tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-215019452011-11-12T07:33:58.348-05:00Stay on top of the real estate market in the Greater Cincinnati area with Jamie Mandel of Sibcy Cline Realtors.Jamie Mandelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08076698054966490489noreply@blogger.comBlogger401100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21501945.post-61825479700156666832009-09-24T10:09:00.003-05:002009-09-24T10:23:33.170-05:00

This is the headline currently on CNBC. And the headline says it all. Who would have thought 6 months ago that a fall in existing home sales at this point would be UNexpected?You see, existing home sales have risen every month for the past 5 months. The government's $8,000 first time buyer tax credit threw gasoline on the fire of an already pent-up demand, and people have bought in droves in the

Jamie Mandelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08076698054966490489noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21501945.post-11570302369282960432009-03-16T16:36:00.002-05:002009-03-16T16:40:35.720-05:00

From the National Association of Realtors:"President Barack Obama signed a bill into law Wednesday that permanently prohibits banks from entering the real estate brokerage and management business.The bill--H.R. 1105, the Omnibus Appropriations Bill--ends the National Association of REALTORS' nearly eight-year battle to preserve the separation between banking and commerce."If banks had been

Jamie Mandelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08076698054966490489noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21501945.post-23361057037111950752009-02-20T17:35:00.002-05:002009-02-20T17:40:44.388-05:00

Now that all the details are out on the new home buyer tax credit, here are some more features not in my first post earlier:-It's NOT JUST FOR 1ST TIME BUYERS. You an also take it if you have not owned a home just in the previous 3 years.-It is indeed capped at 10% of the purchase price if the purchase price is below $80,000.-If you make over the income limits, a partial benefit is available if

Jamie Mandelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08076698054966490489noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21501945.post-33120041701387581472009-02-18T10:51:00.003-05:002009-02-18T11:10:03.864-05:00

This morning, President Obama unveils his plan pledging $275 billion to help stop foreclosures. To my understanding, it subsidizes lenders to restructure mortgages that are in trouble to the point at which the payments are brought down to 31% of the borrower's income. Banks that have taken TARP government bailout money will be forced to do this program, and that's a lot of the banks.Critics of

Jamie Mandelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08076698054966490489noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21501945.post-9650849673934724672009-02-17T08:59:00.002-05:002009-02-17T09:05:45.633-05:00

Don't have all the details yet, but here's what we know so far about the new tax credit for first time homebuyers.-$8000 (up from last year's $7500 credit), and unlike last year's, this one does not need to be paid back!-For purchases between January 1st and December 1st, 2009.-Income limits are $75,000 for individual and $150,000 for couple.-First time buyers only-Principal residences only-No

Jamie Mandelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08076698054966490489noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21501945.post-57063200372629564252009-01-26T23:59:00.002-05:002009-01-27T00:09:28.866-05:00

Today the National Association of Realtors reported that December existing-home sales were up 6.5% from November. What?? You mean, if interest rates come way down and prices come down, people will buy homes? Yup. Just wait until January's stats come out. We Realtors have been busy as heck this month! The news media will be all over it, calling the "housing bottom" (again).If you are one of the

Jamie Mandelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08076698054966490489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21501945.post-55782613691300870332008-11-10T10:43:00.000-05:002008-11-10T10:53:37.271-05:00

With the glut of foreclosed homes for sale out there, lenders continue to provide incentives to owner-occupant buyers who want to take advantage. Freddie Mac is now offering 3.5% of the purchase price toward an owner-occupant buyer's closing costs. This is equivalent to NO CLOSING COSTS in most cases. If you or someone you know fits this description and want to jump on this opportunity, give me a

Jamie Mandelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08076698054966490489noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21501945.post-20203432037719391812008-09-29T10:37:00.001-05:002008-11-10T10:43:34.301-05:00

Bailout, rescue plan, whatever you want to call it. Congress is getting ready to vote on this $700 Billion plan to try and save the financial world from collapsing. And out comes everyone (including Michael Moore) to whine about it. No! Don't bail out the rich executives who got us into this mess!Well guess what? We have no choice. Yes, it stinks that the American taxpayer will be footing the

Jamie Mandelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08076698054966490489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21501945.post-8426384223046892802008-08-01T20:25:00.000-05:002008-08-01T20:39:18.557-05:00

I'd take Bond Money over the new Tax Credit any day...What? Let me explain and bring you up to speed.Our government passed a new tax incentive for first time homebuyers as part of their new housing bill. Awesome! One of the first things they've done right to help the housing market correct! It's an odd tax rebate though. It's essentially a $7500 interest-free loan from the IRS that you pay back

Jamie Mandelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08076698054966490489noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21501945.post-62500215784395662922008-07-07T08:12:00.000-05:002008-07-07T08:48:12.604-05:00

I have gotten a lot of questions recently, as people discuss the Unites States' current gas price situation, as to whether or not this has had an effect on real estate.The short answer is no.Cincinnati is like most other metropolitan areas in that people in the last 10 to 20 years have been more and more willing to live farther from work in order to have bigger, newer homes. This accounts for the

Jamie Mandelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08076698054966490489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21501945.post-41572798698930046082008-06-07T20:26:00.001-05:002008-06-07T20:34:40.291-05:00

Homearama is about to begin, and this year you'll have another opportunity to come harass me in person on:Friday June 20th from 4 to 7:30 PMI'll be stationed at the Chateau Tourelle, selling for a cool $2.45 million.Homearama runs June 7th through 22nd in Long Cove in Mason. It's always a blast, and this year's collection of homes looks great again. For more info, visit www.homearama.cc.By the

Jamie Mandelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08076698054966490489noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21501945.post-63350795522167880642008-04-20T14:31:00.000-05:002008-04-20T14:51:50.749-05:00

According to the Cincinnati Enquirer, national homebuilder Ryland Homes is leaving the Greater Cincinnati market. It will finish up its neighborhoods currently under construction first, and will continue to honor its warranties to customers.This comes on the heels of another national homebuilder Beazer Homes leaving town recently.If you're thinking that these companies leaving Cincinnati is a bad

Jamie Mandelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08076698054966490489noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21501945.post-21554621265671973082008-03-16T09:22:00.003-05:002008-03-18T14:50:57.237-05:00

Everyone is always asking me, how bad is the real estate market? Is it getting any better? With all the focus on the negative, I began thinking, maybe we should be focusing on who is doing WELL in this market. With stocks, Jim Cramer says, "There's always a bull market somewhere." Well, within the real estate market, there has to be someone who is doing well, right? Without further ado, here are

Jamie Mandelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08076698054966490489noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21501945.post-52075995431329129292008-01-26T20:16:00.001-05:002008-03-16T10:13:13.067-05:00

March 31st is the deadline for a request for re-assessment in Hamilton County. What this means is if your property is assessed for real estate taxes at an amount that is more than it would currently sell for, you can ask the county to lower it, and you would thus be paying less in taxes. You need comparable sales to justify your request.If you are unsure what your property is assessed at, look

Jamie Mandelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08076698054966490489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21501945.post-30825509587375411582007-11-28T13:41:00.000-05:002007-11-28T13:53:53.789-05:00

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) recently announced a nice incentive for owner occupants wishing to purchase a HUD home. A "HUD home" is one that was foreclosed on and is now in the hands of HUD, who needs to sell it.$100 down payments on FHA loans on these properties.$2500 Allowance for closing costs, repairs, or mortgage buydown

Jamie Mandelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08076698054966490489noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21501945.post-56167622070246566222007-11-07T18:20:00.000-05:002007-11-07T18:25:36.568-05:00

Here's a good article, written for Realtors, but that the whole real estate world should find interesting. It's regarding the never-ending fun that is negotiating a deal on an REO (or lender owned) property.READ ARTICLEIt covers subjects such as why they take so long to respond, and reminds us that it's not a deal until we have the contract signed by them in hand, among other things. These

Jamie Mandelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08076698054966490489noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21501945.post-73736935850777360622007-09-02T09:39:00.000-05:002008-01-26T20:23:19.311-05:00

This article from CNN Money points out a different angle of the nation's current situation with record levels of foreclosures. In some of the states hit hardest, as much as 1/4 or 1/3 of the foreclosures and mortgage delinquencies are from non-owner-occupants (i.e. investors).When reading about foreclosures on the rise, we usually picture regular people losing the family home. However, a lot of

Jamie Mandelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08076698054966490489noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21501945.post-74918126281975452472007-08-02T18:24:00.000-05:002007-08-02T18:34:32.034-05:00

The state of Ohio has expanded its Homestead Exemption to include all seniors and qualified disabled individuals, regardless of income. These homeowners will be able to shield up to $25,000 of their property value from property tax.To qualify, an Ohio homeowner must be:-at least 65 years or older, or will reach age 65 during the current tax yearOR-certified totally and permanently disabled as of

Jamie Mandelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08076698054966490489noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21501945.post-85868833600120076472007-07-04T08:12:00.000-05:002007-09-02T09:50:43.757-05:00

According to this article from National Association of Realtors:Pending home sales, an indicator of the strength of the housing market, are down 3.5% nationally and 8.9% in the Midwest from this time last year.Sure, the subprime lending fiasco has impacted this. But another thing I keep seeing in print as a reason is "buyer confidence."In fact, with all the news articles out there every day about

Jamie Mandelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08076698054966490489noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21501945.post-34899624392546392182007-04-29T23:22:00.000-05:002007-09-02T09:51:26.487-05:00

Here's a pretty awesome article I stumbled upon about the top misconceptions people have about real estate agents.READ ARTICLEMyth #2 is a good one. I've only ever had one buyer client put it together and ask, "What's your motivation to get me the lowest price, if you're paid a percentage of the sale price?" Weintraub is correct that the commission difference doesn't come out to that much. But

Jamie Mandelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08076698054966490489noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21501945.post-24656065841388182972007-03-20T13:09:00.000-05:002007-03-20T13:11:27.660-05:00

From Ohio Associaton of Realtors:"Last week, Ohio’s REALTOR community provided overwhelming response to a lawmaker’s request for reports of property sales negatively impacted by the state’s new septic system regulations. As a result, Sen. Timothy Grendell, who represents Lake and Geauga counties, has sent a letter to Senate President Bill Harris seeking passage of legislation that will provide

Jamie Mandelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08076698054966490489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21501945.post-13772221401051147972007-02-11T10:17:00.000-05:002007-02-11T10:16:59.935-05:00

Foreclosure is the process by which a lender takes a home because the borrower is not paying their mortgage. Foreclosures are at an all-time high; in fact, they increased 42% last year. Some is due to life events - the loss of a job, death of a loved one, or divorce, for example. Most is likely due to predatory lenders. However, one thing I'm certain of is that many foreclosures could be avoided

Jamie Mandelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08076698054966490489noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21501945.post-1165951453757839472006-12-12T14:17:00.000-05:002006-12-12T14:24:15.183-05:00

Today's guest blog comes from Johnathan Barber, a loan officer with Trustcorp Mortgage, and is about the difference between being pre-approved and approved for a home loan.---------------------------------------"Today, I feel obligated to describe the differences between APPROVED and PREAPPROVED. In today’s market, it is important that sellers and their agents INTERROGATE the loan officer who

Jamie Mandelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08076698054966490489noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21501945.post-1161650619633781202006-10-23T19:41:00.000-05:002007-09-02T09:53:28.002-05:00

I found this helpful article about homeowner's insurance. I, like many of you, realized I don't know as much about my policy as I should:READ ARTICLEIt's definitely worth a quick read and a check through your policy. If you're unhappy with your current homeowner's insurance policy, call your insurance agent and review it (you should do this annually anyway). If you need a new agent, let me know

Jamie Mandelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08076698054966490489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21501945.post-1158255231086822932006-09-14T12:31:00.000-05:002007-09-02T09:54:45.220-05:00

Wondering what's in and what's out in decorating today?Flat paint is in.Shiny hardware is out.Wide (6") trim is in.Wood-look laminate floors are out.Read it all in this article.

Jamie Mandelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08076698054966490489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21501945.post-1156452235587074142006-08-24T15:40:00.000-05:002007-09-02T09:55:44.686-05:00

Thinking about buying a foreclosed property? Buying a "fixer-upper" can be a great way to gain some sweat equity in a home. But they don't come without risks and complication, especially compared with buying a regular resale property.This article talks about a few ways to buy distressed properties, and what they entail.Contact me for more info and advice about buying a property like this.

Jamie Mandelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08076698054966490489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21501945.post-1152975041068809192006-07-15T09:49:00.000-05:002007-09-02T09:56:36.182-05:00

On average, new homeowners spend $9,000 on furniture and decorating. I found this article that gives some smart and budget-friendly tips on filling up that new house:READ ARTICLE

Jamie Mandelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08076698054966490489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21501945.post-1149091345154583682006-05-31T10:58:00.000-05:002007-09-02T09:57:25.399-05:00

Nationally, sales of existing homes were down in April from March about 2%. This is about 5.7% lower than April of 2005. In the Midwest, existing home sales fell 3.7% and are 3.1% lower than April 2005. The median existing home price in the Midwest is 166,000, down 1.2% from last year. Some causes may be increasing interest rates and a general cooling down from last year's hot market. Read the

Jamie Mandelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08076698054966490489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21501945.post-1146847165211546482006-05-05T11:17:00.000-05:002006-05-05T11:39:25.223-05:00

I moved into the Milford school district about 6 months ago, and I'm not feeling so good about the fact that the school levy didn't pass on May 2nd. I'm not just worried about the quality of education for our children, but as a Realtor, I am worried about the effect on our property values.Will the levy failure affect our property values? The short answer is yes. It might not be immediate or

Jamie Mandelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08076698054966490489noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21501945.post-1145719950257038802006-04-22T10:30:00.000-05:002006-04-22T10:32:30.266-05:00

People ask me often about credit scores. Having a good one can certainly go a long way when it comes to your mortgage payment amount.Check out this article - finally, someone wrote a really clear article that I can pass along about how to make sure your credit score stays good:http://finance.yahoo.com/columnist/article/millionaire/2922

Jamie Mandelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08076698054966490489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21501945.post-1144859971161744582006-04-12T11:36:00.000-05:002006-04-12T11:39:31.173-05:00

This recent article by Pat Curry at Bankrate.com rated the Top 10 U.S. cities where the housing market will continue to grow, has peaked, and is on its way down. Cincinnati came in under the "bubble blowers," where appreciation should continue to grow. No real estate bubble here! If you're looking to buy, now is as good a time as any. Check out the article at http://biz.yahoo.com/brn/060313/18280

Jamie Mandelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08076698054966490489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21501945.post-1144556898731826482006-04-08T23:26:00.000-05:002006-04-08T23:28:18.756-05:00

Due to overcrowding at two Lakota elementary schools, enrollment has been capped as of March 31st at Cherokee and Van Gorden Elementary. Students who enroll after that date will attend other Lakota elementaries. Please be aware of the situation if you are buying, selling or building a home in this area. Call Jon Weidlich with any questions at 513-644-1162.

Jamie Mandelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08076698054966490489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21501945.post-1142793771594039002006-03-19T13:39:00.000-05:002006-03-19T13:42:51.613-05:00

I received this letter and wanted to share it with you all:"If you use mulch around your house be very careful about buying mulch this year. After the hurricane in New Orleans many trees were blown over. These trees were then turned into mulch and the state is trying to get rid of tons and tons of this mulch to any state or company who will come and haul it away. So it will be showing up in Home

Jamie Mandelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08076698054966490489noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21501945.post-1142448043921223192006-03-15T13:37:00.000-05:002006-03-15T13:40:43.933-05:00

Butler County is the latest to propose a 33% transfer tax increase. This would cost home sellers an additional $100 per $100,000 when they sell their home. Opposed? Here's what you can do:Attend the public hearings being held March 23rd and 27th at the Butler County government building, 315 High St. in Hamilton. Or email the commissioners - Greg Jolivette (jolivetteG@butlercountyohio.org), Chuck

Jamie Mandelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08076698054966490489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21501945.post-1142187244920276342006-03-12T12:36:00.000-05:002006-03-12T13:17:58.040-05:00

How does your school district stack up? Here are the 2005 average sales prices and average days on market for residential properties in many suburban Cincinnati school districts. Of the areas represented, Indian Hill had the highest average sales price at $773,271. Deer Park had the fastest time on market at 48 days.District Name / Avg. Sale Price (Avg. Days On Market)Batavia $168,007 (68)Deer

Jamie Mandelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08076698054966490489noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21501945.post-1141054568795859952006-02-27T10:35:00.000-05:002006-02-27T10:36:08.806-05:00

The proposed transfer tax increase in Warren County was defeated. Thanks to all of the Realtors and others who made their opinions heard!

Jamie Mandelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08076698054966490489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21501945.post-1139958523324959562006-02-14T17:54:00.000-05:002006-02-14T18:08:43.336-05:00

Most people realize there are major financial advantages to owning a home over renting. This article I read today puts these advantages into context, with numbers:http://finance.yahoo.com/columnist/article/millionaire/2585In addition to the obvious tax advantages of owning, Bach's best point is this. While stocks go up and down, real estate will always stays steady because people will always need

Jamie Mandelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08076698054966490489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21501945.post-1139180267336869062006-02-05T17:52:00.000-05:002006-02-05T17:59:03.166-05:00

Here's a link to an interesting article about common mistakes made when buying or selling a house entitled 10 real estate deal-wreckers. I'd like to call attention to "Skipping the loan preapproval step" and "Hiring the wrong agent."http://realestate.msn.com/selling/Articlebankrate.aspx?cp-documentid=178230&GT1=7637The loan preapproval process is so important to get done before you begin looking

Jamie Mandelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08076698054966490489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21501945.post-1138654115340441622006-01-30T15:44:00.000-05:002006-01-30T15:48:35.346-05:00

On Thursday, February 9, 2006 at 5:30 p.m. the Warren County Commissioners have agreed to hold a third public hearing to discuss a proposed increase of its real estate transfer tax 33% to maximum 4.0 mills. The average priced home in Warren County in 2005 was $249,345 with a 3 mill tax of $748. 4 mills would be $997, and this is charged to anyone conveying the title to real estate, residential

Jamie Mandelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08076698054966490489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21501945.post-1138213682615576742006-01-25T13:24:00.000-05:002006-01-25T13:33:39.410-05:00

Welcome to my Cincinnati Real Estate blog. My blogs will include helpful information for home buyers and home sellers, as well as the most current real estate information that affects our market. I am aiming to post weekly. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to contact me.

Jamie Mandelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08076698054966490489noreply@blogger.com0