Dispatch front page photo

At an open house in May, had a few quiet moments and thought I would look thru the newspaper to review the open house ads. Wow, what a surprise as I removed the plastic bag. On the very front page was a photo of a client’s son, photo caption “Prodigy To Play Carnegie” Arts and Life, E-1; quickly I turned to the page to read the article.

Memorable buying adventure

In 2007 a past client referred me to a cute family; mom and dad’s son brought joy to our house hunting day. This amazing little boy was 5 at the time when his parents started to look for that perfect house. Our first day out to preview listings I was in awe as Abhik rattled off names of area roads along with the names of all intersecting roads, remember this child was only 5 years old, he sounded like my GPS system. We had many fun adventures in the snow, sleet and rain; they started to look at houses in February and by March they found a great home that met their needs.

A Special dinner invitation

This sweet family invited my husband and I to dinner after they were settled in their new home. Sandip and Srirupa served us a dinner of Indian cuisine which was really yummy. Abhik made our visit very special by playing the piano for us, what a delight to hear this talented little boy playing those classical arrangements; it is hard to believe that a youngster could play such complicated piano compositions. My husband and I were honored for the family’s hospitality.

Carnegie Hall Follow Up

A few days after I discovered the Dispatch article I called Abhik, wanted to hear about the Carnegie Hall gig, talked to Abhik’s mom, she filled me in as to how Abhik was able to play Carnegie Hall. He was selected as the first place winner in his age division of the Bradshaw & Buono International Piano Competition. The entire family had a fabulous day at Carnegie Hall, Srirupa told me after Abhik’s return home he has become more immersed in his music. Abhik is musically talented beyond his years but he is still a little boy who likes to have fun with his friends. He enjoys drawing; I have one of his special sketches hanging in my office.

The perks of doing a job that you love

Throughout my real estate career I have met many wonderful people. What a privilege to be able to provide assistance to others to obtain home ownership. A house becomes a home where memories are made. Sandip and Srirupa have made a wonderful home for Abhik to become an accomplished pianist along with a loving place to call home to just be a little boy.

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Don’t miss the 2008 BIA Parade of Homes

Building Industry Association of Central Ohio

The Parade of Homes - June 14 thru 29 - is located at the Village at Hannah Farms in Gahanna Ohio. The BIA has sponsored a tour of newly constructed homes since 1956. Plan to attend this great event to preview what’s new in home construction, decorating and landscaping trends.

Building a new home or remodeling an existing one

If you attend the parade you will be able to preview intriguing floor plans and new building materials, new designs to accommodate your lifestyle.

A decorators dream

There will be 7 homes featured in the 2008 parade. The interior of all of the homes will be professionally decorated. Visitors can take notes on the latest decorating trends, most popular paint colors, furniture and floor coverings.

Curb appeal plus

Builders know the importance of curb appeal it adds value to the home; it’s like the icing on a cake. Each home will be superbly landscaped. Last years backyard outdoor living spaces were spectacular. Especially popular were the double-sided fireplaces visible from both the interior and exterior of many homes.  I especially liked an outdoor wet bar under a covered porch of a carriage house. The covered porch sheltered a plasma TV and a ceiling fan that created a breeze which also kept the bugs away.

Awards are presented

Every year the parade houses are given awards for the best landscaping, interior design, architectural design, curb appeal and more. 2007 parade visitors voted for their favorite house and interior décor, both categories were awarded to Ashley Homes. Lisa Mets a female builder, her first year in the Parade of Homes, it was her attention to detail that made the difference. The awarding winning 6,300 square foot Country French multi-level home incorporated many cool features such as 3 laundry areas, finished lower level with Texas Hold ‘em-themed game room, a kids’ cove that was accessible only by ladders from the bedrooms, wrought-iron balusters, oversized furniture-style kitchen island, the master bedroom had a coffee bar, a mini refrigerator and a built-in coffee/cappuccino/hot chocolate machine, master loft/sitting room, custom 5×5 walk-in shower, spa tub, master closet the size of a bedroom with a stack washer/dryer and a built-in ironing station, energy efficient Nu-Wool insulation and so much more just too much to mention.

You could win a playhouse

This year BIA members will donate supplies and labor to build two playhouses which will be raffled off at the Parade. Every year the Nationwide Children’s Hospital TWIG auxiliary sells raffle tickets for a chance to win a playhouse. All the raffle sale proceeds are donated to Nationwide Children’s Hospital

BIA Foundation Home

Built by Tuckerman Home Group a Country French multi-level over 4,000 sq ft of gorgeous living space, with cool features such as lockers in the mudroom, a walk in pantry, rear first floor laundry along with many other amenities you must come to the parade to see. Each year the builder’s proceeds from the Foundation house sale are donated to Nationwide Children’s Hospital and other BIA Foundation charities.

Preview Party

It’s the very best party in town. The night before the Parade officially opens attendees have the opportunity to preview all the homes, enjoy yummy food and drinks provided by Cameron Mitchell Restaurants. All ticket sales proceeds of this evening event benefit the Nationwide Children’s Hospital Foundation, BIA Foundation, and Housing Charities. This is one of my favorite Central Ohio charity events which I try to attend every year. To purchase Preview Party tickets you can call or stop by the BIA corporate office located at 495 Executive Campus Dr. Westerville Ohio 43082 – phone 614-891-0575.

What you will see at the Parade

Beautiful home sites professionally landscaped and decorated, awesome gourmet kitchens, 1st floor master bedrooms, lavish master bathrooms, wine cellars, computer and gaming areas, the first BIA “Green Home”, and extensive outside entertaining areas. All homes can be purchased – Price range $499,900 to $799,900.

Where: Gahanna Ohio

Village at Hannah Farms - Clark State Road and Reynoldsburg-New Albany Road.

When: June 14 thru June 29

Monday thru Saturday 12 noon to 9 pm
Sunday 12 noon to 6 pm

Ticket Purchase

At the Parade site $10 per person
Children under 12 free
Order on line or stop by the BIA corporate office

Free General Admission Parade Tickets

As a thank you for reading - Central Ohio Real Estate News
Please send me an e-mail request for your free ticket
Quantity limited to the first 25 e-mail responses

Karen.Gorski@RealLiving.com

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A message for all moms

Mother’s Day: It was your special day, a day designated to let you know that you are very much loved and appreciated. There is nothing more precious then a mother’s love. A day full of special thank yous for all that you do.

Today’s real moms

As a real estate agent I have been lucky to meet many cool moms. Today’s moms juggle busy schedules; some work outside the home others are stay home moms. When considering a home purchase the first question all moms ask is the neighborhood safe.

Neighborhood safety

When considering a home in a particular community take a drive thru the neighborhood at various times of the day. Look for neighborhood watch signs. Is the community well lit with street lights? Talk to neighbors, they will be a wealth of information. Police departments along with the county sheriff department will be able to provide you with good area statistics.

School information

Moms are very concerned about the schools their children will attend. School internet research can be done at the Ohio Department of Education website that provides proficiency test results and state school report cards. A school visit would be beneficial. Most schools have designated personnel that will give you a tour of the school and answer all your questions.

Desirable floor plan for moms

Large open kitchens with a pantry, great room needs to have good proximity to the kitchen, the living room is losing popularity, a first floor office is a plus great for a home based occupation, a bonus room, or finished basement is ideal for a child’s playroom or home schooling, a window from the kitchen to watch the children at play, a fenced backyard large enough for a swing set, 4 large bedrooms with good closet space, moms spend a lot of time washing children’s clothes so a 1st or 2nd floor laundry is a real plus.

Mother’s Day tornado warning in Central Ohio

Being a light real estate business day due to the Mother’s Day holiday I spent most of the day at my personal residence which is located in Galena Ohio Southern Delaware County. The day was miserable, cold and rainy and to my surprise I heard warning sirens; a call from my husband’s cell informed me that I should go to the basement of our home. Then my home phone rang it was the Delaware county emergency department calling to inform all residents of the tornado warning. Now that was a surprise, our tax dollars at work. Luckily a tornado didn’t touch down, no real damage just heavy rain and strong winds.

In conclusion moms make a pathway to a home

A path within the heart that takes us home to happy memories, meaningful moments, joys, hugs and kisses. Moms make their homes a safe and secure place for their children to live. As children grow older the paths from their childhood home full of love and affection come to full circle. All experiences become stepping stones to who that child will be as an adult. Yes the day will come sooner than you think when you will be visiting your children in their very own homes.

Check out Karen’s website for tips on how to sell or buy a home in Central Ohio.

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CondoQuest is a special spring and fall promotion sponsored by the BIA

58 Central Ohio Condominium communities
Showcased by the Building Industry Association
Visitors tour newly constructed condo communities

Condos are for everyone the CondoQuest slogan

First time buyers, empty nesters, busy professionals
No need for ladders, lawn mowers or snow shovels
Lock your front door and leave for a couple of months no need to worry about outside maintenance

Many floor plans to choose from

Ranches and town homes
First-floor owner’s suites
Twin singles and detached patio homes
Prices start at $99,000
Some selling for more than $1,000,000

Great amenities

Great room open-living layouts less formal living spaces
Many communities offer walking trails, bike paths, fitness centers, swimming pools and tennis courts

Spring and fall CondoQuest

Sponsored by the BIA for the past 6 years
Missed the spring promotion, there will be a good selection again in the fall

Karen’s Condo-Quest

Cute town home and 1st floor owner’s suite
The Pros and Cons of Condos

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