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Archive for September, 2007

CondoQuest to showcase maintenance free living in Columbus

September 26th, 2007 categories: Columbus, Condos, Local Communities, New Construction

Car sign

In the spring of 2003 The Building Industry Association of Central Ohio rolled out the first ever CondoQuest. With 25 Builders and 50 furnished models at a variety of sites, consumers were able to get a great overview of condominium living which has taken over a large share of our housing market.

With shifting demographics over the last several years, the concept of maintenance free living appeals to a range of Buyers looking for convenience and flexibility.

For years the BIA has annually showcased luxury homes through the organization’s Parade of Homes. This event is typically held at a single location in one of the area’s newer premium subdivisions. CondoQuest differs in that the sites are scattered offering a wide range of locations, amenities and pricing.

This year’s CondoQuest will feature 19 Builders in locations throughout the city. Loads of furnished models will be available to tour with staff available to address questions about the specific communities or condominium living in general. For more information about the Builders and locations contact us or check out the links below.

I was able to attend the Realtor preview event at the BIA last week and it looks like this will be a great showcase. The event runs from September 29 through October 7. Check out the September 29 Columbus Dipatch Tabloid for all of the details or feel free to contact us.

If you think condominium living may be right for you don’t miss CondoQuest 2007.

Condo Quest Preview 001

Builders showcased their products and locations at the Realtor Preview

Authored by Eric | Discussion: No Comments »

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words (but how many thousands of dollars?)

September 17th, 2007 categories: About Realtors, Local Communities, Real Estate Professionals

Deck (1)

Now isn’t the setting above the kind of place you would like to put your feet up and call home. To me, this is a great photo, capturing the wonderful outdoor living space that makes this home special.

Every home has something special to offer, though it may be harder to capture in some than others.

Over the past few years, the quality of photos used in real estate marketing has become increasingly important. Our job as Real Estate Professionals is to showcase each property we market in the absolute best light.

When I meet with sellers, I always emphasize the investment in equipment and professional approach to photography we provide to ensure a quality visual presentation. This includes:

High quality SLR camera with wide angle lens
Photographer carries step ladder and additional lighting
If the day is cloudy, rainy or overcast, we will re-schedule
Lots of photos taken – 200 or more per house!
We will move items and replace if necessary to get good photos
Detailed review of photos as well as image enhancement to ensure best shots for marketing use

Bradhurst kitchen

Perhaps the above seem like the least you would expect from a “professional”. In truth, some of the photos seen online are horrible and can make the best home in the neighborhood look like the worst! Some of the common “less than desirable” practices include:

Photos taken at dusk or later
Photos taken on rainy days
“Out of season photos” left on the MLS (think snow in June!)
Out of focus photos
Use of Auditor’s photo (sometimes several years old)
No photo

Today’s Buyers use the internet, and most of the time, their impression is formed by what they see visually. No matter how nice the home sounds in the remarks, if the pictures do not do it justice, they will not want to see it. It happens over and over that Buyers rule out a property I have suggested just because the pictures are bad.

Shame on any Realtor who can not provide decent quality photography in this day and age. To get a feel of the kind of photography that is out there check out:

Bad MLS Photo of the Day
Unbelievably Bad Real Estate Photos Hall of Fame
MLS Trash Can (my favorite…I love the comments!)

If you are a Seller in today’s market, you know it is tougher than in the past. The good news is that homes are selling. Be sure yours is represented as it should be. Review the photos being used and make sure they showcase all your home has to offer.

Good Photos = Good Selling!

Authored by Eric | Discussion: 11 Comments »

Is that an eyesore I see?

September 10th, 2007 categories: Columbus, Local Communities, Westerville

Having lived in Westerville for close to 10 years, I have seen lots of change. As I have suggested in previous posts, I think, all things considered, it has been for the good.

I am sure not everyone agrees that my “positives” are good choices for the City of Westerville. In recent years esthetics of new buildings has been a hot topic.

I recall going to a meeting covering the CVS proposal for Walnut and State streets. At the time, I wasn’t real happy with the concept of a “big box” pharmacy as the “gateway” to our uptown. Today, however, there is a nice looking building, which is very convenient, and looks far nicer to those entering Westerville than a vacant gas station did.

PICT0001

Additionally, I have not heard complaints about the new Panera which has replaced the “cave-like” former CVS, or their neighbor Half Price Books which is an awesome spot to while away a few hours.

I live on Central Ave.. Turning on to Central, you are graced with a view of the former Dairy Mart, turned into $1.75 Dry Cleaners, turned into $1.99 Dry Cleaners.

Across Central from here sits an unsightly, “architect’s nightmare” which has housed Carpet Cove, a lamp shop, upstairs residents, and often, a “for rent” sign.

PICT0004

That is until now!

PICT0001

Oh yeah, there she goes! This picture is as of 11:30 AM Monday, September 10. Hurry if you want to see it before it is gone.

In its place will go a new NAPA auto parts store. The NAPA uptown will be closing down.

I will admit, at first I was not thrilled about an auto parts store at the top of my street. Upon further reflection, however I have come around. The building will be brick with some additional detail, not unlike the CVS. The City has required special attention be paid to landscaping, lighting elements, and exterior detail.

Again, the result will be far better than its predecessor.

I would suggest we are not done with the transformations of unsightly buildings and lots in Westerville. Watch for the opening of the retail strip center anchored by Guernsey Bank, south of Schrock. Replacing the car wash and Ponderosa, closed for so long, this change could not have come soon enough.

PICT0002

It is true, the days of a “quaint” town are largely gone, but I contend much of the character still remains. The cost of growth and progress brings with it many challenges, upsides and downs. I urge our City leaders to continue to think critically about our growth, the look and feel of our town, and its history. Whether you agree or disagree with the direction Westerville is heading, you can certainly see maintaining tradition while moving forward is a balancing act.

Authored by Eric | Discussion: 2 Comments »