George McGowan's (gmcgowan) Blog

     In the media we have heard about the issues with sub-prime lending, foreclosures are at an all time high, home prices are falling and the housing bubble is bursting.  Many of these statements are true.  So why invest in Real Estate?        Is it a good time to try to flip a property?  Most l...

The following is data I pulled from the Cincinnati MLS for the Warren County area.  The criteria I used was Residential Property in Warren County.  No Commerical, Multi-family or Land listings were used in this search.  I hope you find it useful. Warren County Market Watch2007 3rd Quarter to 2006...

Send your mortgage company the equivalent of one additional mortgage payment each year. Just that small investment could shave thousands of dollars in interest payments from your total mortgage cost, leaving you that money to invest or spend on your kids' education or your own vacations.How much ...

   Serious commercialization of Halloween in America began between 1905 and 1915 when postcards featuring holiday-related designs became popular. Halloween costumes first appeared in stores during the 1930s. But it was not until the 1950s that the tradition of trick-or-treating became the hallmar...

With the current Sub-prime issues buyers might be looking for alternative ways to purchase homes.  One option is a lease with option to purchase.  Lease options can offer advantages to both the buyers and sellers.  Buyers can save money for a down payment will they occupy the property that they w...

     There are many things you can do before the tax year ends on December 31st to prepare for next year's taxes, and getting organized is a good first step.          Consider organizing all your tax-related information in one place, such as in an accordion folder or in many separate folders in a...

Have you ever had this experience? You come home from a long, hard day's work after a stressful drive in heavy traffic, pull into your driveway, push the button on your garage door opener, and are greeted by a scene from a horror movie. You quickly move your car into your garage and close the gar...

When it comes to the gutters on your house, keep in mind that "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." The purpose of a gutter system is to catch rainwater from a steep sloped roof and channel it to downspouts, which then direct the water away from the foundations of a structure. Howeve...

Potential Home sellers are always asking "What can I do to get my ready for the market".  In most cases my comments are the same.Stay away from major remodels and concentrate on small items such as putting new knobs on cabinets and a fresh coat of neutral paint in the different rooms. Buyers will...

Mortgage Brokers and over aggressive loan officers have take taken the majority of the blame on the sub-prime issue in the market.  I watch 60 minutes last night (against my better judgement), during which the interview Greenspan.  Some of the questions where point at him as why he didn't do more...