Calling All Seller's! MLS Statistics to Motivate you...

"There were 2,926 central Ohio homes and condos sold during the month of May, a 17.8 percent increase over April and an 8.4 percent gain over May 2014. This puts the total number of homes sold for 2015 at 10,531, which is highest number of homes sold on record for the first five months of the year, according to the Columbus REALTORS® Multiple Listing Service.

The number of homes in contract also climbed to 3,867, which is 12.4 percent higher than the previous year.

“The central Ohio housing market is hot! There is an incredible amount of buyer interest right now, and no one is wasting any time in purchasing a new home,” said Columbus REALTORS® 2015 President Kathy Shiflet. “May was a very active month. I don’t anticipate buyer interest or our active market waning anytime soon.

”During the month of May, homes spent an average of 54 days on the market (from listing to close), down 11 days from May 2014 and 8 days from the previous month. 

“Homes in central Ohio are selling more quickly today than any other time in history,” Shiflet said. “We’re also more seeing multiple offers, offers over list price and same-day contracts than ever before. It’s simply a terrific time to sell your home!”

The average sales price of a home during the month of May in central Ohio was $199,860, which is a 9.1 percent increase over the previous year and a 6.7 percent increase over April. The median sale price in May was $169,900, up 9.6 percent from a year ago.

Year to date (January through May 2015), the average sale price of a home was $185,472 – up three percent from the height of the housing boom in 2005 and the highest on record.

“Home values are only continuing to appreciate, which is a tremendous advantageous for central Ohio homeowners who are looking to move up or build equity,” says Shiflet. “However as prices continue to inch up, this may begin to deter potential buyers.”" 

Brought to you by the Columbus REALTORS® in their monthly newsletter. 

If you have been contemplating selling your home, now is the right time to call up a realtor (or multiple to interview) to talk about your options and find out more about what the potential value is for your home in this sizzling market!  Located in Central Ohio? Contact me today for a free Home Evaluation!!

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Home-Buyer's Advice from Real Estate Kate

First, let me share some exciting personal news, my fiancé and I are in the market for our first home! Now with that said, I can not only relate on that level with home buyers, but after representing buyers in this outrageous market where homes are going for more than asking price- sometimes reaching over $20,000 more- I can surely understand the disappointment and discouragement many first time home-buyers are feeling as they look into entering the real estate market. With the market heating up, increasing prices and competition on homes, especially in popular neighborhoods, it is not time to hang your head and throw in the towel... Your home just hasn't hit the market yet!

After making offers on homes that received 10 or more within hours of listing, and not having them accepted as the competitors were fierce and offered $10-20 grand over the "sticker price", I could see how defeated my clients were. I mean, who could blame them? You picture your life taking place there as you walk through the home for the first time, you dream of the possibilities for you to make it your own and add your own personal touch to it. The thrill and excitement of putting yourself on the line and making an offer sends adrenaline rushing through you like never before, but it's the idea that you can see yourself making this property your home...  the place you will make memories with friends, family and loved ones, be comforted by after a long day at work, that will provide relief after a stressful day, and will turn into your personal sanctuary. To have that ripped right out from under you, leaves many feeling deflated, devastated, and concerned that there will never be a house that could compare. Oh, contraire! After giving them a much needed pep-talk, we were out on the real estate scene later that week in a new area nearby to view new listings, and what do you know? From the moment they stepped into the first home on the list, they knew it was the one, even better than the last, and it happened to tick off more on their criteria checklist for under their budget. Now, how do you beat that? Giving up was one option, but moving forward was the choice that awarded them with all they were looking for and more.

There are many things in life that will elicit great emotion from you, and buying a home is certainly on the top of the list. Telling a client to remove their feelings from the process is like asking a doctor to complete brain surgery while blindfolded and without their sight. (extreme, maybe? But you get the picture) It's impossible... The gut feeling and intuition a buyer feels when walking through homes can make a deal or break it. If it doesn't sit right with them, well then it isn't the right fit. This is one of the most important decisions we will make in our lives and will greatly affect the next 5-10 years of our lives as we build equity in our homes. As we invest our hard-earned money into the places we will call home for a great deal of time, we better make sure we absolutely love it; at least I know that I could never make an offer on a home that my heart wasn't set on, however risky and dangerous that is for my emotions, I really couldn't image it any other way. I encourage all of my buyers to keep their hearts in it, when it is broken by a deal falling through or someone else putting their claim on it first, it's okay to feel for the loss- but, then move on and find better opportunities. When one door closes, another opens. (Quite literally). We are only half way through the "real estate season" and much more is believed to be on it's way.

The last thing you want to do is sign a lease during the next few months of the busy season, and find yourself stuck until next year, halfway through the season again; this will only limit your chances of getting into the home you've dreamt of for so long. My advice: sign a 1-3 month lease if you are already in the process of looking and although it will be more expensive for the short time you're there, you will be ready to make an offer on the next home that comes up that serves all of your needs, and when/if you get it- then you're not doubling up on rent/mortgage payments (which for us first-timers, we don't really even have that option to begin with!)

In our case, our lease is up in January and we have already started the process of loan shopping and getting pre-approval so we know how much we need to save for a down payment, what price range we are able to look in, and what we can do to improve our credit over the next 3-4 months. I think for a lot of first-time home buyers, things happen so quickly that the process can become overwhelming instead of house hunting keeping the original thrill that it should have. That excitement should never be lost, and as a real estate agent I do whatever I can to keep my clients upbeat, on their toes, and positive about the entire process. There are so many times you can be let down that you definitely need a cheerleader in your corner to boost your esteem and motivate you to keep going! During our loan process, we were hit with the unfortunate news that we qualified for less of a home than what we were originally hoping for, but guaranteed we won't let that stop us. As buyers, it is best to shop around and get a quote/ pre-approval from multiple lenders and choose one that you feel has the most to offer. Don't limit yourselves. Options are always important to have in the scheme of things.



Words for the wise: get yourself representation and find a buyer's agent that is in it for your best interest! A common misconception people have about the real estate industry is that it will cost an arm and a leg to hire a buyer's agent to represent you in the home buying process, however, let it be known that normally the seller's pay the buyer's agent commission. Therefore, the only thing that comes from your pocket to your agent, is normally a brokerage fee that can range from $199-$350 just depending on who you choose. Our's happens to be on the lowest end of the spectrum. Also, if it had cost an arm and a leg, would you not be willing to pay for expert advice from a professional that specializes in real estate as you make one of the largest purchases of your life? On the listing side: many people attempt to represent themselves and market their homes, but they don't reach nearly half the amount of people that a professional can. Many times people lose their target market within the first couple weeks to a month just by overpricing their home, as to the seller it is worth much more sometimes than what the market says it is. They lose valuable time on the market since many people will cross it off their list as it costs more than  other comparable's in the area or buyers may come to the conclusion that for what they are asking, the buyer could get much more out of a home for the same price.

Whether you are buying or selling your home, hiring a Realtor will be your best move. My goal as a realtor representing my clients is to get them the absolute best deal based on statistics in the area as well as protecting their best interest when it comes to the overall condition of the home. The last thing I would want is for my client to waive their home inspection and end up finding out after closing that the foundation needs fixed, or other existing problems that could have been fixed by the seller are now costing them and now they don't have the chance to walk away like they could have during the remedy period had they gotten an inspection. As an agent, my job is to stay current on what is happening in the market (which varies from neighborhood to neighborhood at times) so that I can best assist my clients in making a smart investment. I put my heart into my career as a Realtor, because I know that the people I represent have their entire hearts in the process as well. Without passion, I wouldn't be doing my clients justice. Plus, it's unavoidable... I absolutely love what I do!!

To sum it up; take that discouragement you feel and turn it into positive, forward momentum in your home search- like the wise character Dori says, "just keep swimming, just keep swimming"... You may feel hopeless in the middle of an ocean of "in-contract" homes, but if you stick with it the reward is priceless. Your new home awaits, it could be just around the corner! With the right realtor, a lot of heart and passion, and a good amount of patience you can confront the seller's market head-on and come out on top. If you or anyone you know is looking to buy or sell a home in the central ohio area, feel free to contact me at anytime by cell/text/or email- it never hurts to be informed!!


[Readers: what are the top 3 qualities you look for in your Real Estate Agent? and if you have bought a home or are currently in the process, what are some things you wish you had known about home-buying/selling? I would love to hear your answers!!]

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Schumacher Place; Could it be the Best of Both Worlds?

With a heart of it's own, Schumacher place may resemble it's neighboring community, German Village, but it's unique history and culture sets it apart, along with it's differing real estate market.

Back in the 1800's, the Schumacher family settled into town and began operating a dairy business with their main farm building situated where the Sycamore Condos currently stand. It was a very industrialized town with manufacturing companies and businesses as the prominent tenants of the area. One of the most popular industries in Columbus at the time was the buggy business, as the Buggy Works was formerly known as the largest producer of carriages and buggies within the U.S (Source). Therefore, businesses in close proximity to the Buggy Works supplied leather hitches or tanned products since they were in high demand. Breweries were also booming at the time as many of the larger ones lined Front Street, which today we know as The Brewery District. Neighborhood children were sent to "Chase the Knickel", running to the back door of the breweries where they would buy a portion of the cold-brew,  poured into their small bucket they brought along with them as they stood outside, since they were not permitted inside due to their age. Two of the largest breweries were Hoster Brewery, a micro-brewery and restaurant today, and the Gambrels Brewery which is owned by a "top historian",  "Brew Master David Foster", who revitalized the building to be a microbrewery (Source). 

Along with surviving off of the funds from their dairy products, the Schumacher's traded meats, such as beef and pork, which were manufactured and delivered from the slaughter yard that stood at the corner of Lathrop and Kossuth. Conveniently, the large butcher shop was across the street where meat was cut and sausage was hand-crafted. Many people know the iconic restaurant that replaced the butcher shop,  it became "the home of the original Schmidt's restaurant, whom were well-known in Columbus (Source). Schumacher Place was not highly residential due to the odor that was emitted by the slaughterhouse, it was not until early this century that homes began popping up in the area. 

A common ground for many of the locals was the "Recy", a baseball field that was home to the Columbus Generals, a professional baseball team; but, doubled as a play-field for the children in the area. "There are stories of their play being halted during a 'cattle drive' down Kossuth because of an errant pig or hog getting loose and running around the outfield," (Source). As many of the streets in Schumacher place have been named after well-known families, they also have received their names due to their unique features, for example the road lined with a plethora of sycamore trees is known as Sycamore Street. The charming paved brick streets replaced the dirt roads around the same time that houses were being built, while sidewalks were installed in the 1900's. 

For those of you who have dreamed of making your home in German Village to be a part of the lively and rich community that has developed there, but have not found a home within your price range, Schumacher Place makes the lifestyle available to many more people. Mark Ferenchik from the Columbus Dispatch wrote, "Schumacher Place might resemble the village to the west, but there are differences. For example, houses cost less, and there are no tough restrictions on what color you paint them or what kind of windows you can put in," in his article from 2012, Schumacher Place residents enjoy German Village lifestyle. Homes in Schumacher Place have an average listing price of $190,960 whereas German Village's average listing price is $616,142, a very obvious and steep difference. Based on 5 sales in 2015, the median sales price for Schumacher Place is $137,500; when compared to the same period from last year it shows a decrease of 36.9%. (Source) Although, the market has been on the slower side in through the beginning of the year, it is now on the rise and is starting to pick up with the turn of the weather. This active community draws a variety of people to its center, as it is an attractive place for people of all age, whether you are looking for a place to grow your family or a humble abode to settle yourself into, as it is a very family-friendly location that also has a great night-life culture due to it's close proximity to popular restaurants and bars. 

Local eateries that bring people to the area from all over Columbus include: Skillet, known for it's unbeatable brunch, Plank's Cafe and Pizzeria which was just featured in Columbus Underground's article on hidden restaurant gems, Thurman's Cafe (check out my restaurant review: click here ) and more. Sharing many of its local attractions with German Village, this article German Village; One of a Kind Historic District can give you more about the local events worth attending along with more restaurants and attractions.

Overall, Schumacher Place has it all. I think it hits the nail on the head for being the best of both worlds, as it retains the charm and authenticity of German Village  character along with having its own individualistic qualities, but at a much more reasonable price range for many home-buyers looking to partake in the close-knit community. There is so much that this area has to offer, from naturally beautiful parks to accessibility to a multitude of venues, that it is hard to find a reason why you wouldn't consider this community as the next place you would call "home".

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New Albany; A Community Hub of Fitness, Growth, and The Arts

New Albany, the community that I have called "home" since I was 5 years old and a place that I will always be quite fond of, is an exquisite and ever-expanding location to put down your roots and stay for awhile. You may never want to leave the vibrant, bustling community once you see and experience what it has to offer.

In 1796, Plain Township became a part of the Military District set side for veterans of the Revolutionary War; however, due to the extensive time veterans had to wait to claim this land, they sold their parcels to land speculators. It was then realized that they portioned off a greater amount of land than was necessary, leading to the land being sold to Dudley Woodbridge who then resold his 4,000 acres to John Huffman, a Pennsylvanian farmer. German Farmers in Pennsylvania  turned their grain into whiskey to make it more transportable in order to deliver it further East. Troops were sent out in 1794 to bring an end to the "Whiskey Rebellion", as the farmers were refusing to pay taxes on the whiskey. Daniel Swickard, a name that most locals relate to Swickard Woods, was also known for having a whiskey distillery. Other pieces of land were offered for sale for $2.00 an acre in 1812. One of the early settlers, Archibald Smith, wrote in his autobiography, "In the year 1814 Ohio was creating a great excitement and hundreds were moving to the new country." (www.newalbanyplaintownshiphistoricalsociety.org/history.html) As his family members, and himself, had moved to the township in 1813 from New Jersey.


In all, there are six historical sites that are sponsored by the historical society in Plain Township:

Smith's burying ground, a pioneer cemetery that honors John Clouse and John Smith, two Revolutionary War veterans that are known to be buried in the township.

Wagnor Cemetery, a pioneer burial ground and the site of the first Plain Township school which has  been demolished located off of Central College Rd. The cemetery is a grave site for veterans from both the War of 1812 and the Civil War.

Archibald's Mill is located on Kitzmiller Rd, where the site of his sawmill remains on Blacklick Creek; it brought to life the era of the water-powered sawmill around the year 1853.

Founders of New Albany, a site located at the intersection of Route 605 and Route 62, which contains a marker honoring the Noble Landon and William Yantis whom laid out the plans for New Albany in 1837.

Disposal of Land in Plain Township, the marker describes Federal surveys of the township and disposal of lands when Ohio became a State; it is located on Swickard Woods Blvd. close to Plain Township Aquatic Center and Swickard Woods Park.

George and Christina Ealy House and Land which sits across from the Church of the Resurrection. It describes the history of the Ealy Family along with the construction of the house by local craftsmen.

A spike in growth occurred around the 1990's, partly in response to Les Wexner's expansion of his "clothing empire", The Limited, along with the commencement of building his mansion. Since this time, the town has had a steady climb in population and with more people coming in, more housing developments sprang up, and businesses hustled in to be a part of this blossoming community. Part of the communities uniqueness is the economy that makes up the area; New Albany ranks 12th out of 1,065 places in Ohio in regards to per capita income. Market Square, the gathering place in the heart of New Albany, is in a growth phase all it's own; new businesses and health centers have been established, including the Wexner Medical Center's Health and Fitness Center that is implementing programs such as community gardening and a walking club, along with hosting the Farmer's Market throughout the Spring season leading into fall. Local restaurants that have been welcomed into the square are Mellow Mushroom (open now) and the much anticipated Hudson 29, Cameron Mitchell restaurant(which will make it's appearance this Spring). Already established businesses within the square include: Starbucks, The Rusty Bucket Corner Tavern, The New Albany Branch of the Columbus Metropolitan Library, Learning Express, and Huntington.

New Albany has seen a 12.2% increase in the average price per square foot, which is currently $147, in comparison to last year's statistics. The median sales price has increased by 11.3%, which equates to $35,400, as it is now $349,900 based on the sale of 53 homes. Some of the popular neighborhoods, according to Trulia data, are The New Albany Country Club, Windsor, New Albany Links, Tidewater at New Albany, and Plain View Country Estates. [Other popular neighborhoods include: Upper Clarenton, Pickett Place, Hampstead Heath, Hampstead Village, and Hampstead Green.]

New Albany prides itself on it's plethora of performing arts venues and studios. The Jeanne B. McCoy Community Center for the arts has multiple uses as it has a recording studio, dance studio, and classrooms for the performing arts. Located nearby are the New Albany Ballet Company and the New Albany Symphony Orchestra. They definitely do not lack arenas for the fine arts.

Events to check out in the area include: Founders Day in May, with a parade, rides, vendors, and more; The Taste of New Albany, a culinary event for sampling food from a variety of restaurants, which gives its proceeds to the New Albany Chamber of Commerce; The New Albany Classic, an equestrian event sanctioned by the USEF/FEI and founded by the Wexner's, raises money for the Columbus Coalition Against Family Violence and draws a diverse crowd out to enjoy rides, face painting, live music, food vendors, animals from rescues, as well as zoo animals; The New Albany Walking Classic, which takes place in September along with the New Albany Classic, is a 10k event and known to be the country's largest walk-only race.

There is a strong sense of community established here that is very welcoming and united; if you're looking for a place to call home that you can walk around the block and all the neighbors wave and spark conversation, New Albany may be calling your name. You can't walk into the neighborhood Kroger or Giant Eagle without running into someone that you know, or of course the local Starbucks on the corner of Market Street. (So you'll want to save some extra time on your regular errand running days). Even as it expands, the charm and the "culture of New Albany" is truly a source of pride for everyone that resides here. It is a very youthful and active area with people walking the paths around the golf course that loop through the neighborhoods or around the preserved wetlands, groups of friends catching up on the patio of market square's restaurant and coffee shop, friendly neighbors walking their dogs, or kids hanging out by the local library after school lets out. There is never a dull moment in this busy suburban lifestyle.

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How to Approach the Current Seller's Market

For those of you who may have been holding back on buying a house due to the current conditions of the market "favoring the seller", hesitate no more. The market is an ever-changing entity that has its phases, and although we may be in a Seller's Market at the moment, this isn't the first one we have experienced, nor will it be our last. It shouldn't be feared, or have you as a buyer fretting over whether you should wait it out or jump right in; you will know when the timing is right for you and with the help of a real estate agent, you have the ability to get the home that you desire at a price that is more than reasonable! Don't let the house that you've had your eye on slip out of your hands, as inventory is going quickly, with most homes getting snatched up within days on the market; make a move.

Hopefully, if you have been looking at homes, it means that you at least have an idea of what you can afford, in order to avoid the disappointment that you would face if you find the "perfect home" that turns out to be too far out of your price range. It should not be a purchase that stretches your budget, or you could find yourself in trouble, or at least under unnecessary stress. Many realtors, including myself, can recommend lenders that you can contact before you begin this process. They will give you a breakdown of your credit, and if it is on the lower side, how to improve it over the next couple of months to possibly be able to afford a larger loan amount and give you other advice regarding the mortgage and loan process. These lenders can also pre-approve you for a certain amount based on your credit score, although this is a very general document and not to be confused for a loan commitment, it gives you the basis of what range of homes you should be looking at in your home search. The pre-approval serves as a notice to the seller's that you are serious about buying their home. Place yourself in the seller's shoes: would you accept the offer that has a pre-approved buyer, who just needs to get a loan commitment through their lender, or the buyer that still needs to discuss these matters with a lender and get pre-approved- meaning the lender could come back and say that they are not even pre-approved for the amount of the home? Logically, every one would choose the buyer who has taken the steps necessary to legitimize their interest in your home.

In this real estate climate, extremely low-bids will warrant a cold shoulder from most sellers, as they can assume that the likelihood of another buyer, willing to offer more, is high. A low offer may offend seller's, leading them to leave the offer hanging, without responding.  In many cases, the seller's are receiving multiple offers on their home's within a few days and are able to choose which one to accept. There is a chance of an offer being too high which could cause issues with the appraisal later on. However, a frequent outcome from the multiple offer situation is that the home sells for more than the asking price. Therefore, it is important to know your budget and look within or even under budget, in case you end up in a multiple offer situation.

Everyone wants the "perfect home", but realistically, especially in this market, it doesn't exist and you will have to go in with an open mind and create your own vision of how the house you "like" could potentially be the home you "love" once you make it your own. Buyer's with high expectations can get burnt out from the home search as they continue to be disappointed by homes that don't have everything that they want or need. Overlooking the paint color, out-dated wallpaper, green carpet, or red kitchen cabinets may allow you to see the great qualities of a home, such as it's open floor plan, spacious living room, vaulted ceilings, charming woodwork, or the functionality of the home that meets all of your needs. The foundations of finding the right home include locating a neighborhood that you see yourself living in, thriving in, and enjoying.  Once you know your area, then find a home with a solid setting and foundation. Although painting, removing wallpaper, and replacing carpet can be a daunting task, it allows you to start fresh and choose what you want your home to look like! (Think of the positive!) The more you ask for in a multiple offer situation, the less appealing your offer is to the seller, so if you really love the home, you may have to let some of the distasteful, surface qualities of the home go.

When you find the home that really speaks to your heart, don't sit on it, contact your realtor to make an offer on it as soon as you believe this could be the one. It may be gone if you dwell on whether you are certain about it or not, but on another note, don't rush to make an offer on a home that you think is  just"OK" if nothing about it stands out to you. More homes are bound to be put on the market. Knowing yourself and what you want and need in a home is a key factor in making the decision on which home you will make an offer on. Your next move once you find the right home, is to contact your realtor who will research the recent sales prices of comparable homes in that neighborhood and area. With this knowledge, your realtor can help you make an offer that will not be too low, but will be competitive for what the market calls for in that location. It can be tricky if your heart is set on a home that has multiple offers on it, since you are unaware of the other offers on the table; at a certain point, the listing agent will most likely call for best and highest offer where everyone will put their top dollar in that they are willing to spend on the property. Try to not get too attached to a home in this case, although I know that is next to impossible once you have envisioned yourself living there which is usually why you were willing to make an offer on the home in the first place. If your offer is not accepted, keep your head up and don't let your hope dwindle... be ready to move on!

Along with that, be ready to move...and soon! Most offer's are calling for closing 30 days after acceptance, it is in your best interest as a buyer to have a flexible moving schedule so that you can move on the seller's timeline. It is always helpful to have a plan B if the seller asks for more time before closing/possession, such as finding temporary housing if you are in a lease and it expires before the move-in date whether you have to bunk with friends/relatives or pay for one month beyond your lease terms.

In a seller's market, it is not impossible to find the home that suits you and all of your needs, but remember to be patient if you aren't having any luck, make sure you have a realtor that communicates readily with you, keep an open mind to homes that may not be 100% what you want, be ready to make a quick decision when you find THE home, and be flexible with your timeline!

If you are not currently working with an agent, but are actively looking at homes in Columbus or in the surrounding areas (such as Westerville, Gahanna, Blacklick, New Albany, etc.) feel free to contact me today! I will gladly answer any questions you may have about buying or selling your home in the current market.

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German Village; One of a Kind Historic District

 German Village is overflowing with culture and rich history; it is no wonder why it draws so many people in, whether they choose to live here or stop through for a visit, there is no denying it's unique charm and architectural brilliance. The area was originally developed between 1840 and 1914 when it was settled by German immigrants, whose descendants made up around a third of the population in Columbus (germanvillage.com). A normal day in that time, after they finished a day at work, the storekeepers, brewery workers, carpenters, and other laborers would set off to their local bier gartens where relaxing was imminent. It was it's own piece of Germany to the settler's and to this day provides a rich experience of German culture through it's original building's that have characteristics all their own to the local restaurants that still capture the essence of the Village's ancestors.

It became known as German Village in 1960, when it was recognized as historic; however, the historic architecture of the neighborhood was almost destroyed in demolition, but thanks to concerned and caring resident's whom lobbied for a local commission that year, it was preserved and was left untouched.The German Village Society then petitioned for the area to be rezoned as a high-density residential zone, therefore eliminating industrial sites and severely limited commercial zones. These restrictions made in the 1960's were essentially what kept the heart of German Village thriving, and we are so very grateful that they did! The German Village Historic District was created after an ordinance passed through the Columbus City Council, giving the Commission authority to review potential designs of the buildings to preserve their historic standard; making it one of the rare and few historic districts with an architectural review board with the intent to keep the area's character alive.

"The German Village Society presently has nearly 1,000 preservationist-minded members who are dedicated to maintaining the historic quality of the buildings and neighborhood. As a result, German Village is currently considered one of the most desirable areas to live in the city, if not the premiere place in Columbus to live," (germanvillage.com).

The modest, but elegant, aesthetics of the neighborhoods with homes primarily of red-brick with tastefully, antique iron fences are truly a sight to see. You can't help but to take your time as you drive through this part of the city, on it's handsome brick paved streets, as it becomes a joy-ride instead of a rush to get to your destination. Most resident's and visitors make sure to take a few hours out of their schedule to park themselves at the Book Loft; slipping away into a novel and soaking up the fresh air. There are a surplus of events that take place starting in May and throughout the summer months until mid-December that attract people from all over Columbus:

Village Singers Concert – May 2-3, 2015

German Village Garten Club Jazz & Juleps – May 8, 2015

Jazz and Juleps is a signature event of the German Village Garten Club held the Friday evening before the Garten Markt. This is your opportunity to buy our fabulous selection of specialty plants, planters, trellises, garden art, jewelry, gifts for Mother’s Day, and other special items before the GartenMarkt opens to the public on Saturday. Enjoy a lush buffet, juleps and other beverages, the entertaining vibes of Jazz Mary and her keyboard, and mingle with your neighbors. Tickets are $30.

German Village Garten Club Garten Markt – May 9, 2015

GartenMarkt will feature exotic succulents, connoisseur perennials and annuals, vibrant coleus, herbs, tropical blooming plants, hostas from supersized to miniature, and lush hanging baskets and planters. In addition, GartenMarkt will have unique decorative items for your garden including stone carvings, iron plant stands, metal trellises, and bird houses. You’ll also be able to find beautiful hand-crafted jewelry, along with special gift items. Enjoy shopping for unique plants and garden décor with your friends and neighbors. Free admission. 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Village Valuables – May 16, 2015

More than 10,000 bargain-hunters from all over Central Ohio flood German Village for the city’s biggest yard sale day. Residents set up shop on the sidewalks, and in their yards and garages, selling their treasures: everything from housewares to antiques and plenty of one-of-a-kind items that make this an annual destination event. 8 a.m. – 3 p.m

Shakespeare in Schiller Park – Actors’ Theatre of ColumbusAll performances are on the Schiller Park Amphitheatre stage on Thursday-Sunday nights at 8 p.m.

“Captain Blood” May 21-June 21

“Richard III” June 25-Aug. 2

“The Miser” Aug. 6-Sept. 6

Haus und Garten PreTour – June 27, 2015

Haus und Garten Tour  – June 28, 2015 

Every last Sunday of June, German Village opens its doors and garden gates for the German Village Society’s annual Haus und Garten Tour. The 55th edition will welcome 5,000 visitors who flood the Village for the day-long celebration of renowned designs, enchanting gardens and award-winning restorations.  The contrast between 1870s exteriors and ultra-modern updates inside is stunning and memorable. 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Art Crawl – July 18, 2015

This is the night we turn garages into art galleries, combining the historic fabric of German Village and its rich art tradition. Individual artists exhibit and sell their work and local musicians provide live entertainment while 2,500 ticketholders sip wine, nosh snacks and enjoy a magical July evening. 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Tea 43206 – August 22, 2015

Friends of Schiller Benefits – October 2015

Kindred Spirits, a Bourbon Tasting for men in support of Friends of Schiller: Please join us for a bourbon tasting for men. Monograms & Martinis, a sipping/noshing/shopping event for women: A benefit for women in support of Friends of Schiller.

Monster Bash presented by BOSS Fitness – October 17, 2015

Village Lights presented by Schmidt’s – December 6, 2015

Visitors from across Central Ohio kick off the holiday on the historic streets of German Village and discover a world of lights and holiday magic! Our 10,000 guests follow luminaries from shops to businesses and restaurants open late with holiday treats, discounts and special offers. Festive surprises are at every corner including carolers, live holiday music and a horse-drawn carriage. 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.

(Annual Events List from the German Village Society: http://germanvillage.com/annualevents/ )

For those of you with four-legged family members, there are a couple dog parks nearby that your furry friends will love: Scioto Audubon Metro Park includes a dog park as well as trails for hiking, fishing, and even a climbing wall for the adventurous folks! Frank Fetch Park is another place to bring the dogs for some off leash fun to release some energy and socialize with others. 

Another park that may spark some fancy for you, is Schiller Park. It is located in the heart of German Village and is consistently bustling with joggers, people lost in their books, locals walking their dogs, or people simply relaxing and getting their dose of fresh air and nature. It is a gorgeous environment and provides a place of peace for many to escape to after a long, busy day. 

The median sales price for homes in this area from Nov. 14- Feb. 15 was $315,000 based on 21 sales; compared to last year during that time, the number of sales have increased 110% while the sales price decreased 15.3%, equivalent to $57,000. The average listing price from the week of February 18th for German Village was $722,683 compared to other neighborhoods including: Olde Town East at $254,942; Merion Village $161,100; Dexter Falls $178,913; Victorian Village $514,913; Somerset $220,000. 

Living in the village, you are never far from the trendiest, popular events and finding a tasty place to eat is hardly a challenge. Try these local food hubs: Lindey's, Thurman's Cafe (check out my review before going!), Barcelona, German Village Coffee Shop, and The Old Mohawk are just a few of your superb choices...

Whether you are raising a family, looking for a lively night life, or are interested in being a part of a united, close-knit community then this may be a place to consider calling home. Stay tuned for my upcoming article on Schumacher Place, as it sits on the outskirts of German Village, giving residents the best of both worlds with more affordable homes.

If you are interested in German Village, check out our website at www.grt-group.com and also search the Columbus MLS. I am more than happy to answer your real estate questions via phone, text, or email.

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Trend-worthy Kitchen Updates

 Kitchen updates that are worth mentioning & can make all the difference in your homes aesthetics. Contrast is fundamental and key when choosing cabinets/ countertops/ and flooring. To make a statement, they have to stand out; that is what makes them all the more appealing to look at! The dark and light tiling (picture to the left) brings out the deep color of the cabinets, all the while tying in the light speckles within the granite.

The kitchen isn't all about the countertops and cabinets, the lighting can also make or break the room (e.g no one enjoys fluorescents or ducking under low hanging lights). Keep it simple, elegant, and maybe even antique-like. The drop-down lights are a magnificent feature that can make the ceiling look higher and more spacious. In the picture to the right, the light cabinetry really opens up the room as the light truly reflects off of them and the light colors throughout the room. The granite is a touch darker to really draw your eye to it; definitely a classy look. The glass display cabinets add a unique touch to the room, as long as you have something organized and neat to display behind them, of course! I would have gone for a deeper toned tile to capture the darker coloring within the granite, but this tiling does accent the cabinets well. (Tidbit of advice for sellers: cluttered kitchens distract from the counter space available and the room in entirety, you don't want to draw attention away from the main features of the kitchen; e.g making sure the refrigerator is cleared of magnets, pictures, etc).

This has to be one of my favorite looks: as it is modern, tasteful, and obviously clean. The butcher block countertops are extremely durable and easily maintained with the use of mineral oil.    The mint green accents add a sense of charm and "homey-ness", creating an eye-popping touch to the room. They have also wisely put to use the glass display cabinets while not overdoing it, it allows for just the right amount of decoration to the space. As you can tell, the mint door draws your eye through the space and compliments that rich, medium hardwood flooring. The hardwoods and butcher block are very well matched based on their tone, the warmth it creates really livens up the room even though it is surrounded by white.  The light bounces and reflects off of the white surfaces, brightening up the room, keeping it from feeling dark and dingy. This is definitely a kitchen where I would want to spend most of my time; even though I don't cook, it surely would make for a good excuse to use such a masterpiece of a kitchen.

 Now for a true definitive contrast kitchen... The deep, dark cabinetry draws you in, then takes your eye straight to the intricate backsplash of grey's and white's that tie into the countertop. These colors make for a truly balanced space. The rich cabinets also make the crown molding pop right out at you, as it screams sophistication and elegance. The flooring could go either way, a darker hardwood or light oak hardwood would make for a good addition to stay with a more cooler tone palette but the current hardwoods are complimentary in their own way.

They grey speckles in the granite are very obviously accented, to the T, in the backsplash. Matching color tones: whether they are warm or cool, can make any room or break it. The light tiling does bring out the natural lighting in the room. The recessed lighting visually adds height to the room and makes for a more open feeling when you enter the kitchen. A nice touch would be 2-3 drop down lights over the island, something with an industrial touch or more modern and clean appearance could escalate the rooms vibrancy and originality. BUT, I will caution you to not go too wild or taste-specific to your own-likings if you plan on selling your home with that light fixture. Certain pieces can take away from the overall appeal of your home if they are too personal.

 Another trending look in today's marketplace is the concrete countertop. With their natural, organic, and unique look, no wonder buyers are starting to include this into their design. Unlike most countertops, the concrete is made per order and is made especially for your home. For the more environmentally friendly, they can be made from recycled materials. They also come in a variety of shades and finishes to make it all your own- unlike the usual granite you will find in most homes- it definitely gives you an edge. If sealed correctly, they prove to be just as easy to clean as a normal laminated surface or you can use a pH-neutral natural cleaner, to be safe. There is an undeniable rustic charm created from the concrete countertop that is unmatched by any other material out there. With the original hardwood flooring, this kitchen has character all it's own.

Even a touch of colors in the cabinets can be elegant and soothing in appearance. The moss green, with a grey hint/tone, is modern, stylish, and is admiringly different. The marbled backsplash brings out more of the grey in the cabinetry and reflects the lighting around the room- keeping it bright and airy. It is a sheik, clean look; especially with the white quartz countertops. In a market where everyone seemingly has the same kitchen, it pays to stand out with these contemporary styles, and it certainly makes your home feel like your own, special escape. New builds are popping-up homes everyday with very similar kitchen designs, losing originality, and character; therefore, in my opinion, spicing up your home with a unique countertop, or trendy glass display cabinets, and even a trendy light fixture can take your home from drab to something wonderful! A rich, deep hardwood flooring would make an excellent touch to this room, but with the way it is now- there really is no downfall.

You can't go wrong with any of these looks, as these are trends that are going to be around for quite some time...

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Granville; a Grand Piece of History to Call Home

 For all of those who have visited Granville and walked through the quaint downtown area, it truly makes an imprint on you, as it is such a remarkably charming place. It could be straight from a story book, where everyone walking through town knows your name, waves and says "hello", not a frown to be seen as you walk past Whit's ice cream or the Library. Even with Dennison neighboring the downtown stretch, it doesn't have the college "party" atmosphere that would describe communities surrounding The Ohio State University Campus in Columbus. With 31% of residents attending Denison, the rest of the community is made up of residents such as: young families, distinguished older generations, and certainly independent households.  It is an active town with a quiet environment meant to soothe over your soul. A favorite diner of my families is Brew's as we frequently have our "friday pizza nights" at this restaurant/bar, with its plentiful menu, I can assure you that there is a meal for everyone, even the pickiest of eaters.

In 1797, Granville was surveyed as part of the U.S Military District, which were the lands that were given to those who fought in the Revolutionary War. The Welsh were the first to truly settle, and claim ownership, of the land and to this day you can go by the Welsh Hills Cemetery and Philipps Cemetery where those original settlers have been buried. A group of settlers then moved in from Granville, Massachusetts and Connecticut; they would be the ones that founded and established the Village of Granville. The plans of the village were to resemble a New England town with a main town square that has churches at the corners, giving it an intimate space for the community that surrounded it; a place to feel safe and protected.

"Granville was the home to five schools in the early 1830's. Two of them, the Granville Female Seminary and the Granville Literary and Theological Institution (it later became Denison University), were both located in the area west of the Village green with Denison located on college hill above the Village center." (The Village of Granville, http://www.granville.oh.us/history_of_granville/)

The rich sense of history gives a more "homey" feeling to the village and would give anyone living here a sense of pride to be a part of the deep American heritage rooted here. Perhaps an even more fascinating piece of Granville are the various landmarks seen around the area, mainly throughout Newark, in the form of Mounds believed to be built by the Hopewell people from prehistoric times. The "Alligator" Mound is vicariously known by it's shape, however instead of it being true to it's name, Archaeologists believe it represents a panther or an opossum. On a warm, sunny day these historical sites can make for a great adventure for just about anyone who loves the outdoors and learning something new each day!

Granville has a high percentage of white-collar workers, with about 94% of the workforce employed in well-established, white-collar jobs- keeping them above the national average. The breakdown of employment is about 17% of citizens working in administrative support, 16% hold teaching positions,  and almost 11% hold management jobs. An outstanding number of artists and designer, or those working in media, reside here; more than 90% of other U.S communities. A note for anyone considering moving here, "Granville has a high rate of owner-occupied single family homes, which tends to reflect stability in the local community. Finally, Granville’s overall crime rate is lower than average for the country." (neighborhoodscout.com)

For these reasons, and for the pure fact that once you enter the Granville community it captures your heart and wonder, my family has made this beautiful, unique village their home; deciding to raise their children, build their business, and make their memories in this one of a kind location. If this is the place you decide to call home, you truly know that although you may be settling down, you definitely have not settled for less than the greatest. 

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The Question's to Ask before Choosing Your Realtor

It is a big decision to entrust your real estate into the hands of someone else, even a professional, to help make it easier, here are some question's to ask to paint a bigger picture of how the agent will perform for you during the process of either buying or selling your home:

1) How long have you been in residential real estate sales? Is it your full-time job?

2) What designations do you hold?

3) How many homes did you and your real estate brokerage sell last year? How long did it take you to sell the average home? How close to the initial asking price were the homes you sold to the sold price?

4) What specific types of marketing systems and approaches will you use to sell my home?

5) Will you represent me exclusively, or will you represent both the buyer and seller in the transaction?

6) Can you recommend service providers who can help me obtain a mortgage, make home repairs, and help with other things I need done?

7) What type of support and supervision does your brokerage office provide to you?

8) How will you keep me informed about the progress of my transaction? How frequently?

9) What's your business philosophy?


As an agent, here are my responses to some of these questions:

1) I have been in residential real estate sales for about 5 months, so far, but due to my administration job that I have had since May of 2014, I have been in the real estate atmosphere learning from some of the best agent's in Columbus. I am very passionate about real estate and am committed to being an agent as my full-time job.

5) I will strictly represent you, as a buyer or seller, unless you found yourself interested in a property that my team has listed. In this case, I would be a dual agent since the seller's agent would be from the same team as me.

6) With a full team behind me, I have many resources that I will be able to recommend to you in a multitude of situations that may pop-up throughout the transaction and afterwards, when you are in your new home. The people we recommend have a great amount of experience and always have good reviews from our clients; we expect the best service for our clients and nothing less.

7) The brokerage office provides phenomenal support, with aged professionals that have been in real estate for ten years or more, anything I have a question about they will answer to their best knowledge. If I had an emergency during a time where you wanted to see a house, perform an inspection, close on your home, etc. any of the 7 other agents will step-in to make sure that it get's taken care of ASAP.

To find out more about what I can offer for you, above and beyond other real estate agents, please contact me and I can further answer these questions! I can't give away all of my secrets that will aid you in selling your home or assist you in buying your new home!

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My Reaction to an Offensive Realtor.com Article

I am absolutely irate at Realtor.com's (Erik Gunther, more specifically) nonsensical writing that provides no evidence, data, or statistical support to back-up his arguments regarding Millennials, which if you are in the age range of 15-35, you're included. The article is titled, "Here's Exactly What Millennials Want in Real Estate" and by no means does it go on to give fruitful and useful information that you would expect to be explained based on the  heading. Check it out for yourself and feel free to leave the outrage on their page: http://www.realtor.com/news/what-millennials-want-in-real-estate/ .

To begin, he states that us, "Millennials", desire homes in the suburbs as we are dreaming of the lives our parent's lived and making that our reality. To tell you the truth, I do want that, but that doesn't have anything to do with me longing to follow in my parent's foot steps; it means I would love to have a large yard, have a good amount of space between my next door neighbor and myself, while also having a place that I can picture raising kids. He continues, "Except, that is, for those who'd prefer to live downtown, in a large city. (Or a small city.) They're buying in Buffalo. But maybe they should consider San Antonio. Or Baltimore. Or Detroit.," and so on... You get the idea he is playing at by now, that our generation is somehow too picky or too indecisive. Does Generation X or the Baby Boomers have some people who prefer the city over the suburbs and vice versa? Clearly, everyone has preferences irregardless of the year we were born and I believe most of the time it comes down to personality type, values, and aspirations, among other things. An outgoing person may choose to live downtown to be around the action, the night-life, or the various stores/restaurants that are unique to downtown, maybe it's their passion for art and desire to be close to galleries and the art district. Or let's say they have a job downtown, would it not be reasonable or logical to say that this person will most likely choose to live in close proximity to their place of work?  Why is it then that Millenial's and their decisions are hard to nail down when it comes to real estate market, I'd say because it's never been realistic to stereotype such a wide age group that have various wants and needs to fit their individual lifestyle's ( as every generation can relate to that).

I am thoroughly enraged after I read this statement," ...Millenial's want to ditch the squaresville of suburbia and head for the city, it makes total sense because we know how much they love apartment living. They don't want the picket fences of their parents (or grandparents)." Let me just say, I have very few friends that live downtown and the ones that do, live there due to either being close to campus or close to work. Also, I HATE APARTMENT LIVING. I can't count how many conversation's I have had with friends, "Millennial's", that are sick of renting and feel like they are constantly throwing away money when they would much prefer to invest in a home and pay less each  month on a mortgage than on rent. So, I would ask, where did he get this information from? Where is the data stating that we LOVE apartment living? Maybe the majority of us live in apartments, but due to income staying constant while rent and living expenses sky rocket, we have had no other choice but to continue renting since we have had little opportunity to put money aside (especially the 20% for a down payment that was required). Many Millennial's are putting themselves through school, only to have to pay off exorbitant student loans with high interest rates, or to continue on to receive a higher education beyond just college, so that they can pursue the careers they want. I believe those are commendable aspirations to have, and meanwhile, we are making ends meet even as groceries and necessities spike in price, gas prices increase, and yet, some are supporting young, growing families or take on other financial commitments (like pets, car loans, etc).

We spend over 50% of our income or more on bills and rent. It is exceedingly high to rent where we are, and no, it's not downtown, it actually is within the suburbs! When I had the discussion with my parents and siblings who are 30 and older, I was warned to stay away from homeownership for as long as possible because of the expense of random repairs that are quite costly, as well as higher utility bills, and some of us within this age group don't know where we will end up in our careers a year from now. If Generation X and Baby Boomer's are advising us to put off buying a home until we have thought out every aspect of it, financially and career wise, then maybe he should remove the blame from the Millennial's and look at the older generations. Millennial's might not be taking the leap into buying a home because on an individual scale, it doesn't make sense for them at that time. We all remember what happened to the Market when a great deal of people made that jump, and couldn't afford the commitment they rushed into. The backlash of that is what the Millennial's grew up hearing about until only recently, with the market on a stable and steady rise throughout 2014, which has provided a more promising outlook on the year to come. This could be the year of the Millennial, with lower down-payment requirements and lower interest rates, it now is not only reasonable but it is a logical and wise decision to become a homeowner this year (as long as the financial situation allows it).

Instead of the reason behind Millennial's not entering the housing market being that we "wholeheartedly reject the American ideal of home buying," could it be that we have decided to pursue education,  put off marriage, and wait to have kids until later in our lives? Livescience.com states that the average age for women getting married is 27, while men are 29. Therefore the need to settle into a home and commit to such a large purchase isn't quite necessary until we reach this age, and yet many people are waiting to get married until their 30's. Partly in response to many of us growing up in homes with divorced parents, whom married at a very young age, I think it is only natural for people to decide to put it off until they settle into careers, get through college/ master's programs/ doctorate program's, and are ready to put time and effort into making a relationship work. In 2003, the average age of a woman having her first-child was 25 and considering the decrease in teen pregnancies and the notion that this age group is tending to wait to make life- altering decisions until later in life, I would guess that the average age has gone up since that data was collected. The decision to hold off on home-buying has a lot to do with these other concepts, more so than it has to do with Millennial's being picky or indecisive.

If you weren't completely irritated with this unjustly attack on an entire generation, this might take you over the edge, Erik states, "...Millennials are actually a money-obsessed generation that wants nice things but doesn't want to work for them." Tell that to my boyfriend who works from 7am-7pm every day during the week, and 8am-12pm every Saturday (besides one Saturday a month). "Or maybe they're staying on the sidelines because they're cheap," well when you consider the fact that a mortgage payment is considerably less than rent, this statement just doesn't have any sense to it, "Or perhaps they're just opting to wait to buy a home because they're extremely risk averse," all in thanks to having learned our lessons from the generation's before us and the crisis' we have witnessed, such as the poor economy that left countless number's of people jobless or the housing market crash, that left many people homeless and bankrupt. He doesn't stop there, as he mocks our inclination to DIY (and why wouldn't you if you are capable? I enjoy DIY as a hobby, no shame in that) which he then ridicules by saying, "after murdering one of the nation's largest retailers in cold blood, millennial men will just laugh and laugh sitting on their enormous pile of money", I must be blind because I have yet to see this pile of money and demand to know where I may stumble upon it! Erik continues on the track of belittling all people who happen to be 15-35 years of age (even though only 22-35 year olds are within the realm of having the ability to buy a house), by saying, "They have no savings? Not even a thin dime?" I am not sure if he understands that although prices for almost everything have increased, our wages have stayed the same, meaning the money we would save is now being spent on groceries as we try to live healthier lives by eating organically or spending the extra dollar to buy locally to support our local businesses since we are "socially aware" (which he uses negatively earlier in the article) and on other products that are essential to live.

I hope by now that you share the same level of frustration as me, even if you aren't a Millennial. In my opinion, this is where he totally dives down the deep end and I am going to quote the last paragraph or so of his article, so bare with me and try not to grit your teeth too much. Here you go: "...Wherever they land, there's still hope for the next generation. Failing that whole hope thing, they can just kiss the American dream goodbye- because they won't be able to achieve it thanks to bad credit, student loans, and low salaries. On second thought, if their lips are tired from all that smooching, they may actually be ready to break down, reach out, and actually embrace the dream of homeownership. And when they're done embracing the dream, they can quit casting a pall over the housing market for the rest of us. Whether it's their lack of trust in real estate or they're bucking the trend and choosing buying over renting, we know we'll always be able to point the finger of blame directly at millennial's." (Erik Gunther of Realtor.com) 

First off, I was unaware of a trend in buying, the last quarter of 2014 showed a decrease in sales compared to the rest of the year but that is a pretty normal curve during winter months. Seasonal effects are common, and it doesn't help that the most expensive holiday's falls in that time frame with a large amount of money being put towards gifts. He is definitely jumping the gun by blaming millennial's for not picking up the slack these last couple months, when we are only into the second month of 2015.Secondly,  instead of the  bad lending practices (or other responsible institutions) being blamed, it is all of our faults as millennial's even though the older end of our generation partook in  the steady climb of the market by purchasing homes in the last year or so. The lack of trust was created by poor practices in institutions that were not out to protect our interests, but solely their own. The trust they lost is being rehabilitated and mended, slowly and cautiously, by responsible, reliable, and honorable professionals, as expected. The decision to buy a home isn't a simple one, and it certainly has nothing to do with us saying "forget homeownership, let's rent the rest of our lives" or because we are lip-locked with stars in our eyes. His argument and his article can only create a larger divide between Millennial's and professional's in the real estate market, including lenders considering that even I feel hostile towards this person and those that may share his ludicrous opinion, and I am a fellow real estate agent (assuming that is his position). Go ahead and point the finger at us, but with 2015 projections showing an increase in Millennial's entering into homeownership and a successful year ahead of us in terms of real estate- I have to wonder where he conjured up such preposterous  claims, and how reliable his sources were.

This year is our year, Millennial's, and I know we won't let this debbie-downer's trivial argument stand true. Words of wisdom: it is best to not speak (or write) purely out of emotional reactions, especially those based on insufficient evidence, or in this case based on discriminate opinion.  For a wise man once said,  "The interest I have to believe a thing is no proof that such a thing exists," (Voltaire).

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