Is a home warranty worth negotiating on my offer?

In this Realtor's opinion - yes! I am an Oakwood, Ohio resident where most of the homes are around 60 years old. With older homes the mechanicals and appliances in the homes can fail. I negotiated that the seller pay for a home warranty (average price $450) for our home which covers mechanical breakdowns due to normal wear and tear of the major systems and appliances. After living in our home for only a month the air conditioner stopped working and it was a humid July! After contacting the home warranty company and paying a $50 service fee, the technician who was sent to the home determined the air conditioner was beyond repair. The home warranty company replaced the air conditioner! The average price of an air conditioner is $3000 - $6000 installed! If you don't at least purchase home warranty insurance for yourself, then you could be gambling thousands of dollars!


Christina Asad Edwards, REALTOR
2006 & 2007 Sales Masters Top Agent
Christina.AsadEdwards@RealLiving.com
http://www.teamedwards.info/
mobile or text 937-573-0082
Real Living Realty - #1 in OHIO!
Realty, Mortgage, Title, Relocation

First Comes Blogging...

The song has changed from "first comes love, then comes marriage..." to "first comes blogging, then comes podcasting..." so what exactly is podcasting and what comes next? The term podcast has two parts - pod and cast. Pod translates to portable-on-demand and cast is short for broadcast. A podcast is an audio or video file on the internet that can be viewed online or transferred to a portable device for listening/viewing. I'm fortunate to work in an agency that is very tech savvy and is taking advantage of the latest forms of communication, such as blogging and podcasting. What comes next? Widgets according to Real Living Realty. Check out our website to see widgets soon!

Christina Asad Edwards, REALTOR
2006 & 2007 Sales Masters Top Agent
Christina.AsadEdwards@RealLiving.com
www.teamedwards.info
mobile or text 937-205-4741
office 937-573-0082
fax 937-433-3561
Real Living Realty - #1 in OHIO!
Realty, Mortgage, Title, Relocation

Landscaping with Mulch

MULCH IS BENEFICIAL

Mulch is beneficial - who knew? There are many reasons to use mulch, including: moisture, health, weed reduction, temperature, and plant protection.

Moisture is conserved when using mulch.
Health by adding nutrients from bio-friendly mulch.
Weeds are reduced.
Temperature is lowered, providing plant root growth and strength.
Plant protection from lawn mowers and other hazards is the last but not least benefit of mulch!

Is My Home Inspector Qualified?

A good way to determine if your home inspector is qualified is to check if they are a member of the American Society of Home Inspectors or the National Association of Home Inspectors. You can check the home inspector's membership by visiting the websites at http://www.ashi.org/ and http://www.nahi.org/. To ensure a home inspector is experienced, ask how many inspections they perform a year. A minimum of 200 inspections each year is a good number. A good resource to refer a qualified home inspector is an experienced Realtor.

7 STEPS TO TAKE BEFORE HOUSE HUNTING

1. Be familiar with the market. Take note of recent home sales and listing prices.
2. Have the money for a down payment, closing costs, and earnest money. Tax returns and holiday gift money are great sources for a down payment, closing costs, and earnest money.
3. Know how much you can manage to pay for. A good measure is your monthly house payment should be no more than 25% of your gross monthly income.
4. Maintain good credit and make sure your credit report is accurate. A mortgage counselor can help review your credit report with you.
5. DON'T make any major purchases near the time of the home purchase, above all a vehicle.
6. Hire a trusted Realtor and ask for past client testimonials.
7. Get preapproved for a mortgage loan. (And I strongly recommend getting at least two opinions to ensure you're getting the lowest monthly payment and out of pocket expenses).

Help the California Wildfire Victims

The National Association of Realtors donated $500,000 to the REALTORS® Relief Foundation for the victims of the California Wildfires, and they are urging you to do the same.
REALTORS® have a reputation for assisting to rebuild homes and communities when disaster strikes. The REALTORS® Relief Foundation was created to supply to victims of disasters and their families with housing support. The REALTORS® Relief Foundation provided provisions, volunteers, and millions of dollars for victims of several recent emergencies, including the September 11th terrorist attacks in 2001, hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005, and the South Asia Tsunami in 2004.

Please donate to the REALTORS® Relief Foundation today by visiting the website at https://www.realtor.org/RelFundTrack.nsf/Contribution?OpenForm

Buy or Rent?

There are several benefits to purchasing a home, including:

• Purchaser's are often surprised that a monthly mortgage payment is actually LESS than the monthly rent payment. You may find a loan that is the same, or slightly more than, your monthly rent.
• Owning a home can save you hundreds (even thousands) of dollars in taxes each year.
• Unlike renting, buying your own home means steady monthly living expenses. To lock in your mortgage payment, secure a fixed-rate loan.
• The last, but not least, benefit is having the freedom to make decisions about how you live. As a homeowner, YOU decide whether or not to have a pet; YOU decide whether the walls are red or yellow; and YOU decide whether or not to remodel.
  

To find a trusted, experienced mortgage professional to determine if you are ready for home ownership - ask a Realtor.

Difference Between Appraisal, Market Analysis, and Highest Price Analysis

An appraisal is a certified appraiser's opinion of the worth of a home at a specified time. The appraisal is based on the building size, the condition of the home and neighborhood, comparable local sales, historical information, and sales trends that predict future value.

A comparative market analysis is an estimate of market value, or the price the house will bring at a specified time. Several factors are used to determine market value including sales of comparable properties, location, building size, and lot size. The market analysis is completed by a real estate agent or broker.

A highest price analysis is a combination of two analyses - a comparative market analysis and a trendgraphics report. A highest price analysis is the best tool to have when pricing your home to be placed on the market.

I provide all my clients with a highest price analysis when placing their homes on the market, so if you would like the most definitive tool to price your home to sell please contact me today!

Christina Asad Edwards, REALTOR
2006 Sales Masters Top Agent
Christina.AsadEdwards@RealLiving.com
http://www.teamedwards.info/
mobile or text 937-205-4741
office 937-573-0082
fax 937-433-3561
Real Living Realty - #1 in OHIO!
Realty, Mortgage, Title, Relocation

There are benefits to both existing homes and new construction. I personally had a new home built and purchased two existing homes. I found that I prefer the character in older homes from the 1940's era, but my 1941 built home has higher energy bills than a newer home. Realtors can help weigh your options and assist in your decision of what is best for you. The benefits of both existing homes and new construction are numerous.

Benefits of an Existing Home -
Existing homes are typically in established neighborhoods and therefore offer more stability with school districts and laws. The resale value on an existing home is usually more than the resale value on a new home. Existing homes are often more cost effective. New construction homes may have unexpected costs such as backyard sod and there is generally not much room for negotiating allowances.

Benefits of New Construction -
One of the benefits of a new construction home is new facilities such as spa bathtubs and light fixtures. Standard safety devices such as ground fault interrupters and circuit breakers are also a benefit. Additionally, new homes are more energy-efficient due to the new materials used such as vinyl windows.

Christina Asad Edwards, Realtor and New Construction Specialist

Buyer's or Seller's Market?

According to the law of supply and demand, we are experiencing a buyer's market. Currently, there are less buyers than property inventory. The good news - things are definitely picking up and showing signs of change to a seller's market.

HOWEVER, location is a HUGE factor!

Each neighborhood and community is unique and has their own style of homes. Buyers choose a home for many different reasons. That's what makes real estate challenging, and today's market so different.

In Centerville, Ohio, just a few blocks can make huge a difference. Several areas, such as Yankee Trace, have seen an increase in inventory but the homes are selling quickly. Successful Realtors have the tools to help home owners sell at a fair price, and buyers purchase at an affordable price. Interested in buying or selling in the near future, or have friends/family who are? Contact me today, and I'd be glad to help! I can provide more services than any other real estate agency and I can prove it!

Have a great weekend!
Christina Asad Edwards, REALTOR
2006 Sales Masters Top Agent
Christina.Asad@RealLiving.com
www.teamedwards.info
Mobile or Text 937-205-4741
Office 937-573-0082
Fax 937-433-3561
Real Living Realty - #1 in OHIO!
Realty, Mortgage, Title, Relocation

Thinking about building a new home?

Today, 70 percent of home buyers want a new home.

WHY YOU NEED A REALTOR WHEN BUILDING A HOME

Even though a real estate degree might be helpful, you should still strongly consider hiring a Realtor because the cost to You is ZERO – the ultimate price of the home is not impacted by the Realtor’s income because the Builder regards it as a marketing fee and absorbs the cost.
Savings to You An experienced Realtor knows what you are entitled to both in quality and value, and what "extras" might be obtainable.
Resale...Appreciation & Profit A Realtor also knows questions pertaining to site location, builder, design, and decor are key for the best opportunity for appreciation at resale.
You Are Represented Your Realtor's experience, knowledge, skill, and character correspond to strength and leverage on your behalf.

Thinking about building a new home? I personally have experience in building a home, and I am a New Construction and Relocation Specialist. I have information on the area builders, a quality comparison of the builders, their floor plans, and a cost comparison. Feel free to contact me via email or by phone at anytime if you need assistance or have a question about building because I know it can be a confusing process. I'm never too busy to help!

Thinking About Investing in Real Estate?

Social Security and pension don't typically offer enough money to keep you in the style to which you've become familiarized. Like many Realtors, I offer my clients (especially those who are retiring) real estate investment advice. I teach people how to find the right property, how to make offers that are beneficial, and MOST IMPORTANTLY (along with my mortgage network partners) how to buy property with no money down. I personally own and rent out properties, I have experience with single family homes and duplexes, which gives me a positive cash flow each year. Want to learn how you too can make more money investing in real estate? Contact me today - I’d be more than happy to help!

-Christina Asad Edwards, Realtor
Christina.Asad@RealLiving.com or Mobile/Text 937-205-4741

Centerville, Ohio Fence Guidelines

"A zoning permit is required for the installation of any fence
in the City of Centerville. When located in a front yard, a
fence may have a maximum height of four (4) feet and must
be at least fifty percent (50%) open. Such fences include
wrought iron, picket, or split rail. A chain link or privacy
fence is prohibited in the front yard. Fences in the side or
rear yard may have a height of up to seven (7) feet and may be
a chain link or privacy fence. Any fence that is installed in the
front yard must have the finished side facing toward adjoining
properties. As a reminder, always be aware of where your
property lines are located before a fence is installed. The
City cannot determine the location of any property line. If
you have any question where your property lines are located,
we encourage you to have your property surveyed."
-City of Centerville publication

For more information contact Christina Asad Edwards, Realtor at Christina.Asad@RealLiving.com or Mobile/Text 937-205-4741

How do I choose a Realtor?

Definitely pick a Realtor who you have great rapport with! Choose a Realtor who is a go-getter, friendly, and optimistic because then you know that they will be good at negotiating the price of your home. Also, pick a Realtor who is honest. Honesty is the BEST policy. When you are working with a Realtor you are most likely purchasing your biggest investment and you need to work with someone you can trust. A good Realtor will give you their honest opinion even when they know it isn't exactly what you want to hear.

Home Lighting Remodeling Tips

Should I use recess lighting fixtures, mini-pendants, quartz halogen, low voltage disc-lights, or what in remodeling my home lighting?

Recess lighting fixtures or “can lights” are now the most prevalent lighting fixtures. They can be used in the ceiling, over the sink, or aimed towards artwork.

Wall sconces visually enlarge a room by providing up light and ambient light. They are a good match to recess lighting.

Mini-pendants look best when mounted 18" to 24" above a surface area.

Quartz halogen, low voltage disc-lights provide high intensity white light for under cabinet areas where demanding tasks are performed or where it is difficult to provide supplemental room lighting.

Chandeliers should be mounted 78 inches above the floor.

For more information, contact Christina Asad Edwards, Realtor, New Construction, and Relocation Specialist at 937-205-4741 Christina.Asad@RealLiving.com http://www.teamedwards.info/

Real Living in the News...

Real Living Moves into Arizona, Now in 20 States

Rapidly growing firm continues nationwide expansion,
adds locations in Phoenix, Vail, Houston markets

COLUMBUS, Ohio (Aug. 16, 2007) – Real Living Inc., one of the nation’s fastest-growing
residential real estate firms, announced the opening of three new offices located in Chandler, Ariz., Avon, Colo. and The Woodlands, Texas. By entering Arizona, Real Living increased its presence to 20 states.

“Consumers and brokers alike are anxious for a new real estate experience,” said Kaira Sturdivant Rouda, president of Real Living. “Our new partners in Arizona, Colorado and Texas will satisfy that need by providing value through innovation and a brand that truly connects with today’s
consumers.”

The company’s Arizona office, Real Living Success Realty, is based in Chandler and serves the
Phoenix metropolitan area. It is operated by Broker/Owners Bill Doyle, Shawn Casey and Curtis
Casey. “I was very impressed with the extensive technology tools Real Living has to offer,” said Curtis Casey. “The customer support and commitment to recruiting was unlike anything I had ever seen in the industry.”

New locations were also announced in Vail, Colo. (Real Living Mountain Realty, operated by
Beatriz M. Martinez and Ignacio M. de Iraola) and The Woodlands, Texas (Real Living Signature Properties, operated by John Branch).

“We were drawn to Real Living’s dynamic brand and fresh, energetic culture,” said Martinez and de Iraola. “We realize what today’s homebuyers are looking for, and Real Living has it all -- a brand that truly connects with today’s consumers and cutting-edge technology.”


“We joined Real Living because of its commitment to providing exceptional service to its brokers, agents and clients, while at the same time implementing industry-leading technology,” Branch said.

Real Living’s franchise network has grown 300 percent since 2005. In recognition of its success, Real Living was named one of the best new franchises by Entrepreneur Magazine and was recognized by Inman News as real estate’s “Most Innovative Franchise”. Real Living continues to innovate, utilizing the best in new marketing technologies and strategies to
keep its growing group of franchisees ahead of the curve and valuable to consumers. Real Living’s agent-centric, customer-focused approach to residential real estate plus its award-winning fully integrated marketing-technology platform has helped the company to become one of the nation’s fastest-growing franchisors.


About Real Living Inc.
Real Living, based in Columbus, Ohio, is one of the nation’s fastest-growing real estate franchisors with more than 4,000 agents and 160 offices, coast to coast. Offering consumers a full suite of home and lifestyle services, Real Living also provides nationwide corporations industry leading relocation management services. Real Living was named one of the best new franchises by Entrepreneur Magazine and winner of the Inman Innovator Award. Real Living’s award-winning Web sites receive nearly 17 million page views per month.
http://www.realliving.com/

Timing Your Home Sale

Timing is everything, so they say. And so it is with selling your home. So when's the best time to sell? That depends. The law of supply and demand prevails in the real estate market.
But more than anything, having a well-maintained house at the right price, and marketing it well, says the most about when it will sell.

At Real Living, we believe the best time to sell your home is any time that's right for you!
For more details, go to http://www.realliving.com/christina.asad/TimeofYearEffects.asp

How to Choose a Qualified Home Inspector

Definitely pick one who is affiliated with any of the major professional organizations dealing with the home inspection field. Two of the most respected ones include the National Association of Home Inspectors (NAHI) and the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) -- the industry’s oldest and most respected professional association, according to many real estate professionals. In order to be a member of this organization, the home inspector must pass strict technical exams, meet specific standards of practice, and abide by a code of ethics.

Interview several home inspectors before you’ve actually located the home you want. That way, you won’t be scrambling to find an inspector as the time to sign the contract gets ever so close. Contact an experienced, professional Realtor for their recommendations on the best inspector. Contact Christina today for free advice! Christina (Asad) Edwards 937-205-4741 Christina.Asad@RealLiving.com

Thoroughness: Try to find an inspector who has a reputation as being detail-oriented, possesses a scrutinizing nature, and doesn’t overlook the little problems a home may be hiding. An inspector should be able to quantify the findings in numerical value.

Experience: Always insist on hiring an inspector with a certain level of experience. Although education and training are vital ingredients of a home inspector’s overall resume, it is crucial in this field to come equipped with a certain amount of on-the-job experience. A good rule of thumb is to look for an inspector with at least fifteen years of combined training/education and actual work experience. He or she will ideally have been cross-trained in disciplines involving all systems of a typical residential home. Also choose someone who does this kind of work full-time, not as a sideline endeavor. If the inspector is able to do the inspection at the drop of a hat, he obviously does not do much business, and has a wide open schedule.

Insurance: A competent home inspector will be covered by a general liability insurance, and errors and omissions insurance policy.

Know beforehand exactly what the inspection will include. For example, get specifics on any specialized testing which will be performed. An inspector should be able to quantify the findings in numerical value such as exact number of years left on a roof, and not give a generalized opinion of the property such as “role the dice with that roof!”

Price: Let this be the least imperative factor when evaluating an inspector’s criteria. You have too much at stake not to choose the inspector you deem to have the best qualifications. Even if hiring a competent, thoroughly qualified inspector costs you a bit more than paying someone with less impressive credentials, your astuteness will likely pay big dividends in the long run. http://actionagents.com/choosetherighthomeinspector.htm 8/3/07

Home Buyers and Sellers!

HOME BUYERS!

5 Common First-Time Homebuyer Mistakes

They don't ask enough questions of their lender and miss out on the best deal.
They don't act quickly enough to make a decision and someone else buys the house.
They don't find the right agent (AKA CHRISTINA) whose willing to help them through the homebuying process.
They don't do enough to make their offer look good to a seller.
They don't think about resale before they buy. The average first-time buyer only stays in a home for four years.
http://www.athomecoloradosprings.com/firttimehomebuyermistakes.htm

HOME SELLERS!

Quick Tips

Mow the yard and weed the flower beds.
Tone down the color. You love the red, but a neutral tone, such as beige, is more appealing. You are selling the room, not the color.
Declutter, especially before an open house or a walk-through.
If they don't want to clean, hire a maid service for a day. Have them mop and dust and scrub -- especially in the kitchen and bathrooms!
http://realtytimes.com/rtapages/20070406_practicaladvice.htm

House Hunting? Selling? Here's Some GREAT info!

City of Dayton refuses to budge on residency
Contentious issue soon to rage in appeals court

Members of Dayton Firefighters Union Local 136 say they offered for years to give up raises or make other concessions during contract negotiations that would have saved the city money in exchange for the right to live in surrounding communities. More info at:

http://www.daytondailynews.com/n/content/oh/story/news/local/2007/07/13/ddn071307cantoninside.html

How can I increase the value of my home? What are the local mortgage rates?

Fast & Easy Fix Renovations - How To Get Way More Money When You Sell
Increase the value of your home with these simple tips

What are the local mortgage rates?
Find out here