November 2010 Sales Report

Continuing to move through a slow fourth quarter, there were some positive signs through November...but not many.  From the December sales report published by the Cincinnati Area Board of Realtors:

"Home sales continued their 2010 advancement in November, with 1,092 homes sold (closed) last 

month, and 15,668 for the first 11 months of the year.  That represented decreases of 31% and 10%, 

respectively, from comparable periods one year ago.

Looking forward, November real estate contracts written – but not yet closed – were down only 

2.3% from a year ago.  Another favorable note:  November home sale prices increased by 0.78% from a year ago, and  5.2% year to date.

Tim Mahoney, president of the Cincinnati Area Board of Realtors, said “We would like to have 

seen more sales activity this year, but with a “less-than-stellar” jobs situation nationwide, we’re fortunate 

the local market wasn’t hit hard in housing sales, as were many parts of the nation.”  Mahoney continued, “I think the public realizes that mortgage rates have bottomed, and if  prospective home buyers are serious about buying, they’ll appreciate that today’s rates near 5% are still attractive."

Attractive yes, but on the climb.  Rates have slightly, although steadily, throughout the month of December.  Although, after sitting that low for so long, we all expected them to climb sooner rather than later.  I must admit that a dip in the rates after the new year...or perhaps well timed with some good weather in late Winter / Early Spring would be a welcome sight!

What continues to cause the largest problem is the job front...no job equals not much buying power.  Ohio has got to put jobs on the front burner. (Hint, Hint, new incoming Governor).  CABR continues on the job front with this;

“A continuation of improvement in the Ohio unemployment rate should help the housing market,” 

said Mahoney.  The November, seasonally adjusted jobless rate in Ohio was 9.8%.  It peaked at 10.8% 

one year ago.   Not seasonally adjusted unemployment rates are somewhat lower for the nation, Ohio and 

southwest Ohio"  Lower for the Nation, yes, but still a cause for concern.

I do expect rates to dip sometime after the first of the year - if housing prices hold steady through that time, and we see an increase in local jobs, we should see a positive first quarter.  If, If, IF...Yes, I know - that's more if's than we need right now.  For now, I hope you and your families have an enjoyable New Year's, and that you are greeted with happiness and contentment!  And if you or someone you know could use some real estate advice, please feel free to contact me.  I'm always available.

Christmas Dinner

Grilled Beef Tenderloin with Yorkshire Pudding!  Happy Times!

Going to the grown up service tonight!

Townhome for Sale in Deerfield Township, Ohio

Recently listed, this 2 bedroom, 3 Bath end unit Townhome has a recently updated kitchen
fixtures, a finished lower level and tons of storage. Outside there is a private patio area
and a HUGE green space with plenty of room for games!

An attached one car garage with direct access to the kitchen make getting the groceries in easy. This Condo is located in Deerfield Township, Ohio, within walking distance to shopping, great parks, restuarants and plenty of recreation.

Email me to arrange your personal tour!

Can a Professional Photographer Sell my House?

Okay, so you're ready to put your home on the market, you have cleaned, painted, repaired, landscaped, staged and have your home looking downright perfect!  As you interview the prospective REALTORS® one states that they will have a photographer come out and photograph your home.  They tell you that visually, this is what is needed to really make your listing standout online.  You think to yourself, "self - that sounds hard to argue with" so you hire that agent and their brokerage and then....wait - and then... wait - and then...well, you get the idea.  You notice that your listing is online, but there are no photos - and since this is such a popular service, you have to wait for up to 14 days before the photographer can get to your home.  Meanwhile, in listing land, numerous buyers have passed up your listing, quite possibly never to return, because you have no photos.  When was the last time you bought a pair of boots online with no idea of what they looked like?  Right, me too.

So, how do you avoid this?  Simply, make sure your agent does not put your listing in until all photos are taken and approved by you, for one.  But there is more at work here that you need to be aware of.  Are these "Photographers" really photographers?  Or are they just someone that was hired to take photos?  In my experience with professional photographers - well, they're expensive.  They kind of need to be since one of those little cameras can cost upwards of $10,000 - not to mention the lenses, the lighting, the stands, the training, and the trade organizations.  Yes, that's right, just like REALTORS® Photographers have organizations that they belong to.  They are not required to belong to them, but much like Home Inspectors, I don't know that you would want to hire one that wasn't a member.  My point, make sure you know what you are getting.

There are, for example, the Professional Photographers of America, the American Society of Media Photographers, or more locally, the Professional Photographers of Ohio.  While membership to these organizations is not mandatory, it at least tells you that this photographer is serious - these things cost money after all.  Your first question when bringing this up should probably be to see the photographer's resume and go from there.  Also, question if they have liability insurance, and ask to see it.  If they're coming into your home, lugging equipment around, you want to know they have coverage before they knock over that gargoyle fountain your mother-in-law gave you as a wedding gift. *ahem*

Most importantly, and I can't stress this enough, do NOT put your listing in the MLS or online, without having images to go along with it!  No one will look at it, in fact they will say, "clearly something is wrong with that one.  There must be a reason the seller doesn't want to show anyone what the house looks like".  Trust me - that's what they're saying.  So while a professional photographer is great, do you really need one?  With camera technology today, most agents can take pretty good photos of your home and property.  Just make sure that they do and that they get them online when the listing goes active!  Otherwise, what are you selling?

How Long Does It Take To Sell My Home In Cincinnati?

If you are a number cruncher - you are going to like today's post.  Looking at some early numbers from the Great Cincinnati Multiple Listing Service we can determine what our Absorption Rate is, (Absorption Rate is the time it will take to sell the current amount of inventory based on current sales activity).  Based on these early numbers from our MLS, we can determine how many months it will take to sell all the homes currently listed for sale by REALTORS®.  It is important to note, that inventory numbers can go up or down at any time, which is why it is important to review these numbers month to month.

Why, you ask?  Well, it's that math that you swore you would never have to use, and it helps us to determine trends in the market.  The numbers I've looked at are for the overall market in Cincinnati, so while it gives us a snapshot of homes for sale in Cincinnati, it is a view from 10,000 feet - so to speak.

For these calculations I'm looking at Residential Sales, or Single Family Homes and Condos specifically.  So far in 2010 we have sold 12,144 of these.  That's 1,518 properties sold per month on Average.  Taking into account our current number of Homes for Sale of 14,985 it will take us 9.87 months to sell through the current level of inventory.  At the end of July, 2010 we were looking at over 12 months worth of Inventory.  In the past month or so, we have seen a decline of homes for sale - folks taking their homes off the market, less inventory, lower absorption rate.  But I believe this number will climb to much higher than 12 months by the end of the year.

Now, some perspective on that 9+months:
According to the National Association of REALTORS®  a 6 month supply is considered a "balanced market", or one where there are an equal number of properties for sale as there are buyers.  This type of market would show a stabilization of home prices as well as Days On Market.  Over 6 months is considered a "Buyer's Market", essentially inventory is high compared to the number of buyers.  In this type of market; like we're in now, we typically see declining prices and longer times for homes to sell.  Under 6 months is considered, yep you guessed it, a Seller's Market.  We experienced that in the 90's up until about 2006.  You remember, homes selling so fast it would make your head spin, bidding wars, buy a house now at $150,000 to sell it two years later at $200,000.  Allowing home owners to pull equity out of their homes and now that home is worth $125,000 - which makes it difficult to sell.

This makes pricing your home even more important!  Take the time to plan ahead and have your REALTOR® calculate the Absorption Rate for your specific area.  Real Estate is Local - in fact it's Hyper-Local.  Prices and rates between local school districts and even neighborhoods can vary greatly.  If you want the facts - ask a REALTOR® - HEY ask me!

Honey, I've Lost the Kids

Being a father of two kids, ages 9 and 11 and in a two income household things get pretty crazy around here.  Between two soccer teams, football, karate, school, games, tournaments...it gets crazy!  This fall we have become those parents who have over scheduled one of our children.  Oops.  One kid in 3 different sporting activities is a bit challenging to say the least.  Now, I won't go into the details of how that happened, just rest assured that it won't happen again.  Of course, school comes first as long as he can continue to keep his grades up and meet his extra curricular commitments he'll continue; but school comes first.

So - now that you know what a bad parent I am, let's get on to the whole point of the post - How do you keep your family on schedule and of course, not losing any kids?

I remember quite well when I was left at church by my Mom.  No biggie, I mean she did have 4 other children so misplacing one was not so far fetched.

I would love to hear your thoughts, systems, plans, anything you've got and I'll happily share some of what we're using here.

Google
Lately, I've been using Google products more and more - I like to check every so often to see what's new and whether or not I can use it at home or in my work.  Google Calendar is perhaps one of their BEST products I use to keep me on time and on track.  You can create a calendar for each child, work, parent, etc. and share them.  So that while my work calendar is one that I update, I can share my kids calendars with my wife.  That way when one of us updates an event in my daughter's calendar - it's updated for all of us - instantly.

Also, it updates to my phone and to my Outlook.  The nice thing about this is that you can update the calendar in your phone with Google Calendar no matter what type phone you use!  An iPhone, an Android - Duh - or even a Windows Mobile, like mine!  So if I'm on the fly and update a family calendar from my cell phone calendar - within minutes my Google Calendar reflects the change as does my wife's Blackberry.

Low Tech
Have no desire to use technology to keep you and yours organized? - Resistance is Futile - Relax, I have an answer to that.  I use a white board in our family scheduling as well.  This works primarily for the kids, so that they can instantly look and see what they have on the docket for the week/day.  I purchased a mid sized white board and hung it in the kitchen; where we will all see it.  On Sunday nights, I draw out a grid with rows for days of the week and columns with each of our names on it.  Then, I fill in what the plans are for the week for each person.
This works pretty well for the kids - as they can simply look and see what they have to do today - and they often add things themselves which helps to teach them organizational skills. (See I'm not a totally bad parent)!

So, now that I've shared, it's your turn.  What tools do you use to keep your family on track?  The kid you keep from getting lost could be mine!

Chris WoodREALTOR®
Mobile:  (513) 382-2474

Email:  Chris@chrisjwood.com
Web:  www.chrisjwood.com
My profiles:

Mobile MLS - A new Service for you!

Ever drive by a home for sale in Cincinnati and wonder how much it costs, or how many bedrooms it has?  Now you can find out instantly by using my new service, The Star One Mobile MLS.  Simply dial 381-4000 for access to thousands of properties in the Cincinnati area.  You will be asked to provide the street number for the property and then will be provided with a short list of properties to choose from.  All you have to do is listen and you get all the information!

Try it now, just dial 381-4000 and when prompted type in 3333 and select the property on 3333 Chris Wood Drive, (This is a sample property I have entered).  Let me know what you think, and if you would like to use it, just let me know and I'll register you so you can use it without being hassled by agents - sometimes you just need the information on a property and you don't want to have to jump through hoops to get it.

Chris WoodREALTOR®
Mobile:  (513) 382-2474

Email:  Chris@chrisjwood.com
Web:  www.chrisjwood.com
My profiles:

Hey, Can my computer find my next house?

Ah, the wonders of technology - How far we have all come.  Today you can search for your home, locate it on a map, get a low aerial photo, even take a tour of the home all without leaving the comfort of your computer screen.  In some instances your tour is 3-dimensional and allows you to alter the furniture, the flooring and the color of the walls!  Pretty Freaky I know.
So, all of this can obviously help you locate a home that you may be interested in, but does it locate the home you want to live in?  Probably not.  It may get you close, but as your real estate professional I would have to tell you to go drive the neighborhood as well as walk through the house!  Until they create a Scratch and Sniff real estate website where you can get a better appreciation for that carpet, perhaps you will still need to walk through the house.

We can also look at some of these auto valuation models that are out there.  You know what I'm talking about - hitting one of those websites where it tells you the approximate value of the home.  You need to be careful here, we all need to be careful here.  First of all, they all pretty much call them "estimates", and they all recommend that this value or number is not a replacement for an appropriate appraisal.  Most of these companies will even tell you that they can be off by as much as 25% in their estimates.  I believe these things can be good guides in consumers determining potential value in a home, but should not be substituted for a real estate agent.  We just have too much access to additional information that is more timely than these "estimators".  For example, our MLS will post a closing and the sales price on a property within a day or two of it closing.  An auditor has many functions and it can take several weeks before it is posted in the public forum, they're just too busy to keep up.

My recommendations for buyers or sellers today - use the internet to find out as much as you can about what is going on in your area.  But confirm your findings with your agent so that you can be confident in the value of that home.  An accurately priced home will sell faster than one trying to go for top dollar - that will be true in any market.  (Sounds obvious, I know, but worth saying). 

Chris WoodREALTOR®

Mobile:  (513) 382-2474
Email:  Chris@chrisjwood.com
Web:  www.chrisjwood.com
My profiles:

In a letter from Vicki Cox Golder, the current National Association of Realtors® We learn some good news coming from congress.

To: All REALTORS®

From: Vicki Cox Golder, 2010 NAR President

Date: July 1, 2010
Re: NAR Update:  Tax Credit Deadline Extended; Flood Insurance Program Reinstated
Dear fellow REALTOR®,
I am happy to report that Congress has passed a bill extending the Homebuyer Tax Credit closing deadline to September 30, 2010.  This is a huge win for REALTORS®and homebuyers, and NAR worked closely with members of Congress to make it happen.

The extension applies only to transactions that had ratified contracts in place as ofApril 30, 2010, and have not yet closed.  There will be no gap between June 30 and the date the President signs the bill into law. 

Additionally, Congress has extended the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) through September 30th.  The bill is retroactive and will cover the lapse period from June 1, 2010, to the date the law is enacted.  NAR will continue to work with Congress on the NFIP Reform bill, and we will keep you posted on those efforts.

For additional information on both the tax credit deadline and the NFIP, visitRealtor.org/Government_Affairs.

Neither of these bills would have passed without your support.  Nearly 83,000 REALTORS® responded to our latest Call for Action, sending more than 250,000 letters to Congress asking them to extend the National Flood Insurance Program.  I know many of you also raised your voices in support of extending the tax credit deadline.

On behalf of NAR, I thank you, and I ask that you visit the RealtorActionCenter.comand make your voice heard on every issue.

Sincerely,

Vicki Cox Golder, CRB
2010 NAR President

Getting Ready to buy in 2010

So, the First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit draws to a close.  Hopefully, you found what you were looking for!  If not, and I know there are a few of you that didn't, you may be asking yourself, "What do I do now"?  Well, for starters, don't beat yourself up over not finding the home that's right for you.  You need to be in love with the house you are buying - so don't run out and spend $150,000 just so the government will give $8,000!  Properties will still be for sale on May 1 - many of them not on the market now, and others that have been sitting may be forced to finally lower their price to something the market is willing to pay.

If you've been looking for a while, now may be a good time to review what you are looking for.  Now that you have been in houses and have a better feel for what you do and don't like - use this knowledge to narrow your list.  You've driven through neighborhoods that perhaps you can now eliminate, home styles that just don't offer what you need, etc.  It's OK to sit down with your REALTOR again and discuss your needs and wants - they do have a tendency to change.  Now take this new list, and renewed energy and check out what's out there.

If you are just starting to look for a new home, there is plenty of inventory out there for you - at some of the lowest prices we have seen in quite some time.  Interest rates are climbing but are still quite outstanding but these will not stay down for much longer.  Everything we see points to an inflation of the rates - My best advice, is to talk to your loan officer and stay in contact with them.  Know what the rates are doing on a weekly basis and adjust your schedule accordingly.  Perhaps take a day off and schedule several properties in one search - REALTORS work Saturdays and Sundays and these are outstanding days to view lots of properties.

Make a list of you NEEDS and WANTS.  (NOTE:  These are two different things and should be on two separate lists)  Meet with your REALTOR first, and have a discussion about these lists.  Your REALTOR knows your market and can enlighten you what features you want are most common and which ones will cost you more.  Most of all, stay focused and plan the process out all the way to close and beyond.  With this you can better prepare yourself to manage any issues that arise - and there will be some.  

On my next session of Getting Ready to Buy, we'll talk about Open Houses, Do's and Don'ts! In the meantime, if you have questions about buying or selling a home in the Cincinnati area, give me a shout at chris@chrisjwood.com

Chris Wood
REALTOR
Mobile: (513) 382-2474
iFax:  (513) 322-7931
Web:  www.chrisjwood.com 

 

My profiles: 

Hey! Hold that Last Post!

If you read my last post about the possibility of Congress extending the tax credit you will understand the latest rush to get that offer in on properties out there.  Buyers are out in full force - at least, the ones who haven't found what they are looking for yet. 

As a quick amendment to my previous post, Congress has moved ahead with extending the First Time Home Buyer Tax credit for Members of the Military they deem as, "Qualified Service Members".  What does that mean you ask?  Well, Congress defines Qualified Service Members as a member of the uniformed services of the U.S military, a member of the Foreign Service of the U.S., or an employee of the intelligence community.

Here is a link to the Federal Housing Tax Credit Website with additional information.  http://www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com/service_mem.php

For the rest of us, get a move on - the clock is ticking!

Chris Wood
REALTOR
Office: 513-791-2255
http://www.chrisjwood.com/
Star One Realtors

Tax Credit Extended...?

Don't Count on it.  While it is clear that the first time home buyer tax credit in it's current form has proven to be a decent stimulus package for the housing industry, it is unlikley that it will be extended.  Primarily as it is seen to have done it's job, to extend it longer would be to invite it's misuse on a large scale.  It is time for the housing market to step out on it's own two feet again.

While that will likely result in a downturn for the immediate future, I believe strongly that by 2011 we will begin to return to some normalcy in our local market - perhaps even sooner.

Below I have attached a letter, from our National Association of Realtors President, Vicki Cox Golder regarding the issue of a Tax Credit Extension.  It's a quick read, and she makes her point clear and early on - It's not going to happen.  So if you are a First Time Home Buyer Looking for a house now...Get a move on! 

Chris Wood
(513) 382-2474
Chris@chrisjwood.com

------------------------------------------------
From: Vicki Cox Golder, 2010 NAR President

Date: March 24, 2010
Re: NAR Update: Tax Credit

Dear fellow association leader:

As you know the deadline for the Homebuyer Tax Credit is fast approaching.  Buyers must have a contract in place by April 30, 2010 with a closing date no later than June 30, 2010 to claim the credit.

We expect that REALTORS will be asking you what the NAR is doing to extend the tax credit. NAR has had extensive discussions with our congressional allies and concluded that an additional extension of the tax credit is unlikely. While lawmakers recognize that the tax credit helped stabilize the market, it appears that much of the benefit has been realized.

NAR is now focused on working with our REALTOR Party champions to improve the availability of financing, which continues to be an issue. Specifically, we are working with Congress to strengthen FHA and to help develop a new business model for the secondary mortgage market giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. You can follow our efforts on both fronts at www.Realtor.org/GovernmentAffairs.



Sincerely

Vicki Cox Golder, CRB
2010 NAR President

Deadline Looms...

As the end of April approaches, buyers start coming out of the woodwork like termites! Ahh, how we love to procrastinate! But there is hope - if you have not found the home of your dream and you would like to get that First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit, there is still time - but you had better hurry.

  To be eligible, you must have a property for sale in Cincinnati under contract by April 30, 2010 - then close it prior to June 30, 2010. This means you should be making your short list of properties and putting them in order. I have highlighted some process steps for you below:

1. Create a "Short List" of your favorite properties, Share this list with your agent. Much early prep can be done which can save you time later.
2. Tour the properties and highlight each individual property with a "Pros & Cons" list.
3. Eliminate properties that you no longer have interest in. The goal here is to get it down to 2, maybe 3 a the most.
4. Decide on your favorite and submit your offer. Make it a decent market offer - you do not have the luxury of drawing this out. and remember, there are other buyers out there looking at the same house - you don't want to risk losing your first choice in Multiple Offers.
5. Schedule your Whole House Inspection, immediately - do not wait. If you should find some hidden issues that are unaccaptable you want to move on to the next property, for both you and the sellers. (We'll talk more in another post about what is acceptable and what is not in an inspection).
6. Stay focused, and task oriented. And stay in contact with your lender and your agent. This is no time to drag your feet on getting any documents filled out.
7. Make a beeline for the closing table.

There are a significant number of moving parts to a home purchase, plan accordingly and stay focused on the prize - You, in your Own Home! You can do this...but you had better hurry!

Chris Wood

http://www.chrisjwood.com/
Mailto: chris@chrisjwood.com

Cincinnati Super Open House Weekend

The Greater Cincinnati Area Board of Realtors, has sponsored an open house weekend event March 20 and 21st.  The open house times run 11:30am to 5:30pm, with over 2,500 homes being held open over the weekend.  This is a great opportunity for buyers to get out and visit several homes for sale in the Cincinnati area.  

If you would like to locate open houses and their times, you can visit starone.com and complete a search for open houses right from the home page.  Doesn't get much easier than that!


With the first time home buyer tax credit coming to a close at the end of April, buyers are expected to be out in full force, snatching up those great deals...don't miss out on your great deal, call me today and I will email you a list of open houses and their times, specific to the areas you want to live in.  

Chris Wood
REALTOR
Office: 513-791-2255
Star One Realtors

Cincinnati Sales update for the Month of January

The numbers are out in review of January 2010 - what homes sold in Cincinnati and what didn't.  So here is the damage:
Residential sales for the month of Jan - 761, which is down -7.87% from the 826 that were closed in Jan of 2009.
Condo sales for January 2010 were 85, where is down -12.37% from 97 comparatively of January 2009.
Active Inventory:
Listed residential property saw a decline as well by more than 6% over January 2009, which is not a horrible thing as lower inventory can help to stabilize prices within the market.  As for those prices though:  up almost 12% with an average sold price of $137,025.  This is due in large part to a decline of almost 25% in lender owned properties on the market.
While it is normal this time of year for the market to be slow, I predict it will pick up in the upcoming months as the first time home buyer credit gores away on April 30, 2010.  There will be a big rush to get those offers in by the end of April.
 How the summer will go...well, that's a bit of a crap shoot, but I do believe we will see some normalization during the early summer months, followed by a decline and drought of sales late summer and early Fall.  Hopefully, I will be wrong.

Chris Wood
REALTOR
Office: 513-791-2255
Star One Realtors

Shopping in the Snow

Well, I guess the Farmer's Almanac was correct - we will be seeing significant snow fall between January and March this year!  How quickly can the tri-state adapt to these winter challenges?  More specifically, how quickly can our Real Estate Market adapt?  Buyers have been hard to come by for many sellers these days, and with all this snow many buyers are choosing to stay at home.  As a seller, what can you do to prepare your home for the wintery visitors that do brave the cold and snow?

For starters, make sure your driveways and sidewalks are kept clear of snow and ice!  Snow covered walkways don't just make it seem uninviting it's a liability risk for you.  From there, make sure that you have plenty of welcome mats or towels laid out at the entrance, especially if you are asking your visitors to remove their shoes before walking around the house.  You could consider providing those disposable shoe covers, but they can be a pain to put on especially if you are wearing snow boots.  Best way to approach it, is to plan for at least 3 people trying to get into your entry at the same time.

Once inside, you want the house to seem as inviting as possible, so warm is nice and very welcoming.  If the home is vacant but not winterized, consider leaving the heat on in the mid 60's.  That's warm enough that folks will appreciate it but low enough to save you some dollars.  On the same note, if the house is vacant - stage it!  You don't need to pack the house full of furniture to stage it, but a small piece in each room can help establish a reference point for the size.  Essentially you are just offering a perspective.

On a side note, candles should NOT be left burning in the house!  As an agent this always terrifies me when I walk into a home with numerous candles burning.  Approximately 15,000 homes burn every year due to candles.  If it's a smell you are trying to cover, the buyers will know it as soon as they walk in the front door.  It's better to purchase another scented alternative that plugs in or diffuses it's sweet smell into the room.

And buyers, remember, this is someone's home.  Respect their wishes and remove your shoes, if that's what they request...tell your agent to crank the heat once your back in the car.  Better yet, claim your dominion over the knobs and dials of your agent's car from the start! 

Chris Wood
REALTOR
Office: 513-791-2255
Star One Realtors

December 2009 Sales Report

A quick look at the December 2009 sales report shows us that sales were up 2.5% for December and higher volume of sales over 2008 by 21 units.  Hey, we'll take our good news when we can get it!

Check it out here:

http://www2.cabr.org/files/homesalesdec2009.pdf

Chris Wood
REALTOR
Office: 513-791-2255
Star One Realtors

The 2010 Census...Be Prepared

So every now and then the government wants to take a head count...it teaches us many different things about our society.  Let's call it a brief snapshot of ourselves, our culture and who we are.  No small undertaking when you think about it, going door to door to count every human being in the United States.  So what should you do when that person rings your door bell and starts asking you questions.  For starters, be smart and pay attention to the person at your door.  For your security and safety the Census Bureau has provided some simple things to look for in determining if the person you are speaking with actually works for the Census.

First of all, they will have ID.  If they are unable to produce an ID that looks like this, they may not be a census worker.  All Census workers are required to have their ID on them in a visible location at all times, and be able to produce this ID to prove that they are employed by the Department of Commerce.

Secondly, and perhaps more importantly Census workers have a form that they use to ask specific questions.  There are in fact 10 questions and they should only ask you the 10 questions on the list.  If you are asked for additional information, you are not required to answer.  What they won't ask you are questions regarding your legal status as a citizen of the United States.  Your information, like your name, your address, your Social Security Number are protected and Census Workers all take an oath to protect your personal information.  They can and will face imprisonment and hefty fines if they do not protect that information adequately.

Census workers will not ask to enter your home.  They will have an official ID, they will be carrying an official Census bureau bag and all their forms will be official.  If someone claiming to be a Census worker that does not provide official ID, or asks to enter your home, immediately call the Toll Free number of your Regional Census Bureau.

You will be contacted by the Census Bureau soon and this information is important to your community and it is also mandatory for you to provide the information.  It helps to establish amounts of federal tax money provided to your communities, also it helps to establish the amount of representation that we as a community are provided in Congress.  It is also important that you are educated in the process so that you are prepared and can provide your information in a timely manner.  A good resource to locate is the Census Bureau website at:  http://2010.census.gov

Chris Wood
REALTOR
Office: 513-791-2255
Star One Realtors

Getting Ready to buy in 2010

Check back for updates on getting ready to buy.  I will be expanding on this topic throughout the year.

What exactly does a first time home buyer need?  

Planning!  and then more Planning!  Start by having a good conversation with a trusted lender.  Perhaps talk to several, however, you need to choose one and stick with them.  New regulations within the banking industry will make it difficult for home buyers to avoid delays in closing if they decide to "shop" their rate.  Once you find a lender you trust that provides what you are looking for, stick with them or be prepared for delays - and if there is one thing sellers are not interested in, it's delays!

In fact, you can greatly increase your odds of getting that offer accepted, even in multiple offer situations, by going ahead and getting approved.  This puts you in a position as a buyer to tell the sellers - yes, I can close faster than those other buyers - and I am SERIOUS about buying.

If you, or someone you know is looking to make a move, contact me at chris@chrisjwood.com for good advice.

Chris Wood
REALTOR
Office: 513-791-2255
Star One Realtors