Owning your own home is very exciting; however, there is more involved than just paying a mortgage. This blog post is to inform first time home buyers of some important areas to protect their investment. UPDATING YOUR HOME Updates fall into three general areas: Cosmetic updates to personalize your home, such as: paint, window treatments, […]
Category Archives: Investing
Could the Equifax Hack prevent you from Buying a New Home?
Equifax is one of the three major credit bureaus in the Unites States. The customer data of 143 million people was compromised (this is about 50% of the entire US population). Information such as: social security numbers, home addresses, credit card numbers, driver’s license numbers, and birthdays have been available to hackers from mid-May through […]
Real Estate Investing: Strategies for Making Money
There are several different strategies in real estate investing. The best one to use actually depends on your resources, and what you are looking to accomplish. Buy & Hold – This is very simple. You purchase a property, and rent it out. You can buy single family or multi-family homes. They can be long-term rentals, […]
Negotiating Against Multiple Competitive Bids
In the current market, buyers are often competing against multiple bids. In these cases, it is important to remember that price is not the only factor in determining the best offer. I have often successfully negotiated to get my buyer’s contract accepted, even when we were not the highest bid. The key is to understand […]
Home Buyers – Frequently Asked Questions
Purchasing a home can create many emotions and feelings. One of the best ways to ensure buying a home does not become overwhelming, is to become well educated and properly prepared for the process. Here are our most frequently asked questions from buyers. Should I talk with a bank before looking at homes? YES! There […]
Summer Fun in Dublin
The Memorial Tournament 5/29 – 6/4 The Muirfield Village Golf Club Experience golf at its finest during Memorial Tournament week! Hosted by golf legend Jack Nicklaus at his own internationally acclaimed Muirfield Village Golf Club, the tournament is played each year in the honor of greats of the game. As an invitational […]
First Time Home Buyer: 8 Things to Know, When Buying your First Home
You need to ask questions, look under the hood and take it for a spin. Turn on all the faucets. Flush the toilet. Blast the heat and see what happens. 1. Know the big ticket items. It is easy to get caught up in the look and feel of the cosmetic features of a home. […]
Spring Home Maintenance Tips
Inspect the Roofing – Check your roofing for loose and missing shingles, worn and rusted flashing, and cracked boots around vent pipes. Clean Gutters – Remove leaves, pine needles, and other debris that have accumulated over the winter. Overflowing gutters and blocked downspouts can damage siding and foundations. Prep the Yard – Bag up […]
Central Ohio Real Estate Update: February 2017
For more information on Central Ohio real estate, be sure to visit our website, www.alfriendgroup.com! Central Ohio Housing Market Update – So far, 2017 is looking a lot like 2016. Despite 2,170 homes being added to the market (just 2% less than last year), inventory remains at an all-time low. We’re seeing a mass influx of newcomers to Central Ohio, and the supply simply […]
How to Evaluate the When and Where of Buying Investment Properties
Rental properties continue to be one of the best investment opportunities available. According to Forbes, eighty-nine percent of investors have at least part of their portfolio in real estate. I have owned, and continue to buy, many homes in central Ohio. I have used the money to fund my children’s education, as well as other […]