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