Something to talk about...

Inniswood Gardens, Westerville Ohio

2010-10-12T09:59:00.000-04:00

I could just hit "repeat" on this video to listen to the sweet sounds over and over again. I always thought that the loud chirp sound was a cardinal. It's CHIPPY! (our chipmonk "friend" that keeps cloning himself. Anyway, on a grey, war...m day like today, these sounds are soothing...Come for a visit before the weather is too cool.

Neutralizing Listings for a Swifter Sale by Shely McBride, ASP, IAHSP

2010-03-15T14:39:00.008-04:00

Today is the first posting by my new Contributing Blogger:

Shely McBride
Accredited Staging Professional
President of the Accredited Staging Professionals Regional Chapter

Shely is a Professional Stager who consults with clients before they are ready to list a home for sale.

Neutralizing Listings for a Swifter Sale
by Shely McBride, ASP, IAHSP
Accredited Staging Professional
Set to Sell, LLC
Home Staging, Remodeling, and Construction Management
614.506.8317
http://www.settosellhomestagers.com/
shely@settosellhomestagers.com

95% of today’s buyers find their new home online. In perusing the online photo galleries, they look for listings with lot’s of photos, and pass over the photos that indicate too much updating will have to happen before they move in. The buyers of today are busy, usually dual income, raising a family with no time to update, replace key components that are worn or tired, or to paint walls that require neutralizing. (You can expect a lower offer due to these factors)

One of the easiest and most cost effective ways to prepare your home is to de-personalize the walls. To de-personalize choose neutrals that will accomodate any decor and that create a blank canvas for the potential buyer to visualize how they want to personalize their new space.

My personal and professional choice is Sherwin Williams Kestrel White, #7516. It is the chameleon of neutrals changing to accomodate the floor color and varying natural light. Almost 85% of the time it is the right choice.

See the distinct difference in these before and after photos! Just paint!

Some other ASP recommended colors from Sherwin Williams are:

#6106 Kilm Beige (a darker beige, best in larger spaces)

#7012 Creamy (a dreamy almost natural linen shade)
#7689 Row House Tan ( great for large spaces that need a lift, can make boring furniture look updated)
# 6119 Antique White ( not white at all, great all around color)# 7756 Creme’ ( a yellowish white, good for kitchens)

To receive updates as soon as they hit the blog, subscribe to our feed.

And for all of your real estate needs, whether you live in Westerville, Ohio or Southern Delaware County, call Joan Defenbaugh.

Search the MLS in Westerville, Ohio and beyond!

Westerville Community Video from Turn Here Films

2010-01-29T12:57:00.000-05:00

Ohio Fall Foliage Maps - Fall Color Reports from around Ohio

2009-10-17T12:23:00.014-04:00

Seems like fall got here a little faster this year. When I'm out and about during the day, I try to notice the changing fall foliage before it's gone, but it's tough when I'm driving!

There is a maple tree in my neighborhood that is pink right now. Just beautiful. I get a good sample of a lot of different types of trees in my own neighborhood. We walk the dogs and take in the scenery at the same time. There is so much more to see, but I wasn't sure where to get more information. I saved this link from last year, so I hope it is helpful to you.

Here is a link to a web site for the Ohio Department of Natural Resources with tons of info about where and when to see the best color. I plan to check it out (after the Buckeye game, of course!)

For all of your real estate needs, contact me. Now is a great time to refinance, buy or sell a home.

Joan Defenbaugh
Realtor® e-Pro®

(614) 304-2211 (fax)
(614) 313-4196 (cell)

Recent Dublin Ohio Home Sale Statistics

2009-07-27T14:37:00.001-04:00

Conversational Marketing With Twitter - Website Magazine - Website Magazine

2009-07-19T11:51:00.003-04:00

Conversational Marketing With Twitter - Website Magazine - Website Magazine

I'm trying my best to learn how to communicate, but I hate to admit - I don't get Twitter!

I'm on Facebook, which I love. I enjoy keeping up with people I know. I don't spend a lot of time on the site now because I'm busy (Thank God!). The whole Twitter thing fascinates me, but I need more information and instruction on how to use it for business. I'm actually going to listen to a webinar this week on this very topic, so hopefully I can get everything set up so I can be a success.

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Have you tried BING yet?

2009-06-07T12:52:00.004-04:00

I am having fun with this new search engine site from MSN. I love the graphics! I wonder if anyone else has an opinion on this site. I'm sure it has been around for a while and I'm just now figuring out that it's available.

Bing.com is my home page for the next little while. There is a link on the home page that takes me to my MSN email account, so that will be helpful.
The function is the same as Google where you can view images, videos, etc., of your search term. I searched my name and the images results came up with a couple virtual tours that I have out on my listings as well as some pictures of siamese cats. I don't know anything about the cats! Not mine.

Interested to hear from other Google users who might want to try Bing for a while.

After the yard sale...

2009-05-08T21:20:00.010-04:00

After your Community Yard Sale...

What to do with all of your left over “stuff.”

It’s so important that we do not add to land fills with things that can be reused, recycled or re-purposed.

Please don’t call “Bulk Pick Up” to take items that can be donated.
Stay Green!

Donate your unsold items:

Salvation Army 1-800-SA-TRUCK
or visit their web site

Donate building materials to Habitat for Humanity ReStore
For more information or to schedule a pick-up,
call (614) RESTORE (737-8673)
E-mail the store: restore@habitat-columbus.org
E-mail the Director: jvandyne@habitat-columbus.org

Donate computers to Ohio Computer Recycling
Ohio Computer Recycling
980 Claycraft Rd. Suite C
Gahanna, OH 43230
(614) 856-3204
mailto:info@ohiodropoff.com

Goodwill of Columbus
1331 Edgehill Road
Columbus, OH 43212-3163
Phone: 614.294.5181
TTY: 614.583.0293
Fax: 614.294.6895

Cell Phone donations
911 Cell Phone Bank
4551 NW 44th Ave
Ocala, FL 34482
Phone: (866) 290 -7864

Waste Not Centers drop off locations to donate small household items.
Worthington Location (more locations on their web site)

On Second Thought: Resale Shopping, Arts & Entertainment
679 C High St.
Worthington, OH 43085
(614) 505-6512
Email: onsecondthought@mac.com

Third-Hand Bicycle Recycling
Third Hand Bicycle Co-op
174 East Fifth Ave
Columbus, OH 43201
614-299-2984

5 Reasons to Buy a Home This Year.

2009-02-20T07:38:00.004-05:00

Affordability returns to housing, and buyers have loads of negotiating power.
Source: MSN Real Estate

"If you're qualified to buy a home now, and the purchase makes sense for your situation, and you're prepared to live in that home for at least five years, there are five reasons you may be headed for a great deal."

This was a great article. There is so much new information every day about the housing market, it's tough for even lenders and real estate professionals to absorb it all! I'm grateful that I don't have to take my focus off of real estate to work another job right now. I spend a few hours a week just reading and talking to lenders to keep up on current trends.

According to an article on MSN Real Estate, one of the five reasons to buy a home is to "buy for quality of life." I agree that if you have the credit score, down payment and income to support the payments - it can be a very satisfying experience to be a home owner.

The bottom line is that there is no one answer for all buyers. Not all sellers are desperate. I believe that the key to being an educated buyer is finding an agent who understands and can explain financing. It's all about the financing that is negotiated in the sale. The terms that the lender gives you on the pre-approval would be the starting point. The financing terms that you can negotiate with a seller would be another way to lower your payment. A seller may be set at a certain price, but willing to pay down your interest rate, or contribute up to the maximum amount on closing costs.

Just be wary of information and articles that say that the market is one or the other. It's just not that black and white.

Here is the link to the full article from MSN Real Estate. There is also an article with 5 reasons NOT to buy a home this year. Also very good information. Home ownership is not for everyone.

New Listing in Powell

2009-02-16T10:58:00.003-05:00

Premium location etched in the heart of Powell at the corner of Liberty and Seldom Seen Road. This desirable community offers homeowners the ability to select from several distinctly different floor plans ranging from 1,437 to 2,253 square feet with prices as low as $190,000 - and, that includes full access to the well-appointed clubhouse with party room, 24-hour fitness center and in-ground pool.

Visit this incredible community and allow us to introduce you to our 2, 3 or 4 bedroom easy-living condominium homes!

Each floor plan offers a 1st floor master suite, over=sized garage, concrete driveway, covered rear porch, fireplace with lovely wood mantel, skylights, vaulted ceilings and a large selection of finishes!

Enjoy stress-free living in a home-like setting.

615 Foxdale Place listed at $236,200 - Avocet Model Unit

Call, text or email me about this beautiful condo! (614) 313-4196

From Village at Powell Avocet Model

Floor Plan Features
3 bedroom, 2.5 bath condominium home
1,928 sq. ft. of open & airy living space
1st floor owner suite w/ oversized shower & large walk-in closet
Fully applianced kitchen w/ breakfast bar, pantry & spacious dinette
1st floor den or formal dining
Open great room w/ cathedral ceiling, skylights & fireplace
Large loft w/ skylight & wrought iron railing
Covered front & rear porches
Oversized 2-car attached garage
Spacious 2nd floor bedrooms
Convenient 1st floor laundry
Attractive wrought iron railing
Deluxe wood trim & fireplace mantel
Ample storage

2009-01-30T07:45:00.004-05:00

This graph shows statistics for a particular area in Columbus, Ohio that is considered the Northwest area. (Click on the graph to see a larger verison).
This particular graph includes some homes in Columbus and Upper Arlington. The graphic source is from the Columbus Board of Realtors Multiple Listing Service website.

What is happening in YOUR neighborhood? I have access to some very informative charts and graphs that come from the Columbus Board of Realtors Multiple Listing Service.
This chart gives a good example of a potential change in the market. Just email me to receive a graph of any area within the MLS system.

The four statistics in the chart above show:

ACTIVE listings - Green Line
NEW listings - Red Line
SOLD listings - Blue Line
AVERAGE SALE PRICE - Yellow Line

A correction is happening when the supply of homes decreases at the same time the amount of sold homes is increasing. New listings decrease so that buyers have less homes from which to choose.

So we want the red and green lines to go down while the blue and yellow go up. As of the end of December, according to the graph - this is what is happening in this particular area. Let's all keep our fingers crossed!

The result is that buyers drive prices up eventually because the inventory of homes is less.
Believe it or not, there used to be a time when there were multiple buyers waiting to see the new listings for the day on the MLS.

In 1993, my husband and I were looking for a home to buy. We sold our starter home in2 weeks! and had to find another one quickly so we didn't have to move in with the folks.
Our Coldwell Banker King Thompson agent looked at the MLS Hot Sheet several times a day, ready to inform us of any new listings that popped up for Forest Park West.
We were elated when we saw that a new listing came up on a cul-de-sac, in our price range and it fit our needs. We put an offer on it that day! There were other buyers waiting so we offered full price. That's how it went back then. Within four years we moved again and sold it for a profit of almost $20,000. Unbelievable.
Anyway...we all know the real estate market is not like that right now, but it's ok to think positively and hope that those days are ahead of us.

If I were a first time home buyer with all my ducks in a row (down payment money, mortgage pre-approval, great credit score) I would be purchasing a home. If the market doesn't go up for a while, that's ok. I would still get to own my own home and get myself settled in for a long while.

For more statistics from the Columbus Board of Realtors Multiple Listing Service or if you need any assistanct with your real estate needs, please visit my website or send me an email.

New Book about the history of Clintonville!

2009-01-18T16:55:00.004-05:00

Shirley Hyatt - Author of an Images of America book from Arcadia Publishing Paperback is complete.

I have a link to Shirley's blog from my web site under the "Everything Clintonville" tab.

I have been reading her blog about the history of Clintonville and Beechwold with the anticipation of her new book coming soon. Since I grew up in Clintonville (photo of my house on Tibet Road) this book is especially nice to have for my own collection.

Clintonville has it's own unique character. Well worth writing about! The web site will continue even though her book is finished.

You can purchase the book from several sources. Here is another link to the neighborhood newspaper with more information about buying the book, book signings and ordering on line.

Good Advice for For Sale by Owners

2008-11-26T16:37:00.003-05:00

There is some interesting information in this article regarding how a home owner pays a Buyer's Agent if their home is For Sale by Owner.

Is a “short sale” a bargain? | Rain City Guide

2008-11-19T11:47:00.004-05:00

Here is a great blog about Short Sale properties. I often get requests to send a potential home buyer some "foreclosure" and "short sale" listings because they want to get a steal of a bargain. Unfortunately, on a short sale, often the bank will not settle for less than a certain amount to cover as much as possible of the current mortgage balance. The mortgage balance could be much higher than the current property value. Every situation is different. The bank has no emotional attachment to the property, therefore, will not be as flexible with a potential buyer.

I would say that the best "deals" are those where the seller is very motivated to sell for various reasons (job change, family, etc) other than being strapped with monthly payments that they can no longer make.

Although this bog is regarding the Seattle area, it still applies to real estate in Columbus, Ohio.

Is a “short sale” a bargain? Rain City Guide

Check back for more information about buying short sale and foreclosure properties in Columbus, Ohio.

EPA Seeks Help Nabbing Dumper - Crime - nbc4i.com -

2008-11-06T10:28:00.002-05:00

Here is a news story from NBC4i regarding dumping of paint in Clintonville.

I think that if this Illegal Dumper is caught, they will wish that they would have followed some simple procedures that are far less expense than paying fines!

EPA Seeks Help Nabbing Dumper - Crime - nbc4i.com -

Here is a website that explains the procedure for dumping in and around Columbus, Ohio.

Scroll down to the bottom of the page to see specifics for Latex Paint!

First step to avoid foreclosure.

2008-11-02T11:36:00.006-05:00

Coldwell Banker King Thompson is helping home owners avoid foreclosure by providing information so that worried home owners can educate themselves on their options.

First step to avoid foreclosure.

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Solution to the housing crisis is simple.

2008-10-30T07:13:00.005-04:00

If you take the stock market crisis out of the housing picture, remove the predatory loan defaults, what is left over is an opportunity for new home buyers to help correct the market.

History shows that real estate values go up and down. There has to be an adjustment period at some point. This adjustment period has alot more outside factors contributing to this particular market condition, but you can "FIX IT."

If you want to buy a house, you have good credit, you have down payment money (either enough for an FHA loan or you have 10-20%) it's OK to buy a home!

New listing total numbers are down. More homes are going in to contract. The market seems to be in the beginning stages of leveling off. If more people start to buy homes, the prices will eventually start to inch upward. Interest rates will remain low for a while. You will own a home.

It really is that simple. Supply and Demand.

For more information on the process of buying or selling a home in Columbus, Ohio please contact me today!

How is the housing market in Columbus, Ohio?

2008-10-23T15:14:00.007-04:00

That is the most frequently asked question asked by potential home buyers and sellers in Columbus, Ohio.

The truth is, there is no "one answer" for everyone in this market. If you owe close to what the market will bring for your home, but you are managing your payments, then maybe you should hold out on that move.

If you have to move for a job, family situation, etc., then you may lose out on some of what I like to call "ghost equity" that everyone was accumulating until recently.

The good news is that you have an opportunity to get a reasonable price on the new home, not to mention a low interest rate on the new mortgage.

Columbus Board of Realtors Statistics.

A lot of people (Real Estate Agents and non-agents) feel pretty good about the Columbus, Ohio market, for now. The numbers seem to show that we are back to the average sales prices of around 2003 and 2004.

The BEST source for Fall Color locations in Ohio...

2008-10-22T17:06:00.001-04:00

The BEST source for Fall Color locations in Ohio...

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We all need to ponder this for a bit...

2008-10-16T17:10:00.000-04:00

“No man knows what the future holds in any particular set of events, but every thoughtful person recognizes the probability that we shall live the remainder of our lives in turmoil…

Instead of pining for easier days, the way of wisdom lies in learning to live realistically in times of strain.

“All experience the storm, but not all experience it in the same way. Though the storm may be beyond our powers, the response is not.”

- Elton Trueblood

"The Life We Prize"

As recited by Keynote speaker, Dr. Stephen Douglas for

Coldwell Banker King Thompson's Corporate Passport to Success Event, Oct 2008