We Wish You a Merry Christmas...

A sincere thanks to the 564 clients and community folks that showed up to share some hot chocolate and a movie with us.  Our 7th Annual Client Appreciation was the biggest yet!  We consider it a great privilege to be a small part of your story.  Thank you.  

We wish you a Merriest Christmas and a hope-filled New Year! 

Because of YOU... Our 7th Annual Client Appreciation Party!

Mark your calendars and invite your people on over to the Canton Palace Theater! 

 It's our 7th Annual Client Appreciation & Community Party. 

 Come enjoy a FREE viewing of The Grinch starring Jim Carrey on 

Sunday, November 30th at 2PM.  

We want to thank YOU for our best year yet!

Don't forget the giveaways:  4 Cavs Tickets *$200 Gift Card to Kalahari* 42" TV * Xbox One 

Bring the family, and we'll bring the popcorn! 

October Market Update Report

Yes, it is happening already - Store fronts decorated with tinsel and holly, and Christmas tunes playing!  I know many of you are thinking the holiday months equate to a “slow market”.  You may be questioning your chance of selling your home over November, December, and January, and maybe even wondering if you should just wait until the spring market.  I would encourage you to think otherwise.  Here are 3 very important considerations on why the late fall and winter seasons can be a great time to have your home on the market!

1)                          Less competition.  Over the next few months you will see less and less “For Sale” signs up in your area.  If you choose to take your house off the market and wait for spring, you are also choosing more competition.   

2)                          The motivated, ready to purchase buyers are still out there looking at homes!  Buyers move for all different reasons…job relocation, downsizing, marriages and many more factors that do not revolve around the seasons.  Think about it this way, if a buyer is out looking in November, December and January; they are serious about buying a home!

3)                          The same holds true for the next 90 days as it did for the spring and summer months, the homes that are priced aggressively, marketed properly and show the best will sell.  If any one of those 3 factors are out of line, you will not have a chance to sell in today’s market no matter the season.

 We continue to market aggressively and work just as hard over the holiday months as we do in the spring and summer market!  Let’s have a conversation today about your home selling plan!  Please feel free to call or email me anytime.  

 – Your Realtor, Jose Medina

  

P.S.  MARK YOUR CALENDARS!!!  Our Client Appreciation Party is Sunday November 30^th at the Canton Palace Theater.  Enjoy refreshments and a FREE viewing of the “The Grinch” with Jim Carey.  Bring your kids, grandkids, friends & neighbors…everyone is invited!

Looking for a new space to call home?

It's the place that you unwind in your favorite comfy chair after a long day, and the place that you create countless memories at kitchen tables and back yard barbeque's.  It's also the place that you grow your family...and your life.  It's your home, and we get it.  Looking for a new space to call home can be a most exciting adventure.  Before you  jump in, here's 4 good reasons your first call should be to a lender...

1)  A simple consult with a reputable lender will allow you to discuss loan options and budgeting.  They can help you better understand your options...and options are a good thing!    

2)  A lender will check on your credit standing and be able to alert you if there are any issues.

3)  A lender will help you discover your maximum borrowing capability, and that will help determine the correct price range in your home search.

4)  Home sellers expect potential buyers to have a pre-approval letter before entering into negotiations.  

If you need help getting started or finding a reputable lender, please give us a call.  Whether it's buying or selling -  we'd love to be a part of your journey "home". 

Client Backchat...

We place great importance on client satisfaction.  In fact, it's our our mission:

As a DEDICATED team of Real Estate professionals, it is our PRIVILEGE to advise, educate and assist you with all your Real Estate purchasing and sell needs.  Our CONSTANT attention to detail and anticipation of your needs in advance separate us from the usual to the extraordinary.  Through our knowledge of today's real estate market and -VIP service, we aim to make you a RAVING FAN. 

Just a few kind words from some of those RAVING FANS...

"Communication  (good and bad news) is key.  Keep doing what you are doing.  I've never had a Real Estate agent communicate so frequently and effectively in 30 years." - Mike R.

"We were working with another company for 3 months and Kevin (Jose Medina & Associates) showed us better houses than we had ever seen with them in one outing!"  -Scott M.

"Valarie E. (Jose Medina & Associates) was always available to help, very informative, easy going...and simply wonderful to work with."  -Monica B.

"Had such a great experience.  Anita (Jose Medina & Associates) was very nice and understanding as we were buying our first home."  -Joshua M.

"Valerie R. (Jose Medina & Associates) was great to work with and we would use her again!"

-Kareyn R.

"Really appreciate all of the help Kevin (Jose Medina & Associates) provided me.  He was always willing to answer all of my questions and returned calls promptly.  Found a great home for me!"

 -Jeremy W.

In the market to buy or sell?  Give us a call (330) 649-5540. 

 We look forward to making you our next RAVING FAN!  

Because sometimes we all need a break...

Because sometimes we need to break away from the ringing phones, overflowing emails, constant texts and piles of paperwork.  We need a momentary exit from the everyday office demands in order to catch our breath.  And on an ordinary Thursday... we did just that.  We laughed until it hurt...then laughed some more.  We cheered one another on  to greatness and celebrated the fact that letting go once in a while is exactly what we all need!  What a privilege it is to work with such an amazing team of folks that genuinely care about one another.  Maybe it's time for you to plan a quick escape from the life's demands...it's not only team building, but soul replenishing.  Break away!

    

Market Update - September 2014

Did you know that September and October are typically some of the busiest months for selling a home? The fall market is the second most popular time for home sales, behind only the spring market.  Now is the time to have your house in pristine condition and at the most attractive price.  

A few things to keep in mind over the next 30 days….

1)      Buyers still have a lot of options.  In Stark County there is a 6 month supply of homes.  A balanced market is considered 5-6 month supply, so there is a lot of competition to gain the attention of the buyer.  These numbers have improved in the last 6-9 months, but remember that buyers still have a lot of choices in today’s market.  Some specific markets (price range/area) are in a seller’s market, but the majority of the markets in Stark County are either in a buyer’s market or a balanced market. 

2)      Buyers comparison shop when looking for a home.  They go out and see what they can get for the money and choose the best value from what they see.  Each home is in a pricing war and a beauty competition at the same time.

3)      If you are thinking about possibly adjusting your price, don’t wait.  Now is the time to be the best the value on the market… not 30 days from now.

4)      In most price ranges and areas, you should be getting an average of 1-2 showings a week.  Showings are the best indicator to determine if your price and condition are on target.  The right price, along with our marketing strategy will get you showings.  We are very aggressively marketing in every way possible to get you the most exposure.

5)      If you have any questions or concerns about pricing, the condition of your home, or our marketing -  please feel free to contact me at (330) 649-5540.

Your Realtor,

Jose Medina

Jose Medina & Associates ranked among America's Top 1,000 Real Estate Professionals!

 On June 27, 2014, REAL Trends, Inc, in conjunction with The Wall Street Journal, published its 9th annual:  

 "The Thousand"  list of America's top 1,000 real estate sales professionals and real estate teams 

See where we ranked:  Ohio team sales by volume – 12th in state of ohio / Ohio team sales by sides – 10th in state of ohio

While we celebrate this achievement, we want you to know that our business is much more than just numbers. Check out out what a few of our clients have to say...

Dear Jose & Staff,

We'd like to thank you for the professional and courteous service we received throughout the process of the sale of our home.  The correspondences over the last two months have been very informative and helpful.  Thank you for making the sale of our home a very positive experience.  We will certainly recommend your services in the future!

-Jeff & Michelle Grametbauer

Jose,

I just wanted to send you a quick note to say thank you for assisting with the sale of my house.  You and your team were very helpful and made things much easier than I thought they would be.  I will definitely be recommending you in the future to any friends and acquaintances.  Thank you.

-Tony Slabaugh

"We are pleased with the entire process of buying and selling our home!" 

- Tim L.  

10 Mold Prevention Tips for Your Home

1. Eliminate Clutter

Cast a critical eye on household clutter, and pare down your stuff. Clutter blocks airflow and prevents your HVAC system from circulating air. Furniture and draperies that block supply grilles cause condensation. All this moisture creates microclimates in your home that welcome and feed mold growth.
So throw out things you don’t love or don’t use. Push furniture away from vents and grilles to keep air circulating. On humid, still days, run a couple of fans to keep air moving.

2. Control Indoor Climate
Mold problems often emerge during hot, humid summers when you’re tempted to play with the air conditioner. But set the thermostat too high, and the air conditioner won’t dehumidify your air effectively; set it too low, and you create cold surfaces where water vapor can condense.

To prevent moisture problems and maximize energy efficiency, set the thermostat at 78 degrees F.

3. Shut Windows and Doors When AC is On
When you open windows and doors, you let air conditioning escape, waste money, and invite humid air into your cooler home. This causes condensation, which mold loves. So keep doors and windows shut when the AC is humming.
Also, maintain your home at around 80 degrees when you’re on vacation or at work. Too often, we bump the thermostat up to 85 degrees, or turn off the AC when we’re away. This raises temperature and humidity, which creates the ideal home for mold.

4. Properly Size Your AC Unit
Make sure your air-conditioning unit is properly sized for your house. If it’s too small, the unit will run constantly, elevating costs but not the temperature; too big, and the unit will constantly start and stop, which wastes energy, too.

Install an HVAC unit that’s just right. For guidance, call an HVAC professional or consult Energy Star’s square footage/AC capacity chart.

5. Monitor Humidity
An indoor humidity monitor will help you keep track of moisture levels that, ideally, fall between 35% and 50% relative humidity; in very humid climates, at the height of summer, you may have to live with readings closer to 55%.
But if you reach 60% relative humidity, it’s time to look for the source of the added moisture; above 70% relative humidity, certain species of mold can begin growing.

Indoor humidity monitors start at less than $20; more sophisticated models that simultaneously and remotely track several rooms can climb to $200.

6. Evaluate Your AC
If you get a high humidity reading of 60% or more, make sure your air conditioner is doing its job.
Is it set to the proper temperature?
Is it cycling on and off periodically?
Does it blow cold air when it reaches the set point?
Are the coils clean?

Inspect the condensate drain pipe (the narrow white pipe sticking out the side) to make sure it’s dripping regularly. If it isn’t, the pipe is blocked and water may be accumulating inside the unit — or on your floor. If you suspect a problem, call your HVAC professional. To prevent blockage and mold buildup, pour a cup of bleach mixed with water down the drain annually.

7. Look for Standing Water
If the air conditioner isn’t the issue, search for standing water or chronic dampness that’s increasing indoor humidity and providing a lovely environment for mold.

Check for puddles or dampness around hot water tanks, sump pumps, freezers, refrigerators, basement doors, and windows. Inspect crawl spaces for ground water dampness or foundation leaks.

8. Cover Your Crawl Space Floor
Groundwater seeping into crawl spaces can add gallons of moisture vapor into your house every day. The simplest defense is to cover crawl space floors with a plastic vapor barrier — 6 mil polyethylene (landscapers’ plastic) — that traps moisture in the ground.

If you regularly crawl in your crawl space, use a heavier plastic that won’t rip as easily: Some 20 mil plastic coverings are on the market.

9. Add a Dehumidifier
A dehumidifier removes excess moisture from the air.
You can buy a whole house dehumidifier ($1,100-$1,800) that attaches to your furnace, treats air throughout the house, and connects to a drain so you never have to empty a tank. If you live in a very humid area, a whole-house system is the way to go.
If you have occasional bouts of dampness and musty smells, a portable dehumidifier will suffice ($150-$200).
Most models have an auto shutoff that keeps the unit from overflowing when the storage tank is full. Some portables have a hose hookup that automatically sends water into a nearby floor drain.

10. Call a Professional
If you can’t find the moisture problem on your own, or you aren’t sure how to correct a problem you do find, call a home inspector or indoor air quality consultant. Look for credentials from a respected industry organization, such as the American Society of Home Inspectors or the Indoor Air Quality Association.


Have a MOLD FREE day!  

Brought to you by: 

 Paul Ferguson

Radon Mitigation and Mold Remediation Specialists

 (330) 241-2031

 (330) 730-9919

A Lending Hand For Mortgage Borrowers...

One area of relief coming to home buyers across the country appears to be the lowering of credit standards necessary to get a home loan.

Wells Fargo, the largest mortgage lender in the U.S., a couple weeks ago cut its minimum credit score for borrowers of Fannie Mae- and Freddie Mac-backed loans to 620 from 660.

According to Bloomberg, Wells Fargo followed similar moves by smaller lenders, including the U.S. unit of Canadian Toronto-Dominion Bank, which lowered downpayments to 3% without requiring mortgage insurance for some loans.

The news is noteworthy because it opens up borrowing capacity for many who had been shut out in the years following the housing downturn. When the foreclosure wave started to hit, banks tightened up borrowing requirements to protect themselves from foreclosures and short sales, which for several years were eating up resources.

But now that the refinance boom has severely dried up, more lenders are looking to court purchase loans from home buyers.

Also contributing to this move is a recent drop in demand for mortgages, which we believe stems from a lack of homes for sale, increasing home values that are pricing out a lot of borrowers in markets throughout the country, and a larger presence of all-cash investors. In April, Mortgage Bankers Association Chief Economist Mike Fratantoni lowered his forecast for home purchase loans in 2014 to $626 billion from $652 billion last year.

What does this news mean for buyers and sellers?

On the one hand, it's good to hear that more borrowing options will be open for home buyers this year. Lower credit scores don't always equate to reckless borrowing. On the other hand, this is a clear sign that lenders are in need of more loan business. We may see more consolidation in that industry as a result.

Bloomberg reports that only 58% of independent mortgage banks and bank home-loan units were profitable in the last quarter of 2013. And JPMorgan Chase, the second largest mortgage lender in the U.S., said last month that its origination business lost money last quarter and would also lose money in the second quarter.

For the coming year, it looks like buyers will at least have an advantage when it comes to getting a loan. That doesn't help the inventory shortage situation, but provides one small area of relief.

Written By Gino Blefari President & CEO Intero Real Estate Services, Inc.

We've Grown! Meet the Team...

The past few months have seen some awesome growth for Jose Medina & Associates.  We thought now would be a great time to take a moment to introduce or re-introduce you to our people!  You'll find that we are 11 different personalities that come together everyday with one goal in mind...excellence.  We reside all over Stark county and together we have over 90 years of real estate experience!  Each year we choose a word that exemplifies our focus over the next 12 months (idea prompted by Jon Gordon).  Enjoy getting to know us...and our words for the year!

Jose Medina: Team Leader & Licensed Agent

Word:  FAITH  Resides:  North Canton

Interests: Reading, running, riding his motorcycle & dirt bike, family time, sports (and tearing into a homemade peanut butter pie every now & then)

Rachel Hogue:  Listing Partner & Licensed Agent

Word:  INTENTIONAL  Resides:  Canton (Plain)

Interests:  Baking...especially pies, eating out, making cards, travel & hanging out with family and friends

Kristy Varrecchia:  ISA (Inside Sales Agent) Licensed Agent

Word:  ENDURANCE  Resides:  Massillon

Interests:  Walking, biking, kayaking, camping, traveling, learning new skills, 

hanging with friends, faith, and the adventure of change

Joanne Tarle: Administrative Lead

Word:  TIME  Resides:  Canal Fulton

Interests:  Reading, craft -card making, scrap booking, taking pictures

 and hopefully getting an awesome camera someday soon!

Patty House:  Closing Manager & Licensed Agent

Word:  BALANCE  Resides:  Canton (Plain)

Interests:  Spending time with her boys, exercising (running, boxing & cross-fit) and riding motorcycles

Kevin McCaulley:  Licensed Buyer's Agent

Word:  FOCUS  Resides:  Massillon (Jackson)

Interests:  Loves the outdoors - hiking, biking, fishing, boating & cookouts

Anita Reese:  Licensed Buyer's Agent

Word:  BALANCE  Resides:  Doylestown

Interests:  Cooking, entertaining, vacationing, boating & enjoying summer days at the lake

Tiffany Pepper:  Licensed Buyer's Agent

Word:  PRESENT  Resides:  North Canton

Interests:  Spending time with family and friends, reading & riding motorcycles

Valerie Rasinar:  Licensed Buyer's Agent

Word:  TIME  Resides:  Canton

Interests:  Spending time being silly with family, running and reading

Valarie Espenschied:  Licensed Buyer's Agent

Word:  FULFILLED  Resides:  Louisville (Plain twp)

Interests:  Working out, any activities outside, and spending time with her granddaughter

Kate Medina:  Account & Rental Manager

Words:  LET IT GO (because some years require more than one word!)  Resides:  North Canton

Interests:  Writing, reading, exercising, entertaining, travel, fun adventures with family and friends

March Market Update...

Is your home competitive or compelling? Competitive means your property is priced and shows “as well as” the other competing homes currently on the market.  Competitive feedback sounds like “nice home; just started looking; wants to see other homes”, etc.   However, if your property is compelling then it stands out from the rest of the crowd.  Buyers don’t want to leave the driveway, and instead of receiving feedback you receive an offer!  Right now about 1/3 of the homes that sell are doing so in the first 30 days (buyers are demanding homes that are priced to compel.)  So… is your property priced to be competitive or compelling???

Here’s some current market stats you may find interesting.  Currently there are almost 1,700 homes and condos on the market in Stark County.  On average, only about 200 properties sell each month, which means that only the top 12% of the market is selling each month.  In other words, your listing has to be in the top 12% of the market to be sold!  If there are 50 competing properties for your listing and only the top 6 sell a month - is your home in the top 12% of homes regarding price and condition?  We are in a very crucial season with a lot of buyer activity and now is the time to seize this market.   Please always feel free to call us with any questions or concerns….

Your Realtor,

Jose Medina

How to apply to lower your Property Taxes...

Super Charged Learning!  Saturday, MARCH 22, 10:00 -12:00 p.m.

Learn How to Apply to Lower Your Property Taxes We all want save money - Come Learn How! A representative from the Stark County Auditor's Office will discuss how to complete the application form to have your property taxes reviewed for a reduction.  Please bring you current tax bill and your property card from the Stark County Auditor's website.  Auditor Forms will be provided. A Notary will be present to complete your application.  $10 Pay at the door.  Cash, check or credit card. All Revision Requests are accepted only once a year.  This year's deadline is March 31... So do not delay in registering for this event! Advance Registration for this seminar is requested, but not required.    North Canton Branch of the Stark County District Library 189 - 25th St NW North Canton, OH   10:00 am - 12:00 pm To Register for this Class call Dan Quinlan at Red Rock Real Estate 330-456-ROCK (7625)   Stark County Real Estate Investors Association

"Rent to Own" explained...

Entering into a "Rent to own" or "Lease Option" contract basically means you're renting a

home just like any other rental. However, as part of the contract you have the option to buy the home at the end of the lease for a predetermined price.  Renters are required to pay an option fee to the seller (which is a set amount that will be applied to the down payment when the home is actually purchased by the tenant.)  A portion of the tenant's monthly rent will also be applied towards their principal balance.


 For example, if a home is worth $100,000.00 and rent is $800/month, then the seller may

require a $3,000 option fee up front and agree that  $100/month of the rent payment go towards the purchase price balance. That would mean that at the end of a 12 month contract, the tenant would have their $3,000 option fee and another $1,200 ($100/month x 12 months) as a down payment on the agreed upon purchase price of $100,000.00.  The tenant would then need financing to purchase the home for $95,800.00.  Please note that if the tenant should decide NOT to purchase the home at the end of the contract period, the seller retains the option fee.  

Renting to own can appeal to people with little to no savings for a down payment, or people with bad credit or no credit.  It is also an option for those who do not qualify for traditional mortgages or may have lost their homes to foreclosures.  It can be a great way to get into a desired neighborhood or school district in a timely manner, while affording the renter time to build their income or repair their credit.    

 Some points to consider before entering into a rent to own contract...

1)  All terms are negotiable.  Be sure that the purchase price of the home agrees with the current value of the home.  It is likely that the option fee will be 3% - 5% of the agreed upon purchase price.
2)  Most rent to own contracts will require the renter to purchase the home in 1 -2 years.  Many contracts will extend another year to the renter with a 4% escalation (this percentage could be higher or lower) on the original agreed upon purchase price of the home.  
3)  A renter can walk away from the purchase at the conclusion of the lease, but they will lose their down payment.  
4)  Most rent to own contracts state the the tenant is responsible for all repairs needed (even throughout the rental period).
5)  Make sure that all terms are understood and agreed upon before signing a contract. 

February Market Update...

I hope this letter finds you well and enjoying 2014! We are off to a busy start with many new properties coming on the market as sellers want to take advantage of eager buyers. As a result

of the increase in inventory, it is very important to determine your homes position in the market. There are three elements which are very important to your homes placement; we call it the “3 P’s of selling”!

PRICE – By properly setting the price you will create value in the buyer’s mind and stay in front on the market by being more aggressive instead of chasing it down. Keep in mind that the market determines the value of every home and it all depends on what a buyer is willing to pay.

PACKAGING – This is the condition of your home and property. Take a tour of your home, look at it as a new buyer would, and fix or repair any problems you notice. However, keep in mind improvements made to the property should be done for enjoyment/maintenance, not resale, because the buyer cannot be expected to pay the original cost of your maintenance project. In accordance, maintenance preserves value, it does not create value. For instance if a new roof is needed, it was needed as a maintenance requirement and cannot be added to the market price of your home.

PROMOTION – Marketing is very important in order to secure buyers who not only want to tour your property but ultimately write an offer. You can count on Jose Medina & Associates to do our very best to market your property in as many venues as possible MyStarkCountyHome.com, Homes.com, HarmonHomes.com, Craigslist.com, Trulia.com, Yahoo Real Estate & Zillow.com. Your home is listed on numerous other websites and will often be advertised on the back cover of the Real Estate section of The Repository. As well as our new text lead system for your property.  Also check out the new and improved JoseSellsHomes.com. 

Ultimately, you as the seller are in control of 2 of the 3 factors determining the sale of your home.   Keep in mind that every home is in a pricing war and beauty contest with all other homes on the market. Let’s talk soon. 

-Jose Medina & Associates

Even a Duck knows the Importance of Prospecting...

Posted by The KCM Crew on January 23, 2014 in For Buyers, For Sellers

You can learn so much just by observing nature. Last year, Steve was staying at a fabulous hotel in southern California. He and his wife were having lunch at an outside table at the hotel restaurant. It was impossible not to notice the ducks that gathered around the tables at the restaurant looking for food. The birds would wait for the people to leave and then they would flock to the tables looking for crumbs that were dropped to the floor. There were dozens of birds fighting over the scraps left behind. Every duck did the same thing; except for one.

This duck was different. Instead of waiting for the couples to leave, this duck would wait only until the food was originally delivered. At the moment the staff delivered the food, the duck would race to the table and look up at the people who were about to eat. Surprisingly, every person immediately took something from their plate and fed it to this duck. They fed the duck BEFORE they began to eat.

This duck didn’t settle for scraps and leftovers. He ate the best food off the plate. This duck didn’t fight with dozens of others. He was alone when the customers fed him.

It was truly amazing.

It made us think about the difference in real estate agents. Some will list a house, put it on MLS and hope for the best. Others will represent a buyer by simply checking the MLS to see if a suitable house is available for sale. They are like many agents in the marketplace. They are waiting for something to happen. Just like all those other ducks.

Then there are agents who will take it upon themselves to make something happen. They will diligently search for the buyer of their new listing. They will knock door-to-door looking for the perfect house for their new client who is dreaming of a new home for their family. They are like that special duck. They are not waiting for the leftovers.

Bottom Line

In all of nature, some wait for things to happen and others make things happen.

 http://www.keepingcurrentmatters.com/blog/

Our team feels very strongly about "making things happen" for our clients.  Here's an email we recently received about the diligent service provided by one of our buyer agents, Anita Reese...

Jose - Just wanted to drop you a line and let you know how helpful 

Anita Reece has been to us. She consistently had our best interests at heart -she really helped us find a safe place for our son and his family to start with. We will definitely be referring any of our friends who are looking for homes to her. 

Thank you,  Mila & Paul Facemire