Parade of Homes | October FOM 2022

On behalf of the Western Ohio Home Builders Association and our presenting sponsor, Minster Bank, it is our pleasure to welcome you to the 2022 Fall Parade of Homes. We are really excited to bring you one of the largest Parade of Homes in recent years. Despite supply chain issues that continue to plague the industry coupled with skilled labor shortages, some of the area’s best home builders are ready to showcase for you 15 beautiful homes and there are an additional 4 virtual homes to see on our website at www.poh.westernohiohba.com. Visitors to this year’s Parade will get the opportunity to talk with 10 di erent builders in locations from Tipp City to Anna. We’re covering Miami, Darke and Shelby counties.

e Parade of Homes is the best opportunity to visit with builders and see the latest home design, technology, appliances, lighting,

and exterior features. e Parade of Homes is our builder’s chance to introduce themselves and showcase new products and designs and your chance to see what features would best enhance your life. It’s also a great opportunity to visit di erent areas of the Miami Valley and see what areas best suit your lifestyle.

As you explore these homes, we hope you are inspired by what our builders, designers, and trade contractors have created. As an association, we are proud to have so many innovative people providing quality products for you to enjoy.

We would also like to take this opportunity to thank our sponsors. None of this could be accomplished without the dedicated professionals who help us put on this Parade. We thank every one of you!

We hope you enjoy the Parade and if you are looking to build your rst home, your move up home or your retirement home, please contact one of the home builders in the Parade or visit our website at www.westernohiohba.com for a list of builders. anks for attending the Fall Parade of Homes!

www.corcoran.com

COMING SOON TO TROY & DAYTON

Julie Carter, REALTOR®

TEAM LEAD 937.974.3118

Julie.Carter@corcoranGL.com

Mason James, REALTOR®

TEAM MEMBER 937.703.3770

Mason.James@corcoranGL.com

Megan Tittl, REALTOR®

TEAM MEMBER 937.554.3526

Megan.Tittl@corcoranGL.com

TEAM LEAD

Tami Holmes | 937.907.1107

Tami@Tami-Holmes.com

REALTORS

Mike Williams | 937.761.1331

Mike@Tami-Holmes.com

Jody Canupp | 937.907.1714

Jody@Tami-Holmes.com

Traci Stroll | 937.907.1500

Traci@Tami-Holmes.com

Jason Mathews | 937.907.1669

Jason@Tami-Holmes.com

Terry Mull | 937.907.1616

Terry@Tami-Holmes.com

Bekah Mathews | 937.907.1119

Bekah@Tami-Holmes.com

Haley Rose | 937.907.1116

Haley@Tami-Holmes.com

RETIREMENT COMMUNITY

Living a MAINTENANCE Free Lifestyle Start

VILLA

Six different End Units, 1,600SF to 1,760SF of living space. Floorplans consist of, 3 Bedroom, 2 Bath, 2 Car Garage.

Three different Middle Units, 1,680SF of living space. Floorplans consist of, 2 Bedroom, 2 Bath, 1 Car Garage.

Monthly HOA Fees, $225/per month. HOA covers all common areas, Lawncare, Landscape, Trash Pickup, Snow Removal, and full access to Halifax Clubhouse

Clubhouse amenities to include: Outdoor pool, covered porch, outdoor firepit, workout room, 2 card game rooms, full prep-kitchen, pickleball courts, and other outdoor games activities.

9 large stocked ponds, for fishing. Beautifully lit walking paths.

PATIO HOME

Six different Floorplans ranging from 1,600SF to 1,960SF of living space. Floorplans consist of a slab foundation, 3 Bedroom, 2 Bath, 2 Car Garage, or a 2 Master Suite option.

shelter.

Monthly HOA Fees, $200/per month. HOA covers all common areas, Trash Pickup, Snow Removal, and full access to Halifax Clubhouse

HOME is where the heart is

Home is where the heart is. It’s also where we feel the safest. But according to Underwriter’s Laboratories, today’s homes burn 8 times faster than the homes of yesterday. According the insurance industry, 1 out of 3 homeowners have claimed water damage and the average claim is over $6,000.00. e truth is we are all just one absent minded moment, recalled product or natural disaster from our homes experiencing a re, carbon monoxide leak or ooding disaster.

Cooking is the top reason people have res, but re can happen from any number of products that generate heat. In fact, leaving something on the stove is a well-known cause of re, but many new products are recalled every year because they cause res. And of course, lightning strikes and rain can cause disasters too. Everything from water heaters to washing machines can be the cause of res to oods. Disasters that can happen when we least expect them.

ink about it, modern homes incorporate more synthetic materials. From carpet to even the wood which is glued and manufactured. Not to mention the fuel load of all the plastics and man-made materials of modern times. In addition, we bring innovative products into our homes today made from plastics and ran o of electricity. ink of all the products you have today that your grandparents never dreamed would exist. Cell phones, tablets, computers, video games, plug in air fresheners and more. All modern conveniences that can steal our lives and property.

Water heaters are expected to fail every 12 years. Washing machine hoses are expected to leak every 8-10 years. In fact, every appliance we have is expected to be replaced. But when do we replace them? When they break or even worse, catch re or leak? What about furnaces? O en times, a carbon monoxide leak is the reason for replacement. So, being vigilant is important. Having, practicing and enforcing safety protocols in our homes is just as important as doing it at school or work. In fact, even more important because home is where we sleep. And night time disasters are the most dangerous disasters.

Have and practice an evacuation plan. Make sure everyone knows their meeting spot. Have emergency contacts from neighbors to family and rst responders. Check your lint screen every time you use it, inspect your furnace and install CO alarms, smoke alarms and re extinguishers in your home. ere are many di erent solutions for safety. When your family comes rst, the best advice is to purchase the highest quality detection and prevention you can a ord. e optimum protection is always better than the minimum but at the very least, protect your home and family with the minimum.

WHY HIRE A PROFESSIONAL WINDOW CLEANER?

Do people really hire someone to clean their home windows? Absolutely! ere are numerous advantages to hiring a professional rather than doing it yourself. A er you have had your windows and screens cleaned by a quality local company, you’ll wonder why you ever attempted to DIY in the past.

A er losing my job in the summer of 2020 I told my friends and family that I was going to start a company specializing in residential window cleaning. e most common response: “Is there really a demand for that?” Honestly, I didn’t know the answer. Now, a er over two years, servicing great clients all over the Miami Valley, the answer is quite clear.

ere are many reasons people hire someone to clean their windows, but the main reason is TIME. Most people can clean their own windows, they just don’t want to. What a professional can do in 2-3 hours would have taken your entire Saturday, at least.

is brings us to VALUE. What seems like a daunting, annoying chore to you, is just another morning for a professional. Nobody wants to spend their weekend struggling with extension ladders and ghting with spider webs. Hire someone you trust and cross “clean windows” o of your to-do list.

Another great reason for hiring an expert is QUALITY. Most people who clean their own windows use vinegar or other household cleaners- then ask me why their windows are always streaky. I’ll let you all in on the secret formula used by professional window cleaners: soap and water. Sounds simple but the combination of skill, experience and attention to detail is what makes all the di erence.

Some people think this service will be too expensive. Most window cleaning companies in this area charge between $70 and $100 per hour. is may sound pricey. You must remember though, these people work fast. A good company can take a typical ranch-style home, clean all windows inside and out, wipe out all tracks, and clean all screens for around $200. Better than losing your Saturday in my opinion.

Lastly it is important to hire someone you TRUST. Check out reviews online and ask your friends and neighbors. Ask for an in-person estimate when you call (good companies will have no problem with that). Make sure you are comfortable with the person who comes to look at the job, and con rm that they are the same person who will be doing the work.

When you nd the right company you will be so relieved. Having your windows cleaned quarterly or semi-annually will brighten your house both inside and out!

Dave Gerhard Community Development Mortgage Loan Originator NMLS # 438980

Dave Gerhard Community Development Mortgage Loan Originator NMLS # 438980

937-552-8719 Office | 937-212-8188 Mobile dave.gerhard@bankatfirst.com

937-552-8719 Office | 937-212-8188 Mobile dave.gerhard@bankatfirst.com

How to Plan for a Home Down Payment

Buying a home is a milestone worth celebrating, but it takes planning and preparation before signing the closing documents to ensure the purchase doesn’t become more of a burden than a blessing. Proper planning involves determining how big of a down payment you need and saving money for that down payment. Here are some pointers to get you started.

What Should My Down Payment Amount Be?

Traditionally, the standard down payment lenders require for  nancing a house is 20 percent. Liz Knueven of Business Insider explains that this is to help you as the homeowner avoid having to pay private mortgage insurance. “[ is] extra monthly payment that can cost 0.3% to 1.2% of the loan’s principal balance. Banks charge PMI to borrowers who put down less than 20% to get some protection should the borrower stop making mortgage payments.”

If you’re buying a $160,000 house, a 20 percent down payment would translate to $40,000 — which is a lot more than most rst-time homebuyers can a ord.

However, 20 percent is not necessarily required to buy a house if you’re willing to pay a little extra on your monthly bill due to PMI. Plus, you might qualify for a lower down payment depending on the type of loan you’re receiving and your credit history.

Hal M. Bundrick, CFP and contributor to NerdWallet, points out that you may be able to take advantage of low-down-payment loans or assistance programs. Loans that are backed by third parties give nancial institutions the security to allow rst-time homebuyers to supply a lower down payment.

For instance, the Department of Veterans A airs o ers VA loans, the Department of Agriculture o ers USDA loans and the Federal Housing Administration o ers FHA loans — all which allow down payments far below 20 percent. ese still may entail extra fees, but o entimes these can be rolled into your monthly payments, so you don’t have to fork over as much money upfront.

What are the Other Costs of Buying a House?

Keep in mind that a down payment isn’t the only cost you’ll be paying to obtain a house. Purchasing a house entails an array of other fees that you might not have anticipated.

• Jeremy Vohwinkle of e Balance identi es some of the most common fees:

• Fees paid to the lender for the loan arrangement, such as the origination fee, application fee and underwriting fee

• Fees for title requirements, like title search and title insurance

• Home inspection, survey and appraisal fees

• Home insurance and property tax dues, which could go into your escrow account

• Various processing, commission and service fees

Some of these fees will be due on your closing date, while others will be due throughout the application process or right a er closing. When you’re saving money, make sure you have enough in your nancial accounts to cover these and any other unexpected costs.

How Does a Down Payment Work When Moving to a New House?

Once you’ve outgrown your starter home and plan on moving to a larger abode, you will still need to put a down payment on your next house. However, instead of paying out of pocket like you did for your rst home’s down payment, you’ll be able to cover this down payment with the money you’ll make selling your rst home.

Because you likely won’t sell that rst home until moving into your new home, though, Dave Ramsey and his nancial experts recommend taking out a bridge loan.

“A bridge loan allows you to tap into the equity of your current home to pay the down payment on your new home. It functions as a shortterm loan that is to be repaid quickly.” is quick loan will let you make a large down payment on your new house and then immediately pay it o when your old house sells.

Should I Make a Big or Small Down Payment?

Choosing how much to put toward a down payment depends on your nancial situation and what you think you can a ord.

A larger down payment could constrict your nances initially when you may need to spend that money on moving and home improvement costs, but it lowers the amount you’re mortgaging and translates to less paid in interest and insurance over the life of the loan.

A smaller down payment leaves more funds in your account now but will cost you more over the course of the loan due to the higher principle. Whichever amount you choose to contribute to a down payment on a house, make sure you start saving now to be in the best nancial state when it comes time to seal the deal.

Ready to Buy But Worried About a Down Payment? We Can Help!

At Minster Bank, we are passionate about helping you achieve homeownership. We can work with you to customize a solution to help with a down payment.  Also, look for in the rst quarter of each year, information about our Welcome Home Program, you could qualify for free grant money to o set your upfront mortgage costs — up to $5,000 or $7,500 for eligible veterans. All you have to do is apply for a home loan and the Welcome Home grant through your local Minster Bank, online or in person.

How to Find the Right Builder for You

Maybe you’ve toured all the homes on the Parade of Homes or maybe you’re just in the market for a new home. If you’re thinking about building a new home, one key decision you’ll have to make is nding a home builder that you connect with. Working with an experienced, professional builder can make a di erence when it comes to creating your dream home. Seeking out a home builder that will meet your expectations involves targeted research and asking the right questions. Below are some steps you can take to nd a builder who is just right for you.

Make a List of Potential Builders

With so many companies to choose from the best rst step is to make a list of potential builders. e Western Ohio Home Builders Association has a list of builders who work in this area. If you want to add more names to your list ask friends and relatives for recommendations. Another great source is your local Realtor. ey are tuned into the new construction market and can help you navigate through some of the di erent styles and price points of builders in your area.

Ask Questions

Once you’ve generated your list of potential builders, reach out and ask questions. You can start by asking about associated costs in the short and long term such as nancing options, i.e., does the builder carry the construction loan or does the homeowner? Where does the builder build? In a particular subdivision or on your lot? Does the builder have a showroom? What is the builder warranty? Ask for references of recent buyers. A professional builder will be able to provide you with names and contact information of recent customers.

When you connect with a reference, talk to them about their experience working with the builder in terms of planning, timelines and budgeting.

Get to Know Your Builder

Once you’ve narrowed down your list, make sure the home builder has experience building the type of home you want. You can ask to see model homes, or oor plans and design options. Some builders have professional designations which is a sign that the builder has expertise in a speci c area of building, for example, Certi ed Green Builder (CGP).

Establish Communication Expectations

Before you agree to work with a home builder, make sure to establish communication expectations. You both should agree on how o en to connect to discuss updates throughout the project. It is best to determine what communication channel (email, text or phone) ts your needs. Also make sure you set expectations on site visits to the project. Some builders restrict clients coming to the house during construction. Taking this small but important step will help eliminate any confusion in the home building process and avoid damaging your relationship with your builder. It’s best to always set expectations up front. is is go a long way in keeping a very happy and health relationship between you and your builder for the 6-8 months your together.

To meet local home building professionals and learn more about the home building process you can always call the Western Ohio Home Builders Association and we’d be happy to put you in touch with our Builder members who’d love to put you on the path to building your dream home!

ILLUMINATE YOUR HOME

As homeowners, we put a lot of time and energy into our home. From mowing the lawn and trimming the bushes to sprucing up the exterior and making improvements, these are very visible enhancements except they all fade into the dark when the sun sets. Strategically placed outdoor lighting can enhance the nighttime beauty of a home by highlighting its distinct features while increasing security and transforming your outdoor areas.

Enhanced Beauty & Curb Appeal:

e most common reason homeowners invest in outdoor lighting is for its aesthetically pleasing beauty. When professionally installed, light can increase a home’s evening curb appeal. Perhaps you have noticed when you drive through a neighborhood at night. Without light, you cannot see a home’s features or landscaping. It gets lost in the dark. While perfectly illuminated homes stand out, you may notice how the lighting elegantly enhances architectural and landscaping features.

Increase Home Security:

Most homeowners initially invest in outdoor lighting because they are drawn to the beauty it brings. Not long a er, they realize the security element that comes with a properly installed system. Lighting the exterior of your home is the number one thing you can do to increase its security and discourage unwelcome intruders. Security lighting doesn’t need to be harsh or startling to be e ective.

Increase Home Safety:

If you entertain or spend time outside a er dark, then lighting your walkways, paths, steps, and stairs will decrease the chance you, a family member, or a guest will trip or fall.

Extend Use of Outdoor Living Spaces:

Many homeowners enjoy spending time on their deck or patio, grilling outdoors, or late-night swims in their pool. If you want to extend the use of your outdoor living space a er the sun has set, outdoor lighting is essential for continued enjoyment. You’ll use your outdoor areas more o en, and you can relax in the safety of seeing what you are doing.

Provides Year-Round Enjoyment:

As the seasons change, the lighting element remains constant, bringing di erent illumination e ects with each season. How the light shines up onto the fresh snowfall on the evergreens during the winter is a di erent experience from when everything is just blooming in the spring.

Ease of Use:

A professionally installed system can be set up to turn on and o automatically, so you don’t have to worry about it. Also, most dedicated landscape lighting companies have a service team or o er ongoing service programs to ensure your system continues to perform year a er year, making it easy for you, the homeowner. In summary, a well-executed outdoor lighting design can enhance and emphasize the distinct features of your home or property, casting it in the best possible light while adding an abundance of curb appeal, security, safety, and enjoyment. A professional landscape lighting company will consider lighting for both beauty and security; not everyone has this skill.

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