Make Your Backyard the Perfect Spring Destination

Turn your backyard into a springtime sanctuary with these products and creative ideas from Lowe's.

Community Yard Sale Friday April 30 - Saturday May 1

For the second year in a row, Dutchland Woods is covering the ad cost. A list of participating homes will be distributed to shoppers. If you are a resident who would like to be included in the list, contact Sharon Mohan at s.mohan-pierce@fuse.net. Be sure to include your name, address, phone number and the kinds of items you will be selling.  

Help for Homeowners Facing Financial Crisis

Earlier this month, after receiving extensive professional training, I earned my designation as a Certified Distressed Property Expert® or CDPE. A Certified Distressed Property Expert® is a real estate professional with specific understanding of the complex issues confronting the real estate industry, and the foreclosure avoidance options available to homeowners. Through comprehensive training and experience, CDPEs are able to provide solutions for homeowners facing hardships in today’s market, specifically short sales.



The prospect of foreclosure can be financially and emotionally devastating, and often homeowners proceed without guidance of any kind. The developers of the CDPE Designation believe that the best course of action for a homeowner in distress is to speak with a well-informed, licensed real estate professional. They have the tools needed to help homeowners find the best solution for their situation. Often, when other options have been exhausted, CDPEs can help homeowners avoid foreclosure through the efficient execution of a short sale.

If you or someone you know are under water on your mortgage, don't ignore the problem. Call me today. I may be able to offer creative, professional assistance that can help you now.

First Monday Night of the Month is Pizza Night in Dutchland Woods

The First Mondy night of the month is still Papa John's Pizza Night. Come pick up a pizza at the White House on your way home from work.

Dutchland Woods Annual Meeting Recap

DW Annual Meeting was held March 7th. Nice turn out.

Consideration is being made to lease a small section of the land in our green space for a cell phone tower. The POA can receive  approximately $1000.00 a month in revenue. NO PLANS HAVE BEEN FINALIZED-JUST THINKING ABOUT OPTIONS. This area under consideration is the open lot of Wilhelmina Drive at the dead end of Netherland, but be far enough of the road that the tower would not be readily visible, according to the DW Trustees. They state the tower would also imporve cell phone reception in our neighborhood. Research is still being sought in order to protect everyone at hand.

Current Trustees for 2010-2011 board memebers were voted in and are as follows: Ned Burris President and Grounds Trustee, Steve Koebee VP and Trustee for Building/Zoning, Dave Eck Treasurer and Highlights Editor, Jodi Strutz Social and Rec Trustee, Brian Church White House Mainenance and Operations Manager, Mike Jantaucsch Pool Operations Manager, Phil Francis Trustee at Large, Mark Miller Trustee at Large and Karen Stephenson Secretary.

Both Mark and Karen joined the Trustees within the past year to assist and fill in the vacancies from resignations.

Upcoming Dutchland Woods Events

Sunday March 28th: Dutchland Woods Annual Easter Egg Hunt at the White House, 2 p.m.

Friday April 30 and Saturday May 1: Community Garage & Street Sale. For the second year in a row Dutchland Woods is covering the ad cost. A list of participating homes will be distributed to shoppers. if you would like to be included on the list, email Sharon Mohan at
s.mohan-pierce@fuse.net. Please send your name, address, phone number and the kind of items you will be selling (baby clothese, furniture, etc.)

Use a Realtor When Buying New Construction

Building a brand new home is definitely different from buying a resale property. First of all, it is built for you – and no one else. You get to make selections that put your personal stamp on the home before you even move in. There are also a lot of choices to make: carpet, cabinetry, and all those upgrades. Should a Realtor be part of your blueprint for successfully purchasing new construction? The answer is absolutely!

Following are a few myth busters (selected myths/facts provided The Realty Corner) about working directly with the builder, but without the benefit of working with a Realtor.


• MYTH: The Builder will discount the price if I don’t have a REALTOR®.

FACT: In most cases, the agent is paid through the seller’s fees. Generally in new construction, the builder has already anticipated this cost. If you work with a builder without the guidance and representation of a REALTOR®, you’re likely paying for real estate services without reaping the benefits. Why put yourself at such a disadvantage? And although most think that working with a REALTOR® may cost them money, for a homebuyer, these services are free.

• MYTH: Buying directly from the builder will be hassle-free.

FACT: There will be many things to consider when purchasing a new construction. As you walk through a model home everything may seem straight-forward. However, the process of building, financing and inspecting your new home may not be as clear as you anticipated. You’ll benefit from REALTOR® services: to interpret builder jargon, contract language, advise you on inspections and contingency deadlines, and even help show you how your option choices can add value to your new home.

• MYTH: This is the price of the home I see is the price I will pay.

FACT: Not always. Many model homes have upgrades. These upgrades, or options, (such as hardwood floors or granite countertops) are attractive to most buyers. However, many prices advertised don’t include the options you see in a model home. If you’ve fallen in love with the ceramic tile in the foyer, make sure to find out if the tile is included in your total price or how much extra it will be to upgrade. A REALTOR® can help you choose the options that you want and guide you in making selections that also add lasting value to your new home.

• MYTH: REALTOR® services will not help me when purchasing a new home.

FACT: The builder has to develop every parcel of land owned in order to make a return on investment. This may mean trying to sell you a lot that may not be the best option for your needs, or a lot that may be difficult to resell later. A REALTOR® walks the lot with you, goes through the house or plans, and can recommend ideas to you may help you choose the lot and house plan that best suit your needs. A REALTOR® will negotiate terms, pricing, and builder concessions, and monitor inspections and contract contingencies throughout the building and closing processes. Your REALTOR® is your advocate, from foundation to the final walk-through.

• MYTH: The sales agent at the model home works for me, too.

FACT: Although they may be warm and friendly, the sales agents you meet when touring model homes work for the builder, not you. Their interest is in negotiating the most profit on the houses they sell. You need a REALTOR® you know is representing your interests.

• MYTH: The builders contractors and representatives monitor the construction process to ensure my specifications and timelines are met.

FACT: An inspector who will go to the site at predetermined intervals to insure that you are indeed getting what you pay for and to make sure that the builder keeps maintains standards and meets or exceeds building codes.

• MYTH: Any Real Estate Agent can assist me.

FACT: All real estate licensees are not the same. Only real estate licensees who are members of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® are properly called REALTORS®. REALTORS® are committed to treat all parties to a transaction honestly. REALTORS® subscribe to a strict code of ethics and are expected to maintain a higher level of knowledge of the process of buying and selling real estate. Not all REALTORS® and agents are experienced in new construction. As a REALTOR® with plenty of new home experience, I also offer specialized services and resources for new home buyers, including financing, closing and title services, concierge benefits, extended home warranties and home insurance products.

If you are considering new construction, please call me. A solid plan and experienced representation can make a tremendous difference when building your dream home.

Builders, Buyers... Don't Leave Your Realtor Out of the New Construction Equation

Having represented buyers in the the purchase of new construction homes, I am frequently surprised by those who don't think a Realtor is necessary in these situations. You should always have a trained, experienced advocate when investing in real estate. New construction is no exception. Following are a few reasons why:

Some people think you are supposed to use the builder's representative, who may or may not be a licensed real estate agent. You have the right to use your own real estate professional, one who is licensed by the state, experienced in area home sales and values, and familiar with the process of purchasing new construction property.

Builders contracts vary, so it is important to work with a Realtor who can guide you through the contract, adding contingencies and other protection for your benefit. Remember, you are entering into a legally binding contract with the builder; you should have your own representative, experienced in a variety of builder contracts, guiding you through the contract.

Using a Realtor as your own buyer's representative costs you nothing. The Realtor's commission is paid by the seller as a co-op fee, so why wouldn't you use a professional to represent your interests?

Monitoring the process is another valuable service your Realtor can provide. Once you have entered into a contract with the builder, time lines need to monitored to ensure you close on time and your financing stays on track. Your Realtor will monitor the process to ensure you move toward the closing in a timely manner.

You don't get a discount for foregoing the Realtor and buying directly through the builder; in fact, your Realtor can frequently negotiate a better price and terms for you.

Unlike a builder's rep, your Realtor can assist you in determining fair market value, upgrades and finishes commensurate with the community, advise you in resale potential, school report data, neighborhood information and crime statistics.

Your Realtor can offer additional buyer benefits, like home warranty alternatives and related homeowner services, including financing, title, insurance and concierge services.

'Thinking about new construction? Call me and let's talk!

Quick Market Update for Dutchland Woods

There are currently 5 listings in Dutchland Woods. Two of those are my listings and both were under contract within 7 days! 6599 Wooden Shoe Drive has been beautifully renovated throughout and features a newly finished lower level. A HUGE value at $156,750, we just received an accepted offer. My other listing on Cobblers Trail is under contract and set to close soon. The three listings still available are: 6813 Dutchland Blvd. ($144,500), 6476 Cobblers Trail ($169,750) and 6601 Windmill Drive ($176,000). There have been no closed sales in Dutchland Woods yet in 2010 (but I will have the first two shortly!), however there were three sales in Dutchland Woods in the 4th quarter of 2009. Two of those three homes sold were my listings.

Remember, if you or someone you know are considering a move, call me. I AM your Dutchland Woods expert.

Deadline Looming for Homebuyer Tax Credits

Homebuyers who want to take advantage of tax credit opportunities have until April 30 to sign a purchase contract and must close by July 1, 2010. That may seem like a long way off, but keep in mind, according to the National Association of Realtors' 2009 Buyers & Sellers Profile, the average homebuyer spends 10 weeks searching for a house before purchasing. You should also know that in some circumstances, such as purchasing a home in foreclosure or through a short sale, the closing process can be extended by weeks or even months!

The clock is ticking. Tax credits are available for first time homebuyers and were recently expanded to repeat homebuyers who meet certain criteria. Contact me to learn more about homebuyer tax credits and how you might benefit.

Welcome to my Dutchland Woods Blog

I AM Your Dutchland Woods Expert

Many of you already know me as your neighbor, and many of you also know that I am a Realtor with RE/MAX Unlimited, specializing in Dutchland Woods. Maybe you have read my bi-monthly Dutchland Woods newsletter (upcoming issue in February). As a Dutchland Woods resident, I have a vested interest in seeing homes in our neighborhood sell quickly and for top dollar. As a Realtor, I am also committed to Dutchland Woods. Even in a challenging market, I continue to successfully list, sell and outsell the market in Liberty Township. OK, you’ve probably heard the saying “do the math.” Here are a few statistics from the Greater Cincinnati Multiple Listing Service:

• In the last 3 years, there have been 67 sales in Dutchland Woods. Well, 33% of those sales were mine.

• During the same period, I also out-performed the market in the time it took to sell a home by more than 4 days. What’s the big deal about 4 days? For many sellers, it means not having to make another month of mortgage and utility payments before they move, saving them hundreds of dollars.

• Since 2007, when most experts agree the market began to decline, the average selling price in Dutchland Woods was $158,744, but my average selling price in Dutchland Woods was $164,564. My sales out-performed the market by nearly $6,000!

• Last year, I represented the buyer, seller or both in a whopping 40% of all sales in Dutchland Woods.

• In 2009, the average sale price in Dutchland Woods was $147,420, but MY average sale price was $164,167!

The numbers speak for themselves.

If you, or someone you know, are considering a move, let’s talk.