First, I’d recommend that you answer a few questions about your short and long term goals. There are some major differences with owning a single family home verses a condo. When you own a single family home, you have more control since the home and the land are yours with the purchase. However, you might still need to adhere to any home rules and regulations of the HOA (Home Owners Association) for the community. Other advantages of owning a single family home is often the resale value is higher, you have more control of the changes you want to make (like room additions, etc.), and often there is more room for growth.

With a condo, you do own part of the property (usually the interior walls, floors, and ceiling). Often you will be charged an additional monthly fee for the outdoor maintenance to the exterior of your condo. However, the advantage is you don’t have to cut the grass! If you have a very active lifestyle, this might be the perfect option. Looking for amenities? Condos often have tennis courts, swimming pools, club houses, etc.

And yes—this is a fabulous time to buy a home. Many sellers are reducing their properties drastically to sell in this market. This creates opportunities for buyers. I would suggest you find a Realtor to help you with the home buying process. A competent Realtor will be able to sit down with you and go over exactly what you are looking for in a home, and this Realtor will be able to help you with your search. Find a Realtor who has a strong negotiating background and a lot of positive referrals from past clients. I’d even suggest that you find a Realtor who has the ABR designation. To sum it up, there are wonderful opportunities right now for buyers. Please feel free to contact me with any other questions directly.

Wed Jul 16 2008, 05:48

It is definitly a good time to buy a home. Interests rates are lower than they have been in years and the supply of homes on the market is numerous. Many houses are standing empty just waiting for a family to own it.. Many sellers are willing to take a loss just to sell their home. If you are concerned about resale ability and value, then I would suggest a single family home if that is what fits your life style. By the way, there are some wonderful loan programs, such as My OHIO, if your credit is good and your income level qualifies. Lastly, find a Realtor to help you with your search and the transaction!

Mon Jun 9 2008, 09:09

ABSOLUTELY, it is probably the best time in years to buy! Lots of competition....good bargaining room...townhouse or single family home depends on your particular needs....for instance do you have pets...then a home with a nice yard would be super....

Mon Jun 9 2008, 06:18

First, I'd ask if your lifestyle or needs indicate a single family home or a townhome as the best option for you. There are lots of factors that can come into play-- are you looking at new construction or resales in either category? How long do you expect to be in this house/condo? If you're only going to be here a short while I wouldn't suggest buying new construction in a community where the builder will not be gone, gone, gone before it's time for you to move on. Why? Because there's no opportunity for appreciation in that scenario.

Yes, it is absolutely a good time to buy--there are lots of choices and the prices have come down from the peak sellers' market period. Money magazine actually recently remarked (paraphrase-) that Cincinnati is one of the top places to buy. Being a very stable city with a host of Fortune 500 companies headquartered here, we don't experience high highs and low lows like some areas of the country , making Cincinnati a safer buying decision. And, really . . . would you rather pay rent?

Thu May 1 2008, 09:57

When I look at how many houses sold from Jan - Mar 2008, I have to wonder if this is a good time to buy. Sure, interest rates are low. However, you can always refinance.

A lot of sellers in Southwest Ohio have not adjusted their asking prices to TODAY'S fair market value. Supply FAR exceeds demand! Lower your prices! If you purchased your home within the last few years and now you are forced to sell, you will have to take a loss. If you leave your house vacant and have to pay taxes and other maintanence costs, you will continue to lose over the course of time.

The only way to buy right now is to buy low. AT LEAST 10% LESS than what the seller paid if they purchased within the last few years. AT LEAST. Remember basic economics: when supply exceeds demand, lower price. It is basic. I sound like a broken record...just make sure you BUY LOW!

Thu May 1 2008, 09:38

I believe the current market is a buyers dream. I am not sure what buyers are waitng for ...the prices to go up or the interest rates to go up because both are going to happen.

Tue Apr 29 2008, 07:55

Cincinnati just rated in the top 6 markets in the U.S. to buy a home so now would be a good time to buy. As for the type of property it is a lifestyle choice. If you like playing in the yard, having your own flowers and can do the outside work or have it taken care of look to a house. If you want to not worry about the outside work and do not want the outdoor space to play in a townhouse or condo would be a good choice.
You may also want to look in West Chester, Deerfield Township, Liberty Township, and Lebanon for a good selection of properties.

Fri Apr 25 2008, 02:13

Mary hit the nail right on the head here! This is a GREAT time to buy - you have to get out there and start looking. find yourself a good buyers agent to represent your best interest and start to look now. You can go to this website: www.DaytonMarketInfo.com and put in your criteria and actually have a list of all the homes available in your price range sent directly to your email inbox. Even though it is Dayton Market Info, Mason is still covered on this site. I would welcome your call if you so choose, but either way, I wish you the best of luck!

Thu Apr 24 2008, 20:49

Mary is so right on....this may be the best time in your life to buy a home! Please get involved and do not miss out on this time.

Thu Apr 24 2008, 19:09

Oh my, yes, it is a great time to buy for several reasons. The inventory is high which means there is more competition from sellers. Therefore, because of the supply and demand rule, prices have dropped. and homes are in better condition. Another reason to buy now is the interest rates are very low and FHA loans are still fairly easy to get. Many sellers are also willing to help with downpayment or closing costs. Some people are trying to wait until the market bottoms out but they will not know if it has reached bottom until prices start rising again. Once that occurs interests rates will also go up due to supply and demand. Real estate has and will always be a great investment since there is only a finite amount of it in the world, and just like the stock market, its best to get in when its low. Get yourself a REALTOR and start looking NOW!

Thu Apr 24 2008, 18:05