German Village Haus und Garten Tour This Sunday

This Sunday (the 30th) from 9am-6pm, German Village is hosting the 54th annual Haus und Garten Tour. The neighborhood is known for its 19th century cottages and estates. Guests get a glimpse of quality historic preservation and innovative design and expansions when exploring the tour's 10 homes, 3 gardens, and 2 commercial properties. Visitors can also enjoy German Village's many shops and resturants.

The former Maennerchor headquarters, the former Hoster Brewery building,  and a home that showcases art from around the world are included in the tour. You can read more about the homes on the tour here.

Ticket sale proceeds benefit the nonprofit German Village Society, and can be purchased online or at the German Village Meeting Haus for $20, at Giant Eagle stores for $18, or at the door for $25.

Truberry Homes--the 2013 Parade of Home's Foundation House Builder

For the fifth year, Truberry Custom Homes has built the annual BIA Parade of Homes foundation house, which benefits Children's Hospital and the BIA Foundation. The 4,000+ square foot house features an art gallery in the foyer, a generously sized office, impressive built-ins and craftsmanship, a covered porch off the kitchen, and a finished walk-out lower level with a full bar. You still have time to catch the Parade: it runs until June 30th. Get your tickets online for just $11.

Truberry has been building homes in Central Ohio for over 25 years, and ensures that each home is tailored to its owner(s). This personalized approach, plus open communication regarding desired features, finishes, and so forth, guarantees clients will be satisfied with their new home.

Some of my clients are building a condo by Truberry. As an agent, I represent not only buyers and sellers, but also people who work with home builders. I help them through the process, explore different ideas, help negotiate contracts, and write offers. Interested in building a home? Contact me.

Click on the video below for a sneak peak into Truberry's BIA Foundation House.
 

Beautiful Meets Comfortable: Memmer Homes Conquers Both

Have you had the chance to attend the Parade of Homes? If so, you may have noted house 4’s custom built kitchen, modern floor plan, spa-like master bath, and outdoor deck. Memmer Homes can be credited with this luxurious yet practical home design and construction.

Memmer Homes is managed primarily by two individuals: Mark Memmer (CEO) and Jeff Memmer (president). For more than 30 years, this family company has prided itself on its exceptional craftsmanship and ability to customize homes that are “as beautiful to look at as they are comfortable to live in.” Additionally, the company seeks not to merely meet client expectations, but to far exceed them. This is a value that I have in common with the company. That’s why I’m happy that Memmer Homes is building a home for some of my own clients—I know they are in good hands.

For more information on the Memmer Home in the Parade of Homes, click here.

If you are considering building a home, or are having a hard time deciding between buying or building, please let me know how I can help. Take advantage of my resources and background in home building to best navigate today’s unique market.

Jerome Village to Dominate Central Ohio Development

According to an article in The Columbus Dispatch, Jerome Village, where the Parade of Homes is located, is "likely to dominate Central Ohio building for the next decade." While only approximately 100 homes have been built to date, its 1435 acres will include at least 2200 homes upon completion, as well as schools, shops, office buildings, parks, and a pool. In other terms, Jerome Village will be comparable to Muirfield Village and New Albany in size.

Jim Hilz, executive director of the BIA, likes Jerome Village because it offers the best of both worlds: country living in a picturesque environment close to big-city amenities and the heart of Dublin. The location suits the Parade’s theme, which is “Naturally Inviting. Awe Inspiring.” Indeed, the landscaping includes many green spaces, trees, and ponds. When the Village is complete, it will connect to Glacier Ridge Metro Park, which contains over 1,000 acres. Residents can also enjoy walking/biking paths, a horseback-riding trail, and a wetlands education area. 

You can explore the area during the Parade of Homes, which is currently running and ends on June 30th. Why not get your tickets now?!

Mortgage Rates Rise

Fox Business reports that, as of June 17th 2013, mortgage rates had risen for six straight weeks. In early May, the fixed rate was 3.52%. The benchmark 30-year fixed-rate mortgage further increased from 4.1% to 4.14% within the past week (Bankrate.com). Until the first week of June, the fixed rate had been below 4% since May 2012, an entire year earlier. Mortgage rates are no longer near record lows, as markets react to the supposition that the Fed may soon reduce its $85-billion-per-month bond-buying program. This program has helped keep rates low; however, once the Fed determines that the economy has recovered well enough to support itself, the program may be reduced or abolished altogether. 

While it's unlikely rates will return to their recent lows, they may stabilize. John Stearns, a mortgage banker for American Fidelity Mortgage Services in Mequon, Wisconsin, claims that 4% for a 30-year fixed is going to become standard.

The recent increase in mortgage rates has caused some people to urgently refinance their homes, as they are concerned rates will continue to increase. Jim Sahnger, a mortgage loan originator for FBC Mortgage in Jupiter, Florida, points out that mortgage rates are constantly changing, and that what someone can get today may not be available tomorrow. 

There are different ways to interpret this news. While the latest rates are nearly half a percentage point more than rates were this time last year, they are still much lower than the 6-7% people with older loans may still be paying. 

Read the full article here.

A Snapshot of Contemporary Home Design: The Parade of Homes is Here!

The BIA Parade of Homes is here! It features 13 homes that vary in style and price (from $450,000 Craftsmans and Colonials to $850,000 Italianate houses). An article in The Columbus Dispatch discusses the latest housing trends: master showers instead of baths, home offices, eat-in kitchen islands, granite alternatives such as marble and quartz, wall textures and surfaces, outside storage, stained and polished concrete lower-level floors, outdoor rooms, hidden garages that increase curb appeal, and built-in desks that provide computer space. The article also discloses trends of the past. Only 35% of buyers want dining rooms. First floor master suits with lounge areas are also no longer desirable. Many people consider master sitting rooms a waste of space; they also want their bedroom to be on the same level as their childrens'. Finally, having a large master suite on the first floor simply takes up space and displaces rooms that are not as appropriate on the second floor. Two-story interiors are also on the decline. People prefer family rooms with 10 or 12 foot ceilings as opposed to a "great room." This allows for another room (a second family room, loft, etc) above the great room. Check out these trends for yourself: the Parade epitomizes contemporary housing design.

Event Details

Location: Jerome Village, in southeastern Union County. Click here for directions.

Dates/Times: Saturday June 15th-Sunday June 30th
                      Monday-Saturday: noon-9pm
                      Sunday: noon-6pm

Tickets: 11$ online, 12$ at the door. Children 12 and under are free.

Parking: 2$ cash

         

A Great Escape: Lakefront Vacation Condos for Sale!

It’s hardly a secret that summer is Ohio’s most anticipated season. What makes it even better? Being able to spend day or weekend at a lake! Indian Lake is a great community on the water. People can buy waterfront condos that each come with a boat dock. Indian Lake also hosts a variety of events. Some upcoming events include Kid’s Fishing Derby, Turkeyfoot Hospice Parade and Auction, Movie on the Beach, Lakeview Car and Craft Show, Indian Lake’s Got Talent, and Beach Spectacular and Fireworks. Click here for a complete list of activities, including the place and time of each event. Indian Lake's website also details information about restaurants, boating, camping, and the community.

Still not convinced? Come to one of my open houses this Sunday from 12 to 2. I will be showing three different units, which vary in size and price. They are all in Russells Point, Ohio (in Logan County, situated on Indian Lake). Come see for yourself how sweet it would be to own a vacation condo!

To view my Indian Lake listings, click on the following links:

  241 Chase Ave, first floor Listed at $219,900. Bed/Bath: 3/2.5 

241 Chase Ave, second floor Listed at $130,000. Bed/Bath: 2/2

129 Chase Ave Listed at $109,500. Bed/Bath: 2/2

If you're interested in or have questions about the properties, contact me!