Cincinnati Condo Connection

How A Home Inspection Works

You’re pre-approved by a lender for a mortgage, you found a terrific condo, and now you have an accepted contract with the seller! Congrats! And now for the very important next step. You need to determine whether or not the condo is a good physical condition. So it’s time to hire a professional home inspector to inspect the condo!

As the buyer, you are responsible for finding and hiring your home inspector. The buyer has a set period of time (often a week to 10 days) to complete inspection, review the report results and decide if you want to:

Proceed with sale as planned
Ask seller to fix certain issues
Renegotiate the price to allow you to address issues of concern
Walk away from the sale.

Your Realtor, family and friends may have suggestions for reputable inspectors. Try to identify a home inspector familiar with your area and the type of condo you’re planning to buy. Interview inspectors & ask them what will be included in their inspection, as well as cost & availability within your time frame.

A basic home inspection will cost around $300 to $500 and the inspection will take a good three hours. It’s a good idea for you to be at the inspection, so you can ask questions. The inspector will then provide you with a detailed report, complete with many photos showing items of concern.

The home inspector will include information pertaining to the condition and functionality of the following:

Heating & Central air systems
Interior plumbing
Mildew & mold
Electric is up-to-code
Water issues
Interior electrical systems
Roof, attic & visible insulation
Walls, ceilings, floors
Windows & doors
Smoke, carbon monoxide & radon detectors are in working order
Foundation, basement, & structural components
Functionality of appliances that remain with the condo

Note: Inspectors are not allowed to physically move anything during an inspection and are not trained in the following areas. It may be necessary to hire a specialist to inspect:

Pests such as termites and rodents
Hazardous materials such as asbestos
Radon exposure
Pools & septic systems
Physical problems concealed by paneling, furniture

If the building is a high rise, you likely won’t need a termite inspection because it’s a concrete and steel building. You also won’t need a radon inspection because radon is a gas that is emitted from the ground. The inspectors do not inspect the building common areas. The best way to understand the condition of the common areas is to read the meeting minutes and ask the management or HOA board for recent capital improvements.

For more information contact Maria Walley at at 513.235.3996.

Rare 3 Bedroom Edgecliff condo in Eden Park

The three bedroom condos are sought after and don’t come on the market very often. This 17th floor condo just came on the market. It has a beautiful view of the Ohio River and the Kentucky Hills. It has lovely built in cabinetry throughout the condo. It comes with all of the amenities of the Edgecliff such as doorman, pool, Le Bar A Boeuf Restaurant, fitness room, guest suite and party room. The HOA also includes heat, water, air conditioning and trash. Call Maria Walley today to book a private showing (513) 235-3996 or email mwalley@comey.com

Edgecliff Private Residences #1108- 1 Bedroom, River & City Views $170,000

River view condo at the Meridian #701

Renovated condo Edgecliff in Eden Park/Walnut Hills

Check out this beautifully renovated condo with a 44 ft balcony and open floor plan. See the video.

Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky Luxury Condo Market Update 6.30.18

Here’s One of the Best Condos in Hyde Park

There are many great neighborhoods in Cincinnati in which to begin your search for a new condo. Each offers a variety of homes, amenities, and perks to living there. Some of the most popular are Oakley, Over-the-Rhine, and Hyde Park.

Hyde Park is located in East Cincinnati and is one of the most popular areas in the city for aspiring owners of condos and single-family homes alike. The area also has a very healthy mix of starter/midsize and trade-up homes as well as a wide variety of condos. The area is very walkable and its proximity to Hyde Park Square, a trendy shopping and dining area, makes it popular with a wide range of people. Some of the area’s most well-known and sought-after condo complexes are Grassmoor, Georgian Terrace, Madison House and Regency. Prices for condos currently selling in Cincinnati’s Hyde Park range from $107,000 all the way up to $1.5 million. So you can be sure you’ll find a home that fits your needs. There are a few properties, however, that really stand out for their great features and affordable price points. The listing at 3744 Ashworth Drive is one such gem.

This condo for sale in Hyde Park is located within the Chestnut Station condo complex. This large, 3-bedroom, 2-and-a-half-bathroom unit provides excellent value for its listing price of $315,000. Located just down the street from the Hyde Park Golf and Country Club, this home features a loft, granite countertops, and hardwood floors. With its open floor plan and 1,700 square feet, you’ll enjoy having plenty of space, whether for entertaining or staying in for movie night. There’s plenty to walk to in East Hyde Park. Start with breakfast at Coffee Emporium. Still hungry? Take in a lunch at Bangkok Bistro. Drinks at Hap’s Irish Pub? Need some essentials? Stop in Tischbein’s Pharmacy. Forbe’s Magazine named Hyde Park one of the 10 best neighborhoods in the USA.

If you’ve been looking for condos for sale in Hyde Park and are interested in checking out this home or any of the many others that we have currently on the market, give the team here at Cincinnati Condo Connection a call. We would love to help you begin the journey to find your dream home today.

Buying a Home in Cincinnati: Spring 2018 Market Forecast

Buying a Home in Cincinnati

As the days start to turn slightly warmer and the snow finally begins to melt away, the Cincinnati housing market will begin to heat up. As in most places across the country, spring is one of the most popular times of year to sell or buy a home, which means it’s also a great time to look at real-estate trends and what we are likely to see in this year’s hottest buying season. Here are a few things we can expect both nationwide and in Cincinnati this year.

1. A slow start to the spring buying season

The new tax bill signed by President Trump last December will likely have an effect on how many sales are made early in the spring season. People will probably be taking a close look at their finances and doing their research to ensure the best course of action for them and their money given the new tax bill.

2. Increases in Homeownership

Despite low inventory levels across the country, home ownership numbers are increasing. According to Trulia, Q4 2017 was the fourth quarter in a row where the number of new homeowners was higher than the number of renters nationwide. In addition, Trulia research shows that many of those homeowners are millennials, which is a great sign that the real-estate market has finally begun to bounce back from the Great Recession. However, this same data also shows that more and more millennials are moving away from the city to the suburbs to find a better deal on a home. Increasing numbers of millennials may move to Cincinnati in 2018, given the area’s cheap prices and a high likelihood for home value appreciation

3. Prices continuing to slowly rise

Case Shiller data from October 2017 show that prices have climbed consistently over the past two years. In addition, the index shows that home prices increased 5.92 percent between January and October of last year. However, despite price growth, a recent article by Forbes names Cincinnati as one of “America’s Most Affordable Cities.” A December article published by Realtor.com, “The Hottest Real Estate Markets of 2017: Who Gained Big, Who Fell Hard”, also indicated Cincinnati as one of the country’s hottest real-estate markets for 2017. In the article’s list of the country’s 300 largest markets, Cincinnati jumped from a previous ranking of 117 to a ranking of 64. Economists speculate that this is likely due to the affordability of Cincinnati homes. Unlike most places in the country, there are still great homes available in Cincinnati in almost every price range. The current average listing price of a home for sale in Cincinnati is $156,000—a modest 4 percent increase over last year. Thus, although cheaper than most other metro areas, Cincinnati is following the same pattern of price appreciation.

In conclusion, despite what is likely to be a slow start to the buying season, it is clear that there will be plenty of movement in the Cincinnati market in 2018, and we may even see an influx of millennials and other first-time homebuyers moving to the city in search of a more affordable home.

Here’s one of the Best Condos for Sale In Oakley

More and more people are moving to Cincinnati every day and looking for available homes in a wide range of styles and budgets. For some potential buyers, quiet streets to raise their kids is extremely important, while for others, it is far more important to be near the hustle and bustle of downtown Cincinnati.

Here at Cincinnati Condo Connection, we work with a wide mixture of potential home buyers and sellers every day. However, when young home buyers want to purchase their first condo in Cincinnati, we find that we are recommending a few particular neighborhoods more than others. One of those special neighborhoods is Oakley.

Oakley is a picturesque neighborhood in northern Cincinnati that is known for its walkability, trendy shops, and amazing restaurants that are only a few blocks from the ever-popular Hyde Park Square (the center of Cincinnati’s boutique shopping). Located just a few miles from downtown, this neighborhood is an excellent area for all potential home buyers and also for those seeking a condo for sale in Oakley. Due to pedestrian-friendly streets and short commute time to downtown Cincinnati, it is especially popular with professionals and young families.

The houses for sale in Oakley vary from starter homes and midsize trade-ups to condos of all shapes and sizes. With so many options in homes, potential buyers may wonder what kind of bang for their buck they can get with a condo for sale in Oakley.

Oakley Condo for Sale

The property located at 2932 Markbreit Ave is a perfect example. This three-bedroom, three-bath home is currently listed at $699,900—a great deal higher than the average listing price for a home in Oakley, which is currently around $265,000. The bells and whistles that come with this home, however, definitely provide a great bang for your buck. Not only is this home a detached, three-story unit, it features almost $55,000 dollars in custom upgrades. Some of these upgrades include granite countertops, walk-in closets, and a rooftop deck.

If you’re interested in this property or another condo for sale in Oakley this year, make sure to check out our listings page to view all of our available properties, and then contact Maria Walley today to get started!

The Three Best Neighborhoods in Cincinnati for Condo Shopping

As we move closer and closer to spring time here in Cincinnati, the real estate market is beginning to heat up for potential buyers and sellers alike.

In fact, according to Realtor.com, there are currently 3,667 homes on the market and 3,552 homes for rent, and the current average listing price for the city of Cincinnati is $165,000. Although great homes can be found all over the city, the following neighborhoods in Cincinnati are likely to be your best bet for finding a wonderful deal on a condo.

Over-The-Rhine

Of all the neighborhoods in Cincinnati, Over-The-Rhine is the one with the most condos on the market—and it also happens to be one of the hippest, most popular areas in the city. According to Realtor, the area has an average listing price of $324,950, although prices currently range from $200,000 to $600,000. Most condos for sale in Over-the-Rhine are walking distance from area attractions like Findlay Market and a wide variety of coffee shops, restaurants, and nightlife. In addition, many homes for sale in OTR have been remodeled or upgraded within the last ten years. You can check out our recent article, “OTR: Best Deal on a Condo,” to see one of many homes that we recommend if you are considering purchasing a condo in OTR.

Walnut Hills

Although a little more removed from the hustle and bustle of downtown Cincinnati, Walnut Hills is still a great place to buy a home. There are currently around 35 condos on the market in Walnut Hills, with prices ranging from $110,000 all the way up to $995,000, so there is something here for everyone. As far as perks and amenities go, there are many options available. For instance, this two bedroom, two bath condo, located at River Terrace, 2401 Ingleside 10A. It features a stunning river view and has undergone a complete renovation. It’s listed at $285,000 and has valet parking. This one won’t last long. The Edgecliff Private Residences 2200 Victory Pkwy, 809 is currently listed at $349,900, features an in-unit skyline view, while the building includes a guest suite with a kitchen and a 24 hour concierge. Meanwhile, the $149,900, one bedroom, one bath unit at The Verona 2356 Park Avenue, 104 features in-unit wood floors and an address in a coveted historic building.

Hyde Park

Just a few minutes east of Walnut Hills is the Cincinnati neighborhood known as Hyde Park. Like OTR, Hyde Park is extremely walkable, a perfect location for those who enjoy being outside in their neighborhood. Although this area is also somewhat removed from downtown Cincinnati, it still offers plenty of easily accessible shops and restaurants and easy access to I-71. Currently, there are about 30 condominiums on the market in Hyde Park, ranging anywhere from $165,000 all the way up to 1.5 million. Given the high price range, it is no surprise that homes in Hyde Park boast a variety of amenities. This two bedroom, two bath home, located at Michigan Terrace, 3500 Michigan Avenue, 43, is listed for $799,000. The location alone is worth every penny. This property is located right on Hyde Park Square, amid the city’s most popular shopping and dining districts. The two bedroom two bath home at the Madison House, 2324 Madison Rd, 304, on the other hand, is listed for $148,500 and features a large balcony and wood flooring. The building provides valet parking service, a doorman, and a heated pool.

If one of these listings caught your eye, and you are considering purchasing a home in one of these neighborhoods in Cincinnati, give us a call today at (513) 215 – 3996 today and let us help you find the perfect condo for you.