Central Ohio Real Estate Market News

Entries categorized as ‘Delaware Ohio’

Real Estate Design Trends

November 21, 2008 · 2 Comments

Katherine Slant, author of The Brand-New House Book, issued some design trends that coincidentally fit with some the homes I currently have listed.

She said that homes with both a master and a second bedroom on the first floor are popular because they appeal to young couples (2nd BR serves as a nursery); middle-aged couples may put an elderly parent in the 2nd bedroom; and older couples like the design if their sleep patterns differ, making sharing a bedroom more difficult. See my Worthington listing that matches this description, plus it has 2 more large bedrooms upstairs with dormers and skylights.

Another design trend on her list involves offices. She said the newest variation of the home office is a completely separate office space, connected to the home by a hallway or a breezeway. See my Galena listing that has this type of private office with an exterior entrance in addition to the connection to the home.

Per Slant, kitchens are getting smaller, but they’re connected to larger dining areas, often with a center island where family members can sit while they have an informal meal. My Worthington listing (see above) has this arrangement, as does my listing in Stratford Woods.

Oversized family rooms with high ceilings are giving way to smaller, cozier rooms with lower ceilings. Again my Worthington listing matches this as does my listing in Brookfield Village in Hilliard.

Slant says that home theaters have lost much appeal because people don’t want to watch TV in a separate area. TV viewing is more informal with people doing other things while the TV is on. My listing in Stratford Woods has this floor plan as well as a finished basement for “real TV watching”.

So if you’re interested in buying a TRENDY home, I’ve got you covered. Just pick the trend you want, and I can help you buy it. Of course, you knew I’d say that didn’t you!

Copyright © 2008. 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.

Categories: Buyers · Central Ohio · Delaware County · Delaware Ohio · Franklin County · Galena Ohio · Hilliard Ohio · Homes · Homes for sale · Worthington Ohio
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Will an appraiser sabotage your mortgage?

October 27, 2008 · 4 Comments

I just received a phone call that really disturbed me. I often get calls from appraisers asking questions about the past homes I’ve sold. They make these calls to listing agents when they are doing comps for a lender who is in the process of approving (or not approving), a mortgage for a buyer. The buyer will be paying the lender for this appraisal and hopes that it is accurate.

This particular appraiser was asking about a luxury condo I recently sold in Golf Village (Powell). I began asking her questions, because I know these appraisals can be flawed. She mentioned that she was unfamiliar with the complex and builder of my sold listing. She said she was also unfamiliar with the builder and the community of the condo for which she was doing the appraisal.

So WHY is she doing the appraisal!

Here are the issues that are are going to impact the quality of her appraisal:

  • One error dealt with the two builders. Her appraisal was being done for a Bob Webb condo. The Webb family has one of the best local reputations for high quality building construction of their condos, patio homes and single-family homes. Realtors® often use “Webb built” in their MLS remarks section. While my listing was built very well, and was a luxury condo, the Webb name itself can add $$$$ to the price. (”Gee, I didn’t know that!”)
  • The condo she was appraising is located several miles away from my listing. It’s too many miles to use as a comp. Same school system, but different schools, different city mailing address and different zip code.
  • The condo being appraised is located in a township whereas mine was in a city with an extra PUD tax assessment and an income tax. So there is a difference to the property tax rate as well as whether an income tax is charged. This could make a big difference to a retiree with no earned income. That can affect the price the retiree is willing to pay. The appraiser had no knowledge of this difference. (”Gee, I didn’t know that!”)
  • My condo sits on a golf course whereas the condo being appraised is in a more family-oriented neighborhood near a large park. Totally different setting. (”Gee, I didn’t know that!”)

The more I spoke with this appraiser, the more troubled I became. To say she was “clueless” is an understatement. I told her that if she used my sold listing as a comp, that her BPO would be worthless and VERY unfair to the buyer. She said she didn’t know what to do because she couldn’t find other comps.

So why not just explain that to the lender rather doing an error ridden appraisal!

I’ve often wondered how appraisers are able to make an accurate judgement on the price/value of a home a buyer is wanting a mortgage for, because seldom have they been in the homes they are comparing. They have no knowledge how buyers perceive certain features/upgrades in the home because they don’t interact with buyers. This is also a concern for sellers who are refinancing because the same type of appraisal is done as part of that process.

If this appraiser doesn’t change her BPO, there’s a chance that the home being appraised won’t comp out because there could be up to a $100,000 + difference … not exactly chump change. If it doesn’t comp, then the builder or the real estate agent in the transaction will have to spend time disputing the appraiser’s ”findings” and trying to convince the lender to disregard that report or have another appraiser do a 2nd opinion.

Buyers, if your chosen home doesn’t comp out, don’t be afraid to challenge it!

Copyright © 2008. 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.

Categories: Buyers · Central Ohio · Condos, patio homes · Delaware County · Delaware Ohio · Golf Village, Kinsale · Golf course communities · Home buying process · Home prices · Homes · New home builders · Powell Ohio
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Zoom … Zoom … SCREECH!

October 20, 2008 · No Comments

In August I wrote about the city of Delaware evaluating the option of allowing golf carts to be driven on some city streets in order to save gas.

Well, the verdict is in. The little carts hit a brick wall. They weren’t approved because they don’t have seat belts and they only have rear brakes which makes them easier to spin out.

Don’t believe it? Just watch America’s Funniest Videos for funny clips of people being thrown out of them.

Guess the Delaware folks will have to stick with bicycles to save gas money.

Copyright © 2008. 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.

Categories: Central Ohio · Delaware County · Delaware Ohio · Transportation
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Lovely 3BR home for sale in Stratford Woods

October 9, 2008 · No Comments

This new listing is the home you’ve been looking for … lots of space … big fenced backyard … in a popular neighborhood … at an affordable price.

It has many of the features that buyers want such as a vaulted Great Room, loft for a home office, deck for entertaining, a HUGE kitchen with LOTS of cabinets, and a nicely finished lower level. It’s in stellar condition so you can just move right in. Best of all, it’s a way to buy into Stratford Woods below $200,000 with a price of $194,900 for 1904 sq ft in this 3BR home.

Stratford Woods is a terrific location with easy access to Polaris, Powell, Dublin, Worthington or Westerville. For peace of mind, the sellers are providing the buyers with a home and gas warranty.

Other features: Ceiling fans in all upstairs rooms plus the Great Room; easy care laminate flooring; hot/cold water in the garage; kitchen appliances stay; wood playgym can stay or go.

Click to see location map.

Copyright © 2008. 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.

Categories: Central Ohio · Delaware County · Delaware Ohio · Homes · Homes for sale
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Houses for sale … that are dog-friendly.

September 21, 2008 · 6 Comments

THIS POST IS WRITTEN BY GUEST WRITER … THE MURPH.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

There are DOG HOUSES, then there are HOUSES FOR DOGS. The first kind are dank, cold, uncomfortable fixtures in the backyard. Heaven forbid, I’m not talking about THAT kind of “dog house”. The kind of dog house I’m writing about are the kind that we share with our humans. The warm kind with lots of soft furniture for us to rest.

In February, Mom wrote about homes that might not sell because they are NOT dog friendly. Well, my fellow 4-legged friends need to know about homes that would be great fun for US to live in. So here’s my review of the homes Mom still has for sale that are dog-friendly.

This first home has a yard that a little guy like me or a medium-sized dog would like. (that’s me in the photo) It has a sun room where we would have easy access to the back yard from the kitchen. The sun room would give us a chance to wipe our paws just in case we get them dirty.

If we get too dirty or when it’s time for baths, there’s a big laundry room with a deep sink and counters for drying time.

There’s a chair-height breakfast bar that is the perfect height for begging for human food. After coming in from the cold and after our tummies are full, we can plop down in front of the brick fireplace to warm our toes and chase rabbits in our funny dreams.

If your human likes to take you for long walks or runs, the Antrim Park is a short car-ride down Olentangy River Rd. At this park, you can walk, run or maybe take a swim if you’re so inclined. I’m not too big on that - my legs are too short. Read more of Mom’s stuff on this home.

Calling all goldens, labs, poodles, boxers, and almost any other kid-owning dog … this is YOUR home. There’s a big deck for lounging in the sun. The fenced yard is perfect for playing fetch or Frisbees. No need to worry about the kids running away while you’re babysitting them.

There’s LOTS of dogs in this neighborhood, and they take their humans for walks in the evening, so you’ll have ample opportunity to meet, greet, and sniff.

The upstairs of the home has 4 bedrooms so it will be an easy jaunt during the night to move from one bed to another. That way all your humans will feel privileged to be graced with your presence. Read more of Mom’s stuff on this home.

Big dogs and hunting hounds will be thoroughly entertained in this yard. It has something for everybody … like a Disney World for Dogs! With 3 acres of land, the big guys can run in the flat front yard or get their cardio exercise running up and down the ravines in the back. The hounds can follow their noses to track rabbits and squirrels and what ever else needs investigation.

There’s even a small stream (which sometimes has water) for the water-lovers. It’s the right size of water for guys like me with the short legs - no big waves!

There are 3 decks and 3 patios on all sides of the home, so lounging in the sunshine won’t be a problem. For the senior citizen who may not be as nimble, there are walking trails and steps from the home down to the ravine, making it easier for an older dog to still have fun and recall their sprightly youth.

During the cold weather, there is a wonderful wood stove in the 2-story great room that will toast your tummy in fine order. If your humans allow, there are soft built-in couches close to the stove to enhance your ultimate comfort. Also, there are 5 doors to the outside and numerous dog-height windows, so no matter where you are in the home, you can put your nose prints on some glass. Read more of Mom’s stuff on this home.

Now, go tell your humans you want to check out some homes today … just as soon as you get up from your nap.

Copyright © 2008. 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.

Categories: Buyers · Central Ohio · Delaware County · Delaware Ohio · Dog Tails · Franklin County · Galena Ohio · Homes · Homes for sale · Worthington Ohio
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Category 1 Hurricane hits Central Ohio

September 17, 2008 · 4 Comments

DAY ONE - Sunday

Well, now central Ohio doesn’t usually get hit with hurricanes. Whenever hurricanes hit Texas, we often get the remnants as heavy rain and some strong winds. Sunday was different. In addition to Ike’s winds, there was a cold front overhead with 110 mph winds. When the two mixed together, we ended up with 75 mph winds that lasted from around 3:00 in the afternoon until around 8:30 in the evening. Nearly 6 hours of that wind force is bound to do quite a bit of damage.

Lots of downed or split trees as the wind often pulled different sides of the trees in opposite directions. My neighbor’s street tree split off a large limb and it is laying in both our yards. Lots of damaged roofs. Cars smashed when trees fell on them. And nearly 500,000 AEP users out of electricity here in central Ohio. Over two million without power in all of Ohio. The governor declared a state of emergency since 84 of the 88 counties were impacted by the storm.

My brand new roof with shingles guaranteed up to 80 mph made it through in good shape. Not so, for many of my neighbors. In addition to losing large sections of shingles, some lost siding and one home behind me had a 20 ft section of gutter banging against the side of the home.

Many were unprepared for the storm as only strong winds were forecast. The Murph and I spent Sunday evening sitting in candlelight while I worked on my laptop for the hour or so that the battery lasted. I plugged my cell into my car to charge it up, but didn’t have any such accessory for the laptop. After checking in with my kids to make sure they were all OK, Murphy and I went to bed since there wasn’t anything else to do.

DAY TWO - Monday

The first thing I needed to do was to check on my listings to make sure they were OK. A couple had trees down but no damage to the homes. None have electricity. Thank goodness it’s not raining so we don’t have to worry about the sump pumps not working and flooding finished basements.

I was most concerned with my Worthington listing since Worthington with all its big old trees was hit pretty hard. On the way to my Worthington listing, I happened to  pass my office manager’s home. A very large neighbor’s tree is now resting on the back of their home. It was awful. Thankfully, they’re OK. My listing was OK … just a lot of debris that will need to be cleaned up.

Getting gas was a challenge. Many stations didn’t have electricity so those that did had lines of cars at the pump. I got into line and was about 3rd from the pump when they ran out of gas. Batteries were in short supply and ice was not to be found. Since we really didn’t have a warning that the winds would be this bad, people simply weren’t prepared.

I purchased an adaptor to recharge my laptop using the power supply in my car. I bought the last battery powered AAA weather alert radio/TV at Radio Shack. Now at least I can listen to something in the dark evenings. I also bought more candles and had to buy another flashlight in order to get DD batteries. At the grocery, I bought food that doesn’t need cooking. Did you realize that a lot of unhealty, but really good food doesn’t need cooking. ;-) Oh, well, I’ll worry about that diet later!

My Worthington office doesn’t have phones or electricity, so I spent a few hours at the Powell office gathering email, and doing necessary computer work for the homes I have in-contract.

AEP has reportedly called back most of the crews they sent to Texas to help out, plus, they’ve requested help from nearby states.

During the early evening hours, instead of listening to the sounds of birds, I heard the humming of generators and the razzey sound of chain saws. Other neighbors were cooking food on the grill to use it up rather than having to throw it out. Still other neighbors were walking their dogs and checking to see how fellow neighbors were coping.

At night, The Murph and I sat by candlelight again, but at least this time I had a radio to listen to. When it came time to go to bed, I noticed that my waterbed was no longer toasty warm. Yes, it’s one of the original kind - don’t laugh - bought back in the mid 80’s. I love my warm, comfortable waterbed but it’s not too comfy when the heater doesn’t HEAT! 

DAY THREE - Tuesday

News reports are saying that my area won’t get electricity restored until Sunday night. We’re hoping that they’re just saying that to prepare us for the worst. The accessory cord I bought for the laptop works fine but still the battery only lasts for a little over an hour. I may end up sitting on a chair in my garage with a cord plugged into the car. Could be a new kind of office.

I don’t have wash ‘n’ wear hair, so yesterday I bought some foam curlers in all sort of pastel colors. When I checked out at the grocery, the cashier looked at the travel pack and asked me what “those things” were. She was young with long straight hair so she wouldn’t understand. ;-) So, today I have a hair-do that LOOKS LIKE it was curled with sponge rollers. Oh well, better than flat hair!

The Worthington office is still without phones or electricity, so I went into the Powell office to handle the work. One thing I noticed was that traffic moved better through the stoplights that DON’T work than through the stoplights that DO work. Some of the agents said they are now staying with relatives who’ve had their electricity restored. There was the usual discussions of how we’re handling inspections without electricty in the home and some were dealing with insurance repair estimates to be held in escrow until after closing.

No matter what our own homes are like, we still need to meet the due dates of contracts.

When I got home in the evening, I had a nice surprise … my neighborhood’s electricty was on. There are now 16,000 homes in Delaware County without power. On the way home, I saw a crew from another state working on a transformer at Home Rd and Liberty Rd. Thank you to whatever state they were from.

DAY FOUR - Wednesday

I’ve been on the phone a lot so far today. People are starting to regain electricity, but still others will have to wait for the weekend. I’ve spoken with a couple agents I’m co-oping with and they either can’t retrieve their email via their broker’s system or they don’t have an office with electricity to get faxes and no fax in their home. We’re trying to work through it though and to stay in communication via our cell phones. One agent I spoke with “forgot” she had a landline she could use when her cell battery died. I did the same thing. We get so accustomed to carrying on our business the “new” way that we forget how to use the “old” way!

Delaware County is now down to 11,000 without power. The treed areas of Worthington are still not projected to have all power restored until Sunday. I spoke with another person in my office who said that in addition to the tree on our manager’s home (which will require a crane), one of the agents has a tree on parts of her home as well.

So far, people are trying to be cooperative and maintain good spirits, but you can tell by their voices that the situation is wearing their nerves a little thin. We are all SO thankful that the weather is cooperating. The mild temps allow us to be comfortable without AC or heat.

Copyright © 2008. 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.

Categories: Central Ohio · Delaware County · Delaware Ohio · Fix-ups · Franklin County · Home selling process · Homes · Powell Ohio · Realtors® · Sellers · Worthington Ohio
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ZOOM … ZOOM … or not!

August 17, 2008 · 2 Comments

As a bedroom community to metro Columbus, the city of Delaware tends to be fairly conservative when it comes to adopting new ideas or trends. (The city council once called my neighborhood the “carpetbaggers” because we moved here from other Columbus suburbs, and were “trying to change their city”.) 

So it was a surprise when I read in the THIS WEEK newspaper that Delaware was actually considering allowing golf carts on city streets as a means for residents to save gas. Of course, they’re going to study some of the other 40 municipalities in Wisconsin, Illinois and Indiana that allow the carts, before they can make a decision. Golf carts are already allowed in Circleville, Put-in-Bay and Kelley’s Island in Ohio. In recent TV news, the Fairfield County sheriff’s office has added carts to their squad cars.

Per the THIS WEEK article, Ohio law classifies golf carts as low-speed vehicles. (DUH!)  That means they can’t be driven on streets with speed limits in excess of 35 mph.

Seriously, is there anyone out there that would WANT TO drive a golf court on Rt 23 next to a semi truck going 55 mph! Of course, size-wise it wouldn’t be much different than the tiny Smart Car.

However, if you plan to buy a cart, you’ll need to make it street legal. You’ll have to add headlights, 2 license plates, tail lights, one brake light, turn signals, a rearview mirror, brakes, a windshield and a horn. Oh, and you must have a valid driver’s license and proof of insurance.

The police chief declined judgement on this concept until he has a chance to review other communities. If his findings mimic his review of whether my neighborhood (the carpetbaggers) could have a couple Stop signs, don’t put a down payment on your new cart just yet.

Copyright © 2008. 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.

Categories: Central Ohio · Delaware County · Delaware Ohio · Transportation
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Santa’s not the only one on my roof

August 15, 2008 · 2 Comments

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 using to replace shingles and have on my short list to recommend when clients need roofing repairs. I use Benchmark in Lewis Center and have been pleased with their service (614-431-5352).

However, doing my own roof, would give me a chance to really monitor their work to see if I still want to keep recommending them. Well, they passed the test.

They came around 8:30 in the morning and finished by 5:30 that night. They put tarps over the plants and grass where they would be tossing the old shingles. Eventually all the mess would be put in a large trailer to haul away. They used a leaf blower to clear debris from the gutters and out of the nearby trees. And they walked around the house afterward to make sure everything was cleaned up. During the time they were there, they worked hard and steady and stopped only for their lunch break. Best of all, there was no crude behavior that we sometimes associate with contractors.

I took photos at various stages so I could of course, blog about the project. They watched me curiously as I was taking the photos … they probably wondered if they were going to be in trouble. I thought about trying to tell them about “blogging” but decided against it.

For the details, I had them do a tear-off. Some people don’t pay extra for this step and that’s not a wise thing to do for several reasons. My old shingles were 3-tab, 30 mph shingles that were stapled on. The new shingles are 5-tab dimensional, 80 mph with a 30-year warranty. So when those 50-60 mph winds blow through, I’ll not be holding my breath about losing my roof anymore.

BTW, The Murph was a nervous wreck all day. He was concerned about all the strangers walking around, and all the noise that was happening above him, but the last straw was when he went outside to relieve himself and ”things” were falling out of the sky landing all around him. He doesn’t handle stress well. :-)

Copyright © 2008. 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.

Categories: Central Ohio · Delaware County · Delaware Ohio · Fix-ups · Homes
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Save $$$ on your water/trash bill.

August 9, 2008 · 2 Comments

We’re all looking for ways to save money, and here’s an idea that will save you around $8.00 a month. If you live within the City of Delaware AND are 55 yrs old or older AND live alone, you qualify for a smaller toter trash container.

Once the swap from the bigger container is made to the smaller, easier to manage tote, the trash portion of your water bill will be nearly cut in half (from ~$16 to ~$8).

To request the exchange, call 740-203-1250. You’ll then be sent a Request Form to complete and return to the Utility Billing Office.

I don’t know whether other cities offer this opportunity for a reduced rate to the trash, but you might want to check with your local utility to see if they do.

Hey, that $8 will buy a couple gallons of gas each month!

Copyright © 2008. 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.

Categories: Central Ohio · Delaware County · Delaware Ohio
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The birds eat better than I do.

August 7, 2008 · 4 Comments

I’ve been feeding birds for many, many years. I find it relaxing to watch them as they prepare to build their nests in the spring, then later bring their young around to teach them about the “good” food that magically appears for them. Of course, during the winter months, keeping the feeders full is simply a good, humane thing to do.

I can always count on the cardinals to stop by early in the evening, and scold me if there isn’t any food. The chickadees visit throughout the day, flitting from the tree to the hanging feeder underneath. The tree outside my great room is a canopy shape so it provides good hiding protection from bigger birds.

In the backyard, I have a thistle feeder for goldfinches. It’s set off by itself because they tend to be more timid birds and don’t like to compete with others. There are several pairs that visit and they look like tiny rays of sunshine when several bright yellow males feed all at once.

Then there’s a larger feeder out by the spruce trees that I fill with oilers. The sparrows, cardinals, and doves keep it drained of food. Once in a while a hawk visits, sitting on the fence to see what prey he can carry off. When he/she arrives, all the other birds escape quietly to the spruces for cover.

The front feeder, under the canopy, is where I put the “prime” food. I use a no-mess mix that is sunflower hearts, peanuts, etc. The birds LOVE it! But so does this little guy. He has to be an acrobat to reach the feeder, but somehow he manages. He fills his pouches … runs off … comes back for more … and so on.

I had to buy more seed today, and since I happened to be in Westerville, I stopped by Wild Birds Unlimited on State St. If I’m in the Dublin or Hilliard area, I stop at their store on Riverside Dr, just north of Hayden Run. They have a new product called Jim’s Birdacious Bark Butter. It’s a peanut butter and suet mixture that can be spread on tree bark. I bought it JUST FOR the chipmunk, hoping that he’ll leave the good seed alone.

We’ll see how well that works!

Have you ever wondered why a chipmunk is cute, but a mouse isn’t?

Copyright © 2008. 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.

Categories: Delaware County · Delaware Ohio
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Get off my Ash … update #6

July 18, 2008 · 6 Comments

The ash tree in front of my home has been declining rapidly. A few of the top limbs are now bare. The stress sprouts are re-growing. I had pruned them a couple weeks ago to remove them.

Today I checked for “D” holes to see if the female adult ash borer had left yet and I found quite a few such holes around the trunk.

Now based on what I’ve read, the larvae, from the female’s eggs, will begin to make their tunnels as they feed under the bark.

DRAT!

Read more posts about my ash tree saga.

Copyright © 2008. 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.

Categories: Ash Trees · Central Ohio · Delaware County · Delaware Ohio
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1st Floor MBR on wooded lot in Stratford Woods

July 8, 2008 · No Comments

Here’s an extremely nice home for people who would like the convenience of having their bedroom on the main floor. It’s large enough that you don’t have to give up hosting holiday dinners or having guests stay for a few days. Plus, there’s extra entertaining space in the finished lower level or on the wonderful deck.

The serene backyard is probably the main focal point.  The nearly private deck, with swing and bench seating will be a great place to relax as will the clearing in the wooded portion of the lot. Wonderful landscaping completely around the home is professionally done. Plus, there’s an in-ground electronic pet fence.

The vaulted Great Room is open and bright thanks to numerous oversized windows with transom windows. The brick fireplace, with raised hearth, has gas logs but also can burn wood. Nearby is a formal dining area with access to the deck.

The kitchen is wonderful with plenty of space for helping hands during meal preparation. The casual dining area has a great view of the backyard. Spots and undercounter lighting add a pleasing ambiance.

The spacious owner’s suite has a walk-in closet and large bath area. Nearby is the first floor laundry and half bath. Upstairs is a loft with built-in bookcases. It makes a great office. There are two bedrooms and guest bath upstairs as well.

Downstairs is a finished lower level plus, a large storage area where the mechanicals are located.

This home is located south of Delaware in the popular Stratford Woods neighborhood. Residents find it very convenient to employment or shopping at Polaris, Powell, Dublin, Lewis Center, Worthington or Westerville.

EDITED: This home has now sold for $209,000.

Click here for a Google Map of 121 Thornapple Tr.

Copyright © 2008. 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.

Categories: Central Ohio · Delaware County · Delaware Ohio · Homes · Homes for sale
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Utility bills … are they important when considering which home to buy?

July 4, 2008 · 1 Comment

Occasionally, I’ll have the agents that are representing buyers, call me to ask what the average monthly utility bills are for a home I have listed. I’ve never quite understood why buyers ask that question because there are SO-O-O many variables to what a family can expect to spend.

  • How many are in the family?
  • How many daily showers, dishwasher loads, laundry loads do they do?
  • How hot or cold do they keep the temp of the home?
  • Do they adjust the thermostat for the times they’re not in the home (away at work) or is someone in the home all day and do they keep the setting constant?
  • Do they cook or bake a lot and use the range, or are they nukers?

With the increases we’ve been experiencing … or are projected to experience this coming winter … whenever I have to get this info from my sellers, I tend to compare it to my own bills to see if I need to work on my own home’s efficiency.

Recently I obtained the utility info for a VERY LARGE home (5190 sq ft) I have listed. The home has 3 heating/cooling units/zones (using propane for the heat), plus electric baseboard heat in a couple rooms, and there is a wood stove. The wood for the stove comes from a general clean-up of fallen or dead trees on the 3 wooded acres that surround the home. Due to the 2-story room the stove is located in, it sends heat to two floors. It’s a custom home so the windows are low-e Anderson windows - and there are LOTS of them because the owners wanted a great view of the wooded ravine.

Generally, my thoughts were that the utility bills for this home would be quite high. Boy, was I surprised when I received their utility info. On a $/sq ft basis, my small 2052 sq ft mass-builder home’s monthly average utility costs run 48% more than this more efficient custom home. So where’s the difference?

  • Their propane expense is half per sq ft versus my Columbia Gas natural gas cost. Of course, they also have free wood to use for the stove, which brings their propane usage down. Their higher quality windows also would make a substantial difference.
  • The electric cost per sq ft was very similar. Mine was 2¢/sq ft and theirs was 1.8¢/sq ft.
  • On a per-person basis my water/sewer/trash averaged $34.56 per month. Theirs averaged $31 per person because they don’t have to pay sewer fees and can negotiate trash fees. I have city services so I can’t negotiate anything!
  • I also must pay a city income tax and an HOA fee - they don’t pay either of those since the home is in a township*.

If a buyer is considering one home vs another in the same subdivision, there may not be much difference because the builder and the building materials are apt to be similar. However, if a buyer is considering a tract home in a subdivision to an outlying custom home or a home in a township, it’s probably worthwhile to consider the TOTAL expenses - not just the utility bills. Another routine expense that buyers might consider is the cost of home insurance. Insurers may have different rates based on the access to fire hydrants (or water to pump) and perhaps whether there is a city, township or volunteer fire department.

So if you’re closely watching your budget, do your homework so you can make a good buying decision - without surprises later.Of course, if money is no object then buy whatever suits your fancy! BTW, if you fall into this latter category, would you like to adopt me?

* While townships may not have an income tax, a person may still pay an income tax based on where their income is earned, if earned in a location where an income tax is charged.

Copyright © 2008. 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.

Categories: Buyers · Central Ohio · Delaware County · Delaware Ohio · Galena Ohio · Homes
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Get off my Ash … update #5

July 2, 2008 · No Comments

Well, it’s not looking good for more ash trees on my street. There are about 4 more that are in severe decline. The tops are virtually bare with extensive sprouting along the trunk … indications that the ash borer larvae have stopped the flow of nutrients up the trunk.

Surprisingly, the trees on the opposite side of the street still appear OK, although they likely have been infected. Perhaps, their infection is not yet as major.

As I said in a prior update, the city installed systemic insecticide plugs this Spring to help curtail further larvae destruction until a better treatment can be found. The ash tree in front of my home had the trunk sprouts until I cut them off a couple weeks ago. So far the top of the tree still has leaves but they’re not as large or as full as in past years. Perhaps it’s been a benefit that there has been lots of rain, so at least the trees aren’t further stressed from lack of water.

Thank goodness the trees in our yards are now rather large so we won’t be “bare” when the city cuts down the street trees.

See these other ash borer posts for more information:

Copyright © 2008. 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.

Categories: Ash Trees · Central Ohio · Delaware County · Delaware Ohio
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Buy a home that Dad DOESN’T have to fix!

June 9, 2008 · 2 Comments

This Sunday is Father’s Day. If your Hubby is one of those that has a bottomless Job Jar - often called the HONEY-DO list - fix him up in one of these homes that he can enjoy from the start. Depending on his likes, needs, or hobbies, one is sure to fit. Then go easy for a while before you start filling up his Honey-Do list again! Click on the titles to see the home that matches Dad’s style.

DAD needs a bigger home office

If his “office” is in your dining room or if you wish you had solid doors to his den rather than glass so guests can’t see the overstuffed desk area or worst of all, maybe he’s relegated to a corner of the basement, then wait till he sees the massive home office wing in THIS home. Note I said WING … it’s huge! He’ll have his own deck to regroup after that stressful phone call and a separate spiral staircase to the outside. He’ll have a nearby alcove with a sink and cabinet for a mini-fridge for a refreshing drink. There’s also a handy half bath close by as well as a guest bedroom. Heck, when you buy this home, you may never actually SEE dear old Dad again! And best of all, your guests will never see this wing when they walk into the foyer! If he’s not the neatest person, this can be a good thing.

Dad’s an avid golfer and just wants to kick-back

Dad can watch others play golf or he can join the Kinsale Golf Club and join in the play when you select this luxury condo in Golf Village. If he’d rather spend time golfing than working on the job jar, then condo life is for him. He only has to worry about caring for the inside since the condo association takes care of the outside. That’s a wonderful thing! This home is even better than others in the complex because it’s on the end with a full view of the tee and fairway, plus, it was designed to maintain that view from the inside … not just from the oversized patio. Come winter, he can move to the large finished lower level to watch the pros on TV to try to figure out what changes he needs to make to his swing or putting style to lower his handicap next spring.

Dad’s knees are creaky and he doesn’t like stairs

OK, so you don’t have to be a Dad to have this problem. This wonderful home has an owner’s bedroom on the first floor including a whirlpool tub - for those creaky knees. It’s in excellent condition so his job jar can stay nearly empty. Another feature he may enjoy is the workbench area off the finished basement. It also has a 3-car garage just in case he has that mid-life “toy” that needs storing. That way YOUR car doesn’t have to sit in the outside elements while THE TOY is completely sheltered.

Dad’s a whiz at grilling and likes to “do” stuff around the house

This home has a huge deck for entertaining with a roll-out awning to keep the sun or rain off Dad’s grill. No more holding the umbrella over him and the grill. If he has talked about wanting a pool-table sized basement that he could finish, this home has that too. Plus, it has a half bath rough-in - something that “might” come in handy once he finishes the basement and his friends come over to watch the “BIG GAME”. After the game, he and his buds can pretend they’re kids again, and play their own version of football in the fenced backyard. NOTE: I’m holding this home open on Father’s Day from 1-4. Tell him to bring his own football or grilling apron to give the backyard a “test drive”.

Copyright © 2008. 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.

Categories: Buyers · Central Ohio · Condos, patio homes · Delaware County · Delaware Ohio · Galena Ohio · Golf Village, Kinsale · Homes · Homes for sale · Powell Ohio
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