Directory —
Real Estate —
Blog Details for "Columbus Real Estate Voice"
Columbus Real Estate VoiceColumbus Real Estate VoiceColumbus Real Estate blog by Sondra Johnson Articles
How I Got From There To Here
2007-02-19 09:29:01 About me…. I’m Sondra Johnson, and I’m a realtor in the Columbus, Ohio area, now in my 6th year of being in the business. I worked for 3 years as an independent agent with ReMax, and then joined a team of realtors (The Columbus Team) with Keller Williams. I was aggressive with marketing from the beginning- and was in the first group of realtors who saw the need to create a custom web site (in 2002, most realtors who had a web site used the template version that Realtor.com provided). Some people thought I was crazy starting out with ReMax, being brand new, with their high monthly fees. One realtor flat out told me, “what are you, nuts? Go to one of the ‘traditional’ companies, get their training, and when you’ve got the experience, THEN go to ReMax.” I didn’t because I was focused on building a business from the get-go, and didn’t want a company that gave me a list of ‘do’s and d... More About: Here , There
How MUCH House in Columbus Ohio For 3.1 Million?
2007-02-19 09:29:01 Here’s a GOOD look at what you can get for the money for a cool 3.1 million dollars in Columbus , Ohio – so heads up, you celebs, sports figures, and money moguls! Five acres with river frontage and private boat dock, custom built in 1997, 9192 square feet PLUS another 7144 square foot complex that includes a guest house, pool, spa, basketball court, and more. Gracious and comfortable living at its best. C’mon you coastal jet setters… we’re a short plane hop away, and we can offer you all the privacy you crave. And compare how much more your dollars will buy you in the hearty Midwest (and aw, shucks, we even have a few trendy and fun places to visit…. ask Eric Clapton– he lives in the Columbus/ Delaware area and can give you a few suggestions….. Bookmark this article: More About: House , Lion , Much
Hilliard Ohio Community Details
2007-02-19 09:29:01 Founded by John Reed Hill iard in 1853, Hilliard is bordered by Big Darby Creek on the West……. Bookmark this article: More About: Ohio , Community , Muni , Liar
Beechwold Ohio Community Details
2007-02-19 09:29:01 The community of Beechwold got its name from the Beechwold Post office, built in the early 1940’s…. Bookmark this article: More About: Ohio , Community , Muni , Details , Unity
Clintonville Ohio Community Details
2007-02-19 09:29:01 Clinton Township named after vice president George Clinton, was primarily rural in the 1800’s and boasted….. Bookmark this article: More About: Ohio , Community , Muni , Clint , Clinton
Hilliard Ohio Home Sales Update 2/07
2007-02-19 09:29:01 Hilliard ‘For Sale ’ homes on the market with Hilliard schools: Active - 662 Properties Found Square Feet Bedrooms Full Baths Half Baths DOM List Price Sale Price Min 720 1 1 0 1 $ writeCommas( 14900 ); // --> 14,900 $ writeCommas( ); // --> 0 Avg 1949 3 1 1 124 $ writeCommas( 243471 ); // --> 243,471 $ writeCommas( ); // --> 0 Max 9192 8 6 2 962 $ writeCommas( 3100000 ); // --> 3,100,000 $ writeCommas( ); // --> 0 Hilliard homes that are in contract: Contingent - 84 Properties Found Square Feet Bedrooms Full Baths Half Baths DOM List Price Sale Price Min 652 1 1 1 2 $ writeCommas( 46900 ); // --> 46,900 $ writeCommas( ); // --> 0 Avg 1624 3 1 1 127 $ writeCommas( 187562 ); // --> 187,562 $ writeCommas( ); // --> 0 Max 3907 5 4 2 398 $ writeCommas( 750000 ); // --> 750,000 $ writeCommas( ); // --> 0 CTG Escape - 8 Properties Found Square Feet Bedrooms Full Baths Half Baths DOM List Price Sale Price ... More About: Ohio , Sales , Home , Update
Dublin Ohio Community Information
2007-02-19 09:29:01 Dublin is a city known for it’s excellence in all areas affecting home owners. It is one of the most beautiful places to live……. Bookmark this article: More About: Information , Ohio , Community , Muni , Info
Grove City Ohio Home Sales Update 2/07
2007-02-19 09:29:01 Active ‘For Sale ’ homes on the market with a Grove City mailing address: Active - 550 Properties Found Square Feet Bedrooms Full Baths Half Baths DOM List Price Sale Price Min 620 1 1 0 2 $ writeCommas( 8000 ); // --> 8,000 $ writeCommas( ); // --> 0 Avg 1800 3 1 1 124 $ writeCommas( 193181 ); // --> 193,181 $ writeCommas( ); // --> 0 Max 5250 5 3 2 651 $ writeCommas( 2200000 ); // --> 2,200,000 $ writeCommas( ); // --> 0 Grove City homes that are in contract: Contingent - 39 Properties Found Square Feet Bedrooms Full Baths Half Baths DOM List Price Sale Price Min 1036 2 1 1 11 $ writeCommas( 15900 ); // --> 15,900 $ writeCommas( ); // --> 0 Avg 1878 3 1 1 164 $ writeCommas( 182025 ); // --> 182,025 $ writeCommas( ); // --> 0 Max 3003 4 2 2 501 $ writeCommas( 384900 ); // --> 384,900 $ writeCommas( ); // --> 0 CTG Escape - 4 Properties Found Square Feet Bedrooms Full Baths Half Baths DOM List Price ... More About: Ohio , Sales , Home , Update
Is THIS Your Home?
2007-02-18 09:28:01 As a realtor, I often see see interesting things in the real estate world. While waiting at another home to show it to a buyer, I took a photo of this home across the street. Can you see what the problems are? Two things? this is an older home with the outside ?storm windows? that are common. Their function is to keep the cold outside, and can be opened in the summer to allow breezes in through screens. This day, the temperature was 5 degrees. The owner of this home must have whopping heating bills, because I counted 9 windows with the storm windows open. Cold air is working its way through the inside single pane windows?.. Next, the back downspout is missing? see the frozen ice hanging? When the thaw comes, water is going to flow down the foundation and the owners will be wondering WHY the back corner of the basement is wet along the walls. It?s the SIMPLE things in Life that can save a lot of money? and grief. Bookmark this article: More About: Home , Your
?I Want To Buy A House and Save 3%?
2007-02-18 09:28:01 I just met a buyer to show him two of our listings. After I returned his call, he asked if I was the listing agent….and I explained that our Team represented the Seller. When I met him, he told me he ONLY works with listing agents to save the 3% commission. His thinking was that if the total commission is 6% (3% to the listing agent, and 3% to another buyer’s agent), he would work only with the seller’s agent and save the 3%. I’ve come across this line of thinking before, and that’s not how it works, folks- for one important reason. The listing agent and the seller (who pays this commission) have a CONTRACT- a Listing Agreement- where the agreed-to commission has been ‘agreed to’ and signed. This is a legal document. The buyer’s thinking that he can manipulate or affect the commission paid is wrong. That commission percentage has been pre-determined. What he’s really saying is “hey, L... More About: House , A House , Want , Save , Ouse
Building a New Home With a Realtor
2007-02-14 21:26:01 What is meant by “Buyer Representation”? When a realtor is working with you on your behalf, that person is professionally and legally bound to represent your best interests. Remember, if you choose to work directly with a builder representation without a realtor, that builder representative is legally bound to represent the builder’s interests- they are an employee of the builder. How can a good realtor “make it all better”? An additional benefit of working with a good realtor is that he/she is always looking at your purchase with future resale in mind, and can give you important advice regarding choices that will improve your resale. Real tor s work in both markets- new build and existing homes. We intimately know what buyers want and will pay extra for. What is the realtor’s commission, and who pays for it? The realtor usually receives a 3% commission based on the original contract price of the home, and the builder pays for it. It’s a ve... More About: Building , Home , With
Building a New Home- Basics
2007-02-14 21:26:01 What’s the difference between a “production” and a “semi-production/semi-custom” home? A production home is a set floor plan that either cannot be modified, or has very limited modification choices. At the most extreme end is a home the builder has predetermined the floor plan on the lot, the color and flooring choices, and even the landscaping. The advantage to production restrictions is that the builder can control their building costs to a greater degree, and often offer more competitive pricing. A semi-production/semi-custom home takes an existing floor plan and offers modifications. Some builders will make elaborate changes; others offer limited choices. There are usually a wider variety of upgrade options available as well. Why is everything an “upgrade”? It seems like I’m being nickel-dimed to death. The mindset for building a home is completely opposite from buying an existing home. With an existing home, “what you see... More About: Building , Home , Basic , Build , Basics
Columbus Real Estate Update- Winter 2007
2007-02-14 21:26:01 In 2006 the Central Ohio housing boom that had moved steadily upward slid to a halt, and a Buyer’s Market began. Home inventory increased, and homes ranged from 11 to 31 percent higher (depending on the month) from the same time the year before. At the end of December 2006, housing inventory was 11.6% higher than December 2005. This amounted to 15,613 homes, which represented at 9.4 month supply (compared to a December 2005 7.65 month supply). Home sales in 2006 were ahead of 2005 sales numbers (which was the ALL-TIME record breaking year) until June. From that point, sales totals gradually decreased each month through the end of the year. Sounds pretty gloomy, doesn’t it? It’s the old ‘glass half-empty or half-full’ situation. We sold 26,251 homes in 2006. That makes 2006 our third highest sales year in the Columbus/central Ohio area (with 2004 being our second highest year). The average sales price of a home in the... More About: Estate , Real Estate , Winter , Inter , Update
Working With MORE Than One Real Estate Agent?.
2007-02-14 21:26:01 You’re under no legal obligation to use only one real estate agent (unless you’ve signed an Exclusive Buyer Listing Agreement). Some people like to do this because: 1. They want to look at a number of areas.2. They haven’t found the “right” real estate agent .3. They want to keep their options open. Tips if you’re going to do this: 1. Tell the realtor that you’re working with other agents as well.2. Also tell them if they want to show you a property that you’ve already seen it with another real estate agent . It saves you- and them- time and effort. The Real Deal: Most realtors hate this. They want to work with you exclusively, and they may either choose not to work with you, or put your needs on a lower priority scale. Why? Because: a.) their time available is usually limited b.) their chances of completing a transaction with you (in other words, getting paid) is much lower than with a client who is faithfully working with them. Oth... More About: Agent , Estate , Real Estate , Real Estate Agent , Work
What is an Exclusive Buyer Listing Agreement?
2007-02-14 21:26:01 This is a legal document in real estate (a contract) between you and your real estate agent, for a specified period of time, that commits you to your real estate agent, and your real estate agent to you. Basically, it says that if you buy a house, your real estate agent will get paid. • What ’s the advantage to me to sign this Exclusive Buyer Listing Agreement? • Well, for starters, you’ll be at the top of your realtor’s list of people to work with. Top of the list and top priority. • Your real estate agent will be ready and anxious to get things done for you. • Your agent knows you’re committed, you’re going to be loyal to him/her, and you’re ready to buy. That means your agent will get paid, who can then pay the electric bill and buy groceries- wonderful incentives to work harder. (Remember, folks, we real estate agents do this t... More About: Men , Hat
Do I HAVE to sign an Exclusive Buyer Listing Agreement?
2007-02-14 21:26:01 No. You are under NO obligation to sign any documents you’re not sure about. Some real estate agents choose this approach. They want to be sure they “own” you before they put in work and effort. You also have a choice. You can choose to say “No, thank you” and look for a realtor who will work with you. The only time you should choose to sign an Exclusive Buyer List ing Agreement is when you think “Yippee! This is the real estate agent for me!” and you want to be that agent’s top priority. Other MUST Read Links: Work with more than one agent? What is and Exclusive Buyer Listing Agreement? Bookmark this article: More About: Men
An Annoying Question Realtors Ask
2007-02-14 21:26:01 Why do realtors always say to me “Are you working with an agent?” It’s none of their business. Two reasons. One is business ethics- we don’t want to “steal” clients from other agents. The other reason is they are trying to find out if there is a whisper of a chance that they might actually get paid from working with you…. if you are working with another agent, working with you is only a “labor of love.” Here’s a BIG real estate secret most people don’t know– Real estate agents spend most of their time working for free. In fact, we are often paying a lot of expenses to be able to “work for free!” The Real Deal: Most real estate agents are straight commission people. The only time we receive money for our work is when a real estate transaction closes. That’s it. The rest of the time we’... More About: Realtors , Question , Realtor , Alto
How Do Real Estate Commissions Work?
2007-02-14 21:26:01 Commissions are paid by the seller, not the buyer. The commission amount can vary; enforcing a set amount is known as “price-fixing” and is illegal. A common commission rate in the Columbus area is 5–6%. Using a 6% commission as an example, 3% is the common percentage that goes to the buyer’s agent; the remaining 3% goes to the selling agent. Actually, these amounts go to the agent’s broker. If you were at a closing, you’d notice that the final commission check would not be in your agent’s name, but in their company’s name (i.e., Keller Williams). These real estate agents will receive only a portion of that 3% amount. Depending on the brokerage they work for, they will get a “commission split,” which could be 50/50 %, 60/40%, 70/30%, or 80/20%, with part of this percentage going to their company the broker. There are some realt... More About: Estate , Real Estate , Work , Commissions , Missions
Taa-Daa! It?s A Baby Blog??
2007-02-14 21:26:01 As the proud owner of a happily-developing real estate blog, I’m excited with the milestones and growth of this entity. The Columbus Real Estate Voice is finding its voice, and we’re moving from squeaks and gurgles to more sophisticated thoughts and appearance. Actually, the look and format is now quite sophisticated, thanks to the talents of Jim Cronin and Jason Benesch of The Real Estate Tomato. Thank you, guys…. What started out as a wobbler of a web log (limited format, no flexibility, and no one to teach me-the driver– how to properly drive) has evolved into quite a ‘lovely young lady,’ if I do say so myself. Now the ongoing challenge is to fill this blog with the information it needs to thrive in the world (think of a 10–year-old girl that wants to be Britney Spears). A little nurturing, a little nudging along, and consistent morals are the goals I hope to impress upon this space. The BIG Goal? To p... More About: Baby , Blog
What Is A Consumer Agency Guide in Ohio?
More articles from this author:2007-02-14 21:26:01 “Why did a real estate agent want me to sign for a ‘Agency Guide?’ What ’s this all about?” What your real estate agent asked you to sign for was the Consumer Guide to Agency Relationships: It is a state law in Ohio that a real estate agent must present this document to a potential buyer before showing a home to them for the first time. So, your real estate agent was abiding by the law. The Real Deal: This was designed for your protection as a buyer. The Guide describes the different types of agency (how realtors represent clients) and also how the brokerage does business (the brokerage is the company whom the real estate agent works for). In the past, there were problems where buyers misunderstood that the real estate agent was representing the seller, and would tell the real estate agent personal information that they shouldn’t have. The state wanted to correct this problem and ma... More About: Hat 1, 2, 3, 4 |
|
