Party At The Columbus Zoo!

One of my favorite places to go is the zoo. When I travel I try to visit the local zoo and I have seen some really wonderful zoos. So it makes sense that one of my favorite fundraisers is ZOOFARI, held every June at the Columbus Zoo. After an all day rain that soaked the entire central Ohio area, Saturday night turned into a beautiful summer evening!

One thing that impresses me about this fundraiser is they try to make it better every year. Last year the crowds were a bit overwhelming - a tribute to how popular this event is. So this year they seemed to have spread everything out a bit more easing the crowding. The food was a usual plenty and delicious.

What is this even you ask? Well the zoo is opened up to adults only for entertainment, animal viewing, area restaurants, beverage, companies, and retail food establishments showcase a dish or two from their menus. A ticket, for general admission, cost $85.00 (included 3 drink tickets) and you can eat till your heart's content. We feasted on Hawaiian tacos, meatballs with a spicy marina sauce, red white and blue pancakes,pepperoni bread,  wings - you name it they had it! The vendors are spread throughout the Zoo so you walk enjoy an adult beverage or 2 eat and listen to the bands.

A big thank you goes to the many people that volunteer to work the event, the vendors - this is a huge undertaking for them and the people that I am certain work hard all year round planning and preparing. It was a great night - for more information check out the Zoo's web page www.columbuszoo.org.

Home Selling Tip - Don't forget to Invite in Buyers!

Buyers Welcome!

Buyer’s interest levels are often determined from the moment they pull up to a home. Does your home say welcome? While the obvious is to have the landscaping well maintained and the area neat and clean, take one step further.  To put into context when the Realtor is unlocking the door, your potential buyers are looking around and passing judgment. What does your front entry say about your house?

Don’t let staging end at the interior front door. Make sure you stage your front porch. Start with the light fixture is is clean? Is it dated – for big paybacks change it if the condition or style warrants it. Make sure you consider your homes style and what finish hardware is on your front door. The fastest way to look like you threw new things in is to have mismatched hardware. Add a new welcome mat, some flowers or tasteful seasonal decoration and don’t forget the door!

What does your door look like? Is it faded and weathered? Does the color complement the other exterior components of your house? If not time to put some thought into your door and make sure buyers are excited to go in and tour your home.

If you‘re thinking of changing the door, consider the style of your home and choose a door that makes sense. Putting a gingerbread door on contemporary home would look out of place. Wild bright colors are great if you want your personality to shine through, but you want the buyer to see themselves in the home so a more neutral color that works with your roof, siding, stone work or brick is in order. Also consider how much sun the door will get – don’t turn off buyers by having a dark color door that absorbs the morning sun making it hot to the touch – the first thought will be “how much will it cost to cool this place?”

Well balanced neutral colors, clean matting, well placed planter with real flowers and foliage can make for a very welcoming front entry. Mulch is a nice finishing touch for your newly trimmed bushes and edged beds. Keep in mind while the agent opens the door the buyers will look around for clues about your home. 

Cityfied Living

Did you know Columbus ranked #15 in the Spring of 2015 Largest U.S. Cities poll? Have you been downtown lately? If not there is an abundance of events to attend, restaurants to dine at, shopping and just a really positive vibe to move to!

Recently I attended Columbus Underground's "Urban Living Tour 2015". This self-guided tour had 30 stops designed around introducing you to all downtown has to offer - rentals, amenities, and condos. What a jewel downtown Columbus is! Easy to walk around and each area has a different flavor - German Village, Victorian Village, Italian Village, Arena District, brewery District, Short North and the middle of it all downtown area.

Columbus Commons is right in the heart of it all - offering free fitness classes on the weekends, movie nights, a merry-go-round for the kids and lots of events. A short walk from there is the Scioto Fountains - a great for cooling off on a warm day and for relaxing in front of in the evenings. A short bus ride away is Short North with shopping, Pubs and galleries.

Some of the hottest properties can be found in downtown, Hip retrofitted buildings offer a variety of space with great city and river views. For condos MyColumbusCondo.com is the premier site to learn about downtown living options. The Columbus Underground Urban Living Tour was a great way to experience the rich lifestyle Columbus has to offer!