SHAWN BAKER, REALTOR
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Ohio Cities Population Trend Comparison 

6/13/2014

 
Read the full article at UrbanCincy.com
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May 2014 Existing Home Sales Report

5/28/2014

 
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Want to Sell Your House? Price it Right!

5/16/2014

 
The housing market is recovering nicely. Prices have increased nationally by double digits over the last twelve months. Competition from the shadow inventory of lower priced distressed properties (foreclosures and short sales) is diminishing rapidly. Now may be the perfect time to sell your home and move to the dream house or beautiful location your family has always talked about.

The one suggestion we would definitely offer: DON’T OVERPRICE IT!!

Even though prices have increased by more than 10% over the last year, the acceleration of appreciation has slowed dramatically over the last few months. As an example, in their April Home Price Index Report,CoreLogic revealed that home prices actually depreciated by .08% this month as compared to last month’s report. What concerns us is that Trulia just reported that asking prices are still continuing to increase.

Because investor purchases are declining and there are more listings coming onto the market, we believe that sellers should be very cautious when they price their house. The alternative might be that you could lose money by overpricing your home at the start as explained in a research study on the matter.

Bottom Line

Though it is a great time to sell your house, pricing it right is crucial. Get guidance from a real estate professional in your marketplace to ensure you get the best deal possible.
Via Keeping Current Matters

Real Estate: We are NOT the Only Ones Saying You Should Buy

5/6/2014

 
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We have never hid our belief in homeownership. That does not mean we think EVERYONE should run out and buy a house. However, if a person or family is ready, willing and able to purchase a home, we believe that owning is much better than renting. And we believe that now is a great time to buy.

We are not the only ones that think owning has massive benefits or that now is a sensational time to plunge into owning your own home. Here are a few others:

Benefits of Owning 

Joint Center for Housing Studies, Harvard University

“Homeowners pay debt service to pay down their own principal while households that rent pay down the principal of a landlord…Having to make a housing payment one way or the other, owning a home can overcome people’s tendency to defer savings.”

The Federal Reserve

“Renters have much lower median and mean net worth than homeowners in any survey year.”

Benefits of Buying Now 

Trulia

“Buying costs less than renting in all 100 large U.S. metros… Now, at a 30-year fixed rate of 4.5%, buying is 38% cheaper than renting nationally.”

Freddie Mac

"One thing seems certain: we are not likely to see average 30-year fixed mortgage rates return to the historic lows experienced in 2012…Yes, rates are higher than they were a year ago – and certainly higher than two years ago. But if you look at the averages over the last four decades, today's rates remain historically low."

Via Keeping Current Matters

The Hamilton County HIP Loan Program

5/1/2014

 
The Hamilton County Home Improvement Program (HIP) is an initiative of the Hamilton County Commissioners and the Hamilton County Treasurer. The "HIP" loan allows homeowners in Hamilton County communities to borrow money to repair or remodel their homes or rental property at interest rates 3% below the lowest rate a bank would normally offer. Loans may be used for:

  • Bathrooms  
  • Decks  
  • Kitchen Remodeling  
  • Plumbing    
  • Ceilings & Walls
  • Garages
  • Landscaping
  • Room Additions
  • Central Air & Furnaces
  • Gutters & Roofs
  • Paint & Carpeting
  • Siding, Windows & Doors
    ... and much more!

Meet my dog , Abe!

4/27/2014

 

A Snapshot of Homebuyers

4/25/2014

 
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Via Keeping Current Matters

This Spring Better Than Last, Sales and Price

4/22/2014

 
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Spring Selling Market in Full Swing
March Closings starting to Gain Momentum


1,625 homes were sold (closed) last month - - an 8.0% decrease from a year ago.

The March average home selling price climbed to $172,227 vs. $156,973 a year earlier, an 9.7% increase. The average price has increased year-over-year for 25 consecutive months.

Local home mortgage rates in March averaged 4.45% for a 30-year fixed rate loan. Even though the rates are up slightly from 3.67% a year ago, they are still at a level that makes purchasing a home very affordable and does not appear to be negatively influencing home sales.

The inventory of homes for sale as of March 31 continued its year-over-year declining trend to 8,789 from 9,575 a year ago, down - 8.2%. However, March inventory increased +2.8% compared to February 2014. This was a result of a 1.1% increase in new listings in March compared to February 2014.

Nationwide, March home sales were down -0.2% from February on a seasonally adjusted basis and were down -7.5 % from March 2013.
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Source: Cincinnati Area Board of Realtors

Buy the Numbers: Greater Cincy MLS January 2014

3/26/2014

 
Like graphs and charts? This is for you. 

A few things to consider in the 2014 Spring market:
  • The market is strong, and continues to improve by the month. See information below.
  • 15% of renters are considering home ownership. 
  • While our area is at a five year high in showing requests, we are at a five year low in inventory. 
Shawn Baker
Realtor
Comey & Shepherd
1440 Main Street
Cincinnati 45202
513-241-3400
sbaker@comey.com

March 2014 Newsletter

2/25/2014

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Shawn Baker
Realtor
Comey & Shepherd
1440 Main Street
Cincinnati 45202
513-241-3400
sbaker@comey.com
Local Events

March 1-9
Home & Garden Show
Duke Energy Convention Center
(513) 419-7300

March 3
Eagles
US Bank Arena
(513) 421-4111 | USbankarena.com

March 5-23
Wicked
Aronoff Center
(513) 621-ARTS | cincinnatiarts.org

March 8-April 5
Pride and Prejudice
Playhouse in the Park
(513) 421-3888 | cincyplay.com

March 31
Reds Opening Day
Great American Ballpark
(513) 381-REDS
THREE EXTERIOR HOME IMPROVEMENTS THAT CAN ADD VALUE TO YOUR HOME

(BPT) - While homeowners generally spend more time entertaining guests indoors, the exterior of your home makes the first impression. When it is time for home improvements, the exterior of the home may be forgotten or ignored. Painting, updating furniture and replacing flooring inside are all important, but the exterior of your house deserves some tender love and care as well.

Updating your home’s exterior does not have to be stressful. Planning ahead and focusing on three main areas of your home can drastically improve your home’s aesthetic appeal while increasing its value. When you are ready for exterior home improvements, focus on your roof, outdoor living area(s) and railing systems.

RE-EVALUATE YOUR ROOF
Aside from adding beauty and curbside appeal to your home, your roof protects your family and your possessions from the elements. Maintaining your roof can help save you the stress and money that comes from maintenance problems later on.

Before you begin your roof renovation, consider the different options you have to make your new roof both appealing and durable. “There are a wide variety of shingle types for homeowners to choose from,” says Stephen McNally, vice president of sales and marketing for TAMKO Building Products, Inc., a leading manufacturer of residential and commercial roofing products. “There are also multiple color options for homeowners that help create truly distinctive beauty. Homeowners should take time and research the different options they have.” You should also look into the different types of protection for your roof. Underlayments, cements, sealants and different types of ventilation are all things that should be applied during your roof improvements to maximize your roof protection and value.

OPTIMIZING OUTDOOR LIVING
Updating or adding decks is a popular exterior project that helps homeowners optimize their outdoor living. If you already have a deck, make sure that it is well maintained. Aesthetic appeal is everything and cleaning your deck can drastically improve the overall look of your outdoor living area.

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Shawn Baker, Realtor
Comey & Shepherd City Office
sbaker@comey.com
Office  (513) 241-3400
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Shawn Baker - Agent with Comey & Shepherd Realtors
Reviews on Zillow
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"Shawn is a true professional. I was impressed with his knowledge of my neighborhood and networks of buyers, who would be interested in buying here. ... more "
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by cje18
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"Shawn helped us find our first home. He was knowledge about all city neighborhoods we looked in. He was quick to respond to text messages 7 days a ... more "
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by user2578077
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"Shawn Baker is an excellent realtor with extensive knowledge of the Cincinnati market, particularly downtown. He has helped me through several ... more "
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Copyright 2017, Shawn Baker and Comey & Shepherd Realtors®, Inc. All rights reserved. 
All information contained herein is believed accurate but is NOT guaranteed. Last updated 1/28/2019
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