Making a Small Kitchen Work for You

With more people "going green" and in a still somewhat uncertain economy, also looking to save green, more home buyers are looking for less space. Here's a great video on how to maximize the space in the (arguably) best resalable feature of most homes:


And just in case the video gives you any issues loading, here's a link as well :)

REALTOR, real estate agent, and ethics...oh my!

I had a friend from New York e-mail me recently. She's selling her house and has been going through some major trials with her agent. The things her agent was doing (mostly lack of disclosure and not working in the best interest of the client) bothered me quite a bit. Probably because I get really tired of slackers giving the industry a bad rep.

First of all, there is a difference between Real estate agent and REALTOR (yes, it's supposed to be in all caps). REALTORS must adhere to the National Association of REALTORS code of ethics...real estate agents aren't required to.

That said, if you're working with a REALTOR who you think isn't treating you right, call them out on it. If they won't make it right, talk to their manager or broker. There's always the option of filing a complaint through your states "division of real estate" too. I don't mean turning agents in for a simple lack of "google-able" knowledge or honest mistake but if your agent is doing something outright unethical (or criminal), make them accountable for those actions. After all, it's one of the biggest purchases of your lifetime and it shouldn't be tainted. Or just fire your agent and call on me to help (even if you're not in Columbus and I can't work with you personally). Since I'm in the business, network with other agents, and am a solid agent myself, I know what to look for in others...and will do it because not only do I want you to have a good experience but I'm also compensated for the referral.

What to do...what to do?

First off, Today is National donut day...buy a drink, get a free donut at Dunkin Donut. Or forego buying the drink and just head to Krispy Kreme for the donut. I also ran across a special on those funky shaped rubber bands everyone is talking about...120 for $10 (today only).

Anywho, the reason for this blog. If you're thinking about moving to Columbus or already live here and haven't an idea of what to do this weekend, read on:

If you don't already know, there's a TON to do in Columbus...especially in the Summer! What you ask? Well, for instance this weekend, you could checkout the Memorial Golf Tournament or if gardening's more your thing, the Ohio farm bureau is teaching a class at the Franklin Park Conservatory called Growing your own food and going Green on Saturday. The Greater Columbus Arts Festival also beckons you. And you sports fans can head down to Crew stadium for the Rugby Collegiate Championship Invitational.

Next weekend is Columbus' City Hop. You can checkout either the tour of condo's on Saturday or go all out and enjoy the progressive dinner party or rooftop after party to really get an idea of what downtown condo living is like. If you're into doing a 5K walk, Easton's hosting the American Lung walk next Saturday too.

Stats Unaltered

People are always asking me "What's the market like right now?" So I thought, why not lookup some raw data from the MLS and share it with the people who do business with me. Because, if you're like me at all, you don't necessarily trust everything that comes out of media and/or advertising.

If this makes sense, no need to read the lingo: Homes for sale, being sold, and sold...broken down by price range...with pretty charts. What more could you ask for?

The Lingo:

Active listings = Homes that are currently "on the market (aka. "For Sale").

Contingent = Homes that are "in contract, under contract, or contingent. Meaning, the home was for sale and is now in contract and set to close (sell) as long as the contingencies in the contract don't blow the deal (inspection, appraisal, financing, etc).

Sold = Homes that have sold during the past 6 months.

Total Active Listings = 15,419

Total Homes In Contract = 4173

Total Sold (Past 6 Months) = 9725