About Columbus Real Estate

A Happy Mother's Day Bouquet

SPRING MARKET UPDATE FOR CENTRAL OHIO

Spring is a great time to get serious about buying a home. But do you know what trends are happening in home sales right now? A recent article from Bankrate.com highlights a few of the traits of this spring/summer buying and selling season.

•           Higher mortgages. Lending companies have raised their loan fees, which means those looking to buy a home soon should plan to pay a little more. FHA mortgage insurance premiums have risen to 1.75 percent of the loan total, and if you have a smaller down payment, this will definitely impact you.

•           Competition. With housing affordability at record highs, you can expect that you won’t be the only potential buyer at the open house. Many investors have begun buying houses at bargain prices, and those who were previously on the fence about buying the home are more likely to take the plunge now. This just makes the market a bit more fierce as you start to get serious about buying.

•           More renters are becoming buyers. With home prices so low, renting is often a more expensive option than buying. Renters who were previously content with no plan to own are becoming more serious about buying. This can add even more competition to the pool of potential buyers looking at the same home as you.

•           Low-ball offers aren’t as common. According to a March 2012 survey of REALTORS, out of 4,500 agents, not one complained about a low-ball offer being an issue on their listed homes. So if you think you can hit the jackpot by offering an incredibly low price on the home you’re considering buying, you may want to reconsider. The original asking price is closer to the reality today than it’s been in recent years.

•           The Fed is keeping the near-zero interest rate policy. This means that while you may have to consider higher loan fees (see above), the interest rate should keep overall mortgage rates low for the rest of the year, and possibly even longer.

It’s a great time to buy, and more and more sellers are regaining confidence to put their homes on the market. Please contact me if you’d like to learn more about the current housing trends in the Columbus and Dublin areas.

I May Be Missing A Tooth, But I Still Have What it Takes To be Ferocious!

Cougar at the Black Pine Animal Sanctuary
Albion, Indiana

6 Things to Do in Columbus, Ohio, this Weekend

Monet to Matisse: Celebrating the 20th Anniversary of the Sirak Collection, Columbus Museum of Art, through May 13, 2012

The Howard C. and Babette L. Sirak Collection of the Columbus Museum of Art was saluted in ARTnews as one of the best private collections of art in the world when it was first acquired in 1991. To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the acquisition of the collection, CMA is offering the entire collection of 78 works on special exhibition. Some of the artists included in the collection are Claude Monet, Paul Cezanne, Edgar Degas, Henri Matisse and many others. The collection focuses on the developments in European modernism, and the exhibit is only going for another week.  Photo courtesy of Columbus Museum of Art

Capital City Half Marathon, Scioto Mile to Columbus Commons, Saturday May 5, 8:00 a.m.

Enjoy watching and cheering on runners through the scenic Scioto Mile all the way to the revamped Columbus Commons.  The Capital City Half Marathon celebrates a commitment to fitness through a half marathon, a quarter marathon and a 5K. The Finish Line party features 30 bands, 22 DJs and a block party to celebrate the completion of the race.  Capital City Half Marathon logo courtesy of www.capitalcityhalfmarathon.com

Clintonville Farmers’ Market, Clintonville, Saturday, May 5, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

The hugely popular Clintonville Farmers’ Market started again last weekend to bring the best local foods, flowers and goodies to all who walk through the area. The Clintonville Farmers’ Market is located on High Street between Orchard Lane and West Dunedin Road from 9 a.m. until noon. This is the 10th year for the Clintonville Farmers’ Market, and it’s one of the best in the city. Image by Roberta Kayne, www.KaynePhotography.com

John Reddington: Strange Stories, Dublin Arts Council, Saturday May 5, 11:00 a.m.-2:00p.m.

John Reddington’s two and three-dimensional artwork uses images of natural and manmade objects to create elusive narratives.  He creates musings and strange stories about people and places that he’s encountered.  Reddington is currently a lecturer at the University of Akron, and the guest curator for the event is Ann Bremner, the publications editor for The Ohio State University’s Wexner Center for the Arts. Image courtesy of Dublin Arts Council and John Reddington

Reefer Madness, Shadowbox Live, Sunday, May 6, 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.

This live musical comedy at Shadowbox Live explores the “dangers” of marijuana in a tongue-in-cheek, campy manner.  The show is based upon the 1936 film with the same intent, but genuine, and it succeeds as a wonderful satire. The show has received wonderful reviews, and it stays in the same vein of Shadowbox Live’s tradition of fantastic live shows. Photo courtesy of Shadowbox Live.

Blooms and Butterflies, Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, through September 3, 2012

Although Blooms and Butterflies will be running all summer, now is the perfect time of year to enjoy the Franklin Park Conservatory.  The exhibit showcases the life cycle of butterflies as well as highlights the ecological importance of the stunning creature. Hundreds of exotic butterflies emerge from their chrysalises as visitors watch, and then they are released into the Pacific Island Water Garden.  Visitors also can enjoy the gorgeous flowers throughout the Conservatory as they watch the butterflies emerge.  Photo by Roberta Kayne, www.KaynePhotography.com 

Central Ohio First Quarter Home Sales Are Up!

Home sales in Central Ohio were up the first quarter of 2012 according to the Central Ohio Housing Report posted by the Columbus Board of REALTORS. According to the report posted on April 18, 2012 “first quarter home sales in Central Ohio were up 7.1 percent versus first quarter 2011 sales.” March home sales jumped more than 30 percent compared to February’s home sales in Central Ohio, and the upward trend seems to be continuing.

Not only have home sales risen, but the median list price is also up compared to one year ago at this time.  Trends are continuing to favor more home sales, but at a more cautious pace than they were previously.

President of the Columbus Board of REALTORS Jim Coridan seems optimistic about the Central Ohio housing trends:  “Sales, contracts and home prices are all up this year,” said Coridan. “This coupled with the temperate inventory levels makes for a much stronger Central Ohio housing market than we had a few years ago.”

To give some more specific information on the housing market for March 2012, here are some statistics from the school districts where I sell homes:

Dublin CSD: 66 closed sales, average sale price $309,074

Olentangy LSD: 89 closed sales, average sale price $287,507

Hilliard CSD: 75 closed sales, average sale price $160,763

Powell: 12 closed sales, average sale price $268,500

To read more information on overall sales and trends throughout Central Ohio, please check out the article from the Columbus Board of REALTORS as well as their Housing Market Update .

For more information about the local market, call Roberta Kayne or email me.

I went to the Black Pine Animal Sanctuary in Albion, Indiana, last week.  Black Pine is a non-profit exotic animal sanctuary, a "last chance" refuge for captive-raised non-domestic animals in need.  They give "rescued and retired exotic animals a safe haven, and educate people and enhance their knowledge of exotic and endangered species, and responsible pet ownership." It is a wonderful place and they are doing excellent work there for exotic animals who have been rescued or retired. 

We booked a private tour of the facility, and the Executive Director, Lori Gagen, gave us a wonderful behind the scenes, close up tour of the animals… lions, tigers, bears, leopards, cougars, wolves, foxes and more.  With a private tour, we could get within touching distance of the animals.    

Some of the stories of how these animals were found and rescued were really very sad, but they do have a wonderful home now and are well cared for by a great staff at Black Pine. 

Here is one photo I took of one of the tigers. 

Gorgeous 3 Bedroom, 2 Bath Ranch Home At

194 Red Oak Pass

Commercial Point, OH 43116

ØBright and Cheery - 3 Bedrooms and 2 Bathrooms – Gorgeous Hardwood Floors in Entry, Great Room, Kitchen & Dining Areas

ØGreat Location in the Vibrant Community of Chestnut Estates

Ø1,952 Sq. Ft - Built in 2008

ØTaxes $3,386 per Year (as of 2011)

ØFully Insulated, 2-Car Attached Garage with Openers

ØGreat Room - 13’8” x 22’6”, Cathedral Ceiling, Gleaming Hardwood Floors, and Light Walls with Gas Fireplace and Dolby 5.1 Surround Sound

ØKitchen - 11’ x 10’9” - with Eat-in Space, Gleaming Hardwood Floors, Stainless Steel Electric Range, Refrigerator & Dishwasher, Loads of Counter Space, Sliding Glass Patio Doors Leading to Back Yard

ØFormal Dining Room – 13’ x 11’5” with Tray Ceiling and 2 Windows

ØDen with French Doors – 11’9” x 11’3” with Neutral Carpet, Bright and over looks Front Yard

ØMaster BR - 12’4” x 15’10” with neutral carpet, big walk-in closet, 2 Corner Windows

ØDeluxe Master Bath – Double Sinks, Garden Soaking Tub and Large Shower

Ø2nd Bedroom -11’4” x 11’6” with neutral carpet, 2 Corner Windows and Spacious Closet

Ø3^rd Bedroom -11’4” x 11’ with neutral carpet, 1 Window and Walk-in Closet

ØFirst Floor Laundry Room

ØSecurity System and Water Softener with a Filtration System

ØPartial Basement

ØClose to new shopping plazas, minutes to I-71, 15 minutes to Columbus!

Great One Story Condo Home

147 Independence Blvd.

Delaware, OH 43015

Gorgeous Open Floor Plan with Vaulted Ceilings

Close to Historic Downtown Delaware, YMCA,

schools, shopping, and parks!

ØBright and Cheery - 3 Bedrooms and 2 Full Bathrooms

Ø1,206 Sq. Ft - Built in 2003

ØTaxes $2,168 per Year (as of 2011)

ØActive Homeowners’ Association $100/month

ØWonderful Front Porch; Shaded in the Evening- Sit Out & Wave at the Neighbors Walking by

Ø2-Car Detached Garage with Openers & 1 Off Street Paved Parking Spot Beside Garage

ØGreat Room - Vaulted Ceiling, Neutral Carpeting, and Light Walls with Gas Fireplace and TV Niche

ØKitchen – New Gleaming Floors, Electric Range, Refrigerator & Dishwasher, Loads of Counter Space, Door Leading to Back Yard and  Garage

ØDining Area – Vaulted Ceiling, Neutral Carpeting and Light Walls

ØMaster BR - Neutral Carpeting, Light and Airy, Big walk-in closet

ØMaster Bath – Bright and Light with Shower Stall

Ø2nd Bedroom - Neutral Carpeting and Spacious Closet

Ø3^rd Bedroom - Neutral Carpeting and Spacious Closet

ØFirst Floor Laundry Room with Plenty of Shelf Storage

ØFreshly Painted and Move-in Ready

ØEasy access to Rt. 23, I-71, Rt. 36, Columbus Zoo; Situated centrally making the Polaris & Sawmill areas both conveniently close by

ØWell Maintained on a Quiet Street in a very friendly community; Well kept sidewalks and two common area ponds popular with wild ducks and stocked with fish to feed. Lawns and outside maintenance are a priority & well taken care of by the Homeowners Association.

ØHome is away from traffic, in a quiet corner of the community, but close to Historic Downtown Delaware, YMCA, shopping, schools, golf courses, and parks!

Call Roberta Kayne to see this home today!  614-652-2843.  Or go to www.147IndependenceBlvd.com for more pictures

Top 7 Things to Do in Columbus, Ohio, This Weekend

The weather is beautiful, Spring is in full swing, and it's time to celebrate.  Take a look at some of the great events happening in and around Columbus, Ohio, this weekend.

Lydia Loveless at the Rumba Cafe

Have you heard the buzz surrounding Columbus country sensation Lydia Loveless lately?  She was a huge hit at SXSW, and you can check her out this weekend as she continues on her national tour.  She will be at the Rumba Cafe on Friday night.  For more information on the event and Lydia Loveless, check here.

Wine Opener-Wild Crush, April 20, 2012

Support the Cystic Fibrosis Central Ohio Chapter with their annual wine event Friday evening. The event takes place in Bexley and raises money to help fund Cystic Fibrosis research. “The annual ‘crush’ is cause for celebration in Napa Valley and other winemaking regions. It’s the two weeks in late autumn when grapes are plucked from the vine and given the big squeeze.” For more information on the event and tickets, check here.

Ohio State University Spring Game, April 20, 2012

Want to see how Urban Meyer’s doing so far? Check out OSU’s spring game this Saturday for just $7. Plus welcome back Luke Fickell as the defensive coordinator for the 2012 season. O-H!  For more information on the event and tickets, check here.

Hal & Al’s Customer Appreciation and 3-year Anniversary, April 20, 2012

 The secret-but-not-so-secret-really beer bar on Parson’s Avenue is about to celebrate its third anniversary, and you’re invited. To celebrate the event Hal & Al’s will be featuring a keg of Southern Tier Pumking as well as plenty of other gifts and prizes for those present.

Record Store Day, April 21, 2012

Celebrate local and independent record stores with the annual record store day celebration Saturday. Record stores in and around Columbus are featuring special deals, special releases and much more. The perfect way to spend your Saturday afternoon is to just browse through some cool records and talk to some connoisseurs.  For more information on the event, check out this post on Columbus Underground or check out the national website for participating local stores

Earth Day, April 21, 2012

Celebrate Earth Day this Saturday at the Columbus Commons with live music, food trucks, informational booths and much more. A few of the bands you can check out include The Regrettes, the Salty Caramels and Cowboy Hillbilly Hippy Folk. Root Down, Columbus!   Learn more information about the event here.

Yay Bikes!: Month 4, Year of Yay Ride, April 21, 2012

Year of Yay! is a series of 12 bike rides to celebrate Columbus as well as to promote leadership in Yay Bikes! This month they’ll be starting in Goodale Park (check out that freshly filled pond!), hitting up Record Store Day as well as stopping by the Earth Day Celebration. Yay Bikes! is a 501c3 organization that promotes cycling around Central Ohio as a form of transportation. Learn more information about the event here.

Images courtesy  of::
Earth Day - Courtesy of Google Photos
Yay Bikes - Courtesy of Yay Bikes
Record Store Day - Courtesy of RecordStoreDay.com
Wine Opener Crush - Courtesy of Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
Rumba Cafe - Courtesy of Google Photos

Thankful Thursday – A Street Scene in Paris, France

I am mainly a landscape and nature photographer, so when I was in Paris, and there were no landscapes to photograph, except the lovely parks there, I, of course, took pictures of street scenes, buildings, and people.  

I am very thankful for the wonderful photographic guide we had in Paris, Sophie Pasquet, owner of Better Paris Photos.  I learned a lot about taking pictures of street scenes and buildings and people and got some wonderful fun shots of Paris.  Thanks so much Sophie!