Cincinnati Hits No. 3 On The Top 10 US Travel Destinations

This morning while looking through my Facebook newsfeed, I noticed a friends posted an article about the Cincinnati Business Courier talking about Cincinnati hitting no. 3 on a list of "Top 10 US Travel Destinations for 2012," put together by LonelyPlanet.com. I decided to go to the source to read exactly what LonelyPlanet.com had to say about Cincinnati:

Seen Cincy lately? The pretty city on the Ohio River – off the main cross-country interstates – gets bypassed by many road trippers, but it’s quietly transformed itself in the last decade into a worthy weekend getaway. Life centers around the river – much which can be seen by foot: river walkways are best on the Kentucky side, reached via a couple bridges including John Roebling’s Suspension Bridge (a prequel to his famous Brooklyn Bridge). Narrow, twisting (and steep) brick roads of the Mt Adams district lead past 19th-century Victorian townhouses and the free Cincinnati Art Museum, while the once-dangerous, emerging Over-the-Rhine, just north of downtown, is home to the Findlay Market and a sprawling collection of historic Italianate architecture. Best, though, is the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, open since 2004, on the banks of the river where many slaves escaped to freedom in the 19th century.

The US Virgin Islands was no. 1, and the New York Hudson River Valley was no. 2. We beat major cities like Chicago, and paradises like Hawaii.
This just goes to show that in the past decade Cincinnati has really put some attention in some of the right places. Cincinnati is on the road to becoming a sought out destination for newcomers.

This article prompted me to do a little web searching to find out why people move to Cincinnati, and why we love it here, and I came across this video put together by HYPE Cincinnati (Harnessing Young Professional Energy):

 This is why we love our city!

Using Holiday Spirit To Sell A Home At The End Of The Year

(Cincinnati, Ohio, December 22, 2011) — The end of the year is not just about holiday shopping, family gatherings and other festive events.  Many people use the time off to move before the New Year.  The professionals at Coldwell Banker West Shell offer the following tips to help sellers maximize their home’s charm and allure during the holidays:
Increase Curb Appeal: First impressions are critical. If the home is in a snowy area, make sure to clear the walkways and driveway.  Remove any late fall leaves, and ensure the path to the stairs is free of ice. Put up a few exterior holiday lights and decorations to display seasonal tidings and pride in ownership. Do not overdo the lighting. Keep it tasteful and consistent with the rest of the neighborhood. A holiday welcome mat outside the front door is also an inviting touch.  
Keep the House Warm and Welcoming: November, December and January can be cold, so make sure the home is warm and cozy.  If the house has a fireplace, light a fire to bring the room to life and enhance the ambience.  Bake holiday cookies and treats to give the home an enticing aroma.
Decorate the Interior:  It is important not to overwhelm home shoppers with dramatic displays of holiday cheer, so be conservative with holiday decorations.  Decorate to accentuate the house, not to cover it.  Tasteful decorations will help connect buyers to the home, remind them of pleasant memories and help them imagine their own holiday celebrations there.
Remove the Lock Box: On a more practical note, sellers who are entertaining over the holidays should talk to their real estate sales associate about removing the lock box except during designated appointment times. The multiple listing service information may need to be changed to let sales associates know that there is a temporary showing procedure that requires buyers’ sales associates to call in advance for an appointment.  It is best if the house is not shown when entertaining family and friends. 

Coldwell Banker West Shell Shares Eight Inexpensive Renovations That Can Increase A Home's Value And Appeal To Buyers

(Cincinnati, Ohio, December 21, 2011) – Home value is top of mind for many homeowners, particularly as the housing market begins to show early signs of recovery from the recent downturn.  Renovations and remodeling can play a critical role in both increasing the value of a home and ensuring that it stands out to potential buyers. 

At a time when most consumers are looking to do more with less, few homeowners may be ready to commit the thousands of dollars it can take to fully redo even a single room.  Before breaking out the tool belt, Coldwell Banker West Shell advises homeowners to check out the free online tools that can help them chart their home remodeling efforts, such as “HomeTracker” available at www.coldwellbanker.com.  Homeowners can also speak with a local Coldwell Banker real estate professional (like me!) to learn more about specific home improvements that most appeal to buyers in their area of the country.

 The professionals at Coldwell Banker West Shell suggest the following eight affordable home improvements for potentially increasing the overall value of a home, without breaking the budget:

• Reface Kitchen Cabinets. Kitchen updates are among the smartest remodeling projects when it comes to “upping” the resale value of a home. But homeowners do not need to spring for an entire new cabinet set to improve the room’s appeal. Refacing existing cabinets, applying a fresh coat of paint or replacing tarnished pulls and knobs with new hardware might be just the quick fix a kitchen needs to make it look and feel like new. 

• Improve the Lighting. Updating lights and lighting fixtures is another simple enhancement that does not require a major investment. Replacing old bulbs with stronger, more energy-efficient compact fluorescent bulbs will brighten up the house and make it more inviting – while cutting down on energy costs over the long term. In addition, replacing recessed lights in a dining or living room with an affordable chandelier or installing accent lighting to draw attention to artwork or other room features can create an entirely fresh ambiance.

·         Freshen up a Fan. An updated ceiling fan can give a room a more contemporary feel, but purchasing a new one isn’t always a necessity when looking to upgrade. Improving an existing fan is simpler than homeowners might think and does not have to come at a high price.  First, try unscrewing the fan blades and turning them over. Typically, blades have alternate colors or patterns on the reverse side. If not, simply add a coat of paint and reattach. One can even install new pull chains to complete the look as well as match the fan accents to new lighting fixtures or cabinet hardware.

·         Hang More Mirrors. It sounds simple, but the addition of a mirror on any wall adds depth and light to a room, making even the smallest space seem larger. Mirrors also add elegance and charm to a home’s décor, and often at a reasonable price.

• Break Out the Paint Brushes. Applying a couple coats of paint can make a remarkable difference and is always a low-cost, high-return project. Coldwell Banker West Shell recommends a warm, neutral wall color that can make a room seem more spacious, create a more modern feel and appeal to a wider variety of buyers.

·         Install Laminate Flooring. Even if the cost of hardwood or tile floors is out of the question, for under $5 per square foot, homeowners can easily install laminate flooring in their kitchens, hallways and bathrooms – provided that floors are level with those in adjacent rooms. Laminate flooring can hide chipped tiles or old linoleum and give the room a more modern feel.

·         Refinish Your Appliances. Purchasing brand new matching appliances can cost thousands of dollars. However, for a few hundred dollars, an appliance refinisher can re-enamel the surfaces of appliances covering up any out-dated colors that may be ruining the look of your kitchen.

• Spruce up Your Home’s Exterior. When planning to put money into a house, homeowners should not overlook simple exterior renovations that can add substantial worth and attract more buyers. A freshly-mowed lawn, a clean, even walkway and a few well-placed bushes can make a huge difference. If you don't have a green thumb, consider hiring a landscaper on a one-time basis to plant some shrubs or give the front yard a good cleanup.

From Cold To Sold: Coldwell Banker West Shell Offers Tips On Home Selling During The Winter

(Cincinnati, Ohio, December 20, 2011)  – Just because the weather outside is frightful, the home selling experience doesn’t have to be.  Traditionally, the spring season is known as the time when home buyers are out in full-swing looking to purchase, but winter months can also bring in motivated buyers who are attracted to your snow covered home.

Here are five suggestions from the professionals at Coldwell Banker West Shell on how to take your home from cold, to cozy, to sold:

1.     Keep the Outside Manicured. Don’t let the cold weather dampen your home’s curb appeal.  Always keep a clear path from the street or driveway to the front door, even sprinkle a layer of sand over the sidewalk and front steps to ensure home buyers can easily get to the home.  To brighten up the outside of a home plant some flowers that are in season in the winter such as Chrysanthemums, Evergreens or Pansies.  If it’s raining or snowing, put a rubber mat by the front door and provide a coat rack and bin to easily store jackets and umbrellas while potential buyers enjoy viewing the home.

2.     Focus on Letting in the Light.  Since the sun isn’t flowing into your home during the winter as it may during the rest of the year, open up the shutters, raise the blinds and push back the drapes on all the windows in your home to let in as much natural light as possible.  Make a point to turn on all the lights, and for rooms that don’t have any windows, consider adding spotlights on the floor behind furniture.

3.     Create a Cozy Mood. Winter is the time of year when you want to cuddle up with loved ones at home, so make your house feel like a winter retreat.  Toss throw blankets across the arms of your sofa or chair, place vases of winter flowers around the house and place a breakfast tray on the bed with coffee cups, saucers, napkins, etc.  This will give your home an irresistible cozy feel.

4.     Emphasize Sight, Sound, Scent and Taste. For a warm look, give your home a good scrub to make it sparkle for potential buyers and add photographs that showcase the home during the summer with flowers blooming and lush green lawns.  Turn on some inviting music, like jazz or classical, that is soothing and will make the potential home buyers feel relaxed during their viewing. Make your home smell warm and inviting with scents of baked goods, such as cookies or apple pie.  A light scented candle is a good choice. Avoid strong scents from sprays or plug in air fresheners because many people are allergic. Serve comforting winter foods and beverages to give viewers a taste of home. Try a delicious soup or scrumptious gingerbread cookies and hot apple cider or cups of cocoa.

5.     Check all Home Heating Systems.  Depending on the length of time that the furnace or heating system has been installed in the home, consider providing a history of service and having an inspector check to ensure it is working properly.  Make sure basement pipes are insulated or wrapped, especially those on outside walls.  Finally, to ensure the fireplace does not cool off other parts of the house make sure there is a vent on the outside wall and that there are glass doors in front of it.  All of these extra inspections will provide reassurance to prospective buyers that the home can stand up to the harsh cold of winter.

When Less Is More: Downsizing With Style

(Cincinnati, OH, December 19, 2011) – While moving into a home of any size can be a large undertaking, for buyers looking to downsize, the transition is often more challenging. But whether they are empty nesters requiring less space, young professionals moving to a new city for job opportunities or families looking to save, more and more buyers in today’s real estate market are opting to downsize.

Though moving to a smaller space may involve making a few sacrifices, having less room does not mean having to scale back on style. In fact, a homeowner with minimal square footage to work with can maximize their home’s overall charm just by using a bit of creativity.

Below are eight effective tips from Coldwell Banker West Shell for how to downsize with style:

• Keep, sell, donate, and trash. Although it is difficult to part with possessions, doing so is often a must for anyone planning to move into a smaller home. Begin by dividing belongings into keep, sell, donate, and trash categories. Post items for sale online, or hold a garage sale; offer unwanted furniture and clothes to a friend or family member or donate it to local charities. Knowing that others will appreciate these things might make parting with the items a bit easier.

• Scale it back. Unless a homeowner is trying to make a dramatic statement with an extra-large couch or coffee table, a small space will likely look and feel better with moderately-sized or even slightly smaller furnishings. In fact, a room with furniture that appropriately fits the space will actually seem larger. It is all about scale.

• Look for multipurpose living room furniture. A piece of furniture with more than one purpose is a downsizer’s dream. Coffee tables and ottomans that double as storage cubbies allow guests a place to rest their drinks and feet while the host’s belongings remain hidden underneath. And who needs a guest room when the couch has a pull-out bed?

• Don’t just dream of storage, dream on it. Platform and storage beds are ideal for storing items that are used infrequently such as seasonal clothing, spare bedding and linens. Plus, they free up valuable space in bedroom closets, especially those that are shared!

• “Build” a wall with a simple screen.  The smaller the home, the more purposes each room serves. But this does not mean a homeowner must eat where they sleep. Buyers opting to downsize should consider putting up a screen to divide a room with more than one use into sections. The room will still feel open but the screen will provide some much needed privacy and separation.

• Consider hanging curtains. Just because the new home has fewer windows does not mean its owner has to settle for boring window treatments. Hanging curtains on the side of the window pane can make it appear larger, and curtains that run from floor to ceiling can create the illusion of height.

·         Maximize wall space. Homeowners who have run out of floor space and need additional room should look to the walls. Shelves that are hung on walls or above doorways will provide more space and serve as stylish room accents.  Furthermore, while it sounds simple, the addition of a mirror on any wall will add depth and light to a room, making even the smallest space seem larger. Mirrors also add elegance and charm to a home’s décor, often at a reasonable price.

• Utilize new technology. New technology, such as flat screen televisions and laptop computers, allows for more space in the living or office areas while adding a modern touch to the home.

Single in the City: Tips for Single Home Buyers

(Cincinnati, OH, December 18, 2011) – Today’s housing environment has more single home buyers entering the real estate market than ever before. With inventory levels high, interest rates near record lows and affordability up in many areas across the country, many people who may have never considered buying a home in the past are recognizing that a mortgage payment on a house can actually be the same or less than what they would spend on renting an apartment or home.

For most people, buying a home is the most significant financial investment they will ever make, and perhaps even more so for singles who are making the transition on their own. With that in mind, Coldwell Banker West Shell has come up with five tips to help single home buyers navigate the home buying process:

Keep an eye on the future. A family of one is much more likely to upsize rather than downsize. Some day someone who is single may add a significant other to their family and possibly even children. Though additional space may not be needed immediately, it’s important to consider potential future plans for a home.  Keep in mind that there is no such thing as the "perfect" house. Instead, determine what is essential – number of bedrooms, approximate square footage, neighborhood, etc.  And when you do move up, your first home can provide you with equity to purchase your next home or it can be kept as an investment.

Get pre-approved for a mortgage. A pre-approval will let single home buyers know where they stand financially while informing the mortgage company that they are ready to buy. Additionally, this step will demonstrate to everyone involved in the purchase that the home buyer is serious and well qualified.

Location, location, location. The golden rule of real estate applies to single home buyers as well. A recent survey from Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC found that out of 1,000 single homeowners more than half opted for homes in suburbia rather than bachelor or bachelorette pads in urban or rural areas. Factors such as proximity to work, family and nightlife often play a role in the decision of where to purchase a home. Speaking with a Coldwell Banker West Shell agent (like me) can help narrow the search to find the location that best suits a home buyer’s needs and lifestyle.

Plan ahead for maintenance fees. Owning a home is a rewarding experience. However, being the only person with a set of house keys also means being the only person responsible for maintenance. A leaky faucet and unkempt lawn won’t take care of themselves, so be sure to include future repairs and maintenance in the budget. Also keep in mind that certain properties such as condominiums and townhomes require less exterior maintenance and might be a good option for those single home buyers who find the idea of maintaining a yard a bit daunting.

Consider resale value and longevity. Purchasing a home is a great long-term investment. However, there are many reasons single home buyers may need to move, such as relocating for a job or a lifestyle change. Therefore, it is important to think about the length of time that the home will be owned and also consider the resale value of prospective properties during the search. A local real estate agent can share the average home price of properties in the area, how long each property has been on the market and what features increase a home’s value and appeal.