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Nestled in an 1820’s original building in Old Milford is the most charming little lunch cafe you will find. They have wonderful  soups, sandwiches, and a great coffee menu. My favorite? Well, I have to say their chicken salad sandwich….best croissants I have ever eaten. So if your looking for a charming hole-in-the-wall place, you have to try the Bridge Cafe. Trust me…I am Italian and I know my food!

RATES…

 

The morning has opened in positive territory for the Bond market following a negative open in stocks.  There are a couple important reports due for release tomorrow that will reveal current inflation concerns.  These reports could push mortgage rates either way.

 

The July Housing data is also set for release tomorrow.  This report gives us an indication of housing sector strength and mortgage credit demand.  This report doesn’t usually cause much movement in mortgage rates unless it varies greatly from forecasts. 

 

The rest of the week will mainly rely more on stock prices than anything else.

 

Mortgage analysts seem to be switching to the “Float” recommendation across the board.  This appears to be from the opinion that the inflation concerns will not be higher than the forecasts which should keep the Bond market steady and improve mortgage rates.  Let’s hope!

 

As always, buyers should keep close contact with a mortgage professional, especially if they’re getting close on a contract. 

 

MORE…

 

As I’ve recommended in the past, homeowners that have made the decision to move and are starting the process of listing their current home and looking for new homes really should consult with a mortgage professional now.

 

I often find that homeowners can benefit from a refinance with Union Savings Bank ($250* plus recording) to a specific product that can dramatically improve their cash flow prior to listing their home.  This isn’t always the recommendation because every client’s situation is different but more often than not there is an opportunity for substantial savings.  (And of course the time to review future financing options for the new home)

 

Please do not hesitate to contact me with a buyer’s scenario or for more specific questions.

 

Teague J. Reed

Vice President

Union Savings Bank

Ph. 513-842-4582

Fx. 513-842-2196

tjreed@usavingsbank.com

Need to sell or buy a home? Contact Charlene Fay at 513-602-9000 or email us at CharleneFay@remax.net.

Sometimes you just have to make time off and enjoy it with the ones you love:)

By TJ Reed

The market continues to be choppy and the BOND market has been back and forth keeping us all guessing with mortgage rates.  Rates are still low and most analysts seem to only be suggesting locking a rate for short term situations.  What this tells me is there is enough volatility out there that forecasts have mortgage rates potentially going down into the fall months.  Obviously this is not guaranteed so every home-owner/buyer should get in touch sooner than later with a mortgage professional to discuss rates and loan programs.
RATE SHOPPINGS TIPS!
I suggest taking the time to compare not only interest rates but closing costs, along with more specifics.  Calling a lender or bank and just quickly asking what their “rate” is that day does not give a buyer the information they need to compare financing.  Conventional mortgage rates change daily so often if a buyer is “rate shopping” over a period of days there will be inconsistency. 
Along with the interest rate there is the total closing costs, servicing information, buy down options, pre-payment penalties, specific products, etc.  Future refinancing costs are very important also – DO NOT get caught up in the rate game – unfortunately financing is a lot more complicated these days.
In the current market it is very important to pay attention to the total closings costs because a refinance in the near future is very likely with how choppy the market has been. 
Union Savings Bank - $250 refinance, no pre-penalty payments and in house servicing!  Not to mention personalized rate watch programs specifically for each client. 
Please don’t hesitate to cell me with questions or more specific information.  Have a great week!
 
Teague J. Reed
Vice President
Union Savings Bank
Ph. 513-842-4582
Fx. 513-842-2196
tjreed@usavingsbank.com

By Miranda Fay

Homearama 2008 Homes in Long Cove

We have had so much traffic to our previous blog post on Homearama 2008 in Deerfield Twp., I decided to create a little slide show of the lake community and homes still on the market. Hope you enjoy!

If you are interested in homes in this community or in the Mason area, please call us at 513-602-9000 or email us at CharleneFay@remax.net.

We’re Only a Click or a Call Away!

By Miranda Fay

July Market Stats for Mason School District

 Active: 399  Pending: 55  Sold: 59  Other: 0  Total: 513
   Bedrooms  Bathrooms  List Price  Selling Price  Days on Market
 Minimum  2   1.00   $70,000   $100,000   0 
 Average  4   3.55   $511,934   $376,904   111 
 Median  4   4.00   $339,900   $290,000    76 
 Maximum  10   10.00   $2,889,900   $2,305,000   917 
 Total Dollar Value         $22,237,352   
 
Average DOM Breakdown and Average % of List Price received on Solds by Market time:
   0-30 Days   31-60 Days   61-90 Days   91-120 Days   120+ Days 
 No. of Listings   20    9    10    9    11 
 Breakdown %   33.90    15.25    16.95    15.25    18.64 
 Avg SP % LP   99.34    96.09    96.94    90.37    97.96 

Statistics provided from the MLS show that currently there are 399 active homes on the market in the Mason School District. 59 homes were sold last month at an average price $376,904 selling in 111 days. Notice that the average home over the $2,000,000. mark are taking a whopping 917 days to sell! Most of that, howver,  is in the new construction category.

Last June, 70 homes were sold at an average of $358,458 in 64 days. So we see that homes have gone up in price, however, are taking a little longer to sell. Being in Mason School District is definately a selling point in my opinion, and values will continue to rise so long as the schools stay as superior as they are.

Stay tuned for next month’s update!

If you are looking to buy or sell in the Mason area, feel free to contact us at 513-602-9000 or email us at CharleneFay@remax.net.

We’re Only a Click or a Call Away!

By Miranda Fay

Looking for a place to pick fresh apples, blueberries, and raspberries? Then be sure to make your way to Rousters Apple Orchard located on State Route 131.

They are currently holding a blackberry picking on August 9th as early as 8:00 am, however, you will have to call ahead at 513-625-5504 for availability.

As far as their store goes, they currently are selling Early MacIntosh and Krispy Apples, fresh pressed cider, home grown peaches, blueberries, as well as frozen blackberries and raspberries. The store is open Tuesday thru Sunday 10-6.

So, if you are looking for some great ingrediants for some wonderful desserts, maybe to finish off the dinner made with fresh veggies from Shaw Farms, be sure to stop on by to Rousters Apple Orchard. Fresh apples and berries don’t get any better than this!

By Miranda Fay

Once again, Shaw Farms, family owned and operated for over 200 years, has provided locals and the Cincinnati area with wonderful fresh produce since 1975. Sweet corn, cucumbers, tomatos, yellow squash, zucchini and green beans are just a few of the vegetables that are available.

My personal favorite is the fresh sweet corn my husband and I just grilled out last night…definately a step up from the groceries.

Produce season hours are from 9am-6pm Monday thru Sunday, and are located on State Route. 131 in Milford.

Looking for some fun this fall? They also hold their yearly Fall and Pumpkin Festival in October offering hayrides, pumpkins for purchase, and the “Pumpkin People” Village- great fun for kids!

 

 So if fresh fruit and veggies are what you crave, then be sure to come on out to Shaw Farms!

 By TJ Reed

Mortgage rates still appear to be on an upswing but there are two major reports coming out this week.  The quarterly Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and the 2nd Quarter Employment Cost Index report.   Both reports will have a direct impact on the Bond market which could drive mortgage pricing up or down.  
 
There seems to be an uncertainty to what the data will be and whether we’ll see a Bond market rally or a drop.  Regardless, most mortgage analysts have switched to a “Float” recommendation today.  The recommendations have been to lock if closing in the next 30 days for the last couple weeks.  Maybe better pricing is the near future???
 
More than ever potential buyers should keep close contact with a mortgage professional.
 
Two highlights this week:
 
1.)     5-Year ARM – 6.0% (FIXED for 5 Years) - Low Cost - $250 Refinance - $500 Purchase.  Has the option of being interest only – perfect for a seller who is looking to list their home in the near future.  Why not save money for the new purchase when you know you’re selling?  (5 years is a conservative time frame for most of these situations.)
2.)     3-Year Convertible – 5.25% (FIXED for 3 Years) – Same Low Cost!  This converts to any fixed rate term anytime after the first payment for three years.  Again, perfect for a short term situation.
 
Neither of these products has pre-payment penalties and both are serviced in house.
 
If you need assistance on a new loan or refinance, contact:

Teague J. Reed
Vice President
Union Savings Bank
Ph. 513-842-4582
Fx. 513-842-2196
tjreed@usavingsbank.com

June 2008 Monthly Report

Active: 378  Pending: 77  Sold: 71  Other: 0  Total: 526
   Bedrooms  Bathrooms  List Price  Selling Price  Days on Market
 Minimum  2   1.00   $49,900   $113,000   0 
 Average  4   3.31   $311,842   $255,209   93 
 Median  4   3.00   $249,000   $227,500    66 
 Maximum  7   7.00   $2,100,000   $575,000   645 
 Total Dollar Value         $18,119,832   
 
Average DOM Breakdown and Average % of List Price received on Solds by Market time:
   0-30 Days   31-60 Days   61-90 Days   91-120 Days   120+ Days 
 No. of Listings   27    12    8    5    19 
 Breakdown %   38.03    16.90    11.27    7.04    26.76 
 Avg SP % LP   97.21    95.57    95.46    93.26    96.46 

According to the MLS, currently there are a total of 378 homes for sale in the West Chester area with 77 pending sale. These include homes with the zip code of 45069 in the Lakota School district. For June there was a total of 71 homes sold with the average price of $255,209. selling in an average of 93 days. Last June 2007, 63 homes sold at an average of $266,849. in 66 days. So…prices and the length of time on the market have gone down a bit since last year.

Like I have said before, it is all about Supply and Demand. There are alot of homes actively on the market which makes for alot of competition. In order for a quick sale, your home must be priced aggressively, especially in the West Chester market.

If you are looking to buy or sell in the West Chester area, call Charlene Fay at 513-602-9000 or email us at CharleneFay@remax.net.

We’re only a Click or a Call Away!

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