Tag Archives: Tips

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.

 

 

Best Dessert Places in Columbus, OH

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Best Dessert Places in Columbus, OH

There are new restaurants popping up in the Columbus area every day, but where do you go if you just want what comes after the meal? There are a number of great dessert places in the area, and whether you’re in the mood for cake and cookies, or ice cream, you’ll have no trouble finding what you’re looking for. Here are five of the best dessert places in Columbus, Ohio.

Pistacia Vera

Brunch may be served daily, but it’s the delicious treats that make people want to come back for more. The macarons are the best in the area and if you’ve never tried one before, the time is now. You’ll never want a different treat once you try some of the goodies on this menu.

Pattycake Bakery

This one is calling to all of the vegans in the area. Not vegan? Not a problem. You won’t regret going to Pattycake Bakery the next time you’d like to indulge.

Mozart’s

This little Austrian bakery and piano cafe is perfect for a casual dessert date with friends or your significant other. With outdoor seating, it’s the perfect place to spend a weeknight. Mozart’s is home to decadent pastries, in addition to some of the best entrees you’ll taste in the area – it’s not just a place for dessert.

Sugardaddy’s

Sugardaddy’s in Polaris will satisfy any sweet tooth you may think you have. The brownies are to die for, along with the plethora of decadent desserts. if you need a gift basket for your next special occasion, spoil your loved one with amazing desserts from Sugardaddy’s.

Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream

No Columbus dessert list would be complete without Jeni’s. With ten different locations throughout the Columbus areas, you can always find a Jeni’s nearby. These unique ice cream flavors will satisfy your sweet tooth and leave you wanting to try every other flavor on the menu.

For more information on some of the best dessert places in the area, visit here.

Outdoor Spring Decor Tips For Your Home

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Outdoor Spring Decor Tips For Your Home – The springtime is arguably the best time of the year. It’s beautiful, bright and full of so many different colors. Take full advantage of the season and make your home look it’s very best. Here are five great outdoor spring decor tips for your home.

 

Go Bold

If you’re redecorating your outdoor furniture, consider going bold with vibrant colors. New seat cushions or outdoor throw pillows will help enhance the beautiful colors of spring, not to mention a fresh new vibe could make the space more inviting.

 

Make the Most of Small Space

If you have a small backyard or back patio, make the most of the space by adding a small table and some chairs. It’s more important to be able to socialize in a small space, than just stare at a small space – and who doesn’t want to be outdoors in the springtime?

 

Plant Fragrant Flowers

One of the best parts about spring is the different smells. Fragrant flowers and plants will take your senses to a whole new level and will make guests feel even more welcome in your festive, fragrant home.

 

Install Lighting

Whether you’re installing lights, lanterns or candles, light your outdoor space up with an additional light source. This will allow you to keep your outdoor activities going well into the night.

 

Add a Rug

Like an indoor space, a rug enhances the space and ties all of the colors together. Consider getting an outdoor rug on your back porch to do just that.

 

Decorating your outdoor space can be just as fun, if not more, than decorating your indoor space. To learn more about outdoor spring decor tips for your home, visit here.

Highligh: A Treehouse in Columbus

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Highlight: A Treehouse in Columbus

What do you do when you find the perfect house lined with old shade trees? Build a treehouse!

That’s exactly what Mike and Jamie O’Leary did when they found their home in Clintonville, Ohio. All they needed was the right sized yard, an old tree that was big enough, and they were able to accomplish their dream.

It’s not just for kids, either! “I do yoga up there occasionally,” says Jamie.

Before this, they were living in Italian Village in a small industrial loft, so they really wanted to find something more “family friendly.” Although they loved living in Italian Village, they needed something more practical for kids.

The O’Leary’s wanted a place that kept them near certain things, such as parks, farmers’ markets, and libraries.

After a year of looking, they finally made a decision on the Clintonville house.  They adorned their home with pieces from Grandview Mercantile, IKEA, Clintonville online Facebook groups, Etsy, and Wholly Craft.

After moving around from Philadelphia, to D.C. and New York, they settled on Columbus to be closer to both of their families and found an amazing food and beer scene in central Ohio.

Mike aims to soundproof the garage for space to practice with his band, We Are The Movies, make the porch an art room for his daughter, finish the attics, clean up the yard with some landscaping, and making some improvements to the basement.

The O’Leary’s are very happy with their decision in Clintonville, as it is very kid-friendly and Clintonville did just top Columbus Underground’s reader poll as the Best Neighborhood of 2014. Let’s see if it can keep it’s title in 2015!

Do you spend any time in Clintonville, Ohio? Let us know in the comments below!

How to Calculate Mortgage Payments

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How to Calculate Mortgage Payments

It is important to calculate your mortgage payments to understand exactly what you owe and how your loan is being paid down. The easiest and least time consuming is to use a Mortgage Calculator. Ask your Realtor if they have one available or check out the option below.

You can use the mortgage calculator to help determine how much you can afford and to even see the the effects of adding extra payments and how it will effect the payoff date! This is a convenient tool to help you pay off your loans.

Just click on the link here and enter in your mortgage amount, the term or length of your loan, the interest rate, and the date your mortgage starts.

The calculator then shows you what your monthly payments would be.

To determine what it would look like to add extra payments a month, a year, or even as a one time extra payment you can add them in the next section.

By calculating the one time payments on top of your regular calculated monthly payment you will be able to see how your pay-off date can change.

Check out the mortgage calculator to find out what you can afford and to help you determine if making extra payments can change your payoff date!

Things to do in Central Ohio This March

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Things to do in Central Ohio This March – There are a plethora of things going on in central Ohio this month. Whether you’re looking for an activity for the whole family, or you just want to spend a night out with friends, you will have plenty of options. Here are five things going on near you this month.

1. Jig Thursdays

When: March 6

Admission: Free to attend

On the first Thursday of the month make your way out to Historic Dublin for Jig Thursdays. There will be a plethora of music, arts, casual shopping and upscale dining throughout the area.

2. 2015 Dublin Ohio St. Patrick’s Celebration

When: March 14

Admission: Free to attend

It’s time for the greenest day of the year in one of the most festive cities in Ohio – Dublin! Make your way out to Historic Dublin with the whole family for the annual celebration of St. Patrick’s Day.

3. Westerville Symphony Orchestra Masterworks II

When: March 15

Admission: $20 – $25

For a unique date night out, grab your significant other and head out to Cowan Hall at Otterbein College Theatre. You will have the opportunity to hear the beautiful sounds of Copland, Milhaud, Ibert and Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue featuring guest pianist Richard Lopez and Peter Stafford Wilson.

4. Mac Worthington: Urban Sprawls

When: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays this month

Admission: Free

Make your way out to the Dublin Arts Center for what is sure to be a beautiful exhibition. Columbus-based artist Mac Worthington exhibition will feature a series of abstract and expressionistic cityscape paintings.

5. The Street Players

When: Fridays this month

Admission: Free to attend

Gather some friends and make your way out to LaScala for live music, dancing and what is sure to be a great night of fun. There will be first-come, first-served seating available in the Martini Lounge, with all-night Happy Hour specials for all.

 

For more information on all of the great events and activities available to you in Central Ohio, visit here.

Tips for Spring Buying

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Tips for Spring Buying – Warmer weather means the return of more than just the sun and the flowers-it’s also the high season for the real estate market. It’s a great season to buy a home, since the weather is good for moving and for home improvement projects. However, since spring is the busiest time to purchase a new home that means that there is a great deal of competition among prospective home buyers. It’s important to be prepared for purchase before you begin your search for a new home. Below are a few tips to get ready for the buying process. Happy buying!

  • Set your budget. Your first step should be to decide how much you can afford to spend on a new home. Besides your asking price, also take closing costs, montly mortgage payments, a down payment, moving and other expenses into consideration. The Mortgage Bankers Association recommends that buyers spend no more than 2.5 times their income on a home. Total housing payments should not exceed 28 percent of your gross income, and total debt payments should be less than 36 percent.
  • Make a list of must-haves. What does your new home absolutely need to have? What features are negotiable and what are not? Research these now to save time when you’re searching.
  • Find a good real estate agent. A real estate agent can often give you valuable information that may not be available to you otherwise and help you find a home with all of your requirements within your budget. Ask friends and family for recommendations, or check online.
  • Get your mortgage pre-approved. Discuss your options for a mortgage with several lenders and choose the rate and terms that are right for you. This way you’ll be able to act quickly once you find a home that you love.

Keep these tips and mind and when spring hits you’ll be ready to find your new home!

Tax Write-Off’s: 101

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Tax Write-Off’s: 101- It’s that time of year again – tax season. It might not be a particularly enjoyable time; however, if you’re a homeowner, then there is a slew of tax write-offs that might be in the cards for you. Here are 6 tax write-offs that you might not be aware of, but should definitely take advantage of.

 

Mortgage Interest

Your largest tax break could come in the form of your home, due to the fact that a majority of the check goes toward interest – and that interest is deductible. Whether it’s your home’s first mortgage, or you refinanced, generally, equity debts of $100,000 or less are fully deductible.

 

Property Taxes

A large part of your monthly loan payment is likely going toward taxes. Luckily for you, the taxes will be an annual deduction as long as you own your home.

 

Selling Your Home

If and when you choose to sell your home, you will be able to avoid some of the taxes that come with the profit you’d be making. As long as the you owned the property for two years and lived in it for two of the five years before the sale, some portion of the profit will be tax free.

 

Loss Due to Weather

If you live in a place where there are some harsh winter storms, you may qualify for a casualty loss write-off. If you have to pay out of pocket for damage from a weather disaster, you may be able to write it off. This does not include anything that was covered by your insurance. However, the main thing you can do here is keep a documentation of everything you have and make sure you can prove the value of whatever was damaged.

 

Moving Expenses

If you have moved into a new home for the purpose of taking a new job, you may be eligible for a tax write-off. If the job is more than 50 miles away from your old home, you may be able to deduct lodging expenses for you and your family, as well as moving expenses to move your belongings.

 

Being a homeowner is expensive, but also incredibly beneficial. Being prepared for tax season and knowing the deductions available to you will save you more money in the long run. For more information on tax write-offs for homeowners, visit here.

Things to do in Central Ohio – February

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Things to do in Central Ohio This February – February might be the shortest month of the year, but there is definitely no shortage of things to do in the area. From family-friendly activities to adults-only nights out, Central Ohio has it all. Here are five things going on near you this month.

1. emerging: An Annual Exhibition of Student Art

When: February 3 – 13

Admission: Free

Bring the whole family out to the Dublin Art Center to celebrate the artistic abilities of local students in grades kindergarten through 12th grade, who participate in summer ARTcamps. It will be a great celebration of students and community.

2. Paradise Island

When: Fridays this month

Admission: Free to attend

Leave the kids at home and gather a group of friends for a fun Friday night out on the town. Paradise Island will be on from 9 – midnight and there will be happy hour specials all night long.

3. McConnell Arts Center Chamber Orchestra

When: February 8

Admission: $12 – $25

For a beautiful Sunday afternoon experience, make your way out to the Peggy R. McConnell Arts Center of Worthington. You will have the opportunity to hear classical pieces in the intimate setting of our Bronwynn Theatre.

4. I’ll Eat You Last

When: February 12-22

Admission: $25 – $30

Gather a group of friends and head out to The Garden Theater for a conversation with Sue Mengers. In the height of her reign, Mengers made her career simply by uttering an invitation to one of her memorable dinner parties, which she will share with the intimate audience.

5. Eddie Pollina Band

When: Fridays this month

Admission: Free to attend

The Eddie Pollina Band is coming to Dublin, so bring your significant other for a fun and thrilling date night out on the town. The band will be playing all night long with happy hour prices on drinks in the lounge.

For more information on all of the great events and activities available to you in Central Ohio, visit here.