Columbus Ohio real estate

McAgency Laws - would you like some fries with that?

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 08:13:21 -0600

McAgency Laws - how about national real estate agency laws? Same laws governing our relationships with consumers from sea to shining sea? For their own protection? To make it easier for us. For...

McDonald's did it for consumers with hamburgers:

You drive up to a McDonald's anywhere in the US and you know the food will be inexpensive (cheap?), it will fill your tummy, clog your arteries and the sodium will raise your blood pressure or so I've heard.... You know the McDonald's restaurant will be relatively clean, relatively easy to get into and out and "fast."

No offense to McDonald's. I am addicted to the fat and salt.

Some blame McDonald's and other fast food for obesity.

McAgency Laws - the same agency laws across the US

A recent "brouhaha" over a featured post brought up a real estate subject that gets my adrenalin pumping for some reason, agency. *I told Gregory Bain in the comments on a Members Only post that I did not think we should discuss agency on ActiveRain because we are each subject to the laws of our own state. What is there to debate? My state does it right, yours does not? It's interesting to think about transaction brokerage.... to know that "O-K-L-A-H-O-M-A" did away with agency... but I really need to know Ohio's laws (that's just 'Agency relationships permitted' there's lots more!) and follow them.

Agency discussions among real estate practitioners often get messy in my experience. Some real estate licensees get real self righteous about their business model as it relates to agency and trash other business models in their zeal.

Please vote in the poll.

Are consumers clamoring for a federal agency law? Are consumer groups... those groups who know what is best for consumers? Should the federal government take real estate agency away from the states? Why? Because RESPA, HUD etc. are federal ....

The idea of McAgency Laws was inspired by Gregory Bain in New Jersey.

The Members Only posts this is based on:

Maya Paveza's post

Jesse Clifton's post

I really, really want this post to NOT be Members Only but I am following the ActiveRain guidelines (bottom of each page here.) * I believe I can tell you what I said in a Members Only post, but quoting others is against ActiveRain guidelines.

An agency discussion with others in the real estate industry:

When were buyers agents invented in your market?

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ActiveRain members: Comment at your own risk. Please note if this content is for the general public and not for the real estate industry, I will delete most comments from ActiveRain members. Previously I was turning off comments on local content but I have decided to put out the unwelcome mat for ActiveRain members, instead. Nothing personal. Move along and comment where it will be appreciated! Thanks.

When It Is A House Divided

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 10:02:05 -0600

I remember the movie "War of the Roses" sad, sad movie...

Myrl Jeffcoat of Great West GMAC (soon to be Real Living I assume) wrote this post to consumers in her market Sacramento California but it is of course probably universally applicable. This is a "Re-Blog."

In Central Ohio with relatively low housing costs, the

"Current real estate market conditions have some divorcing couples looking to separate their lives, but realizing they can't afford to live apart until their home is sold."

is probably a problem for fewer couples. Still ideas worth sharing.

Via Myrl Jeffcoat (GreatWest GMAC Real Estate):

Hard economic times often take a toll on families, marriages and relationships. Real Estate Professionals are increasingly hearing of a trend - which may remind folks of the movie, "War of the Roses."

Current real estate market conditions have some divorcing couples looking to separate their lives, but realizing they can't afford to live apart until their home is sold.

Unlike a few years ago, when many homeowners had loads of equity to share, and really good credit, current times are providing many glimpses of reversal of fortune.

If you are one of those couples, and need to continue co-habiting until you get the house sold, and shore up your financial situation better, there are things you can do to make life a little easier for yourselves in the interim.

It is also important to understand that staying together can actually have a positive effect on marketing your home. Home Buyers have become quite sophisticated in recent years, and have a knack for sniffing out signs of Sellers in distress. Seeing that a couple continues to be together in a home can remove a bit of the appearance of distress - even if it is painful for you!

If you are a divorcing couple and find yourself in a forced cohabitation situation until your home sells, there are a few things that you can do to make the experience a little easier.

1) The two of you should sit down and discuss your situation as peacefully as possible. Perhaps putting yourselves into a mindset that you will continue as roommates for a few months until the house is sold. You are together in the house in the physical sense - even though the emotional sense has changed.

(2) Negotiate with each other the mortgage payments, utilities, and other household expenses, and address the duties for upkeep. Doing this early on, will help alleviate problems from popping up in the midst of this living arrangement - which weren't addressed early on.

(3) If there are children in the home, please put the children and their well being first and paramount in your consideration. Doing so, will help you focus on things more important than your own discomfort. If the children suffer less distress, it will be easier for all of you.

With a little thought and consideration, you can be successful in selling your home, and making what could be a bad situation work well, and to your benefit.

Good Luck to you!

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Westerville - 'Up On The Housetop'

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 05:54:36 -0600

Westerville - 'Up On The Housetop'

Is it too early for Christmas songs?

Sunny 95 and some other radio stations don't think so.

As the signs as you enter Westerville say Benjamin R. Handy wrote 'Darling Nelly Gray.' Most people today are probably more familiar with another song written by Hanby, 'Up On The Housetop' a Christmas song. The Ohio Historical Society site for Hanby House in Westerville says the song was originally called 'Santa Claus.'

Hanby House - 160 W. Main Street Westerville Ohio is owned by the Ohio Historical Society and operated by the Westerville Historical Society.

Hanby history - Westerville History on Ohio History Central

I think I always sang the song, "Up on the Rooftop"

'Up On The Housetop'

"Up on the housetop, reindeer pause
Out jumps good ol' Santa Claus
Down through the chimney with lots of toys
All for the little ones, Christmas joys
Ho, Ho, Ho! Who wouldn't go?
Ho, Ho, Ho! Who wouldn't go?
Up on the housetop, click, click, click
Down through the chimney with good Saint Nick

First comes the stocking of little Nell
Oh, dear Santa, fill it well
Give her a dolly that laughs and cries
One that will open and shut her eyes
Ho, Ho, Ho! Who wouldn't go?
Ho, Ho, Ho! Who wouldn't go?
Up on the housetop, click, click, click
Down through the chimney with good Saint Nick

Next comes the stocking of little Will
Oh, just see what a glorious fill
Here is a hammer and lots of tacks
Also a ball and a whip that cracks
Ho, Ho, Ho! Who wouldn't go?
Ho, Ho, Ho! Who wouldn't go?
Up on the housetop, click, click, click
Down through the chimney with good Saint Nick"

Westerville - 'Up On The Housetop' - Benjamin R. Hanby

I believe Hanby left Westerville and moved to Chicago where he died in his early 30's. I think Hanby was living in Chicago when he wrote 'Up On The Housetop" but I could be wrong. Hanby is obviously still Westerville's favorite son to have his name on the sign as you enter the city after all these years.

The underground railroad history is an important part of Westerville's history. The song 'Darling Nelly Gray' is about a runaway slave headed for freedom and his love, Nelly Gray, a slave who had been sold away the night before their wedding.

Westerville - 'Up On The Housetop' - today's Christmas decorations

If you hear the song on the radio, remember it was written by Benjamin R. Hanby.

If you see a sleigh on a Central Ohio roof or "housetop" or a Santa Claus strapped to the Chimney (have you read John Grisham's 'Skipping Christmas'...? I think they were strapping snowmen to their chimney... not Santa Claus) If you see Christmas decorations on Central Ohio 'housetops' think of Benjamin Hanby who was a Westerville resident once upon a time.

More about Westerville Ohio

Westerville's history the underground railroad

Westerville is the BEST place to live in Ohio

Westerville and Gahanna are on 100 Top US Cities List

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Powell homes for sale - November 2009

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 13:50:35 -0600

Powell homes for sale brought to you by Maureen McCabe

Single family home sales for the City of Powell. Homes in unicoprporated areas, Shawnee Hills, or the City of Columbus with a Powell mailing address are not included in this data or the graph showing Powell single family home inventory for the past 15 months.

Powell in Southern Delaware County is in the Olentangy local school district along with the Lewis Center area and more.

This data is for single family homes in Powell only! It does not include condominiums.

Powell homes for sale - a market report through October 2009
98 homes for sale
15 homes sold in October 2009
6.5 months of inventory based on sales

19% less homes for sale than a year ago.
51.5% less months of inventory (based on closed Sales) in comparison to October 2008

Powell home prices - October 2009

Average active price $440,000
Average sale price $322,000

Powell homes for sale - neighborhoods

Ashmoore, Golf Village, Grandshire, Lakes of Powell, Murphy Park, Powell Place, The Chase, The Retreat, Woods of Powell South, Woods of Sawmill and many more.

Search for Powell homes for sale

Powell home sales - October 2009

+66.7% home sales in October 2009 over October 2008
Average sale price $322,000
Median price $310,000

Powell home sales - October 2009

There were homes sold in the Ashmoore, Daventry Pakr, Grandshire, Lakes of Powell, Liberty Ridge, Murphy's Park, Olentangy Ridge, The Retreat and Woods of Powell neighborhoods in the month of October 2009.

Selling your Powell home

These are all single family homes only! Previous monthly reports were single family and condominiums combined. The graph here is only single family for all 15 months. We can create separate graphs and data now for single family and condominiums.

I am thrilled with this change in Trendgraphix.

Data published November 2009, based on data available from the Columbus Board of REALTORS® at the end of October 2009. TrendGraphix reports presented are based on data supplied by the Columbus Board of Realtors. According to Trendgraphix neither CBR nor their MLS (multiple listing service ) guarantee or are in anyway responsible for its accuracy. "Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed." Only Real Living HER agents are authorized to use Trendgraphix in Central Ohio.

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Real Living HER Open House List - November 15, 2009

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 09:44:09 -0600

There are 121 open houses on the Real Living HER Open House list - Sunday Novmeber 15, 2009.

That number is subject to change. The Real Living HER Open House list link is to the open houses on my website. On my website all the open houses are presented by me, but there is information about who the listing agent is and who is hosting the open house.

The list is in real time, it is an archive. You will always see the current list.

The Real Living HER Open House list is on most Real Living HER agent's website.

6185 McVey Blvd Columbus OH 43235 Worthington schools

Related Posts

Open House 6185 McVey Blvd. Columbus OH 43235 more details - Open Today 2 to 4

Comparing present homebuyer tax credit to extended version It's NOT just for first time home buyers

Central Ohio open house advice #1 if you are working with an agent, ask their advice!

Do you wear a poker face when searching for a home? This may or may not be related to open house advice.

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Westerville homes for sale - November 2009

Sat, 14 Nov 2009 12:49:01 -0600

Westerville homes for sale - November 2009 brought to you by Maureen McCabe

These are homes in Westerville schools so in addition to homes in the City of Westerville this includes homes in the City of Columbus, the Village of Minerva Park and unincorporated areas. The Westerville School District is in both Franklin and Delaware Counties.

These are single family homes only.

Westerville homes for sale - a market report for October 2009

373 homes for sale
94 homes sold in October 2009
4.0 months of inventory based on sales

-31.9% for sale than a year ago.
-56% months of inventory (based on closed Sales) in comparison to October 2008

Average Westerville home active price $266,000
Average Weseterville home sale price $194,000

Westerville homes for sale - neighborhoods

Blendon Township neighborhoods like Glengary Heights, Glengary woods, Hamstead, Huber Ridge (are Huber Ridge and Huber Village the same thing? I see both in MLS... then again I see Huber Heights as subdivision name for a home in Westerville schools and while it's catchy it's the name of a city near Dayton) Sunbury Woods and more in Westerville schools are on the market now.

There are homes for sale in City of Columbus neighborhoods like Blendon Estates, Brandywine Meadows, Tanager Woods, Westerford Village, Westerville Woods, Woods at Blendon, Woodstream and others in the Westerville School District.

Homes in the City of Westerville in neighborhoods such as Annehurst, Brookstone, County Line Acres, Heritage Estates, Hills & Dales, Landings at Hoover, Mariners Cove, Olde Mill, Spring Grove, Woodlake Colony and many more are available now.

Genoa Township neighborhoods like Augusta Woods, Blackhawk Forest, Eagle Trace, Highland Lakes, Medallion, Park Bend, Shellbark Ridge, Sherbrook and others are among the Westerville area homes for sale.

Search for Westerville homes (no sign up required)

Westerville home sales - October 2009

+56.7% home sales in October 2009 over October 2008
Average sale price $194,000
Median price $166,000

Westerville home sales - neighborhood sales in October 2009

Blendon Township neighborhoods including:

Glengary Heights
Glengary Woods
Huber Ridge
Sunbury Woods

City of Columbus neighborhoods inclluding:

Blendon Estates
Brandywine Meadows
Pinewood Colony
Strawberry Farms
The Wilds at Little Turtle
Woods at Blendon

Genoa Township neighborhoods including:

Harvest Wind
Highland Lakes
Parkmoor Estates
Sherbrook

The Village of Minerva Park really does not have subdivsions but 5 homes in the village sold in October including one that had been on the market since 2006 (taken off the market for a very short time so unfortunately, it shows it sold in 15 days not 900 days.

City of Westerville neigborhoods including:

Annehurst
Millstone Creek
"Olde" Westerville
Spring Grove
Village of Westbury
Windsor Bay

Selling your Westerville home

Data published November 2009, based on data available from the Columbus Board of REALTORS® at the end of October 2009. TrendGraphix reports presented are based on data supplied by the Columbus Board of Realtors. According to Trendgraphix neither CBR nor their MLS (multiple listing service ) guarantee or are in anyway responsible for its accuracy. "Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed." Only Real Living HER agents are authorized to use Trendgraphix in Central Ohio. These are single family homes only, earlier months single family and condominium were combined. The 15 months shown in the graph here are single family only.

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Poker Face - Do You Wear Yours When Searching for a Home?

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 18:57:26 -0600

This is great advice for home buyers. In Central Ohio you are usually not exposed to the listing agents at showings, unless you go through an open house. Thanks to Judy for allowing it to be Re-Blogged.

Via Judy Jennings - Realtor® Serving Plymouth & Barnstable Counties (Cedrone and MacDonald Real Estate):

When I am working with Buyer's, I explain all of the benefits of working with a Buyer's Agent. I also warn them that they should NOT disclose any personal information or express too much interest or enthusiasm when touring a property, especially when the Listing Agent is present.

I tell them to put on their "poker face" and to be the one asking the questions, not answering them.

Afterall, you chose to tour the house and would like to learn more about the property and area. There is no need to talk about why or when you are moving, or where you are moving from. You are not there to be interviewed or to bond with the Listing Agent, right? Please do not forget your manners, there is no need to be rude or afraid to speak with the Listing Agent. Just try not to reveal anything that could impact your future negotiating power.

If you do not understand what I mean, then we will go over it again. After all, I will be representing you as a Buyer's Agent. I am working on YOUR behalf, not for the Listing Agent or Seller. Keep in mind, that a good Listing Agent is watching your every move, asking questions when they can, listening to what you say, and searching for clues to your interest in the property.

A good initial approach is to be inquisitive, polite and respectful, but most importantly be careful with what you say and how you act in front of the Listing Agent. Try not to be too enthusiastic or critical, especially if you are interested in the property. If you are overly enthusiastic in front of the Listing Agent, you MAY have revealed too much, and they will be prepared to call your bluff on your offer. They will know that your actions or conversation indicated that "this is the one!"

Hold your cards emotions close to your vest, find out what similar properties are selling for (Buyer's Agent will help here) and play it through.

In the fine art of negotiating, you need to know when to hold them, know when to fold them, know when to walk away, and know when to run. Put on your poker face! The end result should be, you bought the house you wanted at a fair (or better) price.

You win!

Call on Judy Jennings for all your real estate needs. I proudly serve Plymouth county, Barnstable county and part of Bristol county in Massachusetts.

Call me: 508-947-2295, ext. 210
Email: Judy Jennings
Visit my website: FocusedonRealEstate.com

Sign up now to receive automatic listings:

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Worthington Ohio homes for sale - November 2009

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 18:37:05 -0600

Worthington Ohio homes for sale brought to you by Maureen McCabe of Real Living HER.

These single family homes are in the City of Worthington. Well ....the City of Worthington and Village of Riverlea. The Columbus Board of Realtors MLS area lumps them together. MLS areas go away soon.

Homes for sale in the Worthington School District a market report November 2009 includes Worthington, Riverlea, City of Columbus homes and homes in Worthington schools in unincorporated areas (townships.) The Ohio school districts existed long before much of this area was developed or annexed.

Worthington Ohio homes for sale - a market report
70 homes for sale
17 homes sold in October 2009
4.1 months of inventory based on sales

-15.7% for sale than a year ago.
-50.6% months of inventory (based on closed Sales) in comparison to October 2008

Average active price $311,000
Average sale price $258,000

Worthington Ohio homes for sale - neighborhoods

The 4.1 months of inventory includes homes in City of Worthington neighborhoods such as Colonial Hills, Elmwood, Medick Estates, Northigh Acres, Old Worthington, Olentangy Hills, Plesenton, Potters Creek and Worthington Estates. There are homes on the market in the Village of Riverlea included in the 70 homes for sale.

Search for Worthington homes

Worthington Ohio home sales - October 2009

+70% home sales in October 2009 over October 2008
Average sale price $258,000
Median price $215,000

Worthington Ohio home sales - neighborhoods

Colonial Hills
Davis Estate
Kilbourne Village
Morris Addition
Old Worthington
Olentangy Hills
Plesanton
Worthington Estates
Worthington Park

Riverlea - Riverlea is a separate village surrounded by Worthington, there were three home sales in Riverlea in October 2009 too.

Selling your Worthington home

These are all single family homes only! Previous monthly reports were single family and condominiums combined. The graph here is only single family for all months. We can create separate graphs and data now for single family and condominiums. I am happy about this change with Trendgraphix.

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Worthington homes for sale - November 2009 II

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 16:48:26 -0600

Worthington homes for sale - November 2009 II

Why II? This is a "do over" I did Worthington homes for Sale November 2009 on Tuesday... or was it Wednesday? I realized on Thursday night that there are a bunch of improvements on the TrendGraphix site where we (Real Living HER agents) can make the graphs and dissect the data. I can do just single family now or just condominium NOW. Hooray. It makes more sense to me in many Central Ohio communities.

Both the original and the "do over" are the Worthington School District so the graph is for homes in the City of Worthington, City of Columbus, the Village of Riverlea and homes in unincorporated areas (townships), the common denominator is the homes are in Worthington schools!

Worthington homes for sale - November 2009 the original including condominiums. Compare the market reports and you will see there are itty, bitty differences in the averages. I thought lumping them together muddied the reports in many Central Ohio areas.

Worthington homes for sale - a market report for single family homes

212 homes for sale
50 homes sold in October 2009
4.7 months of inventory based on sales

-31.2% for sale than a year ago.
-34.4% months of inventory (based on closed Sales) in comparison to October 2008

Average active price $282,000
Average sale price $226,000

Worthington homes for sale - neighborhoods in the Worthington School District

The 4.2 months of inventory includes homes in City of Worthington neighborhoods such as Colonial Hills, Elmwood, Medick Estates, Northigh Acres, Old Worthington, Olentangy Hills, Plesanton, Potters Creek and Worthington Estates.

Worthington area homes for sale include homes in City of Columbus neighborhoods including Brookside Woods,Carriage Oaks, Lakes of Worthington, Lazelle Wood, Lindsey Woods, Oldestone Crossing, Olentangy Highbluffs, Olentangy Highlands, Stilson Highlands, Stilson Village, Summerwood, The Sanctuary,Western Hills,Westworth Village, Worthington Highlands,Worthington Park, Worthington Ravine,Worthingview, Worthingwoods and more.

There are single family homes on the market in the Village of Riverlea and in unincorporated areas (townships) including homes in the Brookside Estates and Worthington Hills neighborhoods.

Search for a Worthington home

Worthington home sales - October 2009 single family homes

+ 4.2% home sales in October 2009 over October 2008
Average sale price $226,000
Median price $191,000

Worthington home sales -October 2009 neighborhoods

Worthington area neighborhoods in the City of Columbus or Perry or Sharon Township

Brookside Estates
Olentangy Highlands
Brookside Woods
Olde Sawmill
Smoky Ridge
Smoky Mills Estates
Stilson Highlands
Stilson Village
Western Hills
Woodbridge Green
Worthington Green
Worthington Hills
Worthingview

City of Worthington neighborhoods

Selling your Worthington home

Data published November 2009, based on data available from the Columbus Board of REALTORS® at the end of October 2009. TrendGraphix reports presented are based on data supplied by the Columbus Board of Realtors. According to Trendgraphix neither CBR nor their MLS (multiple listing service ) guarantee or are in anyway responsible for its accuracy. "Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed." Only Real Living HER agents are authorized to use Trendgraphix in Central Ohio. Again this report is only single family homes, if you look at market reports published here previously they are single family and condo combined. The graph here shows the inventory for just single family homes!

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Lewis Center homes for sale - November 2009

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 08:01:25 -0600

Lewis Center homes for sale brought to you by Maureen McCabe Real Living HER

This graph represents the inventory of homes with an address that is Lewis Center, Ohio 43035. Lewis Center is in the Olentangy Local School District.

A big change from previous months? This is just single family homes! Hallelujah!

Lewis Center homes for sale a market report

165 homes for sale
26 homes sold in October 2009
6.3 months of inventory based on sales

Average active price $324,000
Average sale price $257,000

-17.5% for sale than a year ago.
-43.2% months of inventory (based on closed Sales) in comparison to October 2008

Lewis Center homes for sale - neighborhoods

The current inventory of homes for sale in Lewis Center include homes in Abby Knoll, Avonlea, Cross Creek, Estates of Glen Oak, Estates of Walker Woods, Estates of Woodstone, Glen Oak, Hidden Cove, Little Bear Village, Marners Watch, McCammon Chase, McCammon Estates, Northpoint Meadows, Oak Creek, Olde State Farms, Oldefield Estates, Olentangy Glade, Olentangy Meadows, Parkshore, The Shores, Village at Alum Creek, Village at Olentangy Meadows, Walker Woods, Willow Springs,Wilshire, Wynstone and other neighborhoods.,

Search for homes in Lewis Center

Lewis Center home sales - October 2009

+44.4% home sales in October 2009 over October 2008
Average sale price $257,000
Median price $259,000

Lewis Center home sales neighborhoods

October 2009 home sales in Lewis Center include sales in these neighborhoods:

Cross Creek

Estates at Glen Oak

Oak Creek

Olentangy Meadows

Summerfield Village

The Shores

Villages of Oak Creek

Walker Woods

Wilshire

Woods of Olentangy

Wynstone

Sell your Lewis Center home

The data and graph represent ONLY single family homes. Previously Trendgraphix lumped single family and condominium homes together! I can still pull the information together but can also break it out by type and so much more to show trends in sales, inventory, days on market...

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Clintonville homes for sale - November 2009

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 19:00:56 -0600

Clintonville homes for sale brought to you by Maureen McCabe

The Clintonville Beechwold area is on the north side of the City of Columbus, south of Worthington. The Clintonville area is in the Columbus City School District.

Clintonville homes for sale - a market report
192 homes for sale
48 homes sold in September 2009
4.0 months of inventory based on sales

Average active price $216,000
Average sale price $188,000

-25% homes for sale than a year ago.
-35.5% months of inventory (based on closed Sales) in comparison to October 2008

Clintonville homes for sale - neighborhoods

The Clintonville Beechwold area homes for sale can include homes in the Graceland area, Salem Village, Chaseland, Chaseland Manor and other City of Columbus neighborhoods.

Clintonville home sales - October 2009
+17.1% home sales in October 2009 over October 2008
Average sale price $188,000
Median price $188,000 (really they are the same I double checked)

Search for Clintonville homes for sale

Data published November 2009, based on data available from the Columbus Board of REALTORS® at the end of October 2009. TrendGraphix reports presented are based on data supplied by the Columbus Board of Realtors. According to Trendgraphix neither CBR nor their MLS (multiple listing service ) guarantee or are in anyway responsible for its accuracy. "Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed." Only Real Living HER agents are authorized to use Trendgraphix in Central Ohio. These are single family and condominium homes combined. There are NOT many condominiums in the area.

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Brookside Estates

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 15:14:08 -0600

Brookside Estates Columbus Ohio 43235

I was surprised that the book 'Worthington Neighborhoods' by Jennie McCormick does not have a chapter on Brookside Estates. Brookside Estates is not in the City of Worthington but there are chapters on Worthington Hills and Chaseland. Those neighborhoods are not in the city of Worthington. Worthington Hills is in Perry and Sharon Townships.. southern edge of Worthington Hills there may even be part that is in the City of Columbus... Chaseland is in the City of Columbus. The reason Chaseland is included in Worthington Neighborhoods book published by the Worthington Historical Society is interesting.

In the Potters Creek chapter in Worthington neighborhoods it mentions Brookside Estates. The neighborhood does not even make the Alphabetical Listing of Worthington Neighborhoods

Brookside Estates is in Perry Township or most of it is... I thought all of it was. A litte, itty bitty part that is in the City of Columbus is in the Brookside Estates West "subdivision."

Brookside Country Club was founded in the1920's. The development of the Brookside Estates subdivision did not come along until much, much later. The BIA Parade of homes site in 1955 was Brookside Estates - Archive of Columbus BIA home builders parade location

The Brookside Country Club site says:

"Founded in 1927, Brookside is nestled naturally within 260 acres of pristine landscape in Worthington, OH between 315 and Sawmill Road."

They also say:

"Tudor Style Clubhouse built in the early 1930's"

More about Brookside Estates

Open House Sunday - 6185 McVey Blvd Columbus OH 43235

Brookside Neighborhoods - Map showing Brookside Estates east of the Brookside Country Club

Columbus OH 43235

Worthington Schools Earn an A+

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Real Living and GMAC Merge bring together over 10,000 agents in US & Awesome Tools!

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 17:51:19 -0600

Lots of links from Sheri Moritz who is a Real Living franchisee in North Carolina.

I am Re-Blogging Sheri's post saying Welcome to the Real Living Family to the GMAC brokers and agents. This is my favorite link that Sheri included:

"Here is the official information from Real Living... http://franchise.realliving.com/ There is a great video on here that you can use."

I am excited about it but it really does not affect Real Living HER (Columbus Ohio) or Real Living Realty Services (Dayton, Cinci, Louisville) the way it affects GMAC agents and the other Real Living Franchises.

I wrote a post for Central Ohio consumers with links to the local news about the merger. Real Living is based in Columbus.

Via Sheri Moritz (Real Living Realty Experts):

Many of us were pleasantly surprised with the announcement of the merger of Real Living and GMAC so I thought I would put together some good information that I have found that helps explain.

Excerpts from the announcement sent to franchise owners and managers:

"GMAC Real Estate is one of America's leading residential real estate franchises, and combined with the Real Living Network, we will have over 600 office locations, 10,000 plus agents and more than $20 billion in annual home sales. Together we will become a bigger, bolder company, offering a strong appealing, consumer-focused brand, with a suite of industry leading tools and technology that will power us forward in the years ahead.

The new organization was created after Brookfield Residential Property Services, the owner of GMAC Real Estate, acquired Real Living Network Services, and merged the two companies under the Real Living brand name. As we move forward, the Real Living agent-centric and consumer focused philosophy will continue to drive our decision-making and investment strategies.

As we make the transition, Real Living will focus on excellence in five key areas: technology, sales, marketing, training and business planning. These are areas that we will invest in to make our combined organization into one of the most sought after brands in the business. Our primary goal will continue to be to help our agents, offices and franchisees grow their business."

Here is the official Press Release... http://franchise.realliving.com/images/stories/Real-Living-News-Release.pdf

Here is the official information from Real Living... http://franchise.realliving.com/ There is a great video on here that you can use.

Here is the official information from GMAC... http://www.gmacrealestate.com/about/press/2009/1111.cfm

Official Announcement from Realtor Magazine with links to other sources... http://www.realtor.org/RMODaily.nsf/pages/News2009111101?OpenDocument&WT.cg_n=RMO&WT.cg_s=RSSDaily

Inman News (A leading real estate new publication)... http://www.inman.com/news/2009/11/11/gmac-real-estate-unites-with-real-living

Here is a link to the story in Business Wire: http://www.businesswire.com/portal/site/google/ndmViewId=news_view&newsId=20091111005279&newsLang=en

If you are new to the Real Living Network or interested in being a part of the Real Living Network feel free to contact me via ActiveRain or on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SheriMoritz or on Twitter @RealLifeSheri

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Worthington homes for sale - November 2009

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 17:01:52 -0600

Worthington homes for sale brought to you by Maureen McCabe

The homes represented by this graph are in the Worthington School District. The Worthington area neighborhoods include homes in the City of Worthington and the Village of Riverlea as well as homes in the City of Columbus and Sharon and Perry Townships. The school district boundaries were in place before much of this area was annexed to the City of Columbus or developed.

Worthington homes for sale - a market report

292 homes for sale
62 homes sold in September 2009
4.7 months of inventory based on sales

Average active price $250,000
Average sale price $203,000

-30.8% homes for sale than a year ago.
-34.7% months of inventory (based on closed Sales) in comparison to September 2008

Worthington homes for sale - neighborhoods

The 4.7 months of inventory includes homes in City of Worthington such as Colonial Hills, Elmwood, Medick Estates, North Street Village, Northigh Acres, Old Worthington, Olentangy Hills, Plesanton, Potters Creek, Toll Gate Square, Ville Charmante, Worthinglen, Worthington Estates.

Worthington area homes for sale include homes in City of Columbus neighborhoods including Brookside Woods,Carriage Oaks, Deer Creek, Lakes of Worthington, Lazelle Wood,lindsey Woods,Oldestone Crossing, Olentangy Highbluffs, Olentangy Highlands, Stilson Highlands, Stilson Village, Summerwood, The Sanctuary,Western Hills,Westworth Village, Worthington Highlands, Worthington Park, Worthington Ravine,Worthingview, Worthingwoods and more.

There are homes for sale in Brookside Estates, Worthington Hills are inunincorporated areas (townships)

Worthington home sales - October 2009
+ 5.1% home sales in October 2009 over October 2008
Average sale price $203,000
Median price $171,000

Worthington home sales -October 2009 neighborhoods

Worthington area neighborhoods in the City of Columbus or Perry or Sharon Township

Brookside Estates
Olentangy Highlands
Brookside Woods
Deer Creek
Olde Sawmill
Smoky Ridge
Smoky Mills Estates
Stilson Highlands
Stilson Village
Western Hills
Woodbridge Green
Woodbrige Village
Worthington Glen
Worthington Green
Worthington Hills
Worthingview

City of Worthington neighborhoods

Colonial Hills
Davis Estate
Kilbourne Village
Morris Addition
Old Worthington
Olentangy Hills
Plesanton
Residences of Worthington
Village Green Condos
Worthington Estates
Worthington Park

Riverlea - Riverlea is a separate village surrounded by Worthington, there were three home sales in Riverlea in October 2009

Search for Worthington homes

Data published November 2009, based on data available from the Columbus Board of REALTORS® at the end of October 2009. TrendGraphix reports presented are based on data supplied by the Columbus Board of Realtors. According to Trendgraphix neither CBR nor their MLS (multiple listing service ) guarantee or are in anyway responsible for its accuracy. "Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed." Only Real Living HER agents are authorized to use Trendgraphix in Central Ohio. The data is condominums and single family combined.

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Real Living's "expansion unit"

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 08:14:04 -0600

Real Living's "expansion unit" was bought by a company called Brookfield Residential Property Services. Real Living just became five times larger.... "expansion unit" comes from the title of a Columbus Business First article.

We (Real Living HER agents) got an email (with the press release) last night and a voice mail.

I work for Real Living HER. That is the company formerly known as HER Realtors. HER Realtors has been a leader in Central Ohio real estate for decades. Real Living HER is the number one real estate company in Central Ohio.

Real Living formed in 2002 is based in Columbus. The "expansion unit" part of Real Living is Real Living Network Services.

Matt Burns of Columbus Business First wrote about changes in Brookfield buys Real Living expansion unit

"The name of Central Ohio’s largest residential real estate brokerage will appear in nearly every state after its Columbus parent sold the division that powered its national expansion."

Brookfield owns GMAC real estate, has for about 9 months... GMAC real estate franchises across the US are the offices that will now have the Real Living name, logo, technology etc.

The Columbus Business First article says: "All of GMAC’s more than 600 offices will take the Real Living name."

Who's who....

Harley Rouda Jr. is the president of the new merged company...

Real Living

Real Living HER = Columbus

Real Living Realty Services - Dayton, Cinci, Louisville (I get this franchise confused with Real Living Network Services, the "expansion unit" of Real Living. )

There are Real Living franchises currently in 20 states, there will soon be the red and white signs in 46 states from what I am reading and hearing.

Brookfield Residential Property Services is a division of Brookfield Asset Management Inc.

GMAC Real Estate

The Columbus Dispatch article this morning: Real Living joins GMAC realty unit in merger written by Jim Weiker says:

"The deal, consummated this month and announced today, merges Real Living's 2,000 agents in 130 offices with approximately 8,000 GMAC Real Estate agents in 470 U.S. offices. It creates a company with $20 billion in annual real-estate transactions. About 8,000 of GMAC's 13,000 agents in the United States and Canada are expected to become part of Real Living."

What's the effect for buyers and sellers in Central Ohio? Not much, you've already got the good stuff available.

The image at the top is a Real Living ecard.

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Glee...

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 03:35:15 -0600

It's not the 2009 TV show Glee (I've seen it a couple of times...) Worthington Glee Club 1937 from Don O'Brien who grew up in Worthington. Visit O'Brien's Flickr photostream for lots of interesting photos of Worthington from the 1930s and 1940s.

O'Brien wrote on Flickr, "I was in 7th grade when I took the photo with my 620 Kodak folding camera. I think Miss Sanford, the Worthington school music teacher is the leader. I don't recognize any of the girls because they were several years older than I was.

The photo was taken in the old high school building, now the new art center. In 1937, grades 9-12 were in the building"

The ribbon cutting for the Peggy McConnell Arts Center in the "Packard" building was Sunday I believe.

The architect of the original building was Frank Packard. Have you been yet?

The arts center is beautiful from a distance.

Peggy R. McConnell Arts Center of Worthington - Facebook

There are lots of current photos in an album there, 'Mac Grand Opening.'

Don O'Brien's photo is licensed with a Creative Commons license

http://www.flickr.com/photos/dok1/ / CC BY 2.0

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Open House - 6185 McVey Blvd. Columbus OH 43235

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 12:33:59 -0600

Open House - 6185 McVey Blvd, Columbus OH 43235 pictures, status updates, pricing updates and more

2:00 PM - 4:00 PM on Sunday, November 15, 2009

Hosted by: Maureen McCabe

6185 McVey Blvd. Columbus OH 43235 - Map

This Brookside Estates ranch is truly one of a kind. Built in 1951 the house got an addition in the 1970s. The family room addition with two fireplaces and a wall of windows is being used as the master bedroom now.

The lot is nearly an acre and overlooks a ravine and Brookside County Club's golf course. Very easy access to Worthington, 315, 270 and Sawmill Road but in a very serene, natural setting.

6185 McVey Blvd. Columbus OH 43235 - Worthington City School District

Elementary - Brookside Estates

Middle - Perry Middle School

High School - Worthington Kilbourne

Attendance areas within the Worthington City School District are subject to change based on school district population changes. These are the schools for 2009 - 2010 school year for the Brookside Estates neighborhood.

Perry Township

Brookside neighborhoods

Real Estate Market Report - Columbus OH 43235

Real Estate Market Report - Worthington schools

The image is a Real Living ECard

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"We sell Brookside Woods"

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 06:03:05 -0600

"We sell Brookside Woods"

Trying to decide recently whether to attend an office social function I thought of Barbara and Jim Gustafson who were HER Realtor agents...

Barbara and Jim have moved to Florida now? Or they are traveling around the country (or the world?) with their home base in Florida.

Barbara Gustafson is real social. Real Living HER Worthington social functions often make me think of Barbara.

Barbara has a distinctive sense style. I have an internal WWBD (what would Barbara do) when it comes to accessorizing as time goes on. When I started wearing antlers with flashing bulbs on them for Christmas, it was from thinking "WWBD."

When I moved to Columbus in 1990 Barbara Gustafson was selling real estate alone, well with HER Realtors but Jim was still working for.... Scott's in Marysville? When I was moving to Columbus I saw Barbara's "I sell Brookside" signs in Brookside Estates and Brookside Village and Brookside Colony. Barbara's sign rider on her HER Realtor's for sale signs in Brookside Woods was "I sell Brookside Woods" I may have wandered into Brookside Woods by accident (out of my price range) back in 1990.

I can tell you which house on Starleaf Lane iBarbara had listed in 1990 in Brookside Colony when we were moving to Columbus and I am sure that is where I first noticed an "I sell Brookside" sign rider.

I worked for Coldwell Banker in 1990 and you could not help but notice that Barbara did indeed sell Brookside Woods and Brookside Colony and Brookside anything she could list and sell back in the 1990's. Cinda Schumaker with HER Realtors in Worthington sold Brookside Colony...but I don't think she has sign riders as part of her plan of neighborhood domination like Barbara's "I sell Brookside Woods" campaign.

My second listing ever in Central Ohio was a house in Western Hills which was an expired listing that had been Barbara Gustafson's listing. I remember Barbara's very dramatic and impassioned plea for showings on that listing at a Worthington real estate agent's association meeting... we did business a bit different back then than we do today. There is still a Greater Worthington Area Real Estate Association.

I joined HER Realtors in 1995 and worked with Barbara. That would be when I became more aware of her at social events, office and real estate related.

Jim Gustafson joined Barbara in selling real estate in Central Ohio at some point and the sign riders changed to "We Sell Brookside Woods"

Jim called me "Red."

Early on I think Barbara called me Marlene, Marian or whatever name was handy that started with an M. Later on I think she knew it was Maureen. I always wondered if Jim could not remember what my name was.

At a gathering at Red, White and Boom one year.... I remember Barbara in her red, white and blue clothing with her red, white and blue 4th of July jewelery telling me that Jim would never attend Red, White and Boom, that he was home watching it on TV.

There are things that will probably always remind me of Barbara and Jim Gustafson. Brookside Woods actually the whole Brookside area, Halloween, Christmas sweaters and earrings and Red, White and Boom even if Jim was at home on the couch.

Brookside Woods Homes

Brookside Neighborhoods

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Olentangy schools homes for sale

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 05:24:47 -0600

Olentangy Schools homes for sale - a lot of homes!

There is a lot of inventory of homes for sale in the Olentangy School District, 9.4 months at the end of September. The Lewis Center area, the City of Powell and unincorporated areas in Southern Delaware County are in the Olentangy Local School District. A graph for homes for sale for the whole school district looks like:

Links to Central Ohio school districts including the Olentangy Local School District.

Olentangy Schools homes for sale - a market report

Olentangy School District homes for sale - a market report

907 homes for sale
97 homes sold in September 2009

9.4 months of inventory based on sales

Average active price $429,000
Average sale price $298,000

18.2% less homes for sale than a year ago.
23% less months of inventory (based on closed Sales) in comparison to September 2008

Olentangy School District home sales - September 2009
+6.6% home sales in September 2009 over September 2008
Average sale price $298,000

The October data will be available in about a week and a half. The official news will be provided by the Columbus Board of REALTORS® MLS (multiple listing service)

Search for Delaware County homes

Trendgraphix uses single family and condominium sales combined. The graphs are based on data available at the end of September 2009. The graph was created with data from the Columbus Board of REALTORS® and Trendgraphix. Only Real Living HER agents are authorized to use Trendgraphix in Central Ohio.

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8 Myths of Staging to Sell - Busted.

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 06:25:13 -0600

Goodness ActiveRain (a real estate network) is going international Donna Reed the original blogger is from Australia...

This is a Re-Blog!

Reed's Myth # 7, I am amazed how many times standing upstairs in the hall of a typical Columbus Ohio floor plan home I've had to convince a buyer that the office or the room with exercise room is a bedoom.

"7. Converting a bedroom into a home gym won't be a problem"

Q. "Is this a bedroom?"

A. "It's a bedroom, see it has a closet."

Q."Could this count as a bedroom"

A. "It is a bedroom according to the auditor."

Q. "Would a bed even fit in here?"

A. "Of course a bed would fit.... the dimensions are ..."

Via Donna Ross - Home Staging, Sydney, Australia (Great Impressions Real Estate Staging & Consulting - Sydney):

Home staging (or property styling as it's commonly known as on the Australian property scene) is really an art, not a science. One of the many things a professional home stager understands is that it's the house that's up for sale, not the home owner's bread baking ability or taste in music. So, from the sublime to the rediculous - here's 8 myths of staging to sell - busted!

1. Buyers can see past my stuff
No - they can't. 95% of house hunters shop with a 'what you see is what you get' eye. You'll be maximising your chances of a better and quicker sale if you take the time to clean out, clean up and keep your look simple.

2. Baking bread, brewing fresh coffee and playing soft music will make a buyer fall in love with my house.
Maybe once upon a time this was true - but most would-be buyers are onto that old trick. It's more likely to trigger alarm bells, with many wondering what it is you're trying to hide. Your buyers will be happy with a place that looks and smells clean.

3. I'll need to clear everything out to help buyers see themselves living here.
This is only partly true. Wall to wall family photos are distracting, as is your porcelain rooster collection. These things are best put away. But don't go overboard, otherwise you'll end up with a look that feels cold and sterile.

4. If it's an original feature - it adds value.
Sometimes yes - but often no. Generally a property built less than 50 years ago without being updated is more likely to appear dated, rather than classic.

5. My place isn't worth staging.
All homes are worth taking the time to present in a positive light to buyers. The trick to knowing where to start and what to do is in having a good idea of what buyers in your target market will expect, along with learning more about what competing properties in your area are offering.

6. Empty rooms look bigger.

This is rarely the case. Buyers will always prefer to see how a room is used and what will fit in it, rather than be left to guess. Very large rooms can also be too intimidating for some. Even borrowed furniture can help buyers get an idea of scale and give the eye something of interest to focus on.

7. Converting a bedroom into a home gym won't be a problem.
Bedrooms are one of the most valuable commodities of the 'for sale' property. Having a home gym set up in a bedroom will prompt buyers to wonder why that is. I remember once looking at a house where this was the case. When I came across the bedroom with the gym in it, I immediately began to question if a bed would even fit. Always give the rooms in your house a purpose.

8. No need to worry about wardrobes and cupboards.
Home storage is a big deal to most buyers and is surprisingly valuable. Prospective buyers will open storage cupboards in kitchens and bathrooms, so keep them tidy. Keep only what you're using on a daily or weekly basis, and pack the rest away ready for the move.

Have you got a staging myth you'd like busted? Share them with me here.

Donna Ross

Great Impressions Real Estate Staging

"I love helping Sydney home owners and real estate agents catch the eye of choosy buyers with their 'for sale' listings, with fast, simple and inexpensive decorating fixes."

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Open House - 2286 Worthingwoods Blvd. Powell Ohio 43065

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 10:07:23 -0600

Open House Sunday November 8, 2009 - 2:00 to 4:00

2286 Worthingwoods Blvd. Powell Ohio 43065

3 Bedrooms
2 1/2 bath
Soft contemporary
Great room with vaulted ceiling & skylights
Brick floor to ceiling fireplace
Island eat-in-kitchen
Over 1700 SF on the first floor
Finished basement with 1/2 bath
Multi-level deck
Master bedroom door to deck
Backs to green space, St. Joan of Arc Church
Wood and stucco exterior
2 car attached garage
Priced at only $192,500

MAP This home is in the city of Columbus and the Worthington School District. The Worthingwoods neighborhood where 2286 is located is in Franklin County. Really far north Franklin County, the lot backs to Delaware County. The mailing address for this property is in the 43065 ZIP code.

Historic downtown Powell (in Southern Delaware County) is only minutes away.

Search for Ohio Columbus homes

More about the area surrounding this home

Worthingwoods a Columbus Neighborhood

Worthington homes for sale - October 2009 (market report through September 2009)

Worthington Schools

Real Living HER Open House List - A list of Real Living HER open houses

The image is a Real Living e card

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Comparing present homebuyer tax credit to extended version

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 10:55:09 -0600

Re-Blog! Here's the scoop from Jim Lee a TN real estate agent. The chart is from NAR.

Via Jim Lee, Knoxville Tennessee Realtor® (Realty Executives Associates):

Below is a chart prepared by the National Association of REALTORS ® comparing the new changes to the Homebuyer Tax Credit.

The biggest change is that current Homeowners are now eligible if they sell their current homes and then buy AFTER the date of enactment of this extension which is November 6th, 2009.

Because of widespread incidents of fraud, purchasers must now attach documentation proving they actually bought a qualifying home to qualify for the credit.

Additinally the income guidelines have been increased, now a single taxpayer can qualify if they earn up to $125,000 and up to $225,000 for married taxpayers.

The rationale for increasing the income limits and expanding the credit to existing homeowner is that it should encourage more higher priced home purchases. Currently the existing tax credit was driving mostly lower end purchases.

Jim Lee, CRS, ABR, GRI, ACRE, NAR Certified e-PRO Trainer
*****************************************************************
Visit my blog: www.KnoxvilleTennesseeRealEstateBlog.com
Realty Executives Associates, Knoxville, Tennessee
See all Knoxville area Realtor listings at: www.KnoxvilleHomeCenter.com
(865) 693-3232, My Personal Toll Free # 1-800-662-2488 ext. 163
mailto:Jim@JimLee.com

Click here to subscribe to my blog and get up to the minute news and reports about real estate in the greater Knoxville, Tennessee area.

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The ActiveRain heresy

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 09:01:43 -0600

The ActiveRain heresy...

Do you know what heresy is?

I believe Joan of Arc and Galileo were officially heretics to the big "ism" in their age. Joan got burned at the stake for it...

ActiveRainism - dogma?

How to write this without going into religion, dogma... I am a fan of ActiveRain. I don't think I practice ActiveRainism but some might... EDIT think I do. I think ActiveRain is one good way (place?) for the real estate industry to learn about social media, the real estate industry, blogging, technology.

I have been an ActiveRain member since 2006. I have seen lots of members come and go. Some for the next big thing (shiny object), some for their own blog, some back to their own blog... some to play on a cooler real estate blog (geekier, exclusive, classier) some because they are no longer working in the RE industry, some because they got in a snit...

For me that's OK! ActiveRain is not for everyone... just for 164K +/ - in the real estate industry.

ActiveRain is a real estate network.

If you are in a physical class with me and the ActiveRain heresy is uttered you will see steam coming out of my ears... The sentence which when uttered by a real estate guru, educator, RE blogger or a technology know it all... here it is... The ActiveRain heresy is "ActiveRain is for talking to other agents" or maybe "just for talking to other agents"...

ActiveRain heresy - heretics

ActiveRain is NOT a religion... ActiveRain is not a cult. There is no ActiveRain kool aid. Is there?

Endoheretics would be those within?

I am not sure if those who were members but quit in a snit (or just fell away, or are just inactive ActiveRain members) would be endoheretics or exoheretics when they utter the heresy... "ActiveRain is for talking to other agents."

Exoheretics would be those from outside...

I know when I go to a real estate class and the instructor is not a member that they probably don't know what they are talking about. They are exoheretics but I try not to scream "HERETIC" when they utter the phrase "ActiveRain is for talking to other agents"

Fact not everyone likes ActiveRain - that's OK

The sentence which when uttered by a real estate guru, educator, RE blogger or a technology know it all... The ActiveRain heresy "ActiveRain is for talking to other agents"

ActiveRain

You can talk to other agents...

You can also talk to the general public. Google and other search engines can be your megaphone for talking to consumers about real estate, communities. If you need help on how to blog to consumers ask for help.

Your ActiveRain blog? Your choice who you talk to.

ActiveRain syndrome Facebook training

'Galileo God rest his soul." Joan of Arc too...

Photo Credit -

St. Joan of Arc Statue

http://www.flickr.com/photos/riverap1/ / CC BY 2.0

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Stage Rooms for Their Intended Purpose When Selling a House

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 18:29:13 -0600

I just realized Marianne Sweet is an ActiveRain member. I read her all the time on miOaklandCounty.com

Good first impressions...

Via Marianne Sweet, Home Sweet Home Staging, LLC Rochester Hills, MI (Home Sweet Home Staging):

Reblogged from my page on www.mioaklandcounty.com and http://mioaklandcounty.realestatetomato.com/

When potential buyers view a house for sale, they need to see rooms presented as they were intended. The master bedroom shouldn’t be an exercise room, the bathroom shouldn’t be a pet station, the garage shouldn’t be a storage unit, and unless you have more than 3 bedrooms, resist the urge to make one an office.

This is especially important when it comes to dining areas. People want to see where they will gather for meals and entertain their loved ones.

I recently staged a 900 sq. ft. house for a client who was using her dining room as office space. As you can see (amongst the considerable clutter), a desk definitely does not belong there. Aside from being the wrong use of the space, it was also the first thing visitors saw when they came in the front door … NOT a good first impression.

After completely clearing out the area , I moved the table and chairs that were overwhelming the small kitchen and created a proper dining room.

Visitors can now see that there is room for a full size table and 4 chairs at the very least. Showing a dedicated dining room, the intended purpose for this space, adds value to this petite house and answers an important question for the buyer.

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Home Buyer Tax Credit for the rest of you

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 12:24:06 -0600

It looks like the first time home buyer tax credit is being extended and there's also Home Buyer Tax Credit for the rest of you, or a lot of non - first time home buyers.

The bill passed the senate.

The bill passed the house.

The bill needs the presidents signature.

I just saw on Twitter that it has been signed by President Obama.

Home Buyer Tax Credit for the rest of you

Up to $6,500 for move up buyers. If you've lived in your home 5 of the past 8 years...

I'm looking for something like this chart:

First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit The table in this February 2009 chart was produced by the National Associaton of Realtors

The First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit is extended until April 30, 2010.

Home Buyer Tax Credit for the rest of you - what would you call it?

The Move Up Home Buyer Tax Credit?

$6,500 Home Buyer Tax Credit?

Home Buyer Tax Credit

Search MLS for Central Ohio Homes

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