Posted: July 03, 2023 by Coldwell Banker Heritage Social Home maintenance is an essential part of owning a property. Regular upkeep can help prevent expensive repairs, ensure the safety of your family, and increase the value of your home. In this blog, we’ll explore the importance of home maintenance and why regular upkeep is essential. Prevent … Continue reading The Importance of Home Maintenance: Why Regular Upkeep is Essential

Buying a home is a significant financial decision, and securing a mortgage loan is an essential part of the process. However, with so many loan options available, it can be challenging to know which one is best for you. In 2023, there are a few mortgage loan options that you might consider. Conventional LoanA conventional … Continue reading Mortgage Loan Options You Might Consider in 2023

It can be challenging to know when it is time to downsize your home. Downsizing can be an emotional decision. You’ve spent years building a family in that home, and then sending young adults to build their own lives. It’s … Continue reading →

Being able to afford a home has grown more complex as home prices have soared and interest rates increased, according to a recent report from ATTOM Data. You, like many, may be asking yourself why have the interest rates jumped and … Continue reading →

Owning a home is a great achievement for anyone. Your home should be something to be proud of. That’s why when it comes to selling, you may be interested in going for the For Sale By Owner route. While selling your home … Continue reading →

With the holidays right around the corner, you may be facing the challenge of getting your home ready for your friends and family. While getting your home ready for guests can be a daunting task, we’ve pulled together a list … Continue reading →

Countless factors can affect one’s decision to buy a home, from the neighborhood, square footage, upgrades, and of course the location. These components can all be important, but one that has played an increasing influence on buyers, is the school district of a prospective home. Parents want what is best for their children and high scoring schools are certainly included in their wishlist. A 2017 survey conducted by the National Association of Realtors highlights how deeply homebuyers feel about school quality and the education of their children. NAR found that 26% of recent homebuyers were influenced by the quality of the school district when choosing a neighborhood. This percentage jumps to 46% among buyers aged 30-39 and is followed by 36% of 22-29 year old’s (1). For access to top-tier school districts, many buyers have been willing to forgo features like laundry rooms or an additional room. Some parents consider higher home values to be an investment in their children’s future and will weigh the cost of private schools vs. the cost of larger home. With school quality becoming such a deal maker or breaker for so many home buyers, it is only natural to wonder how this upward trend is affecting home values. Below are a few ways that a local school district may affect home and property values in the surrounding area. Duke University conducted a two-year study that concluded that housing prices increase by $0.52 for every percent increase in school district PSSA scores (2). In addition to this, according to the New York Times, a 5% improvement in test scores can raise home prices by 2.5% in suburban areas (3). While test scores are the most quotable, they are not the only component that goes into designating an area as a desired school district. The National Bureau of Economic Research also found a strong correlation between school expenditures and home values. This report posited that for every dollar spent towards an area’s public schools, the home value can increase by $20 (2). This means that additional school costs can have a positive impact on all homeowners in a community, not just those with children in the school system. This may not be giving the full picture though. According to the bureau, some school districts may just be operating more efficiently, so despite their expenditures being lower, their quality of education is still high. Also keep in mind that the size of a school district or proximity of schools in neighboring district can affect the perception of a school’s value beyond their spending. When looking at data about home value vs. school districts, it’s important to realize that it can often seem like a chicken vs. the egg dilemma. But on average, the data shows if your house falls within the boundaries of a great district, you’ll likely be able to sell it for more than if you were in an average one because of the increased buyer demand.    1.     https://www.nar.realtor/sites/default/files/reports/2017/2017-home-buyer-and-seller-generational-trends-03-07-2017.pdf2.     https://www.raleighrealtyhomes.com/blog/how-schools-impact-home-values.html3.     https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2017/03/30/upshot/good-schools-affordable-homes-suburban-sweet-spots.html       Continue reading →

Do you have a spare room or an empty floor on your house? Well, perhaps you have thought about renting this space out on Airbnb or a similar service. It seems like a no brainer as you basically get paid for others to house sit for you. However, this isn’t a decision that should be made lightly. From legal issues to regional factors there are a lot of components that go into renting out a property. Before you roll out that welcome mat, keep the following things in mind. The first and probably most important issue to iron out is whether you legally can host a short-term rental at the desired property. States, cities, townships, and even HOA’s can all have their own restrictions when it comes to rentals. With the widespread success of Airbnb, more and more communities are concerned about the effect it will have in high traffic areas where affordable housing is already in high demand. In Centerville for instance, short term rentals are treated and inspected the same as other rental units, while some cities like Yellow Springs recently passed legislation to heavily regulate the use of short terms rentals, and Oakwood made the somewhat controversial decision to ban these properties. It is essential you do your research on the area and what rules apply to your residence. Airbnb does have an online tool to check for issues such as these, you can also look up your cities municipal code at municode.com. The type of home and length of stay you offer are also possible factors. It should be noted that even if a rental is allowed, it is likely going to affect your taxes. In Ohio, rentals offering accommodation for fewer than 30 days with ­­­“establishments with five or more sleeping rooms” are subject to state sales tax. However local lodging taxes can differ from city to city. Deductions may also be available. Tax time is a maze that catches many of us off guard, so it is wise to consult a professional before this undertaking. Okay, so you’ve done your due diligence and your area is zoned for a lodgings such as yours, so you’re all ready to rent it out, right? Well, have you talked to your neighbors yet? If your neighbors aren’t aware of your new arrangement, they might be a bit startled by a changing stream of strangers lodging right next to them. To keep the peace with the Smiths next door, Airbnb Superhosts (someone with 80% five-star reviews) recommend reaching out to your neighbors early on and letting them know your plans to avoid drama later. Location, location, location! While you may find that your neighborhood is zoned for short term rentals, you want to take into account other market factors. Such as, what are other homes in your area valued at? How much does a hotel near you charge daily? You don’t want to charge too high and price yourself out of the market. At the same time, you don’t want the rental fee to be too low that you’re losing more funds that you’re taking in. Also think about the type of host you want to be. Are you planning to be living in the home when the visitors come to stay? Will you be out of town periodically? Airbnb users can run the gamut of people looking for a place to stay with minimal interaction with their hosts. While some want the full traditional traveler experience complete with dinners and stories. Neither style is wrong, but you want to set the expectations ahead of time. Keep in mind that as a host, you are responsible for everything from communication lines, toiletries, general cleanliness, even to first aid kits and safety instructions. You can set the tone in your properties listing description under “House Rules”. As you can see, becoming a host is more than just downloading the Airbnb app and taking a few pictures of your home. It’s definitely not a lifestyle for everyone. However, it wouldn’t be catching on so much if it didn’t have its own appeal. Many users have found it to be a great source of income even supplementing the cost of a car or their home. Other superhosts talk of all the great people they have met from different walks of life. Once you take into account all these factors, you can determine whether the Airbnb life is right for you!Sources:https://www.daytondailynews.com/news/local-govt--politics/dayton-mayor-opposes-oakwood-ban-short-term-rentals-airbnbs/Lvi3IQMol7OxknUjlYX1fL/https://www.daytondailynews.com/news/local-govt--politics/local-cities-wrestle-with-growing-short-term-rental-industry/gi8zIM3Q8XMq9QUbZ5UxiI/https://library.municode.com/ohhttps://www.avalara.com/mylodgetax/en/resources/vacation-rental-tax-guides/ohio.html#:~:text=What is the definition of,or located in different structures. Continue reading →

Looking for some fun without a crowd? Bring the experience of being a the movies home with you with an outdoor movie theatre! Skip the lines, get the best seats, and best of all - have your favorite snacks! Here are our tips for helping you make this dream a reality.The Scene, Screen & ProjectorTo set the scene, you need to determine which screen and projector will work best for your particular situation. One thing to consider is the location of electrical outlets and the space you will have. Depending on how far your screen will be from the projector, you will want to keep this space in mind when choosing an appropriate screen size and a projector that will project the adequate distanceTo find the optimum distance for your space, you will need to measure the size of your screen diagonally and divide that size by .84. For example, a 100-inch projector screen requires an optimal viewing distance of 119 inches or 3m from the screen (Projector Screen 2021). Additionally, the size of the space will determine the appropriate throw distance. Common throw distances are Long Throw, Short Throw, and Ultra-Short throw. Larger spaces will allow for a greater throw distance. When choosing a projector, you will also want to consider the types of content you may be projecting. For instance, if you plan to stream content, you will want to choose a projector with smart features or that allows you to connect a smart tv device like Chromecast, or in the case of sports, you may want to ensure they have the ability to add the ESPN streaming app. If you plan to use for gaming, you may also want to consider the potential for input lag. Lastly, you want to consider whether standard or high-definition is more your style.Don't forget the snacks! As we hinted above, one of the reasons we love being able to have the movies at home is the freedom and affordable price tag of our own snacks. While you can obviously pick any snack to your hearts desire, some snacks are better movie snacks than others. Our suggestion for the ideal snacks for your movie night? Choose something that doesn't get your hands too messy, can snack on throughout the entire movie, and doesn't have loud packaging. Since you can, it wouldn't hurt to add a nutritious option also!SOURCES:https://www.techradar.com/news/short-throw-vs-long-throw-vs-ultra-short-throw-projector https://www.projectorscreen.com/projector-screen-calculators https://www.customht.com.au/blogs/home-theatre/calculating-the-ideal-screen-size-from-your-seating-position  Continue reading →

Managing showings, tough negotiations, buyers with crazy demands, and surprises in appraisals is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to selling your home. While working with a trusted real estate agent is key to getting the most eyes on your listing, it is the contract to closing process that makes working with a REALTOR® non-negotiable. For many sellers, this process can be confusing, which is why we created a step-by-step guide to filling to help you get started. Step 1: Choose the right agentThe most important step in our guide! Once you find an agent who you trust, they will make sure that you take the appropriate steps, at the right time to sell your home. Your agent will guide you along the way with everything from pricing to negotiating. When selecting your listing agent, you can work with someone you already know and trust, or you can interview a number of agents to make the best selection. Step 2: Evaluate your home's valueOnce you have selected your trusted agent, arrange a time with them to evaluate the value of your home. Your agent should provide you with a comparable market analysis that accounts for the recent sales of similar homes, as well as any updates you or past owners have made that may increase the overall value of your home. Remember: a seller's greatest mistake is to overprice their home. Keep the price in line with your agent's market evaluations Step 3: Prepare your home for sale and establish a marketing plan The process of preparing your home for sale could include a number of different tasks. Cleaning, making improvements, decluttering are great areas to start. While you work on getting your home showing ready, your agent should work on getting your home's personalized marketing plan ready. Work together with your agent to identify your home's selling points and choosing the best advertising to display them! Once your home is on the market, open houses and price adjustments may be necessary. Be sure to keep your home in tip-top shape for any and all showings! Step 4: Negotiate offers Have a game plan in place with your agent for how you will handle offers that come in on your home. If you're selling in a low-inventory market, you may experience multiple offers. And while you may find yourself gravitating to that with the highest number, remember there are other variables to consider: Do they have a preapproval for their loan? Is the purchase of your home dependent on the sale of their current residence? These questions, among others, are important discussion points to bring up to your agent. Once the negotiation is accepted, your agent, along with the buyer’s agent will begin connecting with the appropriate professionals who will assist in the close of your home. This list includes the buyer’s lender, a title company, inspectors, and appraisers. Soon you will receive a tentative closing date!Step 5: Prepare for inspections Beyond ensuring that your home has remained in its best shape, to prepare for inspections is to prepare for another round of negotiations. Your buyer and their agent will order inspections. Once the findings are reviewed, they may make requests for necessary repairs or replacements. This could come in the form of you completing the repairs or in the form of a monetary compensation presented to the buyer at closing Step 6: Prepare for the appraisalYour agent as well as the buyer’s agent will make the necessary arrangements to bring in a professional to determine the value of your home. If a home doesn’t appraise for the agreed-upon sales price, you are in danger of the deal falling apart. Now, more than ever, the value of working with a trusted agent shines. Step 7: Get ready to closeBe sure to consult with your agent on the necessary materials you need to provide your title company and/or bring to the closing table. Finally, you will attend your closing, sign all the necessary paperwork, and hand over the keys!  While each home sale can vary, we hope that this quick breakdown gives you an idea of the overall selling process. If you’re looking to list your home, remember to #ListWiththeLeader and work with an agent associated with the top area brokerage! https://www.coldwellbankerishome.com/agents 

Making the decision to sell your home is exciting! New adventures, new memories and new beginnings await! The good news for sellers is that demand for new inventory is incredibly high right now, resulting in less days on the market and offers that typically exceed the listing price. However, the process of selling your home can be overwhelming and stressful. Follow the tips below to help keep the selling process as stress-free as possible.Find A Rock Star AgentFinding a Real Estate Agent is arguably one of the best ways to reduce the amount of stress that comes with selling your home. A good portion of stressors you will face are things a qualified agent can guide you through. From deciding on a list price to marketing your home, reviewing and negotiating offers to being by your side at the closing table, your agent can assist every step along the way. Declutter, Deep Clean and DepersonalizeIt is important to make sure your house looks its best before going on the market so you don’t have to worry about getting it ready for spontaneous showings. If you are still living in the home while it is on the market, it is important to remove as many items from the rooms as possible so your home appears spacious and organized. If you are not living in your home, consider having it professionally staged to showcase its potential and how the space could be utilized.By deep cleaning your home prior to listing it on the market, you won’t have to panic about making sure your house is ready for last minute showings. All you will have to do is tidy up and walk out the door. In addition, depersonalizing your home will make your home more appealing to buyers. They won’t be distracted by your lifestyle or your family photos scattered through the house. Rather, they will be able to visualize themselves living there and take note of the amount of natural light that comes in during the day or how spacious the living room is.Have A Game PlanBefore your house is active on the market, discuss with your realtor when showings and open houses work best for you. It is difficult to keep your home in perfect shape 24/7, so coming up with a set plan will allow you to always be prepared and for your home to be as appealing to buyers as possible. It might also help if you tell your agent you need a two hour notice prior to a showing so you are not last-minute scrambling around to prepare your home to be seen.

When marketing a home, sellers want it to be as quick and easy as possible. However, it takes more than luck to make this happen. It requires some work to get your home sold in an efficient manner. To get your home ready for sale, below are a few things to keep in mind. Disassociate from HouseLeaving your home, especially if you’ve been there for a long time, can certainly be an emotional process. While its difficult, you want to detach yourself as best you can so buyers can picture themselves living in the home. Pack up personal photographs, knick-knacks, and any other clutter that might distract buyers. Present them with a clean, impersonal environment so they can picture their own photos on the furniture. DeclutterOver the years, people can collect an astonishing quantity of things in their home. They may be keeping hold of these items because of personal attachment, an intention to fix it in the future, or the desire to pass it on to others. However, if the items have not been used in many years and don’t have a definable memory, you probably don’t need it. Aim to discard items as responsibly and usefully as possible by donating new and gently used items to charities or other non-profits. Organize Closets and CabinetsWhen touring a home, buyers will wonder about the space within and whether it will suit their needs and belongings. They will be curious about any closed door, drawer, or storage area. It’s vital to make sure these are organized before potential homebuyers look through them. When they see everything all organized and efficient, it expresses that you take care of your possessions and likely took good care of the house, throughout the years, as well. Consider Renting a Storage UnitHomes tend to show better with less furniture. Remove any pieces that block or hamper walking paths and walkways. You can put these items in storage along with any distracting art, to make the home look bigger and cleaner. You want to leave just enough furniture to showcase the room and express its purpose and potential. Make Minor RepairsRepairs can make or break a sale. When potential homebuyers tour a property, their eyes can zero in on any items that are in need of repair or refurbishing. You want your home to be memorable in their mind, but you don’t want to make a bad impression that stays with them. To avoid this, replace any burned out light bulbs or repaint any areas that are chipping off. Think About Curb AppealYou want to make the exterior of your home just as appealing as the inside. A sale can be lost if the buyer won’t even get out of the car to look at the interior. Make the area look welcome and inviting with fresh paint on doors, a floral element like a potted plant or a wreath, and make sure to fill any cracks on the pavement. To finish off, take a moment to linger in doorways and picture how the home could look to buyers. Examine how the furniture is arranged and make sure everything is appealing. You want the home to look like a clean and beautiful but also serve as an open slate for buyers so they can imagine themselves living there with their own possessions.   

Do you have an extra room in your home and aren't sure what to do with it? Check out these fun and innovative ways to turn that spare room onto a useful space for you and your family.Guest Room:Using a spare room as a guest bedroom is one of the most common ways to utilize an extra room in your home, but it is also a very practical solution. If you frequently have overnight guests, it would be convenient to already have a room set aside so your guests don’t have to pay to stay at a hotel for one or two nights.Home Office:Whether you are in need of somewhere to work from home or a quiet place to pay bills and take care of paperwork, turning that spare room into an office will surely provide you with the perfect space to get your adulting done. Invest in a desk with lots of storage space and a cabinet or two to help you stay organized.Movie Theater:If you and your family like to sit back, relax and watch a movie together, a home theater sounds like a perfect fit for that spare room. Grab some comfy seating, maybe even a few beanbag chairs, a large TV or a projector, and a popcorn station, and you are set to go!Hobby Room:Do you have a passion for art? How about music? Do you have a large collection of something that needs somewhere to be displayed? If so, dedicating a space where you can enjoy your hobby is a great idea. It is easy to acquire a lot of items and materials that relate back to a hobby or collection. Why not dedicate a room to that hobby and keep it tidy behind closed doors? Home Gym:If you are trying to get in shape but don’t have time to go to the gym, converting your spare room into a home gym is perfect. Just grab some weights, a yoga mat, and a treadmill or a stationary bike, and voila! If you want to spruce up the room, try adding a mirror and a TV.Lounge:If you need a sweet hangout spot for when you entertain guests, then turn your spare room into a lounge! Add some cozy furniture, a cool light fixture and a pool table, and you have yourself a cozy entertainment space. And don’t forget the fully-stocked minibar! Closet:Have you outgrown the closet in your bedroom and need somewhere to store your ever-growing wardrobe? Turn that extra space into a walk-in closet! Add a few clothing racks, a large mirror, and plenty of drawers and shelves, and now you have the perfect place to get ready for work, school or a night on the town.

As we begin a new year, and we push ourselves to be better students, parents, friends, and overall more improved versions of ourselves - it’s a great time to think about how we can improve ourselves as homeowners. Like many things in our lives, as we get busy we find ourselves neglecting, or simply not maximizing our space. Since we are spending more time than ever at home, it’s a great time to improve your environment to help your well-being in the new year. Here are a few resolutions to get you started:Add Life to Your SpaceWhen we say to maximizing a space, it often gives the connotation of just adding more stuff - however truly maximizing a space is making a space useful and helpful for your life. Our homes obviously have many purposes - to play, to work, to gather, but one of its most important purposes should be to relax and improve your well-being. A great way to change your space to help you relax is to add some green to your space. Many studies have concluded that there are health and mental benefits to being around plants and nature. In fact one study found that keeping ornamental plants in the home and in the workplace has been found to increase both memory retention and concentration. The calming influence of natural environments is conducive to positive work environments by increasing a person’s ability to concentrate on the task at hand. Work performed under the natural influence of ornamental plants is normally of higher quality and completed with a much higher accuracy rate than work done in environments devoid of nature. Going outside or being under the influence of plants can increase memory retention up to twenty percent, a recent University of Michigan study showed” (Sewach). The effect of nature in the home and in the workplace serves to stimulate both the senses and the mind, improving mental cognition and performance. (Bisco Werner 1996; Brethour 2007; Frank 2003; Pohmer 2008; Serwach 2008; Shibata, 2001, 2004; Yannick 2009)Donate Unneeded ItemsA common belief amongst those who hold onto items is that they don’t want to item to go to waste, particularly if they feel they could use them in the future. However, with many of the community in need, it’s an excellent time to donate. Beyond having a cleaner, less cluttered space, donating and giving back to others also can help to improve your mental health and well-being. Studies show that any act of altruism is connected to positive physical and mental effects. According to the Cleveland Clinic, this includes lower blood pressure, increased self-esteem, less incidence of depression, lower stress levels, and even longer life and greater happiness (Talk Space 2020). If you have items to donate, check out this list of charities that have free donation pick-up.Plan a Renovation ProjectWanting to spruce up your home? While you likely are waiting for warm weather to get started, it’s a great time to start planning your renovation project now. Planning early can help minimize measurement errors, and allow you to compare pricing and maximize sale opportunities. For instance, President’s Day and the weekends leading up it, often have deals on appliances, mattresses and other home goods. If you are considering selling in the next year, also reach out to your real estate agent as they may have some good tips on what buyers are looking for in a home like yours.Doing That ChoreWe all have one - a chore that’s been waiting for us to complete. The one that we’d rather sit through a reading of the encyclopedia instead of completing. Well 2021 will be the year! Identify the chore, make a plan with incremental steps for completion and put time-blocks on your calendar OR delegate this task to a professional.Touch-base with Loan OfficerLast but not least, with historically low interest rates - take time to review if refinancing would be a good option for you. Refinancing is not always the best scenario for every homeowner, however it can provide an opportunity to lower your mortgage payment, improve terms such as removal of private mortgage insurance, or switch from adjustable to fixed rate mortgage. Whether or not a refinancing is a good option for you, will depend on your unique situation - credit worthiness, current mortgage balance, starting mortgage terms and interest rates. So it’s best to review these options with a trusted mortgage loan professional to determine if refinancing makes sense for your situation.Sources:"Health and Well-being - the Benefits of Plants", Texas A&M Agrilife Extension "Giving Back Mental Health Impact", TalkSpace 2019"What to Buy Every Month of the Year", NerdWallet 2021"Furniture Donation Pick Up: 8 Charities that Pick Up Your Stuff for Free", MyMove 2021