Improve or Move?

Improve or move?

Unless you built a custom home, you probably have a long list of things you’d like to improve in your current home. Browsing online listings might get you in the mood to upgrade to a new home, or you might be thinking about renovating your current home after binging on HGTV. The answer to renovation vs. relocation depends greatly on what you’re trying to fix.

Thinking about a new kitchen? If you’re dreaming of a chef’s kitchen with new appliances and beautiful cabinets, renovating your own kitchen gives you incredible ROI and is less costly than moving. You’ll increase the value of your own home if you ever decide to sell, and there’s a great sense of accomplishment that comes with completing a custom renovation.

Need more space? If you’re running low on bedrooms, there may not be a lot of options. Converting an existing room to a bedroom doesn’t create any new space. If you’re in a condo, an addition is probably impossible. And additions can be expensive even if it’s a possibility. Moving is usually the best option.

If the neighborhood isn’t ideal You may have seen some potential for your neighborhood when you first moved there, but perhaps it still isn’t welcoming the shops and restaurants you expected. If that’s the case, consider moving. There’s no sense in waiting years for the neighborhood to improve, especially if you can move to a house in the same price range in a more preferred part of the city.

April Hauser, Irongate Inc., Realtors

c/o Breakthrough Broker

937-305-5370

My favorite place to eat - LOCK 27

My favorite place to eat - LOCK 27

Want great food, drinks, and a friendly staff? Check out “Lock 27”my favorite restaurant in the south Dayton area. “Lock 27” is located next to the Centerville Kroger off of route 48. This small brewery has anywhere from 5-7 house made beers on tap as well as some of the best food around. I suggest you try one of the weekly specials up on the chalkboard, they seem to never disappoint. For an appetizer do yourself a favor and order some of the smoked wings. Hands down their the BEST i’ve ever tasted. For the burger lovers out there try the bacon burger. If you see me in there come say hi and I’ll buy you a drink! 

Blog Written By: 

Ryan Gillen 

(937)673-0830

Ryan.Gillen@IrongateRealtors.com

RyanGillenTeam.com 

THE 1% INVESTING RULE

THE 1% INVESTING RULE 

THINKING ABOUT INVESTING IN DAYTON RENTAL PROPERTY ?

Dayton, Ohio is one of the most profitable areas in the country to own rental property. Part of this is due to having the Wright Pat Air Force Base located in the heart of Dayton. The return on the investment is almost double what it would be in most cases when you compared to a big city. When thinking about investing in a rental property you need to evaluate a few common obvious issues. These consist of price, condition, and location of the home. The typical rule I stick with when advising my clients is what I call the “1% rule.” In short, when investing in a Dayton, OH rental property you want the total return on investment to be greater than 1% of the purchase price. 

Example:

If you buy a property for $75,000 and can rent the home out for $1,100 a month. After subtracting taxes, insurance, and repairs from the $1,100 you come out with a net of $850 per month. Your return on your investment in this example would be at 1.2% per month. In this scenario I would advise my client to buy the home as it is greater than a 1% return on investment per month. 

If you would like to discuss this concept further or have any questions please feel free to contact me at anytime. Take advantage of the Dayton market today and invest in property!

Blog Written By: 

Ryan Gillen 

(937)673-0830

Ryan.Gillen@IrongateRealtors.com

RyanGillenTeam.com 

Who's moving?

WHO’S MOVING?

Relocating, moving, picking up roots, call it what you will, it’s stressful! There is so much uncertainty and so much to do. There is one aspect of this process we can help with if you’re moving out of the area. We can help you find a Realtor in your new town!

I moved seven times in 26 years, long ago. I wish I could have talked to or met a Realtor before I started the home search in our new location. Knowing a real estate agent before we arrived in our new town would have been a huge burden lifted off our shoulders.

Irongate Inc., Realtors is a member of the  #1 Relocation Network in the United States! We can help you or family and friends find a Realtor here in the U.S. or approximately 50 other countries. The Ryan Gillen Team is committed to providing outstanding service in the home buying and selling process. Assisting in your relocation out of the area is another way we can serve you. I just need to take some basic information about your wants and needs of a new home to get the ball rolling. It's Easy! ASK ME HOW!

Steve Neal, SRES
Irongate Inc., Realtors
Ryan Gillen Team
937-369-6061

5 ways to improve your living room space

Five ideas that can dramatically improve your living room

Can’t seem to create a living room that feels quite right? Looking for some styling tips that will bring your living room up a notch? Here are five ideas that can dramatically improve your living room.

1. Move the furniture away from the walls: The tendency is to place your furniture against the walls, but giving it a little room to breathe will make the seating area seem cozier while also making the room seem more spacious.
2. Mix old and new pieces: Using the same furniture set to furnish an entire room can make it seem a bit sterile. Try mixing and matching different pieces and styles to give your living room a more eclectic feel.
3. Keep everything low: Arranging photos and artwork lower on walls will make a room appear larger, and can also draw more attention to the pieces themselves.
4. Place a bookshelf behind the sofa: It doesn’t have to be your entire personal library. Mix and match books with knick-knacks and other items to add some depth and texture to the space behind your sofa.
5. Try a smaller coffee table: Your current coffee table is probably larger than it needs to be, and it may be dominating the room. Try downsizing to a table that can still hold magazines, a centerpiece, and a few drinks, but will also give you a bit more room to move around your furniture.

Stephanie Dietz-van Giessen

Irongate Inc., Realtors- Ryan Gillen Team

Cell: 937-830-1490

RYAN GILLEN TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT!

RYAN GILLEN TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT!

The Ryan Gillen Team is happy to announce that we have partnered with Catalyst Custom Homes and will now be representing them. The Catalyst custom product directly aligns with what the Ryan Gillen Team would like to provide to our clients. Its a quality home with great customer service provided by Cain and Seth Doliboa. When building with Catalyst you will be communicating directly with the Doliboa brothers through out the whole building process. If you have a question or concern, you will be calling them directly. Do not hesitate to contact The Ryan Gillen Team if you would like more information about building a new Catalyst home. We can also set up a tour of the house featured in the 2016 Dayton Homearama. 

Blog Written By: 

Ryan Gillen, Realtor

(937)673-0830

Ryan.Gillen@IrongateRealtors.com

RyanGillenTeam.com 

EHO

Who's moving?

WHO’S MOVING?

Relocating, moving, picking up roots, call it what you will, it’s stressful! There is so much uncertainty and so much to do. There is one aspect of this process we can help with if you’re moving out of the area. We can help you find a Realtor in your new town!

I moved seven times in 26 years, long ago. I wish I could have talked to or met a Realtor before I started the home search in our new location. Knowing a real estate agent before we arrived in our new town would have been a huge burden lifted off our shoulders.

Irongate Inc., Realtors is a member of the  #1 Relocation Network in the United States! We can help you or family and friends find a Realtor here in the U.S. or approximately 50 other countries. The Ryan Gillen Team is committed to providing outstanding service in the home buying and selling process. Assisting in your relocation out of the area is another way we can serve you. I just need to take some basic information about your wants and needs of a new home to get the ball rolling. It's Easy! ASK ME HOW!

Steve Neal, SRES
Irongate Inc., Realtors
Ryan Gillen Team
937-369-6061

How much can I afford?

Wondering how much home you can afford? Here is what comes into play when determining the amount that you will be preapproved for…
*Buying a home on your own?
When you are buying a home on your own, your debt to income ratio, credit score, and monthly income will all come into play. Debt to income ratio meaning how much debt you have (student loans, car loans, etc.) compared to how much money you are making monthly. From there, the loan officer will be able to determine how much you can afford by giving you a suggested price range. It is up to you where you choose to stay within that price range, it all depends on what monthly payment you feel most comfortable with (which your loan officer can determine for you, too)!
*Buying your home with a partner?
All factors that come into play when buying a home on your own come into play when buying a home with a partner – BUT when buying with a partner, debt to income ratio, credit score, and monthly income for both of you COMBINED come into play. So, that means all of your debt combined with be compared with your total income, both credit scores, and a monthly household income will determine what you are preapproved for!
If you need more information or are thinking of getting in contact with a loan officer to see what you could afford, here are a few preferred lenders…
Dawn Hoback
Phone: 937-436-5030
Email: dhoback@talmerbank.com
Paul Sushereba
Phone: 937-422-9167
Email: psushereba@primelending.com
Jordan Lance
Irongate Inc., Realtors
Ryan Gillen Team
937-694-2721

How can I budget & save money on my energy bills?

A few quick energy budgeting/saving tips/links

If you're like me you try to save money in way you can...unless at the mall :0)  Here are a few tips that could save you money on energy bills...

A great resource is http://www.energychoice.ohio.gov/.  On this site you get to compare suppliers in your area and "shop" around for the best rates.  I absolutely love this site. I get on there about every 6 months or so and shop for the best rates.  I have never taken an offer that charges a setup or cancellation fee...mostly because I like having the advantage of changing providers anytime I like and I am cheap :0)  Just make sure if you do take a lower rate with one of these fees it benefits you in the long run. 

There are also groups that will evaluate the electric use in your home and in some cases you can qualify for an energy saving appliance replacement or upgrade free of charge. Our local Montgomery Co. coordinator is: 

Service Area: Darke, Greene, Montgomery, Preble, Warren Counties
Community Action Partnership of the Greater Dayton Area
719 South Main Street
Dayton, Ohio 45402-2709
(866) 504-7379

joycep@cap-dayton.org 

Of course you should always use LED or CFL lights... not only do you save an average of 75% of the energy used with incandescent bulbs but you'll also avoid removing the annoying light covers on the hallway light for another 5-6 years.

In addition you should always check your local provider's website for promotions and energy tips.  They often offer rebates, tax credits and other incentives for energy saving home improvements.

April Hauser

Irongate Inc. Realtors

Ryan Gillen Team

937-305-5370  

INSPECTIONS ARE COMPLETE. NOW WHAT?

INSPECTIONS ARE COMPLETE. NOW WHAT?                                                  

Excellent question! Review the inspection reports carefully and take note of the issues affecting the habitability of the house. The inspector should make note of major issues needing addressed prior to closing. These should not include items that most people would put into the category of “normal maintenance.” You really wouldn’t ask a seller to fix a dripping faucet or tighten a loose door handle. You’re really looking for issues that prevent you from being able to live in the home or issues that pose a safety risk.

If you found issues you deem the seller should repair, you’re Realtor will list these on a Post-Inspection Agreement. The part of the inspection as it applies to the items you want repaired will also be included to support your request for repair. Your list is submitted to the seller’s Realtor and the negotiation period for repairs begins. Keep in mind your contract states how many days you and the seller have to come to an agreement on your requested repairs.

Sometimes repairs can be completed at the seller’s expense prior to closing. You and the seller may agree to have the seller pay for the repair at closing. Then the buyer will be responsible for the repair work.

Be sure to discuss all of the options you have to come to your ultimate goal of getting repairs completed and closing on time.

Crank up the grill and celebrate!   

Steve Neal, SRES
Irongate Inc. Realtors
Ryan Gillen Team
937-369-6061

            

Where do I start part 3

We have made an offer... what should we expect?

Once you have made an offer the listing agent must present the offer to the seller.  The seller must then decide to 1. Accept the offer 2. Decline the offer 3. Make a counter offer.  You then have the same choices.  There is no limit to the number of counter offers one can make.

Once there is an accepted offer you will have many tasks ahead.  Your lender will need you to meet with them pretty quickly.  You will need to be prepared to give your lender paperwork and lots of it :0)
Most common items are: bank statements, tax returns, pay stubs, divorce decrees and other sources of income proof.  There are many more items but these are most common.

You will also need to schedule inspections or have your agent do so. If items are found in need of repair a post inspection will be done. The seller can choose to fix the items found, not fix the items or even pay an amount towards repairs (usually to a contractor).

Once all of these items are done you and your package has been approved by the bank underwriter you will be given a "clear to close".  In Ohio you have to have your settlement statement for 3 business days before you can close.

At closing you will need forms of identification ie: photo ID or passport, closing funds & a good pen :0)  Keys are often given at closing or a set number of days beyond closing.  5-10 days is pretty common.  Make sure your agent figures out utility transfer dates for you.  Often times they will be disconnected if not transferred and then you are stuck with a re-connection fee as well.

Congratulations!  You have purchased a house :0)

April Hauser
Irongate Inc., Realtors
Ryan Gillen Team
937-305-5370

WHAT DO THOSE LETTERS AFTER YOUR NAME MEAN?

WHAT DO THOSE LETTERS AFTER YOUR NAME MEAN?

That’s a question that’s asked often of Realtors. Letters after a Realtor’s name indicate they’ve earned a “Designation” or “Certification” in a specific area beyond the required training to become a real estate agent. Additional training and passing additional exams are required to earn these designations.

In my case SRES stand for Senior Real Estate Specialist. This means I have been trained to assist clients who are part of the 50+ real estate market.

This is an extra service offered in addition to working with first time buyers, buyer’s needing more elbowroom, assisting military relocation etc. and those needing to downsize.

Steve Neal, SRES

Irongate Inc., Realtors

Ryan Gillen Team

937-369-6061

Where do I start? Part two

At this point you have a great agent, lender and are now looking for your dream home.

Once you have found your dream home ask your agent to give you comps.  A seasoned agent or not, the market can change very quickly and you need to make sure you are making a good investment.  Once you are ready to write an offer your agent will prepare the contract to purchase.  This can be done in many ways... paper, internet or via sites like dotloop.  The method is not an issue, provided you are comfortable with it... however making sure you understand the contract completely is extremely important.  For most purchasing a home is one of the largest transactions they make in their life.  Do your homework! Read the contract! Ask your agent for a copy of the contract to review ahead of time. I have made a list of the top items you should know before you make an offer:
- Your monthly payment including principal, interest, taxes and insurance- make sure it is affordable
-How much earnest money you will put down
-How much do you need for your down payment
-What type of loan will you get
-Will you have a home inspection- HAVE AN INSPECTION- and how much will that be
-What other inspections will you want for the home
-Read HOA documents
-Double check the home facts
-If you are buying a fixer upper - will it pay off
-Look into the neighborhood

The offer is just the beginning....

April Hauser
Ryan Gillen Team
Irongate Inc., Realtors
937-305-5370

Where do I start?

We often have buyers that ask, what should I do first?  The first step is to find a realtor. You will want to find a good realtor that honestly cares for you and looks out for your best interest.  Check reviews online & ask for referrals.  Step 2 is find a trusted lender.  You need to have a pre-approval done in order to write an offer on a home.  This is extremely important and you could lose your dream home because you have not taken this step before looking.  –On a side note some agents will not tour clients unless they have the pre-approval in hand. –Other agents will show only one home and a few agents will not show at all.  If you download the Free Buyers Guide you will see a list of lenders we recommend. However, you can use any lender of your choice!!!!

April Hauser, Irongate Inc

Ryan Gillen Team

april.hauser@irongaterealtors.com

937-305-5370

Where do you start if you want to buy a home?

Home Buyer Education

As a Real Estate Agent we sometimes become so oblivious and accustom to our routine that we don't stop and explain the basics to our clients.  In a world of online contracts and simple e-signatures you can literary have a deal and never really see or speak to your client.  Very sad and I hope not the norm, but even I had to stop and call a client tonight because I realized I had not heard from him in weeks.

With this being said, Ryan and our whole team are committed to just that.  Teaching the basics.  I won't say that the client doesn't have a little do diligence but we strive to answer those questions up front.  Ryan has even created A Buyers Guide as a brush up for our buyers and we give them to every new potential client.  In this blog section we will start answering those questions.  Please feel free to comment or ask any questions you have and we will do our best to answer your questions and help you.

Start with This Guide and we will continue to address questions or concerns here.

New sweat equity listing in Springboro Ohio. Call us today to schedule a showing!

http://www.mydaytonrealtor.com/s/oh/warren-county/springboro/45066/8145-bunnell-hill-road/dmgid_104820443.html