Good consumer information!

This is another example when a good Realtor works hard and gets the short sale done!  Congrats!!!

Maybe Realtors should look at Zillow differently after watching this!

Homes located in walkable neighborhoods may be more valuable that homes located in car-dependent areas.  Higher levels of walkability, determined by its walk score, may be increasing the value of the home.  The higher the walk score, the higher the home value.  The location of restaurants, schools, libraries, banks and retail shops are some of the amenities which help determine the homes walk score.  It is possible that a one-point increase in a walk score could increase the sale value of a home from $700 up to $3000, depending on the market.

Exterior Lighting - It should catch your eye, not blind you.  Flashing lights and lawn figures may keep your prospective buyers from seeing the true charm and value of your home.  Keep it simple.  Simple white lights in moderation can compliment your home and make it feel festive and welcoming.

Christmas Tree - For those with a smaller home, you may want to rethink putting up that tree.  Prospective buyers are looking at the amount of space they have to work with.  A tree can create the illusion of less space.  Natural lighting can create the illusion of more space, so don't block windows with a tree or any large decorations.

Interior Decorations - Leave most of those decoration in the box.  Too many knick-knacks, lights and/or displays will distract the prospective buyer.  The abundance of decorations can make a room appear smaller and the prospective buyer may spend time judging your displays instead of looking at your home.

Holiday Scents - One of the most popular scents is always Vanilla.  Other favorite scents for the holiday season include cinnamon, pumpkin spice and spruce.

After The Holidays - Holiday decoration should be taken down and stored  by January.  Leaving your directions up for an extended period of time may give the impression that you do not take the time to maintain your home. Rule of thumb: All decoration should be removed within a few days after the holiday

It does not matter if ou like it or not, the next wave of REO's is coming soon! Are you ready for it?

Columbus was 1 of the 24 metropolitan areas studied.  Columbus showed a rise in home values in the 3^rd quarter this year compared to the 3^rd quarter of last year.  Home values rose in some out of the way places you might not expect such as Groveport, Hebron and Johnstown.  But, there was a drop in value in areas such as Upper Arlington Worthington and Dublin.  A few central Ohio real estate agents agree that the housing prices are starting to stabilize throughout the Columbus area.

Delaware County was the only Ohio location to make the list taking number 8 out of the top 10 counties in the U.S. where the concentration of the young and wealthy live. 

During the month of October 11,646 foreclosure notices were filed in Ohio according to RealtyTrac, a California-based foreclosure service.  It looks like Ohio might be heading into another round of foreclosures after these figures were released.  There has been an increase in lawsuits filed by lenders against homeowners.  The 4,628 suits filed are also included in the number.  This is 16% more then in September.  The number of loans 90 days delinquent has not been declining so it looks like we still cannot see the light at the end of the tunnel.  The 90 day delinquent loan numbers have been increasing since the middle of 2008 even though the Nationwide trends in foreclosures fell 3% in September and October. 

The mortgage industry is still struggling to manage as foreclosures remain at a near record high.  California and Florida consumed 41% of the nation's foreclosures in October.  Illinois and Michigan followed with Arizona and Nevada close behind.  The government has had to push many lenders to participate in the Obama administration's loan modification plan.  Over 650,000 borrowers signed up for temporary plans, but since the start of September, only 1,700 modifications have been made permanent.

2714-16 Adams Avenue can buy with 2420-22 Adams.  Frame 2 unit fully leased on 11-16-09.  See vacant unit at 2422 Adams first.  Good North University rental.  Forced Air/Gas, Owner pays sewer. Tenant pays electric & gas. Income & expenses projected.  Subject to 3rd party approval.  New listing by Joe Jackson of the Jackson Team.