Cincinnati Real Estate Bloghttp://www.cincinnatiteam.com/blogCincinnati Ohio real estate market news provided by The Cincinnati Team - Saralou Durham & Mary ElsenerWed, 15 May 2013 03:00:00 GMTFamily Activities in Cincinnati's Smale ParkFamily fun at Smale Park                                                                    

The Cincinnati Park Board is excited to announce a full line-up of Family Summer Fun at Smale Riverfront Park!  They are offering family friendly movies, music and theater.  Kick off the summer with musical entertainment, movies and theater. Bring your family, blankets and smiles for some extraordinary nights at Smale Riverfront Park this summer!​Smale Riverfron Park
 
May 16 - Bach & Boombox (Concert Cellist performing an interactive program) 5:30pm–6:30pm

 

May17 - "Wreck It Ralph" plus Cincinnati Circus performers at 7pm- 9pm,  Movie at 9pm

May18 - Cincinnati Children’s Theater performs Rumplestilskin with special guests Bullooney Puppet Works, Cincinnati Circus and Explore Nature!  4pm–7pm

May23 - Bach & Boombox  (Concert Cellist performing an interactive program)  5:30pm–6:30pm

May30 - Bach & Boombox  (Concert Cellist performing an interactive program)  5:30pm–6:30pm

May31 - "Brave" plus Cincinnati Circus performers at 7pm–9pm,  Movie at 9pm

​Smale Riverfront Park is described as a park for the generations.  The activities benefit the entire community with recreational, entertainment and leisure resources.  The fountains, walkways, gardens, event lawns, playgrounds, and restaurants all add to the economic vitality of the region.

When completed, the park will extend from east at Great American Ball Park to west as far as Paul Brown Stadium - flanking the city's landmark Roebling Suspension Bridge.

]]>http://www.cincinnatiteam.com/Blog/Family-Activities-in-Cincinnatis-Smale-Parkhttp://www.cincinnatiteam.com/Blog/Family-Activities-in-Cincinnatis-Smale-ParkWed, 15 May 2013 03:00:00 GMTShipwrecked, The Adventures of Louis de RougemontShipwrecked at Cincinnati Playhouse in the ParkShipwrecked at Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park

Coming next to the Thompson Shelterhouse Theatre is the season-finale production of Shipwrecked! An Entertainment: The Amazing Adventures of Louis de Rougemont (As Told by Himself). The rollicking, family-friendly adventure, inspired by a true story, brings to life the fantastic and amazing story of Louis de Rougemont, a would-be explorer who embarks from Victorian England only to find himself marooned on a remote desert island.

This show has it all...typhoons, killer octopus', flying wombats, and cannibals. Louis and his faithful dog, Bruno have quite an adventure.  The show is recommended for age 8 and up. 

Shipwrecked! An Entertainment runs May 18 through June 16.  For tickets, check here.

]]>http://www.cincinnatiteam.com/Blog/Shipwrecked-The-Adventures-of-Louis-de-Rougemonthttp://www.cincinnatiteam.com/Blog/Shipwrecked-The-Adventures-of-Louis-de-RougemontMon, 13 May 2013 03:00:00 GMTCincinnati Ranks High for Reading by AmazonAmazon ranks "Cities Buying the Most Books, Newspapers and Magazines per Capita"Cincinnati in Amazon.com list

Cincinnati ranked 8th on Amazon's recent ranking of "Cities Buying the Most Books, Newspapers and Magazines per Capita." Amazon.com recently released its statistics on cities with populations of 100,000 and more.

Statistics ranked Alexandria and Knoxville ranked numbers 1 and 2. Following them were  Miami, Cambridge, Orlando, Ann Arbor, and Berkeley.

 
]]>http://www.cincinnatiteam.com/Blog/Cincinnati-Ranks-High-for-Reading-by-Amazonhttp://www.cincinnatiteam.com/Blog/Cincinnati-Ranks-High-for-Reading-by-AmazonFri, 10 May 2013 03:00:00 GMTWalnut Hills, Wyoming, and Indian Hill Schools Receive AccoladesU.S. News Ranks Best Public High Schools

Walnut Hills High SchoolThe list of Best High Schools in America has been released.  U.S. News and World Report has joined forces with the American Institutes for Research to analyze over 21,000 public high schools in 49 states and the District of Columbia.  They used statistics from the 2010-11 school year.

Walnut Hills, Wyoming, Indian Hill Schools, ranked 1-3 as the best high schools in Ohio, ended up ranked 87th, 98th and 134th respectively in the nation. Other local schools ranking in the top echelon are Sycamore, 14th in Ohio; Madeira, 16th; Turpin 21st; Lakota East, 34th; and Mason, 35th.  All of those schools also ranked in the top 1000 schools in America.  I'll bet that not many other cities in the nation can claim such great statistics!

]]>http://www.cincinnatiteam.com/Blog/Walnut-Hills-Wyoming-and-Indian-Hill-Schools-Receive-Accoladeshttp://www.cincinnatiteam.com/Blog/Walnut-Hills-Wyoming-and-Indian-Hill-Schools-Receive-AccoladesMon, 06 May 2013 03:00:00 GMTParties in the Park KickoffYeatman Cove Hosts Parties in the Park                                        

Party in the Park - Yeatman's Cove - CincinnatiThe annual Party in the Park series has expanded to 16 weeks this year.  It kicks off with its usual lineup of top local bands, plus a national recording artist.  The parties are held at Yeatman’s Cove on Wednesdays from 5 p.m. until 10 p.m. featuring “happy hour and a half” (discounted drinks from 5 p.m. until 6:30 p.m). This year’s Parties will include the Bud Bar - a moveable Bud Light bar featuring bar-style seating, five Plasma TV’s and ceiling fans for a cool breeze.

National recording artist Wayland will appear on July 3rd to kick off the holiday weekend.  The full series schedule includes performances by the following bands from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.:

  •  May 8, Jamison Road
  •  May 15, Stranger  
  • May 22, Final Order  
  • May 29, The Whammies

​​

]]>http://www.cincinnatiteam.com/Blog/Parties-in-the-Park-Kickoffhttp://www.cincinnatiteam.com/Blog/Parties-in-the-Park-KickoffThu, 02 May 2013 03:00:00 GMTSales Reports for February continue to show Market ImprovementOhio Sales Activity Continues to Show Improvement       

The number of homes sold in Ohio jumped more than 10 percent in February, as the market posted gains in activity for the 20th consecutive month, according to the Ohio Association of Realtors. According to OAR President Thomas Williams, "Buyers are taking advantage of the ideal conditions prevalent in today's marketplace, with historic low interest rates and attractive pricing."

Additionally, inventory of homes for sale remains at all-time lows and the number of days on the market continues to shrink.  Locally, the number of listings is down -6.25% and the median list price is down -3.57%.

]]>http://www.cincinnatiteam.com/Blog/Sales-Reports-for-February-continue-to-show-Market-Improvementhttp://www.cincinnatiteam.com/Blog/Sales-Reports-for-February-continue-to-show-Market-ImprovementWed, 01 May 2013 03:00:00 GMTNAR Releases February Real Estate NewsGood News on Nationwide Sales                            

Existing-home sales have risen again, showing 12 consecutive months of year-over-year price increases according to a recent report by the National Association of REALTORS (NAR). Existing-home sales, which include recently purchased single family, townhomes, condominiums, and co-ops are on pace to reach 4.98 million annual units, up 10.2 percent compared to February 2012.

Existing Home Sales By Region

NAR chief economist Lawrence Yun sees a strong housing market nationally. "Job growth in the improving economy and pent-up demand are causing both home sales and rental leasing to rise. Though home prices are rising much faster than rents, historically low mortgage rates are still making home purchases affordable," he said. "The only head-winds are limited housing inventory, which varies greatly around the country, and credit conditions that remain are too restrictive."

]]>http://www.cincinnatiteam.com/Blog/NAR-Releases-February-Real-Estate-Newshttp://www.cincinnatiteam.com/Blog/NAR-Releases-February-Real-Estate-NewsWed, 01 May 2013 03:00:00 GMTCincinnati Playhouse Interns PerformGo, Dog. Go! Produced by Cincinnati Playhouse Interns          Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park - Off the Hill

The Cincinnati Playhouse's Off the Hill gang brings to life the classic children's book, Go, Dog. Go! by P.D. Eastman. The play will be at community centers and schools throughout the Cincinnati area, from West Chester to Columbia Tusculum. Performances go through May 19.

Eastsiders may want to visit the performances at Kilgour Elementary School, May 9th at 6:30 pm and Anderson Center at 11am or Carnegie Center in Columbia Tusculum at 5:30 pm, both on May 18th. Hope to see you there!

]]>http://www.cincinnatiteam.com/Blog/Cincinnati-Playhouse-Interns-Performhttp://www.cincinnatiteam.com/Blog/Cincinnati-Playhouse-Interns-PerformTue, 30 Apr 2013 03:00:00 GMTCincinnati Named to Top of "15 U.S. Cities' Emerging Downtowns"Cincinnati's Emerging Downtown Drives Population Growth            

Forbes has placed Cincinnati on its list of "15 U.S. Cities' Emerging Downtowns."  According to their research, America's major metropolitan downtowns have welcomed double-digit population growth in the past decade.  Particularly attracted to these areas are college-educated young adults, ages 25-34, who desire urban lifestyles.  

Cincinnati officials point to an estimated $1.3 billion invested in projects currently under construction or in the planning stages, including the streetcar line, Washington Park, the Banks, and Horseshoe Casino. Downtown Cincinnati, Inc. reports that the population grew 12% in 2011.  Increasing numbers of apartments and condos continue to come available.

]]>http://www.cincinnatiteam.com/Blog/Cincinnati-Named-to-Top-of-15-US-Cities-Emerging-Downtownshttp://www.cincinnatiteam.com/Blog/Cincinnati-Named-to-Top-of-15-US-Cities-Emerging-DowntownsMon, 22 Apr 2013 03:00:00 GMTPlayhouse Produces "Double Indemnity"Mysterious, Sultry and Treacherous...Double Indemnity at the Playhouse

Next up at the Playhouse is a spell-binding adaptation of the book, Double Indemnity.  The play is in the style called "film noir," so it is not normally seen on the stage.  Extensive work was done to engender the style with lighting, costuming and stage design.  

The play has all the trappings needed for a tale of murder... a beguiling seductress and a morally bankrupt insurance agent.  Will greed and lust in out? Can they create the perfect crime? Will the unsuspecting husband survive?  Can their relationship continue?  Running through May 18th, check in here for tickets.

 
]]>http://www.cincinnatiteam.com/Blog/Playhouse-Produces-Double-Indemnityhttp://www.cincinnatiteam.com/Blog/Playhouse-Produces-Double-IndemnityFri, 12 Apr 2013 03:00:00 GMTKrohn Conservatory Showcases Exotic Butterflies of Morocco​​Exotic Butterflies of Morocco at Krohn Conservatory         

Starting April 20th - June 30th, Krohn Conservatory will be open from 10 am-5 pm so you can experience the butterflies of Morocco.  If you haven't been in the butterfly room and experienced a butterfly landing on your nose, this is an event not to be missed and long remembered.  Daily, butterflies are released into the space.  It becomes a lavish assault to your senses...the sound of water flowing, bursts of colorful flowers, and musical rhythms in a setting that will remind you of the marketplaces of the Moroccan region.

To get your $1 off coupon for the show, click here.  If you are a photographer, come for the special night-time viewings on April 22 and 29, May 6, 13 and 20, and then enter the photography contest.  For other special events, check out their website.

​​

]]>http://www.cincinnatiteam.com/Blog/Krohn-Conservatory-Showcases-Exotic-Butterflies-of-Moroccohttp://www.cincinnatiteam.com/Blog/Krohn-Conservatory-Showcases-Exotic-Butterflies-of-MoroccoWed, 10 Apr 2013 03:00:00 GMTP&G - One of World's Most Admired CompaniesFortune Magazine Places P&G on its World's Most Admired Companies List   

Fortune Magazine has compiled its list of the 2013 World's Most Admired Companies.  Proctor and Gamble has been ranked number 2 in the soap and cosmetics category and number 15 overall among the 50 companies on the list.  The highest ranked companies on the list, in order, are:  Apple, Google, Amazon.com, Coca-cola, and Starbucks.  

The attributes that Fortune used in compiling its rankings include:

  • ability to attract and retain talent
  •  quality of management
  •  social responsibility to the community and environment
  •  innovation, quality of products or services
  •  wise use of corporate assets
  •  financial soundness
  • long term investment value
  • effectiveness at doing business globally. 
]]>http://www.cincinnatiteam.com/Blog/PG-One-of-Worlds-Most-Admired-Companieshttp://www.cincinnatiteam.com/Blog/PG-One-of-Worlds-Most-Admired-CompaniesWed, 10 Apr 2013 03:00:00 GMTConcerts Add to Zoo Blooms CelebrationZoo Blooms Features Free Thursday Concerts            

The Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden once again will burst into bloom in mid-April.  Did you know that the Zoo is one of only two accredited botanical gardens in Ohio?  Or that the Zoo offers the largest tulip display in the Midwest?  Over one million daffodils, hyacinths, flowering trees, shrubs and tulips will come together for one of the most spectacular displays ever.  With 100,000 tulips alone, the display has been dubbed "Tulip Mania."

Every Thursday in April, the Zoo will offer "Tunes in Bloom" concerts with free admission after 5 pm (parking is not included).  Held from 6-8:30 pm, the evenings feature some of Cincinnati's finest and most respected music groups:

  • April 11 - Jake Speed and the Freddies, The Turkeys
  • April 18 - Shiny and the Spoon, Shiny Old Soul
  • April 25 The Ark Band, The Cliftones
]]>http://www.cincinnatiteam.com/Blog/Concerts-Add-to-Zoo-Blooms-Celebrationhttp://www.cincinnatiteam.com/Blog/Concerts-Add-to-Zoo-Blooms-CelebrationFri, 05 Apr 2013 03:00:00 GMTOhio Home Sales for February, 2013Ohio Sales Activity Continues to Show Improvement       

The number of homes sold in Ohio jumped more than 10 percent in February, as the market posted gains in activity for the 20th consecutive month, according to the Ohio Association of Realtors. According to OAR President Thomas Williams, "Buyers are taking advantage of the ideal conditions prevalent in today's marketplace, with historic low interest rates and attractive pricing."

Additionally, inventory of homes for sale remains at all-time lows and the number of days on the market continues to shrink.  Locally, the number of listings is down -6.25% and the median list price is down -3.57%.

]]>http://www.cincinnatiteam.com/Blog/Ohio-Home-Sales-for-February-2013http://www.cincinnatiteam.com/Blog/Ohio-Home-Sales-for-February-2013Tue, 02 Apr 2013 03:00:00 GMTBuzz Feed's "30 Best Places to Be, If you Love Books"​​The Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County Named to list of "30 Best Places to Be, if You Love Books"

Buzz Feed has named the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County to its list of 30 Best Places to Be, if You Love Books.  Those chosen range from a library built in an abandoned Walmart to the Libreris Acqua Alta in Venice to home libraries to cozy reading nooks to the Beinicke Rare Book and Manuscript Library at Yale.  The picture used of our library was from the library that used to be at 629 Vine Street (formerly a theater) Amongst the diverse offerings, the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County ranked #28, ahead of the Library of Congress.

]]>http://www.cincinnatiteam.com/Blog/Buzz-Feeds-30-Best-Places-to-Be-If-you-Love-Bookshttp://www.cincinnatiteam.com/Blog/Buzz-Feeds-30-Best-Places-to-Be-If-you-Love-BooksSat, 30 Mar 2013 03:00:00 GMTCincinnati Ranked High on Literacy Index  

Cincinnati Ranked in Top 25 Literate Cities in the Nation       

The annual study conducted by Central Connecticut State University of literacy ranked Cincinnati at number 12.  The survey looks at library resources, internet resources, the number of bookstores, periodical publishing resources, newspaper circulation and education levels..

Interestingly, the study has now expanded the definition of reading to include online book orders, e-book readers and page views on local newspaper websites.

The study's aim is to shift attention from school test scores on reading "to how much people are reading and where they're reading the most."  Of the 75 cities ranked, Washington DC came in first for the third year in a row.  Following behind them is Seattle, Minneapolis, Pittsburgh and Denver.

]]>http://www.cincinnatiteam.com/Blog/Cincinnati-Ranked-High-on-Literacy-Indexhttp://www.cincinnatiteam.com/Blog/Cincinnati-Ranked-High-on-Literacy-IndexThu, 21 Feb 2013 03:00:00 GMTGreat Time to List Your Home - Low Inventory and Low Interest Rates  

INVENTORY, RATES, DEMAND PUSH PRICES HIGHER

Low interest rates have triggered strong buyer demand across the country, and market activity has been pushing prices upward. Freddie Mac reported another record low for 30-year, conventional fixed-rate mortgages when the national commitment rate dropped to 3.35 percent in November. The rate was 3.99 percent at this time last year.

As inventory continues to drop, we can expect to see more pricing adjustments as buyers compete for the same homes. Time on the market has dropped to 70 days in November, and available inventory has fallen another 3.8 percent to just over 2 million existing homes for sale. At today's sales pace, existing-home inventory will be exhausted in 4.8 months, creating the lowest housing supply since September 2005.

Regionally, existing-home sales rose 7.9 percent in the South, 7.2 percent in the Midwest, and 6.9 percent in the Northeast. Existing-home sales in the West were up 0.8 percent in November, representing a 4.4 percent increase over 2011 levels for the region.

 

]]>http://www.cincinnatiteam.com/Blog/Great-Time-to-List-Your-Home-Low-Inventory-and-Low-Interest-Rateshttp://www.cincinnatiteam.com/Blog/Great-Time-to-List-Your-Home-Low-Inventory-and-Low-Interest-RatesSat, 09 Feb 2013 03:00:00 GMTSeeing Stars and the Full Snow Moon in Cincinnati  


Astronomy Lessons at the Cincinnati Nature Center and Cincinnati Observatory - February 14th and 25th         

The Full Moon Walk will take place at the Cincinnati Nature Center on February 25th. Attendees, eight years old and up, should gather at the Creekside Barn at 7:30 pm.  Imagine looking for signs of animals and wildlife while hiking under a full moon. Registration is required.

Native American tribes often named full moons.  Because the full moon in February usually occurred during the heaviest snow falls, it was called the Full Snow Moon.  Other tribes referred to it as the Full Hunger Moon or Little Famine Moon because hunting was difficult and food scarce.  The Cherokee tribe named it the Full Bony Moon because it was a time when they were forced to gnaw on bones and eat bone marrow soup.

"Turn the lights down low, the stars are out" at the Cincinnati Observatory Center brings romance to you on February 14th at 7 pm. The "Birthplace of American Astronomy" is scheduled to give your Valentine a true, out-of-this-world experience high atop Mt. Lookout.  In addition to viewing the planets of Venus, Jupiter and Mars through the historic telescopes, you will be treated to an evening of music, drinks, chocolate, and flowers.

Host of the evening, Dean Regas, astronomer and co-host of the PBS program Star Gazers, will be talking about the red stars of passion in the winter sky.  Volunteers will also give tours of the building.  This will be an unusual and unexpected opportunity to bring romance to your relationship!

Reservations are required for the evening at $50 per couple.

 

]]>http://www.cincinnatiteam.com/Blog/Seeing-Stars-and-the-Full-Snow-Moon-in-Cincinnatihttp://www.cincinnatiteam.com/Blog/Seeing-Stars-and-the-Full-Snow-Moon-in-CincinnatiTue, 05 Feb 2013 03:00:00 GMTChildren's Theater at its Best at the Playhouse  

Saturday Family Fun at Rosenthal Next Generation Theatre Series     

The Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park's Rosenthal Plaza becomes the home for some of the country's best family performers on Saturdays through March 16th. This year's Rosenthal Next Generation Theatre Series will welcome musicians, storytellers, puppeteers and more. 

Upcoming performances include:

Feb. 16: Trout Fishing in America, an eclectic folk and rock duo
Feb. 23: Tales of Anansi, featuring musicians Bash the Trash
March 2: Bari Koral, with a pop-friendly interactive family concert
March 9: Hansel and Gretel, featuring the Tanglewood Marionettes
March 16: Diane Macklin, storyteller

All Rosenthal Next Generation Theatre Series performances are recommended for ages 4 and up.There are shows at 10:30 am and 1 pm. For more information, visit and tickets, visit www.cincyplay.com.

]]>http://www.cincinnatiteam.com/Blog/Childrens-Theater-at-its-Best-at-the-Playhousehttp://www.cincinnatiteam.com/Blog/Childrens-Theater-at-its-Best-at-the-PlayhouseFri, 01 Feb 2013 03:00:00 GMTGone are the Days of Quiet and No Food or Drink at the Cincinnati Public Library!  

S&J Cafe Opens at the Main LibraryCincinnati Public Library

A welcome addition to the Public Library's Main Library is the S&J Cafe.  Started as the Skirtz and Johnston Bakery in Findlay Market, the chefs have branched out to offer a full range of breakfast and luncheon dishes to library visitors. Servers will include many Midwest Culinary Institute graduates and students.

When you have a chance to stop into the Library searching for  book, video or music needs, now you will be able to have lunch and take a closer look at books you might check out.  They offer breakfast sandwiches, bagels, scones and Danish for breakfast and soups, salads and sandwiches for lunch.  Of course, you can always expect to be treated to the best of deserts.

You will find them on the mezzanine next door to the Library Friends' Shop.  They are open weekdays from 9 am-4 pm. 

]]>http://www.cincinnatiteam.com/Blog/Gone-are-the-Days-of-Quiet-and-No-Food-or-Drink-at-the-Cincinnati-Public-Libraryhttp://www.cincinnatiteam.com/Blog/Gone-are-the-Days-of-Quiet-and-No-Food-or-Drink-at-the-Cincinnati-Public-LibraryTue, 29 Jan 2013 03:00:00 GMT