Your Summer Home Garden

I have a black thumb, not a green thumb. Everything I plant in my home garden usually dies, so I can use all the tips I get! I thought I'd share the garden advice I received in the real estate office today from two fellow Realtors. Apparently, slugs and snails cannot tolerate caffeine. Spraying coffee on your home garden repels these pests. Use the coffee in moderation to avoid harming your plants though!



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
Real Living Realty - #1 in OHIO!
Realty, Mortgage, Title, Relocation

Featured Listings
Real Living Open Houses

Ohio and Tomatoes

You may have noticed the "no tomatoes here" signs at local restaurants. The reason - salmonella. Ohio already has 3 reported cases and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says it ain't over. Nationally, there are 383 reported cases as of yesterday. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says it may be tricky to trace the source of the outbreak. Mexico and Florida could be the culprits, the FDA reports. The good news is cherry tomatoes are safe!

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

What Sells A Home?

Everyone knows kitchens and baths sell homes, but is it also price? Marketing? Advertising, and what type? Social networking i.e. Active Rain? Utilizing technology such as text messaging? Branding? Open Houses? Listing in the MLS? The truth is, I don't know. But what if you chose a Realtor that DIDN'T do all those things?

What do you think sells a home?

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

Which Social Networks Do You Belong To?

With 87% of homebuyers today finding their homes online, it is important to have an internet presence as a Realtor. I often meet home buyers and sellers online through social networking sites. Just to name a few, I belong to:

Blogster
MySpace
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
del.icio.us
Digg
Jaiku
Ma.gnolia
Pownce
Stumble Upon
Upcoming
Yelp
YouTube
Multiply
Trulia
Zillow

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
Real Living Realty - #1 in OHIO!
Realty, Mortgage, Title, Relocation

How Do You Handle Your Business Finances?

We don't have steady salaries as Realtors. In fact, our salaries are SO unsteady that we went from 3,000 Realtors in the Dayton, Ohio area to 2,500 Realtors this year. So how do you manage your business expenses?

Track your expenses. Keep a detailed log of everything you spend for a month or so to see where your money goes. Quickbooks is an excellent tool to help you keep track.



Anticipate your income and work backwards. If you want to make $50,000 this year based on what you think you need to live on, then figure out how many closings you need to achieve that income. Create a business plan!
Find creative ways to save money. I only put a full tank of gas in when it is priced $3.88 or under! I also try to group all my appointments in the same area on the same day.

Spend more to last longer. Especially when it comes to buying technology, the cheapest thing may not be the best in the long run. If you spend a little more and it lasts longer, it may save you money over the long term.
Take advantage of discounts. The National Association of REALTORs®, your state, and local board provide discounts of all things real estate related! Lowes even provides real estate professionals discounts at www.lowesrealtorbenefits.com



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
Real Living Realty - #1 in OHIO!
Realty, Mortgage, Title, Relocation

Rental Market EXPLOSION!

I've noticed in the Southwest Ohio area that there are a gazillon renters! I'm shocked because interest rates are so low right now, and it is a GREAT time to buy! What is the rental market like in your area? One of the 11 properties I have listed right now in Kettering, Ohio (a suburb of Dayton) is for sale OR lease. I've received 10 times more phone calls, text messages, and emails on that one property than any other listing. I heard the rental market was really good, but I didn't know it was that good! My husband and I own rentals and it can be a tough business if you don't have good tenants. I've also done some property management in assisting clients with tenants and I currently have a 4 unit building listed. So if you or someone you know needs assistance in purchasing a rental property or managing a rental property, then please contact me today!

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

You Missed It?!?

The First Annual Art Affair was held at The Greene in Beavercreek on Saturday, June 14th and Sunday, June 15th. It featured over 50 local and nationwide exhibitors selling original and one of a kind fine art and fine crafts such as porcelain and stoneware pottery, silver, gold and beaded jewelry, watercolor art, furniture, sculptures, garden art, oil painting, photography, contemporary art, metal sculpture, chimes, raku pottery, woodturned vases and bowls, and original handbags and clothing.

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

Mark Your Calendar!

Mark your calendar for June 14th from 9 am - 5pm because it is the Yellow Springs Street Fair. Over 200 booths will be selling fine arts & crafts, clothing, jewelry, fair trade items, unique gifts, massages and much more. Enjoy the international selection of cuisine from Vietnamese shish-kabob to Mexican empanadas to Thai wraps to hot dogs. There will also be entertainment including acrobats, fire eating, belly dancers, musicians, clowns, magicians and more . Live music will be performed all day, from noon until 6 p.m., on the front lawn of the Bryan Center on Dayton Street where you can enjoy a collection of microbrews at our Beer Garden. Best of all, the event is free!

Hope to see you there!

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

The Housing Market on an Upswing?

I know, it's shocking, but true! One sign that the market is picking up is an increase in visitors per listing. I have personally seen a HUGE increase in potential buyers visiting my listings this year versus last year. Tracking new construction deals is another sign of market transistion. Builders are doing away with concessions, and this is a sign that the market is improving. The experts report that by the end of 2008 we will be in a seller's market. So sell while you can still turn around and buy another home at the historically low interest rates!

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

Best Area Restaurant

I recently posted this topic on Trulia voices (see link below). If you haven't joined Trulia voices yet, then I highly recommend it. Although it focuses on Real Estate FAQ's, there are all sorts of information on the website. I'm a happy contributor and reader!

I'm curious, what is the best restaurant in your area? In Dayton, I'd say Thai 9 - great sushi and thai dishes! For breakfast, Golden Nugget - they have great pancakes!

http://www.trulia.com/voices/Shopping_and_Local_Amenities/What_s_your_fav_restuarant_in_Dayton_Mine_is_Thai-21231--

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

What's Going On

Here's what's going on the Dayton, Ohio area this weekend -

Annual Youth Fishing Derby, Delco Park in Kettering - Saturday, June 14th at 9:30 am

Ages: 5-16 (parent or guardian signature required at registration) Bring your own bait and tackle or use what is provided by the Ohio Valley Bass Masters. There will be demonstrations and plenty of experienced anglers there to help you land the "big one." Trophies will be awarded. Lunch is also provided for participants and their parents. It's all FREE! Call 296-2486 for more information. This event is held rain or shine.



First Annual Art Affair, The Greene in Beavercreek - Saturday, June 14th 11am-8pm and Sunday, June 15th 11am-5pm

Featuring over 50 local and nationwide exhibitors selling original and one of a kind fine art and fine crafts such as porcelain and stoneware pottery, silver, gold and beaded jewelry, watercolor art, furniture, sculptures, garden art, oil painting, photography, contemporary art, metal sculpture, chimes, raku pottery, woodturned vases and bowls, and original handbags and clothing.

Enjoy!

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

You're Invited...

You're Invited to the National City Ohio WineFest

at the Second Street Public Market in Downtown Dayton, Ohio

Friday, June 6th from 5p.m. - 10 p.m. and Saturday, June 7th from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Ohio wines by the sample, glass or bottle and souvenir wine glasses available
Craft demonstrations by regional artisans
Live Local Music
Market merchants selling local produce, meat, and breads
PT Cruiser Car Show

Hope to see you there!

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
Real Living Realty - #1 in OHIO!
Realty, Mortgage, Title, Relocation

June Festival

This weekend in June everyone makes a trip to Troy for the Strawberry Festival! The festival is being held June 6th - 8th (6-10 p.m. June 6, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. June 7, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. June 8). Arrive hungry! The festival boasts all kinds of food made with (you guessed it) strawberries! You can also enjoy the kids games, crafts, cruise-in, live music, and parade with Real Living Realty's float! Free festival parking is available from the shopping area just west of Exit 74 on Route 41.

Enjoy!

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