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Icicles, Pretty...scary

They are pretty, but nothing to be proud of. These are hanging from a roof near my house. Actually they are everywhere in this weather. They are caused when one part of the room is warmer than another and heat is leaking out through the roof. As pretty as they look they can cause damage. Water can back up and get under the shingles and cause leaks into the house. Usually this problem can be solved by adding more insulation.

I look at a lot of houses. Yes, even in this weather. I usually look at the roof when I pull up the driveway. With all the snow you cannot see the shingles. Well, you are not suppose to anyway. If you do that isn't a good sign. The roof may be fine but chances are the home doesn't have enough insulation. If the roof is covered with snow and there aren't any ice dams or maybe a little ice here and there then chances are the home is insulated. Maybe the roof is covered with snow except for one bare spot. That is an area where there isn't enough insulation and heat is leaking out.

If the roof is covered with snow you need to rely on the residential property disclosure to see if the seller has disclosed any problems, or previous leaks with the roof. I like to open closet doors and look at the ceiling because that seems to be a good place to find water stains. An old stain on a ceiling doesn't mean that the roof needs replacing. I  recommend having a professional home inspection done and most of your inspectors will try and make their report subject to a return visit when the snow is melted and they can thoroughly inspect the roof. If time permits.

One more point about icicles. Be careful, they can be dangerous. Several years ago my daughers were knocking them down with a stick. One large icicle flew straight down and hit my youngest on her head causing a large enough cut that required a couple of stitches. Ouch!!!

God Bless You and pray for all of our troops to come home safe and for our Country leaders to make the right choices to help us get through this turmoil.

Did you know I have my license in both states, Ohio & Kentucky?...So Please call me if you need help around the house or maybe to buy a new home. I will gladly say THANK YOU! Gary Rossignol, the Realtor with integrity. 513-777-2402 email Gary@GaryRossignol.com.

Also, My Video Newsletter is loaded with up to date Real Estate News and Advice. Some of its features include: Current Interest Rates, National Real Estate News, Mortgage Advice, Question & Answers. Plus much more. It is "real time" and changes each week.

 

Sounds simple...but is it?

Being a buyer, any buyer (first time, second or third) isn't as easy as it used to be. Most of us know that selling your house in todays market is a real chore. Therefor if you are a buyer it should be a piece of cake. Right?

Finding the house is not a very big problem. They are plentiful in most area's of Greater Cincinnati. Sellers are really willing to negotiate too. They will pay closing costs, negotiate well below the known market value and leave items of personal property not usually included in most sales. Recently one of my buyers asked for the huge screen high definition projection TV and the entire surround sound system and got it on the first round of negotiating. WOW!

   
This photo looks so simple and serene doesn't it? That is the way some purchase deals look today. You would think if you are coming to the table with a high credit score of lets say 760 or higher, have 10% down payment you wouldn't have a problem getting a loan. Not so...

I have a buyer purchasing a home for $170,000. They have 770 credit score, and putting 10 % down. Their financing is an 80-10-10. 80% first mortgage, 10% second and 10% down. The second mortgage investor rejected their application and denied the loan. They didn't have enough active credit line. Car paid off and no credit card dept. You would think that was a dream buyer. At least I did. As it turns out if they had a car loan and a couple of credit cards with balances they would have gotten the second mortgage without a hitch. Go figure!

It is about knowing the rules of the game and playing within the rules. Call me, I know the rules and I love to play the game.

God Bless You and pray for all of our troops to come home safe and for our Country leaders to make the right choices to help us get through this turmoil.

Did you know I have my license in both states, Ohio & Kentucky?...So Please call me if you need help around the house or maybe to buy a new home. I will gladly say THANK YOU! Gary Rossignol, the Realtor with integrity. 513-777-2402 email Gary@GaryRossignol.com.

Also, My Video Newsletter is loaded with up to date Real Estate News and Advice. Some of its features include: Current Interest Rates, National Real Estate News, Mortgage Advice, Question & Answers. Plus much more. It is "real time" and changes each week.

Liberty Township History

The Liberty Township Historical Society was founded as a group of citizens interested in restoring the Hughes School.

    
Photo taken by Gary Rossignol of the restored Hughes School, built 1887.

5994 Princeton Rd in Liberty Township, Butler County, Ohio Built in 1887, the building was used for grades 1 through 8 until 1922 when the school system consolidation began. It was used as a residence for the custodian and later as a storage building. It was in dire need of repair or demolition by 1975 when interest was raised in restoration.

I thought I would never admit it but I LOVE HISTORY. Especially about or around my home. Being a resident of West Chester, Ohio and always carrying my Nikon D70 I am ready to shoot beautiful old buildings at a moments notice.

Working as a Realtor allows me to see a lot of houses. One of my most recent first time buyers is ecstatic about looking at homes. Her first time out the other day she found the whole adventure very exciting. At first it seemed like another day at work for me. Then I realized I had to live in the moment and focus my attention to the mood of my client.

I am happy to report after 23 years, the excitement is still there for me. I do love my job and I have my clients and customers to thank for that. They continue to show me how to find the thrill in what I am doing. It's not just looking at houses, it is the whole process of identifying, eliminating, researching, negotiating and closing with the proper time and financial deadlines. My clients trust that with my help everything will fall together properly to have a happy ending.

God Bless You and pray for all of our troops to come home safe and for our Country leaders to make the right choices to help us get through this turmoil.

Did you know I have my license in both states, Ohio & Kentucky?...So Please call me if you need help around the house or maybe to buy a new home. I will gladly say THANK YOU! Gary Rossignol, the Realtor with integrity. 513-777-2402 email Gary@GaryRossignol.com.

Also, My Video Newsletter is loaded with up to date Real Estate News and Advice. Some of its features include: Current Interest Rates, National Real Estate News, Mortgage Advice, Question & Answers. Plus much more. It is "real time" and changes each week.

Congratulations Gulira and Family.

It was about one year ago I met and began working with Gulira and her family. They are from a very small country south of Russia. Gulira speaks several languages and her husband only one, their native tongue. Their daughters are both in high school and it was important that they stay in the Princeton School district.

My challenge was to find them a home in Sharonville in their price range and in move in condition.

 
 
We searched off and on for many months throughout 2009. Then the buyer tax credit appeared and their interest accelerated. Finally they found this home on Mefford Lane in Sharonville. It was left as an estate sale. Sold by the son of the past owner who wanted to turn his fathers home over to a deserving family in very good condition. They had gone in and repainted the entire interior, finished the hardwood floors throughout. Updated the kitchen with new appliances and updated the bathrooms.

Now it is the new home of my very happy buyers. They were afraid I was going to give up on them a few times. But I don't quit. I will never give up on anyone who has the honest desire to buy a home and they always did.

So if you know anyone who is still searching for a home and would like to take advantage of the first time home buyers tax credit, or if you are a move up buyer having lived in your present home for 5 of the past 8 years, you may also qualify for a tax benefit. First timers will receive 10% not to exceed $8,000.00 and the move up buyers will receive $6,500.00 if closing occurs on or before April 30, 2010.

God Bless You and pray for all of our troops to come home safe and for our Country leaders to make the right choices to help us get through this turmoil.

Did you know I have my license in both states, Ohio & Kentucky?...So Please call me if you need help around the house or maybe to buy a new home. I will gladly say THANK YOU! Gary Rossignol, the Realtor with integrity. 513-777-2402 email Gary@GaryRossignol.com.

Also, My Video Newsletter is loaded with up to date Real Estate News and Advice. Some of its features include: Current Interest Rates, National Real Estate News, Mortgage Advice, Question & Answers. Plus much more. It is "real time" and changes each week.

Bridging the gap for extended & expanded homebuyer tax credits.

 Here is some good news. Congress and the Federal Government in agreement of President Obama has extended and expanded the buyers tax credit. These are some of the details.

For first time homebuyers the date has been extended to April 30, 2010. Therefore if you qualify as a first time homebuyer, by not have had an interest in a principal residence for 3 years prior to purchase, then you will receive a tax credit of 10% of the sale price not to exceed $8,000.00.

For details on obtaining these funds I suggest you consult a tax preparer or a certified public accountant for assistance.

The expansion of this bill is benefiting any present homeowner selling their home and moving up.

To qualify you must have used the home sold or being sold as a principal residence consecutively for 5 of the previous 8 years. As long as a written binding contract to purchase a different home is in effect on April 30, 2010 and close no later than July 1, 2010 you will receive $6,500.00 tax credit.

Limitations have been increased and added. Annual Income limits for buyers was $75,000 for singles and $150,000 for married couples. That has been increased to $125,000 for singles and $225,000 for married couples. The added limitation on the cost of home purchase is $800,000.

Again, For details or further questions on obtaining these funds I suggest you consult a tax preparer or a certified public accountant for assistance.

These changes are designed to enhance and improve our national home sales. The initial first time home buyers tax credit seemed to be quite successful so lets hope these enhancements make a big difference.

For more information click here: The Internal Revenue Service issued a memorandum on this subject matter.

God Bless You and pray for all of our troops to come home safe and for our Country leaders to make the right choices to help us get through this turmoil.

Did you know I have my license in both states, Ohio & Kentucky?...So Please call me if you need help around the house or maybe to buy a new home. I will gladly say THANK YOU! Gary Rossignol, the Realtor with integrity. 513-777-2402 email Gary@GaryRossignol.com.

Also, My Video Newsletter is loaded with up to date Real Estate News and Advice. Some of its features include: Current Interest Rates, National Real Estate News, Mortgage Advice, Question & Answers. Plus much more. It is "real time" and changes each week.

 

Buyers time is running out for the tax credit.

The American dream is right around the corner for many buyers on the first go around in the home buying market.

Time is running out to take advantage of the $8,000.00 tax credit offered from the U.S. Federal Government. I wouldn't suggest waiting till the last minute for many reasons.

#1. The housing inventory is beginning to diminish. Not drastically, but significantly due to the time of the season. Fall typically is not the hotbed of the housing market even in a better economic market.

#2. I am speculating that interest rates will creep up the closer we get to the deadline. Just as gas prices mysteriously go up just before a traveling holiday weekend. I would count on that happening for sure.

#3. I suggest getting the closing over with well before the November 30 deadline. There will be a line of buyers with their new home to be just waiting for the big moment. That moment will be jeopardized by the lack of time available from the overworked title companies trying to accommodate the overabundance of first time buyer sales on those last couple of days. They may not have enough time to service everyone.

God Bless You and pray for all of our troops to come home safe and for our Country leaders to make the right choices to help us get through this turmoil.

Did you know I have my license in both states, Ohio & Kentucky?...So Please call me if you need help around the house or maybe to buy a new home. I will gladly say THANK YOU! Gary Rossignol, the Realtor with integrity. 513-777-2402 email Gary@GaryRossignol.com.

Also, My Video Newsletter is loaded with up to date Real Estate News and Advice. Some of its features include: Current Interest Rates, National Real Estate News, Mortgage Advice, Question & Answers. Plus much more. It is "real time" and changes each week.

Train lovers

I had a client that was a train enthusiast. He had a huge working model train set in his basement and his main request to purchasing a home that was near a railroad track. It seemed a strange request but if that is what he wanted we aimed to please.

This isn't the exact train track he bought on...however when I am stopped at a train tracks I usually think about this client that wanted to be live on the railroad tracks. I suppose many people have admiration's about where they want to live.

A lot of buyers are interested in living downtown Cincinnati. There are many condo and townhouse projects continuing to grow in and around the downtown area. There is a lot to be said for living downtown especially if you work downtown.

There are many incentives going on for those who choose to buy downtown. Tax abatement's which means your taxes could be less than half regular rates for up to 10 years. That could save you hundreds of dollars per year. Not needing a car will save you that expense. The car payment, fuel, parking, insurance. That in itself can be a small fortune.

So, if you are a first time buyer there is still time to take advantage of the $8,000.00 tax deduction stimulus program. As long as you close on or before November 30, 2009 and are a first time buyer (not having your name on a home title for a period of 3 years) then you will qualify.

For more information about the first time buyer program or if you would like to buy a home on or near a railroad track call me. I would be happy to assist you.

God Bless You and pray for all of our troops to come home safe and for our Country leaders to make the right choices to help us get through this turmoil.

Did you know I have my license in both states, Ohio & Kentucky?...So Please call me if you need help around the house or maybe to buy a new home. I will gladly say THANK YOU! Gary Rossignol, the Realtor with integrity. 513-777-2402 email Gary@GaryRossignol.com.

Also, My Video Newsletter is loaded with up to date Real Estate News and Advice. Some of its features include: Current Interest Rates, National Real Estate News, Mortgage Advice, Question & Answers. Plus much more. It is "real time" and changes each week.

Let's celebrate with Ice Cream

Wednesday nights after the church meeting I attend several of us like to enjoy a dip of the best ice cream in town. Graeter's is the best in my humble opinion. Many others feel the same. That is why their latest store in Deerfield Township is always crowded.

We usually sit around and talk about current affairs and compare what each of us ordered and have in our dish or cone. My favorite is Peanut butter Chip.

Being a Realtor usually brings the discussion to the condition of the market and I am always asked "How's business?"

I have to respond honestly and positively. That is all I know and all I can share. To be honest...the market is getting better. First time buyers have a tremendous advantage right now. Within the next 6 - 8 weeks, most sellers on the market should be willing to negotiate and if the first time buyer can time the closing before December 1st, 2009 they will qualify for the $8,000 tax benefit.

This is free money. I've have often said there is no free lunch. I've also often said "if it seems to good to be true...it probably is". Well, this time I have to admit this is true and it is free for the asking. IF YOU QUALIFY!

I will say that again...IF YOU QUALIFY!

To qualify you must not have had title to any real estate for the past 36 months and close on the purchase of your next home before midnight of Monday November 30, 2009. You have had most of the year to do this. Now it is down to the final 90 days. It is very possible if you get started now.

I suggest you contact your real estate professional. Someone like me. If you don't have anyone you know and trust then by all means call me. Mary Jo and I are here for you. Always.

We would love to celebrate the purchase of your new home with a big dip of Graeters Ice Cream.

God Bless You and pray for all of our troops to come home safe and for our Country leaders to make the right choices to help us get through this turmoil.

Did you know I have my license in both states, Ohio & Kentucky?...So Please call me if you need help around the house or maybe to buy a new home. I will gladly say THANK YOU! Gary Rossignol, the Realtor with integrity. 513-777-2402 email Gary@GaryRossignol.com.

Also, My Video Newsletter is loaded with up to date Real Estate News and Advice. Some of its features include: Current Interest Rates, National Real Estate News, Mortgage Advice, Question & Answers. Plus much more. It is "real time" and changes each week.

What neighborhood should I buy in?

Every year at this time the same dilemma haunts first time buyers. When they start looking they just don't know what neighborhood they want to live in. It's an important decision.

It isn't only about the area they want to live in. There are many factors to consider. Proximity to work, school systems or where their friends and family live and play. The cost of housing and housing styles are different in each neighborhood. Sometimes I have buyers who want to buy a very inexpensive home in an upscale neighborhood.

The first thing we do when I meet a buyer is determine their affordability and financial comfort level. Then we discuss their wants and needs including location and decide why they want certain neighborhoods.

We usually start at the low end of their price range and if nothing fits we have decided to bump the price up a few notches. Usually, depending the buyers starting point, a five to ten thousand dollar increase will take us to different neighborhoods that will better fit their overall comfort level.There are certain buyers who want to buy a newer house in one of the older, downtown neighborhoods. Or those who what a very small or practically no yard in the suburbs.

There are two ways of going about it when it comes to housing style. A buyer can pick a housing style and figure out which neighborhoods have that type of housing. A quick search on the MLS or driving through a neighborhood is an easy way to see which type of housing is available. The other way is to decide which neighborhood and find a home that is available in that neighborhood.

As a Realtor it is illegal for me to recommend a neighborhood. Buyers don't understand that and some don't like it. Many ask this question. "Is this neighborhood or is that a good neighborhood". Even if I could answer that question...what is a good neighborhood is up to interpretation.

On my website I have a couple of links CITY OVERVIEW and COMMUNITY INFO/LINKS that have the website for all the major cities and suburbs in and around Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. I also have Schools information available for you compare different school districts.

Friends and Family can be very helpful by recommending neighborhoods. It is a good idea to get out of the car and walk through the neighborhoods at various times of the day or week to really learn what it is like. Meet the neighbors, those who have been living there for some time. I have found these folks to be very forthcoming about the good and the not so good aspects of their neighborhood. If you are concerned about crime statistics you are always welcome to call the local police department. They will give you the lowdown of any neighborhood.

There is some much to consider about choosing your neighborhood...to much to write about in this post. Feel free to call me anytime and I will be happy to help you find your favorite neighborhood. The choice is always yours.

God Bless You and pray for all of our troops to come home safe and for our Country leaders to make the right choices to help us get through this turmoil.

Did you know I have my license in both states, Ohio & Kentucky?...So Please call me if you need help around the house or maybe to buy a new home. I will gladly say THANK YOU! Gary Rossignol, the Realtor with integrity. 513-777-2402 email Gary@GaryRossignol.com.

Also, My Video Newsletter is loaded with up to date Real Estate News and Advice. Some of its features include: Current Interest Rates, National Real Estate News, Mortgage Advice, Question & Answers. Plus much more. It is "real time" and changes each week.