Homes are Selling! Local Home Sales Report for June
07/26/2021 09:00:00
Throughout June, home sales increased for most of the region when compared to June 2020. Overall for the year to date, homes sales are exceeding last year’s figures. Mortgage rates are low. Home values are high. It’s a great time to list your home for sale and for buyers to find their dream home.
Here is a report by region of homes sales throughout June 2021:
CINCINNATI OHIO / SOUTHEASTERN INDIANA
June 2021 vs June 2020
2.5% Increase in homes sold (2,606 homes)
18% Increase in median sale price ($253,500 vs $194,000)
21.2% Increase in sales volume ($782,909,522)
-26% Decrease in active homes for sale (1,928 units)
1.8% Increase in new listings (3,158 units)
January–June 2021 vs January–June 2020
7.8% Increase in homes sold (12,295 homes vs 11,405)
18.5% Increase in median sale price ($229,900 vs $194,000)
26.7% Increase in sales volume ($3,392,446,173 vs $2,677,500,359)
-5.51% Decrease in homes sold (720 homes vs 762 homes)
21.84% Increase in average sale price ($281,751 vs $231,249)
19.90% Increase in median sale price ($255,000 vs $212,670)
15.12% Increase in sales volume ($202,861,070 vs $176,212,460)
January – June 2021vs January – June 2020
8.13% Increase in homes sold 3,632 homes vs 3,359 homes)
16.68% Increase in average sale price ($255,520 vs $218,762)
18.42% Increase in median sale price ($225,000 vs $190,000)
26.16% Increase in sales volume ($927,070,603 vs $734,823,385)
Statistics courtesy of Northern Kentucky Association of Realtors® June 2021 Home Sales Report
150+ Local Events, Festivals and Things to Do – the Ultimate Guide for August
07/23/2021 09:00:00
August is a great month to enjoy all kinds of local activities. Think about attending a festival, community concert or county fair. There are some tried and true events this month such as Goettafest, Paddlefest, Western & Southern Tennis Open, Black Family Reunion and the Germanfest Picnic. Take a look at our list of fun things to do throughout Cincinnati, Ohio; Northern Kentucky; Southeastern Indiana; and Dayton and Springfield, Ohio.
Events are sorted by region and date. Did we miss your event? Let us know at [email protected]
CINCINNATI AND NORTHERN KENTUCKY
Glier’s Goettafest Through August 1, 2021 (+Aug 5–8) Newport on the Levee at 1 Levee Way, Newport, Kentucky Enjoy everything goetta!
Germantown Fair Through August 7, 2021 Germantown Fairgrounds at 4088 Ky Highway 10, Germantown, Kentucky No rides this year. Swine show, horse show.and fun Facebook
Space Celebration Through August 7, 2021 National Museum of the US Air Force at 1100 Spaatz St, Dayton, Ohio Space -themed exhibits, simulators rides, movies and more
Summer Music on the Levee Through September 2, 2021 (Thursday evenings from 7–10pm) Central Plaza at Newport on the Levee, Newport, Kentucky
Krohn Conservatory Butterflies of Bali Through September 6, 2021 1501 Eden Park Drive, Cincinnati, Ohio Enjoy seeing 1000s of butterflies! Purchase tickets ahead of your visit
Chicago Concert August 1, 2021 Riverbend Music Center, 6295 Kellogg Ave., Cincinnati, Ohio 25 or 6 to 4!
Flea in the Fort August 1, 2021 Mess Hall Lane, Fort Thomas, Kentucky 10am–3pm flea market
Outdoor Movie August 1, 2021 Tower Park Amphitheater at Cochran Ave., Fort Thomas, Kentucky Movie from 8pm–10pm
St. Aloysius Summer Festival August 1, 2021 3350 Chapel Rd., Shandon, Ohio Chicken dinner and fun! Classic cruise in
Touch a Truck August 1, 2021 Tower Park at 900 S. Ft. Thomas Ave., Ft. Thomas, Kentucky See all kinds of trucks!
Jazz in the Park at Washington Park August 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30, 2021 Washington Park Porch in Over-the-Rhine, Cincinnati, Ohio Limited seating
The Black Crows Concert August 3, 2021 Riverbend Music Center, 6295 Kellogg Ave., Cincinnati, Ohio Live concert!
Edgewood Summer Concerts August 3, 10, 17 and 24, 2021 Presidents Park at 283 Dudley Rd., Edgewood, Kentucky Madison shelter
Hump Day Concert Series August 4, 11, 18 and 25, 2021 Voice of America MetroPark Athletic Complex at 7850 VOA Park Dr., West Chester, Ohio Free concerts – General admission tickets required. Music begins at 7pm
Party on the Purple August 4, 2021 Purple People Bridge, downtown Cincinnati and Covington Live music, food trucks Facebook
Summer Cinema August 4, 11 and 25, 2021 (+Sept 8, 15, 29) Washington Park, Over-the-Rhine, Cincinnati, Ohio Bring a lawn chair or blanket; Food trucks on site
Wednesdays in the Woods August 4 and 11, 2021 Burnet Woods at 3251 Brookline Ave., Cincinnati, Ohio Outdoor concerts
Behringer-Crawford Museum Summer Concerts August 5, 12 and 19, 2021 Devou Park at 1600 Montague Rd., Covington, Kentucky Bluegrass, rock, jazz, country and Latin music. $5 donation
Liberty Center Concert Series August 5, 12, 19 and 26, 2021 The Square at Liberty Center at 7100 Foundry Row, Liberty Township, Ohio Enjoy the free concerts
Music @BCM August 5,12 and 19, 2021 Devou Park at 1600 Montague Rd., Covington, Kentucky Behringer-Crawford Museum presents family-friendly music at a family-friendly price
Salsa on the Square August 5, 12, 19 and 26, 2021 (+Sept 2, 9,16, 23, 30) Fountain Square, downtown Cincinnati, Ohio Regional Latin bands will be playing; Latin food!
Summer Music on the Levee August 5, 12, 19 and 26 – September 2, 2021 (Thursday evenings from 7–10pm) Central Plaza at Newport on the Levee, Newport, Kentucky
Rockin’ the Roebling August 5, 12, 19, 26, 2021 (+Sept 2) Smale Riverfront Park at the Schmidlapp Event Lawn; Mehring Way and Main St., Cincinnati, Ohio Enjoy the music
The Takeover on the Square August 5, 12, 19 and 26, 2021 The Square at Union Centre at 9285 Centre Pointe Dr., West Chester Township Free concerts
Touch a Truck August 5, 2021 Weller Park at 8832 Weller Rd., Montgomery, Ohio Look at a firetruck, police car and more up close! World’s Longest Yard Sale August 5–8, 2021 Along 127 All kinds of treasures can be yours!
Blue Ash Summer Concerts at Towne Square August 6, 13, 20, 27, 2021 (+Sept 3) Blue Ash Towne Square, downtown Blue Ash., Ohio Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy the music
Days in the Park Festival August 6–7, 2021 Chamberlin Park, Blue Ash Rd. in Deer Park (Cincinnati), Ohio Food vendors, games, ride and music
First Friday/Second Look Saturday August 6–7, 2021 Pendleton Art Center at 1105 Central Avenue, Middletown, Ohio Art, music and food!
Ft. Mitchell Concert August 6, 2021 DCCH Center at 75 Orphanage Rd., Ft. Mitchell, Kentucky Bring your lawn chairs and blankets!
Asian Food Fest August 7–8, 2021 Second Street between Elm and Walnut, downtown Cincinnati, Ohio Asian cuisine, exhibits and more
Breakfast with the Animals August 7 and 28, 2021 Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden at 3400 Vine Street, Cincinnati, Ohio Enjoy early admission to the zoo as well as a full breakfast buffet. See the animals as they awake! Obtain tickets asap – this event sells out!
The City Flea August 7, 2012 (+Sept 11, Oct 9 and Dec 11) Washington Park in Over-the-Rhine, Cincinnati, Ohio See what treasures you can find from 100+ vendors! Food trucks, too
Germania Biergarten Experience August 7, 2021 Germania Park at 3529 W. Kemper Rd., Cincinnati, Ohio Enjoy German food, beer and music
Keehner Park Concert Series August 7, 14, 21, 27, 2021 (+Sept 6) Keehner Park at 7211 Barret Road, West Chester, Ohio Free concerts at the amphitheater stage; bring food and non-alcoholic beverages
Kentucky Symphony Orchestra Summer Series August 7, 2021 (+ Sept 4) Devou Park at 1201 Park Drive, Covington, Kentucky Bring blankets or lawn chairs. Food trucks will be on site.
Ohio River Paddlefest August 7, 2021 Schmidt Recreation Complex at 2944 Humbert Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio Nine-mile float trip from the East End to Gilday Riverside Park in Riverside; Stay for the Finish Line Festival
RiversEDGE 2021 Concerts August 7, 13, 2, 27, 2021 (+Sept 3, 11, 18) 116 Dayton Street, Hamilton, Ohio Live music along the river
St. John the Baptist August 7, 2021 5361 Dry Ridge Rd., Cincinnati, Ohio Family picnic, raffles and festival food
Summer Concert Services August 7, 2021 Sawyer Point and Yeatman’s Cove, Cincinnati, Ohio Free community concert
St. John the Baptist Festival August 7–8, 2021 5361 Dry Ridge Rd., Cincinnati, Ohio Mini festival with food and fun; Chicken dinner on Sunday drive-thru style
Summer Concerts at Arlington Cemetery August 8, 2021 South Lawn of Arlington Lake at 2145 Compton Road, (Mt. Healthy) Cincinnati, Ohio 7pm concert; bring chairs; complimentary popcorn and water
Second Saturday Flea Market August 14, 2021 (second Saturday of the month) through Dec 11, 2021 Laurel Bend at 86 Oldham Drive, Falmouth, Kentucky Find a treasure!
St. Bernadette Mini Festival August 14, 2021 1479 Locust Lake Road, Amelia, Ohio Live music, food, drinks, raffles and more
St. Max Mini Festival August 14, 2021 St. Maximilian Kolbe Church at 5720 Hamilton Mason, Rd., Liberty Township, Ohio Raffles, games, food
Waynesville Concert in the Park August 14, 2021 (+Sept 11) Bicentennial Park Amphitheater, Waynesville, Ohio Park is near Wayne Local Schools
Waynesville Street Faire August 14, 2021 (+September 11) Downtown Waynesville, Ohio Artisans and unique vendors
Hamilton Flea August 15, 2021 (+Sept 11) Marcum Park in downtown Hamilton, Ohio Urban artisan market
Summer Concerts at Fort Thomas August 15 and 29, 2021 (+Sept 5) Tower Park Amphitheater, Cochran Ave, Fort Thomas, Kentuck
Birds of a Feather Festival August 19–22, 2021 Thornhill Dragstrip, Morning View, Kentucky Live music played outside
Blackberry Smoke Concert August 19, 2021 Riverbend Music Center, 6295 Kellogg Ave., Cincinnati, Ohio Live concert!
Summer Music Festival at Ault Park August 19, 2021 Ault Park at 3600 Observatory Avenue in Hyde Park (Cincinnati), Ohio Dance to live music! Food, wine and water will be available
The Black Family Reunion August 20–22, 2021 Sawyer Point at Pete Rose Way, Cincinnati, Ohio Parade, music and more!
St. Mary Funfest August 20–22, 2021 (confirm dates) St. Mary Church at 2853 Erie Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio
Charm Farm Vintage Market August 20–22, 2021 (+Oct 15–17) 4953 Bunnell Hill Road, Lebanon, Ohio Vintage furniture, gifts, clothing, home decor and jewelry. Food trucks. Tickets sold online
Evening with Michael Buble August 20, 2021 Heritage Bank Center at 100 Broadway, Cincinnati, Ohio Concert!
Burlington Antique Show August 22, 2021 (+Sept 19, Oct 17) Boone County Fairgrounds at 5819 Idelwild Road, Burlington, Kentucky Find a special treasure!
MainStrasse Village Flea August 22, 2021 (+ Sept 26 and Oct 24) MainStrasse promenade between Philadelphia and Main Streets, Covington, Kentucky Find a treasure
Music in the Park August 22, 2021 (+Sept 18) Chamberlin Park at 7640 Plainfield Rd, (Deer Park), Cincinnati, Ohio Music begins at 7pm
Hall and Oates Concert August 23, 2021 Riverbend Music Center, 6295 Kellogg Ave., Cincinnati, Ohio Live concert!
Buddy Guy Concert August 23, 2021 Riverbend Music Center, 6295 Kellogg Ave., Cincinnati, Ohio Live concert!
Big Band Night August 26, 2021 (+Sep 9, 30) Riverscape MetroPark at 111 E. Monument Ave., Dayton, Ohio Big band music – concerts from 7:30pm–9:30pm; bring your lawn chair
Creatures of the Park August 28, 2021 Point Pleasant Park at 2001 Resor Dr., Fairfield, Ohio
Dino Roar August 28, 2021 Boys and Girls Club of West Chester/Liberty at 8749 Cincinnati Dayton Rd., West Chester, Ohio Three show times. Activities, dig for bones, balloon twister. Tickets ordered in advance only
Hamilpolooza August 28, 2021 Downtown Hamilton, Ohio (streets near Marcum Park) Food, entertainment, shopping
Maroon 5 Concert August 28, 2021 Riverbend Music Center, 6295 Kellogg Ave., Cincinnati, Ohio Live concert!
Loveland Concerts in the Park August 29, 2021 (+Sept 12) Nisbet Park and Amphitheater at 126 Karl Brown Way, Loveland, Ohio Bring your chairs and blankets for this free concert
Not Your Average Paint and Sip Class August 29, 2021 ( +Sep 19) Fountain Square at downtown Cincinnati, Ohio Follow along style; $25 voucher includes a 12×12 canvas, materials and drink voucher; Look for the Bob Ross wig!
Zac Brown Band Concert August 29, 2021 Riverbend Music Center, 6295 Kellogg Ave., Cincinnati, Ohio Live concert!
DAYTON AND SPRINGFIELD, OHIO
Dayton Celtic Festival Through August 1, 2021 Riverscape Metropark at 111 E. Monument Ave., Dayton, Ohio It’s all Irish! Enjoy music, entertainment, food and more Facebook
Preble County Fair Through August 7, 2021 722 South Franklin Street at the Preble County Fairgrounds in Eaton, Ohio
Space Celebration Through August 7, 2021 National Museum of the US Air Force at 1100 Spaatz St, Dayton, Ohio Space-themed exhibits, simulators rides, movies and more
The Little Mermaid Through August 15, 2021 La Comedia Dinner Theatre at765 W Central Ave, Springboro, Ohio A Disney classic
Beavercreek Summer Concerts August 1 and 8, 2021 Dominick Lofino Park at 640 Grange Hall Road, Beavercreek, Ohio Sundays from 7pm–8pm
Centerville Summer Concert Series August 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29, 2021 Amphitheater at Stubbs Park at 255 W. Spring Valley Rd., Centerville, Ohio Free concerts
Star City Concerts at Riverfront Park August 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29, 2021 Riverfront Park at 3 N. Miami Avenue, Miamisburg, Ohio Free Sunday evening concerts. Bring your lawn chair
Fairborn Summer Concerts August 2, 2021 Various venues in Fairborn, Ohio (Atherton Amphitheater and Main Street Commons) Enjoy live music
Green County Fair August 2–7, 2021 120 Fairground Rd., Xenia, Ohio Enjoy the food, animals and rides
James Taylor Concert August 4, 2021 Nutter Center at 3640 Colonial Glenn Highway, Dayton, Ohio Sweet Baby James!
SummerFest August 4, 11, 18 and 25, 2021 (+ Sept1) (Wednesdays) Seger Park at 101-199 S. Perry Street, Vandalia, Ohio Live music from 5pm–9pm. Food trucks
Levitt Pavilion Summer Concerts August 5–7, 12–14, 19–21 and 26–28, 2021 (+Sept 2, 4, 9–1, 16, 17, 19, 26) 134 S Main St., Dayton, Ohio Free concerts throughout the summer; music starts at 7pm
Food Truck Thursday in Springboro August 5, 2021 (+September 2) S. Main Street, Downtown historic Springboro, Ohio Stores open late, too. Every first Thursday through September 2021 starting at 4:30pm
Champaign County Fair August 6–13, 2021 Champaign County Fairgrounds at 384 Park Avenue, Urbana, Ohio
Beavercreek Movie in the Park August 6, 2021 Dominick Lofino Park at 640 Grange Hall Rd., Beavercreek, Ohio Free movie
Keith Sweat Concert August 6, 2021 The Rose Music Center at 6800 Executive Blvd., Huber Heights, Ohio
Strawberry Jam First Friday August 6, 2021 (+Sept 3) Prouty Plaza, Troy, Ohio Listen to live music Annual Vintage Truck Show August 7, 2021 Young’s Jersey Dairy at 6880 Springfield-Xenia Rd., Yellow Springs, Ohio 100 antique trucks from all over the US!
Arts in the City August 7, 2021 Downtown Dayton, Ohio Art exhibition and live arts
Fairborn Food Truck Rally August 11 and 25, 2021 (+Sept 8, 22; Oct 13, 27) 3pm–7pm 103 W. Main Street, Fairborn, Ohio Enjoy food truck fare every 2nd and 4th Wednesday Facebook
Germanfest Picnic August 13–15, 2021 Riverscape MetroPark at 111 E. Monument Avenue, Dayton, Ohio Enjoy German food!
Miami County Fair August 13–19, 2021 650 N. County Road in Troy, Ohio
3rd Sunday at Front Street August 15, 2021 (+Sept 19, Oct 17, Nov 21 and Dec 19) Front Street, Dayton, Ohio Market, art galleries, food trucks, live music from 11am–4pm Facebook
3rd on Third Outdoor Market August 15, 2021 (+Sept 19 and Oct 17) 1301 East Third Street, Dayton, Ohio Eclectic outdoor market
Allen County Fair August 20–28, 2021 Allen County Fairgrounds at 2750 Harding Hwy., Lima, Ohio
Darke County Fair August 20–28, 2021 Darke County Fairgrounds at 800 Sweitzer Street, Greenville, Ohio
Open Aircraft Days August 20, 2021 (+Sept 11, Oct 16, Nov 13, Dec 18) 1100 Spaatz Street, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton, Ohio Look into one of the museum’s aircraft
Antique Show and Flea Market August 21–22, 2021 (+Sept 17– 19; Oct 16–17; Nov 20-21) Clark County Fairgrounds at 4401 S. Charleston Park, Springfield, Ohio Find a treasure at the May extravaganza
Dayton Porchfest August 21, 2021 (Check date) 1450 E. Fifth Street (St. Anne’s Hill), Dayton, Ohio Local music Facebook
Springfield Antique Show August 21–22, 2021 (+Sept 17–19, Oct 16–17, Nov 20–21) Clark County Fairgrounds in Springfield, Ohio Find something special for your home!
Vetfest August 21, 2021 717 W. Xenia Dr., Fairborn, Ohio Memorial motorcycle ride and festival
Summer Movies in the Park Aug 10 and 24, 2021 Liberty Center Park at 7100 Foundry Row, Liberty Township, Ohio Starts at dusk
Music in the Park August 13, 2021 (+Sept 10) Bicentennial Park, Madison, Indiana Food vendors available; bring your lawn chair
Madison Ribberfest BBQ and Blues August 20–21, 2021 Bicentennial Park at 106 West Vaughn Dr., Madison, Indiana Music, food, bbq competitions and more! Purchase tickets
Whiskey City Summerfest August 21, 2021 Civic Park T 111 E High St., Lawrenceburg, Indiana Live music!
Where to Find a Local 2021 Oktoberfest
07/15/2021 09:00:00
Oktoberfest in July and August? Yes! A few local Oktoberfests start early in the summer, while most have dates from August through October. Put on your lederhosen and plan on enjoying German music, food and entertainment at one of them.
Here is our list of local Oktoberfests throughout Cincinnati and Dayton, Ohio; Southeastern Indiana and Northern Kentucky in order by date:
Springboro Oktoberfest September 10–11, 2021 Springboro United Church of Christ, 5 West Mill Street, Springboro, Ohio Order your German meal to enjoy in your private Oktoberfest this year.
Oktoberfest – Aurora September 11, 2021 Second and Main Streets, Aurora, Indiana Dancing on Main Oktoberfest style
Osgood’s Bricktoberfest September 11–12, 2021 Osgood, Indiana Smoked BBQ, live entertainment, beer and wine garden (not a true Oktoberfest!)
New Vienna Oktoberfest September 17–18, 2021 New Vienna, Ohio German….everything! Beer, brats and polka
Sister Cities of Vandalia Oktoberfest September 17–18, 2021 Vandalia Sports Complex on Stonequarry Road in Vandalia, Ohio Live music and lots of German food
Oktoberfest Zinzinnati September 17–19, 2021 In Za Haus – a do-it-yourself party! Order Oktoberfest packs and celebrate at home. There will also be polka pop-ups in various Cincinnati neighborhoods. Various restaurants will also be celebrating Oktoberfest Zinzinnati at their locations
Oktoberfest – The Dayton Art Institute September 24–26, 2021 Dayton Art Institute at 456 Belmonte Park North, Dayton, Ohio 456 Belmonte Park N., Dayton, Ohio
Newport Oktoberfest September 24–26, 2021 Newport, Kentucky riverfront It’s a German tradition with food, drink and more!
Germantown Pretzel Festival September 25 and 26, 2021 Historic Germantown, Ohio Not an Oktoberfest – best still German!
St. Cecilia Oktoberfest Oakley September 24–25, 2021 3105 Madison Road, Oakley, Cincinnati, Ohio German music, food and dancing
St. Leon Oktoberfest October 1–2, 2021 St. Joseph American Legion Post 464, 28866 Post 464 Road, Brookville (St. Leon), Indiana German food, beer games and a pie auction! Pork chop dinner on Saturday evening.
Germania Society Oktoberfest Postponed until August 26–28, 2022 3529 W. Kemper Road in Cincinnati, Ohio Let the German festivities begin!
Westseite Brauen Oktoberfest September 2021 date TBD West Side Brewing at 3044 Harrison Ave., (Westwood), Cincinnati, Ohio
Updated: July 19, 2021
8 Popular Home-Staging Trends
07/10/2021 09:00:00
Thinking of selling your home? Read about some current decor trends for staging your home:
(1) OUTDOOR SPACES Do you have an attractive “outdoor room” that needs to be highlighted? Show off how this space can be used for entertaining purposes. Set out a few dishes to set the table for an outdoor meal or barbecue. Add a hammock with a book and a comfy blanket.
Look at some of our outdoor rooms on Pinterest here. Go here for porch ideas.
(2) KITCHENS: BRIGHT AND WHITE A new trend for kitchens is white and bright. If you are not willing to paint your cabinets, perhaps consider showing off spare, white accessories that will make your kitchen seem brighter.
(3) GOLD/BRASS Gold and brass are back in style! Think framed mirrors and brass bar carts. Use these types of accents sparingly. Get some inspiration here.
(4) NAVY BLUE Navy blue is an easy color to work with and is popular. This is a strong, neutral hue to use as an accent wall. Navy blue looks great with yellow, tan and chartreuse.
(5) BLACK Black elements can be found in lighting, framing or a statement piece of furniture. It’s good to use as a focal point. See ideas using black here.
(6) DINING ROOM – NO MATCHY MATCHY Is your dining room an empty space? Do not worry about staging this room with a full suite of matching furniture. People are using unique pieces in their dining rooms. Chairs do not have to match the table. The side board can be an old dresser. Get some ideas here.
(7) HOME OFFICES Home offices are coveted rooms. If you have a home office, be sure to showcase it. If not, think about converting a rarely used corner of a spare bedroom into a mini office. Many people have used their dining room tables staged as desks when selling their homes.
(8) NATURAL ELEMENTS Live, indoor plants, macrame and Scandinavian-style furniture are current design trends that reflect natural elements. Plants add energy to rooms and a neutral look is calming and appealing to home buyers. (Think IKEA designs.)
Need help staging your home to sell? Contact Sibcy Cline Home Services. They can put your in touch with professional stagers who can provide consultations or temporary use of furniture.
Sibcy Cline Employee Spotlight: Courtney Bruser
06/30/2021 07:30:00
Title: Graphic Designer & Marketing Advisor
Hometown: The West Side of Cincinnati, OH
Current home: Northside, Cincinnati, OH
Proudest career accomplishment: Designed a winning campaign for LeadingRE- Interactive Media in 2020
Favorite local hangouts: Northside Yacht Club, Flamingo Haven Antique Mall
As part of the creative engine that fuels the Sibcy Cline brand, Courtney Bruser brings a fierce dedication to finding creative ways to express the brand through her graphic design work. But it’s not just the opportunity to express creativity that inspires Courtney in her work—her competitive spirit gets fired up as well. She made the move to Sibcy Cline in 2019 from a competing brokerage because, “the truth is, I wanted something bigger and better than my previous company offered.”
Courtney found the fit she was looking for in the Creative Services department of Sibcy Cline, the team that provides full-service marketing to our licensed agents—a differentiator that attracts many agents to the brokerage because they feel it gives them a jump ahead of agents from other brokerages. And it’s not just agents that benefit. As an employee, Courtney feels that the move she made to a well-recognized brand like Sibcy Cline has given her a competitive edge in her graphic design career. Courtney graduated from UC’s competitive College of Design, Art, Architecture, and Planning (DAAP) in 2014 and joined Sibcy Cline in October of 2019. So far, she feels satisfied that she has found a space where she can use and grow her skillset while forwarding the brand—and her career at the same time.
Because marketing innovation is and has always been a primary driver of business goals for Sibcy Cline, working as part of the Creative Services team gives Courtney the opportunity to feed her desire to “stand out from the competition” by trying new ideas that pull from all types of media and trends. “What’s amazing about the real estate industry is how diverse the audience is,” she said, adding that this is also a challenge because “you can’t serve the same message to everyone.”
Another challenge that Courtney willingly accepts about the real estate industry is the impact that social and economic events have. “Fair housing rules are important. I’m a big advocate for this because I’m pro-social activism. [In designing marketing pieces], it’s not what you say, but how you say it.” COVID was another big influencer on marketing in real estate, pushing the shift to digital and increasing the need to focus on tech solutions to increase efficiency. For Courtney, this is a huge positive change because it frees up time to get creative while looking at the big picture.
The big picture in Courtney’s role at Sibcy Cline involves seeing branding come to life across multiple channels, both digital and print, which she finds to be the most rewarding part of her job. “I love when we get the chance to make a mark together,” she said, citing two recent projects where she felt her design work and collaboration with others worked successfully.
One such successful project was creating the branding concept for 3CDC’s project at Academy Lofts, a condo development that involved renovating the old Art Academy dorms. “Who would have known that I’d spend some of my college years in the dorms and then work on selling them as condos in the future? It was serendipity,” said Courtney.
Another project that Courtney counts as her proudest career accomplishment is designing a campaign of social media graphics for Sibcy Cline’s Relocation division which won first place from LeadingRE for interactive media. The campaign was in competition with other independent brokerages around the world—in a category that Sibcy Cline falls at the lower end of the size category. That means that Courtney’s work was judged against brokerages with marketing teams much larger than Sibcy Cline—and won. “I’ve been involved in marketing entries to their competition for 6 years and finally won something. It’s a global prize!” she said.
When it comes to designing social media graphics, Courtney feels like she’s in her zone. “I’m comfortable with it because I grew up on the internet. Now, scrolling on a phone is just a reflex. I think about ways to make people stop—something unexpected to catch their eye.”
Along with branding building projects and winning marketing competitions, Courtney’s 2020 was a huge personal success. She took advantage of the low mortgage rates and her connections with Sibcy Cline and bought her first home—a rehabbed 120-year-old house in Northside. With the pandemic going on “I’ve had plenty of time to organize my knick-knacks and vinyl collection, take care of houseplants and my garden, and plan for future projects,” she says. What kind of future projects? For a designer with a creative fire that burns non-stop, her love of art touches her work, her home, and her body: “I’ll be working on my tattoo sleeve!” she said.
Images from Courtney’s winning LeadingRE campaign for Sibcy Cline Relocation Services.
