This month I was delighted to be featured on Cincinnati Refined with Amy Scalia! You can read the article below or go to Cincinnati Refined to watch my video interview with Amy. 

Whether you're from Cincinnati or not, Hannah Downs will make it feel like home.

She's a lifelong Cincinnati resident as well as a Realtor, social media influencer, and blogger covering all things Greater Cincinnati on www.homewithhannahdowns.com.

"I love to explore our city, welcome new people to Cincinnati, and help others find a home while connecting them with the community," she says. "And as a full-time Realtor, I also love offering helpful real estate tips to keep everyone in the know."

She says her social media is a mix of fun Cincinnati-centric lifestyle content, helpful real estate tips, and marketing for her clients. In fact, Downs was recently featured as Top 100 Real Estate Agents on Social Media in North America. "Marketing your home is more than listing it on the MLS, Zillow, Realtor.com and Trulia. Your Realtor should use every possible outlet to market your home: Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, virtual tours, flyers, email blasts, and open houses," she explains. "I develop custom, digitally-savvy marketing strategies for each and every one of my clients."

When looking for a new home in a new neighborhood, Downs' biggest recommendation is to have a realtor who truly knows the community. "Having a large network is important, especially in this market," she says. "Inventory is very low, so having a Realtor with connections to find off-market opportunities for clients can be a game-changer."

When it comes to tips for buyers in this red hot real estate market, Downs says that being prepared is the most important. Be sure you already have a pre-approval letter before you start shopping, and be sure to talk to a lender about your budget. “You’d be surprised how much you can secure for a home these days,” she says. “You really want to be able to make an offer as soon as you see ‘the’ home, and having an agent who’s knowledgeable puts you ahead of the game.”

She adds that it’s important to be all-in and ready to act quick. "The housing market is quick, and sellers wants to be able to close as quickly as possible," she adds.

If you’re trying to sell your home in this market, Downs says that there are several simple upgrades you can make to get it ready for buyers and get the most for your home: The first tip, she says, is to declutter and organize. “Clean off those counters and be sure to put away the family photos,” she says. "Another thing, is to take a look at your walls and trim. White, bright, and airy is in right now, so a fresh coat of paint could do wonders in bringing in offers on your home."

Lastly, she says, think curb appeal. "You want to handle your landscaping. Trim those bushes, lay down fresh mulch, and even get out the power washer to freshen things up,” she says.

Working with Downs starts with a consultation. She take a grand tour of your home before utilizing a proprietary program to get you in touch with a network of trusted resources. “I will give you a long to-do list and then connect you with Sibcy Cline-trusted Home Services providers,” she says. “They’ll help you get your home list-ready in no time.”

You can also check out Downs’ website, homewithhannahdowns.com, to learn more about her and the city. “I have a blog on there highlighting things to do around Cincinnati,” she says. “I also have exclusive listings on website, so if you’re curious to know what each neighborhood has to offer, that’s the place to go.”

She also has a program to help you find out what your home may be worth if you’re thinking of putting it on the market. Learn more by visiting here, give her a call at (513) 324-1162 or email her at hdowns@sibcycline.com.