olentangy living: Are Sellers & Buyers Friends or Foe? - 09/17/08 07:37 PM
Selling or buying a home can be a wonderful experience ... or a troublesome one. It all depends on the parties involved. Naturally, having it be a wonderful, joyous, exciting time is the preferred outcome and that's what happens in the majority of sales.
HOW TO BECOME A FRIEND
First of all both … (8 comments)
|
olentangy living: 10 Years of Home Prices in Delaware County in Central Ohio - 09/07/08 09:38 AM
In June, I recorded the 10-yr average of home prices for Delaware County through May. Now that we're through the summer months, I've updated it.
This chart shows the average price for single family homes that were sold between Jan 1 thru Aug 31 for each of the years. The … (0 comments)
|
olentangy living: Up on the roof top ... ho-ho-ho! - 08/15/08 10:06 PM
In July, the State Farm insurance adjuster ruled in my favor and agreed that I needed a new roof based on wind damage. It took awhile to process the paperwork, get the check, have my mortgage holder co-sign the check, then schedule the roofer.
I hired a company that I've been … (4 comments)
|
olentangy living: Coming Soon ... Custom built Worthington home will be for sale. - 08/06/08 09:47 AM
I listed a home last night in Worthington, and since the sellers found and selected me based on my ReesesPieces blog, it seems only fitting that my blog readers should get a sneak preview of this new listing. It won't actually be available for showings until the middle of next week, so be sure … (0 comments)
|
olentangy living: Houses vs cars ... what's the difference? - 07/20/08 01:43 AM
I've been going to ask this question ever since I joined AR in '06. After reading Laurie Mindnich's post on dual agency, I decided to finally ask my question.
First let me explain that I follow the Ohio law that says we need to go over the subject (and get the … (11 comments)
|
olentangy living: A Captivating 1st Floor MBR Home in Stratford Woods with Private Backyard - 07/08/08 08:46 PM
Get ready to buy your hammock! You're certain to want one to relax in the wooded clearing that this home offers.
Or maybe you'll prefer to pass the hours sitting in the wood swing on the deck sipping your iced tea or lemonade.
Perhaps, you use gardening for therapy to the … (5 comments)
|
olentangy living: Home not selling? Maybe it's NOT dog friendly. - 07/05/08 09:50 AM
Over the years I've found it amusing to learn what "objects" people buy homes "around". For instance, sometimes they have or want-to-have a big TV, so they'll look for a suitable wall and ample space for the sofa or chairs that seem to go with TV viewing.
Others might have … (4 comments)
|
olentangy living: Delaware County home prices may be better than you think! - 06/30/08 05:57 PM
As real estate agents, we're often confronted with having to inform sellers that the price their home might sell for now is perhaps less than they paid for it, especially if they haven't owned it very long.
Since I live in and primarily work in southern Delaware County, I decided to … (2 comments)
|
olentangy living: Hoover Reservoir (near Galena Ohio) provides nearby homes with sounds of Nature. - 05/03/08 09:26 AM
I spent a couple hours yesterday taking exterior photos of my listing east of Hoover Reservoir, near Galena, for the fourth time. This time was to capture some of the Spring flowers AND to take new GREEN photos (vs snow or gray skies) before the trees totally leaf out. Once they … (3 comments)
|
olentangy living: Stunning 1st Floor MBR Home For Sale in Stratford Woods, Delaware Ohio - 05/02/08 03:46 PM
This is a truly awesome, spacious home at a very affordable price of only $232,900 considering all the upgrades and bells & whistles that it offers.
The first thing you'll notice is the outstanding condition and attention to detail for the upgrades. This soft contemporary open plan has a large owner's suite and laundry on the first … (1 comments)
|
olentangy living: One-of-a-kind, distinctive home for sale in Galena Ohio near Hoover Reservoir - under $1 million! - 02/26/08 11:43 PM
This new listing is a very distinctive California contemporary home situated on 3 wooded acres east of Hoover Reservoir, near Galena. Custom designed by a CA architect to take full advantage of the spectacular views from all rooms in all 3 levels. Complementing the natural beauty of the land is extensive professional landscaping … (2 comments)
|
olentangy living: Classic 4 Bedroom Home For Sale In Stratford Woods, Delaware, OH - 02/16/08 10:27 PM
You're gonna' love this one! It's in excellent condition ... just move in. It offers you plenty of room to live in or to entertain.
There is a formal living room for more intimate conversations with a nearby holiday style formal dining room. But as we all know, the guests will gather … (0 comments)
|
olentangy living: Wonderful wooded, cul-de-sac home for sale in Stratford Woods, Delaware, OH - 02/07/08 10:47 PM
UPDATED: Sold in 21 days for 98% of list price. Sold for $220,000.
You won't feel cramped in this spacious soft contemorary with a wonderful open floor plan. With its 2-story foyer, vaulted Great Room that's open to the Dining Room, there's plenty of room to spread out. Even the overhead … (6 comments)
|
olentangy living: Terrific cul-de-sac home for sale with wooded lot in Stratford Woods, Delaware Ohio - 01/13/08 10:31 AM
EDITED: IN-CONTRACT IN 9 DAYS! SOLD FOR 97% OF LIST PRICE FOR $242,900!
Here's a new listing that offers so-o-o many benefits to buyers and has a lot of the features that today's buyers want.
No view of homes behind. The cul-de-sac lot views a 15-acre city park where neighbors jog, walk, … (4 comments)
|
olentangy living: Year-end home prices for 5 years by central ohio school district - 01/10/08 09:57 AM
This report shows the 5-Year Average Home Price comparison by central Ohio school district. It shows that central Ohio DOES NOT have severe falling prices like California and Florida.
Our growth here in the Columbus metro area has been quite conservative over the years. There was some minor decline … (2 comments)
|
olentangy living: Looking for the beauty in a Central Ohio snowstorm ... - 12/16/07 11:13 AM
It's weekends like we're having this weekend that I'm glad I have a home office and don't have to make a trek out on the roads. My Cherokee (aka the WEENR-mobile) doesn't have a problem in the 6" of snow that Delaware County has received so far, but I'm not so … (12 comments)
|
olentangy living: Luxury condo in Village at Kinsale in Golf Village, Powell Ohio - 12/09/07 01:22 AM
If you play golf or like to be near those who do, then this is your perfect home. It has the best location in the Village at Kinsale complex with complete tee-green view of the Kinsale golf course. Designed to have great views of the course, rather than other condos, you'll … (2 comments)
|
olentangy living: On the Coyote Trail at Highbanks Metro Park - 09/23/07 10:50 PM
The Murph and I were on our way home from some afternoon errands and decided it would be a great day to take a stroll on one of Highbanks trails. Although pets are allowed in the park (on leash, of course), there is only one trail that they can use. It's … (4 comments)
|
olentangy living: Columbus Ohio zips right along! - 09/18/07 10:47 PM
Several years ago, I read in a local newspaper that Columbus Ohio was within an 8-hour drive of, I believe, something like 60%-70% of the U.S. population. I tried to find an update to that figure, but was unable to locate a current number. Anyway, "lots" of major cities are only … (2 comments)
|
olentangy living: Did you know your home inspector isn't licensed? - 09/16/07 11:20 AM
I've written a few posts recommending that buyers always have a home inspection, even if they're buying a new build. It also can be helpful to sellers to have an inspection prior to listing their home. But those inspections are only as good as the inspector selected to actually do the … (4 comments)
|
olentangy living: Southern Delaware County residents are fighting NIMBY - 09/16/07 10:04 AM
Southern Delaware County has been a high growth area for the past ten years. The farm fields quickly turned into new housing developments. People moved into these developments in droves. The Olentangy School District has been trying to keep up by building lots of new schools. Naturally with the attractive income demographics … (0 comments)
|
olentangy living: Don't let Fluffy and Fido spend your home's equity. - 09/13/07 09:49 PM
Over half the U.S. households own one or more pets. We love them. They're a true, faithful and loyal member of the family. We pick up after them just as we do the human children
.... and they can make our homes hard to sell.
They scratch or chew woodwork, doors and sometimes walls. They sometimes have … (6 comments)
|
olentangy living: The Olentangy River transforms itself through the countryside. - 09/12/07 10:48 PM
I think the Olentangy River is so-o-o pretty.
I'm not the only one ... since it's been designated as a Scenic River. The river takes many different forms depending on what part is being viewed or how much it has just rained. It's pretty in the spring when wild flowering trees are … (2 comments)
|
olentangy living: Wedgewood is Powell's upscale luxury development ... with golf as an option! - 09/12/07 03:38 PM
Wedgewood is a very attractive upscale development on the west side of Powell. It began in the late 1980's being the site of the annual Parade of Homes event. Homes are still being built in the community so there is a wide variety of styles, luxury, and ages of homes. There are also … (0 comments)
|
olentangy living: D'ya suppose we can put the bubbly on ice?? - 09/05/07 07:38 PM
Today I was preparing the weekly updates for my clients. You know the type - number of views on each of the websites/blogs where the homes are posted, number of showings, number of ads, etc.
The graphs we get from Realtor.com are looking positive for a change. Here's the viewing graphs for … (11 comments)
|
olentangy living: Fall is a great time to improve your Spring curb appeal! - 09/01/07 12:19 PM
It's Labor Day weekend and aside from enjoying a picnic or two on the last holiday weekend, it's also a good time to do last minute work on your lawn ... especially after the hot, dry weather we've had.
With a little effort - not a lot - it's easy to have … (8 comments)
|
olentangy living: Muirfield Village - the city that Jack built. - 08/25/07 09:39 PM
I confess! Muirfield Village is one of my favorite communities. First and foremost is that it is a controlled community - no worry about a big box store or yet another pharmacy going in on the corner. Plus, the deed restrictions are pretty strict on what can and cannot be done. … (6 comments)
|
olentangy living: Ballantrae ... dancing hares cavort in the "Irish" countryside of Dublin Ohio - 08/22/07 09:33 PM
Ballantrae is a large housing development and golf course south of the western edge of Dublin. The grounds are designed to represent an Irish countryside with stone walls and sea grass lining the roadways and fairways. Large stones, reminiscent of Stonehenge front many of the individual developments.
The most memorable aspect of … (9 comments)
|
olentangy living: Worthington Ohio Golf Course communities are favorites with Buyers - 08/11/07 08:45 PM
Back in January, I wrote an article about Powell being an favorite spot for people who like to live on or near a golf course. Well, Worthington has a couple courses worth noting as well, AND they are favorites for people buying homes. Even though these courses are much older ... … (5 comments)
|
olentangy living: Central Ohio Condo Sales for the first half of 2007 - 08/09/07 10:29 PM
You can live a carefree lifestyle for very reasonable cost in the north/northwest communities around Columbus. Or if you want total luxury, there are many options for you as well.
Condos such as the one to the right, generally cost below $160K depending on the number of bedrooms and the location of … (3 comments)
|
olentangy living: Delaware Ohio ... 2nd Qtr home sales vs last year - 07/31/07 12:16 PM
The Delaware area home sales were up this year versus last year in this bedroom community north of the Columbus metro area. As such it performed slightly better than four of the other local suburbs that I track. The only suburb that performed better was Powell, to the south of Delaware, … (4 comments)
|
olentangy living: Hilliard Ohio ... 2nd Qtr home sales vs last year - 07/31/07 11:53 AM
The Hilliard area home sales were down this year versus last year a little more so than five other local suburbs except for Dublin. I compared '07 vs '06 home sales data for Jan-Jun for the Hilliard SD.
This review showed that the overall average sales price decreased 6%, from $201K to … (0 comments)
|
olentangy living: Worthington Ohio ... 2nd Qtr home sales vs last year - 07/31/07 11:33 AM
The Worthington area home sales were a little more stable this year versus last year than the other five local suburbs that I track, but that may be expected since it's an older community with few new-home developments. I compared '07 vs '06 home sales data for Jan-Jun for the Worthington … (0 comments)
|
olentangy living: Dublin Ohio ... 2nd Qtr home sales vs last year - 07/31/07 11:16 AM
The Dublin area home sales were down this year versus last year more so than the other five local suburbs that I track. I compared '07 vs '06 home sales data for Jan-Jun for the Dublin SD.
This review showed that the overall average sales price decreased 8%, from $357K to $327K. … (0 comments)
|
olentangy living: Lewis Center Ohio ... 2nd Qtr home sales vs last year - 07/31/07 10:53 AM
The Lewis Center area overall experienced flat home sales this year versus last year. I compared '07 vs '06 home sales data for Jan-Jun for the zip code 43035 in the Olentangy SD.
Doing so showed that the overall average sales price decreased 1%, from $282K to $280K. The size of the average … (0 comments)
|
olentangy living: Powell Ohio ... 2nd Qtr home sales vs last year - 07/31/07 10:25 AM
The Powell area home sales performed better this year versus last year than the other five local suburbs that I track. I compared '07 vs '06 home sales data for Jan-Jun for the zip code 43065 in the Olentangy SD.
Doing so showed that the overall average sales price increased 4%, from … (0 comments)
|
olentangy living: Hayden Run Falls ... a surprise respite for Columbus residents - 07/20/07 10:03 PM
Blogging and writing articles to promote the central Ohio area has given me a new appreciation for the area. I find that I'm often looking for good photo-ops to describe our metro area. This afternoon on my way to the office from a client's home, I passed one such area that I … (7 comments)
|
olentangy living: Stratford Woods, Delaware County Ohio, photo tour - 06/30/07 05:30 PM
Some central Ohio neighborhoods have been built in flat soybean fields. Then there are other neighborhoods that have taken advantage of the rolling terrain and wooded ravines. Many of those attractive areas are more expensive homes, out of the reach of many homeowners. Stratfords Woods offers an alternative for those wanting … (0 comments)
|
olentangy living: Get off my Ash ... a sad update - 06/26/07 04:47 PM
In early June, I wrote about the potential for the Emerald Ash Borer to destroy all the trees along my street - which are ALL Ash trees.
At the time I wrote the article, one of the trees along the street was 'suspect'. But this lone tree has … (16 comments)
|
olentangy living: Mom & Dad ... step back when the kids are buying a home - 06/24/07 10:18 PM
I know, I know ... we never stop being parents and wanting to help protect our kids or have them make good decisions. Goodness, I have as much trouble with this as any other parent.
When it comes to the process of buying a home, this might be one of the … (6 comments)
|
olentangy living: The Wild, Wild West of Powell, Ohio - 06/23/07 11:16 PM
When I hear the word 'coyote' I recall the 18 months that I lived in Tucson. Every evening when I and my two Dobies would relax on the patio, we could hear the coyotes start their howling as they were gathering for their nightly hunt. I had been told that the … (11 comments)
|
olentangy living: Watch your backside! - 06/19/07 04:38 PM
Southern Delaware County is the fastest growing portion of any area in Ohio and one of the top 15 in the Nation. While growth can be good - bringing new jobs and assisting the economy - it can also have its painful side.
Such is the case with the southeast quadrant of … (0 comments)
|
olentangy living: Central Ohio trains ... learn to love them! - 06/16/07 10:29 PM
I've never ridden on a train, but they hold a certain fascination for me.
Or maybe it's less to do with the train than it is with the tracks. Every time I cross these tracks my mind wanders - a bad thing to have happen on railroad tracks - as I … (6 comments)
|
olentangy living: Chief Leatherlips may get revenge AGAIN! - 05/29/07 01:02 AM
The prestigious Memorial Tournament in Dublin begins this week. All the top players will be coming to play Jack's highly manicured course. Jack is extremely particular that everything with the course and the surrounding area of Muirfield is in tip-top shape. That's why the golfers like to come here. Jack makes sure … (0 comments)
|
olentangy living: Fantastic 4BR Home For Sale in Southern Delaware Ohio - SOLD - 04/28/07 11:43 PM
EDITED: This home went into contract in 26 days, and SOLD for 97% of the list price.
Be sure to view this photo tour to see the awesome fenced yard, the wonderful landscaping, paver patio and the scene. The interior is equally well-cared for offering the new owners a great opportunity to … (0 comments)
|
olentangy living: Outstanding 2BR Condo in Northbridge Village, Dublin Ohio - SOLD! - 04/18/07 12:21 AM
UPDATE: Sold for 100% of list price!
Outstanding Dublin Ohio condo is ready for the new owner to move in to start enjoying the carefree lifestyle. Unlike similar complex units, this one has an excellent U-shaped kitchen with corian countertops, a larger dining area and a roomy step-down living room that overlooks … (0 comments)
|
olentangy living: Powell & Lewis Center Condo Sales for 1st Qtr 2007 - 04/14/07 08:43 PM
Southern Delaware County has LOTS of condos in all price ranges and styles. Their first quarter 2007 sales results have similar results to the single family homes sales statistics. Agents and sellers would like the numbers to be a little more positive, but it's still a buyer's market. The new predatory … (0 comments)
|
olentangy living: 1st Quarter Homes Sales for Delaware Ohio area - 04/07/07 01:34 PM
1st quarter homes sales have been recorded and have declined for the Delaware Ohio area. The number of homes sold in 2007 declined 15% versus 2006, with 89 homes sold this year versus 105 homes sold last year. The average price of the homes sold increased slightly at 2% - $156,767 … (0 comments)
|
olentangy living: 1st Quarter Homes Sales for Hilliard Ohio area - 04/07/07 01:30 PM
1st quarter homes sales have been recorded and have declined for the Hilliard Ohio area. The number of homes sold in 2007 declined 15% versus 2006, with 196 homes sold this year versus 230 homes sold last year. The average price of the homes sold declined 9% - $198,341 in 2007 … (0 comments)
|
olentangy living: 1st Quarter Homes Sales for Westerville Ohio area - 04/07/07 01:28 PM
1st quarter homes sales have been recorded and are fairly flat for the Westerville Ohio area. The number of homes sold in 2007 was flat versus 2006, with 230 homes sold this year versus 229 homes sold last year. The average price of the homes sold declined 1.5% - $218,552 in … (0 comments)
|
olentangy living: 3 Blind Mice ... 3 Little Pigs & the wolf ... 3 Bears & Goldilocks - 03/24/07 07:00 AM
Nope, this tale is about 3 houses and why it pays to use a full-service agent and why it doesn't pay to overprice a listing.
Once upon a time there were 3 sellers in the same neighborhood who owned homes with the same floor plan and who put their homes on the … (57 comments)
|
olentangy living: Interviewing a Realtor®? Ask for the "secret" designation. - 03/15/07 05:59 PM
Professionals often use particular "alphabet soup" letters after their name to refer to certain designations they've earned as a result of taking classes, coursework and/or tests to earn those credentials. CPA's use them. Financial Planners use them. Attorneys use them. Real estate agents who belong to the National Association of Realtors® … (15 comments)
|
olentangy living: Start working on your selling curb appeal as soon as you buy. - 03/14/07 09:19 PM
Homeowners often ask me what they should do to improve the value of their home to increase its price when they eventually want to sell. Should they add a deck or a paver patio? Should they finish their basement or add a Florida room? My standard answer is PLANT TREES if … (7 comments)
|
olentangy living: What's with those roof stains? - 03/08/07 09:28 PM
Notice the roof on this home? See the dark stains that appear to be flowing downward?
This is a common occurrence in central Ohio, especially in homes over 5-6 years old. Buyers often think the roof is bad and in need of replacement. This may not be the case.
Many times the … (14 comments)
|
olentangy living: Stratford Woods ... a great place to call home. - 03/06/07 10:47 PM
If you would like to live in a neighborhood with rolling land and meandering streets through wooded ravines, then you must visit Stratford Woods. This friendly neighborhood contains 368 homes and is located south of the city of Delaware, in Delaware County, Ohio. It's a special community with a slogan "Where … (0 comments)
|
olentangy living: Fresh Eggs and Maple Syrup ... just add pancakes! - 03/06/07 08:50 PM
South of Delaware, Ohio, there is a little known state nature preserve that is a fascinating concept. It's called Stratford Ecological Center and it resides on 236 acres of protected land.
Only yards away from a busy state highway, the preserve is a quiet place that seemingly is worlds away from … (2 comments)
|
olentangy living: This is SUCH a glam job! - 02/16/07 02:28 PM
At least that's what some people outside the industry think, right! I thought about this yesterday afternoon. I closed on a listing on Monday. At the closing, I told the buyer I would pick up my sign probably on Wednesday. I like to leave the SOLD strip up for a couple … (11 comments)
|
olentangy living: So you want waterfront property in Central Ohio ... - 02/12/07 09:05 AM
I once had a potential buyer, from Florida, contact me via email regarding waterfront property. No, not THAT kind of property. He wanted to buy HERE not THERE!
He wanted a condo in Powell, or perhaps Dublin, on the water with docking privileges, and he wanted to keep the price around … (11 comments)
|
olentangy living: The Southern Gateway ... HUH! - 02/11/07 09:08 PM
Southern Delaware County is the fastest growing area in Ohio, and #14 in the nation. The growth has come northward from Franklin County where Columbus is located. Route 23 is the main drag between Worthington and the city of Delaware, 12 miles to the north. The housing growth hasn't quite reached Delaware yet, … (9 comments)
|
olentangy living: Sargent Murphy to the rescue. - 01/28/07 08:41 PM
According to the Jan. 28 This Week Community Newspaper, the city of Delaware is going to re-establish a canine unit, after being without one for ten years. During the interim, they've relied on assistance from the county Sheriff's canine unit.
The dog and the handler will, of course, be working on … (13 comments)
|
olentangy living: Does size really matter? - 01/27/07 08:06 PM
Um-m-m excuse me, but this post is about HOUSES!
Of course, I know that Rainers never do this, but we've all seen OTHER agents fudge the square footage of a home, especially if the home is small or if the price is higher than it should be. Perhaps, the home … (53 comments)
|
olentangy living: Lewis Center - it's an area not a city. - 01/15/07 10:27 PM
When out-of-towners call me regarding Lewis Center homes, they often ask what the city is like. I chuckle and respond that Lewis Center really isn't a city but rather a large geographical area in the southeast portion of Delaware County. The original "city" still exists but it's only a few older … (5 comments)
|
olentangy living: 2006 Average home prices in Lewis Center, Ohio - 01/12/07 05:11 PM
The news media has talked greatly about "the bubble", but we don't have that problem here in central Ohio. Our prices have steadily kept up with inflation but no double digit increases.
Even so, again thanks to the media, central Ohio has experienced a Buyer's Market during 2006. There were more homes … (2 comments)
|
olentangy living: 2006 Average home prices for Powell, Ohio - 01/12/07 04:52 PM
The end of the year results are in, and while the news media has talked greatly about "the bubble", we don't have that problem here in central Ohio. The past few years, our prices have steadily kept up with inflation or slightly over that rate. "The bubble" refers to areas - … (0 comments)
|
olentangy living: Powell Ohio is a great golf course community. - 01/01/07 09:46 PM
Powell, Ohio is a perfect Columbus suburb for buyers who want to live on or near a golf course. There are 3 private clubs and 2 public courses. All, except one public course, are surrounded by homes priced from $300K to $1 million. I showed an example of a condominium in … (13 comments)
|
olentangy living: Boomers Options for 'Downsizing' in Powell or Dublin, Ohio - 12/27/06 10:14 PM
Many empty-nesters or baby boomers prefer to trade-in their typical family home for more leisurely living once the children leave the nest. I've found that my clients don't want to sacrifice home size or luxury just to gain freedom from mowing the lawn or shoveling snow. They still want to have space for … (2 comments)
|
olentangy living: Fencing & Home Prices - Does it matter? - 12/16/06 09:17 AM
I have my own opinion on this issue based on my buyer's comments, but others may have had different experiences.
This post is NOT about fencing 'yes' or 'no'!
I live in a typical central Ohio subdivision but rather than having the development be built on a prior flat soybean field, … (23 comments)
|
;)
Links;)
Archives
