Updated Bexley Starter Home For Sale

405 N. Cassingham Road, Bexley, Ohio 43209, is an updated 3 bedroom starter home with an attached garage, in the Bexley School District, just a short walk to Maryland Elementary School.   Don’t miss this move in ready Bexley real estate listing for sale at only $125,000.

Updated Bexley Starter Home For Sale

This updated Bexley starter home has been freshly painted and is move in ready, with many updates throughout including: new furnace, air conditioning and windows in 2006, new concrete driveway in 2011.  You’ll enjoy having an attached garage, when carrying groceries into the kitchen this winter.  The kitchen is updated with oak wood cabinetry, ceramic tile flooring and stainless steel appliances (gas range, refrigerator, dishwasher).  The bath is updated with an oak vanity cabinet, which has a cultured marble sink, neutral ceramic tile flooring, tub/shower combination with neutral ceramic tile wall surround.  Open living and dining room make ideal entertainment space. Hardwood floors on 1st floor and cozy gas fireplace add character and warmth.  Total square footage is 1,266 including the 3rd bedroom on the 2nd floor.

405 N. Cassingham Road in Bexley is conveniently located close to I-70 and I-670, less than 10 minutes to Easton Towne Center and Downtown Columbus.

To view more details and pictures of this Bexley home, visit:

VISUALTOUR FOR 405 N. CASSINGHAM ROAD, BEXLEY,OHIO 43209

To learn more about the Bexley Ohio real estate market and community visit: ColumbusCastles.com/communities_Bexley

EXCELLENT RATED BEXLEY SCHOOLS

Kids living in this home would attend the following schools, in the excellent rated Bexley Schools District:

Maryland Elementary
Bexley Middle School
Bexley High School

NEED HELP WITH DOWN PAYMENT ASSISTANCE?

There are still some local Ohio down payment assistance and grant programs that offer no money down, lower down payment and discounted interest rate options.  Call Petra at 614-746-2115, to learn more.

405 N. Cassingham Road is also on the Columbus Ohio MLS

When searching for real estate listings using the Columbus Ohio MLS (Multiple Listing Service) searches on the internet, you can find 405 N. Cassingham Road, Bexley, Ohio 43209,  by MLS number 211032516

Search all real estate listings in Bexley Schools and throughout Central Ohio using Petra’s FREE Columbus MLS Search:

ColumbusCastles.com/search-columbus-mls

Information is checked for accuracy, but is not guaranteed.

Spacious and Updated Gahanna Home For Sale

820 McDonell Drive, Gahanna, Ohio 43230, is a spacious, updated 3 bedroom, 2 1/2 bath home for sale, in the popular Woodside Green subdivision, situated on a beautifully landscaped lot, with mature trees.  This updated Gahanna home features mostly neutral decor, wood windows and is ready for you to move right in!

This Gahanna real estate listing is priced to sell at $154,900!

820 McDonell Drive - Spacious, Updated Gahanna Home For Sale

PLENTY OF ROOM TO ENTERTAIN

This spacious Gahanna home features a large 23′2 X 12′2 great room with a cozy brick surround, wood burning fireplace and a formal dining room for entertaining.  You’ll enjoy summer cookouts on the large custom deck overlooking the lovely landscaped privacy fenced backyard, with mature trees.  The deck is conveniently located just outside the kitchen, via the french doors.

• Kitchen features white wood cabinetry, island with storage and room for bar stools, upgraded stainless steel appliances (built in microwave, dishwasher, smooth top electric range and double sided refrigerator with built in ice and water dispenser), a pantry for extra storage and a window above the sink overlooking the backyard.
• Formal dining room is approx. 12′ x 11.5′
• King size master suite is approx. 17′ X 13′ and features neutral paint and carpet, a lighted ceiling fan and 2 closets, one is a walk in closet.  Updated master bath features beautiful ceramic tile flooring, modern mahogany stained vanity cabinet, built in medicine cabinet and a shower stall.
• Bedroom 2 is approx. 12′ X 11.5′ and features a roomy walk in closet.
• Updated hall bathroom features a roomy oak wood vanity cabinet with storage, a cultured marble sink and beautiful ceramic tile flooring.
• Large partial basement offers plenty of storage or could easily be finished into a rec room.
• NEW top of the line, high efficient NuTone Electric Heat Pump, installed in 2009, by Columbus Worthington Air and is backed by a 10 year warranty.

To view more details and pictures of this Spacious, updated Gahanna Home:

VIEW THE VIDEO OF 820 McDonell Drive:

Walking distance to Gahanna's Woodside Green Park

To learn more about the Gahanna Ohio real estate market and community visit: ColumbusCastles.com/communities_Gahanna

EXCELLENT RATED GAHANNA SCHOOLS

Kids living in this home would attend the following schools, in the excellent rated Gahanna School District:

Chapelfield Elementary
Gahanna Middle School West
Gahanna Lincoln High School

CONVENIENT LOCATION

820 McDonell Drive is very convenient to I-270 or I-670 and is about 5 minutes to Easton Town Center or the Columbus Airport.

NEED HELP WITH DOWN PAYMENT ASSISTANCE?

Qualifies for Ohio First Time Home Buyer FREE Down payment assistance grant money - WHILE IT LASTS. There are still some local Ohio down payment assistance and grant programs that offer no money down, lower down payment and discounted interest rate options.  Call Petra at 614-746-2115, to learn more.

820 McDonell Drive is also on the Columbus Ohio MLS

When searching for real estate listings using the Columbus Ohio MLS (Multiple Listing Service) searches on the internet, you can find 820 McDonell Drive, Gahanna, Ohio 43230,  by MLS number 211024691 .

Search all real estate listings in Gahanna Schools and throughout Central Ohio using Petra’s FREE Columbus MLS Search:

ColumbusCastles.com/search-columbus-mls

Information is checked for accuracy, but is not guaranteed.

Lovely Blacklick Detached Condo for Sale - Overlooking the Park

1387 Pansy Street, Blacklick, Ohio 43004, is a lovely Blacklick detached condo overlooking the Jefferson Run Community Park.  This updated 3 bedroom 2 1/2 bath, detached condo in the Licking Heights School District offers tasteful decor with many upgrades and is move in ready!

This condo is priced at $104,900, priced $40,000 less than sellers paid. NOT A SHORT SALE - CAN CLOSE QUICK!!

This spacious Blacklick Ohio detached condo features a large master bedroom with 2 walk in closets, vaulted ceiling and private bath. Large eat in kitchen with neutral flooring, oak wood cabinetry, a pantry storage closet and the Anderson wood sliding glass door leading to your back patio and yard, makes cooking out convenient.

Many upgrades including: wood laminate flooring, upgraded lighting and fixtures, ANDERSON WOOD WINDOWS, cozy gas fireplace, new roof in 2006.  You’ll enjoy relaxing on the wonderful front porch overlooking the park and swimming in the Jefferson Run Community Pool this summer.  The Villages at Jefferson Run is a friendly neighborhood with a community pond, park, walking trails, pool, clubhouse and more! Walk to the Licking Heights West Elementary School, which is right in the Jefferson Run community.

1387 Pansy Street is in the Villages at Jefferson Run subdivision in Jefferson Township - Blacklick Ohio with easy access to I-270.    Very convenient to Mt. Carmel Hospital, many stores, restaurants and shopping on East Broad Street (Meijers, Target, Lowe’s, Kroger and many restaurants).

To view more details and pictures of this Blacklick Ohio Detached Condo, visit:  http://www.columbuscastles.com/petras-featured-homes/featured?id=2110099

To learn more about the Blacklick Ohio real estate market and community visit: ColumbusCastles.com/communities_Blacklick

VIEW THE VIDEO OF 1387 PANSY STREET:

NEED HELP WITH DOWN PAYMENT ASSISTANCE?

Qualifies for Ohio First Time Home Buyer FREE Down payment assistance grant money - WHILE IT LASTS. There are still some local Ohio down payment assistance and grant programs that offer no money down, lower down payment and discounted interest rate options.  Call Petra at 614-746-2115, to learn more.

1387 Pansy Street is also on the Columbus Ohio MLS

When searching for real estate listings using the Columbus Ohio MLS (Multiple Listing Service) searches on the internet, you can find 1387 Pansy Street, Blacklick, Ohio 43004,  by MLS number 211009984 .

Search all real estate listings in Licking Heights Schools and throughout Central Ohio using Petra’s FREE Columbus MLS Search:

ColumbusCastles.com/search-columbus-mls

Information is checked for accuracy, but is not guaranteed.

Beautifully Updated Westerville Ranch Home For Sale With a Walkout Basement

Westerville area real estate deal:  4606 San Andres Place, Gahanna, Ohio 43230, is a beautifully updated 3 bedroom 2 bath, ranch home in Westerville Schools, with a walkout basement, on a cul de sac lot backing to a wooded ravine. This Westerville area home is listed for sale at $139,900.

***SOLD FOR 99% OF THE LIST PRICE***

4606 San Andres Place - Westerville Schools Ranch Home for Sale - With Walkout Basement

The seller has taken great pride in this home and completed $17,000 in updates since 2006 including: brand new kitchen with maple cabinets and Silestone quartz counters, 200 AMP electric service, laminate wood floors, exterior doors and paint, gutter guards with lifetime warranty. There’s a wonderful 2 story deck conveniently located off the kitchen - perfect for cookouts.

This home is nicely landscaped and offers great outdoor entertaining space on the deck, patio and large fire pit in a wooded setting.

Plus you’ll enjoy gatherings in the spacious approx. 17 X 26 foot walkout basement recreation family room featuring a bar, built in book cases, fresh neutral painted walls and berber carpet, with access to the back patio overlooking the woods.

4606 San Andres Place, is located in Tanager Woods a great community in the Westerville School District, conveniently located close to Easton Town Center and easy freeway access, featuring walking and biking trails and a community play ground.

NEED HELP WITH DOWN PAYMENT ASSISTANCE?

There are still some local Ohio down payment assistance and grant programs that offer no money down, lower down payment and discounted interest rate options.  Call me at 614-746-2115, to see if you qualify.

NOTE:  SELLER WILL PAY UP TO $3,000 TOWARD BUYERS CLOSING COSTS AT LIST PRICE.

To view more details and pictures of this Westerville Schools home, visit:  http://www.columbuscastles.com/petras-featured-homes/featured?id=2100408

To learn more about the Westerville Ohio real estate market and community visit: ColumbusCastles.com/communities_Westerville

View the video of this Westerville Schools home:

4606 San Andres Place is also on the Columbus Ohio MLS

When searching for real estate listings using the Columbus Ohio MLS (Multiple Listing Service) searches on the internet, you can find 4606 San Andres Place, Gahanna, Ohio 43230,  by MLS number 210040859.

EXCELLENT RATED WESTERVILLE SCHOOLS

Kids living in this home would attend the following schools, in the excellent rated Westerville Schools District:

Wilder Elementary
Blendon Middle School
Westerville North High School

Search all real estate listings in Westerville Schools and throughout Central Ohio using Petra’s FREE Columbus MLS Search:

ColumbusCastles.com/search-columbus-mls

I’m sharing the RE/MAX article below, because it applies to the Columbus Ohio real estate market.  While there are many distressed properties for sale in the Columbus Ohio area, banks slow response to offers on short sale homes is making it difficult to close these properties within the normal 30-60 day time frame.  I have seen many Central Ohio short sale properties take more than 6 months to close.

I have helped several buyers purchase short sale properties, many get frustrated at the lengthy process and tire of waiting on the bank to respond to their offer.  I just recently sold a home in Worthington Ohio as a short sale through Suntrust Bank and it took over a year to finally get it closed.  I had 4 different buyers make offers on the home and most got tired of waiting on the bank to respond.  Finally by the time I got the 4th offer, the bank had ordered the BPO (broker price opinion) and it still took about 30 days for them to approve this offer and another 30 days to get it closed.   That is simply too long.

Some home buyers don’t want to look at short sale properties because they are afraid they won’t be able to close in time, to take advantage of the home buyer tax credit.  Due to the current market conditions, many home buyers are looking for a bargain and distressed properties can often attract multiple offers.  However, that does no good if banks won’t respond in a timely manner.  Helping home owners avoid foreclosure by selling their home through the short sale process benefits everyone involved, the seller, the bank and the buyer. So banks should really make processing short sales a smoother and quicker process.

More expensive for banks to foreclose than to work out a short sale

Banks incur a lot more maintenance expenses and legal costs when they foreclose on a home rather than working out a short sale.  Typically less damage occurs to a property when a seller voluntarily sells it through a short sale, which means the bank may get more for the home and the buyer will feel more comfortable buying the home.  When a home goes through the foreclosure process, they often sit empty for an extended time without utilities working.  Homes that sit empty without utilities during the winter months often have plumbing pipes that burst causing extensive water damage to a home.  Homes sitting empty during the summer without proper cooling or ventilation can quickly develop mold.  Without electric, basement sump pumps don’t work which often causes water backup and mold issues in basements.

Banks should be especially motivated to process short sales as quickly as possible because it is in their best interests to get the most money out of a home.  So I just don’t understand why they remain so slow at dealing with these distressed sales.  I wish banks would start taking short sales more seriously.  Hopefully real estate professionals and  industry advocates like RE/MAX  who help to educate the public, banks and politicians will eventually make a difference.

RE/MAX Urges Lenders to Release Properties

Record Foreclosure Numbers Need to Be Tackled Head On

(Denver, CO, February 10, 2010) - Dave Liniger, RE/MAX International Chairman and Co-Founder, urged government and economic leaders to push lenders to release foreclosures to help speed the housing recovery. Liniger made his comments as a featured speaker at the Five Star Government Forum in Washington D.C. The Forum brought government and industry leaders together to share ideas for building stability in the nation’s housing market.

“Most of us feel that there is a tsunami of properties out there. I can assure you in the hardest hit areas of the country, there are bidding wars going on,” said Liniger, the only speaker representing a real estate company. ”So, for those lenders who are here listening, now is the time to release properties, because you’ve got the Homebuyer Tax Credit that’s driving buyers into the market, and a limited window of opportunity to get these properties sold before the credit expires this year.”

Liniger explained that in some markets experiencing high foreclosure rates, homes in price ranges that qualify for FHA financing are attracting a lot of attention. In these areas, there are multiple offers from investors and first-time buyers, which indicates there’s a real shortage of available homes.

The Five Star Forum focused on the Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP), and the challenges facing mortgage lenders in modifying loans under the program. It brought this group of influential leaders together to begin the hard conversation on how better to keep more Americans from losing their homes.

Over the past year, RE/MAX International has led the way on the housing recovery.  Liniger and other RE/MAX representatives met with Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan, as well as officials with FHA, Fannie Mae, the Treasury Department, and the Homeowner Preservation Office. RE/MAX offered recommendations for streamlining the Short Sale process, some of which the Treasury Department adopted when it announced a new process last November.

In 2009, RE/MAX trained more than 10,000 agents to handle Short Sales. More RE/MAX agents have earned the Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE) designation than agents with any other real estate company. Surveys show that after earning a CDPE designation, agents are twice as likely to be able to keep families in their homes. And, if the best route is a Short Sale, CDPE agents are much more successful at completing the transaction.

“In our industry, we talk about distressed properties, but we’re dealing with distressed sellers, distressed human beings,” said Liniger. “They’re humiliated by their situation, and that’s why 70% of them never pick up the phone to help themselves when they’re faced with a foreclosure. That’s where Short Sales come in. They provide a better way for both the homeowner and the lender.”

While some cities and markets are experiencing a recovery, as both home sales and prices rise, others are not faring as well. Overall, the real estate industry is in a correction, according to Liniger, who sees distressed properties making up the majority of sales for the next three to five years.  And, after that, another housing boom may be on the horizon.

“Once this correction is over, we have a whole new generation of homebuyers waiting to get into the market.  But we have to get through this first, and the best way to do that is to take it head on.”

© 2010 RE/MAX International, Inc. RE/MAX Affiliates may share this article, provided they do not charge for it and this notice is included. All other rights reserved.

$100 OHIO FHA HUD Down Payment Program Discontinued

Effective February 12, 2010, any Central Ohio HUD properties listed and or sold with FHA financing are no longer eligible for the $100 down payment incentive.

Also, the sales allowance bonus of $2500 for owner occupant buyers will be discontinued effective February 12, 2010, for all new contracts accepted on or after this date.

HUD will still pay buyer’s closing costs

When buying a HUD home in the Columbus Ohio area, you can still request HUD to pay up to a 3% contribution toward your closing costs.  However, the amount you ask HUD to pay for your closing costs will be factored into your bottom line bid price.  For example if you bid 100,000 on a HUD home and ask for $3,000 in closing costs, HUD will consider your bid to be $97,000.

Many bargain distress sales in the Columbus Ohio area

If you’re looking for a bargain, keep in mind that HUD foreclosure properties are not the only distressed properties for sale in the Columbus Ohio area.  There are many other “distressed” properties such as bank owned foreclosures and short sales including homes and condos for sale throughout Central Ohio. You have to know what to look out for though, because not all foreclosures are a good deal.

Foreclosures Need Work

Most foreclosure homes need a minimum of a good cleaning, paint, carpet and flooring updates.  However, some need so much work that they may not be a good deal by the time you are done making all the repairs, on top of the cosmetic fix ups.  Often there are hidden defects that not even your home inspector will be able to detect and are not discovered until after you live in the home.   So it’s wise to budget for additional repairs beyond what can be seen.

HUD will allow you to finance repairs of less than $5000 when getting an FHA mortgage.   FHA 203k rehab loans offer an alternative for other homes that need more than $5,000 in work and allows you to finance money for repairs into your mortgage.  Keep in mind that FHA 203k loans often have slightly higher interest rates and closing costs than traditional FHA mortgage loans.  I can recommend a local Columbus Ohio mortgage banker who offers FHA 203k loans, if you would like more details on this loan option.

Non-foreclosure homes can be a good deal too

Due to the nature of the current buyer’s market in Central Ohio, I have found many sellers are motivated to sell and there are opportunities to get a good deal on a non-foreclosure home or condo as well.  I’ve seen many sellers list their homes for less than they paid when they bought the home.  Your home buyer’s agent should help you evaluate the property value depending on the home’s condition and current market factors, enabling you to make a wise decision on any home you buy.

Rely on an experienced Columbus Ohio Realtor® and Accredited Buyer Representative

As an experienced Columbus Ohio REALTOR® and Accredited Buyer Representative, I’d be happy to help you find a good deal on your ideal home anywhere in Central Ohio.  Best of all my services are FREE to you.  You pay nothing to have a buyer’s agent represent your best interests when buying a home in Central Ohio.

To learn more about buying a home anywhere in the Columbus Ohio area visit:

ColumbusCastles.com/Buyers or CONTACT PETRA at 614-895-0496 to get started or complete our FREE HOME FINDER SERVICE REQUEST to receive daily email updates of new Columbus Ohio real estate listings in the Central Ohio area.

Expanded Tax Credit Benefits First Time Home Buyers and Sellers Too

If you’re looking to buy or sell your home in the Columbus Ohio area, the extended and expanded United States Home Buyer Tax Credit may benefit you.

Effective November 7, 2009, the  $8,000 U.S. First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit, which was set to expire on November 30, 2009, was extended until April 30, 2010 and expanded to include not only first time home buyers, but also current home owners who have owned their home for at least 5 years.

Home Buyer Tax Credit for First Time Home Buyers:

Eligible first time home buyers can receive a tax credit of 10% of the purchase price of the home you buy, up to $8,000 (Married couples filing separately can each receive a $4,000 tax credit).  You can be considered a first time home buyer if you haven’t owned a principal home in the United States of America, in the last three years.  If you’re a married couple, if either spouse has owned a primary residence in the last 36 months, neither would qualify.

Home Buyer Tax Credit for Current Home Owners:

The original first time home buyer tax credit has also been expanded to home buyers who have owned a home, at some period during the last three years, and lived in the home, as their principal residence for five consecutive years, of the last eight years. If you qualify, you can receive a tax credit of 10% of the purchase price of the home you buy, up to $6,500 ($3250 if married but filing separately).

Home Buyer Tax Credit Deadline Extended into 2010

To take advantage of the extended Home Buyer Tax Credit, buyers must be in contract to purchase a home by April 30, 2010 and close on the home by June 30, 2010.

Good News Military Home Buyers - Extended Deadline

If you’ve been serving in the US Military, outside the United States for at least 90 days in the last year, you’ll have until June 30, 2011 to close on your home and take advantage of the home buyer tax credit.

No Early Repayment Penalty

Good news, the buyer does not need to repay the tax credit, as long as you occupy the home for three or more years.  If you should sell the property, during the first 3 years, the full amount of the credit will be recouped on the sale.

Income Guidelines for the Home Buyer Tax Credit:

Income limits have also been increased with the expanded Home Buyer Tax Credit program.  Individuals who earn up to $125,000 are eligible for the full tax credit. Those who earn more than $125,000 can receive a partial credit. Single filers who earn $145,000 and above are ineligible for the tax credit.

Joint filers who earn up to $225,000 are eligible for the full tax credit. Those who earn more than $225,000 can  receive a partial credit. Joint filers who earn $245,000 and above are ineligible for the tax credit.

Maximum Purchase Price?

Qualifying home buyers may purchase a property with a maximum sales price of $800,000.

Down Payment Assistance

If you haven’t saved at least 3.5% for your down payment, Ohio does have some down payment assistance programs in place to help with your down payment.  However, the interest rate is typically higher than the current market mortgage rates.  Some other options you may want to consider are to get a “gift” from a family member for your down payment or borrow from a retirement account that you can repay once you get your tax credit credit refund.

If a Parent Cosigns on a Mortgage, Will Their Child Be Eligible for the Credit?

Yes, provided the child meets the other requirements for the tax credit.

Taking Advantage of the Home Buyer Tax Credit

You can claim the credit on your 2009 or 2010 tax return.  If You Purchase your home in 2010 you will have the option to:

• Claim the tax credit on your 2009 return, even if your home purchase is completed after December 31, 2009.
• File an amended return for 2009,  if your home purchase is completed after April 15, 2010.
• Claim the tax credit on your 2010 tax return.

3 things you will need to claim the home buyer tax credit on your 2009 tax return:

• Complete the applicable IRS form to determine the amount of your available credit.
• Apply the tax credit, when you file your 2009 tax return or an amended return.
• Include documentation showing your home purchase to your return or amended return.

What is the Home Buyer Tax Credit?

The tax credit is a direct reduction in tax liability owed to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).  If no taxes are owed, the IRS will issue a check for the amount of the tax credit that you qualify for.

Can Home Buyers Claim the Tax Credit in Advance of Purchasing a Property?

No. The IRS can prosecute people who have claimed credits when a purchase has not taken place.

Please note: This information is being provided as a community service and is not intended to be tax advice. You should contact your tax accountant or the IRS to verify this information or for any questions about the tax credit and your eligibility.

Central Ohio Home Sellers Should be Ready Sooner Than Later:

The new version of the tax credit has the potential to increase sales earlier this year because it ends April 30, 2010 and more buyers now eligible to take advantage of it.  Typically Spring is the busiest season for the Columbus Ohio real estate market, however, I am already starting to see an increase in market activity.  So the sooner you can get your home ready to go on the market, the better chance you have taking advantage of the additional market activity the First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit will generate.

National Association of REALTORS® economists estimate the tax credit has already contributed more than $22 billion to the economy, and that 2 million people will take advantage of it this year.

Low Home Mortgage Interest Rates in Columbus Ohio

As of January 5, 2010, 30 Year FHA fixed mortgage interest rates are currently around  5.25%, which is very low. I am hearing predictions that interest rates could go up to 6% in 2010.  While still low, that much of a difference can affect how much home you can afford to buy.  So you may have more buying power now, than you will later in 2010.

3 Great Reasons To Buy A Home Now

There couldn’t be a better time to buy a home in the Columbus Ohio area.  The combination of low home mortgage rates, low home prices and the home buyer tax credit are not all going to last.  So don’t wait.

GET FREE BUYER REPRESENTATION

Get started now by CONTACTING PETRA at 614-895-0496, or completing her  Columbus Ohio Home Finder Service Form - to get real estate listing updates via email the same day they come on the market - with all the details including pictures, virtual tours condo fees and more.

As an experienced Columbus Ohio REALTOR®, with over $50 Million in real estate sales throughout Central Ohio, I can make your home search easier at no cost to you.  I would love the opportunity to help you find your castle!

LIFE DOESN’T HAVE A REWIND BUTTON, SO WE SHOULD SEEK TO GET IT RIGHT THE FIRST TIME.

You might wonder what do these thoughts have to do with real estate.  When you think about how buying a home is one of the biggest investments, thus commitments, you will ever make, it is wise to consider how this commitment will affect you and your family’s life.

Following are some deep, meaningful and thought provoking quotes from a book by John Ortberg:  “When The Game Is Over, It All Goes Back In The Box.”  I think this author provides some very striking ideas for us all to consider, before making any major commitments in our life.  I highly recommend this book because it really makes you stop and think about what really matters in your life.

Some of my favorite quotes:

“Life doesn’t have a rewind button, so we should seek to get it right the first time.  Time is our one indisputable, non-renewable resource.  All of our moments can either be celebrated or regretted, but can never be retrieved. Life is one of those games in which you can only move forward.

Part of the pleasure of reading a novel lies in not knowing how it will turn out, until we get to the last page, then thinking back about how the characters might have lived differently had they known what the end would be like.  But real life has an urgency so different from fiction.  At the end, it cannot be changed.  The meaning of life on this earth is that at the end it stops.  We will never figure out how we should live our life, unless we fully understand the significance of the fact that it will end.”

Do Your Commitments Match Your Convictions?

“There is often a gap between what we value and the way we spend our time, money and energy.  Often we drift into other commitments that keep us from living out our deepest values.  Regret prevention requires we take an honest look at what commitments are shaping our lives.”

After all these deep thought provoking comments, John gives an example that I can totally relate with:

Buying a home close to work or on the outskirts of Columbus

He goes on to talk about various dramatic commitments people make in life like:  marriage, having kids, changing jobs or career or buying a home.  He says one advantage of dramatic commitments is that they are easy to recognize.  But we don’t always think about their hidden cost. He points out that sometimes people buy a home that requires commuting an hour or more each way to work.  They can see the increased square footage, but they don’t see the cost of the time they’ll be losing with they’re family.

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had people seek to buy a home on the outskirts of the Columbus area because they can get more home and more land for the money.  I usually remind people about the costs they’ll incur for gasoline and wear and tear on the car, which then becomes a consideration for them.  But another, more important consideration, is the time lost with family and friends, as a result of living so far away from work.  I hope you’ll consider the value of your time spent with loved ones, when making commitments in your life, including when buying your next home.

The older I get, the more I realize how precious and valuable time is.

Columbus Ohio truly is a great place to live!  Columbus has the best real estate market in Ohio and also one of the best job markets around too.  I suppose they both go hand in hand. Columbus real estate offers something for everyone, no matter what your price range.

Columbus Ohio Real Estate Market

You can find homes and condos starting around $50,000 to well over a million dollars built anywhere from the late 1800’s to the present.  Quaint historic neighborhoods with some older mission, tudor and victorian style homes built in the early 1900’s can be found in one of my favorite areas, Clintonville as well as in the Short North, Victorian Village, German Village, Old Town East and Bexley.  You can find newer homes and new home construction in most Central Ohio suburbs and in some areas of Columbus like the popular Easton Town Center area in Northeast Columbus.

Modern upscale condos and lofts can be found, in the Short North and Downtown Columbus. Waterfront properties can be found overlooking the Scioto River in Downtown Columbus, Grandview and Upper Arlington areas, on the Ohio River in Powell and northeast in Westerville there are waterfront homes on the Hoover Resevoir.

Homes on golf course lots and communities abound in just about every area of Columbus and the suburbs with some of the most popular golf course communities being Muirfield in Dublin, Wedgewood in Powell, Highland Lakes Golf Course and Medallion in Westerville, Pinnacle Golf Club in Grove City, Columbus Country Club in East Columbus, Heritage Golf Club and  Ballantrae in Hilliard, the Safari Golf Course by the Columbus Zoo and so many others.

The most affordable housing can be found in the city of Columbus and many of the Central Ohio suburbs including: Blacklick, Canal Winchester, Grove City, Groveport, Obetz, Reynoldsburg and few in Gahanna, Hilliard or Westerville.  The higher priced suburbs of Columbus include Hilliard, Dublin, Worthington, Powell, Lewis Center, Westerville, Gahanna and New Albany.

To learn more about Columbus and Central Ohio real estate, schools and community information visit:  ColumbusCastles.com/areainfo

Columbus Ohio Economy and Job Market

In August 2009, US News & World Report ranked Columbus, the Capital of Ohio, one of America’s best places to find a job in 2009. According to Bill LaFayette, Vice President of Economic Analysis for the Columbus Ohio Chamber of Commerce, when comparing  Columbus’s data to national averages, he says Columbus is doing a lot better than average.

Ohio State Capital Building

One thing that helps our economy in Central Ohio is that Columbus, is not only in the middle of Ohio, but also pretty much central to most of the country.  Due to Ohio’s central location, we have a strong transportation and distribution industry, which has grown by a third since 2001.

Central Ohio’s diverse economy also contributes to making our job market resilient.  Health care, hospitality, manufacturing and even the tech industry provide a variety of jobs.   Some of Columbus’s major employers include Ohio State University, Ohio Health, Cardinal Health, Ross Labs, Nationwide Insurance, JPMorgan Chase Bank, Bob Evans, Grange Insurance, Farmers Insurance, Safe Auto Insurance, Riverside Hospital, Ohio State University Hospitals, Verizon, Limited Brands and others. In addition, the City of Columbus, State of Ohio and the US Federal government provide thousands of jobs in Columbus Ohio. LaFayette explains that employment in information technology occupations is significantly higher than in comparably sized regions because “so many of our sectors are voracious consumers of data” and need top-notch IT infrastructure.

I’ve helped a lot of people relocating to Columbus, buy a home in Central Ohio.  While I’m not seeing as many people move to Columbus as I did a few years ago, I do still frequently get calls from buyers looking to move to Columbus Ohio and buy a home here.  I’ve even received inquiries from buyers who plan to move to Columbus, once they find a job.  In the mean time, I can email new real estate listing updates, in their price range, from the Columbus MLS (multiple listing service).  Most buyers find this FREE service a very helpful way to get educated about the Columbus Ohio real estate market and what they can get in their price range.

I also offer an extensive relocation package that I mail out to clients once they are planning to move here.  If you’re planning to move to Columbus Ohio and would like my FREE relocation information package or would like to receive real estate listing updates by email, please either CONTACT ME at 614-895-0496 or complete the form on my Columbus Ohio Relocation Page to get started.  I greatly appreciate the opportunity to help make your move to Columbus Ohio successful.

Petra’s Columbus Ohio MLS Search Now Includes A FREE Foreclosures Search

Do you enjoy searching for Columbus Ohio real estate listings online?  Many of the buyers I work with enjoy using the Columbus Ohio MLS search on this website, to find real estate listings throughout Central Ohio.  I offer one of the best Columbus MLS ( multiple listing service) online searches in the Central Ohio area.

I have had many clients tell me  how user friendly my Columbus MLS search program is and they enjoy searching for listings using the wide variety of search criteria to choose from.  The current buyer’s market in Columbus Ohio, has many buyers interested in buying a HUD home, bank REO, bank owned homes and other foreclosure properties in the Columbus Ohio area.

Starting Wednesday, June 10, 2009,  my Columbus MLS search will now offer an option to search specifically for foreclosures.

The provider that I use for the Columbus MLS, to search for real estate listings on my website, will be updating my search on Wednesday June 10^th, to include foreclosure data and search options. The foreclosure data comes directly from the Columbus Board of Realtors MLS data feed.  As such, you will have access to the most current, accurate foreclosure data on foreclosure properties, in the Columbus Ohio real estate market and throughout Central Ohio.

You will notice A “Foreclosures” search tab will be added to my Columbus MLS search solution.  A “Show Foreclosures Only” option will also be added to the Property Types under the Active Listings tab.  The listing detail pages for foreclosure properties will be updated to include the label “Foreclosure” after Property Type within the Property Details section.

FORECLOSURE BUYERS BEWARE

There are other online services that charge for much less accurate information and I’m offering you the ability to search for Central Ohio foreclosures, using my Columbus MLS Search tools for FREE.  Some services offer you a free trial period and then charge you to continue using their search, YET they’re actually providing inferior information, with very limited details.

Many of the “foreclosure” specific websites don’t even provide up to date listing information.  They post data on any home that has had foreclosure paper work filed.  However, some of those homes never even come available for sale because the foreclosure is canceled or the owner may file bankruptcy, which can greatly delay the eventual foreclosure sale.  I’ve seen some homes take as long as 2 years to go through the whole foreclosure process before they’re actually available for sale.   Why waste your time searching on inferior foreclosure websites, when you can search listings coming directly from the official Columbus Ohio Realtor MLS (multiple listing service)?

I hope you enjoy using the Columbus MLS Search tools on my site, to search for real estate listings throughout Central Ohio.   While this MLS search is the best in Central Ohio, there’s no substitute for the experience I can provide, to make your search for the right home in the Columbus Ohio area easier for you.

SEARCH FOR COLUMBUS OHIO FORECLOSURES AND ALL CENTRAL OHIO REAL ESTATE LISTINGS NOW

Many of the home buyers I help, also enjoy receiving listing updates via email the same day they come on the market.  I can personally email new Columbus Ohio real estate listings that meet your specific criteria, the same day they come on the market.  Plus you’ll receive price reductions and be notified when a property, that meets your criteria, goes into contract.  While the online Columbus MLS search is handy and convenient, it does not contain all the available data and details, nor the market knowledge and experience, that I can personally provide for you.

I would love the opportunity to work as your personal Buyer’s Agent to help you find your ideal home in Central Ohio, negotiate the best price and look out for your best interests throughout the whole home buying, home inspection and closing process. BEST OF ALL YOU DON’T PAY ANYTHING FOR MY SERVICES AS YOUR BUYER’S AGENT.   I can make your home search much easier,  at NO COST TO YOU.  Don’t just take my word for it, SEE WHAT MANY OF MY PAST CLIENTS HAVE TO SAY ABOUT THEIR EXPERIENCE -  Visit my Columbus Ohio Real Estate Success Stories.

Whether you are looking to buy your first home, last home, condo, investment property or relocating to Central Ohio, you can rely on my expertise to make your search for Columbus Ohio real estate easier.  Contact me at 614-895-0496 anytime from 8am-10pm EST or complete my Columbus Ohio Home Finder Service Form, to get started.

Petra Hinterschied, ABR
Accredited Buyer Representative
Experienced Columbus Ohio Realtor with over $46 Million in Real Estate Sales throughout Central Ohio