real estate advice from the southwest ohio expert realtor: Your Summer Home Garden - 06/19/08 06:33 PM
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, REALTOR2006 & 2007 Sales Masters Top AgentChristina.AsadEdwards@RealLiving.com www.teamedwards.infomobile or text 937-205-4741 office 937-573-0082  fax 937-433-3561 Real Living Realty - #1 in OHIO!Realty, Mortgage, Title, Relocation

Featured Listings … (3 comments)

real estate advice from the southwest ohio expert realtor: Which Social Networking Sites Do You Belong To? - 06/17/08 09:13 AM
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, REALTOR2006 & 2007 Sales Masters Top AgentChristina.AsadEdwards@RealLiving.com www.teamedwards.infomobile 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 … (6 comments)

real estate advice from the southwest ohio expert realtor: Social Networking - 06/15/08 06:03 AM
It is reported that 87% of home buyers today find their homes online AND 80% of home buyers are Gen X and Gen Y. What are you doing to capture these buyers and help your sellers get their homes SOLD? I personally have a MySpace, Facebook, and FriendFeed account, as well as over 20 other social networking accounts online. I've met clients through these tools. I also utilize the latest technology, such as text messaging.
How are you using social networking in your business, or did a Realtor sell your home using these tools?

Christina Asad Edwards, REALTOR … (8 comments)

real estate advice from the southwest ohio expert realtor: Economy Booster - Wright-Patterson Air Force Base - 06/09/08 01:15 PM
We will be experiencing a definite economy booster in the Southwest Ohio area. As a result of the nation's military base realignment and closure decisions made 3 years ago, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base will gain about 1,100 jobs by 2011. There will be new positions, but more importantly, an aging, highly experienced workforce will need to be replaced. Available jobs will include behavioral scientists, electrical engineers, business management and general contractors. Wright Patt has begun moving employees to the area and hiring more employees. If you know anyone base related thinking of buying or selling a home, please contact me today! My … (20 comments)

real estate advice from the southwest ohio expert realtor: Home Selling FAQ's - 06/05/08 05:30 AM
Q. What typically goes into a listing agreement?
A. The listing agreement is typically between you and the real estate company you employ. Think of it as your legal instructions to the people who will market your home and represent you in the sale. Such an agreement must include beginning and ending dates for the term of the listing; the conditions to which you, the listing agent and the real estate company agree; and a price (usually a percentage of the eventual sale price) you'll pay for services rendered in the sale of your home.
Q. How important is … (0 comments)

real estate advice from the southwest ohio expert realtor: Interlocking Concrete Pavers - 05/28/08 02:01 AM
The concept of interlocking concrete pavers dates back to the Roman Empire. Interlocking concrete pavers are sections of compacted concrete that are used to pave paths, patios, driveways, sidewalks, and steps. They are about the size of a standard brick, but come in many shapes, sizes, colors, and textures and simulate bricks, tiles, cobblestones and granite blocks. Most concrete pavers measure 2-3/8 to 2-1/2 inches thick. The thickness of the paver affects its ability to carry and spread loads to neighboring units when set. The thicker the paver, the greater the load carrying capacity. By following these thickness guidelines, pavers should … (0 comments)

real estate advice from the southwest ohio expert realtor: Go Green - Use a Ceiling Fan! - 05/15/08 06:14 AM
Ceiling fans are a great investment, and can even reduce your energy bill. For the best use, make sure the ceiling fan is correctly mounted. It is also important to install the right size ceiling fan for the room. Ceiling fan blades range from size 29" - 56". In large rooms, measuring approximately 15x15, a 52" - 56" ceiling fan should be used. In small rooms, measuring approximately 10x10, a 38" - 48" ceiling fan should be used. Another green tip - if there is a light fixture on your ceiling fan make sure to use an energy efficient light bulb!
(1 comments)

real estate advice from the southwest ohio expert realtor: Is a home warranty worth negotiating on my offer? - 12/27/07 09:24 AM
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 … (9 comments)

real estate advice from the southwest ohio expert realtor: HOW TO SAVE ENERGY THIS WINTER - 12/18/07 06:13 AM
Almost $2000 is spent in the average American home each year on energy! Here are some tips to lower your energy bill today:
-Use weatherstripping on doors
-Caulk windows
-Change the furnace air filter
-Lower the thermostat when you are asleep or away
-Use ENERGY STAR light bulbs
-Turn off your computer and electric devices when not in use
For more home tips check out www.teamedwards.info
Christina Asad Edwards, REALTOR2006 & 2007 Sales Masters Top AgentChristina.AsadEdwards@RealLiving.com mobile or text 937-205-4741 office 937-573-0082  fax 937-433-3561 Real Living Realty - #1 in OHIO!Realty, Mortgage, Title, Relocation
(2 comments)

real estate advice from the southwest ohio expert realtor: Buy or Rent? - 11/13/07 03:45 AM
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 … (4 comments)

real estate advice from the southwest ohio expert realtor: 7 Steps to Take Before House Hunting - 11/08/07 03:58 PM
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. … (0 comments)

real estate advice from the southwest ohio expert realtor: Is My Home Inspector Qualified? - 11/08/07 11:28 AM
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.
Christina Asad Edwards, REALTOR2006 & 2007 Sales Masters Top AgentChristina.AsadEdwards@RealLiving.com www.teamedwards.infomobile or text 937-205-4741
office 937-573-0082 
fax 937-433-3561 Real Living Realty - #1 … (3 comments)

real estate advice from the southwest ohio expert realtor: Landscaping With Mulch - 11/08/07 06:08 AM
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!
(1 comments)

real estate advice from the southwest ohio expert realtor: Difference Between an Appraisal, Market Analysis, and Highest Price Analysis - 11/07/07 04:43 AM
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 … (0 comments)

real estate advice from the southwest ohio expert realtor: Buying a NEW Home? - 10/25/07 01:55 AM
When buying a new home there are 3 types to consider: a custom home, a developer-built home, or a model home. What's the difference? 
Custom homeYou have endless choices with a custom home. The products and materials you select are up to you!Developer-built homeDevelopers usually have restrictions on the products and materials you use. They've made agreements with suppliers for quantity concessions, so the selection is narrower than with a custom home.Model homeFor model homes, the likeliness of making changes to the kitchen will depend on how far along the construction is. Typically, you will get what you see. 
Christina Asad Edwards, REALTOR2006 & 2007 Sales … (1 comments)

real estate advice from the southwest ohio expert realtor: Should I have a home inspection? - 10/11/07 06:54 AM
I highly recommend having a whole house inspection before closing. Definitely hire a home inspector that is reputable. Ask your Realtor for inspector references if you do not know any inspectors. Experienced Realtors know who to hire to do a detailed inspection. Inspection reports are approximately 20 pages. Normally, an inspector finds a few items that need repaired on existing homes. Your Realtor can help explain which items are defects. Defects are the sellers responsibility to fix, or pay for repairs. Routine maintenance items are the purchaser's responsibility. If the inspector finds major problems with the home that cannot be corrected … (2 comments)

real estate advice from the southwest ohio expert realtor: To build or not to build? - 10/11/07 06:25 AM
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 … (0 comments)

real estate advice from the southwest ohio expert realtor: Home Lighting Remodeling Tips - 10/11/07 02:48 AM
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 … (1 comments)

real estate advice from the southwest ohio expert realtor: How do I choose a Realtor? - 10/11/07 02:46 AM
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. … (1 comments)

real estate advice from the southwest ohio expert realtor: Thinking about building a new home? - 10/11/07 02:43 AM
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 … (1 comments)

 
Christina Cavins, www.BuySellOH.com Search Ohio Homes For Sale (Irongate Inc. REALTORS)

Christina Cavins

www.BuySellOH.com Search Ohio Homes For Sale

Centerville, OH

More about me…

Irongate Inc. REALTORS

Address: Centerville, OH, 45459

Office: (937) 540-2289

Mobile: (937) 205-4741



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