Friday, January 29, 2010

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

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

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

Thursday, January 14, 2010

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