Welcome to Petra's Columbus Real Estate Blog...
what it's like to live, work and play in the Columbus Ohio Area
SOLD GAHANNA REAL ESTATE LISTINGS
November 16th, 2010As a REALTOR® with REMAX Connection Realtors®, on 130 Mill Street in Olde Gahanna, Ohio 43230, I have sold many homes in the Gahanna area. While I have sold homes in every area of Central Ohio, Gahanna remains an area of focus since it’s convenient to my office and to where I live, plus it’s a very popular area in Central Ohio.
PETRA’S RESUME
As a REALTOR®, our resume consists of PAST CLIENT TESTIMONIALS and successful home sales. With over $54 Million in real estate sales since 2001, throughout Central Ohio, you can rely on my experience whether you are looking to buy or sell your Gahanna home. In this challenging real estate market, experience does make a difference. Please CONTACT PETRA at 614-746-2115 for all your real estate needs. Are you looking for low fees or to save on discounted listing commission when selling your home? Learn about Petra’s Gahanna Real Estate Deal! Following are many of the homes or condos I’ve sold, proving you too can trust my real estate expertise, in the Gahanna area.
Gahanna real estate listings sold by Petra:
404 Olympia Fields Court, Gahanna, Ohio 43230 (Woodside Green) 614 Bonnington Way, Gahanna, Ohio 43230 (Royal Manor)
262 Ainsworth Avenue, Gahanna, Ohio 43230 (Woodside Green) 528 Bonnington Way, Gahanna, Ohio 43230 (Royal Manor)
4827 Wendler Blvd., Columbus, Ohio 43230 (Virginia Terrace) 796 Caroway Blvd., Gahanna, Ohio 43230 (Hunters Ridge)
503 McCutcheon Road, Gahanna, Ohio 43230 (Royal Manor) 499 Springwood Lake Drive, Gahanna, Ohio 43230 (Woodside Green)
1028 Pinwood Lane, Gahanna, Ohio 43230 (Gahanna Condo in Rathburn Village) 176 Rivers Edge Way, Gahanna, Ohio 43230 (Rivers Edge MI Homes)
1048 Skinner Avenue, Gahanna, Ohio 43230 (Rathburn Woods) 554 Chadwood Lane, Gahanna, Ohio 43230 (Taylor Falls Condos)
231 S. Rocky Fork Drive, Gahanna, Ohio 43230 (Gramercy Park) 811 Ashford Glen Drive, Gahanna, Ohio 43230 (Hunters Ridge)
490 Beaverbrook Drive, Gahanna, Ohio 43230 (Hunters Ridge) 851 Tamara Drive, Gahanna, Ohio 43230 (Gahanna Condos in Hunters Ridge)
306 Spruce Hill Road, Gahanna, Ohio 43230 (Rathburn Woods) 890 Harmony Drive, Gahanna, Ohio 43230 (Hunters Ridge)
414 Barwood Drive, Gahanna, Ohio 43230 (Brentwood Estates) 757 Mistletoe Street, Gahanna, Ohio 43230 (Pipers Glen)
268 Empire Drive, Gahanna, Ohio 43230 (Royal Manor) 274 Empire Drive, Gahanna, Ohio 43230 (Royal Manor)
741 Deer Run, Gahanna, Ohio 43230 (Deer Run) 425 Denwood Court, Gahanna, Ohio 43230 (Brentwood Estates)
3937 Hoffman Valley Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43219 (Gahanna Schools home in Columbus - Towne Park MI Homes)
1239 Sanctuary Place, Gahanna, Ohio 43230 (Gahanna Condo - Woods at Shagbark) 619 Millwood Court, Gahanna, Ohio 43230 (Sycamore Mill)
221 Rivers Edge Way, Gahanna, Ohio 43230 (Rivers Edge MI Homes in Gahanna)
4344 Plymouth Rock Court, Gahanna, Ohio 43230 (Westerville Schools home in Gahanna)
3742 Hunting Lane, Gahanna, Ohio 43230 (Strawberry Farms - Westerville Schools home in Gahanna)
4488 Sayan Place, Gahanna, Ohio 43230 (Tanager Woods - Westerville Schools home in Gahanna)
3728 Kellen Drive, Gahanna, Ohio 43230 (Westerville Schools home in Gahanna - Strawberry Farms area)
5412 Woodville Court, Columbus, Ohio 43230 (Home in Westerville Schools - Blendon Estates area)
4606 San Andres Place, Columbus, OH 43230 (Westerville Schools home in Tanager Woods)
3967 Freedom Ridge Court, Gahanna, OH 43230 (Westerville Schools home in Gahanna - Cherry Bottom Village)
3812 Tanager Drive, Columbus, OH 43230 (Home in Westerville Schools - Tanager Woods area)
4264 Timber Valley Drive, Gahanna, Ohio 43230 (Westerville Schools Home in Gahanna - Cherry Bottom Village)
480 Denwood Drive, Gahanna, Ohio 43230 (Brentwood Estates)
855 W. Humboldt Drive, Gahanna, Ohio 43230 (Gahanna home in Ambassador Commons/Woodside Green area)
649 Sycamore Mill Drive, Gahanna, Ohio 43230 ( Gahanna home in Sycamore Mill)
420 Beaverbrook Drive, Gahanna, Ohio 43230 (Gahanna home in Hunters Ridge)
842 Lindenhaven Road, Gahanna, Ohio 43230 (Gahanna home in Woodside Green)
Some of these were my listings and others were sold in coop with another real estate broker.
Whether you are looking to buy or sell a home in Gahanna, I would love the opportunity to work for you. Please CONTACT PETRA anytime at 614-746-2115.
OVER $50 MILLION SOLD Since 2001
Interest Rates November 2010
November 5th, 2010Historic Low Mortgage Interest Rates Make Buying a Home in Central Ohio More Affordable Than Ever
It is still a great time to buy a home in the Columbus Ohio area and historic low interest rates on home mortgages make it even more affordable than ever. As we head into the Winter months, the Central Ohio real estate market tends to slow down, so you’ll find sellers very motivated to sell their home, providing favorable conditions for home buyers. I am seeing home sellers constantly reducing their listing price so I think you’ll see home prices continue to fall, through the Winter. If you’re in a position to buy a home, buying now may be better than waiting until the busier Spring real estate market.
Columbus Ohio Mortgage Interest Rate Update November 1, 2010
Sue Reichard, Mortgage Loan Officer, with the State Bank and Trust Company, in Dublin Ohio, has some of the lowest interest rates and closing costs for your home mortgage loan, in Columbus Ohio. The current interest rates are 4.125 percent, for the 30 year fixed interest rate and 3.375 percent for the 15 year fixed interest rate mortgage. The 5 year adjustable rate mortgage is all the way down to 3.0 percent. The State Bank and Trust offers some of the lowest and most competitive closing costs for a mortgage in Central Ohio. Buyer closing costs on a single family home are $1475.00.
If you are considering refinancing your current home mortgage, State Bank does not make the borrower get another title insurance policy on single family homes, which saves anywhere from $300.00 to $2500.00, in closing costs. Condominiums are required to purchase title insurance, when refinancing.
Sue Reichard Has Experience You Can Trust
I have had many clients over the years, finance their home mortgage, with Sue Reichard. Many mortgage loan officers and brokers have left the mortgage industry as the real estate market in Central Ohio has declined. However, Sue has been in the Columbus Ohio Mortgage industry for many years and was formerly with Fifth Third Bank. So she has the experience and dedication you can trust to get the best loan for your home purchase or refinance.
Sue is Available When Your Need Her
Another thing I really like about Sue, is her customer service and responsiveness are better than most lenders. You can typically reach her on her cell phone at 614-395-4150 anytime, including evenings and weekends, when most mortgage lenders are not available. She tries to be flexible and available when you need her. So feel free to contact her, to discuss your home loan needs and please let her know that Petra recommended her. Please note that interest rates are subject to change on a daily basis, so call Sue directly to find out the latest interest rates.
Sue Reichard, Assistant Vice President-Lending
The State Bank and Trust Company
109 South High Street
Dublin, OH 43017
P 614.336.7779 ext. 2790
C 614.395.4150
F 614.336.7879
Sue.Reichard@thebank-sbt.com
FREE COLUMBUS OHIO MORTGAGE LOAN PRE-APPROVAL
Whether you are a first time, 2nd time or 3rd time home buyer I always recommend home buyers get pre-approved, for their home mortgage before shopping for a home, in Central Ohio. The mortgage industry is constantly changing and it is getting more difficult for buyers to qualify for a home mortgage loan. The only way to know for sure how much home you can afford and what type of loan is best for you, is to get pre-approved for a home mortgage loan. Once you are pre-approved for a mortgage, then I’ll be happy to work with you to buy your home in Central Ohio.
It is also recommended that you work with a local, reputable mortgage broker or bank in the Columbus Ohio area, to get the best interest rates, closing costs and service. Remember you can’t just compare the interest rate, you must also compare the lender’s closing costs, to determine who’s giving you the best deal for your home mortgage loan.
Freedom’s Never Free 2010
October 23rd, 2010Freedom’s Never Free 2010, is an appreciation celebration in Central Ohio to honor our veterans, military, police, firefighters and their families and best of all it’s FREE!
WHEN:
Saturday November 13, 2010 from 3-6pm
WHERE:
Historical Aircraft Squadron
3266 Old Columbus Rd.
Carroll, Ohio 43112
Just South of Canal Winchester and North of Lancaster off of 33.
This is a FREE family event, with something for everyone to enjoy:
- Guest Speakers
- Kids Games / Prizes
- Static Displays
- Tuskegee Airmen
- Remnant Signers
- Missing Man Table
- Military Museum
- FOOD
- FREE airplane rides (ages 8-17 with parental consent)
Please join us in this patriotic appreciation celebration for American veterans, military, police, firefighters & their families in Central Ohio. Freedom’s Never Free 2010 is sponsored and hosted by The REMNANT Expressive Signing Team. For more information call 740-277-8531.
German Village Safety Day October 16 2010
October 9th, 2010The German Village Society is hosting a Safety and Community Wellness Day at the GVS Meeting Haus, located at 588 South 3rd Street, Columbus, Ohio 43206 on Saturday October 16th from 10am-2pm.
The Columbus Police Department will be on hand to help educate people on how to properly identify your belongings in the event of theft, secure your home and surroundings, and use appropriate outdoor lighting to name a few. The CPD will have a special UV pen to mark your belongings on site.
Also there will be a representative from a weapon safety company to sell self defense products and German Village Society Business Member, Alarm One, to educate you about all of your alarm questions.
Capital Nursing Students will be on site to provide our community with information about heart disease and take blood pressures for screenings.
If you have any further questions please contact GVS Board of Trustee and Civic Relations Chair, Crystal Seamon, at crystalseamon@gmail.com
columbus-ohio-trickortreat-2010
October 8th, 20102010 COLUMBUS AND CENTRAL OHIO SUBURB BEGGAR’S NIGHT AND TRICK OR TREAT DATES:
If you live in or around the Columbus Ohio area, I’m providing the dates for 2010 Beggars Night or Trick or Treat in Columbus and all the surrounding suburbs. Halloween is a fun time of year for many kids in Central Ohio. I know my son always looks forward to Trick or Treating to stock up on his favorite candy.
Since Halloween, October 31, 2010, falls on a Sunday this year, you’ll find Columbus and many central Ohio communities have scheduled beggars night/trick or treating, ranging from October 28 - October 31st. The cool thing is you can easily plan to trick or treat in a couple different Central Ohio suburbs on different nights. I’m noticing more Central Ohio churches are hosting family friendly “Trunk or Treat” options too.
Franklin County Trick or Treat Dates
- Bexley: 5:30-7:30 pm - October 28
- Blendon Township (Westerville): 6:00-8:00 - October 28
- Canal Winchester: 5:30-7:30 pm - October 28
- Clintonville: 6-8pm - October 28
- Columbus: 6-8pm - October 28
- Dublin: 6-8 pm - October 28
- Gahanna: 6-8pm - October 28
- Grandview Heights: 6-8pm - October 31
- Grove City: 6-8pm October 28
- Groveport: 5:30-7:30 pm - October 28
- Hilliard: 6-8 pm - October 28
- Jefferson Township (Gahanna): 6-8pm - October 28
- Village of Lockbourne: 5:30-7 pm - October 28
- Madison Township: 6-8 pm - October 31
- New Albany: 6-8 pm - October 28
- Obetz: 6:00-8:00 - October 31
- Reynoldsburg: 6-8pm - October 28
- Upper Arlington: 6-8pm - October 28
- Westerville: 6-8pm - October 28
- Whitehall: 6-8pm - October 28
- Worthington: 6-8pm - October 31
Delaware County Trick or Treat Dates
- Delaware: 6:00-8:00 - October 31
- Galena: 6:00-7:15 - October 30
- Genoa Township (Westerville) 6-8 pm - October 28
- Lewis Center: 6-8pm - October 31
- Orange Township: 6-8pm - October 31
- Powell: 6-8pm - October 31
Fairfield County Trick or Treat Dates
- Pickerington: 6-8 pm - October 28
Licking County Trick or Treat Dates
- Granville: 5:30-7 pm - October 28
- Pataskala: 6-7:30 pm - October 28
I hope you have found this information helpful for planning your 2010 Halloween activities in the Columbus Ohio area. If you see any mistakes or want to add to this list, please contact Petra with information. I have tried to double check these dates on various community websites, but I cannot guarantee it’s accuracy. Happy Halloween!
FREE DENTAL EXAMS OCTOBER 13 2010
October 8th, 2010COLUMBUS OHIO - OSU COLLEGE OF DENTISTRY OFFERS FREE DENTAL EXAM CLINIC
I wanted to share so those in need of dental care can take advantage of this wonderful opportunity, during these tough economic times.
The OSU College of Dentistry students will offer FREE dental exams and free dental x-rays on Wednesday October 13, 2010, from 5-7 p.m. in the Dental Clinic at Postle Hall, 305 W. 12th Avenue, room 1038 A, Columbus, Ohio 43210. To learn more visit: http://www.dent.ohio-state.edu/pedo/outreach_clinics_postle.php .
All participants must be at least 18 years of age and in good health, and each will receive one free dental exam, two free dental x-rays, and an evaluation for additional free treatments. This event is open to the public. No fees will be charged and no appointments are necessary. For more information, call 614-247-8946.
Personal note from an OSU Dental Student about this FREE clinic
“I am a 4th year OSU dental student getting ready to take a board exam that will certify me as a dentist. The OSU College of Dentistry is having a board screening date next Wednesday October 13th from 5-7 pm, to find patients with certain cavities to work on for their exam. We will take 2 xrays of your teeth, examine your mouth, and tell you if you qualify for the board exam. If you do qualify, you will receive a FREE filling on Sat or Sun February 5th or 6th for your participation.
Please arrive early as many people from Columbus will be there for screening.
Again, this is a very big, stressful part in a dental student’s life and by helping out, you will be helping a student take another step toward being a dentist!
Thank you
Will Leffler
OSU College of Dentistry, Class of 2011″
414Barwood
October 1st, 2010Completely Updated 3 Bedroom Gahanna Home For Sale
414 Barwood Drive, Gahanna, Ohio 43230, is a beautifully updated home with 3 bedrooms, two baths and a 1 car garage. This home was listed for sale at $134,900.
Great Gahanna real estate deal ~ Completely updated 3 bedroom, 2 bath home ~ pride of ownership shows. Beautifully remodeled kitchen features oak raised panel cabinets, stone tile back splash, crown molding, built in decorative shelf, under cabinet lighting, self cleaning electric range, built in microwave, dishwasher and double sided refrigerator with built in water dispenser.
Nothing to do - just move in! This home has been lovingly updated throughout with upgraded lighting, hardwood floors, newer windows, vinyl siding and roof, crown molding in living room, white painted woodwork, 6 panel doors, updated baths & more. Stay cozy during winter months, in the spacious family room with the wood burning stove. Relax on the wonderful covered back porch in the summer, overlooking the roomy fenced back yard.
ANOTHER GAHANNA HOME SOLD BY PETRA
This home sold in less than 60 days on the market at 97.5% of the list price. The sellers followed my advice for preparing and pricing their home and were rewarded greatly. Are you thinking about selling your Gahanna home or condo? This page is meant to give you an idea of the marketing and services I provide. This is just one of the many homes I’ve sold in Gahanna, proving you can count on my experience and dedication to sell your home too.
If you’re interested in selling your home or condo, please CONTACT PETRA at 614-746-2115. I look forward to the opportunity of serving your Gahanna real estate needs!
Pictures and more details of 414 Barwood Drive
http://www.columbuscastles.com/petras-featured-homes/featured?id=2902047
To learn more about the Gahanna Ohio real estate market, schools and community visit: www.columbuscastles.com/communities_gahanna
GREAT TESTIMONY FROM GAHANNA HOME SELLER
I helped Al and Tawny Whicker sell their home at 414 Barwood Drive, Gahanna, Ohio 43230 and buy their 2nd home in Gahanna as well. Following is their testimony.
“In December of 2008, motivated by the low rates and falling house prices, we contacted Petra, Realtor with Remax Connection Realtors in Gahanna Ohio, to ask if selling our home of 10 years to step up to a bigger one was possible. She helped every step of the way. From recommending things we could do to make our home more appealing to buyers, to carefully pricing it and marketing it, she made the process much easier than it could have been.
What really blew us away was Petra’s marketing. She took fantastic pictures of the house, designed a beautiful flyer, created a virtual online tour with narration, and listed us on many web sites. The exposure was tremendous. In fact, as we searched the listings for our next home, it really showed how much better ours was marketed than most.
When it came to buying, Petra patiently listened, worked with our schedule, and took us to any home we wanted to see. She gave great input on pluses and minuses for each, including many things we wouldn’t have thought of, like future resale value.
In less than two months from listing, our home in Gahanna, we got an offer. Petra made sure the contract stipulated an extra week of possession after closing so we could have time to prepare our next home and move. There were no ideal homes on the listings for us that day, but one popped up the next day and we thought it would be perfect. That afternoon Petra met us there, and we were hooked at the front door. By the next day we had our offer accepted and were in contract to both sell the old house and buy our new home in Gahanna.
Petra was helpful and proactive every step of the way. We couldn’t have picked a better realtor, and are immensely thankful for Petra’s work and can-do attitude that made the whole process much easier than we expected. Thanks, Petra! We whole-heartedly recommend you for anyone buying or selling!” Al and Tawny Whicker, proud home owners!”
I pride myself on providing the best guidance to sellers and marketing for my listings. I’d love the opportunity to help with all your Gahanna real estate needs. If you are interested in selling your Gahanna home please CONTACT PETRA at 614-746-2115.
238Whittier
September 23rd, 2010Unique German Village Real Estate Property
238 E. Whittier Street, Columbus, Ohio 43206, is a unique German Village real estate listing, including 2 homes, with great space, on one lot. Live in one home and rent out the 2nd home for investment property income or use as an in law or teen suite, office space, etc. Convenient location - close to Barcelona Restaurant, Giant Eagle Grocery Store, Schiller Park and more. Both homes are listed for sale at only $224,900. Don’t miss this rare opportunity!
***RECENT SOLD AT 95% OF THE LIST PRICE***
FRONT HOME
The front home is a brick 2 story home with 1332 square feet, 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths, a spacious living room with stone fireplace, formal dining room, finished basement and a huge front porch to relax on.
2ND HOME
In the back is the original circa late 1800’s 2 story home with 1257 square feet, 2 bedrooms, 1.5 baths, finished 3rd floor attic for extra living space, large living and dining rooms. This 2nd home is ideal as a German Village investment rental property, home office, mother in law/student suite, etc.
Most German Village investment properties are a duplex or multi-family style, with shared interior walls where you typically can hear all the noise through the walls. If you’re looking for a double in German Village, to live in one side and rent the other, this property is ideal because you won’t have to share walls, which will give you more privacy.
OFF STREET PARKING - 2 CAR CARPORT
You’ll enjoy entertaining on the large private brick patio out back, plus there’s a shed for storage. The 2 car carport provides off street parking, which is a great plus for German Village considering many investment properties only offer on street parking.
238 E. Whittier is an Estate Sale - Being Sold AS IS - WHERE IS
Since 238 E. Whittier is being sold in an estate, the seller has never lived in the property, has no knowledge of it’s condition and is not required to provide property disclosure forms. So the property is being sold AS IS - WHERE IS. The buyer has the right to perform a home inspection, after contract acceptance, but please be aware that seller will not be making any repairs.
Pictures and more details of 238 E. Whittier Street
For more details, pictures and the visual tour visit: www.columbuscastles.com/petras-featured-homes/featured?id=2100252
To learn more about the German Village Ohio real estate market, schools and community visit: www.columbuscastles.com/communities_german_village
238 E. Whittier Street, in German Village is also on the Columbus Ohio MLS
When searching for German Village real estate listings using the online Columbus Ohio MLS (Multiple Listing Service), searches offered on the internet, you can find 238 E. Whittier Street, Columbus Ohio 43206 ( German Village zip code) by MLS number 210025204.
Search all real estate listings in German Village and throughout Central Ohio using Petra’s FREE Columbus MLS Search:
540Dunedin
August 14th, 2010Beautifully Updated 3 Bedroom Clintonville Home For Sale

540 E. Dunedin Road, Columbus, Ohio 43214, is a beautifully updated Clintonville home with 3 bedrooms, one and a half baths and a 2 car garage. This Clintonville home is listed for sale at $209,900.
This home features all the charm and character of a typical Clintonville home with many updates including: hardwood floors throughout, newer half bath addition and main bath is updated too, new Trane furnace and AC in December 2009, spacious rooms, cozy gas fireplace, deep back yard and front porch to relax on. Renovated gourmet kitchen with custom, white raised panel wood cabinets, crown moldings, upgraded stainless appliances, silestone counters and so much more!
**** SOLD AT 98% OF LIST PRICE****
Pictures and more details of 540 E. Dunedin
www.ColumbusCastles.com/petras-featured-homes/featured?id=2100276
To learn more about the Clintonville Ohio real estate market, schools and community visit: www.columbuscastles.com/communities_clintonville
540 E. Dunedin Road is a convenient location in Clintonville, just around the corner from Brevoort Park and walking distance to Olympic Swimming Pool and Tennis Club, Wildflower Cafe, Weilands Gourmet Market and many other businesses.
Thoughts from the home owner:
- We have wonderful neighbors! Always very supportive and friendly!
- The neighborhood has a block party each year in which all homeowners get together throughout one Saturday in late September or early October. Families and individuals all bring a dish and share in a pot luck dinner while kids play throughout the day. The party ends with a gathering of OSU fans to watch the Buckeyes play on a large projection HD screen midway down the block (3 houses West of here)! Great times and great folks!
- The property across the street is owned and occupied by AT&T. This limits the traffic parked on the street (it is a no parking zone on that side). The busiest traffic that the property receives is the neighborhood kids playing football or Frisbee.
- McCarthy’s Wildflower Café is within walking distance! It is a quaint, popular, café with great food and great service!
- UDF is within walking distance as well. Honestly, we have always had great service there and it is very handy when you need fuel or something quick and prefer not to make a trip to the grocery store.
- Weilands Gormet Market - Excellent gourmet store within walking distance (1/4 mile North on Indianola). This market is known for their specialty in quality produce, meat, seafood, wine, cheese, and service. They also have weekend specials on smoked meat and free wine samplings. More can be found at www.weilandsgourmetmarket.com
- Brevoort Park - (less than ¼ of a mile North on Indianola) This is a wonderful park to take children, pets, or simply relax amongst the large native shade trees. It is not too big, not too small and very well kept.
- Knapp veterinary hospital is directly behind UDF and very handy for all homeowners with pets. They have a beautiful facility and fantastic service. More can be found at www.knappvetirenaryhospital.com
Other notable Clintonville businesses and services:
Huntington Bank - 1/8 of a mile south on Indianola Ave.
Clintonville Auto Repair - 1/8 of a mile
Getrue Cleaners - ¼ of a mile North on Indianola
Kroger - Less than one mile
Starbucks - Less than one mile
Caribou Coffee - Less than one mile
Clintonville Farmers Market - Less than one mile (on summer weekends)
Riverside Hospital - Approximately 2 miles
Whetstone Park of Roses & Library - Approximately 1.5 miles
540 E. Dunedin Road in Clintonville, is also on the Columbus Ohio MLS
When searching for Clintonville real estate listings using the online Columbus Ohio MLS (Multiple Listing Service), searches offered on the internet, you can find 540 E. Dunedin Road, Columbus Ohio 43214 (Clintonville zip code) by MLS number 210027620.
Search all real estate listings in Clintonville and throughout Central Ohio using Petra’s FREE Columbus MLS Search:
