Frequently Asked Questions
All your Cincinnati Real Estate and Golf Instruction
questions answered!
Real Estate: Buyers
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Yes! The mortgage rates rising is not fun, but you can either refinance if the rates drop in the coming years, or, look like a hero if they keep going up!
The market is very balanced. Homes priced appropriately are selling in just a few days, and houses that are either overpriced or not in good condition are sitting, sometimes for months!
More than in recent years, you as the buyer can have significant leverage in negotiations, so let’s take advantage while we can!
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One of the biggest things lenders look at is your debt-to-income ratio (DTI) — how much of your monthly income is already going toward debts like car payments, student loans, credit cards, and your future mortgage.
As a general guideline, many lenders like to see your total DTI around 45% or less.
You’ll also want to plan for more than just the down payment (which is usually between 3.5%-20% of the purchase price). Closing costs, inspections, appraisal fees, taxes, insurance, and cash reserves can all factor into how much money you’ll need.
I always encourage buyers to look at both what they qualify for and what payment actually feels comfortable each month.
I feel that part of my role in serving you is to help you make wise financial decisions to set your family up for long-term success, so I will always be honest with you if I feel you are looking at homes that are out of your comfortable price range.
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Beyond your down payment, you should plan for closing costs, inspections, appraisal fees, lender fees, prepaid taxes and insurance, and moving or immediate repair expenses.
Based on your price point, I help you have the right amount of cash set aside beyond the down payment so you are not stretched too thin at closing.
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The pre-approval process with a lender is one of the most important steps in purchasing a home, but connecting with me first, obligation-free, allows me to help give you a good idea of what you can expect!
I have 2 trusted lenders I recommend that are available during off-hours when banks are closed, and they both provide unparalleled service!
Let’s connect, and I’ll help you determine the next best step in your home-buying process!
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I would plan for anywhere from 1-180 days to find your dream home.
Then, I’d plan on anywhere from 21-45 days to finalize the purchase.
Basically, if you have an important life event coming up 3-6 months from now, it’s time to get the ball rolling!
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I’m glad you asked! I guide you through the offer process by starting with the list price, comparing it to other relevant comparable properties in the neighborhood, and then building a strategy with your budget and the market conditions in mind.
After your offer is accepted, if needed, we schedule a full home inspection, and get the loan approval process started.
After a few more important tasks, we should be able to close on the purchase of your home within 21-45 days of when your offer was accepted!
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Yes! With my extensive network of Realtors, friends, and family in Cincinnati and the surrounding areas, I am always keeping my eyes and ears open for off-market opportunities!
Keep in mind, off-market deals usually come with a premium price, since you most likely won’t be competing against any other offers.
Real Estate: Sellers
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Yes, this is very common, and it’s my job to help this complex transition feel easy for you!
With how efficient my team and I are, we can usually have your home listed within 1-2 weeks, if needed!
We will also work hand in hand with your lender to come up with a creative financing strategy to help you keep as much cash in your pocket as possible!
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Very much so! There a number of eager buyers in the market right now, despite the rising interest rates.
If priced appropriately, after the 1-2 week listing process, you could have your home sold within 21-45 days!
We are seeing a number of sellers who think the market is still in Covid times, so they price their homes WAY too high. In those cases, we’re seeing homes sitting on the market for weeks and months.
I will give you a price range that I suggest you list your home, and then you can make your decision with all the professional information you need!
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The kitchen and bathrooms are always important to have updated with clean appliances and fixtures.
Don’t update anything in your home without having me over to help you assess first, though!
For most homes in Cincinnati, we don’t need your home to look like an HGTV home to be able to sell it for a price you’re happy with!
I will definitely help you make improvements, but don’t go investing in updates that you won’t receive a good return on!
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The total cost to sell a home can vary, but I always encourage my sellers to budget around 6% of the sale price for Realtor fees, then plan for additional closing costs such as title fees, transfer taxes, prorated property taxes, and any agreed-upon repairs or buyer concessions.
The actual amount depends on the property and the terms of the sale, so I like to review an estimated seller net sheet early in the process so there are no surprises at closing.
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I always remind my sellers that the market determines the worth of the home.
My job is to assess the homes that have sold, are pending sales, or are available on the market in your neighborhood. From there, I find the most comparable homes and show you the similarities and differences with your property.
I then give you a price range I think you should list at, and it’s then your decision which price point you feel most confident with!
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As Cincinnati’s Golf Realtor, I have a unique niche in the saturated real estate media scene.
With my creative skills, I find ways to connect the unique features of your home with the desired client demographic.
Sometimes I use Golf, sometimes I don’t!
We at The Baron Group are the only team in the city with an in-house media team, giving us even more control and creativity of how we can market your home like no other in the neighborhood!
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95% of home-buyers will find their next home online.
UN-professional photography, video, and social media stick out like a sore thumb!
We are trying to win the “beauty contest” online. I personally advise you on how to present your home the best for the cameras, and I’m also present for the photos and videos to make sure everything looks amazing!
The Baron Group has invested heavily in our media, and are proud to be the only team in the city with an in-house media team!
This gives us even more control of your media, and allows us not to have to charge you extra for the best media in the business!
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Hopefully, this won’t be an “if”, but a “when!”
I’ll compile all the offers, and present them to you on a spreadsheet side by side, so you can see how the different terms in each offer affect your net profit.
We will spend quite a bit of time either on the phone or in-person going over all the offers, and deciding which one best fits what you’re looking for.
Oftentimes, it isn’t the highest purchase price that wins, but the one with the best terms, that gives the seller the most confidence to choose the winning offer.
Golf Instruction
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I teach players of all ages, skill levels, and genders! Whether you’re a beginner, or an elite level player, I’m here to help take your game to the next level!
You can book through my website or by emailing me for your first lesson.
Then, after we have our first lesson, you can just text me, if you prefer!
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As a competitive player myself, almost nothing excites me more than helping other great players find ways to win!
With a focus on helping you manage your game under pressure, I am an expert in helping my students find small ways to gain an advantage on the rest of the field.
I endorse DECADE Golf and their strategy system. It’s done wonders for my game, and many of my students as well.
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You’ll probably be nervous, and that’s okay!
Show up a few minutes early to warm up, then we’ll get to know each other for a few minutes before we jump into the lesson!
The lesson has 3 “buckets.”
Bucket 1: I’ll watch you hit a few wedges, 7-irons, and drivers. We won’t work on anything right away, this just gives me a chance to see what your ball flights are like, and take a few videos of your swing.
Bucket 2: We’ll take a break and talk about where your swing and game are at. We may look at the videos, we may not!
Bucket 3: We’ll spend the rest of the lesson working on 1-2 main things, not 15, to help you feel confident and comfortable over the ball, not overwhelmed by 15 swing thoughts!
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I get this question a lot!
If you went to the gym once, would you be able to accomplish your fitness goals? It’s the same with lessons! The more consistent you are, the more you’ll improve!
I’m not in the business of pushing people to take more lessons than they can afford. Based on your budget, availability to practice, and goals, I’ll help you create a plan to get the most out of the time and resources you have!
Typically, my students who take one lesson with me per week improve quickly, but the majority of my serious students take lessons on a bi-weekly basis.
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All of the above!
At Heritage Club, I teach outdoors on the range, short-game area, and on the course.
Ready Golf 4K and SwingFit Golf Club are indoor Trackman facilities, where I teach when the weather is poor.
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Nope! All my students are welcome at Heritage Club!
What does “Cincinnati’s Golf Realtor” mean?
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Not at all! I serve golfers and non-golfers alike!
I have a unique skillset that helps me serve clients that love to golf even better as their Realtor because I can help them find not only the right golf course community to live in, but also which courses and clubs they should play or join!
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Yes! Helping you find a home on or near a golf course is something I’m very passionate about!
And, with all of my golf connections at the various courses in the city, I can help connect you with other people who want to either buy your home or sell your theirs on the course!
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Having served business and community leaders at Cincinnati country clubs and golf courses since 2011, I’ve built a strong network of relationships throughout the city.
This network helps me offer more than just real estate guidance. I can help you buy or sell a home, then connect you with trusted professionals to support you before, during, and after the move!
Whether you need a contractor, financial advisor, accountant, doctor, car dealer, interior designer, or another local resource, I’m able to connect you with someone I know and trust!
My goal is to make the entire experience feel connected, personal, and well supported from start to finish.
Still Have Questions?
Whether it’s about Real Estate, Golf, or both, I’d love to connect with you!