Columbus Ohio real estate

A real estate scam

2009-07-08T10:37:20Z

Have you been Lizzed? Or is it Lized? Michael in Raleigh NC said he was "Lized."

I was Lizzed last night.

Charles blogged about hearing from Liz on his Charlottesville blog - is this a real estate scam? you have been warned...

Liz Casey was looking for real estate in Virginia less than a week ago...Liz wanted Charles to dial +882 135 502 99

Liz is everywhere....

I recognize Mary Pope Handy...in California... Liz emailed Mary the same day she contacted me... about a listing in Ohio.

Liz emailed agents in ME, TN, OR, RI, Canada... MI, you name the state or province and it seems Liz needs to see your listing.

It looks like Charles found a post saying someone in the real estate business heard from Liz back in 2007.

"I am interested in viewing one of your properties, could you please call me on my foreign mobile..."

Anyone have a clue what the point of the scam is? The email she used in the email she sent me is from a Zapak.com email address. Zapak.com is gaming out of India which has a free beta email available. 882 is a catch all International country code.

How does that old Life Cereal commercial go?

"Let Mikey try it..."

"he hates everything..."

"Hey he likes it...."

Alas Michael in NC is NOT Mikey. Michael would not try it. Michael also commented:

"I was suprised to find this blog and so many people posting. It does make me very curious as to what this person is up to. However, not curious enough to call that number."

The email I received had a slightly different phone number than the one in Charles post...

+882 135 504 90 someone else posted the same number as the one Elizabeth used in her email to me in their comment so Google still sent me to Charles' post

Before anyone is curious enough to try any of Liz's number.... Tom Larson another commenter on Charles post wrote:

"Phone companies pay for ‘termination fees’ so if you call that number, you get charged an astronomical rate, and good ol liz gets a cut of it, for generating those calls to that number, which appears by the way to be a int code not assigned to any country, so could be a sat phone..with even higher charges."

and someone with an attorneys office commented:

"Before I found this message, I returned the call to Liz. A woman answered and CNN was playing loudly in the background. Every minute or so, the woman yelled, “Liz, there’s a call from you.” and “Liz, are you coming?” I hung up after 8 minutes and it will be interesting to see what my charge is."

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

Life Cereal photo is from Jon Aquino's Flickr photostream and is shared with a Creative Commons License.

Columbus Doo Dah Parade - Home Mortgage

2009-07-07T16:22:28Z

Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen

The Columbus Doo Dah Parade is in the Short North, it is an unscheduled event that happens pretty spontaeously each July 4th. The Doo Dah Parade entrants can be very, very colorful. Some are racy, others silly. The floats and folks often portray current events and politics.... local or national. The content is often for mature audiences.

There was a Transformer in the 2009 Doo Dah Parade.... Timely huh? The Transformer 2 Movie, Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen just came out in the United States in late June.

Who knew....I thought he was merely a robot... I thought it was clever but I did not get it as I kind of missed the whole Transformer thing...the last time around or even the first time around (when today's young adults paid with Transformers as kids.) It seems some would recognize this as a transformer and even know it's name, Optimus Prime.

The Transformer in the Doo Dah Parade was NOT just homage to Hasbro and Transformers... This Doo Dah Parade entry was about home mortgages as the sign on his back said. He is...

Optimus Sub-Prime

I will have to ask my favorite 6 year old to help me understand Transformers a little bit better. Well 6 years old in a few days. Don't tell him but he's getting a T shirt with a picture of Optimus Prime on it, that T shirt bought two days after the Doo Dah Parade is how I know now the Transformers name is Optimus Prime.

Understanding mortgages can be tricky. I am not sure a lot who got the "sub-prime" mortgages a few years ago understood what they were getting into, maybe they will get their revenge some day...

Mortgages on my website

More about mortgages...

Should I pay my mortgage?

The Price of Procrastination

Time is Money

Refinance - Peace of Mind is not just for home buyers

The Short North is a fun place to visit. Always a fun place to go play... I go to the Short North sometimes for the Gallery Hop which is the first Saturday of each month, so the 4th was the July Gallery Hop... we did not go to the Gallery Hop... just down for the Parade in the early afternoon. We usually sit in Victorian Village for the Doo Dah Parade, not on High Street in the Short North but we were soooooo late and had to park really far east so stopped once we got to High Street and sat on the corner of 1st Avenue and High Street. Not as picturesque with the Donato's and a UDF on the east side of the street.

I work in the north part of Franklin County and the south end of Delaware County.

Maureen McCabe Real Living HER Worthington

The Lowdown on "Safe" Paints

2009-07-07T09:10:21Z

More about color....

I did no know what "VOC" was until I read Susan's post about "safe" paint. This is a Re-Blog of a post from Susan Gonzalez of Marietta Mural & Wall Design in Georgia.

Via Susan Gonzalez Faux painting murals atlanta (Marietta Mural & Wall Design):

"Safe" paint....as in no VOC, safe for your health and the atmosphere, safe paint!

More and more companies are springing up and modifying their products to apeal to people who are concerned about the purity of what surrounds them every day. I am finding that more and more of my clients are asking if I use "no VOC paint" and "natural" paint.

"VOC" stands for "volatile organic compounds". With the word"organic" in it, it sounds like it's a good thing, but it actually refers to the particles that are released into the air as the paint breaks down over time. These particles can affect the ozone layer and can also be unhealthy for those living and breathing within this space. The more vibrant the color, the higher the VOC's. Water-based paint has fewer VOC's than oil based paint. The VOC's decrease as the paint dries, so you should never sleep in a room that you have painted, but it isn't dry.

VOC's are what gives you the high when huffed.

When people say "natural" they usually mean "man-made chemical" free. It's not only the long-term impurities that are worrisome, but the exposure to those living in a freshly painted room-especially children. Paint contains chemicals-like formaldehyde-that give off toxic, cancer causing fumes as the paint dries and cures. If you are painting furniture in your children's room, your child will be touching that furniture every day, and if it's a toddler, may even putting their mouth on it.

Chemical exposure, whether it's short or long term, can effect your health. In some cases, it can lead to increased miscarriages, abnormal sperm, kidney and liver damage, and increased asthma symptoms in children.

Luckily, there are many choices for those who want an alternative. These products perform wonderfully, offer just as many colors, can be color matched to any other color, and last just as long. They can be used for faux or mixed with any other additive when used in decorative painting.

Here is a list with a link to their sites:

Milk Paint: Has been around for over 100 years. Comes in powder form-you add water. It is made of milk, and minerals. I love the consistency of this paint-I can mix it with anything and it gives a unique look not attainable with any other product. By far, the least toxic of all the "safe paints". Only disadvantage is that you have to use what you mix within a few days because it contains no preservatives.

   Uses: originally used to paint naked wood, milk paint now offers products and additives that allow you to paint any surface including walls as well as top coats and sealers.

AFM Safecoat: This company offer a wide range of products from no VOC polyurethane to no VOC primer. They can match any color and they paint is high quality. One of the few companies that offer exterior products

   Uses: any surface- walls, floors, including deck stain and top sealer coats

Mythic Paint: Paint for walls and ceilings-very good quality

   Uses: walls, furniture, ceilings

Home Depot Fresh Air: May be the least expensive of all the other interior paints. I have not personally used this paint before since it is fairly new to my knowledge.

Uses: walls and ceilings

Yolo: Wonderful paints. They have a special section just for kids and babies rooms. The only disadvantage is that there are not many Yolo dealers-I would be hesitant to have paint delivered in extreme temperatures.

Uses: walls and ceilings.Offers interior and exterior paints

Totem: This company offers products for the decorative painter such as glazes and plaster products. Their product line is very extensive and their reviews from other decorative painters are good

Uses: Specialty decorative painting, plasters,glazes, lime based products, varnishes and top coats interior and exterior

I am sure there are many companies I have missed as new lines and products seem to be springing up daily.

These products are not very much more expensive (just a few dollars in some cases) than existing paints. I encourage you to look into these products for your next painting job.

As always Marietta Mural & Wall Design uses safe and health conscience products wherever possible. Please see my web site or contact me for more information

Refinance - Peace of Mind is not just for home buyers

2009-07-07T08:49:15Z

Need to refinance the mortgage on your Central Ohio home? Real Living's 'Peace of Mind' Plan, a mortgage protection program is NOT just for home buyers. Protect your families Central Ohio home against the financial burdens of "involuntary unemployment."

The Real Living Peace of Mind Mortgage Protection plan began June 1, 2009 in Central Ohio for buyers but it is not just for purchases. You can refinance with a mortgage through Real Living Mortgage and get this protection for your family. Real Living will pay your mortgage if you lose your job* limited time, restrictions apply.

Contact June Zepp with Real Living Mortgage for additional information about refinancing your Central Ohio home and the Peace of Mind Plan.

June Zepp's office phone number: 614-825-8806

Toll Free: 800-848-7400 Ext.8806

A document (pdf) with more details about the Peace of Mind Mortgage Payment Program says:

"All financing is offered through Real Living Mortgage,LLC Equal Housing Lender. All borrowers are subject to qualification, approval and closing no later than September 30, 2009. Offer is subject to change or cancellation without notice. Real Living Mortgage,LLC pricing (rates & fees) & programs are subject to change or withdrawal without notice. The offer cannot be combined with any other first mortgage incentives and is not available on Ohio Bond loans. Other restrictions may apply. Please see a Real Living Home Mortgage,LLC Consultant for details.

The Peace of Mind plan is underwritten by Virginia Surety Company, Inc. under group insurance policy IUI-P0L (11-05). Exclusions and limitations apply. See the Certificate of Insurance and Schedule of Coverage for complete details."

Maureen McCabe Real Living HER - Worthington

The image is a Real Living eCard.

Home Inspection - Answers

2009-07-07T06:28:38Z

Home Inspection - Home Buyers

As a home buyer you will want to inspect your prospective home, and your purchase contract (the Columbus Board of REALTORS® purchase contract) has a lot of information about your rights to have inspections and tests on the property. Central Ohio Home Inspection recommendations on my website.

Read your contract for your time frames, rights and obligations when it comes to inspecting the Central Ohio home you are in contract on.

The Home Inspection Crossword Puzzle - Answers

It is not too late to try your luck at the home inspection crossword puzzle. Click on the link to go to the original with a much larger crossword puzzle.

The Home Inspection Crossword Puzzle Answers are bold and in caps!

Across

4.   The home inspector may tell you if your water PRESSURE is low

6.   The home inspector will look at the homes downspouts and gutters, the roof's DRAINAGE system

9.   If the kitchen APPLIANCES are staying the inspector should check the oven, the stoves burners, run the dishwasher, etc.

12. The home inspector will open the ELECTRICAL service panel and look at the wiring for you. ***DANGER*** DO NOT DO THIS YOURSELF!

14. An INSPECTION clause allows you to have professional(s) look at the physical condition of the home you have a purchase contract on

16. Radon MITIGATION is when the level of radon is reduced to a safe level in the home.

17. The home inspector inspects the homes structural components including the FOUNDATION and framing.

18. ASHI is a home inspection professional organization, others are NIBI and NAHI. ASHI stands for AMERICAN Society Home Inspectors

19. Home inspectors are not LICENSED in the state of Ohio

24. The inspection clause in your purchase contract is a CONTINGENCY, because there is language like "contingent on home inspection"

25. A pest inspector can look for signs of subterranean TERMITES eating the wood parts of your future home

Down

1. If the house was built before 1978 the seller will do a LEAD paint disclosure, and you may test for it's presence, during the home inspection period per your contract

2. RADON is an odorless naturally occurring gas that you may want to test for during your home inspection period

3. Mold grows because there is MOISTURE

4. When the home inspector looks at the pipes that is the PLUMBING system

5. The pipes in your home may include copper, PVC, GALVANIZED and more.

7. The home inspection is a VISUAL inspection of the home and it's systems.

8. Your home inspector will be looking for components and systems within the house that need repair or REPLACEMENT

10. Your home inspector may suggest you get a mold inspection based on water INTRUSION

11. Some home inspectors are ENGINEERS

13. In the winter months, often your home inspector is unable to test the air CONDITIONING unit for you because it is too cold

15. An ASHI (American Society of Home Inspectors) member follows the ASHI STANDARDS of Practice and Code of Ehtics

18. CARPENTER ants or bees might be discovered by your pest inspector, the insects have hammers and wear an itty apron with pockets <---- just a pest joke... your pest inspector can tell you how they know 'em when they see 'em

19. The wiring in the home and the electrical service to the property may be ALUMINUM or copper

20. Your home inspector is going to look at the FURNACE and tell you whether there are defects and if it is going to keep you toasty warm in the winter

23. Your home inspector is not doing a CODE inspection, that is done by a municipal inspector on new construction or remodeling

More about home inspection:

Do you see what I see? - Infrared imaging in home inspection

Helpful Hint Air Infitration at window panels next to the door - for homeowners

Maureen McCabe Real Living HER Worthington

Threat to Zillow, Trulia, Craigslist

2009-07-06T11:24:09Z

Google is going to have property listings on their maps... according to Silicon Valley Insider in Google Maps Will Now Include Property Listings (GOOG) says: "Google's (GOOG) new service is a threat to Web companies in the real estate classified space like Zillow, Trulia, Craigslist"

A threat if Zillow, Trulia and Craigslist are in Australia... Are they? The SVI article says Google has property listings on maps in Australia now but will have property listings on Google maps in the US, soon.

Whose listings will Google have in Australia? According to the SVI article by Preethi Dumpala listings from the "Real Estate Institute of Western Australia" and "homehound.com.au " are going to be on Google. Wonder what that means in numbers or percentage.

The article says "domain.com.au" which they describe as "Australia's leading real estate listing service" has declined to be involved....

Where do you think Google will get listings from in the US Realtor.com? From an individual MLS?

Good or bad to have the listing info pop up on Google maps? Who cares about the Web companies in the real estate classified space.... what does that mean to us?

Are home listings on Google already available in your area? The second comment on the post is from someone in San Francisco, saying homes for sale is available on maps in San Francisco (you can do a map for anything but I don't believe this is the same thing as real estate services providing the content to Google - is this Google Base? San Francisco listings on a map?

Worthington Home Sales this week - July 2009

2009-07-06T10:40:19Z

Early July (end of June) home sales in the City of Worthington Ohio!

New listing What's new on the market in Worthington this week? There was a new listing this week in these neighborhoods:

Colonial Hills x 2
Davis Estate x 2
East of Old Worthington listed as "Worthington Proper" by agent, "Griswold Heirs" legal description
Linworth
Residences of Worthington (Condo)
SW of Old Worthington (Pinney Village neighborhood... formerly known as Garden Estates?)
Worthington Estates
Worthington Park

The price range of the new City of Worthington listings this week is $130,000 to $259,900. It's even lower if you add in the city of Columbus condo in the Worthington school district that is listed as being in the City of Worthington...

Price Reductions

Price reductions on Worthington homes this week ranged from $3,000 to $9,000. Price range of homes after the price reductions is $149,900 to $258,900. Average price reduction $5,600. The homes with price adjustments this week are in these five Worthington neighborhoods:

Dupree Heights
Old Worthington
Residences of Worthington
Worthington Estates
Worthington Estate East

In Contract - usually contingent on financing and home inspection, 3 worthington homes went "in contract' this week the list price range $159,900 to $264,900. The homes are in these neighborhoods:

Linworth
East of Old WorthingtonLinworth
Worthington Estates

Sold (Closed) Worthington homes reported sold this week range from $150,000 to $334,900 list price. Sale prices range from $145,500 to $ $328,500.

The homes that sold and closed in the City of Worthington in the past week are:

Colonial Hills x 2
Davis Estate x 2
Kilbourne Village
Morris Addition
Old Worthington
west of Old Worthington X 3
Worthinglen
Worthington Estates

At least one of the closings happened the week before (Friday ) but was not recorded in the MLS until the following week... that happens.

More about Worthington home sales:

Last Week's Worthington Home Sales June - Week 4

Worthington Home Sales June 2009 - Week 3

Worthington Home Sales June 2009 - Week 2

Worthington Home Sales June 2009 - Week 1

Red? Really?

2009-07-06T05:50:02Z

The True Value Quiz recommended by Allegra Dioguardi of Styled and Sold Home Staging in her post about the psychology of color: Color Quiz.

The True Value Color Quiz in a post I Re-Blogged recently said I am Red?

Red? Really?

"You boast incredible willpower and are capable of overcoming obstacles that would normally leave others shaking in their boots. You have a penchant for colorful environments and often impress others with your energetic bursts of energy. Your interests in many areas of life often leave you scattered, but when you focus you can accomplish anything you put your mind to."

Red? Really?

For decorating?

I like red

My school colors in college were red and white....

Real Living's and Real Living HER's (brokerage I work for) colors are red and white... like a Coca Cola can... or I guess that was a Coca- Cola bottle back in the 50's that inspired Harely E. Rouda Sr. the founder of HER Realtors which became Real Living HER...

My cell phone is red. I love my red phone... I want a red laptop... and I want a red car... I have never had a red car.

For decorating?

I do not have red in decorating at home or office... Our office has a red wall or two but not my office.

It's been a long time since I've blogged about Real Living's Color Quiz... Color Palette but I did blog about color back in 2005 when I first started blogging with a link to Real Living's quiz.

What does the Real Living Quiz say about you and color?

The Real Living Quiz said I was more neutral.... Realtory beige?

In Allegra's The Psychology of Color she wrote:

"Red - Red stimulates your metabolism and raises your respiration rate due to it’s primitive association with blood. It is a passionate color and people who love red tend to be impulsive. Red grabs your attention, which is why it is used for stop signs and fire engines. Restaurants frequently use red as it stimulates your appetite and can cause you to spend more money. Red is a powerful color and when used judiciously is very effective."

Maureen McCabe Real Living HER Worthington

ActiveRain's got gas....

2009-07-05T11:49:43Z

Lenn compared Google links on ActiveRain, Inman, Realtor.com, Zillow, etc.

ActiveRain losing gas? By what measurement?

Lenn is comparing Google Backlinks and Pages Indexed...

Traffic

I can't help comparing traffic but if you put huge sites like Realtor.com and Zillow in it makes ActiveRain look dinky... but I am comparing to Inman.com and to Realtown.com another social network for the real estate industry with blogs. Realtown is older than ActiveRain.com

Permalink to graph stats

Yearly growth in traffic for ActiveRain has grown over 40%. And look at that kinda pinky link there.... that is Localism.com Localism is up 16%... is Localism.com formally launched yet?

Feel free to go do a compete traffic graph comparing ActiveRain to Realtor.com, Trulia, Zillow... whatever... actually here is a graph.... Edit Link was not showing all sites unless you were logged in...it was leaving Zillow off!

ActiveRain.com, Realtor.com, Trulia.com, Zillow.com

ActiveRain is a lot smaller than these behemoths... but if you look in the table below the yearly increase in traffic is better than Realtor.com and Trulia. Only Zillow has a better yearly increase in traffic with over 80%....

ActiveRain's got gas....

The Psychology of Color

2009-07-05T11:32:23Z

This is a RE-Blog of a post written by Allegra Dioguardi a home stager, interior designer and author from 'the Hamptons' in New York. She seems to be talking to her fellow stagers about the use of colors but it is color info any of us can use.

The link to the Quiz she recommends: Color Quiz.

What color are you?

Via Allegra Dioguardi Home Stager The Hamptons- Suffolk Co. Long Island (Styled and Sold Home Staging):

Greetings! I just finished an article I am writing for the Interior Design issue of a local periodical here in the Hamptons on The Psychology of Color. I am posting it for your purusal and look forward to your comments. As Home Stagers we all ove color and it can be helpful to establish ourselves as experts if we know a little about the science of color.

While doing some research I found a fun quiz on color, I thought it was amazingly accurate (and fun) for such a short questionnaire. You can take it here:http://www.truevaluepaint.com/content/Color/ColorQuiz.aspx.

What is your color?

"Mere color, unspoiled by meaning, and unsullied with definite form, can speak to the soul in a thousand different ways."
-Oscar Wilde

Color psychology is the study of the effect of color on human behavior and emotion.
Our reaction to color is immediate and color has a tremendous influence on the choices we make everyday. It can impact what we buy, our mood and even change our physiology. It can cause us eat more or less, behave recklessly, make us feel dreamy, relaxed or excited. Did you know that your favorite color could reveal much about your personality to someone versed in color psychology?

I have compiled some fun facts on color; while they are based on science they are intended for entertainment value. If you are undertaking a major painting renovation in your home it is always advisable to seek the advice of a color professional to avoid costly errors. Read further to find out what your favorite colors indicate and some interesting facts on how color may impact you.

Blue- Blue is hands down the “favorite color”, probably because it is universal and it is associated with sky and sea. Blue evokes feelings of trust; it is said that people who love blue are dependable and committed. Serene blues are restful colors that work well in bedrooms and can cause the body to produce calming chemicals. Blue may feel cold unless paired with warmer colors such as the red and yellow families. Blue is not a favorable color to use where food is prepared or served. Studies have shown that food consumed in blue surroundings is not as appealing. Have you ever notice there are no authentically blue foods found in nature?

Green- Green is the second “favorite color”. Green is a healing color and a symbol of peace, nature and ecology. Surrounding yourself in a green environment can relax your muscles and make you breath deeper, which has a calming effect. Depending on the shade of green, green can be either warming or cooling; the color green denotes balance, harmony, and stability.

Yellow- Yellow is the color of optimism and happiness because of it’s association with sunshine. Yellow activates memory, stimulates the nervous system and is mentally stimulating, which is why school pencils are yellow. Bright yellow accents are wonderful but use caution when selecting yellow as a wall color, a tiny swatch of yellow paint may appear sunny and delightful but those deep sunny yellows are often blue-based yellows, which in large doses are anxiety provoking. The selection of an unsuitable yellow, in my experience, is possibly the most common paint selection errors homeowners make. Sisal and straw yellows work well for pleasing interior wall color choices.

Orange- People who love orange are warm, flamboyant and fun loving people. Juicy, vivid, primary orange stimulates appetite and activity, making it a popular color choice in fast food restaurants. Orange is uplifting and has an antidepressant effect. Brown based oranges, such as terracotta and deep pumpkin are very soothing.

Red- Red stimulates your metabolism and raises your respiration rate due to it’s primitive association with blood. It is a passionate color and people who love red tend to be impulsive. Red grabs your attention, which is why it is used for stop signs and fire engines. Restaurants frequently use red as it stimulates your appetite and can cause you to spend more money. Red is a powerful color and when used judiciously is very effective.

Purple- Purple is considered a royal color. It is frequently associated with mysticism and spirituality. It is calming to the nerves, bolsters creativity and is purported to quell hunger. So if you’re on a diet…..?

Brown-Brown is a stable color which is favored and well accepted by wealthy individuals; think mink, cognac, chocolate and caviar. It is also associated with the earth and is a good reliable and orderly color.

White-White is technically not a color and is actually composed of all colors in the visible spectrum of light. It projects purity, cleanliness, and neutrality. It is a color of rebirth and fresh starts. It is a favored color for walls in our area were it works well as a blank canvas for art collections. According to Color Trend (the folks who predict the latest trends in color) it is the new “Power color” for 2009.

Peach and Pink-Peach and pink are tender colors that can induce feelings of fantasy and whimsy. Their sweet association with cotton candy and bubble gum make them popular for young girls’ rooms.
Coral- As we mature, the lenses of our eyes begins take on a yellow cast, making our perception of deep peach and coral a more agreeable color. Peach is also flattering to more mature skin tones.

Grey- Grey is timeless, practical, solid and conservative (think of a classic grey suit). It can be both flat and boring or a soothing neutral depending on what colors you pair it and contrast it with. Grey is trending hot this year.

Black-Black, which is technically the absence of color, is authoritative and powerful; it is associated with night and death. Because black can evoke strong emotions too much can be overwhelming. Most colors become stronger paired with black, use black as a wonderful accent color.

Color is everywhere; it surrounds us and feeds and nourishes our senses. We are profoundly affected by it; mind, body and spirit. Color may be the most powerful and cost effective design tool available. Have fun experimenting with color; there are no right or wrong choices if it makes you happy.

Allegra Dioguardi of Styled and Sold is available for color consultations. Avoid costly mistakes and let a professional select the perfect paint colors for your home. Two hour consultations available. Call 631-899-3305.

Serving the Hamptons and all of Suffolk Co LI, NY.

Columbus Doo Dah Parade 2009

2009-07-05T07:09:03Z

Real Living HER Open House list - July 5, 2009

2009-07-03T17:36:32Z

The good news there are open houses in Central Ohio, this Sunday July 5, 2009.... if you really, really want to spend your weekend that way.... but not a lot of them.

The Real Living HER Open House List has 69 scheduled open houses as of late on the third.

Nothing is open Sunday in Worthington, nothing in Clintonville.... no homes for sale in many of the northern Columbus neighborhoods I usually highlight are open, or very few.

Last week there were over 200 open houses on the real Living HER Open House List....

Anytime you visit my website each home on the Real Living HER Open House List is "Presented By" ME. I am not holding all the houses open. This week I am not holding an open house at all! The same open house list is on each Real Living HER agent's website.

Each listing on the list of open houses tells you who the listing agent and office is, or whom is holding the property open if you need that information. The open house list is NOT archived. If you look at this post in the future the link will go to the current Real Living HER Open House list.

For all home buyers

The Real Living Peace of Mind program started on June 1, 2009 for Central Ohio home buyers. Real Living will pay your mortgage if you lose your job.* One year insurance protection for buyers who buy through a Real Living agent and finance the mortgage through Real Living Mortgage. Buy a Real Living listing and you get a second year free, limited time, restrictions apply

FREE... Peace of Mind Mortgage Protection

MyRealLiving.com is for you Central Ohio

Buying a home in Central Ohio should not be scary

Central Ohio Open House Advice from Real Living

For first time buyers

First Time Home Buyer Credit - income limits

The First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit

Have a wonderful safe holiday weekend!

Maureen McCabe Real Living HER Worthington

The image at the top is a Real Living 4th of July ecard. Happy 4th of July... have a happy 5th of July too!

Red, White & Boom 2009 and more

2009-07-02T13:44:43Z

Will I see you at Red, White & Boom... probably not even if you go huh? We may go down early this year... we used to go to Front Street but we have been on Spring St. near North Bank Park looking at the Columbus skyline the past couple of years.

What's on your agenda for this weekend?

Red, White & Boom on Friday?

A parade on Saturday? Dublin? Gahanna? Hilliard? Upper Arlington? Westerville? Or the Doo Dah Parade in the Short North?

Need help finding fireworks near by for your family? Also has celebrations, festivals, and parades listed... except my favorite parade, which is not really for kids:

Fireworks throughout Central Ohio - KidsLink.com "Find out when and where your Community Celebrates the 4th of July"

Red, White & Boom 2008

Red, White & Boom 2007

Columbus keeps growing ...

2009-07-02T08:08:33Z

Population has continued to increase in Central Ohio unlike other Ohio cities but Columbus dropped from the 15th largest city in the US to the 16th.

Columbus dropped from 15th to 16th thanks to Austin Texas growing faster...

Not just the City of Columbus is growing though... Central Ohio as a region has grown, according to the Columbus Dispatch article about the census. Where is Central Ohio growing? Lithopolis (Fairfield County, not my market area), Powell, New Albany are growing in addition to the City of Columbus... The article in The Columbus Dispatch written by Erin Dostal Census; Central Ohio keeps growing and this newspaper article is not about putting on weight in separate breaking yesterday Columbus is the 10th most obese city? Or maybe it is merely overweight not obese....we moved up from 17th to 10th in a year? That may be City of Columbus and the suburbs. Back to growth of the Central Ohio cities not their citizens...

Dostal wrote quoting Nancy Reger, a demographer for the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission.

"Natural population growth is likely the reason for the numbers in Lithopolis, Powell and New Albany, because people there tend to start families, she said.

Columbus, on the other hand, grows by attracting people from elsewhere. And unlike Ohio's other large cities, which either flat-lined or lost population in the past year, Columbus added people. The Census Bureau said the city had 754,885 residents through July 1, 2008, about 1 percent more than the year before."

Reger says people move to Columbus for jobs. People in Powell, New Albany have babies... Generalization? I know people who have moved to Powell and New Albany from outside the region for jobs and people who live in the City of Columbus who have had babies....

People are moving to the region for jobs.

Maureen McCabe Real Living HER Worthington

Home Inspection Crossword Puzzle

2009-07-01T11:05:18Z

Home Inspection

"The American Society of Home Inspectors" is a professional organization for home inspectors... it is sometimes referred to as ASHI.

I have information on the home inspection page on my website about home inspectors who are ASHI. I also have info on NAHI and NIBI (other home inspector professional organizations) as well as a local company which is not affiliated with any inspection organization.... one of my favorite local home inspection companies...

The Inspection page on my website.

Here is some home inspection advice from Real Living:

"Real Living suggests that buyers select an inspector who can provide proof of membership in the American Society of Home Inspectors. Home inspection is presently a comparatively unregulated industry in many states, and ASHI-certified inspectors meet stringent requirements and abide by a sturdy Code of Ethics."

Enough small talk, (there's is at least one clue above) and this is of course an open book and Internet quiz... or puzzle

Home Inspection Puzzle

Across

4.   The home inspector may tell you if your water _________ is low

6.   The home inspector will look at the homes downspouts and gutters, the roofs ________ system

9.   If the kitchen _______ are staying the inspector should check the oven, the stoves burners, run the dishwasher, etc.

12. The home inspector will open the _________ service panel and look at the wiring for you. ***DANGER*** DO NOT DO THIS YOURSELF!

14. An ________ clause allows you to have professional(s) look at the physical condition of the home you have a purchase contract on

16. Radon _________ is when the level of radon is reduced to a safe level in the home.

17. The home inspector inspects the homes structural components including the __________ and framing.

18. ASHI is a home inspection professional organization, others are NIBI and NAHI. ASHI stands for _______ Society of Home Inspectors

19. Home inspectors are not ________ in the state of Ohio

24. The inspection clause in your purchase contract is a __________, because there is language like "contingent on home inspection"

25. A pest inspector can look for signs of subterranean ______ eating the wood parts of your future home

Down

1. If the house was built before 1978 the seller will do a ______ paint disclosure, and you may test for it's presence, during the home inspection period per your contract

2. _____ is an odorless naturally occurring gas that you may want to test for during your home inspection period

3. Mold grows because there is ___________

4. When the home inspector looks at the pipes that is the _________ system

5. The pipes in your home may include copper, PVC, ____________ and more.

7. The home inspection is a ______ inspection of the home and it's systems.

8. Your home inspector will be looking for components and systems within the house that need repair or ____________

10. Your home inspector may suggest you get a mold inspection based on water _________

11. Some home inspectors are __________

13. In the winter months, often your home inspector is unable to test the air ________ unit for you because it is too cold

15. An ASHI (American Society of Home Inspectors) member follows the ASHI ________ of Practice and Code of Ehtics

18. __________ ants or bees might be discovered by your pest inspector, the insects have hammers and wear an itty apron with pockets <---- just a pest joke... your pest inspector can tell you how they know 'em when they see 'em

19. The wiring in the home and the electrical service to the property may be _______ or copper

20. Your home inspector is going to look at the ________ and tell you whether there are defects and if it is going to keep you toasty warm in the winter

23. Your home inspector is not doing a ______ inspection, that is done by a municipal inspector on new construction or remodeling

Home Inspection

Ohio House Bill 257 Failed

I like Home Inspectors with small shoulders

Here Flashing, Flashing, Flashing....

Maureen McCabe Real Living HER Worthington

Do You See What I See?

2009-07-01T06:57:16Z

This is a Re-Blog of Jay Markanich's post... if you bought new construction in Central Ohio in the past 11 months you may want to get an "IR inspection" of the home.

Jay's recommendation:

"My recommendation: If you can get an IR inspection on a house, do it before the one year warranty walk through."

I Re-Blogged Jay's post about missing flashing on a home he inspected: Here Flashing, Flashing, Flashing too.

Jay's infrared photos in this post are of another home in the same neighborhood with water stains and "hot and cold" spots in the bedroom.... not good.

You don't need infrared photos in Central Ohio in the winter to see where the home builder did NOT insulate... Icicles... In the summer you may.... need something like an "IR inspection" to see where insulation was not installed in your home or where insulation is no longer in place to keep the hot or cold out...

Can I see what Jay sees?

Personally looking at the infrared photos is like looking at a baby ultra sound (sonagram)... for me. Sometimes I just can't find the baby... in these colorful "IR exam photos" I am not looking for a head, the baby sucking it's thumb or "parts"...but in the first one I just could not see the bed in Jay's picture at first... but it is there and worth looking for and noting that just above the headboard in this bedroom is 130° that's hot....

Infrared Inspection

Did you buy a new home in Central Ohio within the past year? Did you get all the insulation you paid for? Did you get all the flashing that was necessary? I can recommend local home inspectors who can do an Infrared Inspection of your Central Ohio home, if you need one to be sure you got what you paid for.

Via Jay Markanich (Jay Markanich Real Estate Inspections, LLC):

The Flashing, Flashing, Flashing post has already brought in business. Another person in the same neighborhood, impressed by my Superman ability to see non-existent flashing (cough!), invited me over to investigate this same flashing problem on their house. While there I also did an IR examination.

It seems that in addition to water stains, the bedroom also is hot and cold. Looking around with an infrared camera, it isn't hard to see why.

This is blown up larger than normal, and grainy, but you can still see what is happening. Part of the room has a pentagon shape, with a long attic space behind the bed.

You can see the bed at the bottom of this image.

The wall behind the bed is about 6 feet high. The attic space behind is quite hot.

The Max is the hottest spot in the image. It is 131 degrees.

Keep in mind, this is right behind the bed!

The area you are looking at represents the space between two studs, and no insulation below about 5 1/2 feet.

The insulation was never stapled and fell down.

Looking into the attic, it was resting right on the floor.

Keep in mind, this house is just over one year of age. That is how quickly insulation can slip.

Imagine what can happen on a tall balloon wall!!

The image to the right is along that same wall. It is to the right of the bed and in the corner.

The same situation exists - the insulation was never stapled, it has fallen and the Max hot spot you see is 135 degrees!

That will influence a room, just a bit...

This represents the 12th image taken in that room. There were more than two spots along that attic space wall. In that room alone, here were 23 pictures taken in total!

Imagine how hot and cold this room can get!

This is the cathedral ceiling in one alcove of the bedroom. It is the end of that same pentagon shape described in the first image.

The line in the middle is the center double stud from floor to the highest point. The height here is about 10 feet.

The insulation on both sides of that double stud was not stapled. The Max temperature there is 166 degrees Fahrenheit!

There is only air between this drywall and the outside of the house. This spot just happened to be in the sun on this particular day at the time I was there.

Even though the thermostat is in this room, and it has its own HVAC return, this room was uncomfortably warm. A ceiling fan does not help.

It probably is uncomfortably cold in the winter.

How can you control the environment there when it is so poorly insulated? There were 23 problem spots in this room.

I went to investigate one problem, and found a few others. This was not the only room with the hot/cold issues. There were many other spots in many other rooms throughout the house. It was a very long thermal image report.

This particular home represents one of the worst insulation jobs I have seen in a long time. They are out there. I had a previous post over a year ago entitled "What I Am Seeing Now," which identified insulation that is not stapled as being a big problem. You can see why. Despite what the builder says, the drywall does NOT hold it up over time. Insulation that is not stapled is simply poor quality, unprofessional work.

People love looking into the camera with me. It can be horrifying! It can also be fun...

I took a picture of a young lady a couple of months ago. She was five months pregnant. The baby's form was clearly visible! I am sure they framed the photo I emailed them!

My recommendation: If you can get an IR inspection on a house, do it before the one year warranty walk through. That way, issues like this can be corrected before your clients have to live with them.

SPAM Points - the easiest points on ActiveRain

2009-07-01T06:15:30Z

Report Spam when you see it on your blog, another members blog, an abandoned blog. Don't worry about whether they could or will report the spam themselves....

Just do it.

It is so easy to do.

*** You get points... there is a bounty on SPAM***

Click "Report a Concern" at the bottom right on the comment. It is just left of the time the comment is left if you hover there it will appear. ActiveRain does the rest. Sometimes but not always a pop up opens up so it takes a second click.

"Are you sure you want to report this comment?"

You betcha.

The pop up tells you "Innapropriate content includes spam, third-party advertisements in comments, hate speech and slander."

Click OK if it is "Innapropriate content." Two clicks for 10 points? What could be easier?

Way easier than thinking up a comment and typing it in for 25 points.... or even cutting and pasting in a comment for 25 Points.

Way easier than writing original content for your blog for 225 Points.

I think I have over 300 points here for reporting over 30 SPAM comments.

We don't get a lot of SPAM on ActiveRain but it is getting worse ActiveRain Easter Egg Hunt

Use this tool to get SPAM removed and get some points.

It is also therapeutic....

Worthington Condo Living - the answers

2009-06-30T17:16:03Z

It's not to late to here is a larger version of the Worthington Condos a puzzle without the answers! Do you know Worthington condominium communities?

Across

4. A one story floor plan is sometimes called a ranch whether a condo or single family home.

7. A townhouse condo would have at least two stories

9. Strathaven Condos and Bainbridge Condos are each on a wooded ravine

10. Hidden Colony Condos off Proprietors Road are really not that difficult to find

12. Saint Julien is a street in Ville Charmante.

17. Some condominiums have an inground pool

18. Selby East Condos are in the Colonial Hills neighborhood

19. The condominium owners own the common areas

20. Saint Jacques is in Ville Charmante, the French name for James.

22. Saint Michelle is in Ville Charmante, French for Michael or a feminine name in English.

23. Bainbridge is off Olentangy River Road, you turn onto Whieldon Lane.

24. Your condo is governed by the condo bylaws

26. All the streets in Worthinglen are named Glen

31. Ville Charmante is on Wilson Bridge Road, west of High Street

32. Condo owners pay a monthly condo fee

33. The stately Worthington Inn was developed into condos a few years ago.

34. Street names in Ville Charmante are always Saint and a name Sometimes people abbreviate it St.

Down

1. If you like to play tennis you should buy a condo at Ville Charmante

2. Short for condominium, condo

3. A condo document, other than the condo bylaws, declaration

5. Saint Andre is a street in Ville Charmante, the name is French for Andrew

6. Residences of Worthington is on the west side of High Street between South St. and W. Riverglen

8. Village Green Condos are just south west of the Southwest Quadrant of Worthington's Village Green

10. A highrise is a condo with a lot of stories

11. The North Street Village Condos are on North Street in the City of Worthington

13. Strathaven Condos are in Linworth a village that was annexed to the City of Worthington

14. The Toll Gate Square Condos on High Street are just north of the Orange Johnson House.

15. The ill fated Simsbury Place luxury condos are on Proprieters Road just north of 161.

16. Worthingville Condos are on North Street.

21. Village 17 is on E. Dublin Granville Road (161)

25. Proprietors Point on the corner of Proprietors Road and North Street were apartments that were converted to condominiums

28. When you live in a condo you don't mow the lawn, your condo association has that done for the residents

29. Often people move to a condo because there is no outside maintenance... or very, very little maintenance

30. Condo or Association fees are sometimes also called condo dues

If you like crosswords here are others about Central Ohio:

Columbus Crossword the Suburbs

Worthington Neighborhoods a Crossword Puzzle

Stay tuned to a crossword puzzle about Worthington "area" condos in a few days. This crossword puzzle all the condominiums are in the City of Worthington, those in the future puzzle are in the City of Columbus and the Worthington School District. .

Dublin's Tartan Ridge - BIA Parade of Homes 2009

2009-06-30T13:49:56Z

The BIA Parade of Homes has a blog! Maybe they did last year too... Where was the Parade of Homes last year?

2009 BIA Parade of Homes at Tartan Ridge in Dublin, the blog

Compass Homes
Gossing Construction
Coppertree Homes
Dani Homes
Duffy Homes
New England & Garth's
Kevin Knight & Company
Lakewood Builders
M/I Homes
Stafford Group
Romanelli & Hughes

Do you go to the Parade of Homes every year? Is this year different? It's billed as "Hundreds of Rooms. Thousands of Ideas"

The 2009 BIA Parade of Homes runs July 11th to the 26th.

Website: BIA Parade of Homes 2009

View Larger Map

Finding Tartan Ridge it is just east of Glacier Ridge Metro Park B. is the address from the BIA site, 7175 Glacier Ridge Blvd. Dublin 43017. A is my office, just click to get directions from your home or office. Tartan Ridge is bordered by Brock Road to the north, Jerome Road on the east, McKitrick Road on the south on Hyland-Croy on the west.

*Actually the BIA Parade of Homes blog was started for the 2008 Parade of Homes which was in Gahanna at the Village at Hannah Farms, not the easiest thing to find on the Parade of Homes blog or website.

Weekly Worthington Home Sales

2009-06-30T06:27:02Z

Update on the residential real estate market in the city of Worthington for the last week of June 2009, mostly*. Sales are from Monday June 22, 2009 to Sunday June 28, 2009.

New listing

What's new on the market in Worthington this week? There was a new listing this week in these neighborhoods:

Clayton Place
Colonial Hills X 2
Davis Estate
Hidden Colony (condo)
Plesenton Place (not new listing new brokerage)
Ville Charmante (condo)
Worthington Acres
Worthington Estates
Worthington West

Price Reductions

Price reductions on Worthington homes this week ranged from $5,000 to $40,000. Price range of homes after the price reductions is $174,900 to $639,900. Average price reduction $15,820. The homes with price adjustments this week are in these Worthington neighborhoods:

Clayton Place
Colonial Hills
Old Worthington
Village Green Condo
Worthlynn (in Linworth)

In Contract - usually contingent on financing and home inspection:
Worthington homes that went "in contract' this week the list price range $154,900 to $229,90. The homes are in these neighborhoods:

Colonial Hills
No name subdivision (Just east of Old Worthington legal description is Griswold hrs)
Olentangy Hills
Ville Charmante

Sold (Closed) Worthington homes reported sold this week range from $149,900 to $192,000 list price. Sale prices range from $147,000 to $185,000.

Worthinglen (condo)
Worthington Park (*not really... it was a closing from the 2nd week of the month that finally got turned in to the MLS this week)

More about June home sales and inventory:

Worthington Home Sales Week 1

Worthington Home Sales Week 2

Worthington Home Sales Week 3

Worthington Housing Inventory Slides

June was "Hi Neighbor!" month in the City of Worthington.

Search for Worthington Homes - Maureen McCabe Real Living HER Worthington

ActiveRain is AN answer in Social Networking Quiz from NAR

2009-06-29T08:38:03Z

ActiveRain is an answer to at least one question but is ActiveRain the right answer?

I love quizes... I found this one via ActiveRain (more about that below.)

QUIZ: USING SOCIAL NETWORKING FOR BUSINESS

Facebook has lots of quizes. I have to try really, really hard on Facebook NOT to do quizes... I don't really like Facebook much.... but they've got quizes. I belive I have only taken two.... I know which Mutant Ninja Turtle I am but I am NOT sure how that is going to help me in life..... professionally or socially.

Second Quiz I took on Facebook said I should be living in Alabama.

Alabama?

Nothing against Alabama.....

... but Alabama?

ActiveRain is an anwer on at least one of the questions on the NAR Magazine Quiz. This Quiz is on NAR so it's gotta be OK to play huh?

I am sad to say I got two wrong.... I am not giving out hints though because I would not want you to do better than me.... It told me:

Not bad... grumble, grumble, grumble....

I found it via a post on ActiveRain written by Jeff and Heather Rickert, Take this Social Networking Quiz I thought about Re-Blogging their post but decided they'd just cut and pasted in the questions... without adding anything to the quiz (like if they are using social networking sites, if they've taken the Mutant Ninja Turtle quiz...) anything personal.... any context. They cut and pasted content and slapped their contact info on it... I love quizes, I love to share quizes... I commented there... but just cut and pasted in my disappointing results...

: -(

How'd you do on the NAR quiz?

Never realiZed there were so many rulZ

2009-06-28T08:37:54Z

Do you know the rules the game is played by?

Can you measure up?

I am not a fan of hijacking.... I just don't get it. Real live take over the comments kind of hijacking or the recreational "I'll hijack your blog then you hijack mine" kind of hijacking, never have been, never will be....

Real live hijacking a blog is wrong. Promoting yourself in the comments of another members post is against ActiveRain Guidelines...

Not that I think there is anything wrong with the recreational hijacking really... It has been popular with some members on ActiveRain since the beginning... it always reminded me of on-line chat c. 1992 except someone writes a blog post first???

Thanks but no thanks...

I just don't get it.

Do you have time or inclination to learn all the extra rules? There are posts about the rules for hijacking... C. Tann-Starr posted a long comment on a blog about hijacking (there's was confusion in the comments about what hijacking it referred to, what the definintion of hijacking is, comment spamming, answering questions or cross talk, the joy of hijacking.... that post was NOT about recreational hijacking with consenting partners being wrong...) It seems to be about real hijacking...but lots of the comments are about the joy of hijacking and the rules for recreational hijacking, if you want to play the game. It seems there are word that only certain people can use.

Joke?

I don't think social networking takes a lot of time or a lot of training, personally. Or should. I think there are some real basic rules that govern social networking...

Common Sense
the Golden Rule
Miss Manners etiquette kinda stuff... (which is based on common sense and the Golden Rule isn't it?... well once we got away from white gloves, the curtsy, and extending our pinkie...)

The community rules... ActiveRain, Twitter, Facebook etc. have terms of service.... ActiveRain has their Guidelines on the bottom...

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The image "Measuring up_4124" is from the Flickr photo stream of hoyasmeg's photostream It was shared with a Creative Commons License.

Columbus Calendar of Events - July 2009

2009-06-28T06:44:24Z

Columbus and Central Ohio have a pretty Jazzy July coming up....

July 1 -Try to find a friend at the Condo at Northbank Park Day - for the view for Red, White & Boom

July 3 - Red, White & Boom - Downtown

July 4 -The Doo Dah Parade - Short North and Victorian Village

The Upper Arlington Parade and Celebration The theme: "UA...There's No Place Like Home" Grand Marshall Cameron Mitchell

Worthington Family Picnic - Worthington Calendar of Events

COSI Spider Man Appearance

Fireworks throughout Central Ohio - from KidsLink.com "Find out when and where your Community Celebrates the 4th of July"

Gallery Hop - Short North

July 5 - Worthington Ice Cream Social and Music - Worthington Calendar - The Village Green

July 11-26 - BIA Parade of Homes 2009 - Tartan Ridge in Dublin

July 13 to July 17 - Restaurant Week Columbus Throughout Columbus

July 17 - Wex Drive-In: American Graffiti

July 18 to July 25 - Franklin County Fair Franklin County Fairgrounds - "The Best Family Fare Ever"

July 24 - JazZoo: Jazz Party at the Zoo

July 24 to July 26 - Jazz & Rib Fest Arena District/North Bank Park

July 25 - LaNavidad Christmas at the Santa Maria

July 25 - The Grandview Hop

July 26 - Downtown Powell Street Market

July 29 to August 9 - Ohio State Fair Ohio Expo Center

July 31- Motown JazZoo: Memories at the Zoo

July 31 to August 2 - Dublin Irish Festival

Central Ohio Events Throughout the Month of July 2009

July 2 to August 2- Actors' Theatre Company: The Tempest

Columbus Zoo and Aquarium events including JazZoo

COSI events including Spiderman on July 4th, the Egypt in Columbus Exhibit (through September 7)

Columbus Clippers Schedule I think I am going finally in July....

Columbus Landmarks Foundation - 2009 Village Walking Tour Series Continues

Columbus Metro Parks

Columbus Symphony - Picnic with the Pops and Popcorn Pops

For more detail and additional events visit Experience Columbus' Calendar of Events

Not the Best Columbus Neighborhood

2009-06-27T19:03:28Z

If Wimpy came to town where would you suggest he go for the best burger in Columbus? Would you direct Popeye's friend....who will "gladly pay Tuesday" for a hambuger today? To one of Columbus suburbs? Downtown? German Village?

I saw a food forum where someone suggested some of the great places for steak in Columbus, including the Claremont, a comment on the forum about the Claremont:

The comment above about the Claremont, "not the best neighborhood"? always struck me because the commenters opinion about the neighborhood The Claremont is in German Village.. Then the commenter recommends a restaurant in German Village, Max and Erma's.

Or is The Claremont Restaurant in the Brewery District rather than German Village? The Claremont is at 684 S High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215. The Claremont Restaurant's site plays music volume control is at the bottom. Their site says there in German Village and have been since 1947.

I love the Claremont. To be fair I believe the comment was written in 2006 and some exterior updating to the 50+ year old restaurant was done in 2006 or 2007... I think in time for their 60th anniversary. I've never had a burger at Claremont... I live and work way, way up in the Worthington area when I go to the Claremont I want prime rib or steak... especially if someone else is paying for it... and the last three times I have been there someone else paid for dinner....

The post on the food forum as I recall was suggesting going to steak places for the best burgers in town. Best Columbus Neighborhood if you are looking for burgers.... might well be German Village...

Columbus Best Burgers Map

There's the original Max and Erma's that this person thought had terrible service..... 739 S 3rd St. Columbus, Ohio 43206.

There's the Thurman Cafe.... 183 Thurman Avenue Columbus, Ohio 43206

According to the writer in the food forum there's the Clarmont that the writer had recommended... 684 S High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215.

German Village is NOT where I sell homes but I am glad it is a place I enjoy going out to eat occasionally, go to plays in Schiller Park and sometimes just walking around to enjoy the beauty of the historic neighborhood.

Tomorrow is a big day in German Village, the 50th Haus und Garten Tour, in a great Columbus neighborhood.

More posts about Columbus:

Where's the best beef in Columbus?

The Brewery District Columbus Ohio

Crime How Safe is the Columbus Neighborhood?

Downtown Columbus is a nice place to visit

Size does not matter

2009-06-27T09:30:48Z

When it comes to comments on my ActiveRain blog size does not matter but sincerity does... to me.

"Thanks for sharing your article with us this morning. I wish you continued success"

Efficient comments are the same or virtually the same comments posted (cut and pasted) to approximately 10 posts a day....

Size does not matter...sincerity does.

Let's just call him Mr. Greenhouse.

The post the comment is on is Localism. It's about Central Ohio, where I work. The information in my post is not of value outside Central Ohio... unless you are moving to Central Ohio Mr. Greenhouse. As a home inspector blogging on ActiveRain from the Southwest part of the US I seriously doubt you are moving to Columbus Ohio and have any interest in what is open this Sunday.

I usually wait a day to delete "efficient comments"....

Most members who do this hide their comments. Mr. Greenhouse' comments are not, yet hidden. He leaves at least 10 comments a day. 10 virtually identical generic comments.