Steven's Real Estate Blog

Kevin Costner & Chick Flicks

2011-08-19T10:47:00.002-04:00

Neighbors Save a House, Improve Their Neighborhood

This story has the makings of a chick flick starring Kevin Costner, hammer in hand. Read

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Help Stop the 20% Minimum Downpayment Rule

2011-07-29T11:46:00.001-04:00

Help Stop the 20% Minimum Downpayment Rule

If regulators get their way, many qualified home buyers may be shut out of the market very soon. Home owners and sellers will see their property values take a hit, too: Fewer buyers mean lower home values. Read

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Air Conditioning Equipment: Repair or Replace?

2011-07-22T09:56:00.003-04:00

Air Conditioning Equipment: Repair or Replace?

If you’re deciding whether to repair or replace central air conditioning equipment, assess the quality of your house’s ductwork and insulation first. Read

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What do you think of the federal efforts to tighten downpayment rules and reduce home owner tax breaks?

2011-07-15T06:27:00.003-04:00

Americans Bullish on Home Ownership Despite Economy, So Why Won’t Washington Listen?

If you’re worried about the future of home ownership in America, you have good reason. The nation’s economy is struggling. But it’s not just the rising unemployment rate (up to 9.2% in June 2011) that’s deferring home ownership for many. Some outlandish proposals on Capitol Hill are also weighing heavily on the hearts and minds of home owners, sellers, and potential buyers. Read

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Is Your Toolbox Digital?

2011-07-08T11:00:00.003-04:00

Home Improvement Apps for iPhone, Android, and BlackBerry: Your Digital Toolbox

Downloadable iPhone and Android apps offer ways to maintain, improve, and save money on your home. Read

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2011-07-01T12:13:00.000-04:00

Fourth of July Parades: Tips to Organize Your Own Neighborhood Parade

There’s nothing quite like a Fourth of July parade, with fire engines, marching bands, and kids riding bikes decorated with red, white, and blue streamers. But you don’t have to go to the big city to find a classic July 4th celebration. With just a bit of planning, you can organize your own neighborhood parade that will bring out the smiles and American flags. Read

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By Doing Your Homework Before You Buy, You'll Feel More Content About Your New Home.

2011-06-24T10:50:00.002-04:00

7 Steps to Take Before You Buy a Home

By doing your homework before you buy, you’ll feel more content about your new home. Read

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Father's Day is June 19th

2011-06-17T11:17:00.000-04:00

On Father’s Day, Actions Speak Louder Than Ties

Father’s Day is Sunday. And you’re wondering how to thank the guy who taught you to wield a putty knife, and to shut the door and quit heating/cooling the outside — for crying out loud! Read

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Add Value and Security with Motion Sensor Lighting!

2011-06-10T12:32:00.000-04:00

Motion Sensor Lighting: Safety and Security Indoors and Out

Adding motion sensor lighting in and around your house provides an automated, hands-free way to turn on lights when you need them, and off when you don’t. Read

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Annual deck maintenance will forestall major repairs, protect your investment, and boost your enjoyment of your outdoor living space.

2011-06-03T07:59:00.004-04:00

Care and Maintenance of Your Deck

Annual deck maintenance will forestall major repairs, protect your investment, and boost your enjoyment of your outdoor living space. Read

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Home improvement trends embrace energy efficiency, low maintenance exteriors, and double-duty space.

2011-06-01T11:28:00.002-04:00

(New!)

7 Hot Home Improvement Trends that Make Your Home Work for You

Home improvement trends embrace energy efficiency, low maintenance exteriors, and double-duty space. Read

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Spring Cleaning Tips

2011-03-29T11:19:00.003-04:00

Cleaning House: Secrets of a Truly Deep Clean

Deep clean your house and you’ll brighten rooms and help maintain your home’s value. Read

Green Window Cleaning Makes Glass Pane-fully Clear

Window cleaning with non-toxic ingredients and reusable cloths protects your health, preserves resources, gains a streak-free view, and stretches your budget. Read

Cleaning Rain Gutters

Clean gutters to protect your siding and landscape plantings, and prevent thousands of dollars of damage to your foundation. Read

Spring Cleaning Guide

Make spring cleaning less of a chore by following these smarter—and mostly greener—tips for this annual rite of homeownership. Read

Cleaning and Caring for Siding

Cleaning and repairing your home’s siding once every year will pay off in the form of a long life and increased value for your home. Read

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Follow these six tips to get your home trim and clutter-free.

2011-03-06T09:52:00.001-05:00

Resolution: Put Your House on a Diet

Follow these six tips to get your home trim and clutter-free in 2011. Read

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Exceptional Home

2011-03-04T08:55:00.009-05:00

GORGEOUS Prospect Hill masterpiece with breathtaking city view. Builder upgrades and stunning finishes throughout. Hardwood floors, granite, Euro-mosaic glass tile and more. Oustanding urban living with a neighborhood feel. Tax abated thru 2016. For complete property information log onto 318Boal.com

The Marketing Matters!

2011-02-09T11:14:00.003-05:00

Did you know... Last year 90% of homebuyers used the Internet to search for homes?

As a real estate professional I know the importance of keeping up with new technology and market trends. That's why we create a unique website dedicated entirely to selling your home.

5411Edger.com

You're Going to Paint, Why Not Have the Right Tools?

2011-02-09T11:12:00.001-05:00

Must-Have Painting Tools

Sooner or later you’re going to paint something; you might as well have the correct tools. Here are the tools that should be in your painting toolbox. Read

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Just Listed!

2011-02-03T13:06:00.003-05:00

We've JUST LISTED this Outstanding Condo. Contact us to schedule your private showing today!

837 Neeb Rd # 7 Cincinnati OH 45233

December Home Sales Press Release

2011-01-20T11:32:00.003-05:00

Cincinnati Area Board of Realtors December Home Sales Press Release. Two positive trends revealed!

Click Here for Details

New Listing! 5477 Redoak Dr. Cincinnati OH 45238

2011-01-16T15:38:00.001-05:00

8 Tips for Finding Your New Home

2011-01-14T13:21:00.001-05:00

8 Tips for Finding Your New Home

A solid game plan can help you narrow your homebuying search to find the best home for you. Read

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The Real Repair Costs of Shootouts, Explosions and Vampire Attacks

2011-01-06T08:14:00.002-05:00

The Real Repair Costs of Shootouts, Explosions, and Vampire Attacks

HouseLogic estimates how much it would cost to repair some of the worst home disasters depicted on TV and film. Read

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Seven Tips for Staging Your Home

2010-12-27T15:25:00.000-05:00

7 Tips for Staging Your Home

Make your home warm and inviting to boost your home’s value and speed up the sale process. Read

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How to Use Comparable Sales to Price Your Home

2010-12-27T14:55:00.001-05:00

How to Use Comparable Sales to Price Your Home

Before you put your home up for sale, use the right comparable sales to find the perfect price. Read

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SOLD

2010-12-08T11:35:00.004-05:00

We have SOLD this house in less than TWO WEEKS. We can sell yours too. Contact us for your personal HOME MARKETING CONSULTATION.

2655Fairhill.com

SOLD!

2010-11-18T13:06:00.003-05:00

We've SOLD this property and we can sell yours too. Contact us for your Home Marketing Consultation today!

703 Riddle Road

New Listing!

2010-10-07T14:57:00.002-04:00

Gorgeous brick ranch with two-car garage. Chef's dream kitchen with granite, stainless steel appliances, glass front cherry cabinets and more. Amazing, finished lower level with tiled wet bar, built-ins, crown molding, surround sound, custome recessed lighting and NEW carpet.

Sparking hardwood floors, wood burning fireplace, covered patio, fresh landscaping and private rear yard. Welcome Home.

2655Fairhill.com

New Listing

2010-09-29T16:41:00.004-04:00

We have just listed this outstanding home. Give us a call to schedule your private showing today!

1928 Sylved Lane

September is National Preparedness Month

2010-09-04T12:24:00.007-04:00

September is National Preparedness Month. The whole month is devoted encouraging Americans to plan ahead and prepare for emergencies in their homes, businesses and communities. I encourage you to visit Ready.gov to prepare your family's emergency kit, to make a plan and to stay informed. Make it a safe and prepared September!

Steven Carder

REALTOR

Star One Realtors

New Listing

2010-09-03T11:02:00.003-04:00

We've JUST LISTED this outstanding Anderson property. If you or someone you know is interested in living in the area give us a ring!

764 Eight Mile Rd Cincinnati OH 45255

Save Time and Money by Working with an Experienced REALTOR

2010-09-03T10:37:00.005-04:00

Everyone is interested in saving time and money. Check out this SUPER article from MSN REAL ESTATE for great tips when buying or selling your home. As always, don't hesitate to contact me, I'm here to help you!

Sold in Less Than 30 Days!

2010-08-25T12:20:00.004-04:00

We have sold this house. We can sell yours too. Contact Steven Carder of Star One Realtors to schedule a free, no obligation, market analysis to determine the likely selling price of your house. CONTACT ME TODAY!

2223 Neeb Rd Cincinnati OH 45233

Price Hill Showcase of Homes

2010-08-16T13:16:00.005-04:00

The next Price Hill Showcase of Homes has been scheduled for Saturday, September 18th from 11:00am to 3:00pm.

I'll be holding the historic Fredrick Schlicte home open from 12:00pm to 2:00pm. The property is a fine example of Queen Anne Architecture and shows beautifully.

Check out the property website at SaintLawrenceAvenue.com and I hope to see you there!

Open Sunday, August 15th from 12:00 to 1:00 PM

2010-08-12T14:36:00.004-04:00

Stop by to check out this AWESOME home! 5424 Sarah's Oak Dr. Cincinnati OH 45248

Buying vs. Renting a Home

2010-08-06T15:52:00.006-04:00

Is now the right time to buy a home?

When buying a home you have many options to consider and choices to make. Buying a home is a BIG responsibility, financially and emotionally but it's well worth the time and trouble. Real estate often is an excellent investment, perhaps the number one source of wealth-building for families and single people.

Owning a home has many benefits.

When you make your mortgage payment you build equity in your home and that's an investment. There are also tax advantages to home ownership. The mortgage interest and real estate taxes are tax deductible. This allows you to subtract part of your housing-related expenses from your taxable income, which could reduce your tax bill. In many cases with the tax savings, the amount of money a homeowner spends on a mortgage can be about the same or less than what a renter spends on rent. As a renter, you lose the chance to build equity, take advantage of tax benefits, and protect yourself from rent increases. Also you may not be able to redecorate without permission or face loosing your deposit because you repainted or hung too many pictures on the walls. YIKES!

Home ownership may not be for everyone.

Buying a home is a HUGE financial commitment. Starting with the initial shock of your purchase including your down payment, closing costs paid to your lender followed by years of monthly mortgage payments, real estate taxes, property insurance and maintenance costs, home ownership may become overwhelming. However, it NEVER cost a buyer a dime for my professional buyer representation and many times we can get the seller to pay the buyer's closing costs. This strategy can lessen your sticker shock and get you into your home with less of an initial investment than you thought. Also, many times your ongoing real estate taxes and property insurance is escrowed into your monthly mortgage payment by your lender, so you only have one bill that includes all three.

I'm here to help.

I can apply my expertise to help you decide which option is right for you. To get started, log on to StevenCarder.com, click on the Buyer page and download my free Buyer Report.

Sale Pending!

2010-07-30T11:10:00.007-04:00

The Greater Cincinnati real estate market is moving and you could be too!

We have marked this outstanding property PENDING after less than a month on the market. We expect the SALE to close soon.

Contact Steven Carder and Star One REALTORS to get full market value for your home in the least amount of time!

2223 Neeb Rd. Cincinnati OH 45233

Sale Pending!

2010-07-29T17:54:00.014-04:00

The Greater Cincinnati real estate market is alive and well!

We have marked this outstanding property PENDING after less than a month on the market. We expect the SALE to close soon.

Contact Steven Carder and Star One REALTORS to get full market value for your home in the least amount of time.

7461 Fiddlers Trail Dr. Cincinnati OH 45248

Steven Carder and Star One REALTORS Launch Mobile MLS

2010-07-23T11:23:00.013-04:00

How would you like to get information 24/7-365 on properties for sale by calling one single phone number? With Star One REALTORS Mobile MLS Service, you call one number, enter the property address and listen to details about the property right from your mobile phone!

You never have to call another real estate agent for property information only to get the agent's voicemail and have to wait for a call back. Mobile MLS brings the property information right to your phone. And Mobile MLS works for any property listed with the Greater Cincinnati Multiple Listing Service - regardless of the listing broker.

Say you happen to be driving by a house for sale and would like more information - or - a house on your street has been listed and you would like to know the asking price. Just call Mobile MLS (it works from your home phone too!), enter the street address and listen to the property details. The system will even send you an email with a link to the detail sheet once you hang up.

To activate your own private search on Star One REALTORS Mobile MLS, call or email Steven Carder today!

Call: 513-545-3510 or Email: Info@StevenCarder.com

Central Parkway

2009-01-20T17:38:00.002-05:00

Many Cincinnati residents making their daily commute on Central Parkway have no idea they are actually driving on top of the failed Cincinnati Subway project.

The project was started at the conclusion of WWI in 1920. However, work stop abruptly in 1927 with seven miles of undergound tunnel completed but with no track installed. There are three semi-completed stations located at Central Parkway and Race streets, at Central Parkway and Liberty street, and at Central Parkway and Brighton corner.

There has been many attempts to revive the project over the years with no success. The only group authorized to offer tours is the Cincinnati Museum Center's Heritage Project because of their safety record while conducting tours. However, the tours are offered sporadically and only one or two are planned annually.

While traveling on I-75 south, carefully look to your left near the Hopple Street exit, you can catch a quick look at the north and south entrance and exit of the failed subway project.

As always, I'm here for all your real estate needs!

The Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County

2009-01-20T17:31:00.001-05:00

The Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County is one of the largest and busiest public libraries in the world. In today's Internet driven world the library still offers great value to the people of Cincinnati and Hamilton County.

The library has 40 branch locations throughout the area. Their collections hold about 9,545,414 items and they offer over 15,000 free programs to seniors and toddlers alike. Amazing!

If you're still looking to get on the Internet, take advantage of their hundreds of computers with access or bring your own machine and use their fee-based Wi-Fi service.

For more information about Cincinnati, feel free to contact me. I'm always available to answer questions about the Queen City.

The Western Bowl

2009-01-20T17:22:00.004-05:00

The Western Bowl is a Cincinnati bowling landmark and destination. Located at 6383 Glenway Avenue on the west side, there is 68 lanes with automatic scoring to accommodate beginners and pros alike.

Every Saturday night, you can participate in Thunder Alley. A west side favorite for many years, you can sharpen your game while enjoying a light show, music and a nightclub atmosphere. The cost is only $4.10 per game! The fun starts at 11pm and continues to 2am.

Unfortunately, the Western Bowl has recently announced its closing after many years as a Cincinnati bowling alley. They are planing to close their doors in May of this year.

If you'd like to call the west side of Cincinnati home, contact me for a detailed profile of the surrounding neighborhoods. I'm here to help you make your real estate gaols a reality!

Your Own Website Designed to Sell Your Home Fast

2008-11-14T11:54:00.003-05:00

Why Use a Vitual Tour?

2008-11-05T14:00:00.007-05:00

With 90% of all homebuyers using the internet to begin their search for a new home, the use of a vitual tour is extreamly important. Over 50% of those people using the internet select the option view homes with virtual tours first.
With this in mind, I use a professionally designed virtual tour on every home I list for sale.
In today's difficult market, you need a REALTOR experianced in your area that will get your home sold for full market value in a reasonable amount of time.
Log on to StevenCarder.com for an overview of my exceptional marketing plan, then call me and start packing!

Star Certified Pre-Owned Home Program

2008-11-05T13:11:00.007-05:00

Sell Your Home Quicker!

* Get your home pre-inspected.

Put your potential buyer's mind at ease. A buyer can concentrate on the positive aspects of your home knowing that your home has been pre-inspected. You can have the necessary repairs completed in a timely manner and not rushed a few weeks before the closing.

* Offer a one-year homeowners warranty.

A warranty is usually requested in the purchase contract. Why not be covered during the listing period? I can provide you a Homeowner's Warranty contract so you can see the benefits to both the seller and buyer.

* $1000 Off Closing Costs with Fifth Third Mortgage.

Saving the buyer additional cost may yield a higher selling price for you and give the buyer more buying power! Fifth Third Mortgage will also offer you $1000 off the closing costs of your new home.

* Preliminary Title Report.

Eliminate title surprises on the day of closing and provide assurance to the buyer that you will be in a position to convey free and clear title in a timely manner.

* Increase Buyer Awareness.

Additional marketing of Star Certified Pre-Owned Homes in remarks of websites, signs and print is designed to add traffic and increase showings.

* Optional Discounted Staging Consultation.

Statistically, staged homes sell faster and have more appeal to potential buyers.

The Star Certified Seal of Approval will be promoted on the sign insert, banners and advertisements.

Call or email for complete program details...

Architecture: Residental Styles - Art Deco

2008-10-13T20:02:00.012-04:00

The Art Deco style first appeared at the 1925 Paris Exhibition Internationale des Arts Decoratifs. The appearance of the innovative design at the exhibition effectively launched the Art Deco style. The style echos the Machine Age with geometric decorative elements and a vertically oriented design throughout.
However, the distinctly urban style was never used widely in residential buildings, it was used more in public and commercial buildings of the period.
The Art Deco style was further popularized by Hollywood movies of the the 1930s. One of the best examples of the style popularization in movies was the Thin Man series staring William Powell and Myrna Loy as Nick and Nora Charles, a hard drinking married couple who solve crimes with ease while bantering in an Art Deco designed world.
Residential homes, public and commercial buildings that utilize the style have flat roofs, metal window casements, and smooth stucco walls with rectangular or square cut-outs. Facades are typically finished with zigzags and other stylized floral, geometric, and "sunrise" motifs.
Cincinnati has many examples of the Art Deco style utilized in many downtown commercial buildings.
One of the premiere examples is the Carew Tower located at 441 Vine Street. The building includes 49 floors and rises 574 ft into the Cincinnati skyline.
It contains the Netherland Plaza Hotel, formerly the Omni Netherland Plaza. Palm Court, the former lobby of the hotel, and now a multi-star restaurant, is described by the hotel staff as the finest example of French Art Deco architecture in the world and the food is out-of-this-world.
Take time out and book a reservation and surround yourself in a Art Deco world like Nick and Nora Charles of the Thin Man series.

Why Choose Me to Buy and Sell Real Estate?

2008-10-13T09:13:00.011-04:00

Buying or selling real estate? Why choose me as Your Realtor?
I'm passionate about your real estate transaction experience and work diligently to ensure the experience is valuable and memorable. I go beyond the typical posture of most real estate agents. As your Realtor, I strive to be your trusted advisor, consultant and real estate expert.

Do you need advise on staging your home effectively for potential buyers? Are you unsure which home improvements will add the greatest resale value? Are simply curious what your home is worth in today's competitive real estate market? You can count on me to provide expert input to aid you in making the informed decisions before listing your home for sale.

Unlike some agents who put a sign in your front yard and hope for the best, I have a proven and robust marketing plan to sell your home for the best possible price and terms in the least amount of time.

When I list a property for sale, I actively seek buyers whose needs match the profile of your home using traditional marketing methods and leveraging the Internet to work to your advantage in order to capture a buyer as quickly as possible.

In thirty to sixty minutes of your time, I can show you how I ensure your home is marketed to the widest buyer audience possible.

If you are a first-time or seasoned buyer, I work for you to find the home that best matches your needs and have a network of resources that can assist you with everything from financing to home inspections to required repairs.

Throughout the purchase process from the initial offer, to negotiating in your best interest, to acceptance, to a trouble free and on time closing, I provide outstanding attention to detail in every step.

Whether you're a buyer, seller or both, I utilize innovative processes to make sure you enjoy consistency and quality in you real estate transaction.

My goal is building client loyalty and referrals through outstanding client experience.

Contact me for your free no obligation buyer or seller consultation.