All homes need a spruce up in the spring, I like to start with giving our yard (front and back) a good raking. There are always some dead leaves and branches on the ground, just getting those off the grass will give the exterior a clean look. Depending on your area your grass might be a bit on the long side. So, give it a mow and you will notice how much neater everything looks.

Focusing on the exterior of the home, not only making sure the yard and flowers look great, but what about the siding, sidewalks, and your garage door? Getting these power-washed to get the dirt and winter grime off is a great way to make your home look ready for spring, and summer months, and is also important in the up-keep of your home. You always wash your car when it’s dirty right? Same thing with your home. We have partnered with a local business, Siding Sudz, and they are offering 20% off on services when you schedule and tell them you’re in communication with us! Give them a call, or text today to schedule! Siding Sudz – 614.918.7588.

Flowers are a great way to add a splash of color to your home. You might not want to make a huge investment in flowers this early in the spring season, especially living in Ohio and we are never sure when we will get that last freeze.  A great alternative are planters at the front of the house and if you have patio space out back, some planters out here go a long way in making things feel tied together as well. 

You may be wondering what flowers can handle this unpredictable spring weather? Potted Pansies are a great option, they are sturdy and colourful and if you take care of them, they will last all summer.  A bit of height is a good idea when creating your planters – in the spring we love forsythia – the pop of yellow draws the eye in! Ivy is a great all weather spill plant. Remember these 3 words when creating a planter: Spill, Fill and Thrill!

Troy sits down (virtually) with Chris Lundak, from Lundak’s Gutter Cleaning, and ask him some great questions, and gets a little more in-depth on the importance of making sure gutters are maintained, and covers a few more recommendations from the expert. Take a look at the video below, and meet Chris.

Lundak’s Gutter Cleaning

614-588-4500 lundak1147@gmail.com

Troy has put together some great information in a couple short videos that provide an insider look into the current real estate market, along with highlighting why the time is now to sell your home… and the best ways to navigate buying and selling in today’s market. Check out the videos below!

Lundak’s Gutter Cleaning LLC

Spring is right around the corner, and that means a whole host of outdoor chores for homeowners. One of the most important but often overlooked tasks is checking gutters for winter debris and damage.

A properly functioning gutter system protects your home from water damage by draining water from the roof and funneling it away from the house. When the gutters and downspouts are clogged, however, water can back up and damage the roof, fascia, soffits, and siding.Experts like Chris Lundak, of Lundak’s Gutter Cleaning, agree that regular examination and maintenance will help reduce the need for gutter repairs and replacement. Looking up at the gutters from the ground it is very difficult. Having an expert get on your roof is best as most problems with built-up debris are only noticed when on the roof. If this is left unmanaged along with spring rains it will cause damage.

Lundak’s Gutter Cleaning LLC

6155 Jaycox Rd

Galena, OH 43021

614-588-4520

lundak1147@gmail.com

Jamie Vagnier

I will admit basements tend to be the catch all for everything that does not have a “home” in our house. “Hey mom, where does this go?” … Put it in the basement!!  “Hey honey, where is the____?” … Check in the basement!!

So if you are ready to put some organization to your chaos in the dreaded basement here are a few tips:

First of all a basement does not have to be finished to be functional. The shelves above are adjustable which is great, they are also metal which can be wiped off easily. Next it’s all about the BINS…Let’s be honest: the most fun part of an organizing project is picking cute bins, right?!?

It’s so tempting to start a project by heading to the store and buying all of the organizing tools, gadgets, containers, and more. But when I start with buying organizing pieces, I often end up with many pieces I don’t need. Then, I find myself running back to the store again and again because inevitably I discover that there’s a piece I could use but don’t have.

I’ve learned that it is important for me to go through all of my items first, discarding anything we no longer use or need, and sorting the remaining items into categories. (I will share my 3 category technique for sorting through cluttered areas in a later blog.)

Once I have everything organized I can determine the best containers for them. I see what I have to store in each category, then I can make a plan for what size and shape bins I need and go out and buy them (or even better, use what I already own)! 

The other important thing about the bins is that I find they work best when they are clear so you can see the contents.This makes rummaging through a bin to find your favorite blue scarf so much easier. We can also take this one step further as you can see in the picture above, I love to label. I generally just put something like ‘fall decorations’, which makes it easier to grab when it comes to changing over seasonal decorations!

As you can see the basement does not have to be a place of chaos. With a little time and money well spent you can feel a sense of accomplishment as well as make it easier on you and your family when trying to locate that one thing you are looking for. 

See you next week when we tackle bedroom closets!

Jamie Vagnier

DRAWER ORGANIZATION – Kitchen 

No matter what size your kitchen is, staying organized can be challenging. As  we discussed in the last blog food and pantry items are easy to organize as long as you use (FIFO) first in first out. Now let’s move on to our kitchen drawers and cabinets!  Whether you’re navigating tiny cabinets, narrow drawers, or an overall lack of storage space. There’s a lot to contend with when you’re trying to keep your kitchen tidy while also making sure everything you need is still accessible.

As I have shown above, I love the bamboo expandable drawer organizers. They are great because they expand or contract to be the perfect fit for most drawers. The way I start any organization project is by taking everything out of the drawer and cleaning it. I love the crevice tool on the vacuum cleaner. (Oy I never thought I would say that!!) Then I wipe out the drawer inside and out. Next I put the organization piece or pieces in the drawer or cupboard. Finally I make sure to declutter the items that are going back into the drawer. What goes back in the drawer or cabinet is entirely up to you, but the endgame is to keep each like items with like items once you return everything to the cabinets or drawers.

One last thing I want you to remember is that just because your silverware drawer has always been in the  island…IT DOES NOT HAVE TO STAY THERE. WHAT WHAT???. Yes, we often set up kitchen cabinets and drawers when we first move into a house but we don’t change them when we figure out our personal workflow. This is important from an organization standpoint as well as just a time stand point when it comes to cleaning and cooking. 

The more often you do this, the more functional and beautiful your kitchen will be.  

Please, join me next Tuesday when we tackle the basement. 

Jamie Vagnier

The first step of any organizing process is to make sure the spaces are neat and free of clutter. Think of it like this: Before you unload groceries, you have to create space for them to go in the fridge, freezer and pantry.

Speaking of fridge, freezer and pantry this is a great place for us to start. First place to start is to go through your fridge, freezer and pantry to make sure you have no expired or spoiled foods. We will then make sure to bring the oldest foods to the front. Also referred to as first in, first out (or FIFO) in the food service world. By organizing your fridge, freezer and pantry with the newer items to the back and the older items at the front. You will ensure that those older items are grabbed first so that they do not go bad. This technique is used in the pantry with can goods, pastas, and dry goods as well. We use a marker in our house to write the expiration date on the top or front of the items. So, if I have three cans of crushed tomatoes the one with the closest expiration date will be in front with the other two behind in sequential order. 

Moving on to our snack pantry. This space has very deep shelves so I had to get crafty. The kids were always opening up a new bag of chips when we already had one if not two already open. Not to mention the words every parent loves to hear “There is NOTHING to eat!” I took time to label and be sure that we have healthy and convenient snacks at all times. Although you know I still hear those five dreaded words anyways. 

This brings me to our chest freezer in the garage. This is another area that can become a bottomless pit. Dont get me wrong, chest freezers are great for stocking up on food. Although part of saving money on groceries is knowing what you already have, and that’s hard if you don’t have some sort of system for keeping your freezer organized! I have a free freezer inventory sheet here that you may find helpful.  It is not something I keep up with, but take a look at the great organizing idea below! This amazon find was life changing, I now use  metal baskets to keep track of chicken, beef, pork and frozen veggies. This feels way more manageable for me when I see the chicken basket is empty, I know it’s time to stock up again!

These ideas above are not only meant to help you keep your fridge, freezer and pantry more organized in the New year, but hopefully save you money and give you peace of mind!

Jamie Vagnier

Our family has a tradition that is Covid proof! Every Christmas Eve we get dressed in our Christmas comfys and drive around and look at Christmas Lights. This a tradition I did with my family growing up and of course when I had a family of my own we do as well. My kids have assured me they will keep up the tradition with their families,too. Oh, and did I mention there are always Christmas carols being sung slightly off key! 

Here is a list of great places around Columbus to start or carry on this tradition with your family. 

POWELL

The Lucy Depp Park Light Show

This drive-thru Christmas light experience features 6 houses over 7.5 acres. The show runs from Black Friday to the first week of January, dusk until 10pm Sun-Thurs and until 11 on Friday and Saturday. In order to manage traffic, there is a loop to drive. You enter at Frabell Dr and exit on Springdale Dr. Make sure you read about the history of Lucy Depp Park – it’s fascinating! Address: Frabell Dr. Powell, OH 43065

WESTERVILLE

Dazzling Christmas Lights in Westerville’s Annehurst neighborhood

Thanksgiving through December. Display features 100,000 Christmas Lights that dance to music. The show is every night (weather permitting) from 6:00pm – 10:00pm Sunday thru Thursday and 6:00pm – 11:00pm Friday and Saturday. Check Facebook to see the coordinating radio station and details for 2020. Address: 649 Old Coach Rd. Westerville Ohio 43081. 

DELAWARE 

Lights of Glenross

Thanksgiving – January 1, 2021. Glenross subdivision in Delaware and has around 250 houses with light displays choreographed to Christmas music played on 94.1FM. The displays will run from 5-9pm Sunday-Thursday and 5-11pm Friday & Saturday. Check out the website at www.lightsofglenross.com or like Lights of Glenross on Facebook for more info. Ballater Dr., Delaware, Ohio 43015.

Griswold Delaware Christmas Display

This is a MUST SEE! This Award Winning Christmas Display features over 120,000 lights. Lights are on starting November 27 from 6pm to 12am daily, until January 2. Listen to the music from the safety and comfort of your own vehicle on 88.3 FM to hear the 9 song light show. 7840 Overland Trail, Delaware, OH

Enjoy the Holiday season!

Jamie Vagnier

I would like to think many of us have gotten into the holiday spirit a little earlier this year because we just needed something to (finally) brighten our spirits. Well, I have decided to use the extra time I have been gifted during quarantine to make a couple DIY Holiday Crafts!

These paper bag snowflakes were so fun and easy to make.Warning –  this is addictive because with each snowflake you make you have one more idea of what will make an amazing one of a kind snowflake!! I will add a list below with the supplies you will need. 

Materials

• Lunch Bags
• Hot glue Gun
• Scissors
• Hole Punch
• String/Fishing Line

 

Instructions

• Step 1 Count out 10- 12 for small bags 6-8 for larger bags 
• Step 2 Add glue to the flat face of the first bag. Place a second bag on top facing the same direction and press down to make sure they stick together.
• Step 3 Repeat this with all the bags.
• Step 4 Cut the bags! Cut diagonally along the end of the bag. Add in any center cuts as desired. Test to make sure it can open completely.
• Step 5 Add glue to the flat face of the top bag. Open up the bag and press it to the other loose end to form a star. Hold until the glue dries.
• Step 6 Add some fishing line or string and hang them all over for a winter wonderland feel!

DIY project #2 was this garland made out of you guessed it TOILET paper rolls!! It would not be a 2020 quarantine craft if it did not contain something about toilet paper! This Winter Yarn Hat garland is an adorable Christmas DIY to make with your friends and family because there are NO knitting skills required. Using just a toilet paper roll, yarn, and beads to make a cute and festive garland.

Materials

•  1 toilet paper roll
•  super bulky weight yarn
•  wood beads (I used 1.5cm beads from Michaels)
• scissors

Instructions

• Step 1 Cut a ring from the toilet paper tube. (I made mine 1/2-inch wide.)
• Step 2 Tie a 10-inch piece of yarn around the cardboard ring using a lark’s head knot. Repeat until the cardboard ring is completely covered.
• Step 3 Once the cardboard ring is completely covered. Push the knotted ends back through the ring to create the hat shape.
• Step 4 Tie a piece of yarn near the top, with enough room to leave a little fluff at the top. Repeat steps 1-4 8 times. Or as many times as it will take to make the size garland you want. 
• Step 5 String hats and beads on to a piece of yarn and hang!!

These DIY Christmas crafts have somehow soothed me and brought me back to a time in my life when things were slower and carefree. A nostalgia I think we all reach for when we feel things might be out of our control. So I hope you take time over the holiday’s to do something that makes you more connected to a time when things were slower and more carefree. Happy Holidays to you and your family!

Troy Marsh

As you can see from the numbers below there are three trends that are continuing in the Central Ohio Real Estate Market. 

1) Fewer New Listings = Lower Inventory
Although the month of October saw a rise of 2.2% in New Listings compared to October of 2019, it was not enough to bring us back to level with new listings ytd in 2020 compared to ytd in 2019. This has been the driving force behind substantially lower number of active listings (down 45.1% compared to the same date last year)

2) More Overall Sales
This summer and fall have outperformed a “normal” summer and fall after a slower than average spring due to COVID.  Sold homes in October were up by 15.8% compared to 2019 and with pendings up by 33.4% compared to the same date last year, there is no end in sight for this trend. 

3)  Interest Rates Remain at Historic Lows
With interest rates at historic lows and not really moving at all, it has driven many first time home buyers who had been sitting on the sidelines of the real estate market with a rising interest rate environment back into the market in a big way.  This has allowed record sales despite fewer homes coming onto the market and it’s also made finding a home in the under $350,000 price range somewhat like finding a needle in a haystack.  (Insert your preferred old man joke here)

It means that now is a great time to sell.  

Is it also a great time to buy?  Check out the mortgage rates over the last 5 yrs, it’s a GREAT time to buy!  

Did you know that if mortgage rates were to go up by only 1% on a  $300,000 mortgage that your payments would go up by $2,000 per year over 30 years that equals $60,000.  

The comment that I get a lot from people is:  What if prices go down?  The value of your home only matters on two days (maybe 3).  The day you buy it, the day you sell it  and the third would be the day you refinance it.  With rates so low, refinancing will almost never make sense.  

The summary is that it’s a great time to buy and sell.  If you are interested in having a conversation about why that is please give us a call so we can give you advice on your specific situation.  Everyone’s needs are different and everyone’s situation is different and before we give any advice, we would always learn about your wants, needs and goals and advise accordingly.  

Thank you for trusting us!

Email Troy at troyre@gmail.com for a real market analysis for your home!