Real Estate Laundry » 2007

Archive for July, 2007

Real Estate Laundry Hits the Beach!

July 29th, 2007 categories: About Realtors, Real Estate News, Real Estate Professionals, Recreation

House

This is it! For the next week, 20 of us will call this home. Sand, sun, pool, ocean and food will be the staples.

We will try to post some video later in the week to give you a feel for the activities.

I apologize for not posting every day, but I have a tan to work on!

Have a great week!

Authored by Eric | Discussion: No Comments »

Real Estate Laundry Goes to the Beach - Day 2

July 29th, 2007 categories: Columbus, Real Estate Professionals, Recreation

Well, day two went pretty well with the exception of an accident on the freeway which forced us to take a very rural route through North Carolina tobacco country. Though we arrived in Edenton, NC, the night’s destination, a bit late we still had a chance to tour the quaint town. The kids even had a chance to take a dip in the pool before bedtime.

We enjoyed a wonderful dinner of local seafood at Chero’s, a former soda company turned hip local restaurant. A live band and groovy setting made it an enjoyable evening.

Nc soccer This day’s road trip was marked by a quick visit to beautiful Chapel Hill, the home of The University of North Carolina. Our twin girls are avid soccer players and it was great to see the home of such a dominant women’s program and the collegiate stomping grounds of Mia Hamm.

For spending two days with five of us in a mini van, enduring stormy weather, traffic jams and detours, we have fared well. We are all looking forward to hitting the beach!

Authored by Eric | Discussion: 2 Comments »

Real Estate Laundry Goes to the Beach - Day 1

July 27th, 2007 categories: Real Estate News

That’s right, the Ransom Family is off again for the annual trip to Hatteras Island on The Outer Banks of North Carolina. There we will convene with brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews for some fun in the sun.

As usual, the trip, a 15 hour drive, brings with it some unexpected twists and turns. Thursday was to be our “light day”. A few of the highpoints are below:

1 hour and 30 minute traffic jam in New Boston, Ohio
Last 200 miles covered in 5+ hours due to torrential down pours
Upon arrival at our hotel, the pool, so anticipated by the kids, was closed

At the end of the day, however, we arrived safe and sound to stop number one in Beckley, W.V. and a much needed rest was had by all.

Below are a few are a few photos of our trusty vehicle to give you a “taste of the road”.

Here’s to a smooth sailing Day 2!

Authored by Eric | Discussion: No Comments »

What to do if you really want to Sell your home

July 24th, 2007 categories: About Realtors, Columbus, Local Communities, Real Estate News, Real Estate Professionals

We all hear so much about the real estate market and how tough it is these days. Sure, there are markets susceptible to huge price swings and financially devastating market shifts, but folks Columbus, Ohio is not one of them.

In fact, things are pretty good here. It is true the wonderful Sellers’ market of recent years is not here, but the adjustment has been far more subtle than the media may portray.

Here are a few facts from the Columbus Board of Realtors comparing January-May 2007 to January-May 2006:

The total number of listings sold decreased by 5%
The number of new listings added to the market decreased by 4.9%
The average sale price decreased by .5%
The average days on market increased from 98 to 112

Clearly, these are manageable adjustments in any market and to be expected as real estate in any area is cyclical in nature. The biggest take away, however, lies in the change in days on market. It is taking significantly longer to sell homes in the Columbus area than it was a year ago, but homes are selling!

If you are considering selling your home there are some things you can do to help ensure your success. Here are a few tips:

Enlist the help of a Real Estate Professional – You need guidance, experience and market knowledge

Do not hire a Realtor based on suggested list price – Only a Buyer can determine the ultimate sale price of a home. Today, more than ever, you need the facts from an agent who knows the market and is not afraid to speak the truth. A timely sale may not yield the return it once did, but an attractive price may make all the difference. Your Realtor should give you the facts you need to make an informed decision about pricing.

Prepare your home for the market – The days of sticking a sign in the yard and selling easily for your desired price are gone. The market is competitive and you need to put your best foot forward. This may mean spending some money for paint, landscaping, flooring, repairs and other upgrades. Don’t put a sign in the yard until you are really ready to go, even if it takes a bit longer than you hoped. You only have one chance to make a first impression.

Know your true motivation level (and share it with your Realtor!) – This is probably not the best time to sell if you are just curious about the prospect. Be committed to the process and understand you may have to be a bit more aggressive on pricing and concessions. The good news is you stand to see better values on the Home Buying side if you are staying in the Columbus area.

The bottom line here is that Columbus, Ohio is a great place to live and people know it. The market is always in flux and it is a bit stingier today than in the past. Do not believe, however, that now is a bad time to consider a move. Get a good Realtor, get the facts, and get moving!

Authored by Eric | Discussion: 4 Comments »

5588 Queens Park Dr., Dublin, Ohio 43016

July 20th, 2007 categories: Columbus, Condos, Dublin, Local Communities, New Construction, Our Listings

SOLD!

Queens Park Front

Enjoy life and let someone else take care of the maintenance. This brand new condominium at Gramercy Place has it all. Spectacular Northwest location offering the following:

Great location adjacent to Tuttle Mall
Access to entertainment, exercise, spa and relaxation at The Barn
Minutes to Upper Arlington, Grandview, Dublin, Hilliard and Downtown

Price: $290,461 (includes $20,000 Discount!)

Bedrooms: 2

Baths: 2.5

Garage: 2 car attached

Square feet: 2,201 per Builder

Rooms:

Great Room
Dining
First floor utility
Partial basement
Loft

Heating/Cooling: Gas/Central Air

Features:

Water views
Patio
New construction
Wood floors
Gourmet kitchen w/ quartz counters and stainless appliances
Loads of storage
Luxury bath w/ soaking tub
$165 per month condo fee

5617 Frawley Dr., Dublin, Oh 43016

July 20th, 2007 categories: Columbus, Condos, Dublin, Local Communities, New Construction, Our Listings, Real Estate News

Frawley front

Nothing to do here but move in! If you are looking for the convenience of a maintenance free lifestyle in a brand new condominium, this is it.

With a water view and the finest in ammenities this new build at The Broadway has it all. Spectacular Northwest location offering the following:

Great location adjacent to Tuttle Mall
Access to entertainment, exercise, spa and relaxation at The Barn
Minutes to Upper Arlington, Grandview, Dublin, Hilliard and Downtown

Price: $210,000 (includes $15,000 Discount!)

Bedrooms: 3

Baths: 2

Garage: 2 car attached

Square feet: 1,591 per Builder

Rooms:

Great Room
Dining
Main floor utility

Heating/Cooling: Gas/Central Air

Features:

New construction
Vaulted Ceilings
Gourmet kitchen w/ eating bar
Loads of storage
Walk in closets
Luxury bath
Private balcony w/ water view
$150 per month condo fee

4186 Bradhurst Dr., Dublin, Oh. 43016

July 20th, 2007 categories: Columbus, Condos, Dublin, Local Communities, New Construction, Our Listings

SOLD!

Bradhurst kitchen

If maintenance free living in a prime location is what you are looking for…..Welcome Home!

This brand new condominium at The Broadway has it all. Spectacular Northwest location offering the following:

Great location adjacent to Tuttle Mall
Access to entertainment, exercise, spa and relaxation at The Barn
Minutes to Upper Arlington, Grandview, Dublin, Hilliard and Downtown

Price: $220,000 (includes $15,000 Discount!)

Bedrooms: 2

Baths: 2

Garage: 2 car

Square feet: 1,506 per Builder

Rooms:

Great Room
Dining
First floor utility

Heating/Cooling: Gas/Central Air

Features:

New construction
9’ Ceilings
Gourmet kitchen w/ cherry cabinets
Loads of storage
$150 per month condo fee

Music and Arts in the air in Westerville….again!

July 15th, 2007 categories: Entertainment, Local Communities, Music, The Arts, Westerville

For the 34^th time the Westerville Area Chamber of Commerce pulled it off. A wonderful weekend of Art, Music and Food. Here’s to the beautiful weather and the winds which helped make the temperatures pleasant.

I must admit I was sad when the event moved from Otterbein College. I enjoyed the quaintness of the campus and the abundance of shade. I will admit, however I am a convert.

This was the seventh year at Heritage Park. Clearly this venue was meant to host this event. The winding paths offer the perfect setup for the numerous vendors. The Everal Barn offers a prime setting for a fantastic line up of entertainment, and the location provides for easier access and more parking. I do miss the shade, however.

The setting is great for families and if you are an area resident you are sure to stop often to catch up with friends and neighbors enjoying the event.

If you missed it this year, be sure to keep it on your radar for next year.

A few favorites not to be missed include:

Roasted Almonds
Lemon Shake Ups with Lots of Sugar
A stroll through the vendor booths
Lunch and some live music

Whether you go to buy, look, or just take in the experience, it really is a great place to be!

Authored by Eric | Discussion: No Comments »

Rollin’, Rollin’, Rollin, - Blog Tour USA visits Columbus

July 13th, 2007 categories: About Realtors, Columbus, Local Communities, Real Estate News, Real Estate Professionals, Worthington

Thanks to Rudy and Joe from Sellsius for taking the time to visit Columbus, Ohio.

Rudy-Joe

Rudy and Joe sharing some insight on Real Estate Blogging.

A very special thanks also to Maureen McCabe for coordinating and playing host to this great event.

Being newer to the blogosphere I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. I met some great people (and 1 dog), and enjoyed hearing a bit about other folks’ perspective on blogging. I am glad to put a face with the blog, so to speak, for:

Crowd

The Crowd listens intently as Rudy and Joe present their carefully scripted presentation.

The guys from Sellsius have been rambling across the country in an RV meeting bloggers and sharing some great insights, while making new friends and seeing new places. Blog Tour USA will complete the journey with an arrival at Bloggers Connect taking place from 7/31–8/1 in San Francisco.

Nik-E

Eric and Nikki showcasing the Blog Tour “Rig”

Kudos to Rudy and Joe for coming up with such a creative venture. This should challenge us all to think outside the box.

Thanks again for the visit and enjoy the Graeter’s ice cream!

Authored by Eric | Discussion: 3 Comments »

114 N. Vine Street, Westerville, Ohio 43081

July 10th, 2007 categories: Columbus, Local Communities, Our Listings, Westerville

Front

This Listing has SOLD!

You have found a real gem here. Located in a prime location within blocks of Uptown Westerville this home has so much to offer. Area ammenities include: