Over the years I've found it amusing to learn what "objects" people buy homes "around". For instance, sometimes they have or want-to-have a big TV, so they'll look for a suitable wall and ample space for the sofa or chairs that seem to go with TV viewing.

Others might have large dining room sets so the dining room becomes critical. If the seller's home doesn't have space for these things, then they either may not get the showing or the home will be rejected during the showing.

The other 'object' that people buy homes "around" is THE DOG! (I'm guilty of this one when I was owned by Dobies. ) This is a "dog people' concern ... not a concern for "cat people".

I've had listings NOT sell because they weren't suitable for THE DOG. Mostly the consideration is getting the dog to the back yard and the size of the back yard. THE DOG must have room to run and play you know! THE DOG may also need a fence or the ability to add one. And, of course, they sometimes consider whether the muddy feet will be coming back into the house and walking over carpet. I had one listing where half the showing feedback comments were that there were too many steps down to the ravine below. (think snow & ice on the steps)

I think over the years, I've received more feedback comments regarding "not suitable for THE DOG" than I have "not suitable for the kids". Guess Pedigree's slogan DOGS RULE is right on target.

I understand completely! Heck I even gave up driving sports cars and switched to a Cherokee 20 years ago when I got my first Dobie who grew - and grew - and grew- and no longer fit in the 2-seater unless I had the T-tops out. Now that I have The Little Murph, do you suppose I could fit For-Sale yard signs in a Mini Cooper??

If you would like more information on the Central Ohio area, then I recommend these links to pages on my web site or blog:

• Average central Ohio home prices by school district - updated monthly
• Average central Ohio home prices by suburb subdivisions - updated monthly
• View a list of Central Ohio new home builders
• Powell Ohio area map showing key subdivisions, zip codes, growth area for new development
• Lewis Center Ohio area map showing key subdivisions, zip codes, growth area for new development
• Dublin Ohio area map showing key subdivisions, zip codes, growth area for new development
• Worthington Ohio area map
• Hilliard Ohio area map
• ElaineReese.com for lots of helpful info for home buyers and sellers
• ReesesPiecesOfRealEstate.com (my blog) for more personalized info for buyers & sellers
• View videos of Elaine's listings

As real estate agents, we're often confronted with having to inform sellers that the price their home might sell for now is perhaps less than they paid for it, especially if they haven't owned it very long.

Since I live in and primarily work in southern Delaware County, I decided to check average home prices since 1997 when I purchased my home. Delaware County has also gone through substantial developmental growth during that period as well. People moved to the county in droves during those years, buying new homes in all the subdivisions that builders eagerly built to meet the demand.

The first chart shows the average price of the homes sold in Delaware County for the period Jan 1 thru May 31 for each of the years 1997 to 2008. In 1997, the average price for the county was $215K. It reached a high in 2007 of $300k. For 2008, the average has declined to $278K (-7.6%), but that also represents an INCREASE of 29% since 1997. So depending on when the seller purchased the home or whether they've added equity loans, they may or may not have difficulty selling and paying closing costs.

The second chart shows the actual NUMBER of homes sold in the county during the same time frame. We tend to think that fewer homes are selling than in past years, but not so says the graph. In 1997, only 525 homes sold during the Jan-May period. For this year, 712 homes have sold ... a 36% INCREASE! The highest number of homes sold in 2005 when 934 sold during this period.

Bottom line is that we're not in as bad a shape as we "feel" like we are. We just need to remember to keep things in perspective.

If you would like more information on the Central Ohio area, then I recommend these links to pages on my web site or blog:

• Average central Ohio home prices by school district - updated monthly
• Average central Ohio home prices by suburb subdivisions - updated monthly
• View a list of Central Ohio new home builders
• Powell Ohio area map showing key subdivisions, zip codes, growth area for new development
• Lewis Center Ohio area map showing key subdivisions, zip codes, growth area for new development
• Dublin Ohio area map showing key subdivisions, zip codes, growth area for new development
• Worthington Ohio area map
• Hilliard Ohio area map
• ElaineReese.com for lots of helpful info for home buyers and sellers
• ReesesPiecesOfRealEstate.com (my blog) for more personalized info for buyers & sellers
• View videos of Elaine's listings

I spent a couple hours yesterday taking exterior photos of my listing east of Hoover Reservoir, near Galena, for the fourth time. This time was to capture some of the Spring flowers AND to take new GREEN photos (vs snow or gray skies) before the trees totally leaf out. Once they do, I won't be able see the home.

The grass is now a very beautiful, lush green because the seller is an avid user of Scotts® products (good curb appeal). Many of the flowering trees were in bloom and some of the perennials. Many more plants around this exceptional home are yet to do their thing.

You can see the new, pretty outside photos in the slide show I did for the original post on this home. I've updated that slideshow with the new photos.

I love going there to do the photography since it's such a pleasant, relaxing environment. I enjoy listening to and watching all the birds. During this last trip I decided to take some video so I could capture the sounds of nature. Actually, most of the sound comes from a bunch of cardinals that live around the home. Some squirrels were chattering at my intrusion on their territory, but they stayed out of view of the camera.

Another bird that frequents this home - per the seller - are pileated woodpeckers. They come in force to the suet feeders, but they didn't visit while I was there. These woodpeckers are the Woody Woodpecker variety with the big red top.

It was a pretty breezy day, so I apologize for the wind noise over the camera's microphone.

So, if you'd like to hear some relaxing bird sounds and view some gorgeous landscape as well as a breath-taking home, click on the video below. And if by chance, you want to BUY this home, give me a call.!

If you would like more information on the Central Ohio area, then I recommend these links to pages on my web site or blog:

• Average central Ohio home prices by school district - updated monthly
• Average central Ohio home prices by suburb subdivisions - updated monthly
• View a list of Central Ohio new home builders
• Powell Ohio area map showing key subdivisions, zip codes, growth area for new development
• Lewis Center Ohio area map showing key subdivisions, zip codes, growth area for new development
• Dublin Ohio area map showing key subdivisions, zip codes, growth area for new development
• Worthington Ohio area map
• Hilliard Ohio area map
• ElaineReese.com for lots of helpful info for home buyers and sellers
• ReesesPiecesOfRealEstate.com (my blog) for more personalized info for buyers & sellers
• View videos of Elaine's listings

This report shows the 5-Year Average Home Price comparison by central Ohio school district. It shows that central Ohio DOES NOT have severe falling prices like California and Florida.

Our growth here in the Columbus metro area has been quite conservative over the years. There was some minor decline in 2007, caused by all the media hype and higher than normal inventories. Builders have cut back the number of specs and we're getting some of the resale inventory sold, so things are improving.

We're probably not out of the woods yet, but the market is looking like it might improve a little over last year. For the economy's sake nationwide, let's hope so.

The percent change of the 2007 average home price versus the 2003 average home price for each of the school districts, is as follows:

• Buckeye Valley +23%
• Upper Arlington +22%
• Olentangy (Powell area) +19%
• Worthington +17%
• Dublin +14%
• Olentangy (Lewis Center area) +12%
• New Albany +10%
• Marysville +8%
• Gahanna +7%
• Hilliard +7%
• Delaware +5%
• Westerville +4%
• Big Walnut (2%)

One thing to keep in mind is that these are the average SALE PRICES for the school district. It does not represent the price increase a given home might experience. It only represents the prices that buyers are paying for a home in that district.

Regarding Buckeye Valley, most likely the increase reflects the new development that is occurring there. The newer homes would be more upscale than the older rural homes that are prevalent in the district. Big Walnut's data is apt to also be skewed as to whether a new development was selling heavily during one of the years.

Read more year-end posts for the Central Ohio real estate market.

If you would like more information on the Central Ohio area, then I recommend these links to pages on my web site or blog:

• Average central Ohio home prices by school district - updated monthly
• Average central Ohio home prices by suburb subdivisions - updated monthly
• View a list of Central Ohio new home builders
• Powell Ohio area map showing key subdivisions, zip codes, growth area for new development
• Lewis Center Ohio area map showing key subdivisions, zip codes, growth area for new development
• Dublin Ohio area map showing key subdivisions, zip codes, growth area for new development
• Worthington Ohio area map
• Hilliard Ohio area map
• ElaineReese.com for lots of helpful info for home buyers and sellers
• ReesesPiecesOfRealEstate.com (my blog) for more personalized info for buyers & sellers
• View videos of Elaine's listings

It's weekends like we're having this weekend that I'm glad I have a home office and don't have to make a trek out on the roads. My Cherokee (aka the WEENR-mobile) doesn't have a problem in the 6" of snow that Delaware County has received so far, but I'm not so confident with others on the road around me.

 

 

Staying home allows me the opportunity to see the "beauty" of the snow. I always find it amazing how the tiny flakes are able to stick together on the smallest twig to transform it into a piece of artwork. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The row of evergreens that provide my home with privacy, as well as shelter for birds and rabbits, don't need tiny lights to turn them into Christmas trees.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Of course, The Murph, with his short legs, has a rougher time of it although he LOVES to run through the snow - leaping through it like a rabbit.

Someone sent me a very funny poem about a "Dachshund Tunneling Through Snow". I would love to post it here but it's not quite G-rated, so I'll resist. It focuses on the "parts" that get really cold.

 

 

 

 

 

Today we're supposed to get more snow with 45 mph winds, so stay inside and look for the beauty around YOUR yard.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Then go inside and get warm with a cup of hot cocoa.

 

 

 

 

 

If you would like more information on the Central Ohio area, then I recommend these links to pages on my web site or blog:

• Average central Ohio home prices by school district - updated monthly
• Average central Ohio home prices by suburb subdivisions - updated monthly
• View a list of Central Ohio new home builders
• Powell Ohio area map showing key subdivisions, zip codes, growth area for new development
• Lewis Center Ohio area map showing key subdivisions, zip codes, growth area for new development
• Dublin Ohio area map showing key subdivisions, zip codes, growth area for new development
• Worthington Ohio area map
• Hilliard Ohio area map
• ElaineReese.com for lots of helpful info for home buyers and sellers
• ReesesPiecesOfRealEstate.com (my blog) for more personalized info for buyers & sellers
• View videos of Elaine's listings

Ohio is 5th in the number of foreclosures. It appears, at least locally, homeowners aren't the only victims.

Tonight on the local news they reported on a story that made me sick.

In one section of the Columbus metro area, where many new homes are being foreclosed, people are packing up their belongings ...

and leaving their pets in the home to die.

The Capital Area Humane Society has seen an increase in this type of abandonment.

Some pets are found in time by neighbors who hear the animal, knowing the humans have vacated. There was one German Shepherd puppy left in a crate in the garage that did not survive. They showed another dog, left in a bedroom, that was seriously malnourished.

There are many shelters around town, and most would understand the circumstances as to why the owners can no longer afford to care for the pet. There's no cost to drop the pet off at the shelter.

But there's just no good rationale for leaving an animal alone in a home to starve and die! That's just awful!

The Murph and I were on our way home from some afternoon errands and decided it would be a great day to take a stroll on one of Highbanks trails. Although pets are allowed in the park (on leash, of course), there is only one trail that they can use. It's called, appropriately enough, Coyote Run Trail.

At the start of the trail, there is a water fountain - high for humans - ground level for the dogs, plus you can pick up a plastic bag for the ... well, you know.

There were a number of walkers and Murph barked at all of them. Several said, "Oh, he must be the one we heard"! Doxies have a VERY loud bark and I'm sure the whole forest could hear him! The entire Coyote Trail is 3.25 miles long, but we only covered about a third of it. Murphs' little 3″ legs can only handle so much.

The Highbanks Park covers 1157 acres with 11 miles of trails. It's a popular place for group picnics with several spots for these gatherings. In addition to the forests, there are meadows, a pond and a wetland. The most notable attraction is the 110-foot high shale bluff that overlooks the scenic Olentangy River. One of the trails leads to this bluff with an observation deck.

The layers of bedrock exposed at Highbanks were deposited under the ancient oceans about 350 million years ago. That was before my time! The ground consists of limestone overlaid with shale.The park also has two Adena Indian burial mounds.

There is a prehistoric earthwork that is a 1500-foot horseshoe-shaped embankment with a surrounding moat. Archaeoloogists believe the earthwork may have been used as a fortification since it is surrounded by ravines and 100-foot shale banks. The earthworks is along the trail that leads to the shale bluff mentioned above.

During the winter, some of the trails are open for cross-country skiing and there are a couple sledding hills. Finding "really good" sledding hills are precious in our rather flat terrain.

Highbanks is located at the southwest corner of Rt 23 and Powell Rd with the entrance off Rt 23.

If you would like more information on the Central Ohio area, then I recommend these links to pages on my web site or blog:

• Average central Ohio home prices by school district - updated monthly
• Average central Ohio home prices by suburb subdivisions - updated monthly
• View a list of Central Ohio new home builders
• Powell Ohio area map showing key subdivisions, zip codes, growth area for new development
• Lewis Center Ohio area map showing key subdivisions, zip codes, growth area for new development
• Dublin Ohio area map showing key subdivisions, zip codes, growth area for new development
• Worthington Ohio area map
• Hilliard Ohio area map
• ElaineReese.com for lots of helpful info for home buyers and sellers
• ReesesPiecesOfRealEstate.com (my blog) for more personalized info for buyers & sellers
• View videos of Elaine's listings

Several years ago, I read in a local newspaper that Columbus Ohio was within an 8-hour drive of, I believe, something like 60%-70% of the U.S. population. I tried to find an update to that figure, but was unable to locate a current number. Anyway, "lots" of major cities are only a day's drive away.

While many may not think of Columbus as a major transportation hub ... being in the center of the state ... it actually is in a prime location for transportation of goods.

Freeways:

Two major freeways cross in the downtown area. This area is known as 70/71 split and is unfortunately home to many accidents as people "merge" - sometimes merging into other vehicles. I-70 runs east-west between Pittsburgh to Utah, being a direct route to Indianapolis, St Louis and Kansas City. I-71 runs north-south and connects the "3-C's" - Cleveland, Columbus and Cincinnati. So within 8 hrs a semi-truck can haul goods to Cleveland, Detroit, Chicago, St Louis, Atlanta, New York and DC. As an aside, anyone planning to drive to Disney World in Orlando, be aware that you're only halfway there when you reach Atlanta! 

Rails:

The major rails run north-south headed toward the Lake Erie ports or the Ohio River on its way to the Mississippi River.

Airports:

There are four airports, but Port Columbus is the major one for both people and some freight. The others are Rickenbacker, Bolton Field and Don Scott. Don Scott is owned by Ohio State University and is used by small private jets and planes, frequently owned by local companies.

 

Skies:

Judging by the jet trails in the sky when I took this photo, the skies over Columbus are busy as planes from the east coast use our skies to their destination to the west and vice versa.

I remember on 9-11, when the skies were shut down to air traffic, I happened to look out my home's transom windows and saw the lone plane carrying President Bush back to the Whitehouse after the morning's tragic events. That was an eerie sight.

Columbus' transportation benefits are just some of the reasons that make it a good business and employment center. Having diverse major employers that don't rely on one industry sector is another. As we locals often joke that Columbus is the best little big town to live in. It lives like the big city it is, but it feels like we're living in a friendly small town.

Plus, we've got the Buckeyes!

 

If you would like more information on the Central Ohio area, then I recommend these links to pages on my web site or blog:

• Average central Ohio home prices by school district - updated monthly
• Average central Ohio home prices by suburb subdivisions - updated monthly
• View a list of Central Ohio new home builders
• Powell Ohio area map showing key subdivisions, zip codes, growth area for new development
• Lewis Center Ohio area map showing key subdivisions, zip codes, growth area for new development
• Dublin Ohio area map showing key subdivisions, zip codes, growth area for new development
• Worthington Ohio area map
• Hilliard Ohio area map
• ElaineReese.com for lots of helpful info for home buyers and sellers
• ReesesPiecesOfRealEstate.com (my blog) for more personalized info for buyers & sellers
• View videos of Elaine's listings

Don't you just love William Wegman's photography of his weimaraners! His "gray ghost" dogs are amazing in their willingness to hold their poses, let alone tolerate some of the non-canine poses. Some of the photos look so human. Of course, those of us who are privileged to be owned by a member or members of the canine species, know that dogs can be more human than some humans.

Anyway, Wegman's Funney/Strange exhibit will open Sept 20 thru Dec 30 in the Wexner Center for the Arts on the Ohio State University campus. More than 200 of Wegman's pieces will be on display in all four of the Wexner galleries.

Other "doggie" events are planned in conjunction with the Wegman exhibit. On Sept 23 from 1:00-4:00 there will be a free family day with tours, postcard-picture workshops, "funney" photography, performances by OSU dance students, and short films by Wegman.

On Oct 7 there will be "Free Dog Day at The Wex". This includes a pooch parade, dog photography, dog massages, a doggy playground, pet-sitting and of course, canine-friendly vendors.

People can also "Post Your Pooch" online through December for a chance at winning monthly contests for humor, cuddliness, and canine good looks.The Murph and I will have to work on something for this contest - he's so photogenic you know! But he doesn't do too well at manipulations the way Wegman's weimies do. The Murph is simply too wiggly!

This Wegman exhibit looks like one I'll have to take my granddaughters to. It should be lots of fun!

 

 

 

EDITED: Click on the Post Your Pooch link to see the photos that have already been submitted.

 

 

If you would like more information on the Central Ohio area, then I recommend these links to pages on my web site or blog:

• Average central Ohio home prices by school district - updated monthly
• Average central Ohio home prices by suburb subdivisions - updated monthly
• View a list of Central Ohio new home builders
• Powell Ohio area map showing key subdivisions, zip codes, growth area for new development
• Lewis Center Ohio area map showing key subdivisions, zip codes, growth area for new development
• Dublin Ohio area map showing key subdivisions, zip codes, growth area for new development
• Worthington Ohio area map
• Hilliard Ohio area map
• ElaineReese.com for lots of helpful info for home buyers and sellers
• ReesesPiecesOfRealEstate.com (my blog) for more personalized info for buyers & sellers
• View videos of Elaine's listings

I've written a few posts recommending that buyers always have a home inspection, even if they're buying a new build. It also can be helpful to sellers to have an inspection prior to listing their home. But those inspections are only as good as the inspector selected to actually do the inspection.

Real estate agents are in a position to best know whether their client received a competent and thorough inspection. We've seen the "good, bad and ugly"!

Contrary to some opinions, we really do want the inspector to do a thorough job so the client is made aware of potential serious issues prior to buying.

We want inspectors who are very knowledgeable of wiring, HVAC, roofing, structure and city building codes. We want inspectors who use various testing meters, not just a ladder and flashlight. We prefer inspectors who provide a thorough typed report rather than trying to decipher their scribbled handwriting which can lead to misinterpretations. An extra bonus are those inspectors who also take photos of any problems and know how to email them and the report, which again prevents misreadings from multiple faxes.

Many states require inspectors to be licensed, pass tests, and take continuing education just as real estate agents must. Ohio is not one of those states, but it's being discussed in the legislature.

While requiring a license won't weed out all the poor inspectors - it would raise the bar for performance and provide ramifications for poor performance.

We can't select the inspector a buyer should use. All we're allowed to do is provide a list of inspectors that we know to be reputable and knowledgeable of local codes*. Sometimes buyers use our recommendations, and sometimes they choose their own. But worst of all, sometimes they use Uncle Joe because he's "handy with things". We always cringe when buyers do this because we know that the buyer isn't getting a thorough inspection.

I come down on the side of supporting licensing for inspectors - anything to hold them to a higher standard. There's just too much of a financial investment at stake for buyers to not be protected from this very crucial aspect of the home-buying transaction.

Some inspectors are very much against licensing. I really question why an inspector would be afraid of being asked to get a license and to take continuing education in order to stay in business. Simply belonging to one of their industry organizations isn't enough. As real estate agents, we know all too well when an inspector has done a poor job or lacks knowledge of local building codes*.

If you're in the market to hire an inspector, you might want to ask the inspector what his thoughts are on licensing. If he's against it, ask why. If the answer has anything to do with "not being controlled by the government" you might want to rethink using that inspector.

* Use a local inspector that works in only a couple counties to better ensure they know local building codes. For instance, Delaware County has very strict codes that differ from Franklin County. Some outside inspectors provide erroneous reports or judgements because they lack the knowledge of Delaware County codes. 

If you would like more information on the Central Ohio area, then I recommend these links to pages on my web site or blog:

• Average central Ohio home prices by school district - updated monthly
• Average central Ohio home prices by suburb subdivisions - updated monthly
• View a list of Central Ohio new home builders
• Powell Ohio area map showing key subdivisions, zip codes, growth area for new development
• Lewis Center Ohio area map showing key subdivisions, zip codes, growth area for new development
• Dublin Ohio area map showing key subdivisions, zip codes, growth area for new development
• Worthington Ohio area map
• Hilliard Ohio area map
• ElaineReese.com for lots of helpful info for home buyers and sellers
• ReesesPiecesOfRealEstate.com (my blog) for more personalized info for buyers & sellers
• View videos of Elaine's listings