Today's real estate landscape offers some great buys for savvy real estate consumers, especially when it comes to foreclosure properties. Unfortunately, even though there are already a large number of foreclosures on the market, analysts are predicting that yet another wave of distressed properties will crop up in the coming months.

As a Member of the Top 5 in Real Estate Network®, I've consulted with many clients seeking to capitalize on a foreclosure purchase. I always advise them, however, to weigh the pros and cons. While a foreclosure could represent your best chance to get a great deal, make sure you educate yourself about the potential pitfalls of purchasing a distressed property in advance - and what correcting those pitfalls might cost. In most cases, it's not so much about what damage occurred but rather the source of the damage and how long before the problem was addressed.

Here are the top 10 signs that may indicate trouble in a foreclosed home:

1. Unheated house in winter months. If the home has been properly winterized, there's no need for heat. But if the home has not been properly winterized, pipes will burst and cause water damage.
2. Missing sinks, toilets and other fixtures. Make sure they've been properly removed and not ripped from walls and floors.
3. Peeling, bubbling and discolored paint; swelling in walls or ceilings (especially around kitchens and bathrooms), or a musty odor all indicate water damage and, potentially, the presence of moisture and mold.
4. Fungus growth inside cabinets, behind drawers and built-ins. Fungus could mean that there has been water damage. Since water falls down, look for the source above the mold.
5. Blocked drains or pipes will cause future problems and may have already created sewage backups.
6. Black cobwebs, greasy gray residue on walls and/or a strong oily odor. This could point to potential soot damage or a malfunctioning furnace.
7. An older home with extensive renovations. Check with the city for pulled permits in order to get remolding details. If asbestos is present and has been disturbed, be sure it's been remediated by a certified specialist.
8. Excessive painting of every nook, cranny, door and floor may mean that the seller is covering up mold.
9. Discolored subflooring. From the basement, check the subflooring above for stains and small holes, both caused by mold.
10. Air quality. The air quality within a home tells a lot about the home's condition. Be sure to include air and surface testing in your home inspection. It's a few hundred dollars well spent.

There are indeed many great opportunities in today's market, but proper education and preparation are essential to making the right investment. Please e-mail me for further information and be sure to forward this article to others who might be considering a foreclosure purchase.

WOW!!!  What an incredible find.  923 Ridgeview Dr. won't last long as it's priced right and offers immediate occupancy.  This quaint three bedroom home features rich hardwood flooring, updated mechanics, gas heat, central air, a one car garage, one full bathroom, formal dining room with walkout and more.

The cute kitchen is equipped with vinyl flooring and wood cabinets.  The appliances included with the kitchen are the oven/range, the dishwasher and the refrigerator.

923 Ridgeview Dr is located in the Boone County Public School district and is super convenient to area shopping, places of worship, restaurants, the Boone County Public Library, the expressway and much more. 

Other amenities include natural woodwork, an unfinished basement, garage door opener, sump pump and a home warranty.  This home is not a short sale or lender home and won't last long.  Contact Peter Zimmer/The Mike Parker Team/HUFF Realty today for your private tour.  859-992-9654.

CLICK HERE FOR VIRTUAL TOUR

Peter Zimmer
Certified Residential Specialist
Zimmer@Cincy-NKYHomes.com
859-992-9654

While many great deals exist in today's real estate market, securing the optimal mortgage is a critical part of your home purchase decision.

As a Member of the Top 5 in Real Estate Network®, I have worked with many home buyers over the years and am well versed on the factors in every mortgage loan package that will determine whether or not you can afford the house you want to buy. The most important things to take into consideration are: interest rate, points, mortgage type, closing costs and fees, and down payment and mortgage insurance. Here’s a closer look at each:

1. Interest Rate: The interest rate determines the amount of your monthly payment. Keep in mind that different lenders offer different interest rates, so it is important to shop around. Generally, a short-term or adjustable-rate loan will offer a lower interest rate because you agree to repay the lender more quickly or to pay fluctuating rates.
2. Points: Points are fees charged by the lender to originate your loan. A point equals one percent of the total mortgage amount. Lenders will charge different numbers of points for different loans, so it is important to understand how many points a lender will be charging. For example, in some cases, lenders may advertise very low interest rates, but build a high point charge into the cost of issuing the loan, making the deal less valuable than a loan at a higher interest rate.
3. Types of Mortgage Options:
   • Fixed Rate. On a fixed-rate mortgage, the interest rate does not change for the entire life of the loan.
   • Adjustable Rate. Adjustable rates, on the other hand, are interest rates that fluctuate based on market conditions. Since no one knows how the market will behave, they are riskier than fixed-rate loans. Over the life of the mortgage, you could end up paying more or less than you would have with a fixed-rate loan.
   • Balloon. The next common type of mortgage is a balloon payment loan. A balloon payment loan allows you to make relatively small monthly payments for an initial period, but requires a lump-sum payment toward the end of the term. These are risky to consider unless you are confident that you can either refinance the loan or sell the home at the end of the initial loan period.
4. Closing Costs: Closing costs and fees are additional amounts that the buyer and seller must cover during the course of the mortgage loan transaction. They include items like credit report fees, appraisal fees, title search fees and title insurance.
5. Down Payment and Mortgage Insurance: When searching for the right type of mortgage for you, the amount of your down payment, the need for private mortgage insurance (PMI) and other factors, such as whether you are a first-time home buyer, a teacher or a peace officer, will also affect your monthly mortgage payment.

A professional real estate agent, such as a member of the Top 5 in Real Estate Network®, or a trusted mortgage broker can help you decide what makes the best financial sense for you. Please e-mail me for more information and be sure to pass this blog on to others who might be in the market for a mortgage.

This brand new second floor condo is ready to move in today!!!  1174 Retriever Way offers two large bedrooms, two full bathrooms, a study, a spacious living room, beautiful galley kitchen, balcony, a one car garage and more.

This condo is low on maintenance and sits in an excellent location.  It is super convenient to places of worship, shopping, restaurants, area attractions, the bus line, the airport, the Boone County Public Library and more.  It's located in the Boone County Public Schools system and also features a home warranty, a community pool and clubhouse, cathedral ceilings, ceiling fans, recessed lighting, cable ready, central air insulated windows and immediate possession.

The large living room features lush wall to wall carpeting, cathedral ceilings and a walkout to the large balcony.  You'll love gathering here with friends and family.

The galley kitchen is equipped with a pantry, counter bar, vinyl flooring, an oven/range, dishwasher and garbage disposal.

The master suite offers wall to wall carpeting, a large adjoining bathroom and a large walk in closet.  The bathroom includes a separate shower and double vanity sinks.

To view this specaular condo, contact The Mike Parker Team/HUFF Realty today.  859-647-0700.

CLICK HERE FOR VIRTUAL TOUR

MIKE PARKER - CRS
Mike@MikeParker.com
859-647-0700 - office
859-486-3300 - cell

This stunning condo is brand new and offers two bedrooms, two full bathrooms, a 1 car garage, cathedral ceilings, a large master suite, open floor plan and much more.

1157 Fairman Way was built by Hills and is The Prescott floorplan.  It's located on the third floor and is in Plantation Pointe subdivision making it super convenient to shopping, the bus line, the Boone County Library, restaurants, places of worship, parks and recreation, the airport, the expressway and much more.

You'll love the master suite with it's over sized walk-in closet and adjoining bathroom.  The bedroom offers lush wall to wall carpeting and the bath features a separate shower and a double vanity sink.

The Living Room offers beautiful views from the balcony, cathedral ceilings and wall to wall carpeting.  This room is also large in size and a great place to entertain family and friends.

The kitchen is complete with lovely wood cabinets, a pantry and vinyl flooring.  Appliances included with the kitchen are the oven/range, the dishwasher, the garbage disposal, and microwave.

1157 Fairman Way is located in a pool community and offers immediate possession.  For your private tour of this fantastic property, contact The Mike Parker Team/HUFF Realty today.  859-647-0700.

CLICK HERE FOR VIRTUAL TOUR

MIKE PARKER - CRS
Mike@MikeParker.com
859-647-0700 - Office
859-486-3300 - Cell

Wow!!  What a fantastic home!!  15 Kelley Dr is loaded with amenities and is the perfect place to call home.  It offers three bedrooms, two full bathrooms, one half bathroom, a very open kitchen, a large wood deck, a finished lower level, a one car over sized garage and an incredible location.

The wonderful kitchen includes beautiful wood cabinets, laminate flooring, a counterbar and a walkout to the beautiful backyard and wood deck.  Appliances included with the kitchen are the oven/range, a new dishwasher, new garbage disposal and the microwave.

The family room is a great place to entertain with it's lush wall to wall carpeting, dry bar and walkout to the fwooded backyard.  There is a full bathroom and laundry room located in the lower level as well.

15 Kelly Dr is located in Florence, KY and is in the Boone County Public School District.  It is super convenient to shopping, the airport, bus lines, parks and recreation, places of worship, the Boone County Public Library, Turfway Racetrack, the expressway and other area attractions.  Other amenities include ceiling fans, recessed lighting, smoke alarms, nine foot ceilings, cathedral ceilings, a new hot water heater, a laundry chute, a beautiful lot with mature trees and a stunning wood deck.  A perfect place to gather with family and friends!!  For your private tour of this captivating home, contact The Mike Parker Team/HUFF Realty today.  859-647-0700. 

CLICK HERE FOR VIRTUAL TOUR

Completely incredible!!!!  That's how we describe 2096 Angela Ct located in beautiful Villa Hills, KY.  This stunning five bedroom home is totally loaded with custom touches and sits on 1.975 acres.  Some of them include five full bathrooms, three half bathrooms, a first floor master suite with an ultra bath, a finished loaded lower level, a beautiful gourmet kitchen, a three season room, a first floor study, a five car side entry garage, a formal dining room and tons more!!!

The incredible gourmet kitchen includes rich hardwood flooring, granite counter tops, a ceramic tile back splash, gorgeous wood cabinets, a center island, a pantry, a breakfast room, a counter bar and a planning desk.  The chef in the family will surely love this dynamite kitchen.  Appliances included with the kitchen are the oven/range, the dishwasher, the garbage disposal, the refrigerator and the microwave.

The expansive great room is the perfect spot to entertain family and friends.  It is complete with lush wall to wall carpeting, a gas fireplace and built-in book cases.

The formal dining room is a spectacular spot for those fancy meals or just a romantic table for two.  It features hardwood flooring, beautiful chair rail and a lovely chandelier.

The enormous first floor master suite is equipped with wall to wall carpeting, an adjoining bathroom, a large walk in closet and a dressing area.  The adjoining bathroom features ceramic tile and a  separate shower.

You'll love the finished basement with it's spacious size, full bar, walkout to the patio and media room.  This is a super spot for entertaining!!!

Built by Zalla Homes, 2096 Angela Ct. is a stunning home with views to match!!!  Gaze out at incredible views of the Ohio River.  Watch the riverboats float by from the backyard!!!  Not only is the beautiful house equipped with breathtaking views but it also offers a super location on a dead-end street, meticulous landscaping, a security system, an intercom system, central vac, an enclosed porch, a wonderful Villa Hills location and is located in the Kenton County Public School System.  It sits on a gorgeous wooded lot and also offers ceiling fans, recessed lighting, smoke alarms, a garage door opener, humidifier, air cleaner, nine foot ceilings, crown molding, cathedral ceilings, French doors, a home warranty and a bonus room.  2096 Angela Ct. is super convenient to shopping, downtown Cincinnati, the airport, places of worship, parks and recreation, the library and more. 

For your private tour of this lavish home, contact The Mike Parker Team/HUFF Realty today.  859-647-0700.

CLICK HERE FOR VIRTUAL TOUR

MIKE PARKER - CRS
Mike@MikeParker.com
859-647-0700 - Office
859-486-3300 - Cell

While we're all aware of the health risks posed by lead, you might not realize that even common renovation projects can be hazardous in terms of lead. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), activities like sanding, cutting and demolition can create dangerous lead dust and chips by disturbing lead-based paint, which can be harmful to both adults and children.

As a Member of the Top 5 in Real Estate Network®, I am committed to keeping my clients informed on current regulations pertaining to home safety issues. To protect against the lead risk, on April 22, 2008, EPA issued a rule requiring the use of lead-safe practices and other actions aimed at preventing lead poisoning. Under the rule, as of April 22, 2010, contractors performing renovation, repair and painting projects that disturb lead-based paint in homes, child-care facilities and schools built before 1978 must be EPA certified and must follow specific work practices to prevent lead contamination.

If you are embarking on a home-improvement project, be sure to use certified renovators who are trained by EPA-approved training providers to follow lead-safe work practices. Lead dust can form when lead-based paint is dry scraped, dry sanded or heated. Dust also forms when painted surfaces bump or rub together. Lead chips and dust can get on surfaces and objects that people touch. Settled lead dust can re-enter the air when people vacuum, sweep or walk through it.

Make sure that your renovators employ the following practices - and you, too, if you're a do-it-yourselfer:

• Contain the work area
• Minimize dust
• Clean up thoroughly

According to the EPA, to permanently remove lead hazards, you must hire a certified lead "abatement" contractor. Abatement (or permanent hazard elimination) methods include removing, sealing or enclosing lead-based paint with special materials. Just painting over the hazard with regular paint is not enough.

For more information on the dangers of lead and the new regulations regarding remodeling, please visit www.epa.gov, or e-mail me directly. I encourage you to pass this important information along to anyone you know who might be renovating their home soon.

Build your dream home here.  This beautiful 2.664 acres offers city water and sewer, super lake views and very few neighbors.  It's country living at it's finest, but just minutes away from city conveniences.  This property is near shopping, places of worship, the Boone County Public Libarary and more.  It's located in the Boone County Public School district and is zoned residential.  Contact The Mike Parker Team/HUFF Realty for plat and deed restrictions.  859-647-0700.

Thank you for visiting our website. Your FREE Real Estate Resource for Northern Kentucky and Greater Cincinnati. If you see any homes on this site, we would deeply appreciate it if you would contact us for a private showing.

MIKE PARKER - CRS
Mike@MikeParker.com
859-647-0700 - Office
859-486-3300 - Cell

Lake view*2.664 acre lot*more land available*city water & sewer*country atmosphere w/ city convenience*build your dream home today*Great view & very few neighbors*Call listing agent for plat & restrictions

Looking for a special place to build your dream home or do you need a place to get away from it all?  Look no further.  Gridley Hill has 17 beautiful rolling acres just ready for anything.  It's located only five minutes from Markland Dam and the popular Belterra Casino.  It's also only eight short minutes to the Kentucky Speedway.  Located in lovely Gallatin County, Kentucky and located in the Gallatin County Public School system, this property is EASY to see.  Contact The Mike Parker Team/HUFF Realty today for your private showing.  859-647-0700.

CLICK HERE FOR VIRTUAL TOUR

MIKE PARKER-CRS
mike@mikeparker.com
859-647-0700 - office
859-486-3300 - cell

Build your dream home right here!!!  This lot offers unbelievable lake views and sits on 2.794 acres and includes a priceless country atmosphere with city convenience.  It's located in Florence, Kentucky and is minutes away from shopping, the expressway, places of worship, restaurants, the Boone County Public Library and more.  It's located in the Boone County Public School system.  Utilities include city water and sewer. This lot features stunning views with very few neighbors.  Contact The Mike Parker Team/HUFF Realty today for your private showing and plat information.  More land is also available.  859-647-0700

As a member of the Top 5 in Real Estate Network®, I have years of experience and understand how taking on a remodeling project is beneficial to you, both now and then later down the road should you choose to sell.

For these reasons and more, a good number of homeowners undertake home improvement projects, especially during the summer.

Following are tips and projects—both large and small—for homeowners looking to spruce their homes up this summer.

Patios and Decks
What better way to enjoy the warm days than by creating an outdoor living space for the family to enjoy.

Decks and patios are among the most popular summer remodeling ideas. There are various factors to take into consideration when deciding on whether a patio or deck is the most appropriate project to undertake. Such factors include soil condition and consistency, site terrain, use, capacity and privacy, as well as the cost and maintenance you are willing to put up with.

Home Maintenance
Throughout the seasons, your home has taken good care of you and your family and now is the best time to give back.

Go through your property to evaluate and create a checklist on areas that need mending or replacement. This list is a crucial preparation before calling a contractor or handyman for maintenance/repair services. Some common maintenance and repair include:

• Waterproofing the basement
• Re-caulking and replacing weather-striping
• Cleaning and sealing wooden decks
• Trimming bushes and trees
• Realigning downspouts and gutters
• Repairing the roof
• Cleaning the pool
• Mending the fence
• Sealing cracks along driveways, foundation, walkways, etc.
• Maintenance of HVAC systems

Energy-Efficient Renovation
When it comes to summer remodeling, there's no better way to invest your hard-earned dollars than by making your home energy efficient. An energy-efficient summer remodel is truly a worthwhile endeavor as it will result in years of savings on your energy bills. Some of the common items you can buy and integrate into your energy-efficient renovation include:

• Insulation systems and materials
• Roofs that resist heat gain
• Biomass-burning stoves
• Energy-efficient windows
• HVAC systems with the highest efficiency tier
• Solar panels
• Fuel cells
• Geothermal heat pumps
• Wind energy systems

Taking on one (or more!) of these projects is a great way to give back to your home this summer…and, in some cases, save you a bit of money, too. For more information on home renovation projects, please e-mail me - and please feel free to forward these tips to any family and friends you think might benefit from them as well.

1. The appraiser will need approximately 30 minutes to one hour to complete the inspection phase of the appraisal process, which includes: exterior photos of the front and rear of the home and a photo of the street in front of the property; measurements of the exterior of the home, garage and any outbuildings; a walk-through inspection of all rooms and levels of the interior of the home, including the basement.
2. Get organized. Put together a checklist that will help you get ready for your appraisal.
3. Be flexible when scheduling the appointment.
4. Have a copy of your home’s blueprint to help verify measurements and lot size.
5. Provide a list of improvements made to the property since the purchase. Improvements that should be noted include adding a pool, patio, updating your kitchen or bathroom, and any room additions, etc.
6. Allow your appraiser access to the entire property, including access to any crawl space or attic areas.
7. Keep in mind that a clean home makes a good impression. Be sure to trim the lawn, clean the pool and garage, repair cracked windows or torn screens, check for leaky faucets and secure gutters and down spouts before your appraisal.
8. Point out any amenities that may not be obvious to the appraiser: sprinkler systems, patios, pools, security systems, built-in pool vacuum, etc.
9. Provide a copy of last year's tax assessment information.
10. Know what year the house was built and when improvements were made.
11. The first thing appraisers look for is comparables, so be prepared and have a list of recent sales of similar properties in the immediate neighborhood.

Following these steps will go a long way toward making the home appraisal process a bit easier. For more information on home appraisals and preparing your home for sale, please e-mail me—and please feel free to forward these tips to any family and friends with a home sale in their future.

1. Circumstances have changed. Maybe grandchildren have arrived on the scene and you can't bear the thought of moving hundreds of miles away from them. Or your parents are in poor health and need you nearby.

2. You've suddenly realized there's no place like home and you've simply changed your mind. You've decided you like being near your friends and you don't want to leave your church or synagogue. Renting your second home out during the time you are not staying there makes it financially feasible to keep both homes.

3. You've decided to "retire" from retirement. These days, it’s not unusual for people to test-drive retirement and find that it's just not for them. Work can provide many rich rewards—structure, social interaction, mental stimulation, a sense of purpose, and so forth—that people keenly miss when they retire. And, let's be honest—sometimes people simply can't afford to retire.

4. Your fixed income hasn't kept up with your lifestyle. Even when you're happy to give up the daily grind of your job, losing the paycheck that comes with it can be pretty painful. Factor in inflation, rising taxes, and unexpected "new" expenses, and you may find that what seemed like a manageable cost of living five years ago doesn't seem that way anymore. Your second home, even if it's paid for, may start looking like a liability due to property taxes, homeowner's association dues, and maintenance costs. Not if you rent it out, says Karpinski. Then it becomes a source of new income.

So don’t give up and seek to unload your second home just yet! There are still many ways to make this investment pay off. For more information on renting or buying a second, potential retirement home, please e-mail me. And please forward this email to any friends and family who could benefit from these insights.

• Do you smoke in your home?
• Do your kitchen, bathroom, and laundry room have ventilation and exhaust fans?
• Do you change your air filters once a month?
• When cleaning or doing laundry, do you use bleach, ammonia, or aerosol spray cans?
• Is your gas fireplace and/or gas stove checked yearly for emissions?
• Was your home built before 1978? If so, has it been checked for lead-based paint?
• Do your bathrooms have carpet where moisture and dust can build up?

If you have answered "yes" to any of these questions, it’s time to consider making some changes. Many of the quick fixes to improve one’s indoor air quality at home can be accomplished through a few simple adjustments to your regular maintenance practices.

Others, like checking for lead paint, can often be handled through local, county or state programs that are partially or wholly subsidized, and heating source emissions checks can often be done through one’s own utility provider.

For more information on home safety or for a referral on companies that can help you with home maintenance, please e-mail me. And feel free to pass this email on to friends and family members who may have concerns regarding their indoor air quality.

• Use ceiling fans in the counter-clockwise direction to create a wind-chill effect, making you feel cooler. Also, whole-house fans that bring in cooler night-time air can pre-cool a house and reduce energy use in the daytime if heat is kept out by closing windows and shades.
• Install a programmable thermostat. If health conditions permit, raise the setting from 73 to 78 degrees. You can save 3-5% on your air conditioning costs for each degree you raise the thermostat.
• Close doors leading to uncooled parts of your home. If you have central air conditioning, close off vents to unused rooms and be sure to keep filters clean.
• Plant shade trees close to the house on the South and West sides.
• Seal holes and cracks around doors and windows. Eliminate air leaks between window air conditioners and windows with foam insulation or weather-stripping.
• Turn off power sources. TVs, computers and other electronic devices draw power when they are in standby mode or turned off but still plugged in. Plug electronics into power strips and turn off the power switch when the items are not in use.
• Switch to compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs), which use 75% less electricity and burn more coolly than incandescent bulbs. Keep in mind that CFLs are especially handy in hard-to-reach fixtures and won't need to be replaced for about five years.
• Use timers and motion detectors on indoor and outdoor lighting.
• Delay heat-producing tasks such as laundry until later in the day. Wash full loads, using cold water whenever possible.
• Run the dishwasher at night, using the shortest cycle that will get the dishes clean. If manufacturers' directions permit, turn the dishwasher off before the dry cycle or use the air dry feature if your machine has one.
• Take short showers as they use less hot water than a bath.
• Replace old appliances with new energy efficient Energy Star appliances.
• Unplug the extra refrigerator in your garage or basement and use it only when necessary. Refrigerators that are only 10 years old can use twice as much electricity as new Energy Star labeled models.

For more information on preparing your home for summer, please e-mail me. I encourage you to pass this email along to your friends and family as well.