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Year over Year Declining Inventory Record Broken!

October 24, 2018 by The Columbus Team

Available inventory actually increased 2.6% last month which broke our record of 91 consecutive months of contracting inventory. Read on to learn more about our Central Ohio Real Estate market…

(October 19, 2018 – Columbus, OH) – The number of homes and condominiums for sale in central Ohio increased to 5,589 in September which is up 2.6 percent from one year ago. This breaks a 91-month streak of year-over-year declines in inventory according to the Columbus REALTORS® Multiple Listing Service.

“The slight increase in inventory is a healthy correction for the Central Ohio market,” said 2018 Columbus REALTOR President Sara Walsh. “For ninety-one straight months inventory was declining and favored the sellers while discouraging buyers in some price points. This slight supply shift may encourage buyers to get back in the home search arena while interest rates are still very good.

There were 2,593 homes and condos sold in September, which is down 11.4 percent from the same month a year ago leaving 2018 central Ohio home sales 2.3 percent behind the first three quarters of 2017.

The average sales price of a home during the month of September in central Ohio was $232,228, which is 9.8 percent more than a year ago and a 6.7 percent increase year-to-date. The median sales price was $195,000 which is an increase of 7.7 percent year-to-date.

There were 3,039 homes and condos added to the market in September, which is just 1.0 percent below September 2017 and down 20.5 percent from August.

“It’s not uncommon to see new listings begin to taper off as the temperature drops,” Walsh said. “Although it’s getting cooler, real estate remains a hot commodity. Homeownership provides not only an investment vehicle and shelter but also the stability of being part of a community and is not typically as volatile as stock.”

According to the latest Housing Market Confidence Index by the Ohio REALTORS®, 95 percent of central Ohio REALTORS® would describe the current housing market as moderate to strong.

Current housing report – September

Columbus REALTORS® is comprised of over 8,000 real estate professionals engaged in residential sales and leasing, commercial sales and leasing, property management, appraisal, consultation, real estate syndication, land development and more.

The Columbus REALTORS® Multiple Listing Service (MLS) serves all of Franklin, Delaware, Fayette, Licking, Madison, Morrow, Pickaway and Union Counties and parts of Athens, Champaign, Clark, Clinton, Fairfield, Hocking, Knox, Logan, Marion, Muskingum, Perry and Ross Counties.

Are You Ready to Talk Turkey Trot?

October 10, 2018 by The Columbus Team

For over 30 years, Columbus has come out to run this annual Thanksgiving race, The Columbus Turkey Trot, recognized by Runner’s World Magazine as one of America’s “Best Hometown Favorite” holiday races!

Join in on November, 22^nd, 2018!

There are three events: The 5-mile race, the 2-mile walk…and the Tot Trot (a 100-yard dash) for children ($5 when registering with an adult). EVERY participant of the 5-mile race and the 2-mile walk will receive a pumpkin pie; finisher’s medal; goody bag; chip timing; and a ¾ zip, long-sleeved technical shirt with the race logo. Tiny Turkey Trotters participating in the Tot Trot receive a custom shirt, medal, and finish line treat! These Tiny Trot registrants may also walk or run for free with a parent who is a paid registrant for the adult events.

This fun, family-friendly race event benefits the Easter Seals’ EARLY INTERVENTION PROGRAM which provides hands-on, comprehensive support to help the under-five set reach their full potential, regardless of challenges, needs, or disabilities.

Love to run or walk? The Columbus Turkey Trot is the race for you!

Start times:
8:30 Tot Trot
9:00 5 Mile Race
9:10 2 Mile Walk n’ Talk

Race location: Upper Arlington

Packet pick-up: See registration website for locations!

Families: Strollers and wheelchairs are allowed AND encouraged, they simply ask that those families with strollers and wheelchairs assemble at the back of the starting group so as not to trip up single runners and walkers. Bikes, scooters, skateboards, rollerblades, and skates are not allowed.

Photo Credit

The Columbus Team at KW Capital Partners Welcomes Terry Zellar!

September 7, 2018 by The Columbus Team

Sue Lusk-Gleich and The Columbus Team at KW Capital Partners are pleased to welcome new team member, Terry Zellar! Terry brings over 20 years of experience in the Central Ohio Real Estate Market. She is a perfect fit for a team with a passion for providing the highest level of customer service to every client. Terry enjoys representing buyers and sellers throughout the Residential Market including Corporate Relocation and New Build representation. In addition, Terry brings her expertise in Commercial Real Estate Management in both leasing and sales, adding to our team’s wealth of experience in this dynamic industry. This deep bench of knowledge helps solidify Terry’s status as a true Real Estate professional. With the support of KW Capital Partners, her vast experience in the industry, and a desire to help every client meet their personal real estate goals, Terry has already become a valued asset to The Columbus Team.

“I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to join such a talented and professional group of real estate specialists! The team’s dedication to providing the highest level of services to their clients and their collaborative working style are some of the primary reasons for my decision to join the team.”

-Terry Zellar

Fall Art Shows and Exhibits in Columbus

August 20, 2018 by The Columbus Team

Columbus Art

Columbus has a burgeoning art scene and through its growth, it’s becoming well known beyond Central Ohio. Our art community was praised and highlighted in the Chicago Tribune article, “Columbus’ art scene is a surprising discovery”. Not so surprising to those of us who live here and have supported our local artists over the years, through attending Gallery Hops, sharing their work, or hiring their services. We have so much to be proud of in Columbus, including our incredibly talented artists!

2018 Fall Art Shows and Exhibits in Columbus

September

Columbus Art Museum Special Exhibit: A Measure of Humanity will run from September 1-16. Museum admission is required, additional special exhibit fee may apply. Closed Labor Day. 480 E Broad Street, Columbus 43215 See museum website for hours and tickets.

Upper Arlington Labor Day Arts Festival is a single day, juried arts festival displaying the work of 200 artists from all over the nation. There are interactive art spaces and opportunities to purchase. September 3, Northham Park, 270 Northham Road, Upper Arlington 43221. Admission is free. Please note, event is outdoors.

Chiaroscuro: The line in between is a special exhibit of Taha Benadada’s work emphasizing the contrast between light and dark. Shown at the Cultural Arts Center open during normal business hours and running from now-September 22. 139 W. Main St, 43215

Arts in the Alley is an outdoor art and music festival with a juried art show with over 100 artists participating. A parade, food, and entertainment are also available. Downtown Grove City, Date and Time to be announced. Admission is free.

Urban Arts Space presents Pattern Thinking: Australian Aboriginal Art and is on display from July 17-September 22. On view at Urban Arts Space, King Arts Complex, Hopkins Hall Gallery, OSU Thompson Library, Hagerty Hall, and the Hale. Admission is free. See website for details.

October

Field is being displayed at the Franklin Park Conservatory. Conservatory visitors interact with a 46’ long ecosystem projected on the gallery walls, where grasses and flora grow, based on their bodies’ position and movement in the space. Interactive art at it’s best. Running from March 10-November 11. 1777 E Broad Street, Columbus, 43203. Normal hours of operation and entry fees apply, no additional exhibit fees required.

Hypotheses: Art Inspired by the Worlds of Science is an exhibit of art inspired by the beauty of scientific exploration into the world and universe around us. Shown at the Cultural Arts Center open during normal business hours and running from September 28-November 10. 139 W. Main St, 43215

Hit the Hop is an annual juried show which includes 2D and 3D original art. Over 30 Ohio artists are featured in this exhibit presented in the Studios On High Gallery in the Short North every day in October. Studios on High Gallery 686 High Street 43215

Year-round

Franklinton Fridays happens every 2^nd Friday of each month, featuring an Art Crawl event that begins at 5:30. Food trucks, shows, and other fun happenings are added from time to time. Check out the schedule for each Friday online.

Gallery Hop in the short north is a blast, running on the first Saturday of each month from 4pm-10-pm. Have fun throughout the Short North with local galleries staying open late, and often offering refreshments, music, etc. A Columbus favorite!

Interested in finding more events? Check out the featured events page of ColumbusMakesArt.com!

Please note: Dates, times, and venues were correct at time of publishing but changes can and do occur. Please check with the venue or use the provided links before making your plans. Thank you!

Photo Credit

Is “For Sale by Owner” Right for You?

August 20, 2018 by The Columbus Team

For many sellers, their REALTOR’s commission is a small price for making the home sale process go smoothly. For others, it’s enough to make them seriously consider selling their home themselves. Here are some of the jobs that a REALTOR does for a seller.

Ask yourself if you’re ready to take on these jobs: The answers can help you decide if “For Sale by Owner” or FSBO is right for you!

1. Pricing. You’ll need to find a list of 3-4 comparable homes that have recently sold in your community and be able to judge if those homes have similar features, size, and properties to yours. If you can’t find enough homes in your area, you’ll have to choose a comparable area and look there, too.

2. Paperwork. Will you be able to comfortably navigate the forms, laws, and requirements of selling your own home? You may want to hire a real estate lawyer if you’re unsure.

3. Free time. Do you have the time to research your asking price, market your home, and stay available for questions and requests via phone, email, and text?

4. Marketing. Are you feeling confident that you can effectively market your home? You’ll have to navigate FSBO websites, their fees and kits you can purchase for signs and MLS access.

5. Technology. Are you comfortable online? You’ll have to list your home online to generate interest, and that means editing and uploading photos, adding descriptions, and fielding email inquiries. You’ll also need a way to promote the information so people can find your listing.

6. Temperament. Do you have the patience and detachment to endure criticism, questions, and repetitive showings of your own home? You’ll have to handle contingency requests and price negotiations with the buyers or their agents, too.

7. Finances. Are you willing to pay the buyer’s agent commission? Will you need a Real Estate lawyer to draw up contracts and closing documents? Not all the expenses of selling a home are in the Seller’s agent’s commission!

8. Organization. Are you organized and able to schedule multiple showings, inspections, manage contingency deadlines, and organize closing materials and schedules?

Are you wondering if FSBO is the right sales option for you? Contact The Columbus Team today, and we’ll be happy to walk you through the services we offer and you may decide there are things you’d rather NOT do yourself!