Oct 17, 2009

Ohio Fall Foliage Maps - Fall Color Reports from around Ohio


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)

Jul 19, 2009

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.



Posted using ShareThis

Jun 7, 2009

Have you tried BING yet?




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.

May 8, 2009

After the yard sale...

Donate unsold item after the yard sale

Columbus Ohio - Yard Sale...

After the 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!


recycle.northwestcolumbus.com

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

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)

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

Furniture Bank of Central Ohio

118 South Yale Avenue
Columbus, OH 43222-1369
(614) 272-9544 PH
(614) 272-9566 FAX

Feb 20, 2009

5 Reasons to Buy a Home This Year.


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. To watch the real estate market and get monthly updates, go to my website and subscribe to Market Insider.

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.

Jan 18, 2009

New Book about the history of Clintonville!


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

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 on line.
http://www.arcadiapublishing.com/9780738561462/Clintonville-and-Beechwold

To view homes for sale in Clintonville, click this link to see properties for sale in 43202 and 43214 zip codes.