Real Estate Information

The 2012 Parade of Homes will be held this year at the Meadows of Lewis Center from June 16 through July 1.  There are 12 builders participating this year including MI Homes, dominion Homes, 3 Pillar Homes, Silvestri Homes and Truberry Builders, who is building this year's BIA featured home.

The Parade of Homes is always a great place to get decorating ideas and to see the newest in design features for homes.  If you are thinking of building a home soon or even in the future, it is a great opportunity to talk to some of the premier builders in Central Ohio.  In addition, there are a number of exhibitors including The Basement Guys, Home Source Interiors, Distrinctive Marble and Granite, Inc. and Ohio Bath Solutions.  These exhibitors and others are a great source of information about updating and improving existing homes.

Hours of operation for the Parade are Monday through Saturday, noon to 9 p.m. and Sunday, noon to 6 p.m.  Tickets are $12 at the gate and parking is $2.  The location is off Lewis Center Road just west of South Old State Road.

What can you do to keep the prices of homes in your neighborhood high?

Home sales and prices are affected by the condition of the homes around them.  Here is a typical example:  123 Main St. is on the market today and is in top condition inside and out.  The neighboring house has a broken garage door, some missing shutters and is in need of paint.  The yard is unkempt, with dandelions all over, and the sidewalk is cracked.

Buyers who are interested in 123 Main St. notice the neighbor's house. Perhaps they pass several neighboring homes that are not well maintained.  Their first impression is that of a "declining neighborhood".  Buyers who originally wanted to tour 123 Main St. may tell their Realtor that they changed their mind about seeing the property.  Even if they do g    o through the house, that first impression of a "declining neighborhood" will still be on their minds.

The result:  123 Main St. will stay on the market and the price will probably keep coming down until buyers will think it is such a "great deal" that they can overlook the condition of nearby properties.  So the property sells for less than it deserves.

Another home in the neighborhood, 456 Elm St., goes on the market 6-12 months later.  The comparative sales, one of which is 123 Main St., are now lower than they should be.  So 456 Elm St., regardless of its condition, is marketed at a lower dollar per square foot.

What can you do about this?  Even if you have no plans to sell your home in the near future, it is to your benefit to keep your curb appeal at the highest level possible.  Paint the trim, shutters and/or siding.  Keep the gutters clear.  Trim the shrubs and edge and mulch the flower and shrub beds. Remove sticks and debris from the yard. Replace your mailbox if it looks shabby.  Keep your cars in the garage -- not in the driveway and on the street.

Your neighbors' homes will sell more quickly at a higher price.   That will positively affect your price when you sell.

It is a win for you, a win for your neighbor and a win for the neighborhood!

(If you have any real estate questions, please call me at 614-431-9343.)

This Saturday is Cinco de Mayo...do you know where you're going to satisfy your craving for Mexican food?

Columbus has some delicious options no matter what your plans are or what you're in the mood for this weekend.  If you're in the mood to celebrate on the town, The Short North is hosting Gallery Hop this Saturday night.  Check into La Fogata (http://www.lafogatagrill.net/index.htm) for dinner and drinks and then walk around and check out the different shops and galleries.

If you're craving some fajitas after a busy day of shopping, why not try Cantina Laredo (around Polaris -- http://www.cantinalaredo.com/) or Abuelos (in Easton -- http://www.abuelos.com/). Both places have extensive menus that are sure to please your whole crowd.

Or, why not take the family to El Vaquero (http://www.vaquerorestaurant.com/locations.htm) --one of everyone's favorite Mexican places in Columbus?  There are several locations, making this a convenient option for your family.

Or, perhaps you're trying to eat healthy.  Or maybe you just don't feel like going out. Either way, try cooking up these vegan (yes, vegan) tacos, taken from the blog http://peasandthankyou.com.  I have made these myself and promise they are so good, you'll forget you're eating a wholesome, healthy meal:

Roasted Chickpeas Tacos

Makes 8 tacos

• 2 t. chili powder
• 1/4 t. garlic powder
• 1/4 t. onion powder
• 1/4 t. dried oregano
• 1 1/2 t. ground cumin
• 1 t. sea salt
• 1 T. lime juice
• 2 T. water
• One 14 oz. can of chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 8 organic taco shells (i.e. Trader Joe’s brand)
• Taco trimmings: shredded cabbage, tomato, guacamole, non-dairy (i.e. Daiya) or organic cheese, etc.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In a large bowl, combine chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, cumin, salt, lime juice and water.  Add chickpeas and marinate for at least 30 minutes.  Place chickpeas on a baking sheet that has been sprayed with cooking spray.  Bake for 20-30 minutes, stirring once during cooking, until chickpeas are slightly crispy.  Prepare taco shells according to package directions. Fill with chickpeas and desired toppings.

Happy eating!!

by Nicki Campbell

Dewey's is coming to Worthington and I am so excited!  Every member of my family considers it to be the best pizza restaurant in the world and we can't think of a better spot for it than the corner of High Street and E. New England Ave. in Old Worthington, right across from Graeter's.  This is the spot occupied by the old BP station, which is now closed.

We came to know Dewey's when our daughter and son-in-law moved to St. Louis several years ago.  There are several Dewey's restaurants in the St. Louis area and we always make a point of going there when we visit.  I always assumed the company was based there and was surprised to learn that it's based in Cincinnati.  The founder, Andrew DeWitt, is from Cincinnati and went to Denison University.  He opened his first restaurant in Cincinnati's Oakley community in 1998.  His vision was "to create a neighborhood spot with great micro beers on tap, great pizza and salads, and a group of cool, genuine, like-minded people making the food and providing authentic hospitality to our patrons".

My favorite Dewey's pizza is the "Green Lantern", which has artichokes, goat cheese, pesto and more.  My daughter loves the "Edgar Allan Poe", which has kalamata olives, goat cheese, roasted garlic and fresh tomatoes.  There are a number of other fabulous pizzas and salads or you can create your own.  People rave about the desserts, too, but I have never had room for dessert after overdoing it on the pizzas!

Let's hope everything goes well with the plans and they get it built and opened soon!

Many people think about becoming a real estate agent.  They like the idea because of “flexible hours”, “working with people” and “making lots of money”.  I want to be my “own boss” is something else I hear.

These things are true…. to a point.

Flexible hours – Real estate agents work according to the schedules of buyers and sellers which usually are about the same time as most people are home.  Week nights and weekends.  So although you are not working a typical 9-5 workday, you will be, to be successful, putting in 40-60 hours per week at real estate.  40 hours is the ideal – 50-60 hours is closer to the truth.  Some weeks as many as 80.

Working with people is terrific but you have to find people to work with.  The business of real estate is LEAD GENERATION which is something successful real estate agents do for at least 3 hours per day.  Calling past clients, calling your friends and family, calling people you haven’t met and asking for business.  Real estate is no different from any business.  You are looking for referrals to people who are thinking of purchasing or selling a property.  Doesn’t your doctor ask who referred you?  Every business works on referrals.

Yes, the opportunity is there to make a good living.  However, remember that you have automobile, marketing, office space, materials and more to pay for in addition to splits with your Broker.  The business does not come without cost.  As much as 60% of every dollar you earn.

Last but not least – your client – your buyer or your seller – is your boss.  You have a fiduciary obligation to everyone that you work for, to represent them and their interests.  As real estate agents – we really are not part of the equation.  Our interests are ONLY to represent our buyers, sellers and investors.

The good news is that it is one of the last great entrepreneurial opportunities out there.  You meet wonderful people.  You put in a good days work.  You are part of the American Dream!  Wow!!!

Still interested?  I’d love to hear from you. 

Give me a call-Jo-Anne LaBuda, Keller Williams Capital Partners at 614-888-1000.  We’d love to talk with you

Many Sellers are frustrated by it and many Buyers aren't getting it...what is "it" you ask? Housing Inventory.

Sellers are wondering how their homes can be shown over and over again with no offers when the feedback is, "Your home shows great, is priced right and in a great location". Well, here's this agent's guess...Many buyers think that there is going to be something "better" hitting the market tomorrow. It's spring, and traditionally, this is the time of year where homes become available for sale left and right...however, that does not seem to be holding true this year.

Most Realtors in Columbus, Ohio are indicating a stable amount of listing opportunities today whereas a few weeks ago and even a month ago, many of us were running around meeting with home sellers to "beat" the spring market. Therefore, inventory seems to be highest now not tomorrow.

(Thursday night, March 22)

Sigh...Michigan State lost to Louisville.  I had to leave the room...that's the bad news.  Hopefully good news for our Buckeyes tonight.

More good news is that our central Ohio real estate market continues to heat up...just like our weather.  House prices are stable but, of course, lower than we want when we're selling. 

Buyers seem to think, "I've waited long enough, I'm ready to buy a home".  It makes sense -- what could be a more perfect situation for buyers: low, low interest rates, low, low home prices and a good number of homes to choose from!

Builders are still cautiously optimistic but continue  to take the order before digging the foundation.  If you are thinking of building, give us a call and we'll help you work out your time line.  We also help you make good choices for re-sale.

Back to the tournament...go Bucks!

Ever wonder why there are so many "real estate reality" shows on TV? 

If you’ve ever bought or sold real estate, you probably know that it’s not easy.  (Of course, I hope you HAVE had blissfully simple real estate transactions … and that’s what our team works tirelessly to provide for you!)  But in actual physical reality (not just reality TV), real estate can be emotional and trying on one’s patience.  I mean, we’re talking about people’s homes — homes that families work hard to own … homes that shelter and provide for their families … and homes people spend their days and nights in.  Homes where lives are created and memories made.

And as a huge emotional and financial investment, there’s a lot that can be trying.  Financing can fall through.  Inspections can reveal major issues.  Timing involved in the transaction can get off track. 

Of course, all of these can spell recipes for real “drama” — which is great for TV ratings!  And that’s why there are so many popular real estate reality shows.  (Full disclosure — I used to watch “House Hunters” regularly.  But then I realized that real life house hunting was far more dramatic than Suzanne Wang, bless her heart.)

And I learned that, as on TV, most great real estate stories have happy endings.  As a matter of fact, I recently found myself right in the middle of one.

My client was an adorable, vivacious girl in law school.  Her parents were purchasing her and her boyfriend their very first home.

After many months of looking, we found the perfect home.  My client was so incredibly excited.  But, as the closing date drew near, her parents told her they didn’t know if they’d be able to close on the home by the date we had set.

My client was a little disappointed, but understood.  Meanwhile, her parents flew in from out of state and closed on the home, unbeknownst to her.

After closing, my client’s parents picked her up and brought her to her new home.  But that wasn’t the only surprise.  Waiting inside their new home was her boyfriend … and an engagement ring.

(She said yes …)

So, happy endings in real estate do exist … both on TV and real life!  And realtors work hard to make everyone’s dreams come true!

(A big shout out to my wonderful clients as you start your new lives together!  You know who you are! Congratulations!!!)

Well, St. Patricks Day is behind us but the warm weather is (hopefully) all ahead of us! And to celebrate the warm days ahead, we wanted to let everyone know about all of the wonderful community festivals taking place this spring and summer, 2012.

April

African American Heritage Festival, Saturday, April 21 - Saturday, April 28th

May

2012 Country Music Summer Festival, Saturday, May 26 from 10AM-Midnight

Asian Festival, Saturday May 26 & 27

Dragon Boat Races & Festival, May 28 from 8AM to 2PM

Central Ohio Folk Festival, May 4, 5 & 6

Worthington Plant Fest, Date: To Be Announced

June

Banana Split Festival, June 8 & 9

Columbus Arts Festival, June 1-3

Columbus Summer BeerFest!, June 8 & 9

ComFest Community Festival, June 22, 23 & 24

Creekside Blues and Jazz Festival, June 15, 16 & 17

Granville Art Affair & Wine Festival, June 9 & 10

Juneteenth Ohio Festival, June 15-17

London Strawberry Festival, Jube 21-23

Park Street Festival 2012, June 8 & 9

Powell Festival, June 29 & 30

Worthington Arts Festival, June 16 & 17

July

All Ohio Bike Fest, Date: To Be Announced

Jazz and Rib Fest in Columbus, July 20-22

Lancaster Festival, July 19-28

Lazy Daze of Summer Festival, Date: To Be Announced

North Market Food & Ohio Wine Festival, July 13

Serbian Festival, July 18

Pickerington Violet Festival, July 25-28

Westerville Music & Arts Festival, July 14-15

August

18th Annual Egyptian Festival, Date: To Be Announced

All Ohio Balloon Fest, Date: To Be Announced

Canal Winchester Blues & Ribfest, August 3 & 4

Columbus Wine Festival, Date: To Be Announced

Dublin Irish Festival, August 3, 4 & 5

Festival Latino in Columbus, August 11 & 12

Reynoldsburg Tomato Festival, Date: To Be Announced