Expert Real Estate Advice

Expert Real Estate Advice
by Christina Asad Edwards, REALTOR & Assoc Partner

Wednesday, August 29, 2007

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

Tuesday, August 28, 2007

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/

Monday, August 27, 2007

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/

Thursday, August 23, 2007

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

Friday, August 3, 2007

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