New Listing 20337 St Rt 347 Raymond Ohio 43067

Custom sprawling 3 bedroom 2 1/2 bath ranch on 2.14 acres! Well thought out floor plan includes huge kitchen with oak cabinetry, tons of counter space, pull out drawers, breakfast bar peninsula, 3 lazy susans, recessed lighting and sliding glass door to huge patio! All appliances to remain with home! Open great room and multi-purpose den/media room highlighted with french doors. Master suite with bay window, walk in closet, double sink vanity, linen closet and access to patio. Spacious first floor laundry room with utility sink. Full poured wall basement could double the square footage and features 2 partially finished rooms. Anderson windows & doors plus solid wood trim throughout. 2 car attached garage plus 3 car heated outbuilding with 220 electric. Scenic view and a stocked pond with dock. Marysville Schools!

This home qualifies for Real Living's Peace of Mind Mortgage Protection program - plus first-time buyers are entitled to an $8,000 refundable tax credit. Contact us to learn more!

Click here to see the brochure or if we can answer any questions about this home or any other property located in central Ohio please contact us

Dana M. Garrett - 937-645-6545 - Dana.Garrett@RealLiving.com
Nanie Ingram – 937-645-6542 – Nanie.Ingram@RealLiving.com

May Home Sales Statistics Released: Central Ohio Average sales price jumps nearly 13 percent

The Columbus Board of Realtors reported today that average sales price jumps nearly 13 percent Central Ohio’s May average also increases slightly year-to-date

Home sales increased for the fourth straight month as central Ohio's average sales price climbed to its highest amount this year, and increased slightly over May 2008, a sign that competitively-priced homes are keeping our market healthy, the Columbus Board of REALTORS® said today.
The average sales price inched up over May 2008 to $168,576, but jumped 12.9percent compared to April.

Homes on average sold for $231 more than during May 2008, indicating thatcompetition among consumers, particularly first-time buyers using the $8,000 tax credit, is continuing to drive the markets' recovery.

"Sellers who are pricing their homes competitively are reaping the benefits of buyers who are equipped with the tools and incentives to leave the fence like never before," said Gary Parsons, president of the Columbus Board of REALTORS®.

"The spring has been busy in central Ohio, and with only 160 days left to take advantage of the tax credit, we expect the summer to be even busier," Parsons said."Lower-priced homes and foreclosed properties continue to be active in our market, attracting many first-time buyers with unbeatable deals."

Inventory levels continue their dramatic drop compared to last year as the local market remains balanced. There were 14,849 homes for sale in central Ohio last month, down 17.1 percent from a year ago.

New listings were also down 24.6 percent in May compared to last year.

"The basic economic principles of supply and demand influence home prices, sothe factthat prices are increasing, not only month to month, but year over year, is a very positive indication in the strength of our market and the level of demand," Parsons said.

"As those properties are sold and fewer homes are added to the market, central Ohio will continue to remain a fairly balanced housing market."

A total of 1,809 homes sold in May, marking the highest number of homes sold in a single month since September, but still down 12.4 percent compared to May 2008.

There were more than 1,400 homes in contract in May, an indication of future sales and an increase of nearly 5 percent over April.

Here is the link to view the full write up: http://www.columbusrealtors.com/16640.cfm

The real estate market is picking up! We feel it everyday with the number of showings we are going on and calls we are getting from buyers! Now is a perfect time for buyers to get a home before prices start to rise! If you are a first time home buyer and want to take advantage of the $8000 tax credit. You need to be closed on a home before December 1, 2009 so now is the time to start looking! Also if you are still unsure if now is the best time for you to buy a home - don't forget about Real Livings Peace of Mind Insurance plan. All you have to do is use Real Living mortgage (which has great rates!) and if you lose your job during the first year you own your home - your payments (up to $1500) will be made up to 6 months. Just give us a call for more details and additional terms and conditions!

Dana M. Garrett - 937-645-6545 - Dana.Garrett@RealLiving.com
Nanie Ingram – 937-645-6542 – Nanie.Ingram@RealLiving.com

Marysville Library July 2009 Calendar of Events

Please click to enlarge

PRICE REDUCED 21880 Darby Pottersburg Rd Marysville Ohio 43040

PRICE REDUCED to $214,900 on this classic 2 story home is situated on 5.09 acres in Marysville School District. The covered front porch overlooks the front acreage that offers a pond. Enjoy the space in the large formal living room. This home offers many amenities which includes the Kitchen that offers oak cabinetry, desk area and eat space area. 1st floor large laundry room with shelving. Roomy 3 bedrooms which includes the master suite with tub, shower and nice sized walk in closet. Finished basement offers the family room & workout room and a capped crawl space. Potting Shed plus plenty of room for an outbuilding! Easy access to St Rt 33 and downtown Marysville! Immediate Possession!!!

This home qualifies for Real Living's Peace of Mind Mortgage Protection program - plus first-time buyers are entitled to an $8,000 refundable tax credit. Contact us to learn more!

Click here to see the brochure or if we can answer any questions about this home or any other property located in central Ohio please contact us

Call 937-645-6542 for more information on this home!

New Listing 8637 Canyon Cove Rd Galloway Ohio 43119

Spacious home on very large lot! Well maintained and cute as can be 3 bedroom and 1 1/2 bath two story. Living room plus sunken vaulted family room highlighted by new french doors and pellet stove (that can heat the entire house). Tons of cabinets and new counter top space in the kitchen with open dinette. Bedrooms feature hardwood floors. Newer windows throughout. Spacious basement with ample storage. 2 car attached garage. Fenced in yard with beautiful landscaping, patio and storage shed. Great location and very affordable!

This home qualifies for Real Living's Peace of Mind Mortgage Protection program - plus first-time buyers are entitled to an $8,000 refundable tax credit. Contact us to learn more!

Click here to see the brochure or if we can answer any questions about this home or any other property located in central Ohio please contact us
Dana M. Garrett - 937-645-6545 - Dana.Garrett@RealLiving.com

Nanie Ingram – 937-645-6542 – Nanie.Ingram@RealLiving.com

New Listing 15375 Hagenderfer Rd Plain City Ohio 43064

New construction - ready to move in 4 bedroom 2 ½ bath home on 1.52 wooded acres! Amazing floor plan includes first floor master suite, family room with fireplace, home office or den, formal dining room with hardwood floors, spacious kitchen with dinette and breakfast bar, first floor laundry, 3 large guest rooms plus loft! Neutral decor! Open basement ready to be finished including a capped crawl space for storage. 3 car finished garage. Covered front porch and fresh landscaping!

This home qualifies for Real Living's Peace of Mind Mortgage Protection program - plus first-time buyers are entitled to an $8,000 refundable tax credit. Contact us to learn more!

Click here to see the brochure or if we can answer any questions about this home or any other property located in central Ohio please contact us

Dana M. Garrett - 937-645-6545 - Dana.Garrett@RealLiving.com
Nanie Ingram – 937-645-6542 – Nanie.Ingram@RealLiving.com

New Listing at 140 Elwood Ave Marysville Ohio 43040

Updated 2 story turn of the century home offering 3 large bedrooms and 2 full baths. Many very nice updates including new kitchen with oak cabinets, island and white appliances. Lots of original characters too such as beautiful woodwork, pocket doors, hardwood floors. All bedrooms have nice sized closets. Newer windows and roof. Central Air. 1880 sq ft plus a 3rd floor unfinished walk up attic space. Vinyl Siding and large front porch. Nice yard and 2 car attached garage.

Subject to short sale. Property is being sold as is.

This home qualifies for Real Living's Peace of Mind Mortgage Protection program - plus first-time buyers are entitled to an $8,000 refundable tax credit. Contact us to learn more!

Click here to see the brochure or if we can answer any questions about this home or any other property located in central Ohio please contact us
Dana M. Garrett - 937-645-6545 - Dana.Garrett@RealLiving.com

Nanie Ingram – 937-645-6542 – Nanie.Ingram@RealLiving.com

How to Prepare your Home before Vacation

Summer vacations can be the perfect time to kick back and relax. And you don’t want you have to worry about the safety of your home while you’re away. To ensure that your home is well protected and cared for, pre-vacation prep is a must.

Nobody likes returning home from a relaxing vacation to find, dead plants, over-stuffed mail boxes or even worse, burglary. Here are some things that can help ensure your peace of mind when you’re away on vacation.

Security is top priority
Security is probably the first issue people think about when going on vacation. Purchasing light timers is a cheap, fast and easy way to create a home security system. Be sure the timing is staggered so that your lights don’t come on at the same time each day. If you do have a home security system, it may still be necessary to use light timers. Also, alert your security company of your absence. If you are leaving cars behind while vacationing, park them in the driveway to give the illusion that somebody is home. And of course tell your neighbors. They will keep an extra watchful eye on your home while you’re away.

Maintaining Your Property
A yard will stay well maintained for about seven days before it begins to look overgrown. If you’re on vacation longer than that, make sure you hire someone to care for your lawn, flower and vegetable garden—even if it’s just the neighbor boy looking to make some extra summer money.

Managing the mail and newspapers is also important. If you’re going away for an extended amount of time, you may want to request that the post office halt the delivery of your mail altogether. Otherwise, have a friend or trusted neighbor pick up your mail and newspapers.

Vital Odds and Ends
Make it a point to turn off the stove and unplug the dishwasher, coffee pot and other small appliances before you leave. Also, make sure to unplug larger appliances like your television and computer so that a potential storm doesn’t cause your electronics to power surge and start a fire. If you have pets at home, make sure you have secured a spot at the vet for them or friend who is willing to play with them and let them out daily. And of course, close and lock all windows.

Looking for a New Build?

The thought of building a home that you can customize to highlight your personality is exciting, but it can also be intimidating to start from the ground up.

Visualizing Your New Home
Keep your thoughts organized by writing them down and keeping them in a “new home” binder. First, write down the features that you need in your house (example: 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms), then the things you want (example: granite countertops, wood floors, etc.).

When it comes to a floor plan, make sure it fits your specifications. Check local building codes, which may require you to include certain features. Some developments allow you to pick from a few plans which your builder can provide, while others allow for more customization.

For a custom floor plan, look through magazines, books, and online to find a plan that you like. If you want something significantly modified, you will need to hire an architect. Find examples in magazines of features and designs that you like, as well as paint, flooring, and other samples.

Having all of these things in your new home binder will help you organize your ideas and make the building process much smoother.

Choosing a Builder
Choosing the right builder is vital to a good construction experience. Start by getting recommendations from friends, real estate agents, and contact the local builder’s association for a list of builders in the area.

Research different builders to find out which types of homes they specialize in, and their corresponding price ranges. Set up appointments with a few builders. Check with past clients. Ask if they were satisfied, and whether they would build with that company again. Drive by homes the builder has completed, as well as some current construction sites. Look for quality—not just whether or not you like the design.

Finally, make sure you feel comfortable with your builder, and that you can communicate effectively. They need to understand your vision, and you must understand how and when things will be completed. It is imperative to establish a working relationship that is both beneficial to you and the builder. Most importantly, consult a real estate agent for advice, and to handle all negotiations.

For more information on new construction, contact us
Dana M. Garrett - 937-645-6545 - Dana.Garrett@RealLiving.com
Nanie Ingram – 937-645-6542 – Nanie.Ingram@RealLiving.com
or check out RealLiving.com’s New Construction portal.

A great time to buy a home - just got better!

It’s a Great Time to Buy….and now it just got better. Real Living HER released news that we are rolling out our newest differentiator….the Peace of Mind Program.

As you can see from the attached, the Peace of Mind program was built with our agents and clients in mind. We all(consumers and agents alike) know it’s a great time to buy(Great Interest Rates, Great Inventory, Great Pricing, and a federal tax credit of $8,000). Having said that, some consumers lack the confidence they need to pull the trigger….so we are eliminating their job loss fears by offering unemployment insurance….or otherwise referred to as a Mortgage Payment Protection Plan. The news is spreading fast…..Dispactch, Channel 10, Business First, This Week, Suburban News, etc!

One-Year Coverage

When you are represented by a Real Living HER agent during the purchase of your next home, and finance through Real Living Mortgage, Real Living will provide you with one year of insurance benefits that cover a monthly mortgage payment of up to $1,500 for up to six months if you become involuntarily unemployed during the first year you are in your new home. Many buyers who purchased a home in recent years have interest rates that exceed current rates that are available. So, additionally, if you refinance through Real Living Mortgage we’ll also provide coverage for one year.

Two-Year Coverage

If you purchase a Real Living HER listing, and finance through Real Living Mortgage, we’ll extend your Peace of Mind benefits for another year (two years altogether) so you can take advantage of the up to $1,500 each month for upto six months of coverage. This means that you have coverage for up to six months of mortgage payments if you become involuntarily unemployed at any point during the two-year period.

Call us today for complete details or to begin your home search.

Dana M. Garrett - 937-645-6545 - Dana.Garrett@RealLiving.com
Nanie Ingram – 937-645-6542 – Nanie.Ingram@RealLiving.com

June 2009 Newsletter

Welcome to the Real Living e-newsletter!June 2009

Home Buying Assurance through Real Living Insurance
Your heart is set on a new home, but you're concerned about the economic realities we face on a day-to-day basis. Well rest assured, Real Living is providing consumers with a great insurance incentive that protects you and your mortgage payment from the financial burdens of involuntary unemployment. Click for more...

Creating a Backyard Getaway
Looking for a nice place to relax, but vacationing isn't an option? Try looking no further than your own backyard. It's understandable that you'll want the space to be comfortable and inviting, so consider these ideas for creating the perfect backyard oasis. And remember, the best blueprint is one that fits your lifestyle. Click for more...

Eco-Friendly Summer Living
Summer is upon us! It's time to slap on some suntan lotion, grab a tall glass of lemonade and catch up on some much needed rest and relaxation. Read on to discover some eco-friendly ways to enjoy your summer. Click for more...

The Benefits of Purchasing a Historic Home
If you have a penchant for the past, then purchasing a historic home may be the perfect investment for you. Click for more...

For more information about real estate in Central Ohio please contact us
Dana M. Garrett - 937-645-6545 - Dana.Garrett@RealLiving.com
Nanie Ingram – 937-645-6542 – Nanie.Ingram@RealLiving.com