Central Ohio Real Estate - Sandra Thomas Blogs

KEEPING YOUR FORCED AIR HEATING FIT  Both new and old forced warm air systems need some basic maintenance to help keep them running smoothly. To conserve energy during the active part of the day, it is best to set the thermostat at a reasonable comfort level and leave it alone rather than continuously adjusting it. To further conserve fuel, ...

Home Maintenance Tip - Tips to Prevent Pests This Winter Season   Winter season's unwelcome pests may soon join homeowners by the fire to stay warm and dry. Colder temperatures send wintry pests, such as rodents, spiders and cockroaches, searching for food, water and shelter indoors. Mice are a common winter nuisance and only need a ...

As volatility in the financial market continues, offering a product that meets the needs of first-time homebuyers has become increasingly difficult.  The ability to obtain capital to continue our programs is severely limited. Despite recent rate increases, program volume has continued at a pace that can not be sustained.  It has become ...

OHIO ANNOUNCEMENT EXTENDED SALES INCENTIVE PROGRAM FOR OWNER OCCUPANTS ONLY $2500 Credit at closing to be used for closing costs, lower mortgage amount, and  lender-approved repairs. Minimum house price $25,000. For cash, owner occupant buyers, the incentive can be used for closing costs only, balance reverts to HUD. $500 Selling broker ...

There has been a lot of recent media focus on the potential for granite countertops, a big selling feature for many homes the last few years, to be the source of elevated radon levels. The media stories have alarmed many homebuyers and homeowners concerned about potential health hazards for their families. But what is the real risk? Granite is a ...

While general recommendations for pumping out septic systems usually fall in the 1 to 3 year range, the actual required pumping schedule can vary widely based on factors such as tank size, number of occupants in a household, and whether or not there is a connected garbage disposal in use. Slight sludge buildup on bottom of a septic tankFor ...

Just a few short weeks ago President Bush signed into law legislation that contained a provision to eliminate charitable down payment assistance, effective October 1, 2008. BUT IT”S NOT TOO LATE... ...The very next day Congress introduced bipartisan legislation H.R.6694 that would reauthorize, reform and save charitable down payment ...

IT IS FINAL!! - Seller funded gift swap programs (Ameridream, Nehemiah, Genisis etc.) for new FHA loans will not be accepted after this Friday - August 22nd.All buyers must be registered by Friday 8/22 and close no later than 9/30/08, according to HUD guidelines received today.A buyer may go into our pre-purchase rate protection ...

Per this new bill, down payment assistance programs such as Ameridream, Genesis, etc are being eliminated.  Down payment increasing from 3% to 3.5% on FHA loans. There will be more details to come, and I will update you as I receive them. NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) --The Senate on Saturday overwhelmingly passed a landmark housing bill that will ...

An extension cord is a piece of electrical equipment that should be selected and treated with the same care you would afford any electrical appliance. Before shopping for an extension cord, familiarize yourself with some basic electrical terms: WATT – A basic measure of electric power. WATTAGE RATING – The maximum power (in watts) that ...