Hippity Hop to the biggest Real Living Open House promotion of the year. Over 700 homes will be open on October 26, 2008 from 12:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. So many homes to see, if you are a serious buyer there’s a good chance you will find that perfect home you will fall in love with. Prices are great, home selections are great which can be purchased at very desirable interest rates.

A special coupon just for you

Visit a Citywide House Hop property this coming Sunday on October 26, a Real Living HER agent will validate your coupon which could fetch you a real cool deal of $2,500 savings on the processing of your loan thru Real Living mortgage. If you are a first time home buyer you might want to take advantage of the $7,500 tax credit that is available for homes purchased between August 9, 2008 through July 1, 2009. Now that’s a real deal.

Promotion rules and regulations can be found at the Real Living HER website

The terms of the tax credit are explained along with the deadline for cashing in on the $2,500 Real Living lending incentives, along with a complete list of homes that will be open.

Now don’t miss out on all the fun

Please stop by to see me at my open house located at 567 Glenside Lane Powell Ohio across from Highbanks Metro Park. Treat yourself; this home is wonderfully maintained, priced to sell; write an offer, take advantage of the Citywide House Hop incentives which will enable you to enjoy celebrating the holidays in your new home that you found at the hop.

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What an experience. It all started as I was driving to the office on Sunday morning on September 14, 2008. Thought to myself that the weather was weird the wind was picking up and the clouds were moving so fast. My open house was scheduled from 2-4 p.m.; it was extremely busy and many prospective buyers came thru heard the wind howling but had no time to look outside. Upon the open house completion thought it was strange that the front yard was totally covered with leaves and that numerous fallen tree branches covered the backyard. As I went back into the house all the lights were out, don’t remember turning off the lights. That was the beginning of the wrath of the storm’s damage.

Retrieving open house signs

It was a struggle to hold onto the open house signs in 75 mile per hour winds which almost blew me away. Driving home was a challenge all the traffic lights were out. Most Central Ohio drivers must have forgotten that when a traffic light is out you need to treat it as a 4 way stop, thought that I might be hit from behind many times, safely made it to my home which was without electricity. The first night is always fun without power; my husband and I joined our neighbors for a candlelight dinner of mac-n-cheese an easy meal to cook on a gas stove.

Day one of the power outages

Not sure what damage the storm has caused. Received a voice mail message from my office manager informing all the Worthington office agents that there was no electricity, internet, or phone service and that the office was closed. As luck would have it my cell phone is now out of juice, laptop needs to be recharged and I need gas in my car. Decided to venture out to see what was open, found a gas station that was doing a brisk business, by the end of the day that station was out of gas. Charged my cell phone in the car as I was driving, with a full tank of gas was comfortable with visiting my clients to make sure they were all ok. My first stop was to visit clients who live in Powell; they survived the storm and there was no storm damage to their homes, then it was on to Dublin everyone was a-ok. As I was on my way to Worthington was saddened to see how much damage the storm caused , so many old trees were blown down, streets were closed because downed trees were hanging on power lines. My clients and their homes fared well only one house had a branch fall against the house and there was no damage.

How do I deliver an offer to you?

Received a call from an agent who wanted to know how he was going to get an offer to me.  No e-mail, no internet access, no fax, no computer power. It was back to the basics the old fashion way of doing business the original tools of the trade, a pencil and paper. The offer was hand written and hand delivered just like in the old days when I first got into the real estate business; 15 years ago the fax machine was just becoming popular. Met the agent at Panera Bread which was one of the few businesses that had electricity it was a perfect meeting place because I could now catch up on my internet correspondence along with recharging my laptop. Glad that I found a gas station earlier in the day that was open it would have been shoe leather express or bicycle power to pick up the offer. Where there is a will there is a way to get a real estate deal done. Thank heavens for cell phone car chargers, pencils, paper and Panera Bread that had internet access, oh the wonderful world of technology. The electricity is now back on and its back to work in the usual way, receiving faxes by e-mail, recharging my laptop and cell phone using good old fashion electricity.

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Located in Orange Township this new community was planned to accommodate 90 new homes and a condominium village that surrounds a golf course. The Little Bear golf club was completed in 2007. The facility consists of an 11 hole golf course, a pro shop, a fitness center and a banquet room. The golf course was designed by Michael Hurdzan a renowned golf architect. There are 3 large lakes, a stone waterfall, 22 sand traps and over 600 trees have been planted.

A unique golf concept

The golf course was built to fulfill a needed niche. It’s a course designed for those that might want to get a round of golf in on their lunch hour, just the right size for seniors, young children and for those learning to play golf. There are 5 front and 5 back holes and an Island green. The par 3 layout could be a challenge for experienced players but is also enjoyable for new players too. The course is open to the public; the Little Bear residents are able to purchase a yearly membership. Golf lessons can be purchased to sharpen your skills. There are leagues for all levels of experience.

Fitness center and personal trainers

The fitness center is open to the public. State of the art equipment and personal trainers are available to get you in shape, group classes, 1-hour sessions and pilates.

Banquet Room

Great facility for a corporate function or an awesome place to host that special party, the golf course view is splendid. There is an in-house caterer that can prepare a specific menu for a sit-down dinner or buffet style event.

3 Custom Home Builders

Bob Webb, Truberry and Kenric Fine Homes offer many home designs that you can custom build on any of the remaining Little Bear community lots. These luxury homes are being offered from $400,000 to $600,000; you are able to tour the 3 builders’ luxurious model homes which are decorated to the nines. The prime location is very convenient to the Polaris shopping and dining district and just minutes to freeways.

Condominium Village

Very open ranch floor plans built by David Pettit. When completed there will be 54 units. There are many units still available to purchase, buyers have the ability to customize their units which is very unusual for condos that are currently under construction. Within the building footprint there are over 200 floor plans to choose from. Interior square footage ranges from 1,600 to 2,000 with full basements and extra large 2 car garages. Prices range from the high $200,000 to low $400,000.

If you are thinking of building a new custom home or a condo the Little Bear community could be the perfect location for you contact me today for more details about this neighborhood.

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July 3, 2008 – Parade and Fireworks

Red, White and Boom is the best Columbus Ohio premiere celebration of the year; the festivities start with a huge parade and a fantastic fireworks display that begins at 10 p.m. The parade will start at 6:00 p.m. on Broad Street at COSI; most spectators stake out their special viewing spot hours before the fireworks are fired off. Take note the Red White and Boom launch site has been moved to a new location this year, which is at the rear of Vets Memorial, the spectacular fireworks display will be shot over the Scioto River.

Other Central Ohio 4th of July community events

If you missed the downtown parade you can catch the Upper Arlington Ohio Parade – Northwest Blvd, which begins at 9:00 a.m. on the 4th of July; this parade is noted for its wonderful floats. The Orange Celebration Parade in Lewis Center Ohio - Powell Rd and Old State Rd begins at 10 a.m. Andrea Cambern from WBNS-TV is the 2008 Grand Marshal. You will be able to enjoy listening to the Olentangy High School Marching Band. Many area communities celebrate the 4th with neighborhood parades and picnics. The Green-High Meadows, Harbor Pointe and Meadows at Cheshire communities plan special events for neighbors to enjoy a day of entertainment, games and good food.

Green-High Meadows Community - Powell Ohio

The festivities starts with a huge parade lead by Orange Township fire trucks; the community kids decorate their bikes, wagons and scooters. There are floats and the Orange Township trustees mingle with the crowd. A picnic follows after the parade there’s plenty of good food, games for the kids, and a raffle that offers terrific prizes. There is even a patriotic pet contest.

Harbor Pointe Community – Galena Ohio

Everyone loves a parade especially the neighborhood kids who ride their decorated bikes in a huge group with the music of the Real Living Calliope following behind. After the parade there is a neighborhood gathering, everyone brings a dish to share so there is plenty of good food to enjoy. The kids will have a blast tumbling in the Super Games inflatables, the Taylor Station Band will provide soft rock music.

Meadows at Cheshire Community – Galena Ohio

A group of residents that play marching band instruments gather together a few weeks before the holiday to practice, they play patriotic tunes as they march thru the neighborhood on the 4th of July.

Happy 4th of July 2008

A great day for family and friends to gather together to enjoy parades, picnics and fireworks. 4th of July is more than a day of fun festivities; it’s a day to commemorate the founding fathers of our country for their pursuit of liberty and justice for all. Many have made sacrifices so that we are able to enjoy our freedoms.

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Dad’s day survey

On the way to the office one morning listening to the radio, the chitchat of the DJs caught my attention. They mentioned the top 3 requests dads make for their special day. At the top of the list was food, the majority of dads wanted to enjoy a special meal with their families. In second place dads enjoyed mementos made by their children. Third on the list were electronic gadget gifts; please forget ties and shirts, that’s so old school.

That special meal for dad

The guys in my family love to eat steak, ribs and barbeque chicken. A drive thru the Polaris dining district in Lewis Center Ohio would be a great treat for dad on his special day. So many restaurants to choose from, a few new ones recently opened. I stopped in to see what was going on at Eddie Merlots which just opened a few weeks ago; a huge place located across from the Hilton convention center which is due to open soon. Wow what a place, very chic, the bar is especially cool; they advertise exceptional service and exceptional prime aged steaks if you are looking for atmosphere and a great steak, I am sure dad would enjoy dinner at this restaurant. Mitchell’s Steakhouse just relocated from Crosswoods, Worthington Ohio to Polaris-Lewis Center, voted as one of the “Best Steakhouses” in the city of Columbus; Mitchell’s offers a great selection of steak and seafood. For casual dining Hoggy’s is known for it’s yummy BBQ, applewood smoked ribs, wings and pulled pork and the prime rib is quite tasty. City Barbeque loads a huge smoker daily to guarantee the very best hickory smoked ribs, chicken and brisket, the side dishes are so delicious especially the baked beans with brisket.

Special tribute to my dad

My dad is no longer with us as he passed way a few years ago. If dad were still alive he would have enjoyed dining at every one of the restaurants mentioned in this post. I was raised in an era where moms did everything around the house with dads not being too involved in their children’s lives. Our home was quite different from our friends; dad was very much a part of our lives. My mother worked a full time job as a nurse mostly the night shift. In mom’s absence dad made sure there was dinner on the table, he even did laundry, made sure we made it on time to girl scouts and all our other activities. During the summer months my sister and I marched in a baton and drum corps, dad was one of the chaperones that traveled with the group. My fondest memory of dad was when a base drummer was needed, my dad volunteered to march with the band he tried to keep a perfect beat, what a sight, every time I think of this event it brings a smile to my face. So, kids, you will always remember those special moments that you spent with your dad.

A huge thank you goes to all dads for being there for your children.

Check out Karen’s listings; you just might see a listed home that your dad would really love.

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Step Three: Interior check list

Especially in today’s real estate market, the condition of a home has never been so critical. Gloom and doom is rampant in every news article that you will read. As a real estate agent who works at this occupation 24/7 this is first hand knowledge of what has been taking place in the Central Ohio real estate market; real estate agents are selling houses and some houses sell quickly with competing offers. The ingredients for such successes are as follows: priced right, impeccable condition, great location.

If you are thinking of listing your home for sale

You need to prepare; for exterior improvements tips please refer to previous posts; Steps one and two. Now onto the interior review of your home, grab a notebook you will need to make a list of what needs to be done.

The entry is the first and last place the buyers will see as they come and go from any home - the entry must be clean an inviting

De-clutter

First and foremost de-clutter, rent a storage shed for all that stuff you just can’t part with. If you pack it up before you list it’s that much less you will have to move when you sell. Your home will look more spacious.

Clean those windows

There’s nothing worse than dirty windows. While cleaning your windows take a note of all repairs that need to be made. All windows should stay up when opened, easy operation is a must no excessive force should be needed to open and close your windows. If your windows are cloudy after cleaning you have broken seals that need to be repaired. All windows should have screens, if missing or damaged replacement is needed.

A good thorough cleaning

Clean your home from top to bottom; that includes wiping down all your baseboards, chair rails, crown moldings, remove all cobwebs. If the walls can’t be cleaned then you will need a fresh coat of paint, get your painting clothes on or call a professional painter. Caution: a messy paint job will devaluate your home’s value, if you are not a good painter pay a professional to do it.

Kitchen and bathrooms

These rooms must sparkle, replace all caulk that has cracked, dried-up or looks nasty. Clean ceramic tile floors, shower surrounds and kitchen backsplashes. Steam clean all dirty grout then re-seal. Fix all plumbing leaks, replace worn faucets and showerheads. When your home is being shown make sure all toilet seats are down. Glass shower doors need to sparkle; a few hints to remove soap scum, scrub with toothpaste, a fine grade adobe pad works well, or steam clean. Purchase a new set of bathroom and kitchen towels to give these rooms a fresh look.

Don’t forget to clean those ceiling fans and bathroom exhaust fans

You will be amazed when you look closely how thick the dust is on the top of a ceiling fan blade; also those bathroom exhaust fans really get yucky.

Miscellaneous details

Replace all burned out light bulbs
Remove all family photos
Organize closets, pantry, and cupboards
Professionally clean all carpets
Touch-up wood scratches
Organize the basement and garages

Hire a professional home inspector

A good home inspector will provide you with a detailed list of all necessary repairs that should be made. I can provide you with a list of reliable home inspectors

A clean well maintained home equals value

You will obtain a quicker and more profitable sale

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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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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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