My bad-last month I projected a jump in real estate closings during October.  However when comparing stats for the same timeframe last month, closings in all the school districts but Oak Hills were down.  Still many buyers have waited to the last minute to purchase in order to qualify for the $8,000 tax credit- so hopefully closings for the second half of the month will pick up steam.

There is no magic pill for the current real estate market.  Overpriced listings linger on the market-while fresh, well priced inventory is under contract in record time.  It seems a lot of consumers are leery about their jobs, the state of the economy are staying put for awhile. 

Stay tuned for month end numbers.

People have always been fascinated with real estate.

The popularity of HGTV and interior designers appearing on main stream meda signals our never ending interest in how the “other half” lives.  In response to emails requesting info on high end or luxury real estate in greater Cincinnati- I have listed the 5 highest priced single family homes and condos currently listed in the Multiple Listing Service of Greater Cincinnati.

The high end  real estate markets in greater Cincinnati have been affected the same as all the other homes and condos in our area,  One segment that has felt more impact is the high end condo market (Cincinnati Enquirer Article).  Potential buyers are having problems selling their current residence or condo developments are stalled because investment dollars have disappeared. 

It really doesn’t matter which angle you take, high end or luxury real estate continues to sell slowly- but it is selling.

Need more information or detail call or email.  If you really want to see the inside and outside of some very interesting places, check out Hooked on Houses.

The State of Ohio is trying to keep more of its citizens in Ohio after college.

On Monday the Ohio Finance Agency  (OFA) announced that the Grants for Grads program was open for business.  Recent college graduates, including those earning postgraduate degrees, can now receive down payment and closing cost assistance and a favorable mortgage interest rate through OHFA’s Grants for Grads Program. Eligible borrowers can use the grant to reduce the out-of-pocket expenses associated with buying a home. 

If you are an income-eligible first-time homebuyer, graduated from an Ohio high school and have earned an associate, bachelor’s, master’s, doctorate or other postgraduate degree within the last 18 months, you can take advantage of the Grants for Grads Program.  Income restrictions for the program limit income by area (see chart) so the income a grad wanting to live in Hamilton county could not exceed $69,200 in non targeted areas and $83,040 in targeted areas.

Like many other programs this one has a hook- in order to qualify for the grant the buyer must maintain residence in Ohio for at least 5 years- or pay back a portion of the grant.  The aid comes in the form of a mortgage loan that’s forgivable after 5 years.

According to the Multiple Listing Service of Greater Cincinnati the following HUD properties have sold/closed.

If you are tracking or bidding on HUD properties this report may provide insight into selling prices.

A friend sent me this great “how to” video on YouTube.  The video provides instructions on the process of buying bank owned homes.  While it is somewhat over the edge-there is a lot of truth in the presentation.

Click here to watch.

Hope you enjoy.