Urbana & Champaign County Ohio Real Estate Blog

5 Things to do Before Putting Your Home on the Market

2010-03-23T13:22:00.000-07:00

1. Have a pre-sale home inspection. Be proactive by arranging for a pre-sale home inspection. An inspector will be able to give you a good indication of the trouble areas that will stand out to potential buyers, and you’ll be able to make repairs before showings & open houses begin.

2. Organize and clean. Pare down clutter and pack up your least-used items, such as large blenders and other kitchen tools, out-of-season clothes, toys, and exercise equipment. Store items off-site or in boxes neatly arranged in the garage or basement. Clean the windows, carpets, walls, lighting fixtures, and baseboards to make the house shine.

3. Get replacement estimates. Do you have big-ticket items that are worn our or will need to be replaced soon, such your roof or carpeting? Get estimates on how much it would cost to replace them, even if you don’t plan to do it yourself. The figures will help buyers determine if they can afford the home, and will be handy when negotiations begin.

4. Find your warranties. Gather up the warranties, guarantees, and user manuals for the furnace, washer and dryer, dishwasher, and any other items that will remain with the house.

5. Spruce up the curb appeal. Pretend you’re a buyer and stand outside of your home. As you approach the front door, what is your impression of the property? Do the lawn and bushes look neatly manicured? Is the address clearly visible? Are pretty flowers or plants framing the entrance? Is the walkway free from cracks and impediments?

"Copyright National Association of REALTORS®, Reprinted with permission."

E Mack's Real Estate Blog

By: Emily MacKendrick, REALTOR, Eva Carey Realty

Urbana, Springfield & Champaign County Real Estate

For information about area homes in Champaign & Clark counties,please contact Emily MacKendrick at 937-215-0977 or Emily@EvaCareyRealty.com

Get the latest local market trends...click the link below to sign up for MLS Market Snapshot: http://www.homeinsight.com/Widget/default.asp?1S6I1F5NAXKZ

Sellers, Is Spring Your Season?

2010-03-18T12:32:00.000-07:00

We've all heard the Spring is the best time to put your house on the market. Home sales have seasonal trends with sales generally weakening from September and continuing to February, before a solid upturn in the spring buying season. For example, home sales closings in January and February (reflecting contract signings over the holiday season) typically are about half of the peak selling season in late spring to early summer. (In the past three years in Champaign County there have been an average of 14 more homes sold in the Spring and early Summer months than during the other seasons.)

With spring selling season arriving, take the time now to polish your home to perfection.

Spring Cleaning Checklist

1. Let the sun in. Make any room look brighter with clean blinds and windows. Mix a solution of one part white vinegar to eight parts water, plus a drop or two of liquid dishwashing liquid, for a green window cleaner. Spray on and wipe with newspaper to avoid streaks. (Washing on a cloudy day also reduces streaking.)

Showing tip: Replace heavy drapes with lightweight shears during warmer months to give a room a brighter, lighter feel for prospective buyers.

2. Sniff out smells. Check the drip tray underneath your refrigerator and wash out any standing water from defrosting. Remove inside odors by washing the inside of the fridge with a baking soda and water solution. Boil lemon juice in your microwave and add it to your dishwasher to eliminate bad smells. Also, put the lemon rinds down the disposal. Add activated charcoal in the fridge to keep odors at bay.

Showing tip: Make the fridge smell fresh instantly with cotton balls soaked in vanilla extract or orange juice.

3. Make your bed better. Vacuum mattresses and box springs, and then rotate and flip over. Do the same for removable furniture cushions. This is also a great time to wash or dry-clean the dust ruffle and mattress pad.

Showing tip: Add new loft to a lumpy comforter by having two people vigorously shake the quilt up and down to redistribute stuffing.

4. Clean those coils. Improve energy efficiency by vacuuming grates, coils, and condensers in your furnace, stove, and refrigerator (either underneath or in back). If a vacuum won’t reach, try a rag tied to a yardstick.

Showing tip: Shut some air conditioning vents on the first floor or basement so that more air will reach and cool the second floor. Reverse the process in winter for heat vents.

5. Wash the walls. Grease, smoke, and dust can adhere to walls and make even the best decorating look dingy. Wash walls using a general-purpose cleaner with hot water. Start at the top of the wall to avoid drips and in a corner so that you wash one wall at a time. Rinse the mop head frequently in clean water. And don’t press too hard because flat latex paint won’t absorb too much water.

Showing tip: Resist the temptation to spot-clean walls since it will make the rest of the wall look dingy.

"Copyright National Association of REALTORS®, Reprinted with permission."

E Mack's Real Estate Blog

By: Emily MacKendrick, REALTOR, Eva Carey Realty

Urbana, Springfield & Champaign County Real Estate

For information about area homes in Champaign & Clark counties,please contact Emily MacKendrick at 937-215-0977 or Emily@EvaCareyRealty.com

Get the latest local market trends...click the link below to sign up for MLS Market Snapshot: http://www.homeinsight.com/Widget/default.asp?1S6I1F5NAXKZ

Short Sales

2009-11-30T11:00:00.000-08:00

E Mack's Real Estate Blog
By: Emily MacKendrick, REALTOR, Eva Carey Realty
Urbana, Springfield & Champaign County Real Estate

The economic downturn has triggered a surge in short sales as homeowners who cannot afford to keep their home seek to protect their credit by avoiding a foreclosure. Data from the National Association of REALTORS® reveals one-third of all existing homes sold recently were either short sales or foreclosures.

Unfortunately, many who have navigated a short sale can attest that the process is anything but short. In a short sale, the lender – or lenders – agree to accept less than the mortgage amount owed. REALTORS® all over the country have reported short sale transactions that took anywhere from six months to nearly a year to close. Many buyers become frustrated and withdraw their offers because they don’t want to wait.

REALTORS® build communities and know the impact a foreclosure can have on a family and surrounding neighborhood. In cases where families are absolutely unable keep their homes, Realtors® are urging lenders and servicers to approve reasonable short sale offers that allow these people to avoid foreclosure.Earlier this year, the Obama administration introduced the Foreclosure Alternatives Program as part of its Making Home Affordable program. When implemented, the FAP will establish financial incentives to encourage servicers, sellers and second lien holders to streamline the short sales process. The program will also provide standardized documents, including short sale agreements and offer acceptance letters.

For buyers, although short sales aren’t the easiest transactions to undertake, they can offer tremendous opportunities. Many first-time buyers are attracted to short sales as a way to build their future through homeownership. Just a few short years ago they were priced out of the market and are now able to own a home of their own.

For information about area homes in Champaign & Clark counties,please contact Emily MacKendrick at 937-215-0977 or Emily@EvaCareyRealty.com

Get the latest local market trends...click the link below to sign up for MLS Market Snapshot: http://www.homeinsight.com/Widget/default.asp?1S6I1F5NAXKZ

Open House Sunday, November 22, 2009

2009-11-19T08:28:00.000-08:00

E Mack's Real Estate Blog
By: Emily MacKendrick, REALTOR, Eva Carey Realty
Urbana, Springfield & Champaign County Real Estate

OPEN HOUSES for Sunday, November 22, 2009

1345 S. DUGAN RD., URBANA - Open 2-4pm with Emily MacKendrick

directions: St. Rt. 29 east of Urbana, turn South onto Dugan Rd., house approx 3/4 mile on left.

For information about area homes in Champaign & Clark counties, please contact Emily MacKendrick at 937-215-0977 or Emily@EvaCareyRealty.com

OPEN HOUSES Sunday, November 8th

2009-11-08T07:45:00.001-08:00

E Mack's Real Estate Blog

By: Emily MacKendrick, REALTOR, Eva Carey Realty

Urbana, Springfield & Champaign County Real Estate

OPEN HOUSES for Sunday, November 8, 2009

1345 S. DUGAN RD., URBANA - Open 2-4pm with Eva Carey

directions: St. Rt. 29 east of Urbana, turn South onto Dugan Rd., house approx 3/4 mile on left.

132 W. POPLAR ST., ST. PARIS - Open 2-4pm with Emily MacKendrick

directions: US Hwy 36 into St. Paris, turn South onto Springfield St., then West on Poplar St.

For information about area homes in Champaign & Clark counties,please contact Emily MacKendrick at 937-215-0977 or Emily@EvaCareyRealty.com

Congress Extends & Expands $8000 Home Buyer Tax Credit

2009-11-05T13:49:00.000-08:00

E Mack's Real Estate Blog
By: Emily MacKendrick, REALTOR, Eva Carey Realty
Urbana, Springfield & Champaign County Real Estate

Great News! Congress has extended and expanded the $8000 first-time home buyer tax credit. Now onto President Obama for his signature. Click the following link to learn more...

http://money.cnn.com/2009/11/05/news/economy/Extending_unemployment_benefits/index.htm?cnn=yes

For information about area homes in Champaign & Clark counties,please contact Emily MacKendrick at 937-215-0977 or Emily@EvaCareyRealty.com

Real Estate: A LONG-TERM INVESTMENT

2009-11-02T10:22:00.000-08:00

E Mack's Real Estate Blog

By: Emily MacKendrick, REALTOR, Eva Carey Realty

Urbana, Springfield & Champaign County Real Estate

Is our local real estate market facing some challenges? Sure! But overall there are many opportunities in our local real estate market today. Real estate continues to be a solid long-term investment. In fact, owning a home is still one of the best long-term investments you can make. In a recent Baylor University study, eight out of 10 economists agreed that home prices will rise again in the next five years. Taking advantage of today’s buyer opportunities is a smart move because these incentives won’t be around forever, but the American dream of homeownership will endure. Families need a place to call home, and the pride and community engagement that comes with homeownership continues to stand the test of time. Today’s home buyers will reap the benefits of establishing future long-term wealth, both socially and financially.

Eva Carey Realty is working in several ways to help you understand conditions in our local market and take advantage of the opportunities to invest in real estate:

*We provide consumers with the latest information on home sales and prices and what factors are likely to drive the market in the months and years ahead;
*We can help educate prospective homebuyers about the various loan products available to them; and
*We are supporting our National Association of REALTORS who are working with lawmakers to provide more affordable financing options that will enable homebuyers and homeowners to keep their homes for the long term.

Homeownership is part of the American dream for a reason. It’s an investment in your future. If you’re on the fence about whether or not now’s the right time for you to make that investment, let’s talk so that I can explain the process, identify opportunities in our local market, and show you options that best fit your situation.

For information about area homes in Champaign & Clark counties,
please contact Emily MacKendrick at 937-215-0977 or Emily@EvaCareyRealty.com

Local Housing Statistics - Year-to-Date/ 3rd Quarter

2009-11-02T08:29:00.000-08:00

E Mack's Real Estate Blog

By: Emily MacKendrick, REALTOR, Eva Carey Realty

Urbana, Springfield & Champaign County Real Estate

JUST IN! Housing statistics from our local Multiple Listing Service! Gain insight on how OUR local real estate market is doing.

The statistics provided on the following link are for Champaign County and the surrounding counties. Information taken from the multiple listing service of Western Regional Information Systems & Technology, Inc.

http://www.wristinc.com/November2009/3rd%20Q%202009.pdf

For information about area homes in Champaign & Clark counties,
please contact Emily MacKendrick at 937-215-0977 or Emily@EvaCareyRealty.com

Why Use a REALTOR®?

2009-10-29T09:56:00.000-07:00

E Mack's Real Estate Blog
By: Emily MacKendrick, REALTOR, Eva Carey Realty
Urbana, Springfield & Champaign County Real Estate

Why Use a REALTOR®?
All real estate licensees are not the same. Only real estate licensees who are members of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® are properly called REALTORS®. They proudly display the REALTOR "®" logo on the business card or other marketing and sales literature. REALTORS® are committed to treat all parties to a transaction honestly. REALTORS® subscribe to a strict code of ethics and are expected to maintain a higher level of knowledge of the process of buying and selling real estate. An independent survey reports that 84% of home buyers would use the same REALTOR® again.

But if you're still not convinced of the value of a REALTOR®, here are a dozen more reasons to use one:
http://www.realtor.com/Basics/AllAbout/Realtors/Why.asp

For information about area homes in Champaign & Clark counties,

please contact Emily MacKendrick at 937-215-0977 or Emily@EvaCareyRealty.com

Congrats, Eva!

2009-10-23T16:06:00.001-07:00

E Mack's Real Estate Blog

By: Emily MacKendrick, REALTOR, Eva Carey Realty

Urbana, Springfield & Champaign County Real Estate

A big CONTRATULATIONS to Eva Carey (my mom and Broker/ Owner of Eva Carey Realty) for being awarded the Midwestern Ohio Association of REALTORS "Lifetime Achievement Award." I had the privilege of presenting this award to Eva yesterday at the association's annual membership meeting. She was completely surprised! Eva's dedication to the real estate industry is proven through her years of involvement with this and other industry groups & committees and through her service to hundreds of families.

Now, just because Eva received this award doesn't mean that her real estate career is over! Far from that! She is still a full-time real estate professional serving the people of our community and helping them with their housing needs. If you're thinking of buying or selling real estate, call EVA CAREY today!

For information about area homes in Champaign & Clark counties, please contact Emily MacKendrick at

937-215-0977 or Emily@EvaCareyRealty.com

I know it's been awhile...

2009-04-30T13:26:00.000-07:00

Ok, it's been awhile since I posted. No other excuse other than...man, I've been busy! Which is a good thing :)

I just got back from the Ohio Association of REALTORS Spring Conference held in Columbus and I'm on information overload! With a great line-up of presenters and hot topics such as Social Media Marketing & Networking, I'm working on incorporating a lot of new things into my daily routine & business plan.

Check back soon, as I will be posting more & more on my blog.

2009-03-20T13:04:00.001-07:00

E Mack's Real Estate Blog
by: Emily MacKendrick, REALTOR, Eva Carey Realty
Urbana, Springfield & Champaign County Ohio Real Estate

Happy Spring!

Whew! What a week! With Spring here...so comes our traditional busy season. I've been busy this week with showings, showings & more showings...and loving it!

In addition, I've been working on more updates to our website, http://www.evacareyrealty.com/, so please be patient if you experience issues in the Buyer's & Seller's Centers.

Champaign County Chamber members: Be looking for my article on Champaign County foreclosures in the next issue of the Chamber Newsletter.

For information about area homes in Champaign & Clark counties, please contact Emily MacKendrick at 937-215-0977 or Emily@EvaCareyRealty.com

2009-03-10T13:21:00.000-07:00

E Mack's Real Estate Blog

by: Emily MacKendrick, REALTOR, Eva Carey Realty

Urbana, Springfield & Champaign County Ohio Real Estate

ECR & EMILY MACKENDRICK
VOTED “READER’S CHOICE”

On February 27th the Urbana Daily Citizen announced the results of their Reader’s Choice poll. Emily MacKendrick placed 1st as Real Estate Agent and Eva Carey placed 1st as Real Estate Broker! We would like to thank everyone who voted us “Reader’s Choice”.

For information about area homes in Champaign & Clark counties, please contact Emily MacKendrick at 937-215-0977 or Emily@EvaCareyRealty.com

2009-03-05T13:58:00.000-08:00

E Mack's Real Estate Blog
by: Emily MacKendrick, REALTOR, Eva Carey Realty
Urbana, Springfield & Champaign County Ohio Real Estate

I'm so excited! I just attended the Ohio Association of REALTORS Legislative Conference on March 3rd & 4th. This is my favorite meeting of the year. During this conference REALTORS around the state are updated on current legislation that will affect our industry. We meet with our legislators on Capital Square and discuss how proposed bills will impact home ownership. It is a wonderful opportunity! This year I met with Champaign County's State Senator, Floor Majority Leader Keith Faber, and discussed proposed changes to Ohio's License Law, School Funding, Septic System Regulation and also discussed our area's current real estate market conditions.

This is just one of the many ways Eva Carey Realty stays on top vital real estate developments.

For information about area homes in Champaign & Clark counties, please contact Emily MacKendrick at 937-215-0977 or Emily@EvaCareyRealty.com

2009-03-01T09:14:00.000-08:00

E Mack's Real Estate Blog

by: Emily MacKendrick, REALTOR, Eva Carey Realty

Urbana, Springfield & Champaign County Ohio Real Estate

As featured in the Springfield News-Sun:

OPEN HOUSE TODAY!

3088 Pisgah Rd., Urbana

2:00p - 4:00p

view link below to see details:

http://www.evacareyrealty.com.z57preview.com/Urbana_listings/5CB143C5-9BAD-D881-AB3E87B05CCD1C6A.shtml

Directions: St. Rt. 68 to East on Hickory Grove Rd., continue straight on St. Rt. 54, continue straight on Pisgah Rd. to address (on left).
OR
St. Rt. 29 to South on Three Mile Rd. to West (right) on Pisgah Rd. to address (on right).

For information about area homes in Champaign & Clark counties, please contact Emily MacKendrick at 937-215-0977 or Emily@EvaCareyRealty.com

2009-02-26T13:35:00.000-08:00

E Mack's Real Estate Blog

by: Emily MacKendrick, REALTOR, Eva Carey Realty

Urbana, Springfield & Champaign County Ohio Real Estate

WOW! Things are really picking up! Activity on our listings has increased and most of our homes for sale have been showed multiple times in the past three weeks! I hope this is a sign of changing times.

SELLERS: Get ready for these Spring Showings! With Spring right around the corner, now is the time to start sprucing up your home. Start on the interior projects (painting, repairs, cleaning, etc.) while the weather is still a little cold (and rainy) and be ready to get on top of those exterior projects (yard maintenance, repairs, cleaning, etc) when the weather breaks!

BUYERS: Historically Spring will offer you a new crop of homes for sale. Be prepared for when your dream home comes on the market! Shop around now for a home loan and get pre-approved. Don't wait until you've found a home and made an offer to get approved for a mortgage...presenting an offer contingent on a lot of unresolved issues will make your bid much less attractive to sellers!

For information about area homes in Champaign & Clark counties, please contact Emily MacKendrick at 937-215-0977 or Emily@EvaCareyRealty.com

2009-02-20T11:10:00.000-08:00

E Mack's Real Estate Blog

by: Emily MacKendrick, REALTOR, Eva Carey Realty
Urbana, Springfield & Champaign County Real Estate

ATTENTION BUYERS: This just in from 5/3 loan officer Jenny Marratta!

As of 2-20-09, 5/3 will offer a special promotion of ¼% rate discount on purchase of owner occupied & 2nd homes. Fixed & ARM conventional, FHA/VA & 203k loans (not applicable on RD, bond or construction).

30 yr. fixed purchase: 4.875% conventional

20 yr fixed purchase: 4.875% conventional

15 yr fixed purchase: 4.75% conventional

30 yr fixed FHA: 5.375%

30 yr fixed VA: 5.00%

Zero Down USDA (aka Rural Development): 5.25%

Call Jenny Marratta with any questions.
937-327-9754, direct office
937-605-8539, cell
jennifer.marratta@53.com

For information about area homes in Champaign & Clark counties, please contact Emily MacKendrick at 937-215-0977 or Emily@EvaCareyRealty.com

2009-02-13T07:30:00.000-08:00

E Mack's Real Estate Blog

by: Emily MacKendrick, REALTOR, Eva Carey Realty

A happy congratulations to Michelle Poston - new owner of 609 S. Kenton St., Urbana. My broker, Eva Carey helped Michelle close on her new home Wednesday evening. She has already begun stripping wallpaper and painting!

Let Eva Carey Realty help you find your new home! Call us today, 652-HOME (4663).

For information about area homes in Champaign & Clark counties, please contact Emily MacKendrick at 937-215-0977 or Emily@EvaCareyRealty.com

2009-02-11T14:09:00.000-08:00

E Mack's Real Estate Blog

by: Emily MacKendrick, REALTOR, Eva Carey Realty

I'm excited to bring you my very own Blog dedicated to Champaign County Ohio Real Estate! My blog will be updated almost daily and will provide you with area home information, current interest rates, real estate news & community news. Please check in frequently and share with your friends, family & co-workers!

I love referrals!

To Whom It May Concern:
It is our pleasure to write a letter of recommendation for Emily MacKendrick of Eva Carey Realty. We recently moved to Ohio from Missouri for advancement in career opportunities. It was an overwhelming time of setting up a new business and locating a home for our family, all done from 600 miles away. Emily was an invaluable resource for us during this time! She supplied information about communities, schools and the area in general. Emily was very specific in locating properties that contained the needs and wants that we had expressed. She quickly got a “feel” for the type of home, neighborhood and community that we desired, which made the best use of the time we had while visiting the area. From the first conversation to the closing of our home, she was attentive to our needs, answering any question, big or small. We would highly recommend Emily MacKendrick of Eva Carey Realty for your real estate needs!
Brian and Julie Underhill

ECR Note: Mr. Underhill is the Vice President of Ohio Operations for O & S Trucking in Springfield. Mr. & Mrs. Underhill relocated to the Springfield area in 2008 from Missouri.

For more information about area homes in Champaign & Clark counties, please contact Emily MacKendrick at 937-215-0977 or Emily@EvaCareyRealty.com