News Articles

CINCINNATI, OH (May 16, 2013) –The offices of Coldwell Banker West Shell continue their support of the Cincinnati Reds Community Fund for the fourth consecutive year with a goal to improve the lives of youth through the game of baseball. In 2012, Coldwell Banker West Shell was able to help raise funds through their participation in the Reds’ Split the Pot initiative. This year, the company will sponsor the Redlegs Run 5k race scheduled for June 1, 2013 for the first time, enlisting a team of agents and managers to participate in the race with all proceeds benefitting the Reds Community Fund.

Coldwell Banker West Shell partners with the Reds Community Fund by participating in a series of events throughout the year. The Match Program, which the Coldwell Banker West Shell Foundation is a title sponsor, is designed to bring youth baseball teams from the suburbs and the inner city together in the spirit of diversity, interaction and friendly competition.

“We are extremely proud of the program’s growth that now includes sixteen organizations all of which benefit from the Community Fund,” says Joe King president of Coldwell Banker West Shell. “Our group of agents and managers are incredibly committed to making a difference in the community and take pride in our contributions. They have willingly volunteered their time to ensure that Coldwell Banker West Shell representatives are at each and every game to provide food, prizes and fun games for the kids to play. “

Another way the Reds Community Fund has had success is through their “Split the Pot” raffle ticket sales at every home game throughout the season, where a lucky fan wins 50% of the proceeds of the raffle. Janet Davis, vice president of business development for Coldwell Banker West Shell, has coordinated the company’s volunteer participation at more than 400 games over a four year period. “On opening Day alone we raised $34,000 in ticket sales and a total of $186,726 season to date”, said Davis. “If this momentum continues, the Fund is on track to surpass last year’s earnings of $1,250,000.”

Next up for the Coldwell Banker West Shell group is the Redleg Run 5k race taking place on June 1, 2013, where Joe King will run along with a team of agents and managers. This is the first year that the company has sponsored and entered the race.

The Reds community Fund is dedicated to improving the lives of youth by leveraging the tradition of the Cincinnati Reds and the game of baseball. The nonprofit organization started in 2001.

About Coldwell Banker West ShellAcross Ohio, Coldwell Banker West Shell and Coldwell Banker King Thompson have 19 offices and over 1,100 sales associates serving central Ohio, greater Cincinnati, northern Kentucky and southeastern Indiana. The companies are part of NRT LLC, the nation’s largest residential real estate brokerage company. NRT, a subsidiary of Realogy Corporation, operates Realogy’s company-owned real estate brokerage offices. For more information, please visit www.CBWS.com.

CINCINNATI, OH (May 14, 2013) - The real estate market is on an upswing and savvy homeowners are reaping the benefits. With inventory levels at a record low and a surplus of potential buyers, sellers are often getting multiple offers – many in the first week of being listed and at prices we haven’t seen in years.

Findings from the first quarter of the year have shown that it has become a seller’s market. According to the Cincinnati Area Board of REALTORS, the inventory of homes for sale in Greater Cincinnati as of March 31 was 9,575, down 17.3% from March 2012. This is the lowest reported inventory level in over a decade. Furthermore, the selling price of homes is on the rise. The Cincinnati Area Board of Realtors reported that across the country the average price of homes sold in March 2013 was $156,791, up 7.98% year over year.

Due to the low inventory, listings are selling fast. To give perspective, in March 2013 there were 3,344 new listings, which is up 19.7 % from 2012. Even with an increase of homes for sale, the inventory continues to decrease.

Heather Wesley, Realtor for Coldwell Banker West Shell, recently had great success with this listing in Mason, Ohio that was just listed on April 25, 2013. The home was listed on Thursday afternoon, the open house that Sunday and the home is now sale pending. Eleven families attended the open house, and two offers were made that day. According to Heather there haven’t been multiple offers and quick sales like this since 2005.

What does this mean for the buyer? This means they are forced to make quick decision and enter bidding wars. The best way for the buyer to get ahead of the competition is to be prepared to move fast and present themselves as a serious buyer. This means getting pre-approved by a mortgage lender before the process begins and making the strongest offer possible with few contingencies.

For the seller, receiving multiple offers is the best case scenario and puts the ball in their court. Not only can they turn to their expert real estate agent to help negotiate the best price possible for the home, but they also have options while choosing the most reliable and flexible buyer to ensure a smooth closing process. It’s important to remember that the best offer isn’t always the highest offer.

About Coldwell Banker West ShellAcross Ohio, Coldwell Banker West Shell and Coldwell Banker King Thompson have 19 offices and over 1,100 sales associates serving central Ohio, greater Cincinnati, northern Kentucky and southeastern Indiana. The companies are part of NRT LLC, the nation’s largest residential real estate brokerage company. NRT, a subsidiary of Realogy Corporation, operates Realogy’s company-owned real estate brokerage offices. For more information, please visit www.CBWS.com.

CINCINNATI, OH (May 31, 2013) – As summer approaches, many home sellers and agents are looking to the great outdoors to catch a buyer’s eye. Offering an outdoor sanctuary adds value to a home, whether it’s a beautiful garden, alfresco dining space, screened-in sun room or a resort worthy swimming pool. These outdoor living and entertaining spaces have made their way to the top homebuyers’ wish lists.

American homeowners increasingly are drawn to adding outdoor rooms for entertaining and recreation, according to the 2013 Residential Landscape Architecture Trends survey. In fact, the category of outdoor living spaces, defined as kitchens and entertainment spaces, received a 94.5 percent rating as somewhat or very popular.

“Creating an outdoor oasis that extends beyond your typical terrace or deck can be an important point of differentiation and may sway a buyer’s decision,” said Joe King, president Coldwell Banker West Shell. Here are some ideas on how to make the most of your space and create a backyard that you’ll never want to leave.

Go alfresco: There’s no better way to enjoy a meal than under the stars, especially when hosting guests. Go the extra mile by setting up a full service bar and built-in cook’s station in the backyard.

See the light: Continue entertaining into the evening by installing outdoor lighting. For example, Tiki torches add a tropical vibe, while low voltage lighting provides a mellow and peaceful feeling.

Make it last: Further helping to blur lines between outdoor and indoor spaces is the rise of screened porches, heat lamps and outdoor fireplaces, making them livable nearly year-round.

Decorative water elements: By including a waterfall, swimming pool or hot tub you will feel like you’re at the spa every day. If you want to be really unique, build a fountain or a fish pond that will give your yard a sense of tranquility.

Check out this house currently on the market with amazing outdoor living space:? The classic 1920’s Rose Hill mansion has the most beautiful wisteria covered deck in the back yard. It is the perfect place to relax outside with some fresh air. The house is listed by Nellie Schweer for $715,000.

About Coldwell Banker West ShellAcross Ohio, Coldwell Banker West Shell and Coldwell Banker King Thompson have 19 offices and over 1,100 sales associates serving central Ohio, greater Cincinnati, northern Kentucky and southeastern Indiana. The companies are part of NRT LLC, the nation’s largest residential real estate brokerage company. NRT, a subsidiary of Realogy Corporation, operates Realogy’s company-owned real estate brokerage offices. For more information, please visit www.CBWS.com.

CINCINNATI, OH (May 20, 2013) –Father’s Day is the perfect excuse for the man of the house to start a home project that focuses solely on him – the “man cave.” Let’s face it, the deal-breaking elements in a house are often geared towards the woman, like the walk in closets, immaculate kitchens and spa worthy bathrooms, but men need playrooms too! Whether it’s a den transformed in to a sports haven, a basement turned pub for poker nights or maybe even a basketball court in the back yard, there are unlimited possibilities when it comes to adding some testosterone to your home. Coldwell Banker West Shell provides some key factors to consider while planning your “man cave” makeover.

Focus on a themeFirst determine a theme based on your personality and interests. Are you a sports fanatic? A car enthusiast? An avid memorabilia collector? Or maybe a cigar aficionado? Next, identify one element that is a must-have for your space, like a pool table, bar, or a theatre size flat screen, and then build the rest of the room around that object.

Make it multi-functionalWhy not kill two birds with one stone? Make the most of your new space by organizing your personal items, trophies, or memorabilia that have been taking up space in storage. Take advantage of the many attractive and functional options that are available in shelving and wall units to display your most prized possessions.

Don’t skimp on styleGet creative and think outside the box. Every detail counts down to the paint color, wall art, furniture, and the flooring. Keep it clutter free, simple and sophisticated no matter what your theme is so that you can lounge in style.

Check out one of Coldwell Banker West Shell’s favorite man caves currently on the market:? This 7,000 square foot home in Hamilton Township has everything you could ever dream of, including the ultimate man cave. The walk out finished lower level is an entertainment wonder: commercial quality bar area with stainless steel drop in beer chillers, under counter beer/wine fridge and super quality Media Room with HD projection screen and 7.1 Surround Sound! The lower level Jack-n-Jill bath set up even draws on the “restaurant” feel of the rest of the lower level, with “restroom” type stalls and stainless steel towel dispensers. While this home is available for immediate sale, with a list price of $949,950.00, it will also be available for auction on Saturday, May 25, 2013 at noon. The home is listed by Coldwell Banker West Shell agent Joe Mock.

For more information on the home, auction or for hi-res images, please contact brooke.balco@cbexchange.com.

About Coldwell Banker West ShellAcross Ohio, Coldwell Banker West Shell and Coldwell Banker King Thompson have 19 offices and over 1,100 sales associates serving central Ohio, greater Cincinnati, northern Kentucky and southeastern Indiana. The companies are part of NRT LLC, the nation’s largest residential real estate brokerage company. NRT, a subsidiary of Realogy Corporation, operates Realogy’s company-owned real estate brokerage offices. For more information, please visit www.CBWS.com.