Free Money

There is only four months left to recieve an $8,000 tax credit for purchasing a new home! You must have your home closed by November 30, 2009 when the tax credit expires! To close by November 30 you need to go on contract to buy a home no later than September! Call us for details!

$8000 Tax Credit

Hot off the press!
Your government, through the new stimulus package, is offering an $8000 Tax Credit if you buy a home before Dec. 1, 2009! This is like the government giving you an $8000 down payment to buy a home at the time you file your taxes. Tell all friends and family members to check this out!
We are excited help families take advantage of this new offer!
To read more visit these websites:
IRS - US Dept. of Treasury
Homebuyer Tax Credit Chart
First Time Homebuyer Tax Credit FAQs

School District Report Cards Released

Lynchburg-Clay school district has received an "excellent" rating from the Ohio Department of Education (ODE) on its district report card. Three other districts, Hillsboro City, Fairfield Local and Bright Local have all received "effective" ratings. These ratings are produced annually by the ODE based on the progress the schools have made on four measures, adequate yearly progress (AYP), performance index, state indicators and value added. Information about district report cards can be found at the ODE website, type in "district report cards" in the search box.

School district information is important when making a home buying decision. As an added benefit, we include the school district report card in our Homebooks for all of the homes we have for sale. To view available homes, click here.

State of the Highland County Market

When someone asks me how is the real estate market, let me answer the question this way. It's not as bad as the media would indicate! Locally in the Highland County, houses are selling! Interest rates are at record lows and great loan programs are available, which means that if you are going to borrow money do it now! You can buy more house for the money now than 10 years ago! Inventory levels are high which means there are plenty of quality homes to pick from and some really great deals to be had! Listen to a video by a Realtor friend of mine Sam Miller, in the Mt. Vernon area. Click here.

Home expo coming up Oct. 13 at SSCC

Do you have questions about the home buying process? If so, then don't miss out on the Home Expo, which is geared toward helping the general public in the home buying process. It is being held at SSCC and is free for anyone to attend. There will be popcorn and soft drinks provided at the seminars. There are several people from other counties also expected to be in attendence.

In addition to seminars, there will be several realtors available to answer any questions about home buying or selling. There are also door prizes that will be given to people who enter a drawing.

Click here for the date and times of the Home Expo.

If you are unable to attend, and you have any questions about the home buying and selling process, then don't hesitate to ask us. You can contact us at Jeff@TheDickeyGroup.com.

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Highland County Mortgage Rates Decline

Freddie Mac's Primary Mortgage Market Survey reported a decline in mortgage interest rates this past week The first drop in rates in the past five weeks. Rates on a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 6.69 percent, down from last week's 6.71 percent.

A drop in interest rates is always good news for Highland County home buyers, but it is especially good news during the spring/summer selling season when inventories are at their highest levels of the year and when the majority of buyers are looking to buy.

Thinking of buying a home? You can get a list of Highland County homes for sale as they hit the market. Simply, click here!

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New Home Sales Statistics

Statistics about new home sales trends can be very beneficial in learning about the current real estate market. New home sales combined with the sales of previously owned homes reflect an even greater picture of our country's economy.

To learn more about the most recent history of new home sales statistics, click here. If you are interested in buying or selling, click here.

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Rocky Fork Lake Alliance

The Rocky Fork Lake Alliance, a newly formed organization made up of 12 directors, is examining the "potential" that is available at one of Ohio's most physically beautiful park resorts. The RFL alliance is looking into making this area more alluring so people want to use it more by building support for the economic and social value at Rocky Fork Lake.

This alliance is going to address many areas and concerns that are currently present at the lake. The goal is to improve opportunities in the lake region. Many homes are available at or near Rocky Fork Lake, to view complete listings of available properties, visit our comprehensive website. It would be our pleasure to help you become part of scenic Rocky Fork Lake!

To read more about Rocky Fork Lake, click here. To read more about the RFL Alliance, click here.

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Ruby's Hearth

Recently, I received information about a local business, Ruby's Hearth, that provides accommodations in a "home away from home" atmosphere near downtown Hillsboro. In honor of Ruby Hedge Wicker, Ruby's Hearth operates as a service of compassion for the need to have a comfortable home environment, whether it be an emergency, business or pleasure.

The brochure explains that Ruby's Hearth is an upstairs private, furnished, two bedroom, one bathroom, furnished kitchen, apartment with all the comforts of home. Located only two blocks from downtown, a stay here provides easy access to many restaurants, stores, and health care facilities. It has a private entrance with a wrap around porch with table and chairs for enjoying the fresh air or dining outside. Ruby's Hearth has no handicap access and is a smoke free, drug free, alchohol free, pet free environment.

Buyers who are looking at and purchasing real estate are invited to make Ruby's Hearth a temporary "home" prior to moving in to your new home! To make reservations or to inquire about availability, please call Candy Hedge at 937.763.9979.

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Home Inspections Increase Confidence in Your Purchase

You’ve found the perfect home. You’re excited and ready to make a written offer, but how can you be sure there are no hidden defects or unseen items requiring repair or replacement?

The answer is – have the home professionally inspected. In your purchase contract, include a clause or contingency that calls for inspection of the home within a stated time period by a certified home inspector. In our area, there are several reputable whole house inspection companies. Call our office and we would be happy to provide names and numbers.

I’ve been selling real estate in Highland County for 16 years and I personally would not buy a house without having a whole house inspection performed.

Most inspections include structural components, such as roof and floor systems, and foundations. Plumbing, electrical, heating/air conditioning, and appliances are also carefully checked. Upon completion of the inspection, the inspector will provide a written report about 14 pages long listing all defects found in the home. I insist the buyer be present for the inspection so that the buyer has a first-hand understanding of the inspector’s findings.

A home inspection allows the buyer to sit down at the closing and sign those loan papers with confidence knowing exactly what they are getting for their money.

Tags: Home Inspections, Purchasing a Home, Buyers