Monthly Archives: September 2015

Things To Do In Central Ohio – October, 2015

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Things To Do In Central Ohio – October, 2015 – October is here, which means it's officially fall! There is so much to do this time of year, and Central Ohio is the perfect place to celebrate the season. Check out this list of family friendly things to do in Central Ohio this October:

 

Run Like a Girl Race

When: October 3

Where: Columbus Commons

Admission: $38-$80

Gather a group of your closest girlfriends and join in on this women-only race. No matter the distance, your cost of participation includes some pretty fun swag.

 

53rd Annual Ohio Gourd Show

When: October 2 – 4

Where: Delaware County Fairgrounds

Admission: $5

Check out the Gourd Show at the  Delaware County Fairgrounds this month for some gourd arts and crafts, competitions, workshops, and even gourd music!

 

The Great Glass Pumpkin Patch Sale

When: October 2 – 4

Where: Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

Admission: Free

There will be hundreds of glass pumpkins and gourds on display and for sale. Get your favorite autumnal decorations in all sizes, shapes and colors!

 

SEE ALSO: 5 Ways To Spruce Up Your Home For Fall 

 

 

Boo at the Zoo

When: October 16 – 18

Where: Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

Admission: $8 – $15

Bring the whole family out for one of the most festive events at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. You will all enjoy the spooktacular rides and attractions.

 

Family Fun: Trick or Treat

When: October 24

Where: Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

Admission: $13

Head out to the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens for a night of family fun. Come with a decorated treat bag to collect your loot!

The above Real Estate information on who to notify when you are moving was provided by Rita Boswell, a recognized leader in her field. Rita can be reached via email at rboswell@kw.com or by phone at 614-270-4499. Rita has helped people move in and out of many Central Ohio communities.

Search for Central Ohio homes at www.SeeBeautifulHomes.com

“Thinking of selling your home? I have a passion for Real Estate and love to share my marketing expertise!”

I service Real Estate sales in the following Central Ohio towns: Dublin, Powell, Delaware, Lewis Center, Galena, Sunbury, Westerville, Worthington, Columbus, Hilliard, New Albany, Blacklick, and Gahanna.

 

 

Selling a House is a Business Decision

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Empty Nest - Bird HouseIt is likely you are making a decision to sell your house. Maybe you have decided to downsize from your empty nest, or perhaps, the house you have right now is too small, or a job/business relocation is causing you to move. Whatever your circumstance you must take into consideration a very important thing about selling your house: it is a business transaction. There is very little room for sentiment.

The Value Could Make You Upset

You can be under the impression the home is worth more than the real estate agent says it is worth. Your house may be assessed at a value you do not like.  It’s important that you do not take it personally. The value of your property might be determined by things beyond your control. The school district, location including accessibility, crime rate in the neighborhood, and the sale price of recently sold homes are going to be taken into consideration. You might think that your home is in great condition. The inspection could point out some necessary repairs and improvements. A final dilemma happens should you decline to make any needed repairs or not budge on the price. Your house may be on the market too long and you will then be forced to lower your price.

Your Home is Called “Property” to Others

You’ve made memories in your home and you have the photos to prove it. The problem is accepting that the treasured old times do not mean anything to a prospective buyer. You have to make some sensible decisions. For example, you painted your kitchen cherry red; buyers may hate the shade. The same might be true for the wallpaper. It may be frustrating because the pattern is a favorite to you. Despite everything, and for the sake of the sale you might want to consider taking down all of the wallpaper and paint the rooms woodmont cream or some other color that is fashionable.

Let Me Help You

I fully understand some of the frustrations a seller may encounter. I will listen to your concerns and then gently point out what will get the highest price for you. I will go the distance to market your property. I not only have a website, but I am well represented on social media. I do everything possible to get your house shown to as many potential buyers as possible. The negotiation over the sales price can be very emotional. I will work as a dedicated third-party on your behalf.  I work to provide the best service for those whom I am proud to call my clients.

If you are contemplating selling your Central Ohio home, please feel free to contact me. I can arrange an appointment at a time convenient for yourself and discuss with you how I will help in the sale. It is not easy to part with the old place, but there is a new house just waiting for you to walk through the door. I can help with both the selling and the buying. Please do feel free to contact me at 614-270-4499 or by email at rboswell@kw.com.

Browse prime Central Ohio real Estate at my website, www.CentralOhioHomeSold.com.

How To Relocate To A New Area Smoothly

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How To Relocate To A New Area Smoothly – Moving to a new area can be exciting, but it can also be overwhelming. Figuring out where you want to live, researching schools and neighborhoods…it can seem daunting at times. Here are some tips and resources to help you locate to a new area smoothly: 

 

Databases: An enormous amount of information can be found online these days. Do some sleuthing about your new potential neighborhoods via the following websites to get some useful dates such as crime rates, school rates, home prices, and even weather conditions.

These websites can provide a helpful framework for demographics that will be helpful in choosing the right street, let alone the right neighborhood.

 

Ask for help: Locating a local real estate agent in the areas you are interested in will be invaluable to your research. Real estate agents will not only be able to provide some overarching data and statistics about the neighborhoods, but also will provide deep-seeded local anecdotes and knowledge that will be useful. To find a local realtor in your new neighborhood check out the following websites:

These sites can provide local real estate office information for you at your convenience.

 

Localize yourself: Once you’ve got your ideal neighborhood selected, spend some time there! Drive around check out the curb appeal of the homes, note how many homes are for sale, and even track the number of empty lots. Visit some open house events to scope out home values and to get know some realtors. Don’t forget to check out the public areas as well, such as parks and school grounds. You can even stop by the local grocery store or library and talk to the people you meet there. This is the best way to get to the vibe of a city, as well as meet potential new neighbors!

 

Consider your daily routine: Before you move, envision yourself in your new neighborhood. What do you need in a daily trip around town? Is a regular stop at the library important to you? Do you need a dry cleaner, post office, and grocery within walking distance? Map out a daily routine and check the amenities against neighborhood business sites, such as a chamber of commerce or the local business association.

 

In due time, you’ll find your way. But it will definitely be worth your while to do some upfront work to ensure happiness in your new neighborhood. Moving is more than finding a new home, it’s about finding what you need for your lifestyle and contentment.  

 

 

 

Should you refinance your home even if you plan to sell?

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Should you refinance your home even if you plan to sell? – Wondering what to do in terms of your home refinancing when you plan to sell your house soon? Is it still worth refinancing?  Refinancing could still make sense in the long run.  Here are a few tips that will help aid your decision of refinancing your home.

 

Take advantage of lower interest rates

 

Investigating the process of refinancing is worth the time if it could save you money on your mortgage rates.  Who wouldn’t want to save some extra money?  The money save could be out towards a down payment on your next home (or that new car you have be eyeing).  Having a lower interest rate could lower the monthly mortgage payment and save you more money in the long run.  

 

Financial circumstances could change

 

You are planning on selling your home in the coming months but suddenly, your partner (or you) loses their income, or someone becomes ill, or your money for a new house is needed elsewhere in the family budget.  Refinancing could save you money in the meantime until you are ready for that new house.  You never know what could happen financially and taking advantage of refinancing to a lower interest rate could potentially be beneficial to the household income.

 

Facing a higher rate on your ARM loan

 

ARM interest rates adjust every so often and when the adjustment time is approaching, there is a possibility that the interest rate will increase.  Typically, it is in the best interest of the owner to refinance when they see the interest rate at a percentage they can afford before their adjustment period occurs and the interest rate ends up being higher than what they are currently paying.  It is always best to speak with a professional about ARM loans and interest rate forecasts, etc.


When the time comes to decide whether or not to refinance your home, it is always best to talk to a professional that can help you through the process.  They know the ins and outs of loans and the different types that will be the most beneficial to you.  Professionals in this area can help navigate through the loan vocabulary and help you better understand the process and if the timing is right to refinance your home loan.

Contact me today for a list of great mortgage professionals in this area.

 

 

Creative Storage Solutions For Small Spaces

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Creative Storage Solutions For Small Spaces – Tired of shoving things into places they don't belong? Sick of losing things because there's simply not enough room in your home? Problem solved! With these creative storage solutions, you can regain control over your space and achieve organization once more. 

 

Wall Strips

Some spaces you may not have deemed useful are those tiny strips of wall that are too small for artwork or pictures. We can often find these above or beside sinks in your bathroom and kitchen. Install some floating shelves in these spaces to de-clutter countertops. Then throw your toothbrush or dish soap on the shelving to provide a few more inches for your primping or cooking. Ikea offers great floating shelves of every style and length that might work for your small wall space.

 

Vertical Space

Another option for storing goods is to stop looking around you and begin looking above. Vertical space is a prime area for storage solutions you may have not considered before. Keeping dishes and appliances often used for special occasions may fit nicely on top of your kitchen cabinets. Also, installing a pot rack is always a no-brainer, storage saver. You can even mount pegs on your wall to store foldable chairs to keep on hand for extra guests in your living room or dining area.

 

Cabinets & Closets

You may already have a few storage spaces, such as under sinks or inside closets that you aren’t using to their maximum potential. Attach baskets to the back of cabinet doors to add a few extra inches of space for sponges and cleaners. Additionally, install shelves under the sink to take advantage of all the space, not just the ground space. Add a shoes rack to your closet door to open up floor space, hooks on the walls under your clothing rack for purses, totes, and briefcases, and low shelves on the floor for knick-knacks and other storage needs.

 

Smart Furniture & Creative Decor

Your bedroom can be especially frustrating place to store items due to the amount of storage it actually requires- space for clothing, shoes, jewelry and accessories, linens, etc. Buy some framed corkboard to hang on your walls, and artfully hang your jewelry to make space on your dresser for other needs. Purchase some under the bed drawers for extra blankets and pillows.  Rather than having a table nightstand, buy one with shelving to add some extra room.

 

For creative storage solutions, take a walk through your home with a new perspective on space. Seek out square footage that is not typically considered- under your couch, high on your walls, your ceilings, and take advantage of what you find. With a few pieces of hardware and a little imagination, you can transform your home into a more organized place. 

 

 

Homeowner Tip: Undoing Water Damage In Your Home

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Homeowner Tip: Undoing Water Damage In Your Home – Water damage in your home can be devastating. Not only can you lose meaningful mementos, there can also be serious damage to the foundation. Here are six tips to help you undo the water damage in your home.

 

Dry It Out

Whether you need to rent industrial-size fans, or you have a small fan that will do the job, get them going to dry out the area that has been affected by the water. Once the area is dry you can assess the damage and figure out how to move forward.

 

New Paint Job

When you've dried out the area, if there is only visible damage on the exterior of a wall, a new paint job will do the trick.

 

Wet Insulation

If you find out there is wet insulation in the interior of the wall, check it out and replace it. It could be hiding damaged areas or screws. It’s best to replace the insulation immediately, rather than find out later on that it has done too much damage.

 

Mold

With water damage comes mold, and even less-harmful kinds of mold can affect your health. Tackle mold with a solution of 1 part bleach to 8 parts water – spray on the area, wait a few minutes and wipe away.

 

Clean Hard Surfaces

Some hardwood floors can bend and buckle, so it’s best to clean them and get them as dry as possible, as fast as possible.

 

Seek Help

Water damage is not something to take lightly – you’d rather be safe than sorry. Contact a water damage restoration professional to assess the damage and inform you on how to take care of the problem before it gets worse.

 

For more tips on how to undo water damage in your home, visit here.