Art in Bloom

I have been attending the Home and Garden show for many years;  it’s a nice diversion from the cold dreary winter days. Central Ohio has been blasted with snow since the New Year, record breaking snow, 30 inches in February; everyone you talk to is just done with all the snow. As you walk into the garden show the scent of all the fresh flowers makes you smile, as usual the vendor displays are so creative and beautiful. I was lucky to be able to attend the opening day of the show, specifically wanted to see the 1^st guest speaker Shane Tallant.

Designed to Sell

The show opened on February 27 the first guest speaker was Shane Tallant the host of the very popular HGTV show “Designed to Sell”. Shane’s program consisted of a short introduction about his HGTV job description; he explained the basic premise of the show which is getting a home ready to sell on a budget.  Shane pointed out do to the down economy it’s currently more challenging to get a home sold than it has been in previous years, therefore your home needs to standout. The event mainly consisted of a series of questions from the audience making it quite interesting, no boring scripts, the audience participation was lively.

Should a home be neutralized?

This was the 1^st question asked from the audience. Shane’s answer was surprising; he commented that most think that the interior of the entire home should be painted white or beige. Wrong, white or beige colors are boring; these colors don’t give warmth like earth tones do.  Shane’s opinion is to keep it simple, don’t put your energy into accent walls and faux finishes buyers will not appreciate all your hard work. A fresh coat of paint does wonders it’s the most economical way to add value to a home, use earth tone colors such as any brown tone colorations, yellow, light blue and light green.

De-clutter

Someone asked if you have very little money to get a home ready to sell what can be done to make the home more saleable.  Shane’s response was to get rid of all the clutter. The buyer wants to see all the space they can put their stuff in not all your stuff that takes up so much space. Pack away all your collections, if you have a frog collection no one wants to see 100 glass frogs in a small room.   Organizing and packing up excess items gives you a chance to thoroughly clean your home, make sure all your windows are sparkling clean, if you have a great backyard view and the windows are dirty how is a prospective buyer going to see that wonderful view.

What sells better a vacant or furnished home?

Shane’s response was most definitely a furnished home. Furniture gives warmth to a home, not many pieces are needed, and the furniture placement needs to have a nice flow.  Kitchen and bath countertops need a few accent pieces; an air mattress with a nice bed covering gives the buyer a good sense of space that a bedroom offers. Windows shouldn’t be bare, simple treatments call attention to them and softens a room.  A home needs to standout it has to be memorable to a buyer.  Shane has advised sellers on a few occasions to purchase a flat screen TV, mount it on the wall and attach a note indicating that it will remain at the home when it’s sold.

Curb appeal

Your home must look like the best one on the block. It’s a matter of perception if the exterior looks well maintained then the buyer will think that the interior will be impressive.  Give the front door and trim a new coat of paint, trim the bushes, plant flowers and make sure the walkway and driveway look good. If the curb appeal is not attractive your home will be passed by. Buyers form an opinion of a house in just a few seconds. “You want the buyer to stop and stare at your home”, and you want them to say I need to see that house.

The most common home-seller mistake

Pricing the home for what a seller wants to get rather than being realistic. Its Shane’s opinion that a home shouldn’t be priced too high it will sit on the market, there will be no interest, the price will need to be reduced and that is not good. He suggested that sellers should tour nearby homes that are for sale to get a good idea of the competition and price their home to sell accordingly.

Shane Tallant’s presentation

He likes to keep things simple, he truly enjoyed the audience participation which he feels is more personal and interactive. His presentation motto is don’t be late or want to leave early during the event he did quiz a few as to why they were late and why they were leaving before the presentation was over. Shane reinforces what every seller needs to do to get there home sold, a celebrity with credibility.

13 garden displays

After Shane’s presentation I toured all the landscaping displays which are inspired by works of art many of the displays include paintings and sculptures, the beauty of art incorporated in nature; they go together so well, with a touch of vegetable gardens added here and there. 

Description of the garden displays

• Benchmark: art deco theme with a romantic atmosphere featuring an edible garden.
• Cedarbrook: a tribute to the artwork of bees – a bee’s role in making gardens beautiful .                           
• Darby Creek: wrought iron art, a seven-tiered fountain, the garden display creates a romantic bistro.
• Evergreen Landscaping:  the art deco period is very evident in this garden display full of white and neon blue hues.
• Five Seasons Landscape:  Tiffany style windows are sprinkled within the garden display which included lilacs, hibiscus, and rhododendrons.
• M.L. Longaberger, Inc.: a chew mail-pouch tobacco hand-painted barn is a reflection of Americana art found throughout America’s countryside.
• Oakland Nurseries: a unique garden of lush plantings that includes rhododendron, dogwoods, oodles of tulip and daffodils this garden shouts spring.
• Riepenhoff Landscape: the serene garden is inspired by Claude Monet’s paintings.
• Seely’s Landscape Nursery: includes a vegetable garden, with the current economic times there has been a resurgence of backyard gardens… sculptures by a local artist Denise Romecki’ are placed throughout the garden.
• Spellacy’s Turf-Lawn: ready set art in action,  in this garden you will find nine-foot wood carved paintbrushes, a 6 foot tall crayon & pencil, giant mock tubes of paint,  which also includes a huge hanging edible basket of tomatoes, herbs and red peppers.
• Yard Solutions: the cedar pavilion and stone walkways makes this garden display very impressive.
• Warwick’s Landscaping: tall urns accent this garden full of tulips, daffodils, pansies, and hyacinths, a square garden of chives, parsley, lettuce and other veggies are incorporated within the display.
• Wood Landscape:  this garden showcases an original sculpture by David M. Morgan, a Hilliard resident, called the Galaxy, a 10-piece copper , aluminum and glass sculpture that resembles planets in the solar system.

If you want to go

Ohio Expo Center (Ohio State Fairgrounds)
717 E. 17th Ave. Columbus, Ohio

Feb 27 thru March 7, 2010

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Connells Maple Lee Flowers & Gifts

Tour and interview

Flowers, gifts and planters  

At the front of the store is a walk-in cooler with stunning arranged flowers in vases, the roses were especially beautiful. Stacey mentioned that in January there is special pricing on tulips and loose bouquets. If you check the company website you will find valuable coupons that will be easy on your wallet and brighten your day with flowers. As I walked thru the store I admired many items that would be a perfect gift for a variety of special occasions, there were displays of yummy candy baskets, stuffed animals and a huge area dedicated to foliage gardens.

Wedding department

Wedding designers are on staff to assist with making your wedding day very special from floral bouquets, to table linens, church and reception decorations, and attendant gifts. No task is ever too small or too large; the designers will help you make the best choices that will assure that your day will be very special.  

Kids Club

Just for kids ages 5 thru 12 – children can register with parents permission to enjoy fun free activities throughout the year, including holiday events, floral arranging…  what it’s like to work in a flower shop, craft projects such as carving pumpkins,  trick-or-treat bag decorating ,  receive special newsletters,  e-mail announcements and  giveaways. Kids don’t miss out on the fun sign up today.

Patio area and drive thru window

Stacey mentioned that the patio will be used to display hanging baskets and spring thru fall seasonal plantings.   You can phone in or order on line, then pick up the floral arrangement that you ordered at the drive thru window; now that’s quick efficient service.

Valentine’s Day

Grand opening celebration is January 27 thru February 6, in store specials, a free rose to all that stop by, 10% discount on any Valentine’s Day order placed. Store hours are Monday thru Saturday 8am-7pm – Sunday 10am – 3 pm. You will not be disappointed with the floral quality and design workmanship. I have shopped for many years at the Worthington store which recently closed. Will miss the Worthington location but the new store is a nice addition to the Powell-Lewis Center area which has filled a void; not one florist was located in the area, now you and I can purchase a special floral arrangement at the Connells Maple Lee Flowers – Powell- Lewis Center location … please do stop by, this new store is a true delight.  I am looking forward to being a frequent customer, love to surprise my clients with a beautiful bouquet of flowers, it’s a very nice way to say thank you…

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Lewis Center home sales by subdivision 2005 thru 2009

• After reviewing the past 5 year home sale statistics as per the tables below:
• 2005 thru 2006 the largest amount of homes and condos were sold in the older established Lewis Center subdivisions such as Oak Creek, Oak Creek East, Villages of Oak Creek, Olentangy Glade, Olentangy Meadows, Summerfield Village, The Shores, Wynstone, Parkshore ,Walker Woods, Retreat at Grand Oaks and Parkview Northeast.
• 2007 older subdivision home sales started to decrease by 2008 thru 2009; there was a noticeable decrease in number of homes that sold along with prices that the homes sold for.
• 2007 thru 2008 a few new subdivisions saw building start such as Alum Crossing, Lake Shore, Little Bear, McCammon Estates, Olentangy Crossing, Wynstone Village, along with the new developed section of Wilshire and TheVillage at Polaris Park.
• 2009 first few months there was a decrease in the number of homes sold and what they sold for, mid-year might have been the turning point, the number of homes sold and prices started to increase, likely due to the $8,000 first time home buyer tax credit.  The tax credit has been extended and expanded to include 1st time and repeat home buyers; just need to be in contract by April 30, 2010.  

Pool and Parks

If you currently reside in Orange Township Lewis Center Ohio you know it’s a wonderful place to live. Got to love the township parks and the North Orange Aquatic Center, which was expanded in 2009, the pool addition enlarged the aquatic center by 2,760 square feet. The grand opening of the new pool addition was on July 31, 2009. The added square feet gives township residents the ability to enjoy 25-meter lap lanes, a water sitting area and a water-basketball area which provides more space for adults and teens.

Park and trail expansions 

In 2010 the Orange township trustees budget calls for 2.8 million allocated for park site improvements which will include a Glen Oak Park project and two new leisure trails. The trail near Glen Oak Elementary School will connect to Weatherly Dr. in the Alum creek subdivision and a trail will connect Northpoint Meadows Blvd. to the Loveland parcel.  The East Orange Rd. trail will connect from Walker Wood Blvd. to South Old State Rd., another section will connect from Abby Knoll Dr. to Bale Kenyon Rd. 

 Lewis Center Ohio Growth

As mentioned in a previous post Lewis Center Ohio, Delaware County, has experienced tremendous residential and retail growth from 1990 thru 2010. After the Polaris Fashion Place opened in 2001, the growth just kept on going like the Energizer Bunny… many new restaurants and retail shops opened in the area … in fact in 2008 the Polaris Fashion Place opened the Polaris Outdoor Lifestyle Center which is an open air shopping venue which feels like a small town main street.

So if you are thinking of selling or purchasing a home don’t delay call Karen today to take advantage of the tax credit…

Home - Sold Statistics - Averages from the Columbus Board of Realtors MLS system

Condo - Sold Statistics - Averages from the Columbus Board of Realtors MLS system

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A Great New Year’s resolution:  

Calling all Central Ohio first time and repeat home buyers, legislation extended the first time homebuyer tax credit along with expanding the program to include a $6,500 tax credit for repeat buyers. The Worker, Homeownership, and Business Assistance Act of 2009, was signed by President Barack Obama on November 6, 2009. 

First time buyers:   

 If you didn’t take advantage of the initial $8,000 tax credit the extension gives you the opportunity to take advantage of the tax credit so don’t delay the June 30 deadline will be here before you know it. Extension of the $8,000 tax credit for first time home buyers; Buyer’s can claim 10% of the purchase price of their home, up to $8,000 – if the buyer hasn’t owned a home as a principal residence in the past 3 years.

Repeat homebuyers:

The tax credit is equal to 10 % of a home purchase price up to a maximum of $6,500. To be eligible to claim the tax credit, buyers must have owned and lived in their current home for 5 consecutive years out of the last 8 years. There are no restrictions if you want to downsize, you don’t even have to sell your existing home as long as you move into the new home on the day that you purchased it which must be your principle residence.

Other terms & time frames:

• Principle residence includes new construction, existing, single family, condo, town home, manufactured or mobile homes and boasts that function as principle residence. The tax credit doesn’t have to be repaid. The price of the home can’t exceed $800,000.
• All home purchases after January 1, 2009 thru April 30, 2010 qualify for the tax credit. Binding contract signed by April 30, 2010 and closed by June 30, 2010 will also qualify. Tax credit is extended until May 2011 for military personal whose duty takes them overseas.

Income limits:

• Homes that were purchased after January 1, 2009 but before November 6, 2009 the income limits are $75,000 for single taxpayers and $150,000 for couples filing jointly.
• Homes that are purchased after November 6, 2009 the income limits are $125,000 for single taxpayers and $225,000 for couples filing jointly. 

Tax credit forms:  

• The IRS will require you to provide the closing settlement statement (forms) 
• Along with the request for the credit using the IRS Form 5405

Once-in-a-lifetime opportunity:

Please do take advantage of the homebuyer tax credit. The National Association of Realtors and Real Estate agents worked hard urging government officials that the extension would help the economy recover.  Historically low interest rates will not last forever. If you are thinking of making a home purchase you could possibly qualify to take advantage of the tax credit, a great new year’s resolution that should be at the top of your list of goals to be obtained in 2010.

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Get your walking shoes on

Time to tour 11 exquisite ultra dream homes. These homes are huge, exude quality features. Every home in the parade is architecturally unique including the following styles, Georgian, Country French, Revival, Costal Colonial, Craftsman’s, some traditional floor plans, even a home designed like a turn of the century downtown Dublin Ohio home.

Construction and decorating trends

All the homes are decorated to the nines, I have attended many parades it’s been a number of years since the parade included price tags of $639,000 to $949,000. So many quality finishes, furniture quality built-ins, gourmet kitchens with high end appliances, trivection wall ovens which are a combination convection, microwave and a conventional oven all in one. Induction cook tops which are cool to the touch only provide heat when a pan touches the heating element, fabulous great rooms which open up into the kitchen, luxurious master suites with coffee bars and deluxe baths with electronically controlled showers and heated rock floors, finished basements with pub style bars, outdoor living spaces with beautiful fireplaces and huge built-in grills. At two of the homes geothermal heating systems have been installed, some builders have used insulation made from caster beans, many have tank less hot water tanks.

Sneak Preview

On July 4th my husband and I had a few extra moments so we stopped at the parade site. Wow! We were so lucky the parade doesn’t officially open until July 10, the designer and builder of the Dani home was at the house finishing up last minute details, they cordially allowed us to tour the home. What an impressive home; it’s designed with a comfortable contemporary flair. The kitchen has a huge center island which could seat 8 easily. We were impressed with the built in cappuccino machine, the huge double door refrigerator with wine cooler and of course there was an induction cook top. This dream kitchen opened into a wonderfully large great room. The outdoor living space was to die for with a fireplace, fountains and stone walkways.

Preview party

Enjoy a special night out on Friday July 10, 2009. The preview party is an elegant party that gives an opportunity to those who want to view the parade homes before they are open to the general public. Cameron Mitchell, a famous Central Ohio restaurateur will be providing delicious food such as sweet shrimp quesadillas, pesto veggie pizza, meatball sliders, Ohio corn fritters and more. Drinks will be served which will include Fresh squeezed lemonade, iced tea, assorted wine and beer. The proceeds from the preview party ticket sales will benefit Nationwide Children’s Hospital and local charities.

The BIA Foundation House

Compass Homes is the builder of the 2009 BIA Foundation House. This home offers 3,874 square feet of living space, a traditional home with attention to details; you will find sun tunnels, arched hutch niches, wainscoting, a large morning room, really cool family organization center with work area, lockers, cubbies and a dog feeding station, along with many other amenities you must come to the parade to see. Each year the builder’s proceeds from the Foundation house sale is donated to Nationwide Children’s Hospital and other BIA Foundation charities.

Want to go to the parade

The parade is located in Tartan Ridge, which is in the city of Dublin served by Dublin schools with close proximity to the Glacier Ridge Metro Park. The park has miles of hiking, biking, and bridle trails, as well as picnic shelters and playground equipment. Where: Dublin Ohio – Tartan Ridge – off Hyland-Croy or Jerome Rd. When: July 11 thru July 26 – Monday thru Saturday – 12 noon to 9 p.m. Sunday 12 noon to 6 p.m.

Ticket Purchase

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

Free General Admission 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.

Purchase one of the parade homes

To date 5 homes have sold, the other 6 are looking for new owners. The builders add extra features at a reduced cost to showcase their work. These homes are priced well below their true value. Contact me if you would like a personal tour of any of the homes, some of the builders are offering special financing.

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First day of summer June 21

The summer real estate market, what’s in store for buyers and sellers? Would like to recap the results of the spring market activity: the Real Living HER website has noticed an increase in website visitor activity throughout the spring season. RealLivingHER.com has attracted more than 190,000 visitors per month. Buyers click thru to see the listings that have the most photos and it’s a real great way to showcase a listing.

Columbus Board of Realtors Statistics

The statistics for the amount of homes that are for sale vs. homes that have sold: we are seeing signs of stability in the housing market. Home sales and prices increased, inventory levels are down compared to spring levels in 2008. With less houses coming onto the market listing prices tend to rise, 6,756 homes have sold year to date. There have been many first time buyers in the market taking advantage of the first time home buyer tax credit.

The Spring Real Estate Market

The 2009 Central Ohio real estate market has been quite busy lately. Recently I have listed many nice homes. When a new listing is obtained a checklist of activities must be completed to provide the seller with good exposure to buyers who are in the market to make a home purchase.

Photos, photos and more photos

Excellent photos are very important to the marketing process. As the old saying goes a picture is worth a thousand words. Photos make an impression on a buyer, so numerous photos added to a listing will result in buyers wanting to stop by for a personal tour. You need to get the buyer thru your front door, good photos creates the ‘gotta see that house’ syndrome.

The importance of the list price

Accurate pricing is so important in today’s market. If the price is too high difficulty is added to the process. The first few weeks a home is listed there should be a flurry of activity of buyers and agents previewing the home. A more accurate price will attract buyers to want to look at a home. If there are no showings the list price is too high. Many showings but no offer is a sure sign the list price needs to be adjusted downward. There is always a magic number that will catch the buyer’s attention. Statistics show that the sooner a home goes into contract after it’s initially listed the more money the seller will net. The longer a home sits on the market its “old news” buyers start to think that something is wrong with the house; if a seller receives an offer it’s usually very low.

Strict Appraisal Requirements

Recently both FHA and conventional appraisers have new guidelines that must be followed when calculating value. An appraiser must complete a detailed report which is submitted to the buyer’s lender to certify the value of a home. If comparable sales within the past six months do not support the sale price then the home will not appraise. This spells trouble, sellers and buyers have to renegotiate, if terms cannot be agreed upon the house falls out of contract, the sellers then have to put their home back on the market.

$8,000 Tax Credit

Calling all first time home buyers, don’t miss out, take advantage of a deal of a lifetime. It’s a gift; the Federal Government is giving you a big fat gift, all you have to do is purchase a home. Yes there are a few requirements but they are minimal for most. If you take advantage of this tax credit you will look back and whisper to yourself joyfully, boy did I luck out when I purchased my first home. FHA lenders are allowing the $8,000 to be used in addition to the required 3 1/2% down payment; talk to your lender that has pre-approved you for more details. Buyers I will guide you thru the home buying process.

Housing affordability

Buyers have tremendous purchasing power there is a good selection of homes for sale in all areas of Central Ohio. First time home buyers don’t forget about the $8,000 tax credit. Homebuyers who make their purchase between Jan. 1 thru Dec. 1, 2009 are eligible for the credit so don’t delay; December will be here before you know it. Keep in mind it takes time to find the home that is right for you. It can take up to 45 days or longer to process your loan so the clock is ticking; don’t miss out on being able to claim your $8,000 gift.

Peace of mind

Mid-June, Real Living HER rolled out the Peace of Mind Plan. Many buyers would like to purchase a home to take advantage of today’s low interest rates along with the good selection of homes that are priced right. Buyers are hesitant due to the economic realities that we are facing. The Real Living’s Peace of Mind plan is designed to provide comfort to buyers, giving them confidence to make a home purchase. If a home is financed thru Real Living Mortgage, Real Living will provide you with one year of insurance benefits that cover a monthly mortgage payment of up to $1,500 for up to six months if you become involuntarily unemployed during the first year you are in your new home.

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Hammock time

Recently a past client invited me to be her friend on facebook; of course I accepted the invitation. I have enjoyed reading and participating in the conversation. From the conversation I have learned that upon entering the spring season many dads have mentioned hammock time. What a great way for dad to relax on his special day napping in a hammock in the shadiest area of the backyard.

Fire up the grill

Many dads just can’t wait to cook on their man size grills, some Central Ohio outdoor living spaces are quite elaborate. What’s important to most dads is having the family gather to enjoy a meal together that might include hamburgers, hotdogs, brats and maybe a steak. No celebration is complete unless there is dessert. Dad would sure enjoy a dish of ice cream from either Graeters, Handel’s or Cold Stone Creamery all popular Columbus area specialty stores that sell delicious ice cream treats.

Take me out to the ball game

The Columbus Clippers baseball team has a new home. Has dad been to the new Huntington Park stadium located in the Arena District in downtown Columbus Ohio; if not, tickets to a game would be a great Father’s day gift. The new fan friendly stadium is very cool; so many interesting places to watch the game from. Bring a blanket so you can sit on the grass, there are patios and terraces, a 110-foot bar overlooking the field, an open-air rooftop with bleachers. Dad just has to go to see for himself; he will not be disappointed. The day I stopped by to take a photo of the new stadium the game was sold out I am told it’s a very popular place.

How about a round of golf

There are numerous golf courses in the Central Ohio area, some are exclusive, many are private and some are public. There are over 35 courses in Franklin County, 26 in Delaware County and many are also located in Licking and Knox counties. Some of the most famous golf courses are the Muirfield Village Golf Club, Dublin, Scioto Country Club, Upper Arlington, The Golf Club, New Albany and the Double Eagle Club Galena. The most popular public courses include the Phoenix in Grove City, Raymond Memorial Golf Course near Hilliard and the New Albany Links.

A special Father’s Day’s treat at BJ’s Restaurant

Browsing thru the Columbus Dispatch Sunday newspaper I noticed a grand Father’s Day advertisement. On June 20 and 21 every dad that visits BJ’s will receive a commemorative print glass and a chance to win a Premier golf Getaway. BJ’s Restaurant is located at 1414 Polaris Parkway, Lewis Center Ohio. Great selections to choose from including deep dish pizzas, pastas, burgers, steaks, ribs, chicken and more…

A tribute to all Central Ohio dads

When you are a small child your dad looks very tall, his voice is so deep sometimes stern but loving. It was fun to curl up in his strong arms which makes you feel so secure you knew he would protect you. Most modern dads spend as much time as they can with their children. The older generation dads loved their children but they didn’t show much emotion. Being in the real estate biz I see how dads interact with their children, many are involved in their sports activities, give them a helping hand with their school projects, some are gourmet chefs they know how to make a mean mac-n-cheese and of course hot dogs on the grill is their specialty. As the children grow into adults they come to realize that their dads really did do their best they gave as much as they could. Now on their special day take a moment to wish them a very special Happy Father’s Day.

A special Father’s Day Gift

Dads if you have never owned a home the federal government is offering you an $8,000 gift, the First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit. If you are thinking about purchasing a home Real Living HER is offering a Pease of Mind Mortgage Payment Protection Program. If you would lose your job, the Payment Protection Program will help you pay your mortgage up to 6 months. Thinking of purchasing a home now is the best time to buy, interest rates are the lowest they’ve been in years. I currently have a good selection of listings with awesome backyards just perfect for hammocks.

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Spring is the best time to sell a home

When I meet with prospective sellers the question always is asked, when is the best time of the year to sell a house. Although houses are sold anytime throughout the year, springtime is definitely the best time to sell. Curb appeal certainly looks the best when the grass is green and flowers are in bloom. Statistics show that there are more buyers in the market when spring weather has arrived. The bar graph gives you an indication of the sales activity that occurs throughout the year.

It’s official - spring has arrived

On March 20, 2009 the calendar indicates that it’s now spring. To most it feels like spring when the days are warm and sunny and the forsythia and the daffodils are in bloom. In the real estate biz we recognize that buyer interest is rising by the increase of internet activity that occurs on our listings. Recently there has been a significant increase of visitors to the Real Living HER website.  

Fabulous opportunity

The 30 – year mortgage rate fell toward record lows on March 19, 2009 after the Federal Reserve made a huge purchase of mortgage –related securities. The combination of low mortgage rates and the first time buyer tax credit is an opportunity that should be taken advantage of. I just listed a home located in the Powell area. This home has been updated and is well maintained; it shows very well on the internet which has created great interest. 

Buying or selling a home

Most people that I talk to are curious about what is really happening in the real estate market. You can’t depend on what is said in the media; after all, those folks don’t sell houses for a living. There are two sides to a story. Yes there are sad stories of houses going to foreclosure and it’s a very depressing situation. There are many happy stories of joyful buyers purchasing a home at a wonderful value and at an unbelievable low interest rate. Most sellers are happy that their homes have sold. Homes are being listed and sold so if you are able to take advantage of these opportunities you should not delay.

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A winter treat at the Ohio Expo Center 

When visiting the show my tour always begins by walking thru the garden exhibits because it makes me feel that spring is just around the corner. Strolling through the garden displays allows you to enjoy the creativity of area landscape architects. This years garden creations illustrate favorite Hollywood movie themes such as Herbie the Love Bug, Jurassic Park, Mamma Mia, The Secret Garden, Raiders of the Lost Ark, Lord of the Rings, Mary Poppins and my personal favorite Ratatouille. The Cedarbrook Landscaping Center created the Ratatouille display which makes you feel like you are in Paris complete with an Eiffel Tower, a French café with an outdoor pizza oven. I even shook hands with Remy the rat from the bistro named “La Ratatouille. Chef Auguste Gusteau the owner of the best restaurant in Paris, talks about his bestselling cookbook “Anyone Can Cook!” As visitors walk thru the Ratatouille garden they are surrounded by weeping willow and birch trees, rhododendrons, roses and lilacs which give this garden an extraordinary fragrance and a beautiful burst of color.

 Garden and home improvement ideas

Throughout the garden expo many exterior fireplaces give visitors ideas of what can be added to a new or existing outdoor living space. The fireplaces have been constructed to accommodate wood or gas logs. No garden show would be complete without a huge display of garden tools, mowers and mulch. The crowd was quite intrigued as they listened to Mel Bartholomew the developer of the square foot garden which is built in a box which produces more vegetables or flowers in less space. Mel’s garden techniques require fewer chemicals, less water and little weeding, tilling or digging. The garden expo is housed in its own building; all the home improvement vendors are located in another huge building. You can learn so much about what’s new on the market. If you are building a new home or need to replace a furnace, air conditioner, windows or a roof, you will be able to compare many products at the show

Solar roof vent and engineered counter tops

Insulation made from recycled newspapers

Every year at the show I always discover so many interesting products. The solar attic exhaust fan at the Able Roof display caught my attention. The vent is easy to install, no electrical wiring is required, sunlight powers the exhaust fan which removes hot unwanted air from an attic. I was impressed with a granite composite counter top that is constructed to fit right over an old countertop, no demolition, installs in one day, is resistant to heat, scratches and stains. The countertops are fabricated using crushed granite, quarts or glass to produce a beautiful engineered surface, the red glass countertop at the show was really gorgeous. I learn something new everyday. When I stopped by the Nu-Wool cellulose insulation display I was informed by the vendor that this insulation in now installed in all newly built Dominion Homes, a Central Ohio home builder. This energy-saving insulation if made from recycled newspapers it has superior thermal and air infiltration properties. Nu-Wool is considered a green product that is environmentally friendly; I was told that it could save up to 40% on energy bills.

Special Appearances

Dedicated Days

Demonstrations

There are special days during the show packed full of interesting venues for senior citizens and kids too. You can pick up many cooking, gardening and home improvement tips. Meet HGTV star designers Kim Myles and David Bromstad. The day I attended the show Kim Myles made an appearance she was fun to listen to; her message which was that decorating can be done on a budget. I learned that color is important to bring warmth to a home which can be accomplished by painting a room. A few cans of paint is not that expensive and if you don’t like the color just paint over it. Draperies and area rugs can really change the personality of a room. To my surprise a client’s young son made a special appearance at the show. Abhik a piano prodigy is only 7 years old he awed the crowd with his classical music. 

Still time to attend the show  

Don’t miss out many of the show exhibitors are offering special discounts. Discount tickets can be purchased at Home Depot. Show dates February 28 thru March 8. Ohio Expo Center, (Ohio State Fairgrounds) 717 E. 17th Ave.                                                   

Remy the rat from the  Ratatouille garden display was at the French café with the outdoor pizza oven.

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Open house activity at a Worthington Ohio area condo

Last Sunday there was an open house at 68 Highbluffs Blvd. I wanted to provide an update on what was discussed at the open house.  The day was cold and dreary typical February weather; was hoping for a sunny day.  I was pleasantly surprised at the number of prospective buyers that stopped by. The condo is listed at $186,900 so it wasn’t surprising that all the open house guests were first time buyers. There was a little confusion about the terms of the first time buyer tax credit which was signed into law on February 17, 2009.

 Great opportunity for first time buyers

Some buyers were unsure if they could take advantage of the tax credit if they purchased a condo. All the buyers were aware of the tax credit they just were not sure of the following provisions.

• Only owner occupied single family homes, condos and town homes qualify, must be a principal residence
• Purchase time frame is from January 1, 2009 thru November 30, 2009
• Credit is for 10% of the value of the home up to $8,000 ($4,000 for a married individual filing separately)
• Buyer’s income can’t exceed $75,000; joint return income not too exceed $150,000
• Definition of a first time buyer – have never owned a single family home, condo or town home or those without an ownership interest within the previous three years
• No repayment is required unless the buyer ceased to use the home as a principal residence within 36 months of the date of the purchase then the total amount is due.  

Condo purchase scenario

One interested buyer asked what needed to be done to purchase this condo

• Buyer needs to provide the seller with a lender pre-approval letter
• If a buyer is approved for an FHA loan they will need a 3.5% down payment $6,541
• Closing cost could range from $1,500 to $2,100 depending on the lender and title company charges 
• Principal/interest payment would be $1,003, taxes $301, mortgage insurance $85 condo fee $115 – total estimated monthly payment would be $1,504 based on a 30 year FHA loan with 5% interest.
• If you had $400 in monthly debt your annual income should be no less than $56,000 a year

 Looking to purchase a real deal

I had the following comments from the open house attendees. Is this condo a model, the buyers loved all the quality features such as the  ceramic tile floors, quality carpet, 42” maple cabinets, stainless steel appliances, rubbed bronze lighting fixtures, 3 floors of finished living space, so much storage space, gas log fireplace and the huge kitchen pantry. Both bedrooms have a private bath, the front load washer and dryer does remain, there is a two car garage, maintenance free living and yes you will have fun at the clubhouse and pool.

In conclusion

If you are a first time buyer please do not delay; the tax credit is a home buying incentive that you should not pass on. A few years ago I was fortunate to purchase a Toyota Prius which enabled me to take advantage of a tax credit that was available at that time; that credit is no longer offered. So don’t miss out on what could be the best investment of your lifetime. Before making any financial decisions it’s best to talk to a tax accountant and a reputable lender. At Real Living HER we have a Wells Fargo mortgage affiliate who is always available to explain the loan process in detail. If you are interested in learning more about the mortgage process please don’t hesitate to contact June Zepp, e-mail June.e.Zepp@reallivingmortgage.com office 614-825-8806

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