by Tammy Murphy | Oct 18, 2025 | Commercial Properties, Neighbor Chat, Networking, Real Estate News, Real Homes to Love, Spring Valley
A Historic Investment with a Fresh New Heart
When our client took on the property at 1 W Main Street in Spring Valley, she didn’t just invest in real estate—she invested in revival, community, and a deep respect for the craftsmanship of generations past.
What once stood as a weathered but proud 1850s brick home has now been transformed into an inspiring blend of heritage and modern function. And the best part? It’s now available as a rental opportunity for the right person to live, work, and create in a truly special space.
Blood, Sweat, and… Elbow Grease
This renovation was a hands-on project from day one. Our client rolled up her sleeves and got to work—literally. From restoring original features to replacing outdated systems, every corner of this property has been carefully updated for comfort, safety, and energy efficiency, without losing the essence of what makes this home a gem.
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Original black walnut staircase? Preserved.
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Three fireplaces? Restored.
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Electrical, insulation, and fixtures? Modernized and upgraded.
The result is a home that breathes life into history—warm, welcoming, and ready for a new chapter.
️ Welcome to Spring Valley Spaces ️
Now branded as Spring Valley Spaces, this property is more than just a house—it’s a versatile space that reflects the charm of small-town living with a forward-thinking approach to work-life balance.
Whether you’re a solo entrepreneur, a traveling nurse, a creative spirit looking for studio space, or a couple wanting to settle into a walkable, trail-friendly town, this home offers flexibility for:
✅ Full home rental
✅ Split-use: upstairs living + downstairs business
✅ Event rentals: garage, backyard, or main floor rooms
✅ Boutique or service-based business storefront
The possibilities are as creative as the community it sits in.
️ Almost Ready for You…️
Renovations are wrapping up in the next week or two, and we’ll soon have updated photos to showcase just how incredible the transformation has been. Trust us—you’ll want to see the before-and-after!
Until then, we’re actively looking for the right tenant or tenant-partner to bring their own story to this incredible space.
Interested? Let’s Talk.
Are you dreaming of a space to live, work, and thrive?
Do you want to be part of a small-town revitalization story that continues to grow?
✨ Let’s connect. This could be your sign.
Contact Tammy Murphy at RH2L to schedule a tour or learn more about how this space can work for YOU.
[email protected] | (937) 838‑0997
by Tammy Murphy | Sep 6, 2025 | Current Events, Facing Foreclosure, Neighbor Chat, Networking, Podcast, Real Estate News
Upcoming Elections: Is Property Tax Reform Needed
Property taxes have become one of the most pressing issues facing Ohio homeowners. Year after year, many families are opening their tax bills to find unexpected increases that strain budgets and threaten affordability. As a Realtor and community advocate, I hear these stories every day — from seniors on fixed incomes to first-time buyers who suddenly find their monthly costs skyrocketing.
It’s not just about the bills we pay. It’s about transparency, accountability, and fairness. We deserve to know where our money is going and how it’s being used to support schools, services, and our communities. More importantly, we deserve to have a say in shaping a tax system that is sustainable and equitable.
Holding Leaders Accountable: What Every Ohio Homeowner Should Know About Property Taxes
The Candidate Questionnaire: A Tool for Accountability
With elections approaching, it’s the perfect time to ask hard questions of those in power — and those seeking office. That’s why a Candidate Questionnaire on Property Tax Reform has been created as a tool for voters.
This questionnaire asks candidates to go on record about:
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Transparency in how tax dollars are reported and spent
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Accountability through independent audits and oversight
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Fairness in how properties are assessed and taxed
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Relief for homeowners through exemptions and caps
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Priorities that place families and residents above big developers and outside investors
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Alternatives to reduce reliance on property taxes alone
By using this questionnaire at candidate forums or sending it directly to those running for office, you can help ensure that our elected officials can’t dodge the tough questions. Their answers (or refusal to answer) speak volumes about where they stand.
Why Homeowners Should Stay Involved
Advocacy doesn’t stop with one petition or one election. The property tax system in Ohio is deeply tied to school funding, local services, and state policy. Change requires persistence. Here are some additional steps you can take:
1. Sign and Share Petitions
Petitions demonstrate the strength of public demand. When thousands of Ohioans sign together, legislators are forced to pay attention.
2. Attend Local Meetings
School board, city council, and county commissioner meetings are where many tax-related decisions are made. Your voice matters at the local level.
3. Ask Questions Publicly
Use the Candidate Questionnaire as your guide. When you attend a forum or town hall, don’t hesitate to ask: “What will you do to make property taxes more fair and transparent?”
4. Connect with Your Legislators
Write letters, send emails, and request meetings. Share your personal story about how rising taxes affect you and your family. Personalized communication has far greater impact than form letters.
5. Stay Informed and Share Information
Many people don’t realize how property tax systems work or why they’re being hit with increases. The more we share resources, the stronger our collective voice becomes.
A Call to Action for Ohio Homeowners
Property taxes shouldn’t be the reason families leave their homes or communities. By signing petitions, asking tough questions, and using tools like the Candidate Questionnaire, we can demand better.
Download the Candidate Questionnaire and share it with your neighbors, family, and friends. Ask your candidates to fill it out. Hold them accountable. Ohio_Property_Tax_Candidate_Questionnaire
Together, we can push for a system that works — one where homeowners are protected, dollars are transparent, and our communities can thrive.
by Tammy Murphy | Aug 15, 2025 | Buyers, Investor Relations, Neighbor Chat, Networking, Real Estate News, Real Homes to Love
Let’s Talk: Property Taxes, Deed Scams, and Why Trusted Professionals Matter More Than Ever
If you’ve lived in the Dayton area for more than a minute, you’ve likely heard the buzz: rising property taxes, deed fraud cases, and a lot of folks wondering if they can “go it alone” in real estate to save a few bucks.
As your local broker and neighbor, I think it’s time we keep the conversation going — not with panic, but with perspective, knowledge, and solutions.
The Property Tax Question: Where’s It All Going?
You’re not imagining things — property tax bills have crept up, and many homeowners are now paying more despite no major changes to their homes. While school funding and community infrastructure are important, transparency and fairness are equally critical.
What you can do:
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Make sure your property is assessed correctly (yes, errors happen!)
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Learn how levies work and when to vote on them
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Speak up at local meetings or connect with others advocating for reform
Want a real-time look at what your home is worth in today’s market (not just the tax office’s guess)? Let’s talk — I can provide a no-pressure CMA.
️♂️ Deed Scams Are Real — But Preventable
We’ve seen a rise in deed scams and title fraud — especially targeting seniors and out-of-town owners. Scammers file false documents to try to “claim” ownership of your property.
Protect yourself by:
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Signing up for property fraud alerts through your County Recorder’s Office
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Monitoring mail for unexpected notices tied to your home
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Working with a trusted real estate professional and title company when buying or refinancing
Bonus tip: If you’re unsure what notices are legit, send them to me — I’ll happily review them for you.
The Value of Working With Real Estate Professionals
In a world of DIY tools and online listings, it might seem like you can handle buying or selling a home solo. But when things go wrong — and they often do — you want someone who knows how to navigate the curves.
✅ Pricing strategies
✅ Legal disclosures
✅ Contract deadlines
✅ Negotiation power
✅ And yes — avoiding scams or unexpected fees
This isn’t just a transaction — it’s your home, your equity, and your peace of mind.
Let’s Keep the Conversation Going
If you’ve had questions about your property taxes, concerns about recent scams, or just need advice on whether now is the right time to make a move — you don’t have to figure it out alone.
Send me a message
Give me a call / text 937-838-0997
☕ Or come sit down over a cup of coffee / tea — no pressure, just real answers.
Let’s protect what you’ve worked hard for — and make informed decisions together.
by Tammy Murphy | Aug 2, 2025 | Market Updates, Neighbor Chat, Networking, Real Estate News, Real Homes to Love
July 2025 Real Estate Market Update: Strong Summer Momentum in Dayton
Hello, Dayton! Summer is in full swing, and the local housing market is showing continued resilience and growth. July 2025 brought impressive gains in home prices and sales, reinforcing the strong upward trend in the Miami Valley’s real estate market.
Homes Sold: 1,426 (+5.8% YoY)
Total Sales Volume: $434M (+13.9%)
Median Price: $270,000 (+9%)
Average Price: $304,479 (+7.7%)
New Listings: 1,837 (+12.3%)
Active Inventory: 2,357 homes (1.65-month supply)
July’s data shows that buyers remain active in the market, and homes continue to sell at their asking price, maintaining a 100% sale-to-list price ratio. This is a clear signal of a healthy, competitive market.
Homes Sold: 8,251 (-2.8% YoY)
Sales Volume: $2.42B (+2.9%)
Median Price: $255,000 (+7.1%)
Average Price: $293,666 (+5.9%)
New Listings: 10,746 (+3.9%)
Even with a small dip in total units sold year-to-date, the upward movement in prices and total sales volume shows that the Dayton market remains strong. Buyers are paying more for homes, and sellers are seeing steady appreciation in property values.
What This Means for Buyers and Sellers
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For Sellers: Rising median and average prices, along with a strong sale-to-list ratio, make this an excellent time to consider listing your home. Even with inventory levels increasing, homes continue to sell quickly and at competitive prices.
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For Buyers: While sales are slightly down, the influx of new listings provides more options. With prices on the rise, acting sooner rather than later can help secure a home before values climb further.
Let’s Connect!
The Dayton market continues to offer opportunities for both buyers and sellers. If you’d like a no-obligation assessment of your home’s value or want to explore your buying power in today’s market, we’re here to help. Reach out and let’s make your real estate goals a reality!
by Tammy Murphy | Jul 23, 2025 | BLOG, Current Events, Neighbor Chat, Networking, Real Estate News, Real Homes to Love
✈️ Ready to Vacation? Don’t Forget These Home Safety Tips!
As summer peaks and travel plans take off, there’s one checklist every traveler should complete before heading out the door—and it’s not your packing list. It’s your Home Safety Checklist.
We believe in seamless travel experiences from start to finish—and that includes peace of mind while you’re away. That’s why The REAL-TEA Podcast hopes to bring you a powerful reminder that smart travel includes smart security at home. Our co-host at MapDotTravels is available if you have NOT yet booked your vacation or need any help in making plans!
️ Mark Your Calendar:
Tune in to our upcoming episode of The REAL-TEA on August 5th, where Elle and Tammy share their favorite vacation spots and the essential home safety tips every homeowner needs before traveling.
They’ll dive into:
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Vacation planning made easy ️
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Smart tech tools that add security without hassle
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Common-sense tips that save you from costly mistakes
Here’s a Sneak Peek of What You’ll Learn:
Before you hop on that plane or hit the road, here are just a few things you should do:
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Use smart plugs to automate lighting while you’re away.
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Pause mail delivery so your home doesn’t scream “nobody’s home.”
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Install motion sensor lights to deter unwanted visitors.
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Avoid oversharing on social media until you return.
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Let a trusted neighbor know you’re gone and ask them to keep an eye out.
Want the full checklist?
Home Safety Checklist for Vacation – your must-have guide to prepping your home before a trip!
From Elle:
“As a full-service travel advisor with MapDotTravels, I want every trip to start stress-free and end with beautiful memories—not home emergencies. This checklist is part of the full-circle service we offer—making sure your home is safe while you enjoy the world.”
by Tammy Murphy | Jul 22, 2025 | BLOG, Neighbor Chat, Networking, Real Estate News, Real Homes to Love
It’s Time for Real Property Tax Reform in Ohio – And We Need YOUR Voice!
For far too long, Ohio homeowners have been overburdened with skyrocketing property taxes, while receiving little to no accountability from those managing our public funds. Despite growing public outcry, and over 40 proposed pieces of legislation (House and Senate bills) introduced in the last four years, our state leaders have failed to deliver meaningful tax relief or reform.
And now, just as we were finally gaining traction, Governor Mike DeWine vetoed key line items in the State Budget that would’ve laid the groundwork for much-needed change.
The Problem: Runaway Property Taxes, No Accountability
Ohio’s property tax system is outdated, unbalanced, and frankly – unsustainable. Taxpayers are expected to foot the bill while:
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School districts sit on billions in unspent reserves.
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New levies continue to appear on ballots with no cost-cutting required.
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No accountability exists for how municipalities or state agencies allocate the dollars we already pay.
Many counties have seen double-digit percentage increases in property tax bills, leaving seniors, working families, and young homeowners struggling to stay in their homes.
Meanwhile, large developers enjoy tax abatements. Commercial entities leverage legal loopholes. And regular homeowners? We’re left holding the bag.
Legislative Inaction: 40+ Bills, ZERO Progress
Since 2020, dozens of bills aimed at reforming Ohio’s property tax system have been introduced. These proposals sought to:
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Cap annual increases.
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Tie taxation to real household income, not inflated property values.
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Provide tax relief to fixed-income households and first-time buyers.
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Require balanced budgets and cost-cutting mandates before new levies are allowed.
Not one of these bills has made it into law. Why? Because it’s politically easier to keep the broken system in place than to fight for reform.
✊ The People Must Lead – Sign the Petition!
We can no longer wait for lawmakers to do what’s right. This is why the Citizens For Property Tax Reform movement is taking matters into our own hands.
We’re gathering signatures for a ballot initiative to amend Ohio’s Constitution and give power back to the people. The initiative seeks to:
✅ Cap or eliminate property taxes on primary residences
✅ Require full transparency and accountability for levies and school funding
✅ Demand fiscal responsibility and balanced budgets
✅ Prevent taxation without sustainable benefit
️ Where to Sign
We invite YOU to come sign the petition in person at:
RH2L Real Estate
6814 Loop Road, Centerville, OH 45459
Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays 3 – 7 PM and Saturdays 10 AM – NOON. Other times BY APPOINTMENT.
This is your opportunity to be the change that Ohio homeowners have waited for.
Spread the Word – Share the Message!
Every signature counts. Every voice matters. And every homeowner deserves to live without the fear of being taxed out of their home. Here’s how you can help:
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Sign the petition in person at RH2L Real Estate
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Share this blog post with friends, family, and neighbors
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Talk to your local leaders and elected officials – demand reform
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Volunteer to collect signatures or host a petition site
The Bottom Line
We aren’t asking for special treatment – we’re demanding fair treatment. A system that respects our investments, protects our homes, and requires the same financial responsibility from our government that is expected of us.
️ Property tax reform isn’t a political issue — it’s a people issue.
It’s time for real solutions, not more delays.
Sign the petition. Share the message. Stand up for Ohio homeowners. WANT MORE INFO? https://citizensforpropertytaxreform.org/
