MiamiValleyDreamHomes.com Blog - Your Ultimate Source for Real Estate News, Insights, and Tips in the Greater Dayton Area of Ohio

Welcome to our real estate blog on MiamiValleyDreamHomes.com, your ultimate source for real estate news, insights, and tips in southwest Ohio! Whether you're a first-time homebuyer or a seasoned investor, our blog is designed to provide you with the latest news and trends in the Miami Valley real estate market, as well as insider tips and advice to help you navigate the buying or selling process with confidence.

With our team of expert Realtors, including top Dayton realtors and the best Beavercreek listing agent with great online reviews, you can rest assured that you're in good hands. We're committed to providing you with a stress-free and seamless real estate experience, whether you're buying, selling, or just looking for valuable insights about the local market.

So what are you waiting for? Start exploring our blog today and discover why MiamiValleyDreamHomes.com is the top choice for real estate buyers and sellers in the Miami Valley area!

 

Jan. 2, 2023

Get Ready for 2023: 5 Home Decor Trends to Look Out For

Home Decor Trends for 2023Are you looking for ways to spruce up your home? If so, you’ll want to keep an eye on the latest home decor trends. We’ve done the research and rounded up five of the biggest trends for 2023 so you can get a head start on transforming your living space. Keep reading to find out what trends are popping up all over the place in just a few short months! 

Bright Colors

Bright colors are expected to be a key trend in home decor this year, with homeowners choosing bold, vibrant hues to make a statement in their living rooms and other spaces. If you want to add some color to your home but are unsure where to start, consider incorporating colorful furniture or painting a feature wall. Bold colors can make a space feel energetic and lively, and can also be used to draw attention to a particular area or feature. Don't be afraid to go big with color – whether you choose a single, eye-catching shade or mix and match several hues, bright colors are sure to make an impact.

Natural Materials

Incorporating natural materials like wood, stone, and clay is also expected to be a popular trend in home decor this year. These materials can add texture and depth to a space, and can bring a natural, outdoor feel to your home. For example, a stone fireplace or a wood beam ceiling can add warmth and character to a living room, while a clay backsplash or stone countertops can add interest to a kitchen. Natural materials can also be used in more subtle ways, such as through the use of natural fiber rugs or woven baskets.

Sustainable Design

Sustainable design is another trend that is expected to be important in 2023, as environmental awareness continues to grow. This could involve using furniture made from recycled materials or sourced from green energy sources, as well as incorporating energy-efficient features into the home. For example, you might choose furniture made from reclaimed wood or opt for a sofa with a low-VOC foam filling. Alternatively, you might invest in solar panels or energy-efficient appliances to reduce your carbon footprint. Sustainable design not only helps the environment, but it can also be cost-effective in the long run.

Modular Furniture

Modular furniture is another trend that is expected to be popular, especially for those who want to make the most of their small spaces. This type of furniture is designed to be easily rearranged or moved around as needed, making it a versatile choice for any home. Modular furniture can come in many forms, including multifunctional shelving, stackable chairs, and modular sofas. It can be a great way to add style to a space without taking up too much room, and can be especially useful in apartments or other small living spaces.

Artisanal Pieces

Artisanal pieces, or one-of-a-kind items that are crafted with care and attention to detail, are also expected to be popular in 2023 home decor. These pieces can add character and life to any room and can be a great investment for your home. Artisanal pieces can range from hand-woven rugs and hand-painted ceramics to bespoke furniture and handcrafted jewelry. These pieces often have a story to tell, whether through their materials, techniques, or cultural influences, and can bring a unique and personal touch to your home. Investing in artisanal pieces can be a way to support local artisans and craftspeople, as well as add character and interest to your home.

Home decor trends come and go but these five are sure to stand the test of time—at least until 2024! So if you’re looking to update your living space this year, look no further than these five trends that are sure to make waves in 2023! Take some time out of your day today and start browsing for pieces that fit each of these categories; before long you'll have created a gorgeous new home that's sure to turn heads every time someone visits!  Good luck!
Dec. 29, 2022

How To Find A Great Dayton Realtor To Help You Buy A House Or List A House

Tips for looking for a Realtor to help you sell your current home or buy a new house

Selling or buying a home is one of the most important decisions and biggest investments that people can make, so when it comes to choosing an experienced and professional real estate agent in the Dayton Ohio area for help, you’ll want to ensure that your needs will be met and that you’re working with someone who understands the local market, realty contracts, and financials. Whether you are a first-time homeowner or have sold your primary residence multiple times finding the perfect match between buyer/seller and a Miami Valley Realtor is critical on the journey towards a successful real estate transaction.

If you are looking for a real estate agent in Dayton, Ohio, there are several ways you can find a qualified and experienced professional to help you buy or sell a home. In this blog post, we will outline several effective methods for identifying candidates which can help expedite and simplify your search process! Here are a few options you can consider:

1. Ask for referrals

Talk to friends, family, and colleagues who have recently bought or sold a home in the Dayton area and ask if they can recommend a real estate agent they worked with. Personal referrals can be a great way to find an agent you can trust.

2. Search for online reviews

There are several places where you can find online real estate agent reviews.  Probably the most authentic and reliable reviews are found on the agent's Google Business Profile.  Other online directories that list real estate agents, such as Zillow, Redfin, and Realtor.com also show reviews, but give preference to agents who pay them thousands of dollars a month for these directories to send them your contact information as a “lead.”  

Also, when an agent has a lot of reviews online, check whether the agent has another agent(s) working under them.  In other words, the agent review count may show they have four hundred reviews, but they don’t tell you that there are  20 +/- agents working under the name of the main agent. As you read the reviews you will likely see various names mentioned in the reviews that are not the agent’s name listed with the reviews. (“Sue was the best!” “Bob was so helpful.” “I highly recommend Amanda!” when the agent’s name for the reviews is Tami.)

3. Avoid Internet Ads (in search results) when you search for an agent:

You’ll notice search results like “The Best 10 Agents In Dayton”.  These companies charge real estate agents a monthly fee to be listed on their “Top Agents” list without any regard to their experience, sales history, or online reviews.  Often these ads don’t tell you what criteria was used to determine what qualified the agent to be selected as the #1 agent or what they did to get in that position in relation to the agent who is #10 on the list.    Even the popular Dave Ramey real estate agent ads require the agents to pay Ramsey an upfront fee or 30% of the agent's commission to be one of Dave’s ELP agents. (We know because at one time we paid to be one of Dave’s ELPs)

4. Checkout a Realtor's Designations

These designations, which often appear after a realtor's name (ie, Don Shurts, ePro, SRES, ABR), don’t indicate how many houses sold or how long they have been a Realtor but it does show the level of extra training the agent has received in order to serve their clients more effectively.  Here is a brief overview of some professional real estate designations:

  • Accredited Buyer's Representative (ABR) - trains agents in all aspects of the home buying process
  • Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES) - agent receives training to assist the needs of the baby boomer generation, people born between 1946 and 1964
  • Electronic Professional Realtor (e-PRO) - trains REALTORS® to master the advanced digital marketing techniques of today
  • Military Relocation Professional (MRP) - trains real estate professionals who want to work with current and former military service members
  • Graduate Realtor Institute (GRI) - in-depth knowledge of technical subjects as well as the fundamentals of real estate.
  • Accredited Staging Professional (ASP) - teaches Real Estate Agents how to use home staging
  • Certified New Home Specialist (CNHS) - comprehensive training for working successfully with builders, developers

When you are choosing a real estate agent, it's essential to look for someone who has experience, professional training, and a track record of success in the Dayton real estate market. You should also consider factors such as the agent's communication style and availability, as well as their ability to understand your needs and help you achieve your real estate goals.

Miami Valley agents Don & Cyndi Shurts of Keller Williams Advisors Realty would be honored to be interviewed for your next real estate needs.  Feel free to call or text them at 937-241-2124.

 

Dec. 29, 2022

Planning To Sell Your House? It’s Critical To Hire a Pro

Why You Need A Real Estate Professional To Sell Your Home

Planning To Sell Your House? It’s Critical To Hire a Pro | MyKCM

With higher mortgage rates and moderating buyer demand, conditions in the housing market are different today. And if you’re thinking of selling your house, it’s important to understand how the market has changed and what that means for you. The best way to make sure you’re in the know is to work with a trusted housing market expert.

Here are five reasons working with a professional can ensure you’ll get the most out of your sale.

1. A Real Estate Advisor Is an Expert on Market Trends

Leslie Rouda Smith, 2022 President of the National Association of Realtors (NAR), explains:

"During challenging and changing market conditions, one thing that's calming and constant is the assurance that comes from a Realtor® being in your corner through every step of the home transaction. Consumers can rely on Realtors®' unmatched work ethic, trusted guidance and objectivity to help manage the complexities associated with the home buying and selling process.”

An expert real estate advisor has the latest information about national trends and your local area too. More importantly, they’ll know what all of this means for you so they’ll be able to help you make a decision based on trustworthy, data-bound information.

2. A Local Professional Knows How To Set the Right Price for Your House

Home price appreciation has moderated this year. If you sell your house on your own, you may be more likely to overshoot your asking price because you’re not as aware of where prices are today. If you do, you run the risk of deterring buyers or seeing your house sit on the market for longer.

Real estate professionals provide an unbiased eye when they help you determine a price for your house. They’ll use a variety of factors, like the condition of your home and any upgrades you’ve made, and compare your house to recently sold homes in your area to find the best price for today’s market. These steps are key to making sure it’s set to move as quickly as possible.

3. A Real Estate Advisor Helps Maximize Your Pool of Buyers

Since buyer demand has cooled this year, you'll want to do what you can to help bring in more buyers. Real estate professionals have a large variety of tools at their disposal, such as social media followers, agency resources, and the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) to ensure your house gets in front of people looking to make a purchase. Investopedia explains why it’s risky to sell on your own without the network an agent provides:

You don’t have relationships with clients, other agents, or a real estate agency to bring the largest pool of potential buyers to your home.”

Without access to the tools and your agent’s marketing expertise, your buyer pool – and your home’s selling potential – is limited.

4. A Real Estate Expert Will Read – and Understand – the Fine Print

Today, more disclosures and regulations are mandatory when selling a house. That means the number of legal documents you’ll need to juggle is growing. NAR explains it like this:

“Selling a home typically requires a variety of forms, reports, disclosures, and other legal and financial documents. . . . Also, there’s a lot of jargon involved in a real estate transaction; you want to work with a professional who can speak the language.”

A real estate professional knows exactly what all the fine print means and how to work through it efficiently. They’ll help you review the documents and avoid any costly missteps that could occur if you try to handle them on your own.

5. A Trusted Advisor Is a Skilled Negotiator

In today’s market, buyers are also regaining some negotiation power as bidding wars ease. If you sell without a professional, you’ll also be responsible for any back-and-forth. That means you’ll have to coordinate with:

  • The buyer, who wants the best deal possible
  • The buyer’s agent, who will use their expertise to advocate for the buyer
  • The inspection company, which works for the buyer and will almost always find concerns with the house
  • The appraiser, who assesses the property’s value to protect the lender

Instead of going toe-to-toe with all the above parties alone, lean on an expert. They’ll know what levers to pull, how to address everyone’s concerns, and when you may want to get a second opinion.

Bottom Line

Don’t go at it alone. If you’re planning to sell your house this winter, let’s connect so you have an expert by your side to guide you in today’s market.

Posted in Sell your house
Dec. 23, 2022

The 6 Major Benefits of Working with a Dayton OH Realtor

Thinking of buying or selling a home in the Dayton, OH area? Working with an experienced realtor can make the process easier, faster, and more efficient. From finding the right home to organizing financing options and negotiating closing costs – having a knowledgeable agent on your side is extremely beneficial.

In this blog post, we’ll discuss several benefits of working with a Dayton Realtor when it comes time to purchase or sell your property. Keep reading for more information regarding how an experienced real estate advisor can help you achieve your goals!

There are several benefits to working with a realtor in Dayton, Ohio:

  1. Expertise: A realtor is a licensed professional who has undergone extensive training and has a wealth of knowledge about the real estate market. They can provide valuable insights and advice to help you make informed decisions about buying or selling a home.

  2. Network: Realtors have a network of connections in the real estate industry, including other realtors, mortgage lenders, home inspectors, and more. This can be helpful in finding a home that meets your specific needs and preferences.

  3. Marketing: Realtors have the skills and resources to effectively market your home to potential buyers. This can help you get a higher price for your home and sell it more quickly. Our new home-selling program, 72 SOLD, will be available in the Dayton area in 2023.

  4. Negotiation: Realtors are skilled negotiators and can help you get the best deal possible when buying or selling a home.

  5. Time-saving: Working with a realtor can save you a lot of time and effort. They can handle much of the legwork involved in buying or selling a home, including scheduling showings, negotiating offers, and handling paperwork.

  6. Stress-reducing: Buying or selling a home can be a stressful process, but a realtor can help alleviate some of that stress by handling the details and helping you navigate the process. Check out these real estate agent reviews from the Shurts' past clients.

There are many benefits to working with an experienced realtor when buying or selling a home in Dayton, OH. From finding the right property and negotiating financing options to organizing closing costs, having a knowledgeable agent on your side can make the process much easier. If you’re thinking of buying or selling a property in the Dayton area, call or text Don & Cyndi Shurts at 937-241-2124 to get started!

Dec. 23, 2022

What Makes a House a Home?

What Makes a House a Home? | MyKCM

There’s no denying the long-term financial benefits of owning a home, but today’s housing market may have you wondering if now’s still the time to buy. While the financial aspects of buying a home are important, the non-financial and emotional reasons are too.

Home means something different to all of us. Whether it’s sharing memories with loved ones at the kitchen table or settling in to read a book in a favorite chair, the emotional connections to our homes can be just as important as the financial ones. Here are some of the things that make a house a home.

1. You Can Be Proud of Your Accomplishment

Buying a home is a major life milestone. Whether you’re setting out to buy your first home or your fifth, congratulations will be in order when you’ve achieved your goal. The sense of accomplishment you’ll feel at the end of your journey will make your home feel like a special place.

2. You Have Your Own Designated Happy Place

Owning your own home offers safety, security, and a comfortable place to relax and unwind after a long day. Sometimes that’s just what you need to feel recharged and content.

3. You Can Find the Space To Meet Your Needs

Whether you want more room for your changing lifestyle (like retirement, dedicated space for a hobby, or a personal gym) or you simply prefer to have a large backyard for entertaining, you can invest in a home that truly works for your evolving needs.

4. You Can Customize Your Surroundings

Looking to try one of those decorative wall treatments you saw online? Tired of paying an additional pet deposit for your apartment building? Or maybe you want to create an in-home yoga studio. You can do all these things in your own home.

Bottom Line

Whether you’re planning to purchase your first home or you’re ready to buy a different home to meet your needs, consider the emotional benefits that can turn a house into a happy home. When you’re prepared to make a move, let’s connect.  

Posted in Buying a home
Dec. 19, 2022

Get to Know Your Home Before Renovating

Renovating Your Dayton Ohio Home
Thinking of undertaking a home renovation project? Before you start tearing down walls and picking out furniture, there are some important considerations to make. One of the most important things to do before renovating your home is to live in it for a while first. Here are three reasons why it's beneficial to get comfortable in your new space before diving into a home renovation project. 

Get an Accurate Sense of Space


When you first move into your home, it can be easy to think that there's plenty of room for renovations and additions—until you actually start living in the space. After living in the house for a few weeks or months, you'll get a better sense of how much space is available and what areas need improvement. You might find that certain areas don't need as much work as originally thought, or that there are bigger problems that need addressing first. Taking the time to live in the space will give you an accurate understanding of where improvements should be made so that you can plan accordingly when it comes time for renovations. 

Become Familiar With Potential Problems


When living in a house before renovating it, you can also become aware of any potential problems with the building structure or existing systems like plumbing and wiring. This is especially helpful if your house is older; many older homes have hidden issues like outdated wiring or crumbling foundations that may not be immediately visible but should be taken into account during renovations. By taking time to live in the house beforehand, you can identify these potential problems and address them ahead of time rather than running into costly surprises further down the line. 

Save Money on Unnecessary Expenses


Lastly, becoming familiar with your home before starting renovations can save you money by helping you focus on essential upgrades and repairs rather than unnecessary expenses. A lot of people want their homes to look perfect right away without considering whether those changes actually add value; by living in the house first, they can determine which upgrades are truly necessary and worth investing in versus which ones would just be aesthetically pleasing but won’t really improve functionality or resale value.  
 
Living in your home before beginning renovations is one of the best ways to ensure that those renovations will go smoothly and efficiently without any unexpected surprises popping up along the way. Not only will this give you an accurate sense of space so that you can plan accordingly, but it will also help make sure that any potential issues are identified early on and addressed before they cause more serious damage later on down the line. Plus, it will help save money by allowing homeowners to focus on essential upgrades instead of investing unnecessarily in aesthetic changes that won’t add any value! All these reasons combined make living at least temporarily in your home a wise decision prior to starting renovations!
Posted in Home Renovations
Dec. 14, 2022

Luxury in Beavercreek? Look No Further Than Fox Ridge Estates

fox ridge estates luxury homes

Fox Ridge Estates is the pure definition of luxury living in Beavercreek, Ohio. Situated atop a bluff overlooking the beautiful River Valley, Fox Ridge Estates has become a premier destination for those seeking luxury and serenity. With its breathtaking views, nearby amenities, and exclusive access to some of the finest golf courses in Ohio, it’s easy to see why Fox Ridge Estates is the ultimate choice for young families and retirees alike.

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Dec. 12, 2022

Why Selling Your Home in the Winter is a Great Idea

Selling my home this winterEven though winter may not be the most popular season for real estate transactions, it actually has some great advantages when it comes to selling your home. From lower competition to more serious buyers, winter can be a great time to list your home. Let’s take a closer look at why winter is a great time to sell your home. 

Less Competition

The real estate market tends to slow down during the colder months of the year. This means there will likely be fewer homes on the market for buyers to choose from, which puts you in an advantageous position. With fewer options, buyers have fewer choices and are more likely to make offers on your home if they like what they see. Also, with less competition, you don't need to worry as much about pricing your home competitively; instead, you can focus on setting a price that gives you maximum profit while still being attractive enough for buyers. 

Serious Buyers

Buyers searching for homes in the winter are usually serious about making a purchase. They aren't just casually browsing listings or looking out of curiosity; they have a specific purpose in mind and want to buy soon. This is because winter buyers often have different motivations than summer buyers. For example, they may need to move before school starts again or are relocating for work purposes and must buy quickly before their lease runs out. Whatever their reasons may be, you can rest assured that these buyers mean business and will be more likely to make an offer if they like what they see.  

More Negotiation Power

With less competition and serious buyers in the mix, sellers have more negotiation power during the winter months. Buyers will take into account that there are fewer choices available and therefore might be willing to make concessions or even pay full asking price if they really love your property—something that isn't always possible during peak buying season when there is more inventory available and multiple offers on any given property! 

Winter may not seem like an ideal time of year for selling your home. Still, it actually has many advantages over other seasons such as less competition, serious buyers who need properties fast, and better negotiation power due to fewer choices available on the market. If you're thinking of selling this season, now is definitely a good time! So don't wait—list your property today!
Dec. 9, 2022

Key Advantages of Buying a Home Today

Key Advantages of Buying a Home Today | MyKCM

There’s no doubt buying a home today is different than it was over the past couple of years, and the shift in the market has led to advantages for buyers today. Right now, there are specific reasons that make this housing market attractive for those who’ve thought about buying but have sidelined their search due to rising mortgage rates.

Buying a home in any market is a personal decision, and the best way to make that decision is to educate yourself on the facts, not following sensationalized headlines in the news today.  The reality is, headlines do more to terrify people thinking about buying a home than they do to clarify what’s actually going on with real estate.

Here are three reasons potential homebuyers should consider buying a home today.

1. More Homes Are for Sale Right Now

According to data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), this year, the supply of homes for sale has grown significantly compared to where we started the year (see graph below):

Key Advantages of Buying a Home Today | MyKCM

This growth has happened for two reasons: homeowners listing their homes for sale and homes staying on the market a bit longer as buyer demand has moderated in response to higher mortgage rates.

The good news for you is that more inventory means more homes to choose from. And when there are more homes on the market, you could also see less competition from other buyers because the peak frenzy of competing over the same home has eased too.

2. Home Prices Are Not Projected To Crash

Experts don’t believe home prices will crash like they did in 2008. Instead, home prices will moderate at various levels depending on the local market and the factors, like supply and demand, at play in that area. That’s why some experts are calling for slight appreciation and others are calling for slight depreciation (see graph below):

Key Advantages of Buying a Home Today | MyKCM

If you consider the big picture and average the expert forecasts for 2023 together, the expectation is for relatively flat or neutral price appreciation next year. So, if you’re worried about buying a home because you’re afraid home prices will crash like they did in 2008, rest assured that’s not what expert projections tell us.

3. Mortgage Rates Have Risen, but They Will Come Down

While mortgage rates have risen dramatically this year, the rapid increases we’ve seen have moderated in recent weeks as early signs hint that inflation may be easing slightly. Where they’ll go from here largely depends on what happens next with inflation. If inflation does truly begin to cool, mortgage rates may come down as a result.

When that happens, expect more buyers to jump back into the market. For you, that means you’ll once again face more competition. Buying your house now before more buyers reenter the market could help you get one step ahead. As Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist for NAR, says:

The upcoming months should see a return of buyers, as mortgage rates appear to have already peaked and have been coming down since mid-November.”

When mortgage rates come down, those waiting on the sidelines will jump back in. Your advantage is getting in before they do.

Bottom Line

If you’re thinking about buying a home, you should seriously consider the advantages today’s market offers. Let’s connect so you can make the dream of homeownership a reality. 

Dec. 6, 2022

Don & Cyndi's Business of The Week: Doubleday's Grill & Tavern

Doubledays Restaurant in Springboro OH

Doubleday's Grill & Tavern is the perfect place to enjoy a delicious meal in Dayton, Ohio.  With two locations in the area, Doubleday's offers an extensive menu of homemade favorites, sure to satisfy any appetite. 

Doubleday's Grill & Tavern is our Local Business of the Week!

The Centerville restaurant is located at Cross Pointe Center in Centerville, just off the I-675 exit.  The Doubledays in Springboro is located in front of Dots Market and Setters Walk neighborhood Whether you're looking for a hearty burger or a good home-cooked dinner, either location has something that will hit the spot.

Doubleday's Famous BBQ Ribs in Centerville OH

Every time we try something new it becomes a favorite, but it is hard to try new things when you love what you love.  You want to order it all the time!!

We have our favorite Doubleday entrees!

Favorite Appetizer: Spinach Con Queso is so good!!

All of the soups we have had a Doubledays are amazing.  All made fresh on-site!

The Chicken Tender Salad is one of their best-selling items on the menu and it is a large salad!

Favorite Sandwich: They have great burgers to choose from, but I prefer “The Boss” Italian Flatbread Sandwich! OMG.  The Boss is stuffed with ham, salami, pepperoni, provolone, and mozzarella cheese!  You’ll be back for this one!!

The Turkey Club is very good as well!

Best Dinner:  Doubleday’s Famous BBQ ribs!!!  Tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs!  Delish!

Best Pizza in Dayton

If you are wanting to fill the void in your stomach with a home-cooked meal, then we suggest Mom’s meatloaf!  It will give you that warm, cozy feeling only a meal cooked by Mom can provide!

OUR FAVORITE: Their Monster Pizza!!  I’m sorry Marion's Pizza, we think Doubledays has the best pizza in town!  We are addicted to the “Frankie Favorite” pizza, which is their deluxe pizza.  We like the pan pizza, but nothing to not like about the hand-tossed crust.  Speaking of crust, you’ll find that the Monster pizza has a crispy crust, and has never been greasy or soggy.  The pan the pizza is cooked on has large dimples on the bottom that cook the crust perfectly!

Springboro's Favorite RestaurantBoth locations offer ample parking.  The interiors are clean and well-lit!  Sports décor is the theme inside and large screen tvs are all over the restaurant to watch your favorite game!  Family-friendly 100%!

With its friendly atmosphere, generous portions, and tasty drinks specials, it's no wonder Doubleday's is Don & Cyndi's Business of the Week! Stop in today and experience Doubleday's fantastic selection of food and drinks. You won't regret it!  Tell them Don & Cyndi sent you!