Posted by Mike Parsons
October 17, 2007 at 09:48 PM
This website is a great resource to see Columbus area demographics and allows you to compare them to other surrounding Columbus zip codes. Some areas of interest that are tracked are age, population, education, and income. http://zipskinny.com/
Posted by Mike Parsons
August 29, 2007 at 08:09 PM
9/15/07-We will be hosting a FREE Home Buying Seminar for first time buyers. We thought we would do this class to help first time buyers feel more comfortable going through the home buying process. Often, buyers haven't done the necessary research and aren't prepared for their home purchase. This course is designed for those that hope to buy within the next year, but maybe not tomorrow. It is intended to give home buyers the basics so that everything isn't thrown at them all at once when the time comes to buy. This discussion is intended to disregard the hype and talk about the real issues that are important first time buyers. Subjects that we will talk about are:
1. Typical Steps in a Real Estate Purchase including financing, home search, making and negotiating an offer, to inspections, insurance for your home, and closing on your home.
2. How do I apply for a mortgage loan? What things do I need to be aware of when applying for a mortgage?
3. The biggest mistakes first time homebuyers make in Columbus, OH.
We will have an open forum for any questions big and small after the presentation.
The Free Homebuying Seminar will be held at Park National Bank located 7140 N. High St. Worthington, OH 43085 (Just South of 270 on the corner of Wilson Bridge and High). It will begin at 10am and will go unitl approx. noon depending upon the amount of questions. Light refreshments will be provided. Please call or email to register your seat. 614-523-6818. RSVP is required.
9/15/2007 at 10AM Park National Bank Worthington, OH 43085 614-523-6818 or email mike@parsonsrealestategroup.com to register now!
Posted by Mike Parsons
July 05, 2007 at 09:07 PM
In case anyone was wondering where HUD properties had gone they are back. Due to a change in the national management company they have been on hold until the new system was up and running. The new website to view HUD homes is http://www.clfres.com. For whatever reason, there has been a trend in all foreclosure resales to price them pretty close to market value. HUD is no exception. The appraised value in relationship to the retail value of these homes have seemed go up across the board while house values in general have declined or slowed across the board. Apparently there are enough nit wits out there buying homes that need $30,000 worth of work for $10,000 under retail value. Doesn't make since.
Some other changes include a slightly shorter closing time allowance, from 60 days to 45 days. Also, there is now an actual written inspection contingency in the contract where before you where buying on faith. There are still some good deals out there for the buyer who is not afraid to pull the trigger. If anyone has any HUD questions feel free to write or call and I will be glad to help!
Posted by Mike Parsons
April 24, 2007 at 02:41 AM
Rising energy costs, fears about global warming, and tax incentives are pushing "green" building practices forward in Central Ohio. Green building is a newer concept to Columbus, Ohio and is starting to gain traction. A building is considered "green" when it is constructed to reduce the energy needed to live and work inside it.
Green construction commonly uses recycled building materials and energy efficient products, such as compact flourescent light bulbs or low-flow shower heads that lessen the burden on the environment and natural resources. Energy Star appliances, housing insulation wraps, siding made from recycled materials, highly efficient HVAC systems, and argon gas filled windows are all elements of some green homes. About half of home builders nationwide intend on incorporating some level of green building techniques into their practices by year end. In Columbus, Ohio green is starting to slowly catch on.
The redevelopment of the Lazarus building in Downtown Columbus was recognized for its Leadership in Energy and Enviromental Design rating in green design and construction. Other LEED certified commercial projects are planned for the area, including the Ohio Audubon Society bird sanctuary in Columbus's River South District. Sovereign Homes is the only residential home builder that is only building green. If homes meet a FIve Star Home energy rating, the home qualifies for a $2000 Energy Efficient Home tax credit. Green homes with a 5 star energy efficient rating often average a 40% reduction in energy costs. The cost of building green is typically 3-5% more than building a home with traditional materials. Information given by Homefront Magazine
Posted by Mike Parsons
July 28, 2006 at 01:57 AM
Living in Central Ohio we are very lucky to have auditors that know their way around computers. The Franklin County Auditor as well as the Delaware County Auditor are a great source for real estate knowledge and info. You can search for a particular property by parcel number, owners name, or address. Many people are surprised that you can see not only a picture of your co-workers home but also how much they paid for it, and when.
Continue reading The Auditor’s Website is Great For Spying on Your Boss »
