Monthly Archives: September 2011

Richest Communities in Central Ohio

Posted on 09/20/2011 | Leave a comment

American City Business Journals, a parent to Columbus Business First, compiled a list of the richest communities. In Ohio, New Albany came in 2nd, Powell is #11, and Dublin is #13. Indian Hill, a suburb of Cincinnati, was #1.

The measurement was the percentage of the population with household incomes over $150,000. Just under half of New Albany’s households have household incomes over that amount. Powell had 36% of households earning over $150,000 and Dublin had 35%.

Read more here. Plus you can search a database for other cities.

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Posted in Central Ohio, Delaware County, Dublin Ohio, Franklin County, Powell Ohio, Surveys

Tagged central ohio real estate market news, Columbus Business First, Dublin Ohio, New Albany Ohio, Powell OH 43065, richest communities in central Ohio

Window Coverings Add Style

Posted on 09/16/2011 | Leave a comment

When you buy a home, chances are you’ll need to add or replace window coverings. That can include drapes, blinds or shutters. You can go to a discount store to buy cheap and have to replace them in 2-3 years plus chances are they won’t “hang well” and will look cheap. They also are probably not made in America.

You can also go to a store that specializes in all types of window coverings where the customer service you receive is excellent. They can help you with measuring, installation, and even cleaning later on. You’ll have coverings that you can be proud of throughout their life.

Once such local store is Home Source Interiors, located off of Rt 315, just north of I-270. The business is owned by Cheryl Garrett, who I first “met” via Twitter (@DraperyDiva). Cheryl recently expanded her store size and held an open house tweet-up last night. I took a few photos of her new space while there. (I used my Blackberry so excuse the quality of the pics.) Please stop by to check out all the new options. I especially liked the alternatives for patio doors, since you’re no longer stuck with verticals, but can choose options that offer convenience and wind/cold block. Her web site is HomeSourceInteriors.com or read her blog at SimplyHomeSource.com.

SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESSES!

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Posted in Central Ohio, Fix-ups, Franklin County, Homes, Worthington Ohio

Tagged central ohio real estate market news, Home Source Interiors, window coverings

Does your REALTOR® look like this?

Posted on 09/14/2011 | Leave a comment

Realtor giving keys to home buyer The Columbus Board of Realtors® recently conducted a survey of members to determine what we’re like. Nearly 22% (1190) of the members answered the survey.

We’re Old or maybe “aging gracefully”

32% are 60 or older. 30% are in their 50′s. 20% are in their 40′s. Only 17% are below 40. Older agents have often owned multiple homes themselves, giving them more experience in the whole home-buying-owning process which can benefit clients. The financials of being in this business (see below) are tougher for a younger person since they may not have the reserves saved to meet monthly budgets when no homes are sold.

We’re Well Educated

52% have a college degree or higher. 40% have some college or an associate degree. Working with a well-educated agent is important when managing the legal language of contracts and mortgage financials, plus an understanding of economical influences and marketing principles is equally important. If the number of agents with a college degree seems high to you, keep in mind that real estate is often a second career for many, which explains the age distribution also.

We’re Women & Married & We Work Full-time

59% are women. 75% are married. 79% work full-time meaning they don’t have other full- or part-time jobs. Working with a full-time agent is very important! If an agent is working another job they probably can’t take phone calls or respond to emails to manage your sale or purchase. As a full-time agent, I can tell you it’s very difficult to work a transaction with a part-time agent.

The Source of our Income

Only 53% of us rely on real estate commissions for our primary source of income. Given that 75% are married, a spouse’s income (and often their benefit package) is important. Some agents own rental property in order to have some regular income when houses may not be selling well. A lot of agents have retired from corporate careers and are benefitting from those pensions. I personally don’t know of any agents who are living solely off of their commissions, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t some.

We practice what we preach

91% of us own our own home. As the CBR article said, what’s up with the 9% who don’t!

Local, local, local

I don’t know how these stats compare to other parts of Ohio or the Nation. These responses were only from the Central Ohio area which comprises the counties surrounding the Columbus metro area.

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Posted in Central Ohio, Realtors®, Surveys

Tagged central ohio real estate market news, Columbus Board of Realtors®, Realtor survey

Shop for MADE IN AMERICA Products

Posted on 09/06/2011 | Leave a comment

Made In America There’s no doubt that the #1 problem facing the USA is the unemployment rate. Millions are unemployed while still others are underemployed. We’ve lost a lot of manufacturing jobs to China and customer service jobs to India. We’re not going to get our economy rolling again until we get those jobs back

In the meantime, some citizens are taking matters in their own hands by supporting companies whose goods are Made In America. ABC News recently did a series of reports on products made here. On that site is an interactive map that lists the brands/products made in each state. I’ve become more aware of the products I buy – or don’t buy. As a self-employed person, if I want people to support MY business, then I in turn should support THEIR business. Fair is fair.

Become Vocal

I have a Jeep (made in Toledo) and recently was at Crown Jeep in Dublin. The Jeep brand has a lot of history in the USA via WWII. As I was browsing their Jeep branded clothing I noticed that none of it was made in America. That’s just wrong and I mentioned it to the nearby cashier. I also tweeted about it to @Jeep and used the hashtag #Jeep. Jeep clothing should be made in America!

Vote With Your Dollars

Recently I was shopping in the Zettler Hardware store in Powell. I saw a product I was interested in, but there were 3 components to it with a total price of close to $100. All 3 pieces were made in China. I decided to not buy it.

Shop Stores Who Carry USA Products

Some of the big box stores or mass merchandisers are starting to go back to carrying and advertising Made In America products. Give them your support and let them know why you’re shopping there. BTW, in case you’re wondering, I do not shop at WalleyWorld because they have been a major cause as to why so many manufacturing jobs have been lost here. That’s just my own personal protest – not that it matters to them.

Challenge the Politicians

USPS shipping tape made in China As companies are seeking “stimulus” money, challenge the politicians to only give money to those who support USA jobs. The US Postal Service is the latest to ask for monetary help. I purchased this shipping tape a couple of years ago. Do we not have any companies in America that can make tape for the USPS? Shouldn’t they be required to only buy American products especially if they want our tax dollars?

Help save your own job by helping others keep their job. Let’s all chip in and try to help each other.

Copyright © 2011. 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 Uncategorized

Tagged ABC NEWS - Diane Sawyer, Jeep apparel not made in America, Made in America, USPS products not made in america