March 2015 - Star One Realtors

Greater Cincinnati Home Sales rise 4%

Greater Cincinnati Home Sales rise 4%
Average Price continues to Climb
February home sales in Greater Cincinnati rose + 4.18% compared to a year ago. Homes sold (closed) last month were 1,372 compared to 1,317 in February 2014.
“2015 is off to a great start,” said Joe Mock, President of the Cincinnati Area Board of REALTORS®. “February sales continued to climb from where January home sales left off. The fact that we continue to witness low interest rates and a growing local economy makes this a perfect time to buy,” said Mock. “Cincinnati was recently ranked, Forbes Magazine, as being one of America’s 5 most affordable cities. Call a Realtor and find out why!”

The February average home selling price climbed to $159,370 vs. $155,348 a year earlier, a + 2.6% increase. The average price has increased year-over-year for 36 consecutive months. At the same time, the inventory of homes for sale, as of February 28, continued its year-over-year declining trend to 7,684 from 8,547 a year ago, down – 10.1%.

Local home mortgage rates in February averaged 3.90% for a 30-year fixed rate loan. The rates were higher at 4.33% a year ago. At these fixed rates, the monthly principal and interest payment on a $100,000 home loan with no money down would be approximately $472.

“This is a great time to purchase a home,” said Mock. Many sellers were reluctant to put their home on the market this past winter, and many buyers were reluctant to get out and look due to the snow and cold weather. However, all indicators we have are pointing to a very strong spring. And remember, the inventory of homes for sale continues to be at an all-time record low, meaning that if you have ever considered selling your house, this may be the best time to put it on the market,” Mock continued.

“Call a Realtor to get a free, professional estimate of your home’s value in today’s market.”
Nationwide, February home sales were up +1.2% from January on a seasonally adjusted basis and were up + 4.7% from February 2014.

What generation are you? Star One can assist any generation buyer or seller with their online tools …

The National Association of Realtors recent survey found the millennials represented the largest group of buyers this past year and they were most likely to use a real estate agent.  More and more buyers are beginning their search for their home online using mobile devices and tablets.  Star One Realtors’ website offers user friendly mobile searches at http://staronemobile.com.

Our mobile site offers a GPS tool that allows the consumer to search for homes located near their location, find nearby schools, churches, hospitals.  The user obtains listing details for all brokers listings for sale in the Great Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky MLS area.  They can view photos, search for close-by properties; conduct a quick or detailed search for additional properties; request a property brochure, find or contact an agent or office and text the information back to their mobile or send an email to their email address!

http://starone.com offers a display that is easy to use on a tablet device or desktop screen.  Searching by suburb, zip code, address, new listings or our unique map feature is easy to use!

An interesting article of the characteristics of buyers is published here: http://goo.gl/s6Jp0g

Save Costs with Smart Home Upgrades

Smart Home Upgrades for about $300
Baby, it’s cold outside! As temperatures dip, many homeowners are looking at ways to save on energy costs.
Luckily, it doesn’t take a fortune to invest in smart technology for your home. In fact, many technology upgrades can be made for under $300. And while the upfront cost may be low, the potential savings are considerable, making for some great ROI.
In a recent survey of home enthusiasts, HGTV learned that most people who have smart home technology are focused on saving money through automated climate control, energy management, remote home monitoring and lighting control systems.
Climate control systems average $250, smartphone-operated locks range from $150 to $300 and a surveillance lighting system provides security monitoring information wirelessly for about $350.
While still a growing trend, these relatively inexpensive smart home enhancements have the potential to increase savings, safety and re-sale value.
For that reason, 51 percent of surveyed life style enthusiasts would consider installing smart home technology in preparation for selling their home to make it more appealing to buyers.
By Melissa Drake

one goal. one passion.