February 21, 2009

Welcome to the New HUFF.com!

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HUFF Realty has updated their website – www.HUFF.com – with many new and exciting features, including:

  • HUFF Quick Search – perform a property search from anywhere within the site
  • Search by Map – see available listings plotted on a map; includes the ability to get driving directions to selected listings
  • Community/School Information - searchable database of statistical information as provided by On Board Informatics
  • Comprehensive Services – access information about our full suite of real estate services, including mortgage, title, insurance, relocation, rental and commercial.

The new www.HUFF.com – your source for real estate information in Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky!

Posted By: Marc Krebs



January 23, 2009

HUFF Realty's Annual Toy Drive Nets Over 3,000 Toys for Cincinnati Shriners Hospital

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The 10th Annual HUFF Realty Toy Drive for Cincinnati Shriners Hospital resulted in more than 3,000 toys for the young patients at the hospital.

From Nov. 28 to Dec. 24, each of the 12 HUFF offices throughout the area participated in gathering toys and cash donations, with the monies being used for major purchases such as a Wii, Wii Fit and a camcorder by the Child Life Committee of the hospital.

"Once again the generosity of our community has made this a successful event," said Jim Huff, chairman and CEO of HUFF Realty.

"Despite the effects of our economy, expectations were exceeded. This was the best year yet.”

"We thank everyone who donated toys and money to this worthwhile cause. Their gifts will help brighten the days of children who have so many obstacles to overcome.”

Planes Moving and Storage contributed collection boxes, transported the toys to Shriners, and collected toys at their place of business.

The toys were delivered to the patients of the Cincinnati Shriners Hospital Tuesday, Jan. 20. Douser Huff, HUFF Realty's fire safety mascot, helped distribute some of the toys to the children.

Posted By: Marc Krebs



January 23, 2009

Greater Cincinnati Market Report - Fourth Quarter 2008

Posted to Market Stats

The HUFF Realty Greater Cincinnati Market Report for the Fourth Quarter 2008 is now available at the link below. This report provides average sales price information for the Greater Cincinnati region. Overall the region showed a slight decrease in average sales price from the fourth quarter of 2007 to the fourth quarter of 2008:

Greater Cincinnati Region

Single-Family – down 1.1% (from $183,524 – 2007 Q4 to $181,433 – 2008 Q4) Condo – down 4.2% (from $153,554 – 2007 Q4 to $147,047 – 2008 Q4)

Southwest Ohio (Hamilton, Butler, Warren, Clermont Counties)

Single-Family – down 1.4% (from $188,191 – 2007 Q4 to $185,583 – 2008 Q4) Condo – down 8.3% (from $156,273 – 2007 Q4 to $143,332 – 2008 Q4)

Northern Kentucky (Boone, Kenton, Campbell Counties)

Single-Family – down 0.1% (from $165,095 – 2007 Q4 to $164,951 – 2008 Q4) Condo – up 8.4% (from $145,192 – 2007 Q4 to $157,440 – 2008 Q4)

HUFF Realty Greater Cincinnati Market Report – 2008 Fourth Quarter (click link below to download)

http://powerup.huff.com/links/files/Market_Greater_Cincinnati.pdf

Posted By: Marc Krebs



December 17, 2008

Marketing Tip, Great for FSBO's too!

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I just wanted to share a quick tip for marketing your home! This can be a sucessful tool for For Sale By Owners as well. I have done this for my sellers and it generates a great response.

When marketing your home, choose 25 of your family and friends. Send them a hand written note about you selling your home. Ask them if they know anyone who maybe interested. Yes, even out of state family and friends. Sometimes Aunt Sally knows that Cousin Bob wants to move back to Cincinnati.

The note needs to be handwritten and placed in the mail shortly after you decide to sell. Make it short and sweet, and leave your phone number. For agents of course, stick a card inside!

Let your friends and family do the hard work for you!

~ Happy Selling!!

Posted By: Danielle Vinson



December 08, 2008

Save Your Back! Winter Snow Shoveling Tips

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Snowfall can be beautiful, but when it's piled up in your driveway and on your sidewalks it can turn into quite a burden. The American Physical Therapy Association offers tips to prevent injury while shoveling snow, and we also take a look at some non-conventional snow removal tools.

First, we must accept that snow removal is an intensely physical activity. Prepare your body for the exercise it's about to endure: stretch your back, arms, and shoulders before bundling up.

Also, know your physical limits and don't push them to try to get the job done faster. Only load your tools with as much snow as you can handle, and take breaks.

Protect your back by lifting with your knees and avoiding twisting to dump a load of snow. Turn your entire body and point your feet in the direction you're dropping the snow. Also, keep heavy shovelfuls as close to your body as possible to avoid muscle strain. You may need to "choke up" on the handle of your shovel and hold it closer to the blade.

Choose the tools that work best for you. If you've had it with traditional plastic and metal shovels, many local and online retailers offer a variety of inventive snow removal devices from which to choose. The wovel is a wheeled snow shovel that claims to throw snow without lifting or twisting. Alternatively, people who prefer the removal fuel to come from an engine rather than their muscles may invest in a snow blower.

With the proper tools and tips, you'll be able to appreciate the beauty of each snowfall this winter... and be in good shape to enjoy the warmer weather when it finally arrives!

Posted By: Marc Krebs



December 07, 2008

Families Celebrate Hanukkah with 'Giving, Giggles and Gelt'

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Giving, Giggles and Gelt is the theme of the family Hanukkah celebration at the Mayerson JCC on December 21. Fun events include a luncheon, children's program, and gift drive that benefits local kids. Presented by JCC One Candle for Tzedakah, the holiday festival offers activities to entertain those with a variety of interests.

Food lovers will appreciate the luncheon buffet that features bagels, latkes, tuna and egg salads, noodle kugel and Hanukkah cookies. Energetic children will love the giant moon bounce and craft projects, while the whole family can enjoy the music program and tzedakah teachings by Rabbi Jennifer Lewis. Register by December 12 to join the community celebration!

Event Details:

When: Saturday, Dec 21, 11:30 AM-1:30 PM

Where: Mayerson JCC

Tickets: Adults $8,Children ages 3-17, kids age 2 and under free

Posted By: Marc Krebs



December 06, 2008

A Unique Holiday Experience- An Underwater Christmas?

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One of the most unique holiday experiences in the United States can be found right here in Greater Cincinnati. Scuba Santa's Water Wonderland at Newport Aquarium puts a new twist on traditional Christmas activities November 28-January 3.

Children can witness Santa diving with the aquarium wildlife and talk to him while he's underwater. Other events include the Reindeer Roundup game and crafts in the Kids' Central area every Sunday. The sixth annual holiday program is free with general admission to the Aquarium, which features 50 exhibits and more than 11,000 creatures. Hours are 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily.

Posted By: Marc Krebs



December 05, 2008

Redsfest- Saturday, Dec 13 at Duke Energy Convention Center

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If these winter days leave you longing for the boys of summer and the crack of a bat connecting with a well-pitched ball, get your baseball fix at Kahn's Redfest XI, December 12-13.

Scheduled appearances feature current and former players, coaches, and broadcasters such as Dusty Baker, Bronson Arroyo, Brandon Phillips, Joey Votto, Jay Bruce, Tom Browning, Chris Welch, Jeff Brantley, Marty and Thom Brennaman, and more.

Friday events include awards presentations for the 2008 team and Bronson Arroyo in concert, while both days offer Kids Only press conferences, Wiffleball tournaments, home run contests, photo opportunities and open games for ballplayers of all ages. Proceeds benefit the Reds Community Fund, and card sharks can still register to participate in a special celebrity poker fundraising tournament.

Event Details:

When: Friday, Dec 12 4:00-10:30 PM, Saturday, Dec 13 11:00 AM-7:00 PM

Where: Duke Energy Convention Center

Tickets: 2-Day tickets $20/adults and $10/kids. 1-Day tickets $15/adults and $7/kids

Posted By: Marc Krebs



December 01, 2008

2008 HUFF Realty Toy Drive

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HUFF Realty is sponsoring the tenth annual toy drive to benefit Shriners Hospitals.

Shriners Hospitals for Children is recognized as one of the top hospitals in the world for the treatment of children who are burn victims. More than 800 children are admitted each year. Upon admission, Shriners gives every child several toys that provide comfort and entertainment while he/she recuperates.

HUFF Realty will collect NEW toys at its twelve neighborhood offices throughout Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana from November 28 through December 24. We are asking for the public’s support in this toy drive. We would greatly appreciate your help in our efforts. Persons wishing to contribute new toys can drop donations at any HUFF Realty office during regular business hours.

Shriners Hospitals requests that all gifts be new and delivered unwrapped. No dolls or stuffed animals are needed. For Shriners “wish list” of toys please contact the HUFF Realty office nearest you.

Corporate – 334 Beechwood Road, Ft. Mitchell, KY 41017 (859-344-4616)

Florence – 60 Cavalier Blvd., Florence, KY 41042 (859-525-7900)

Ft. Mitchell – 334 Beechwood Road, Ft. Mitchell, KY 41017 (859-341-7400)

Campbell County – 2808 Alexandria Pike, Highland Heights, KY 41076 (859-781-5100)

Anderson – 7991 Beechmont Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45255 (513-474-3500)

Fairfield Hamilton – 555 Wessel Drive, Fairfield, OH 45014 (513-939-3000)

Montgomery – 9380 Montgomery Road, Suite 201, Cincinnati, OH 45242 (513-792-3000)

Northeast – 8990 Governor’s Way, Cincinnati, OH 45249 (513-683-4008)

Hyde Park – 4030 Smith Road, Suite 325, Cincinnati, OH 45208 (513-533-1900)

Union Centre – 6192 Mulhauser Road, Cincinnati, OH 45069 (513-644-4833)

Western Hills – 6460 Harrison Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45247 (513-574-2300)

Metropolitan – 212 East Sixth Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202 (513-619-7500)

Lawrenceburg, IN – 407 Ridge Avenue, Lawrenceburg, IN 40725 (812-537-4663)

Posted By: Marc Krebs



December 01, 2008

FHA Standards to Change Jan 1st

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Planning on an FHA loan at 3% down, but have yet to find that perfect home? I hate to tell you to hurry it up...but you better hurry it up! FHA is changing to 3.5% down as of January 1st. As long as you close by then, no worries for the 3% down. Just be sure that you tuck some more money away or write that offer and let your agent know that you need to close in a hurry. Remember it typically takes 30+ days after your contract is accepted to meet at the closing table and receive the keys!

Happy House Hunting!

Posted By: Danielle Vinson



November 24, 2008

Pumpkin Pie to the Extreme!

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My favorite Thanksgiving treat happens to be Pumpkin pie! I ran across this really neat info about the first pumpkin pie today and I thought it would be great to share! The Guinness Book of World Records says that the biggest pumpkin pie ever backed weighed 2,020 pounds, and was over 12 feet long! I like pumpkin pie but I don't know if I could save that much room for dessert!

It was baked in Ohio by New Bremen Giant Pumpkin Growers! 900 pounds of pumpkin, 62 gallons of evaporated milk and 155 dozen eggs later with tons sugar, cinnamon and spice all mixed in to 250 pounds of crust and baked.

Now, that is a Big Time Thanksgiving Feast! I wonder what the Turkey was like?!

Posted By: Danielle Vinson



November 18, 2008

495 Sunset Drive, South Lebanon, OH 45065

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Cozy up by the fireplace in this custom built 3 bedroom 2 bath home! Featuring a master suite with walk in closets and large windows. Children’s rooms feature large closets to keep those cleats put away!

Large open floor plan. Eat dinner in the dining room with ceramic tile and stay plugged into what is happening in the living room! Walkout onto the patio and enjoy the wooded view!

2 Car garage and plenty of street parking, invite the whole family!

By the way... APPLAINCES STAY! and a ZERO DOWN Rural Development Loan is Avilable!

Growing community with great property values!

Full basement to finish to your preference. Priced right, so you can move in in time to put up the tree!

Call today for a private tour! ~ Easy to Show!

Check out the full property detail page.

Hope to see you soon!
Danielle R. Vinson
513.405.2696
dvinson@huff.com

Posted By: Danielle Vinson



November 18, 2008

Huff Realty Expands in Southeast Indiana

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Huff Realty expands in the southeastern Indiana market with the purchase of two real estate firms. Century 21 Home Team in Lawrenceburg and Red Apple Realtors Inc. in Sunman will become part of Huff, according to a news release. The purchase will extend Huff’s reach into Dearborn, Franklin, Ohio, Ripley and Switzerland counties in Indiana, the company said in the release. Century 21 and Red Apple’s services will be combined at the Lawrenceburg office, and the company will operate under the Huff Realty name. “Huff Realty will continue to merge with quality real estate operations that have long-term, positive growth prospects for the future,” said Bill Heckman, general manager for Huff, in the release. “We are pursuing an aggressive growth strategy at a time when many real estate companies are compelled to cut back.” Fort Mitchell, KY-based Huff Realty is a member of HomeServices of America, a unit of Berkshire Hathaway.

Posted By: Marc Krebs



November 12, 2008

One-stop shopping for unique holiday gifts

Posted to Northern Kentucky

The Greater Cincinnati Holiday Market promises to make holiday shopping fun this year. Held at the Northern Kentucky Convention Center November 14-16, the gift extravaganza features more than 100 stores or boutiques and offers a convenient option to driving across town from mall to mall.

Vendors include Aquatic and Garden Decor, Three French Hens, Little Liza Jane's children's clothing, Mia Del, Park Vine, and Golf-Chic Boutique - all local. Other stores from Indiana, Kentucky, and Illinois will also be featured, giving shoppers the chance to get unique gifts.

The Junior League of Cincinnati is sponsoring the "Mistletoe & Martinis" charity reception in conjunction with the Holiday Market on Friday, November 19 from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Call the Junior League at (513) 871-9339 for tickets.

Fast Facts:

When: Friday, November 14 - Sunday, November 16

Time: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Where: Northern Kentucky Convention Center

Admission: Adults-$8, Children 13 and under are free; Discount tickets at participating Kroger stores

Posted By: Marc Krebs



November 12, 2008

Love is the theme onstage at Playhouse in the Park

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The traditional holiday season kicks off in November, and with it often comes added stress to our family and other love relationships.

Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park offers two humorous takes on love in two different shows this month.

Love Song, playing October 21 through November 21, tells the story of Beane, an oddball of a man who exiled himself from life despite his sister's attempts to help him embrace it. One day after Beane's apartment is robbed, his sister, Joan, discovers that Beane has a mysterious new love, Molly.

Joan decides to play detective and unravel her brother's secret, resulting in a tale that is called funny, enchanting, and wonderfully touching. Love Song was nominated for the Olivier Award for Best New Comedy in 2007 and was called one of the best plays of the year by the London Daily Telegraph.

If a musical is what you have in mind, try I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change. Off-Broadway's longest-running musical comedy, this revue will keep you in stitches as it covers everything from dating and marriage to bridesmaids and in-laws.

Described as "Seinfeld set to music" by New Jersey's Star-Ledger, the show is a series of vignettes dealing with everything you have ever secretly thought about love. Premiering in 1996, I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change has been translated into 13 languages and has played from Chicago to Berlin, Hong Kong, Dublin, and Manila, among others.

When holiday stress gets to be too much, take a break and laugh about love and life. These two comedies at Playhouse in the Park are just the ticket!

Posted By: Marc Krebs