Monthly Archives: February 2009

Newspaper reporter loves “enchanting modern home”

Posted on 02/28/2009 | Leave a comment

I listed a unique exec-style home yesterday. The seller happened to have an old newspaper clipping from The Dispatch that was written perhaps in the late 60′s or early 70′s when the newspaper featured the home in its HOMES section. There’s no date on the yellowed article, so we’re not sure when the home was actually featured.

Since the home was totally updated and remodeled in the 90′s, keeping with the original unique design but adding on a 3rd floor, it was interesting to read the newspaper’s take on the design. I enjoyed (was amused) at some of the descriptions used by the Dispatch writer:

“Enchanting design – more than a mere conversation piece.” (yes, very true!)
It has a “myriad of nooks, crannies and turns and its elastic use of space, the plan is a child’s delight; an adult’s idea of enchanting excitement”. (I’ve no idea what an ‘elastic use of space’ is … so don’t ask!)
“At one side, the ceiling soars, the floor falls away and you have a bird’s-eye view into a “well”, which is the lower level living room.” (Perhaps, having a floor ‘fall-away’ is not quite the description I would use …)
“… the eye finds fascination in angles and spaces.” (OK, I agree with this.)
” … to cozily encompass a one-step dropped area rimmed with built-in seating.” (the home has a step-down conversation pit around a wood stove which is a wonderful place.)

I doubt that this Dispatch reporter is still in the business, but I really did enjoy reading her article. I’ll be posting on this home tomorrow or Monday. I’ll have to remember to add some of these phrases … right after I determine what that elastic phrase means … perhaps “versatile”? I do like the “eye finds fascination” as this home is one of those where you want to stand in one spot and do a 360° turn in many of the rooms to totally capture the entire “bird’s-eye view“.

I would LOVE to have this same reporter see the home since its major remodel in the 90′s. It’s even more spectacular now … or as she would say, “even MORE of an enchanting design“.

Copyright © 2009. Elaine Reese, Real Living HER. Reproduction of any portion of this blog post or the images is prohibited by the Digital Millennium Copyright Act. If this post is being viewed on any site other than www.ReesesPiecesOfRealEstate.com then the material has been stolen without permission. Violators will be reported.

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Posted in Central Ohio, Delaware County, Galena Ohio, Homes, Homes for sale, Media, Newspaper

Tagged California contemporary home in Ohio, central ohio real estate market, Hoover Reservoir, luxury homes in central ohio

You are a VIV!

Posted on 02/27/2009 | Leave a comment

Yes, you are a VIV… Very Important Visitor! Scroll down my right side bar where you see the number of VIV’s who have visited my site.

Just how important are my visitors … my loyal readers?

The system that I use to analyze the traffic to this blog gives me some basic demographic data. Don’t worry … it can’t tell who you are … it just compares demos vs the census data. The demos are VERY attractive!

51% of you are men; 49% are women.
40% are 35-49 yrs old; 31% are over 50; 27% are 18-34 yrs old.
45% of you have a college degree; 18% have a graduate degree. (I KNEW you were smart!)
30% make between $60,000-$100,000. 27% earn over $100,000.

The summary of this analytic tool says: “This site appeals to a more affluent, more educated audience.” Thank you to all my VIR’s … Very Important Readers.

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Posted in Commentary, Surveys

An ear to the ground for central Ohio real estate

Posted on 02/25/2009 | Leave a comment

talking I’m the chair for the CBR’s Tech User Committee. At the start of yesterday’s meeting, I ask the 40-some agents in attendance if their business was thumbs-up, thumbs-down, or were they working with “fence-sitters”. Probably a good half of them indicated a “THUMBS-UP”. They’re busy! A few others said they were working with the fence-sitters. Almost all agents felt that March was going to be a busy month … when the weather is less nasty.

Last night I received an email from the CBR President, giving January statistics for the entire MLS system.

266 fewer homes were sold Jan 2009 vs Jan 2008. The Pres attributed it to the weather and the economy. (remember how bad/cold the weather was in December!)
More than 1,000 homes went into contract during Jan 2009, an indication that sales may be increasing due to the the 1st Time Homebuyer Tax Credit.
In January, there were 17.4% fewer homes for sale than in Jan 2008. That means a major reduction to inventory which is needed to create balance to supply-demand.
The average price of homes sold in Jan was $137,446. This could be due to sales of homes in trouble financially.

Busy Realtors® … low inventory … low interest rates … appealing 1st Time Homebuyer program … flat prices … ALL POSITIVE SIGNS!

I’ve written before how the media tends to put negative spins on stories because people are more apt to read those stories. When they do this, they are really doing a disservice to the industry or people they’re covering. Here’s how a local NBC reporter wrote up the above information. There are so many other headlines she could have chosen that would have better helped the local market of which she represents. And, this is from a station that is currently running a promo of “Where Accuracy Matters”.

We need the media to step up to the plate to help the nation OUT of some of the problems, not continue to propel us downward! OK, I’ll step off my soapbox now.

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Posted in Buyers, Central Ohio, Columbus Ohio, Franklin County, Home buying process, Homes, Homes for sale, Housing stats, Media, Realtors®, Sellers, Television

Tagged central ohio real estate market news, economy stimulus, NBC 4

How do you feel about the Stimulus Bill?

Posted on 02/23/2009 | Leave a comment

Isn’t there some saying that goes something like, “Opinions … everyone has one“? I’ve been doing quite a bit of reading regarding the Stimulus Bill, trying to decide how it might affect home sellers or buyers. I’ve had some sellers and buyers ask me what they should do. Should they put their home on the market? Should they go ahead with buying a home? Some are on the fence, waiting to see if the Stimulus Bill helps with generating jobs and thus, reduces the fear of people losing their job.

Because it’s politically based, there are strong opinions. By now, we’ve all seen the rant that took place at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. I would like to know how my readers feel. Here’s a poll where you can voice your opinion anonymously. Also, feel free to add a comment. All I ask is that you keep your comments “G-rated”.

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Posted in Buyers, Central Ohio, Commentary, Homes, Sellers, Surveys

Tagged economy stimulus

Our country is going to the dogs!

Posted on 02/22/2009 | 2 Comments

Fooled you … this is NOT a political rant! This is just a light-hearted fun post. I decided we could use that on a Sunday morning.

A recent Forbes article discusses America’s love affair with pets, specifically dogs. According to the American Kennel Club, the Top 10 breeds are: Yorkie, German Shepherd, Golden, Beagle, Boxer, DACHSHUND, Bulldog, Poodle, and Shih Tzu.

The Murph is pleased to have made the list.

The Forbes article also includes a photo tour of the Top 10 breeds by city. For Columbus, OH the Top 10 are: Labrador Retriever, German Shepherd, Yorkie, Boxer, Golden, Poodle, Bulldog, Miniature Schnauzer, DACHSHUND, and Doberman.

As a Dobie lover … I’ve had 3 … I’m glad to see they made the list as well. They made it to the Top 10 in only a few cities, but Doxies made it to the list for most cities.

“The list reflects the times,” says Sarah Wilson, expert for PBS’s Why We Love Cats and Dogs. “These dogs are friendly and happy and love to lie on their owner’s lap. People want a dog that is a companion and that they can cuddle with.”

Anyone who is owned by a dog, knows that special feeling of being greeted at the door by an energetic tail-wagger when we come home from a hard day. They reduce our blood pressure and make us feel really special. Their exuberance is reflected in their whole body … then they go take a nap.

The article went on to say that even in the current economy, spending on pet supplies and OTC medicines is projected to have increased 5.1% last year to $10.3 billion.

Maybe I should tell my daughter – who works for a stock brokerage firm – to move my IRA to the pet industry. Perhaps, I could get back some of the money I’ve lost.

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Posted in Central Ohio, Columbus Ohio, Dog Tails, Franklin County, Media, Surveys

Tagged Dachshund, Doberman, Forbes Most Popular Dogs list, Top 10 Dog Breeds

Muscle cars, submarine races, and fond memories!

Posted on 02/20/2009 | Leave a comment

Did you happen to see NBC Nightly News tonight with a report on the eventual demise of the Pontiac brand for GM? The reporter talked about the nostalgia of such muscle cars as the GTO and the Firebird.

My apologies to the Gen X’ers & Gen Y’ers, as you won’t understand this post.

Having been a teenager when you could actually identify one car from another, and when Continental kits and wheel spinners were popular, I admit that I LOVE FAST CARS! My generation saw the beginning of the T-Bird, the Vet and ultimately the Mustang – the real one - not the make-believe ones now. We also had our ’57 Chevies and Crown Vics which were usually endowed with the Continental kits.

The little town in Knox County where I went to high school, had two stoplights and a hill between the two lights. It was just “so COOL” to downshift to 2nd gear in the Chevy between the two lights and listen to that unique whine that only Chevies made. Even better if the car had glass-packed mufflers for that deep throaty rumble. Ah-h-h, the memories!

We were the bobby sox, poodle skirt, Fonzie-type kids who cruised the hamburger drive-thru after the the movie was over at the drive-in where we watched the submarine races.

I won’t explain submarine races as my granddaughters might read this

My first fun vehicle was a WWII Jeep that my older sister bought for me to use to drive to her home to babysit for the summer. I painted it hot pink and put porto-walls on the tires. There were no doors so I always had to have an umbrella handy. On the weekends, it served as wheels for my friends and I to have fun. No doors and no seatbelts then … it’s a wonder I survived.

My next hot car was a 65 Red Mustang. I was in my late 20′s by then, and even though I was going slow, it was prone to slide easily on ice, so I ended up skewered on the end of a guardrail dangling in the air.

In the 80′s, I had three Z’s. The brown turbo was my favorite. I learned how to cry to get out of tickets with that car. The guys I worked with said that wasn’t fair, but hey, the tears worked. Don’t tell my 16-yr granddaughter … she’s about to get her license … and I have an image to protect.

There aren’t many “fun” cars anymore … which could be why the automotive industry is in trouble. The little Chrysler Crossfire is pretty cool. There’s a new Z to be introduced that looks really snazzy. Then there’s the tiny Beemer. If I didn’t have to haul yard signs and other stuff for real estate, I would still want a sportscar. But alas, the WEENR-mobile has to be my hot wheels now. At least it’s Chili Pepper Red.

I doubt that the teenagers of today will look back with nostalgia at Honda Fits or Toyota Prius’. Just not the same. I feel sorry for them.

And there’s no opportunity for submarine races ……….

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Posted in Central Ohio, Commentary, Transportation

Tagged 65 Mustang, muscle cars, Nissan Z