3,250 if married filing separately) for buying up to an $800,000 home by April 30, 2010, with closing/settlement by June 30, 2010. They must have lived in their home for five consecutive years of the previous eight. A full credit is available to married-joint filers who have Modified Adjusted Gross Income up to $225,000, with a reduced credit available up to $245,000. The income limit for singles/married filing separately is $125,000, phased out up to $145,000. Other rules apply.

Remember, first-time buyers may still qualify for an $8,000 tax credit ($4,000 if married filing separately) if they purchase by April 30, 2010. Call us for all the details!

They say that a picture is worth a thousand words. If so, what do the photos about your home say? Before you list your home for sale with us -- and before the marketing photos are taken -- follow these proven tips to make sure your home shows well in print and online photos. We'll take care to get the best angles and lighting, and we'll market your home to get the greatest interest from buyers who like what they see!

1. Declutter. Clear out. Everything. Make sure you take all your personal photos, collections, and miscellaneous "stuff" out of a room. Let the viewer see clean lines, special features (fireplaces, bay windows, etc.) and the entire size of the room without distractions.
   
   
2. Don't vacate. Leave furniture in place when the photos are taken, even if you must move out immediately. Photos of furnished rooms are more enticing and help potential buyers see how furniture pieces can fit the size and shape of rooms.
   
   
3. Add color. If a room appears dull, add a few colorful throw pillows, some cut flowers and a vase, an arrangement of real fruit in a pretty bowl, or a textured throw to add a little interest in your room.
   
   
4. Stand at your curb. Look at the front view of your property and determine what needs trimming and clearing or cleaning. Edge the grass, place a colorful plant at your front entrance, hang a wreath on your door, powerwash siding, trim overhanging trees and bushes that obscure the view of your home. Make the view inviting to draw buyers off the Internet and into their cars!
   
   
5. Focus on the main living areas. The living room, family room, kitchen and front view are the most important areas to show in your listing. Make sure those rooms and views look their absolute best!
   
   
6. Amenities. Point out local attractions that you -- or others in your neighborhood -- enjoy frequenting. Perhaps the community pool, near-by tennis courts or walking paths, special scenic area or playground are especially popular. Ask us to take some photos of these areas and have them included in your property's listing photos.

For the uninformed, blogging is hitting the Internet today and making a real impact!

What is a blog? An easy explanation of this is a WEB LOG or a journal on the web. It’s a place where folks can “voice” their thoughts, share ideas, or comment on those of others.

Cincinnati, Ohio now has such a blog where new items of interest will be posted and comments can be made. Topics range from those related to real estate and community highlights to local events of interest or anything personal or business related that might be perceived as worthwhile information for public knowledge, discussion and/or use.

It’s even possible to subscribe to a blog of interest and receive text updates on your iPod! Check out the latest updates for the Cincinnati, Ohio Real Estate Blog:

To UNSUBSCRIBE scroll to bottom and use the link. You will be removed automatically and immmediately. Please also ignore this newsletter if your home is listed with another broker. It's not our intent to solicit other brokers listings.