Category Archives: Homes

The Parade of Homes is coming soon

The 2012 BIA Parade of Homes begins June 16. I drove by over the weekend to see how the building was coming along. As usual, much was in disarray as workers are scrambling to get everything finished in time. Some of the homes have SOLD signs on them already.

2012 Parade of Homes Lewis Center Ohio 

This is the 60th Anniversary of the Parade, so they are celebrating with a theme of “mid-century design” by using some design elements from the 1950′s. Hopefully they won’t use some of that awful striped flowered wallpaper that was popular then. (Yes, my Mom used it along with a fuschia-colored frieze sofa.) Probably won’t see the teeny-tiny TV screens either.

The Parade runs from June 16 thru July 1. It costs $2 per vehicle to park and $12 to enter (kids under 12 are free). The hours are: Mon-Sat 12pm-9pm; Sun 12pm-6pm. There are 12 builders this year: 3Pillar Homes, Compass Homes, Dominion Homes, Fischer Homes, Maronda Homes, M/I Homes, Miller Troyer Custom Homes, Rockford Homes, Silvestri Homes, Trinity Homes, Truberry Custom Homes, and Weaver Custom Homes. The location is off of Lewis Center Rd, just west of Old State Rd in Delaware County.

Go into your attic to get your poodle skirt, angora sweater, penny loafers and bobby socks. Guys … you can wear your Fonzy leather jacket and slick your hair back in a “DA” … assuming you still HAVE hair. :-)

NEW LISTING – Do you work in Polaris, Powell or Dublin?

This charming home is located south of Delaware in Stratford Woods, making it very convenient to shopping, entertainment or employment in Dublin, Powell or the Polaris area. You’ll also love getting a lot of living space at a very reasonable price … it’s only $199,900 for total living space of 2,855 sq ft (includes lower level).

Enjoy evenings on your paver patio on a quiet side street overlooking your large sloped lawn. It’s perfect for BBQ’s. During cooler times, move the party inside to the fantastic finished lower level with a wet bar. At formal holidays, there is a formal dining room next to a formal living room. The island kitchen has plenty of space for helping hands, no matter the season. Plus, there’s a good-sized area for casual dining.

Upstairs are 4 bedrooms, 2 full baths and a laundry with a wall ironing board. The owner’s suite is vaulted with plant ledges. The owner’s bath has a jetted tub, shower stall and walk-in closet. It’s well located away from the other bedrooms for added privacy.

Give me a call if you would like more info on this terrific home.

Click for Google map

1 Qtr Home Sales Results for Central Ohio

Enough days have passed since the end of the first quarter, that I can now look at the real estate home sale results. Generally the results are pretty positive when compared with the 1st Quarter 2011. Most school districts realized an increase in the number of homes sold, and many also benefitted from higher average prices as well. Remember, when considering higher prices, that doesn’t mean that any given home will receive more money, it merely means the average of the prices the buyers CHOSE to buy was higher. In a way, that can be good since it may indicate that buyers are in better financial positions when they finally decide to buy.

1st Qtr Home Sales *
School 2011
#
2012
#
%
Chg
2011
Avg $
2012
Avg $
%
Chg
New Albany 52 54 +3.8% $411,688 $449,190 +9.1%
Dublin 72 96 +33.3% $340,516 $352,136 +3.4%
Olentangy (Rt 23 west) 74 74 0.0% $381,090 $345,315 -9.4%
Olentangy (Rt 23 east) 56 81 +44.6% $288,849 $300,727 +4.1%
Big Walnut 32 24 -25.0% $236,814 $261,066 +10.2%
Worthington 66 99 +50.0% $237,233 $225,191 -5.1%
Westerville 113 110 -2.6% $213,378 $202,877 -4.9%
Buckeye Valley 16 23 +43.7% $297,196 $223,175 -24.9%
Hilliard 115 105 -8.7% $212,216 $192,141 -9.5%
Marysville 34 33 -2.9% $190,209 $159,350 -16.2%
Delaware 36 60 +66.7% $142,931 $149,411 +4.5%

* Data does not include homes sold as REO, foreclosure or short sale.

A rising TIDE lifts all boats … until the cops get there

When I list a home, I give the homeowner a sheet that has a list of safety precautions. Then we discuss what and why they need to do (or not do) certain things to keep themselves and their possessions safe.

Well, it seems I need to add another item to the list of things to hide or secure in addition to jewelry, account numbers and prescription drugs. You’re probably not going to believe THIS one. I’ll leave you in suspense. You’ve GOT to read this article. THE NEW FAVORITE OF  DRUG DEALERS

Real Living HER is #1 in Home Sales

2011 Broker Share of Market is in and Real Living HER maintains its #1 status again. No other broker even comes close. For the entire 2011 year, Real Living HER agents sold 6,184 units. The next nearest competitor (CBKT – 4681) sold only 76% of the number that Real Living HER agents sold.

2011 Broker Homes Sold in central Ohio

Click to enlarge chart, then click again

Many home sellers and buyers select their agent first and the broker second, however, in order for the agent to do a stellar job for the client, it’s important for the agent to have access to the best techie tools, internet exposure, and marketing materials to provide the client with the best service. That’s where Real Living HER really shines.

If you’re planning to sell or buy this Spring, make sure you choose the #1 broker. Give me a call and we’ll get started.

Obama’s 2013 Budget has bad news for homeowners

Obama has just released his 2013 Budget and it appears to be meeting with the same disdain as last year’s which even the Democrats didn’t approve. This year’s version is expected to meet the same fate because of the increased taxes, increased deficit spending and reduced military presence.

National Association of RealtorsEven so, the National Association of Realtors® has issued their position on the parts of the budget that will impact housing. Imagine losing the mortgage interest deduction (MID) that you currently receive on Schedule A, if you itemize your deductions.

“As the leading advocate for housing and homeownership, NAR is strongly opposed to elements of President Obama’s budget proposal that would limit itemized deductions, including the mortgage interest deduction, for thousands of families.

“NAR firmly believes that the mortgage interest deduction is vital to the stability of the American housing market and economy. We urge the president and Congress to do no harm.

“While progress has been made in bringing stability to the housing market, the recovery has been slow. The nation’s homeowners already pay 80 to 90 percent of U.S. federal income taxes. Raising taxes on them, now or in the future, could critically erode home values at all price levels. This would destroy middle-class wealth accumulation and trillions of dollars in home values nationwide.

Already Obama has tried implementing several mortgage programs that make great sound bytes for the media and re-election speeches, but offer little help for most homeowners or home prices. What the housing market really needs is a business-friendly environment that reduces the mass of regulations and taxes that prevent small and large businesses from investing in jobs. Until the millions of unemployed or underemployed people have decent paying jobs, the housing market can’t recover and people can’t keep their homes rather than losing them to foreclosure. 

Read NAR full article