No summer is complete without exploring area Farmer's Markets. These dedicated vendors offer fresh vegetables, fruit, baked goods, herbs, flowers the list is endless and ever changing! What a great way to spend some down time browsing the selections and talking with the vendors. The atmosphere is always charged with energy and very social experience. So go on put down your phone and get out there and check out your local Farmer's Market!!
Tuesdays:
Pearl Market http://downtowncolumbus.com/home/what-s-happening/pearlmarket/
10:30am-2pm
Columbus Square Farmers Market July 9th - October
161 and Cleveland Avenue
4pm-6pm
Wednesday:
Uptown Westerville Farmer's Market http://www.marketwednesday.com/
May 1 - Oct 30
3pm-6pm
Franklin Park Conservatory June 1 - September 7
http://www.fpconservatory.org/The-Experience/Events/For-Adults/Farmers-Market
3:30pm - 6pm
Clintonville Farmer's Market http://www.clintonvillefarmersmarket.org/
North High between Orchard Lane and W Dunedin Road
Thur Aug 14th
4pm-7pm
Dublin Farmer's Market http://www.dublinfarmersmarket.com/
May thru September in the parking lot of the Oakland Nursery
3:30pm-6:30pm
Thursday:
Reynoldsburg Farmer's Market
http://www.ci.reynoldsburg.oh.us/departments/parks-and-recreation/farmers-market.aspx
1520 Davidson Drive - Huber Park July 11 - Sept 26
3:30pm-6:30pm
Bexley http://bexleyfarmersmarket.com/
2111 East Main Street
4pm-7pm
Easton Town Center http://www.eastonfarmersmarket.org/
June 6 - Sept 12
4pm-7pm
Friday:
Pearl Market http://downtowncolumbus.com/home/what-s-happening/pearlmarket/
10:30am-2pm
Saturday:
North Market http://www.northmarket.com/meet-the-market.aspx
59 Spruce St - Short North
8am- 3pm
Olde Worthington Farmer's Market http://worthingtonfarmersmarket.blogspot.com/
644 N High Street
8am - 12pm
Enjoy!
Wednesday, June 1, 2016
Tuesday, May 24, 2016
How To Survive in a Highly Competetive Market
As any serious buyer knows the number of buyers far outnumber the listings. It feels like the minute a home in good condition hits the market several offers are being considered and the home goes under contract. It's a race to get there and put in the winning offer. Often buyers are barely looking at the house and the idea of due diligence goes right out the window.
So how do you compete and at the same time make a well informed decision? First really know what you want in a home, know the ideal location and features you must have. Don't waste time on homes you are not going to buy. Your agent can set up listing alerts with the area you want, features such as you must have a basement or need 4 bedrooms - looking at homes you are not going to buy in an area you don't want to live in makes the search even more frustrating. If you are looking in a lot of areas time to think about what is really important to you are there amenities you want and does one area more ideal for you? Are you willing to take down wallpaper, paint, put in new flooring? If not pictures tell the story eliminate homes needing that type of work.
So now you have a better idea of what your next home looks like time to get into few homes. Make sure you dedicate time to look at homes - many agents put homes on the market on Fridays so cancel your weekend get away plans. Make sure when you are touring homes you look at the bones of the house - don't get hung up on paint colors or bad furniture. Find out about the house hold systems, the HVAC, Windows, Roof,etc these are the items that keep your home intact and will cost big bucks if they need to be replaced. Knowing this information should help you decide if it's a good idea to fight for that home.
So how do you compete and at the same time make a well informed decision? First really know what you want in a home, know the ideal location and features you must have. Don't waste time on homes you are not going to buy. Your agent can set up listing alerts with the area you want, features such as you must have a basement or need 4 bedrooms - looking at homes you are not going to buy in an area you don't want to live in makes the search even more frustrating. If you are looking in a lot of areas time to think about what is really important to you are there amenities you want and does one area more ideal for you? Are you willing to take down wallpaper, paint, put in new flooring? If not pictures tell the story eliminate homes needing that type of work.
So now you have a better idea of what your next home looks like time to get into few homes. Make sure you dedicate time to look at homes - many agents put homes on the market on Fridays so cancel your weekend get away plans. Make sure when you are touring homes you look at the bones of the house - don't get hung up on paint colors or bad furniture. Find out about the house hold systems, the HVAC, Windows, Roof,etc these are the items that keep your home intact and will cost big bucks if they need to be replaced. Knowing this information should help you decide if it's a good idea to fight for that home.
Wednesday, March 2, 2016
Why Didn't My Home Sell? Isn't It A Seller"s Market?
Even with limited inventory there still are some homes that the listing expires and the home is unsold. Although there are many reasons a home may not sell, there are 3 main reasons, Price, Condition, Accessibility for showings.
Properly pricing your home is really a matter of looking at solid numbers and if necessary go look at a few homes in your area that are at the price point you feel your home falls into. Look at features and condition. Keep in mind your home will sell at market price - trying to get above will only cause issues later when it comes time to appraise the home. Make sure when you talk with an agent they are giving you apples to apples. You deserve an honest market analysis.
Take a good look around your home, if you were walking in for the first time what would you see? Does the home appear clean and well maintained? Is there a lot of stuff around that takes your attention away from the great features of the home and the nice sizes of the rooms? Cleaning and pre-packing your home is essential to properly presenting your home to potential buyers. If your home is not clean, accessories streamlined and maintained buyers are either going to walk away or hit you hard on the price because the home will appear to need work. So clean, touch up, pre-pack and keep in mind you are selling your home and need to present it that way. It's like going into a retail store that is visually appealing, clean and well organized you expect to pay more than at a chaotic flea market.
As agents we know you still in your home and we certainly know how disruptive it is to have to leave your home for showings. So generally speaking, requesting 24 hours notice is not unreasonable. What doesn't work is putting a lot of restrictions on when the home can be shown, when you do that buyers feel like you are not motivated. Hanging around when buyers are walking through is also a no no - they are there to see your home don't make them feel like they are visiting you. Make sure your pets don't greet the agent at the door either, have a neighbor or dog walker remove them prior to the showing, arrange for doggy day care or if crate trained use the crate (remember to add that information to showing instructions).
Although other factors do come into play on unsold homes - the photos, marketing or an agent that doesn't return calls or emails; these are the main reasons a home doesn't sell. If you would like your expired listing analyzed I am happy to take a look at the WHOLE picture and help you go from on the market to sold!
Some helpful web sites to explore:
Staging
http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/2661221/list/sell-your-home-fast-21-staging-tips
http://parade.com/275765/leahingram/11-frugal-ideas-for-staging-a-home-for-sale/
Pricing
www.pamkutsick.com
Properly pricing your home is really a matter of looking at solid numbers and if necessary go look at a few homes in your area that are at the price point you feel your home falls into. Look at features and condition. Keep in mind your home will sell at market price - trying to get above will only cause issues later when it comes time to appraise the home. Make sure when you talk with an agent they are giving you apples to apples. You deserve an honest market analysis.
Take a good look around your home, if you were walking in for the first time what would you see? Does the home appear clean and well maintained? Is there a lot of stuff around that takes your attention away from the great features of the home and the nice sizes of the rooms? Cleaning and pre-packing your home is essential to properly presenting your home to potential buyers. If your home is not clean, accessories streamlined and maintained buyers are either going to walk away or hit you hard on the price because the home will appear to need work. So clean, touch up, pre-pack and keep in mind you are selling your home and need to present it that way. It's like going into a retail store that is visually appealing, clean and well organized you expect to pay more than at a chaotic flea market.
As agents we know you still in your home and we certainly know how disruptive it is to have to leave your home for showings. So generally speaking, requesting 24 hours notice is not unreasonable. What doesn't work is putting a lot of restrictions on when the home can be shown, when you do that buyers feel like you are not motivated. Hanging around when buyers are walking through is also a no no - they are there to see your home don't make them feel like they are visiting you. Make sure your pets don't greet the agent at the door either, have a neighbor or dog walker remove them prior to the showing, arrange for doggy day care or if crate trained use the crate (remember to add that information to showing instructions).
Although other factors do come into play on unsold homes - the photos, marketing or an agent that doesn't return calls or emails; these are the main reasons a home doesn't sell. If you would like your expired listing analyzed I am happy to take a look at the WHOLE picture and help you go from on the market to sold!
Some helpful web sites to explore:
Staging
http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/2661221/list/sell-your-home-fast-21-staging-tips
http://parade.com/275765/leahingram/11-frugal-ideas-for-staging-a-home-for-sale/
Pricing
www.pamkutsick.com
Wednesday, February 24, 2016
Getting Ready To Sell - How Much Should You Spend?
It seems like there are two kinds of sellers – the ones that
are willing to see the flaws of their home and spend money to get I ready for a
sale and the ones that fell their home is perfect as is. Finding middle ground
with either one of these sellers can be a challenge for Realtors.
So how much is enough and how much is too much? The age old
advise of pre packing, cleaning ceiling to floor (don’t forget the
windows!) and arranging your home to
maximizes the great features of your house ALWAYS apply. We all have those
little things we live with – the dripping faucet, stuck window, possible an
outlet that doesn’t work those are obvious things we should address. I
recommend my seller’s have the furnace/air conditioner cleaned and serviced.
Freshen up exterior doors, the landscaping and any other areas that could use
some attention.
Should you remodel the kitchen? The bath? Replace carpeting?
It all depends, on your personal situation. In most cases by doing these things
you will receive a higher dollar for your home, now here comes the “but”. Know
your market and the demographic looking in your market. You might not get back
100% of your costs for these items. If the countertops in your kitchen are worn
and showing their age, new counters are probably a good idea, just make sure
they don’t make your cabinets look more dated. Pick and choose your projects
carefully – you might be better off pricing your home to reflect the current
condition. Certain items are always going to go a long way – new carpets, fresh
paint and new storm door.
Your Realtor should be able to guide you on projects – don’t
be afraid to check out a few homes in the price range you are hoping to fall
into – see what the competition looks like! When selling your home you need to
think like a buyer – I know that is easier said then done at times your home
contains your memories. So when it’s
time to say goodbye it can be difficult to look at it objectionably. Ask your
Realtor to be honest with you.
Wednesday, February 3, 2016
Tax Abatement - Good or Bad?
At first glance a Tax Abated condo looks like a really great
deal, after all anytime we can pay less in taxes it’s a good thing! However, it
is always wise to ask a few questions before jumping into the pool of buyers
looking for a tax abated condo.
First question you need to ask is when does the tax
abatement end? Do some research if it ends soon and see approximately what the
unabated tax will be on the condo. The auditor’s office can generally help you
with this type of research. If the abatement ends soon, be prepared to increase
your housing budget by that much.
Second question is there a chance the abatement will be
extended? If the answer is yes go a little deeper, has the request been made
and if so when will they know the answer. Extensions are not a sure thing.
On the positive side if you are looking at a home that is
tax abated and it’s going to be quite awhile it can be a really good thing! If
you are paying on a $400,000 condo with a tax abatement it drastically reduces
your monthly costs. Based on a tax rate of $7000 per year you are knocking
off over $500 in housing expenses per
month. So possibly you can get more condo than you expected!
There is a good side to an abatement and a scary side – just
be sure you are informed and working with an agent that knows the questions to
ask before you buy. If you are ready to
start your home search!
When your ready to buy or sell please give me a call for a FREE NO OBLIGATION consultation!
My direct phone number is 330-304-9015 my office number is 614-383-7937
Wednesday, January 27, 2016
The First Sign of Spring For Sale Signs!
You might look out your window and see grey skies, possible
a few snowflakes, maybe a frosty
windshield. So it’s still winter – right?
Not so in the world of real estate!
All over sellers are shining up their homes, pre-packing clutter
and getting ready to roll out the welcome mat for you! Every newly listed home
represents a choice for buyers. An
opportunity to compare features, condition and prices. While all of that is taking
place, buyers everywhere are gearing up for the hunt. The longer you wait to
seriously look at houses the more you could end up in paying due to multiple
offers.
Multiple offers are good for the seller and cause the buyer
to possible pay a little more for a home than they would have if they were to
be the ONLY offer. When you make an offer on a home you are really starting a
conversation with the seller. You talk about terms, inspections, who pays for
what and when you expect to close and take possession. If you are writing an
offer on a home that has other offers coming in, you need to give your highest
and best (in some markets often above asking) and the least restricting terms
for the seller is always recommended.
So what are you doing this weekend? Now is the time to start
seriously looking at homes and looking with your eye on potential. Get on paper your FIVE MUST HAVES, determine
your ideal location and a secondary location. Approach each home with the
desire to make it your own, consider the potential and don’t forget to take
condition into consideration – possibly you can get the seller to take less so
you can update. Make sure your agent presents a well-written offer that
includes an explanation on your offer price if it’s considerably lower than
asking.
If you are thinking of buying or selling, let’s talk! I have
over 10 years experience in real estate and many resources to help you get the
most value for your money!
Tuesday, January 12, 2016
Full Disclsoure
Recently Sean Penn has been the talk of all the news
channels. Journalists everywhere are either for or against his now famous
interview with El Chapo. As the debate rages on regarding the ethics of what he
did the thing that hit me was the questions about Sean Penn allowing El Chop to
edit the article Penn was writing.
On Fox News, Geraldo Rivera felt Penn was acting a s true
journalist and because he fully disclosed at the beginning of the article that
El Chapo had full control over the content and Penn had not violated any
journalist rules or obligations. With that in mind I started to think about
what “full disclosure” means and how it applies to life today.
In so many areas of modern life we need to dig for the
truth, we need to ask questions that go three layers deep in an attempt to
reveal true intentions. The Internet and social media explosion has allowed
people, companies and yes terrorists to hide in the shadows. I personally do
not want to conduct my life and my business this way
So in the spirit of full disclosure here is what I want
people to know about my professional services as a Realtor. My mission as your
real estate professional is:
To provide you with
the most relevant market information helping you make a well informed buying,
selling, investing decision. As part of my dedication to providing excellent
service to my clients I have committed to a variety of educational
opportunities to enhance and keep my skills up to date in an ever-changing
business environment. I am prepared to help you through every step of your
transaction.
As your Realtor I will market your home as though it were my
own. I will negotiate to get you the best price with the best terms. When you
need a lender, an inspector, etc I can refer you to some of the best in the
business – these are people I would use on my own home. I will treat your
transaction as though it were my own.
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