We are busily clearing out our 2009 files, getting our HUD statements out to those who bought this year, and just thinking how 2009 was a big year of changes, but we also helped some really good people along the way. Short sales were bigger than we had ever anticipated in our marketplace. We have become really good at holding on the phone and waiting for the counselors to answer their phones and help us through the sea of paperwork that comes along with this. Each one is vastly different from the other. But, overall, we have learned some very good steps in helping get them through with the least amount of headaches for all involved.
Some of the things that I am personally grateful for are my team members and the friendships I have with them. Angela came on the team with a background in sales management and has become an integral part of the team. I don't know how we ever got everything done without her. Certainly, we did, but not with nearly as much attention to details. Our team is like an extended family, and I have a renewed faith that we are here for one another through the good times as well as the slower times. We are blessed for having each other in our lives.
My favorite quote of the year came from one of our clients. He is a 90 year old gentleman who lives in a modest ranch across from a sprawling 12,000 sq ft new home. I asked how he felt about living across the street from this and he replied "I feel genuinely sorry for him". I didn't expect this, and asked him why. He said; "because he will never know what it is like to mow his own grass in the hot sun, come in, and pop open a beer and know just how good it tastes". That pretty much sums it up, doesn't it? It's the little things, not the big things that matter most. Hope you have a wonderful New Year. Stay safe, and enjoy your families! Take care, Susan
Above is a video of my daughter enjoying the little things in life! (Wiping out her big brother with her sled!)
A place where you can get up to the minute info regarding homes for sale in Hilliard, Dublin, Upper Arlington, and Columbus.If you think you are going to relocate to Columbus, we can help you! We are affiliated with the most advanced brokerage in Columbus! Coldwell Banker is our new "home". We have the edge on when it comes time to sell your home in Hilliard, Dublin, Worthington, and Upper Arlington. Call: 614-850-4663 or text us at 614-572-5775
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Hope You Have the Glow of the Season With You!
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Why Not Buy When Homes Are "On Sale"?
Why it is a savvy idea to purchase in Dec/January versus the spring and summer markets. You can see that you would buy a home for approximately $10-20 per sq ft less in the winter months. Think about it! Less money for movers, homes and more than likely closing costs if you are shopping. If you can handle the cold, then step into the hottest time to buy. If you are interested in other zip codes, just let us know. These are for zip code 43026 and the city of Dublin. Other areas vary but are similar.
Hilliard, Ohio
Dublin, Ohio
Hope you are having a great week! Take care, Susan
Hilliard, Ohio
Dublin, Ohio
Hope you are having a great week! Take care, Susan
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Way to go Hilliard Wildcats!
CHAMPIONS AGAIN! WE ARE ALL SO VERY PROUD OF YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND HARD WORK! WHAT AN ACCOMPLISHMENT FOR THESE YOUNG MEN. YOU HAVE LEARNED SUCH A BIG LESSON AND WE HOME YOUR LIVES JUST KEEP GETTING BETTER!
Friday, December 4, 2009
Should You List in December or January?
If you are considering placing your home on the market, our strategy has always been to be just a smidge ahead of the curve when everyone else will place their homes on the market. We are going to go out on a limb from the phone inquiries we have been having, and say December! The inventory of homes is so much lower than it has been in 2-3 years, making buyers react more quickly than in the immediate past. If you have been reading about the tax credits ($6,500 & $8,000) which will end for everyone on April 30, 2010 then you must realize that our spring market will be quickly upon us.
If the homes are staying on the market for 90-120 days on average, then you need be ON the market in January to have a chance of getting into contract by that date. They just need to be in contract, not closed. We would be happy to provide you with a complimentary market analysis if you have been toying with the idea.
We have posted on the tax credits earlier, but will continue to update as we hear new information!
Take care, Susan
If the homes are staying on the market for 90-120 days on average, then you need be ON the market in January to have a chance of getting into contract by that date. They just need to be in contract, not closed. We would be happy to provide you with a complimentary market analysis if you have been toying with the idea.
We have posted on the tax credits earlier, but will continue to update as we hear new information!
Take care, Susan
Monday, November 30, 2009
Monday, November 23, 2009
Home Sales Are Up for 2009 over 2007!
Here is some brighter times news from CNN Money
Love good news when it helps people get on with their lives whether it is downsizing, moving for a job change or buying their dream home!
Take care, Susan
Love good news when it helps people get on with their lives whether it is downsizing, moving for a job change or buying their dream home!
Take care, Susan
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Just a Nice Post About Our Trip to the Post Office!

OK, so the post office usually makes me think about all the red tape and hurdles that makes me think: is it all worth it? Well, Angela got everything ready today for our big calendar mailing and we make the trek across town to the Post office near the airport.
That is where we met Gina and Joan!
They were the nicest and friendliest post office employees we have met. Seriously, when you are bundling up hundreds of calendars according to zip codes and placing green 3's or red fives on the front of the envelopes, it takes a little bit of help! OK, a LOT of help. They helped us with the proper paperwork, filling the forms out for the bags & stickers for the front of our envelopes. They even helped us get a form to help with the labels being placed in the wrong place on our envelopes. Who knew?
But, wait, it gets better! They fed us pizza, pop and topped it off with a cookie! They were celebrating 6 months of collecting quarters from fellow employees, clients and anyone who might be heard uttering a 4 letter word. The collected $300! Yes, you heard it right, $300. They first gave $150 to help 3 Franklin County Childrens Services kids, and donated to one other cause. Then, they bought pizza, pop and cookies to help make a brighter day for everyone!
Thank you all for the kindness of spirit you showed today! We could all learn a bit from the hard work and help that Gina and Joan showed us today.
Take care, Susan
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Video of Real Living / GMAC merger information!
It is worth taking a peek!
Here is a video that relays the entire story of why and how the merger came to be with Real Living leading the way again! Welcome to the family, GMAC agents!
Take care, Susan
Here is a video that relays the entire story of why and how the merger came to be with Real Living leading the way again! Welcome to the family, GMAC agents!
Take care, Susan
ReBranding GMAC to Real Living
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
REAL LIVING, THE NATION’S FIRST CONSUMER LIFESTYLE REAL ESTATE
BRAND, IS ABOUT TO GET BIGGER – MUCH BIGGER
GMAC Real Estate to be Re-Branded ‘Real Living’ as Brookfield Continues Expansion and Ongoing Commitment to the Industry by Acquiring Real Living Network Services
Oak Brook, Ill. and Columbus, Ohio (November 11, 2009) – Real Living Network Services, a subsidiary of Real Living, Inc. (http://www.realliving.com), the real estate industry’s first consumer lifestyle brand franchisor, and GMAC Real Estate (http://www.gmacrealestate.com) today announced they are merging to become one of America’s leading residential real estate franchises with more than $20 billion in annual home sales.
Locally, Real Living HER (central Ohio market) and Real Living Realty Services (Dayton, Cincinnati andLouisville) will continue to be independently owned and operated franchisees. Chris Derrow, who was executive vice president of Real Living will become president of the holding company that has ownership interests in Real Living HER and Real Living Realty Services as well as Real Living Title,
Real Living Mortgage and Real Living HomeGard (warranty). Clyde Corle, president of Real Living Realty Services and Pat Law will continue their leadership of Realty Services. RLHER and RLRS will remain, as they are today, franchisees of the new Real Living real estate franchisors. “I eagerly anticipate working with an expanded network of real estate professionals, enhanced technology platforms, and a thriving relocation program,” said Chris Derrow. “This merger for Real Living Network Services will further strengthen our award-winning franchises—providing new
opportunities for our real estate agents and an enhanced consumer experience.”
The move was set in motion late last year when Brookfield Residential Property Services (Brookfield RPS), a division of Brookfield Asset Management Inc. (Brookfield), acquired GMAC Real Estate. Earlier
this month, Brookfield RPS acquired Real Living Network Services, a subsidiary of Real Living Inc., and as a result will now rebrand GMAC Real Estate as Real Living.
Columbus, Ohio-based Real Living is a national award-winning brand known for its innovation, customer service and track record of attracting results-driven brokers and sales professionals, along with a culture of partnership and collaboration within its network. “In Real Living, we found the ideal partner and brand for what we are hoping to accomplish with our real estate operations, which we are committed to building even further,” said Graham Badun, Managing Partner & CEO of Brookfield Residential Property Services. “We explored a number of options, including creating an entirely new brand from the ground up, but our customer feedback and
research kept leading us back to Real Living. Both companies share many of the same core values and combined will be part of a bigger, stronger network of brokers and sales professionals.” Badun added, “We are thrilled to have Real Living as our flagship U.S. real estate brand, and welcome Real Living’s 2,000 brokers and sales associates into Brookfield RPS’ North American real estate network of almost 30,000 real estate professionals. We look forward to further expanding the size of our network by adding new franchisees that are truly looking for something fresh and different, and we are excited about the opportunity to take the brand to new markets internationally. Adopting andexpanding an already established and respected brand will benefit the entire GMAC Real Estate network of brokers and sales professionals from day one,” he said.Badun also announced the appointment of Real Living’s Harley E. Rouda, Jr., a longtime real estate industry broker, owner, operator and franchisor, as President of the newly combined operations.
Real Living was founded in 2002 and the company has grown to become one of the nation’s premier real estate companies and brands. Its technology platform has been recognized by Inman News as one of the best in the industry, the company has been named “Most Promising New National Brand” by the Swanepoel TRENDS Report, and Entrepreneur Magazine listed Real Living as one of the Top 50 New Franchises. “We brought a truly fresh approach to the industry earlier this decade when we launched Real Living as the first-ever consumer lifestyle real estate brand, and we will continue to do so by bringing new programs, services, support, training and technology, to our brokers and sales professionals,” Rouda, Jr. said. “There is an incredible need for a broker and agent-centric brand that is consumer-focused, yet managed by an experienced team that understands real estate. Combined, Real Living and GMAC Real Estate have that team as well as a truly differentiated brand,” he said.
Brokers and sales professionals looking for more information on the launch and rollout of the Real Living brand can view RealLiving.com for more about the announcement. Company executives will also be available at this week’s annual NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® Conference & Expo in San Diego.
About Real Living
Real Living is a full-service real estate company with a comprehensive and integrated suite of resources and services for franchisees, sales professionals, and consumers. Real Living was named one of the best new franchisors by Entrepreneur magazine. The firm also won the Inman Innovator Award and was named the most promising new national brand by the Swanepoel TRENDS Report. For
more information, visit h ttp://www.realliving.com
About GMAC Real Estate
GMAC Real Estate is one of the industry’s leading real estate firms with offices throughout the United States, Canada and Portugal. The company’s unique service delivery model, Premier Service®, has earned it a national Customer Satisfaction Rating of 95% since its inception in 2002 – the best in the
industry. For more information, visit http://www.gmacrealestate.com
About Brookfield Residential Property Services
Brookfield Residential Property Services is a division of Brookfield Asset Management Inc., a global asset manager focused on property, power and infrastructure assets. Brookfield has approximately USD $90 billion of assets under management and is co-listed on the New York and Toronto Stock Exchanges under the symbol BAM and on NYSE Euronext under the symbol BAMA. Brookfield
Residential Property Services was named in the 2009 Swanepoel TRENDS Report as the number onereal estate trendsetter in 2008. For more information, visit http://www.brookfieldrps.com
# # #
For more information please contact:
Caitlin Murray
Real Living, Inc.
(614) 273-8573
mailto: Caitlin.Murray@RealLiving.com
REAL LIVING, THE NATION’S FIRST CONSUMER LIFESTYLE REAL ESTATE
BRAND, IS ABOUT TO GET BIGGER – MUCH BIGGER
GMAC Real Estate to be Re-Branded ‘Real Living’ as Brookfield Continues Expansion and Ongoing Commitment to the Industry by Acquiring Real Living Network Services
Oak Brook, Ill. and Columbus, Ohio (November 11, 2009) – Real Living Network Services, a subsidiary of Real Living, Inc. (http://www.realliving.com), the real estate industry’s first consumer lifestyle brand franchisor, and GMAC Real Estate (http://www.gmacrealestate.com) today announced they are merging to become one of America’s leading residential real estate franchises with more than $20 billion in annual home sales.
Locally, Real Living HER (central Ohio market) and Real Living Realty Services (Dayton, Cincinnati andLouisville) will continue to be independently owned and operated franchisees. Chris Derrow, who was executive vice president of Real Living will become president of the holding company that has ownership interests in Real Living HER and Real Living Realty Services as well as Real Living Title,
Real Living Mortgage and Real Living HomeGard (warranty). Clyde Corle, president of Real Living Realty Services and Pat Law will continue their leadership of Realty Services. RLHER and RLRS will remain, as they are today, franchisees of the new Real Living real estate franchisors. “I eagerly anticipate working with an expanded network of real estate professionals, enhanced technology platforms, and a thriving relocation program,” said Chris Derrow. “This merger for Real Living Network Services will further strengthen our award-winning franchises—providing new
opportunities for our real estate agents and an enhanced consumer experience.”
The move was set in motion late last year when Brookfield Residential Property Services (Brookfield RPS), a division of Brookfield Asset Management Inc. (Brookfield), acquired GMAC Real Estate. Earlier
this month, Brookfield RPS acquired Real Living Network Services, a subsidiary of Real Living Inc., and as a result will now rebrand GMAC Real Estate as Real Living.
Columbus, Ohio-based Real Living is a national award-winning brand known for its innovation, customer service and track record of attracting results-driven brokers and sales professionals, along with a culture of partnership and collaboration within its network. “In Real Living, we found the ideal partner and brand for what we are hoping to accomplish with our real estate operations, which we are committed to building even further,” said Graham Badun, Managing Partner & CEO of Brookfield Residential Property Services. “We explored a number of options, including creating an entirely new brand from the ground up, but our customer feedback and
research kept leading us back to Real Living. Both companies share many of the same core values and combined will be part of a bigger, stronger network of brokers and sales professionals.” Badun added, “We are thrilled to have Real Living as our flagship U.S. real estate brand, and welcome Real Living’s 2,000 brokers and sales associates into Brookfield RPS’ North American real estate network of almost 30,000 real estate professionals. We look forward to further expanding the size of our network by adding new franchisees that are truly looking for something fresh and different, and we are excited about the opportunity to take the brand to new markets internationally. Adopting andexpanding an already established and respected brand will benefit the entire GMAC Real Estate network of brokers and sales professionals from day one,” he said.Badun also announced the appointment of Real Living’s Harley E. Rouda, Jr., a longtime real estate industry broker, owner, operator and franchisor, as President of the newly combined operations.
Real Living was founded in 2002 and the company has grown to become one of the nation’s premier real estate companies and brands. Its technology platform has been recognized by Inman News as one of the best in the industry, the company has been named “Most Promising New National Brand” by the Swanepoel TRENDS Report, and Entrepreneur Magazine listed Real Living as one of the Top 50 New Franchises. “We brought a truly fresh approach to the industry earlier this decade when we launched Real Living as the first-ever consumer lifestyle real estate brand, and we will continue to do so by bringing new programs, services, support, training and technology, to our brokers and sales professionals,” Rouda, Jr. said. “There is an incredible need for a broker and agent-centric brand that is consumer-focused, yet managed by an experienced team that understands real estate. Combined, Real Living and GMAC Real Estate have that team as well as a truly differentiated brand,” he said.
Brokers and sales professionals looking for more information on the launch and rollout of the Real Living brand can view RealLiving.com for more about the announcement. Company executives will also be available at this week’s annual NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® Conference & Expo in San Diego.
About Real Living
Real Living is a full-service real estate company with a comprehensive and integrated suite of resources and services for franchisees, sales professionals, and consumers. Real Living was named one of the best new franchisors by Entrepreneur magazine. The firm also won the Inman Innovator Award and was named the most promising new national brand by the Swanepoel TRENDS Report. For
more information, visit h ttp://www.realliving.com
About GMAC Real Estate
GMAC Real Estate is one of the industry’s leading real estate firms with offices throughout the United States, Canada and Portugal. The company’s unique service delivery model, Premier Service®, has earned it a national Customer Satisfaction Rating of 95% since its inception in 2002 – the best in the
industry. For more information, visit http://www.gmacrealestate.com
About Brookfield Residential Property Services
Brookfield Residential Property Services is a division of Brookfield Asset Management Inc., a global asset manager focused on property, power and infrastructure assets. Brookfield has approximately USD $90 billion of assets under management and is co-listed on the New York and Toronto Stock Exchanges under the symbol BAM and on NYSE Euronext under the symbol BAMA. Brookfield
Residential Property Services was named in the 2009 Swanepoel TRENDS Report as the number onereal estate trendsetter in 2008. For more information, visit http://www.brookfieldrps.com
# # #
For more information please contact:
Caitlin Murray
Real Living, Inc.
(614) 273-8573
mailto: Caitlin.Murray@RealLiving.com
Friday, November 6, 2009
Newest and Latest Tax Credit Information!
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Waiting for the President's signature...
The $8,000 tax credit has been updated and improved to include home buyers who are selling a home that they have lived in for at least 5 years. Details to follow once it has been signed! This is extremely good news for the real estate market.
Those who were awaiting final approval and hitting snags in the process can now give a collective sigh of relief.
Real Estate makes everything move...from the carpet industry to the carpenters. Let's hope this push will get the economy back in shape.
Take care, Susan
Those who were awaiting final approval and hitting snags in the process can now give a collective sigh of relief.
Real Estate makes everything move...from the carpet industry to the carpenters. Let's hope this push will get the economy back in shape.
Take care, Susan
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Energy Savings Tax Credit Save up to $1500
Click the timely link below to see the IRS requirements for saving money on your taxes! This may be the time to go ahead and fix those drafty windows, fill your walls with the latest cellulose fibers, or even get an insulated garage door!
Stay warm! Energy IRS tax savings information!
Take care, Susan
Stay warm! Energy IRS tax savings information!
Take care, Susan
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Pumpkins & Bakugan....
Something about the crisp cool air and pumpkins....turns regular pumpkins into Bakugan? Something about this time of year makes everyone a little more creative! My son had a great time at the Cub Scout "pumpkin launching" on Monday evening.
Hope you all have a wonderful time Trick or Treating this evening. What a beautiful day for the school parades and fun times tonight! Here are the local times for our Columbus areas:
Happy Treating!!! (No Tricks!) Take care, Susan
Bexley
October 29
5:30-7:30 p.m.
Blendon Township
October 31
6-8 p.m.
Columbus
October 29
6-8 p.m.
Concord Township
October 29
6-8 p.m.
Dublin
October 29
6-8 p.m.
October 28
Trick-or-Treat in the Mall
The Mall At Tuttle Crossing
6-8 p.m.
Galena
October 31
6-7:15 p.m.
Costume party at Ruffner Park will follow at 7:30 p.m.
Genoa Township
October 31
6-8 p.m.
Open House held 1-3:30 p.m. Saturday.
Grandview Heights
October 31
6-8 p.m.
Granville
October 29
5:30-7 p.m.
Grove City
October 29
6-8 p.m.
Hilliard
October 29
6-8 p.m.
Lewis Center
October 31
6-8 p.m.
New Albany
October 29
6-8 p.m.
North Lewisburg
October 29
6-8 p.m.
Norwich Township
October 29
6-8 p.m.
Orange Township
October 31
6-8 p.m.
Pickerington
October 29
6-8 p.m.
Plain City
October 31
6-8 p.m.
Powell
October 31
6-8 p.m.
Prairie Township
October 29
6-8 p.m.
Shawnee Hills
October 29
6-8 p.m.
Sunbury
October 31
6-8 p.m.
Upper Arlington
October 29
6-8 p.m.
Westerville
October 31
6-8 p.m.
Worthington
October 29
6-8 p.m.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
OHFA Announces New Program!
The Ohio Housing Finance Agency (OHFA) recently announced its new Grants for Grads Program—an incentive for Ohio college students to stay in the state upon graduation. According to an OHFA release, “This new program gives borrowers 2.5 percent of the purchase price of the home to help with down payment and closing costs.” The money doesn't have to be paid back if the recent grad stays in that location for at least 5years.
We are still scratching our heads wondering how they came up with the guidelines! I understand the "brain drain", however, if someone goes out of state and comes BACK to Ohio, wouldn't you think they should be qualified as well? My best learning experiences came from traveling outside the country and state. Bringing it home should be rewarded. Wonder why no one asked my opinion? :)
Take care, Susan
We are still scratching our heads wondering how they came up with the guidelines! I understand the "brain drain", however, if someone goes out of state and comes BACK to Ohio, wouldn't you think they should be qualified as well? My best learning experiences came from traveling outside the country and state. Bringing it home should be rewarded. Wonder why no one asked my opinion? :)
Take care, Susan
Monday, October 12, 2009
Sheriff's Deeds Are Being Held Up

We are hearing that the deeds are taking up to 8 weeks to be recorded. We have at least 2 being held off for this reason. The concern is that the first time home buyer's deadline is approaching rapidly. They have to close and transfer on or before December 1st 2009. We are in touch with the title companies and they are keeping us abreast of their progress.
If you are thinking of foreclosures, REO, short sales, this is very important information to know!
Hope you have a wonderful crisp fall week!
Take care,
Susan
Thursday, October 1, 2009
I am so proud of our Team! Leading Hilliard Real Estate

(using CBR MLS and RealTrendz data with homes in Hilliard Schools)over the past 7 years! Thank you to Christine Miller, Judy Smith, Elizabeth Connolly, Adam Hall, Cheryl Rutan, and most of all Angela Williams who keeps us organized and on top of things! I just had to share the stats when I saw them! My team is really the best group of agents and work together so well. I am proud of this accomplishment. Hard work, and long hours does work!
Take care, Susan
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
E Teams Rock!
After a full day of training at Real University, I am proud to be on the E Team for Real Living! It has been an interesting day full of lots of very techie stuff that is just too yawn worthy to post. I must be turning into a geek because I LOVED it!
It should be up and running soon. It will be a great resource for a simple place to turn to when you just want the facts...no advertising etc. We are learning about the younger generation and how to stay in touch without invading their space which means texting, texting, texting! What a funny world we live in, but I have to admit I do check my facebook twice a day!
Will post our link to our new search page as soon as we are "live"!
Take care, Susan
It should be up and running soon. It will be a great resource for a simple place to turn to when you just want the facts...no advertising etc. We are learning about the younger generation and how to stay in touch without invading their space which means texting, texting, texting! What a funny world we live in, but I have to admit I do check my facebook twice a day!
Will post our link to our new search page as soon as we are "live"!
Take care, Susan
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Why Are You Seeing So Many Photos on Listings Online?

In order to keep your listings fresh and at the top of the search engines, an agent should keep at least 18 photos online to keep it at the top. If you have one or two photos, you are automatically at the bottom of the "optimization chain". Realtor.com has been a big influence on this as they keep those with 25 or more photos at the top. This is a very hard thing to do on some listings. We are quite prolific photographers in our group. We take photos of flowers at the entry, a detailed photo of a crystal door knob in Clintonville, anything that will make a person stop and take a look.
Marketing has taken on a new sense of urgency. Life seems to be in fast forward for the real estate industry. Hopefully, while perusing our photos, buyers will slow down and look at the details.
Take care, Susan
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Round Table Closings a Thing of the Past?
(Have to have some fun with this, don't we? No hampsters were harmed in the making of this blog!)
Yes, that is true! As of January 1st, 2010, you will no longer sit around a table chatting with the seller of your new home exchanging pleasantries. Your seller and buyer will be driving separately and going at two different times. I am sure going to miss it. I love it when everyone has a great closing and are going to keep in touch. Sometimes, you get little bonus gifts such as " do you want the patio furniture on the deck?". Sometimes, there are good things to know such as if you see the light go off in the bathroom, it is on a heat sensor, so don't worry! Little things can mean a lot over a cup of coffee!
Now, with all the changes, the contracts will read that the home must close in escrow. Challenging is putting it mildly. Luckily, we have an office manager who is used to this from her past experience in Cleveland. I think we will get through it with a few learning curves. One of the hardest things will be closing on what is known as a "domino closing" where multiple closings must happen before you gain possession. I am all ready worried about this. I will keep you posted as we learn more! Our Angela will keep us all in line!
Take care, Susan
Monday, September 14, 2009
We Have a New Assistant!
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
The Countdown Continues! Stop by Our Office!

We have an agent on duty to answer your questions regarding the $8000 tax credit!
Would love to sit down and have a cup of coffee and see what is available for you.
Don't forget that the end date that is guaranteed is December 1, 2009 for the $8000 tax credit for first time home buyers. It must be closed and delivered! There are a lot of good things about this program that were not clear. If you haven't owned a home in 3 years, you are still considered a first time home buyer. Call us and have a chat if you want to know the details! But first and foremost, don't miss out!
Take care, Susan
Friday, September 4, 2009
OK...the Dust has Settled....

I don't know about you, but every year, it seems to get more complicated with school. Last night, we were introduced to Moodle last evening at Parent's Night. A whole new outlet for online activities to learn! After getting kids off to school for the first full week, the phones are starting to ring again!
Happy back to school to you all whether it is that painful drop off at preschool, home schooling, or off to college!
Take care, Susan
Thursday, September 3, 2009
First Increase in a very long time....
Good news for HOME SELLERS! We aren't out of the woods yet, however, we are seeing an uptick in home prices for which we are thankful! An enthusiastic response to the $8,000 first time home buyer tax credit helped. We hope they will continue it to sustain this little breath of fresh air!
Happy school days!
Take care, Susan
Happy school days!
Take care, Susan
Monday, August 24, 2009
Back to School Time....
There are natural lulls in the business. We are in one of them. It is a time for families to regroup and energize for the coming school year. Whether you have a young child starting elementary or one going off to college, there are feelings that come up that can be overwhelming. How did my child get so tall over the summer? Did we spend enough quality time togther as a family? Are they ready to get back in the groove with homework, and is their paperwork in order?
So, while we are regrouping, we also tend to see our nests as changing. We may be plucking a few feathers and throwing them out as each new stage beckons with new needs. This tends to show that the family may need a new nest. Funny how it comes up often in my line of work that when the teens come home with friends, how much smaller the home seems to the parents. It's almost an overnight occurance! It's called we need a bigger nest syndrome for our group.
Labor Day is the start of our new busy season until the holidays. If you have been hanging back, just watching the market, you will see that there are still some great values waiting for you!
Happy back to school! Take care, Susan
So, while we are regrouping, we also tend to see our nests as changing. We may be plucking a few feathers and throwing them out as each new stage beckons with new needs. This tends to show that the family may need a new nest. Funny how it comes up often in my line of work that when the teens come home with friends, how much smaller the home seems to the parents. It's almost an overnight occurance! It's called we need a bigger nest syndrome for our group.
Labor Day is the start of our new busy season until the holidays. If you have been hanging back, just watching the market, you will see that there are still some great values waiting for you!
Happy back to school! Take care, Susan
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
OK...this summer was crazy and I got a little lazy....

Now, back to school fun and back to work until the holidays! We do work pretty much every weekend and day during the spring and summer markets when you are in residential real estate. I have the good fortune of having the best team in the country to back me up when I took a few days off recently. It is a good feeling. I never go away for more than a few days and never "disconnect" fully unless compelled by necessity.
So, I will be back to blogging and working to give you updates soon!
Take care, Susan
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Welcome News for the Real Estate Market in Columbus Ohio
Click this link
Lots of good information from the Columbus MLS!
Good reading for those in the market! Take care, Susan
Lots of good information from the Columbus MLS!
Good reading for those in the market! Take care, Susan
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
OK, Truly This One Still Makes Me Say Wow!
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
One of my Favorite Facade Makeovers!
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Before and After Fun!
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Real Living Will Make Your House Payments
If the buyer is laid off during the first year of owning the home, Real Living will pay up to $1,500 a month on a mortgage for a maximum of six months.
Buyers are covered for an additional year if the home they purchase is listed with a Real Living agent.
Click here for the Dispatch article!
One more reason to choose Real Living for all of your real estate needs!
Take care, Susan
Buyers are covered for an additional year if the home they purchase is listed with a Real Living agent.
Click here for the Dispatch article!
One more reason to choose Real Living for all of your real estate needs!
Take care, Susan
Saturday, May 30, 2009
WaterFire on the River....

What a beautiful night to start the Waterfire season on Friday. Here is a photo of my friend, Beth, and my kids with the view of the fire on the water! The kids loved the fire dancers and I must say they were pretty amazing. The hula dancer was over the top! All of the kids were mesmerized! The music was lovely (Ladies of Longford) and it was a very balmy 70 degrees on the Scioto river with a spectacular view of downtown Columbus!
The web site can be accessed by clicking here
We will be back! Take care, Susan
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Two True Stories About Fires...Be Careful!

Our family pet, Java, who definitely could have gotten up on the stove in her younger days!
A lot of people have heard about "Sweetpea" the infamous dog who started a fire in UA by jumping on the stove, bumping the knobs, and turning on the stove! There was not a lot of damage, except smoke throughout the home. It was a lot of work to get the home cleaned. The moral of the story is to place child safety locks on your stove if you have pets who might be mischievous. I had never thought of that!
Another friend in Hilliard woke up to fire trucks outside her home. She works the night shift and was in her jammies at 2:00 in the afternoon. Someone had flicked a cigarette out of their car and set her mulch ablaze. Thankfully, someone called the fire department before it got out of control.
Have a wonderful rest of the week! Susan
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Memorial Run!
I just wanted to thank the many cub scouts who do their service days on holidays! What a great way to pay forward. Our troop passed out water to the Memorial Runners through Upper Arlington. It was fun, quick and a great service!
Judy Smith, from the Wainfor Advantage team came running through looking like a million bucks as usual! Way to go, Judy!
Hope you all had a fabulous weekend with friends and family!
Take care, Susan
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
The Secret to Real Estate Succes in 2009

Know your market inside and out. Life is all about change, and out market has had a HUGE correction. Always use a professional full time real estate agent to represent your best interests. Life in the real estate world is complicated to put it mildly. There are new meanings and clarifications in short sales and the way they are approached is changing daily.
If you want to know more about the changing markets, give us a call!
Take care, Susan
Monday, May 11, 2009
Multiple Offers In a Down Market?
When was the last time anyone mentioned that multiple offers were coming in on a home? I remember writing a contract on the hood of a car making it contingent upon the buyer viewing it inside. Of course that was when real estate was moving fast!
Today, we had two cases of multiple offers and they were on homes which had been on the market for longer than 30 days. If you are seriously thinking of looking at homes, we may have seen the bottom of the market and there are so many to choose from at this point.
Come out and take a look at the homes that will be open this Sunday! We will have a list posted tomorrow!
Take care, Susan
Today, we had two cases of multiple offers and they were on homes which had been on the market for longer than 30 days. If you are seriously thinking of looking at homes, we may have seen the bottom of the market and there are so many to choose from at this point.
Come out and take a look at the homes that will be open this Sunday! We will have a list posted tomorrow!
Take care, Susan
Friday, May 8, 2009
Happy Mother's Day Weekend!
This has to be my proudest moment thanks to my dear friend, Claudia for her support in the monumental day in my life! (click link) Being a Mom really is better than anything else that I can imagine. My kids make me smile every single day! Thank you to my hubby, Steve, for being a support every day!
Hope your Mother's Day is wonderful! Susan
ps anyone who thinks this is a serious posting, needs to understand my humor:)
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Positive Stock News Today!
Bloomberg Report on the Stock Market...I'll personally take any good news they can send my way! What a good feeling to see at least a little change in the overall picture on one front!
Take care, Susan
Take care, Susan
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Staged Homes Sell Faster ....
Have you been thinking of selling? Your real estate agent can assist you in helping you put your best foot forward by staging your home. Some agents have an accredited staging backgroud and some have a natural ability. I have a background in Textiles and Clothing and have used this to our advantage in the past.
Some things are just simple, really. Taking a leaf out of the dining room table to make the room appear larger, taking everything off of the countertops, packing clutter away in tubs to take to your new place etc.
One of my clients who had reduced the price of their home were open to the idea of putting hardwood floors into their home. This came from the feedback provided that for a $500,000 home, the family room felt like an apartment. Sure enough, we had $4800 worth of new hardwood floors installed, and it sold within a week. That was an investment that was well worth it in order to get the home sold in a time period were there were plenty of home to choose from.
I hope this was helpful! Take care, Susan
Some things are just simple, really. Taking a leaf out of the dining room table to make the room appear larger, taking everything off of the countertops, packing clutter away in tubs to take to your new place etc.
One of my clients who had reduced the price of their home were open to the idea of putting hardwood floors into their home. This came from the feedback provided that for a $500,000 home, the family room felt like an apartment. Sure enough, we had $4800 worth of new hardwood floors installed, and it sold within a week. That was an investment that was well worth it in order to get the home sold in a time period were there were plenty of home to choose from.
I hope this was helpful! Take care, Susan
Monday, April 27, 2009
First Time Home Buyers Seminar

Being held at our Ashleigh Village Model
Come visit in a friendly discussion about how to make the $8,000 tax credit work for you! It will be a very informal group setting with a lender on hand to answer questions.
Call today to RSVP! 614-850-4663.
April 30th, 2009
7-8pm
Call us or email if you have any questions! susan.wainfor@realliving.com
Friday, April 24, 2009
A Part of Columbus History....
My husband and I were at a friend's 50th birthday gathering last weekend and the following you tube sensation came up in conversation....does anyone remember when TV in Columbus was fun? I want to be the first to say lighten up and everyone try to enjoy yourselves again. If you've never seen the "Mighty Ben Gelber" video, click here! Fun!