Ideally located on a quiet residential street with a fenced yard and two car garage just steps from Hyde Park Square and Rookwood, this home has been completely updated both cosmetically and functionally. With new windows, a newly shingled roof, a newer heat pump, and high end finishes throughout, the owners have enhanced this home while preserving its character and historic charm.

Relax and enjoy beautiful spring days on the charming front porch. Upon entering the grand foyer you will be impressed with the 9 foot ceilings, open floor plan, and dual staircases. The living room is complete with crown molding throughout, original woodwork, beautiful hardwood floors, a fireplace (can be converted to gas), and plenty of room for a sitting space, and separate TV area.  The dining room can accommodate a large group and has ample room for overflow into the living room and kitchen. The gourmet kitchen is completely updated with quality 42″ wood cabinets, professional grade stainless appliances, granite counters, a counter bar, a butler’s pantry, and walkout access to the back yard, deck and garage. The kitchen provides access to the half bath and separate mud area near the rear door.

Upstairs you will find the spacious master suite featuring a walk-in closet, a sitting area, and a bedroom large enough to accommodate a king bed and additional furniture. The ensuite master bath has been renovated with tile throughout, a jetted tub/shower, and a double vanity with high end stainless Kohler Sinks and granite counters. Bedrooms two & three have spacious closets, and the unique feature of a Jack and Jill bathroom setup where each room has its own private vanity and toilet room, but share access to the tub/shower.

The third floor features the fourth bedroom with its own ensuite full bath. This full bath was an addition. There is also a family room on the third level which is ideal for guests to have additional space to utilize. This family room is currently serving as a study and playroom.

The backyard features a wide driveway with ample space for guest parking, a deck ideal for entertaining, and plenty of grass for children or pets to play. Another unique feature of this home is separate controls for the heat and air on the first floor from the second and third floors. The furnace and central air service the first floor, while the second and third floors are separately heated and cooled by the heat pump. This separation of systems improves the energy efficiency of the home as well as making it more comfortable on those cold winter nights and hot summer days.

Call to schedule a private showing of this amazing home soon!

[Show as slideshow]

• Map
• Schools
• Nearby Businesses

Location Map

Schools
Grocery Stores
Restaurants
Banks
Gas Stations
Golf Courses
Hospitals

- Your New Home

Understand the Cincinnati Real Estate Market!

I try and educate my first-timers about the realities of the real estate market. Since 2006 we have gone from Sellers market to a Buyers Market and back to a Sellers market. Understanding the market helps my buyers make market driven offers and that saves them time and aggravation.

Financial Prequalification

Every buyer I work with has to speak with a lender first. When they understand what size loan we can take out it helps he find them the best house for them in their price point. It also strengthens their offer when we submit it.

Offers and Negotiations

In a seller’s market I work with my buyers closely since they are in a very competitive situation with other home buyers. I help them create the most compelling offers advising them on everything from down payment amount, who to use for a lender, closing date, an well as suture sales potential.

Contingency Planning.

Unlike renting, when a new home owner has a maintenance challenge they have to address it. I help my first time home buyers plan for home maintenance. We budget out for items like occasional roof repairs, appliance replacements) and even weighing the cost and benefits of upgrades like remodeling kitchens and baths.

If you or someone you know is looking to buy a home let me know. I would love to help you. Email me Alison@CincinnatiLiving.com

Move right in! Charming Cape Cod in the coveted Oakley Pillars neighborhood. This home is beautifully maintained with an updated kitchen and a finished basement. On the second floor you will find a loft, a study, and separate bedroom! Outback you will find a beautiful deck and spacious fenced in yard. There is a single car garage, and the location can not be beat! Ideally located minutes from shopping, restaurants, and access to I-71.

[Show as slideshow]

• Map
• Schools
• Nearby Businesses

Location Map

Schools
Grocery Stores
Restaurants
Banks
Gas Stations
Golf Courses
Hospitals

- Your New Home

This is a stunning and impeccably maintained four bed three and half bath brick home in Sycamore Schools! Gorgeous appointments throughout all 3,300+ square feet (per Hamilton County Auditor)! The open floor plan is complimented by hardwood floors. The spacious gourmet kitchen has beautiful wood cabinets, granite counters, hardwood floors and opens to the two story family room.  Walkout to the private, low maintenance back yard with a fabulous deck and no lawn to mow. The first floor features hardwoods throughout, a study, and separate living and dining rooms.

With dual staircases, you can access the upstairs from the grand foyer or the family room. The owner’s suite features a vaulted ceiling, a newly renovated luxury bath with a beautiful double vanity, & a large walk-in closet. The other two bedrooms are spacious and have convenient access to the full bath in the hall. The fourth bedroom doubles as a loft space. This space can be drywalled and closed off as a fourth bedroom, or it can be left open.

This lower level is extremely spacious and ready for your finishing touches. This amazing home has been well-maintained and is totally updated and move-in ready!

[Show as slideshow]

• Map
• Schools
• Nearby Businesses

Location Map

Schools
Grocery Stores
Restaurants
Banks
Gas Stations
Golf Courses
Hospitals

- Your New Home

Mary Jo has lived in Cincinnati all her life and in Montgomery since 1987. She attended Xavier University and studied Communication Art. She brings over 15 years of professional marketing, promotions, and social media experience to the team.

Like every member of the Cincinnati Living team, Mary Jo gives back to her community. Presently Mary Jo is the chair of the Montgomery Board of Zoning Appeals, and serves on the Board of the Montgomery Chamber of Commerce where she calls upon her years of  experience is residential and commercial real estate appraisals.

When she is not working with the city of Montgomery she teaches computer classes to people who are tired of calling their kids and grandkids for help.  In addition she can be found trying to find a home for the latest dog she’s found wandering around, playing tennis or even enjoying a game of golf when she can find the time.

She has three grown children, six grandchildren and lives with Linus, a five year old Doberman and Dolly, a poodle mix rescue.

Do you remember filling out that rental application form? The one that asked you for all sorts of information including your address, date of birth, and social security number? All of that information is exactly what is needed for an identity thief to take advantage of you. In addition you also handed over your checking account number – the one printed on the bottom of that nominal non-refundable deposit check that you left behind.

Do yourself – if you feel even the slightest bit skeptical of the person you are speaking with take a few precautionary steps:

1. Always withhold sensitive information on an application. Never give a Social Security Number or date of birth until you are are satisfied this is the legitimate home owner or agent.
2. Offer a credit card number as a deposit, or a cashier’s check, or a money order or even cash. If they are asking for money upfront before you even see the home it could be a sign of a scam and losing $25 is less expensive than losing your identity.
3. Ask the leasing representative to see their information. Ask for a business card, and if they say they are all out or don’t have them press for something else. Even ask to see their driver’s license. If they refuse it is a clear sign something is wrong.

There are a lot of great landlords and homeowners out there who want to rent their home to you. But as the renter it is always important that you protect yourself first. If you have any questions about these posts leave a comment and I will answer them there!

THANK YOU to all of my clients who speak so highly of my work and continue to refer me business!!

About the Five Star Professional Award

The Five Star Professional research team applies a vigorous research and evaluation process to  identify service professionals who provide quality services to their clients. Professionals do not pay a fee to be considered or placed on the final list of Five Star award winners.

The research methodology allows no more than 7% of service professionals in a given market to qualify for the Five Star award.

Five Star Professional follows standard survey practices used by other professional research organizations. The research also includes a regulatory review to provide checks and balances.

This is a one of a kind beautiful custom ranch on over 2.6 gorgeous landscaped acres! It is truly resort living inside and out with your own pool, hot tub, solarium, exercise room, and a detached garage. Inside, the open floor plan provides a spacious feeling to the home, and the finished walk-out lower level adds additional living space. It is complete with a lower level bedroom a full bath. The home has cathedral ceilings, skylights, and a luxurious master suite that walks out onto deck overlooking the pool and hot tub. This Miami Township home is zoned for Loveland City schools.

[Show as slideshow]

• Map
• Schools
• Nearby Businesses

Location Map

Schools
Grocery Stores
Restaurants
Banks
Gas Stations
Golf Courses
Hospitals

- Your New Home

How a Real Estate Rental Scam Works

I absolutely condemn real estate scams and think they are bad for renters, bad for agents, and bad for the market! This post describes how the scam works so renters can avoid it!

The scam starts when a con-artists researches real estate listings on public sites. They copy the images and the property description and use it to create an add for a rental. In reality the home may be for sale, already sold, or be vacant. It is absolutely not for rent!

The con-artists research rental rates in the areas so they can create a realistic rental posts on a sites like Craigslist. Below is a scam rental listing. It looks real – good pictures, good property description, appropriated price – but the house sold to new homeowners 3 months ago and they’ve moved in! I showed this exact house a month before it sold, and that is how I knew this listing was fake! I called the Realtors involved in the transaction to alert them and this is how I learned about the rental scams.

If you called the phone number on the ad (removed) the lessor is eager to show you the home, and asks for an application and a non-refundable rental application check. It will be a very low amount, so you will not mind paying it. The application has space for personal information including your current address and SSN#.

On the day of the showing, at the last minute, the home is not available . Maybe it just ‘rented’, maybe the homeowner ‘changed their mind’. You may be taken to an alternate home that ‘is for rent’. More than like likely you will not be interested in the alternate home, be frustrated, and ask for your rental application check back. You will get it back and be on your way, unaware of danger you are now in.

How To Avoid a Cincinnati Real Estate Rental Scams

1. Work with a Realtor!  Realtors in Cincinnati can and will help you find a rental home. Since we are licensed and experienced we have legal standards to uphold and are familiar with the property rental process.
2. Use the Multiple Listing Service. It is the only way to be 100% certain the home is legitimately for rent because those properties are put there by licensed Realtors.
3. Be cautious with Craigslist and other free forums. We have seen and called on properties listed for rent that were owned and occupied by unsuspecting home owners.
4. If you call on a rental and the person can not give exact details get suspicious. Landlords and rental agents should know almost everything about the home they are renting. Thinks like the square footage, estimated utilities, and the HOUSE ADDRESS! If you call and they use vague description when answering questions the’re probably not the landlords.
5. Renting out property in Ohio requires legal authority. The person renting out the property has to be the property owner, an employee of the property owner (apartment complex leasing agents), or have a legal agreement to rent out the property for the owner (Realtor or leasing agent). If the person you speak with refers to the owner as ‘this guy I know’ or ‘a friend of my cousin who asked me for a favor’ move on!
6. If you go to meet the landlord and they ‘can’t get you in right now’ but are willing to take a deposit and a completed application – walk away quickly. Good chance they are not legitimate and are just trying to get a check from you.

If you are curious how these criminals are doing this, and the value that they get, you will want to check out my upcoming blog posts. I will talk about how these real estate scams work and how the criminals are making a profit.