Central Ohio Real Estate Market News

Entries categorized as ‘Dog Tails’

Let’s have some fun … answer a poll!

October 22, 2008 · 2 Comments

The program I use to create this blog has added a new feature … the ability to add a poll widget to our posts. Polls can be fun or informative, but of course, on a blog they’re totally un-scientific.

For this first attempt, I’ll keep it simple and ask an easy, non-committal question. So won’t you participate? Simply click on the appropriate white box, then click on the VOTE button to submit your answer. Later, you can click on the ’see results’ to see how others have answered. Remember, your identity won’t be known and for this one, multiple answers are allowed.

Now, wasn’t that more fun than a political poll!

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: Commentary · Dog Tails · Surveys

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
Tagged: ,

Water fun in southern Delaware County

August 19, 2008 · 4 Comments

Today I had to traverse from one side of southern Delaware County to the other … something I do frequently. Since I wasn’t under a specific time limit, I took some time to take photos (see below) around the three main areas for boaters. It was a rather warm day in the high 80’s, so being next to water seemed like a good thing to do.

I first had to be up near Hoover Reservoir which extends from the east side of Westerville northward to the west side of Galena and beyond. I stopped at the southern part where the dam spillway is to snap photos. There were LOTS of Canadian geese there resting close to a picnic shelter. Given the “mess” they make, actually having a picnic there certainly wouldn’t be very appealing. There were also quite a few seagulls and brown ducks as well.

Northward on Sunbury Rd where it crosses over the reservoir, I stopped at another boat launch site to take some photos of the backside of some homes across the water. A couple of the homes have installed the huge rocks along their water frontage to prevent erosion. Others haven’t, and the erosion is obvious. There are many waterfront homes along Hoover. Because of a specific agreement with the City of Columbus, the water level can’t be raised as high as originally planned because the city would be responsible for taking the owner’s land away. (That’s why there are no waterfront homes along Alum Creek - they learned a lesson!)

Then my errands took me westward on Big Walnut Rd, so I took a brief side trip up Africa Rd to a boat launch on Alum Creek Reservoir. Not many people there, in spite of the warm day. However, it is a weekday, so most would be working. Or perhaps, the gas costs have curtailed some of the time spent on the water.

Back down Africa Rd to Lewis Center Rd which goes past the bottom of the Alum Creek Dam then northward along the west side of the reservoir. On this side of the lake, there are campgrounds, a beach, and a couple boat launches. One of them is for the sailing club. There’s something inherently peaceful about a sail boat, even though they were moored.

Also, on this side of the Reservoir is the Dog Park. Of course, I HAD to stop here. It was the busiest place … but it WAS a great day for the dogs to enjoy a swim. I wasn’t dressed appropriate to go inside the beach fence and potentially be subjected to “shake-baths”, so I stood outside the area. All I saw was large dogs, but then I heard a familiar sounding bark & snappy growl and knew there had to be a doxie somewhere. Sure enough, there was a short-hair … letting the big guys know who was REALLY the tough guy on the beach. I later learned his name was Scooter.

Continuing on with my errands near Powell, I went to the boat launch at O’Shaunessy on the Scioto River, which is just south of Home Rd off of Riverside Dr. Again, only a couple boaters in the water. As I was walking back to the WEENR-mobile, I noticed a bunch of carpenter bees were taking advantage of some flowering weeds to gather nectar. Better they spend their time here, than boring holes in nearby homes.

Since I seldom get any time off from real estate, I really enjoy the opportunity for these side jaunts to reconnect with nature and for a brief period of time forget about all the details of the real estate business. I need that once in a while to recharge the batteries.

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 · Dog Tails · Galena Ohio · Lewis Center Ohio · Powell Ohio · Water fun
Tagged: , , , , , ,

ARF … there oughta be a law!

June 20, 2008 · 2 Comments

Guest Writer today is: THE MURPH

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

Mom and I were on Rt 23 recently and we saw this … a pretty Golden Retriever sitting in the back bed of a pick-up truck. I really hate to see this because my fellow K-9 friend is in such danger.

I’m glad I get to sit inside the car safely harnessed into my car seat which is high enough for me to see outside, yet be close enough to Mom to get pats on the head when I want them.

PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE … don’t allow my friends to ride this way!

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: Dog Tails
Tagged:

Another reminder of the unwitting foreclosure victims.

June 6, 2008 · No Comments

In November, I wrote on the Unwitting Victims of Foreclosure, referring to the pets that are being affected when humans lose their homes and possibly leave the pets behind to die rather than pay the ‘relinquish’ fees the shelters charge.

Bob Carney, a Realtor® blogger from Frederick, MD, just posted an article on the same subject but he included a photo video of a trip to his local shelter. If you watch his touching video and have been considering adding a new family member, I’m sure the video will cause you to make a trip to your local shelter this weekend.

A recent TV news story said that there are increased visitations to the local food pantries as middle America is feeling the effects of the high gas prices and increased food costs. The news report indicated that there have been increased requests for pet food at the pantries as people struggle to feed their pets as well as the humans.

As I mentioned in my November post, please be aware if you live near a home that appears to be suddenly vacant and you suspect it may be a foreclosure situation. If the residents had pets, please do some investigation to make sure the pets haven’t been left behind to die. Call the police or the local shelter to investigate.

While we all sympathize greatly with people who lose their homes, let’s not forget to care for those friends that have no one to speak for them, but only want to share their love and be with a family who will love them in return.

Need more info on adopting a new best friend?

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 · Dog Tails · Media · Television
Tagged: , , ,

A Heads-Up For People With Fences

May 14, 2008 · 1 Comment

I have a split-rail fence around my back yard as do many of my neighbors. It’s the only type of fence allowed by the deed restrictions. Originally installed to contain my Dobies, it now keeps The Murph from following rabbits as they jump through the holes they’ve made in the wire mesh. There are two gates on either side of my home. The gates aren’t locked but are latched.

I recently received notice from AEP that my electric bill was being recalculated. That same day I received the “recalculated” bill that was double the normal bill I receive. I called the 800 number to learn what was the cause of this double bill.

Apparently since January, my electric usage has been estimated. They finally made it out to get an actual reading … hence the reason for the double bill since the estimates for four months had been too low. The customer service rep told me that normally they take an actual reading every other month, so we tried to figure out why that wasn’t being done at my home.

  • Do I have a fence? Yes, I’ve had the same fence for 11 years.
  • Is the gate locked? No. Same gate for 11 years. Opening it hasn’t seemed to be problem prior to January.
  • Do I have dog? Well, yes … but it’s The Murph … not a big threat! Certainly not like when I had Brutus (a Dobie). Why did The Murph get to be a problem in recent months especially in the winter? HELLO! He’s a low-rider and his belly gets cold so he’s not outside but a few minutes.

Now the best part …

The customer service rep says, “Your home is at the end of the route and perhaps the meter reader didn’t finish the route.”

Say, what?

Could it be that a new meter reader was hired in January and this new person doesn’t want to bother with opening gates, or maybe is so cold by the end of the route that quitting early seems like a good thing to do?

I think I’m going to pay more attention to those “A’s” and “E’s” from now on.

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: Commentary · Delaware County · Dog Tails
Tagged: ,

A special thanks to one of my blog readers!

May 11, 2008 · 4 Comments

The daughter of one of my daughter’s co-workers reportedly enjoys reading my blog. This co-worker family is a “dog-owned family” being owned by Springer Spaniels.

Recently the “Springer-family daughter” made a present for me - and The Murph - and gave it to my daughter to give to me. I finally received this special treat last night when we met for dinner. She made it out of clay and it’s The Murph resting on top of a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup®. Isn’t that creative! And the candy portion looks almost real enough to eat. 

I feel so honored that someone, who knows me only through my blog, would take the time and great effort to bother making me this special gift. It will be treasured and placed on the shelf with the other doggie momentos I’ve been given. Thank you, Aggie!.

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: Dog Tails · Humor

A sunny Sunday chuckle …

April 6, 2008 · 4 Comments

Athol Kay, a real estate agent in Connecticut, collects and posts “Bad MLS Photos” on his web site. These are photos that agents across the nation have found in the MLS and have sent to Athol. (See link to his site on the bottom right of my sidebar - it’s really funny!)

Jessica Swesey, a blogger on Inman News (a real estate news site), wrote a post about a San Francisco listing that includes a photo that would qualify for Athol’s list. It appears to be a head shot of the owner’s little dog. Sometimes you just wonder what the agent was thinking when they decided to use a particular photo to “try” to sell the home. I doubt that the little dog conveys with the property. ;-)

One of the funniest photos I saw was that of a well-staged, very attractive upscale living room. The photo was so well done, that the exterior trees and landscaping were easily viewed through the large window. Everything looked perfectly done until you looked closer and in the distance in the yard noticed the two Labs doing what dogs do and what people sometimes hose them down for. Oh, whoops!

I’ve also seen some with the owner’s trying to hide - they often follow us when taking photos. This particular owner was trying to stay out of sight by sitting on the stairs. Unfortunately, his reflection was captured in a mirror. So there he is, sitting in short shorts crouched on his stairs.

Mirrors often create problems for us, and there are MANY bath photos of the agent taking a photo of themselves reflected in the bath mirror. Worse yet, many agents actually USE these photos in the MLS. Go figure!!!

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: Dog Tails · Humor · Realtors®
Tagged:

Calling all dogs … free ice cream at Graeter’s in Powell!

March 30, 2008 · 5 Comments

I’m getting ready for an open house today, so The Murph will be my guest writer.

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

Hi, folks! I just want to let all my fellow K-9 pals out there to know that Graeter’s Ice Cream in Powell is having a “Dog’s Nite Out” this Wednesday, April 2 from 6:00-9:00 pm.

When your human buys THEIR ice cream, WE get a free Frosty Paws Treat.

I’m assuming that we have to eat it on the patio rather than inside the store. Wonder if they’ll put a cherry on top.copyrighted-bestfriends.jpg

One of the other sponsors is Best Friends Vet Hospital, which is where I go to have Dr. Riggs check me out and give me MY SHOTS! It’s about time they do something nice to make up for that and I promise to not bark at him the next time I’m there.

So, tell your human to mark their calendars and take you to Graeter’s for your special night out.

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 · Dog Tails · Powell Ohio
Tagged: , ,

It’s hard to tell sellers their home didn’t sell because it’s NOT dog-friendly!

February 25, 2008 · No Comments

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 large dining room sets so the dining room becomes critical. If the seller’s home doesn’t have space for these things, then they either may not get the showing or the home will be rejected during the showing.Copyrighted Dobies

The other ‘object’ that people consider is THE DOG! (I’m guilty of this one when I was owned by Dobies. ) This is a “dog people’ concern … not a concern for “cat people”. 

I’ve had listings NOT sell because they weren’t suitable for THE DOG. Mostly the consideration is getting the dog to the back yard and the size of the back yard. THE DOG must have room to run and play, you know! THE DOG may also need a fence or the ability to add one. And, of course, they sometimes consider whether the muddy feet will be coming back into the house and walking over carpet.

I think over the years, I’ve received more feedback comments regarding “not suitable for THE DOG” than I have “not suitable for the kids”. Guess Pedigree’s slogan DOGS RULE is right on target.

I understand completely! Heck I even gave up driving sports cars and switched to a Cherokee 20 years ago when I got my first Dobie who grew - and grew - and grew- and no longer fit in the 2-seater unless I had the T-tops out. Now that I have The Little Murph, do you suppose I could fit For-Sale yard signs in a Mini Cooper??

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 · Dog Tails · Homes · Homes for sale · Sellers
Tagged: , , ,

Finding the beauty of snow in central Ohio …

December 16, 2007 · 10 Comments

Copyrighted-snow on ornamental grassIt’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 confident with others on the road around me.

Staying home allows me the opportunity to see the “beauty” of the snow. I always find it amazing how the tiny flakes are able to stick together on the smallest twig to transform it into a piece of artwork. Copyrighted-SnowEvergreens

The row of evergreens that provide my home with privacy, as well as shelter for birds and rabbits, don’t need tiny lights to turn them into Christmas trees.

Of course, The Murph, with his short legs, has a rougher time of it although he LOVES to run through the snow - leaping through it like a rabbit.Copyrighted-dachshund in snow

Someone sent me a very funny poem about a “Dachshund Tunneling Through Snow“. I would love to post it here but it’s not quite G-rated, so I’ll resist. It focuses on the “parts” that get really cold.

Today we’re supposed to get more snow with 45 mph winds, so stay inside and look for the beauty around YOUR yard.Copyrighted-snow pyracantha

Copyrighted-snow covered MurphyThen go inside and get warm with a cup of hot cocoa.

Copyright © 2007. 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 · Dog Tails

Poor Murphy …

December 5, 2007 · 7 Comments

….. the problem with having 3-inch legs in 4½ inches of snow is that

The Murph is a 'low rider'. LET ME IN - LET ME IN!

your belly drags and certain “parts” get

REALLY, REALLY COLD!!!!!!!!!

EDITED: Mom has since shoveled a path for me. Isn’t she nice!

Copyright © 2007. 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 · Dog Tails

Unwitting victims of home foreclosures

November 2, 2007 · 7 Comments

Copyrighted bichonLast night’s TV news reported that the high foreclosure rate in the central Ohio area has resulted in additional victims - the 4-legged kind.

The Capital Area Humane Society said during their interview that abandonments have increased by people who have vacated their foreclosed home. People in financial difficulty often lose the means to care for pets and may release the pet to the local shelter.

However, there has a been a rash of people walking away from their foreclosed homes and LEAVING THE PET BEHIND IN THE HOME TO STARVE AND DIE!

The report showed a dog confined to a bedroom that was extremely skinny but still alive. Another German Shepherd puppy left in a crate in the garage did not fare so well - it died.

If you know of such homes where the owners pick up and leave, AND if they had a pet while they lived there, PLEASE check to see if the pet was left behind. If you hear a dog barking, please call your local humane society for assistance.

This story made me sick when I heard it. I can’t fathom how people could do such a thing to a poor helpless animal. You can help by alerting your friends to the situation, and ask them to also keep alert that a helpless pet may need your assistance before it starves and dies.

Copyright © 2007. 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 · Dog Tails · Homes

Fall chores on a Sunday… Where’s The Murph?

October 28, 2007 · 2 Comments

Copyrighted fall leavesI took much of today off because I needed to rake leaves, otherwise my lawn would be smothered.

When I moved into my home 10 years ago, my builder-provided maple sapling wasn’t much taller than I was. I and my neighbors could hardly wait until our trees grew.

Well, the trees have grown and now we’ve got our work cut out for us. My ash tree has already lost all its leaves. The maple tree has only dropped half its leaves. Two nearby trees are still holding theirs for a few more days.

It seems as though I will need to allow for another day off in the next week or two when this maple decides to let go of its pretty red bounty. 

Copyrighted Murphy in leavesHere’s my version of “Where’s Waldo”. The Murph always has fun during the leaf raking day. He likes to lay in the pile and of course, bark at kids and other dogs that go by. If it weren’t for his little red harness making him easier to spot, he might get bagged up with the leaves!

This would be a good photo to turn into a challenging puzzle.

Copyright © 2007. 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 · Commentary · Dog Tails

I spoil The Murph … but giving him his own cell phone????

October 12, 2007 · 2 Comments

Copyrighted Murphy with bluetoothA new pet product is reported to be due out in mid-2008. It’s a CELL PHONE for dogs!

Can you believe it!

It will attach to the dog’s collar and cost around $400 plus a service fee. It features a GPS system and is waterproof.

There will be a “call owner” button and “call center” button. The GPS system can help locate a lost dog. The phone can also be programmed to call the owner if the dog strays a certain distance from home.

Now get this … the owner can also call the dog to talk to the dog … AND the phone can be programmed to only accept calls from YOUR number. That’s to avoid the dog receiving wrong number calls or calls from telemarketers.

I want to be a fly on the wall the first time a call comes in for the dog … to watch his head spin trying to figure out where “that voice” is coming from.

This could really mess with their little minds! Tee-hee!

Wonder how many minutes The Murph will use and if they have a ROLLOVER plan?

Copyright © 2007. 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: Dog Tails · Humor