June 18, 2009

HOUSING STARTS UP IN COLUMBUS, OHIO

Posted to Judy Gray, Real Estate Markets

Finally, some good news for a change! With an increase in new home construction up 17.2% across the nation, housing starts are up 3.5% in Columbus since the start of 2009. Experts attribute much of this good news to first-time home buyers, low interest rates, and the $8,000 tax credit available for first timers. They go on to say, “now more than ever is the time to get into the real estate market. Conditions will never be more favorable than they are at this time.” The first time buyers are feeding the entire market. With companies offering great incentives containing upgrades and discounts, it’s an opportune time. Although this is all good news, the housing market is far from “back to normal.” We need to adjust our mindset that the new normal will have a different appearance when it does occur ~ hopefully by the third quarter of 2009.

Posted by:Judy Gray


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June 09, 2009

The State of the Relocation Industry

Posted to Judy Gray, Relocation

“THE STATE OF THE RELOCATION INDUSTRY”………………as seen by relocation professionals who gathered recently in San Diego, CA during Worldwide ERC’s Spring Meeting….

The US Advisory Council, composed of individuals reflecting the breadth of the US Domestic workforce mobility industry, facilitates open communication, highlights emerging trends, and identifies opportunities for the growth and betterment of the mobility profession.

The following is a synopsis of questions and answers that focused on trends and forecasts for the relocation industry.

The following issues were discussed:

  • Economy/Real Estate/Mortgage
  • Talent Management
  • New Administration – Impact of policies, proposals & philosophies
  • Technology/Web 2.0
  • Green Initiatives

Overview of Discussion Issues

Economy/Real Estate/Mortgage

What do you think will be the short and long term effects of the economic downturn on employee mobility?

  • Generally, all agreed that there would be a decline in the short term and lasting between 2-4 years. The current market has served as a “wake-up call” to corporations and many are projecting a 30-50% decline in relocation volume.

How are corporations adjusting their mobility polices in response to the current economic climate?

  • Corporations will be more strategic and selective in the process of identifying relocation candidates and provide more pre-decision research and processes. They are also projected to seek alternatives to relocation.
  • Most report a change in the profile of the typical transferee, citing more C-level and entry level transferees representing a shift from the traditional mid level manager.
  • Loss of equity is a major factor in employee resistance to move.
  • Most members report extended benefit periods for temporary housing, duplicate housing, willingness to pay real estate incentives, home sale bonuses and some companies are offering professional property management services, when appropriate.
  • Maximum listing caps 103-105%
  • Executive compensation is more closely reviewed by the compensation committee at a corporate level.
  • To help overcome deficit equity some are offering signing bonuses on internal job postings.

Are you aware of any unique programs that lenders or corporations are doing to help homeowners sell their homes (creative financing, etc)?

  • Corporations are willing to consider selling for less than the Guaranteed Buyout.
  • Mortgage buy-downs are being offered (3,2,1 buy down mortgage incentives for buyers especially on jumbo level loans).
  • Pre-pay HOA Dues
  • Some companies are offering sellers an opportunity to enhance the marketability of the listed property through a seller concession for a “Job Loss Protection” program (cost - $500) – Several programs are available, but generally the program works as follows: if the buyer loses their job within the first 24 months of ownership 6 payments of up to $1,800 per month are made for them. The Real Estate community is rapidly embracing the programs to alleviate buyer’s fear of job loss, encourage sales and to create a competitive advantage on listings in their local markets.

Have you experienced real estate transactions falling apart at closing due to credit issues?

  • Yes, fall through rates at an all time high, some reporting normal as less than 8% and are now reporting double the normal rate and as high as 18-22% - some are due to home not appraising for sales price, buyer credit issues, more restrictive lender qualification guidelines, more down payment required in declining markets, inspection issues, buyers asking for extensive repairs.
  • BMA variances reported now at 7-10% versus 4-5%
  • List to Sale Ratios have changed and are now 8-12%

What is the status of the talent pool for your industry segment?

  • The moving industry is seeing the biggest drop in move volume – industry shrinking. The industry isn’t attractive to young up and comers. Former military personnel may be a target for future hires. The industry may look very different in the future, more “PODS” type solutions. That model is growing, in part, due to increased rate of foreclosures.
  • Appraisal industry members also report declines in talented appraisers due to increased regulation/educational requirements and declining revenue models.
  • 2011 and 2012 are projected to be an “Employee” market versus “Employer” Market.
  • Some corporations report they are still hiring, but a much different level of employee.
  • With the number of talented and unemployed relocation professionals, all are fearful we will lose many to other industries, but no one is in a position to take advantage of the “bench” talent and wait for the market recovery.
  • RMCs facing a tough future due to price compression in the industry and technology costs.
  • Real estate professionals are leaving the business. Many experienced agents are in their mid to late 50’s and are considering retiring now rather than invest the time and expense to adapt to the technology demands for an industry they project won’t return to “normal” for at least 3 years. The rising cost to conduct business and the declining sales prices are also factors in their decision to leave the business. Costs include increased referral fees and overall increased business expense such as E&O Insurance, cost of technology, local Realtors® board dues, licensure expenses, lock box keys, signage, online marketing exposure, virtual tours, etc.
  • Some really great relocation agents have begun to reject the referrals because of high fees and the real estate relocation directors are concerned about compromised service delivery to the transferees.
  • Many real estate brokers are also closing their doors for many of the same reasons as well as continued erosion of company dollar after referral fees and agent splits. There does seem to be a “flight to quality” as agents have recognized the benefits of a full service real estate operation.
  • Loss of Culture is also a concern – a shift to the “own your own career” mentality
  • Affinity programs may increase with services being offered for a total employee benefit
  • Most participants agreed this should serve as a “wake-up call” call for re-engineering our industry.
  • There is need for more financial transparency in our industry.
  • RMCs noted the need for more online standardized client access.
  • 50% of recruiters are teaching social networking as a key skill to job search (LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter). It is important to establish your “Internet Identity” and make it professional.

How do you think the new administration’s policies, proposals and philosophies could affect the employee mobility industry and your industry segment?

  • Most agreed that everything is likely to be on the table under the new administration and the question was met with mixed review.
  • The audience responder results showed that most believe that the mortgage interest deduction will likely be impacted or altered from the current model, especially as it relates to second homes.
  • Some felt the current $8K first time home buyer tax credit incentive may be extended or increased, but were not conclusive on how impactful the tax credit has been since there is not immediate gratification. There is a movement from the Mortgage Bankers Association and NAR to provide the tax credit at the closing table.
  • Most agreed that results of the housing stimulus initiatives have at least slowed the rate of foreclosures.
  • There are potentially many more foreclosures to come as some lenders seem to be holding off listing properties that have already been foreclosed on and we may be delaying the inevitable.
  • Aggressive loan modification and short sales programs are being implemented by the lenders/investor to also slow the rate of foreclosure. Additionally, Fannie and Freddie have implemented “rent back” programs in an effort to keep properties occupied.

What environmentally responsible practices does your company support on the topic of “Green” Issues?

  • General recycling – Bill Graebel, Graebel Relocation, noted a recent project to recycle office equipment in a landfill that resulted in production of enough methane gas to provide energy for 3,000 houses for one year.
  • More Webinar training
  • More investment in video conferencing equipment to limit the need for travel.
  • CCE reported investing in vehicles to reduce the carbon footprint
  • WERC is conducting a session during the NRC “Is going Green the new Gold”
  • WERC also has a Green Forum on the front page of the new website – Be sure to check it out!
  • As it relates to the trend toward going “green” there were no major reports of a change in transferee buying behavior except that some are seeking shorter commute times when buying and some empty nesters are “buying down” and looking for smaller square footage.

Posted by:Judy Gray


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March 13, 2009

The Miracle on the Hudson

Posted to Judy Gray

I want to share with all of you a short story which recently appeared in our “In Contract” magazine, which all the members of the Columbus Board of Realtors receive. It was authored by our own Gary Parsons, the current President of the Columbus Board of Realtors. There’s a wonderful message that we should all glean from his story, especially during these challenging economic times. We, at Cam Taylor Co., prefer to dwell on the positive opportunities that are occurring as a result of this current market. “Why,” you say? Well, because we are a united group of professionals who choose to help each other and our customers weather this difficult storm.

Enjoy……………..and remember, “we not only will survive, we will thrive!”

Click thumbnail below to read the full article

Posted by: Judy Gray


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March 11, 2009

COLUMBUS OHIO, NORTH ARC, RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE TRENDS-TENDENCIES AS OF MARCH 1, 2009

Posted to Phil Giessler

Here (click on spreadsheet image) is the residential real estate update for the communities that make up the geographic north arc of the greater Columbus Ohio area. The North Arc, as we call it, is the area clockwise from approximately 9 to 2 on the face of a clock with mid city Broad and High being at the center. The information is obtained from the Columbus Board of Realtors® (CBR) Multiple Listing Service (MLS). All housing types including; attached and detached condominiums and single family residences are considered. The 10 areas include school districts: Bexley, Columbus, Dublin, Gahanna, Hilliard, Olentangy, Plain Local, Upper Arlington, Westerville and Worthington. The time line comparisons include December 1, 2008 through the end of February, 2009 and for the same quarter ending in February, 2008, 2007, 2006 and 2005. The numbers of Sales, Average Sales Price (ASP), and average Days On Market (DOM) are noted. A Supply/Absorption (S/A) yield is also recorded. (The supply/absorption information is especially interesting).

Highlighted in green are results that may be positive. Highlighted in yellow are results that may be negative.

Comparing the most recent quarter to last year shows that Sales are down in all areas except for Gahanna which indicates a 20% increase. However, Gahanna also shows a 14% drop in ASP.

Average Sales Price is interesting intrinsic information especially as we consider the same time lines in previous years. Only Upper Arlington and Olentangy show a gain..

Days on Market is a figure that may have significance. DOM is derived from the listing Realtor’s® report to the MLS but only considers the last listing period. So for instance if the property was listed, expired and then relisted the DOM would be recorded only for the last listing. Therefore this may be the least reliable figure of those considered in this report.

A Supply/Absorption of 6 months is considered by most relocation management companies, appraisers and Realtors® as a healthy supply. Under 6 months indicates a sellers market or undersupply and higher suggests a buyers market or oversupply. Unknown and therefore not measured are the number of properties that have been taken off of the market for the holidays. The next quarter might find an increase of supply as owners choose to get their real estate on the market for the hopeful spring upswing. The S/A is not available for other than the current year. Worthington is the only single digit indicator.

Bottom line is that the residential real estate market in the North Arc of Columbus Ohio is okay, could be better and most certainly could be worse. We make this effort, not for fun, but to try to help the active or potential buyers and sellers understand the best and most current information and even look a bit into the future as much as our numbers permit.

This report has been created, if not in fact at least in thought, while I was enjoying a “day off” at the cottage. Crunching these numbers can be a bit tedious. So stealing away to the south shore of Lake Erie provides a relaxing atmosphere and environment for clear thoughts which helps with any spread sheet creation.



Posted By: Phil Giessler


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March 07, 2009

North Arc Columbus, Ohio

Posted to Phil Giessler

News from the North Arc of Columbus, Ohio:

Beechwold, Clintonville, Dublin, Gahanna, Grandview Heights, Hilliard, Lewis Center, Mid Town, New Albany, Powell, Short North, Upper Arlington, Westerville, and Worthington all have had a 1950’s type winter with sub-zero readings, and a good deal of ice and white stuff. I captured a picture of what High Street in Worthington looked like - covered in our most recent snow.

However, spring is in the air.

As I write this I am not in the North Arc but just 2 hours north of the Worthington I-270 and Route 23 intersection looking at the fast thawing waters on the south shore line of Lake Erie. Carol and I came up last night to sneak 24+ hours of rest and relaxation. I have the windows open here at the cottage and am listing and watching the lake gulls and other wildlife doing their morning activities. I have also included a view of the lake from a couple of weeks ago which our good friend, Bev, captured from her house. She is a year around resident and she says she especially enjoys the times when we “part timers” are back in our hometowns which she says doesn’t suggest that she dislikes us. Early this morning I picked up some supplies at Cornell’s grocery in Huron, Ohio just 4 miles down the road. I noticed real estate for sale signs along the lake front. It is probably a good time to pick up one of those properties? The Leading Real Estate Companies of the World® local independent brokerages, Howard Hanna Realtors® and Russell Realtors have a good share of signs as they are obvious market leaders in this area. We at the Cam Taylor Co. Realtors® highly value and respect the professional relationship we have with the Hanna and Russell Companies especially in their relocation division.

Today I hope to complete the Columbus North Arc real estate report. I will post it as completed. It should be interesting as the sale statistics for the last four months as compared to the same time period of 12 months will be reviewed. School districts for the North Arc of Columbus area are the geographic considerations.



Posted By: Phil Giessler


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February 02, 2009

THE ARNOLD SPORTS FESTIVAL

Posted to Judy Gray

Every year for 21 years, Columbus has hosted Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Sports Festival, where for an entire weekend; visitors are treated to a multi-sports event. This year’s schedule (March 6-8) is the largest ever with 37 events, including 11 Olympic sports. It’s everything from gymnastics, dance and cheerleading to table tennis, archery and martial arts.

Schwarzenegger competed in this bodybuilding competition for many years. He claimed it was the best event he ever competed in and although retiring from competition in 1976, he wanted to continue to be a part of the activity. So, in 1975, he teamed up with the Director of the program, Jim Lorimer (former Mayor of Worthington, OH) to present a body building event. The weekend long event has superseded both of their expectations and morphed into so much more than just body building.

There are anywhere from 17-18,000 athletes participating throughout the weekend and 165,000 fitness enthusiasts from around the world. The EXPO booth vendors have grown to 700. There is something for everyone! It’s a family event and at $10 per person, it won’t break the bank. “Arnold’s Party with the Pros” is a new event (late night soiree’) this year and the admission to that is an additional $25. It gives attendees the option to mingle with celebrities and professional athletes alike.

The weekend’s events are held at the Greater Columbus Convention Center, Franklin County Veteran’s Memorial Auditorium, Nationwide Arena, and the Ohio Expo Center. The Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, Experience Columbus, estimates this will bring upwards of 41 million dollars of revenue to the city of Columbus. For additional information, go to, http://www.arnoldclassic.com/h_5k.asp. From there you will find info on airlines, hotels, restaurants, shopping and a myriad of other details.

Posted by: Judy Gray


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January 29, 2009

Columbus Board of Realtors® Young Professional’s Network

Posted to Greg Giessler

The Columbus Board of Realtors® is the first board in the state of Ohio to launch a Young Professionals Network or YPN. So far the YPN has over fifty five committee members! The committee’s purpose is to: “Target younger real estate professionals with dynamic programs that promote social and professional networking, political and philanthropic involvement, as well as entrepreneurial learning opportunities.” Gretchen McKay and Stacie Warren are the YPN Co-chairs and Tim Weber and I are the YPN vice chairs. Our first networking happy hour is going to be held at 5:01 p.m. at Easton Gameworks.

Read the article written By Gretchen and Stacie for more information (article for brokers/office managers, article for affiliates). As well, if you are interested in sponsoring the organization or an event contact me or fill out our form by clicking here.

We look forward to everyone’s participation!!!

Posted By: Greg Giessler
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January 26, 2009

Nationwide Children's Hospital

Posted to Greg Giessler

This past Saturday, Nationwide Children’s Hospital Development Board held "Rock N’ Bowl" - an event benefiting the Center for Child and Family Advocacy at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. The event was held at the Columbus Bowling Palace and was hosted by Wags and Elliot from QFM 96.3. The event had three, two hour sessions where sixty four teams in each session bowled and raised funds to support child abuse treatment and prevention programs. Though or team Bingo, Bango, Bongo did not win any of the team or individual prizes of highest score, most enthusiasm, or most flare, we did have a great time!!!



If you are interested in participating next year or making a donation to Nationwide Children’s Hospital contact Kris Mazzola at 614.355.0888, or online at www.giving.nationwidechildrens.org.

Posted By: Greg Giessler
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January 24, 2009

January Nightlife in Suburban Columbus, Ohio

Posted to Phil Giessler

Not much going on in a small city near Ohio’s capital city when the temperature is sub teens and the snow is ankle deep? Wrong! Espresso Yourself Music Café (EYMC) is where it was “happening” last Friday night with three different musical groups. EYMC is owned and operated by folk music aficionado Eric Ahlteen and family Chelsea and Eric (www.espressoyourselfmusiccafe.com). The location is 50 West Olentangy Street in downtown Powell. Carol and I arrived about 8:30 PM in the middle of the performance by the Fo Mo Jo jazz band which was loud and wonderful.

We had been invited by a friend and fellow member at the Worthington Presbyterian Church, Parker MacDonell, to see his band, Pep Boys, play at the 9:00 PM slot. Jim Cunningham on bass and vocal and percussionist Rob Mottice added to Parker’s personal performance. They were fantastic and perfect for the acoustics of the building which was a church many years ago. You can catch Parker’s recordings at www.parkermacdonell.com, He is pretty good for a graying bank president.

I am told that the Pep Boys will be performing at Shanghai Lilly for a Valentine treat. Is just a bit further west close to Muirfield Village in Dublin, actually Shawnee Hills, Ohio. Sounds like a good date and with the reputation of the restaurant’s good food it will probably be our Valentine treat.

I asked Carol, my wife, who has an amazing ability to create on the spot poetry to share her view of the evening. I include it here as I feel she captured the venue and entertainment better than I did.

"In a little old church, Now a coffee house
In Powell in the center of town
We were all entertained
By a group of three guys
All from different backgrounds

Three men came together
To sing and to play
The words were straight from their hearts
We suggest that you visit some nite you are free
And enjoy music, coffee or tea"

She does poems like this for all occasions. Usually takes her 5 minutes. Amazing talent!! I am trying to get her to create a web site and start a home business. Contact me and I will make an attempt to work on one for you.

By the way the real estate business was “busy” this week here in the North Arc of Columbus. Powell and Dublin are small cities to the north and northwest of Columbus and offer an excellent quality of life as well as a full bundle of great housing alternatives.

Posted By: Phil Giessler
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January 14, 2009

“I HAVE A DREAM”

Posted to Judy Gray

Although this famous quote was spoken many years ago, today it is especially meaningful to me. As I take the reins of Presidency for the international organization, The Relocation Directors Council, I am reminded of personal and professional goals we all set for ourselves. Much like New Year’s Resolutions, which we often aspire to, but often fall short in achieving, becoming President of this outstanding international organization of the most trusted names in the relocation industry, has been a career long goal of mine. I started on the path of my journey some 22 years ago, realizing it was time for me to get yet another life after my children flew the coup. Who knew, Phil and Carol Giessler’s job offer, December 1986, would lead me down this path, this job called relocation. Nobody grows up to be a Relocation Director. Nobody majors in “Relocation” in college. In fact after graduating from college and getting married, I worked at The Ohio State University Hospital in the Department of Endocrinology as a Medical Technologist. If only I could have imagined where the next 22 years would take me. It’s not often that one is able to say, “I found my passion” i.e., “what I want to be when I grow up.” With Phil’s trust, confidence and mentorship, I am living my passion.

I am humbled and honored to be leading this 275 member organization. It’s comprised of Relocation Directors and Brokers from all around the globe. It transcends all network and franchise brokerages. RDC has literally become the “who’s who” in the relocation industry. Some of the country’s largest brokerages are members of this fine organization which leads me to…………….why me? I am the poster child for “It’s not the quantity that counts, but the quality” of an organization that leads you to great things.

Long before I ever arrived at Cam Taylor Co., relocation resided at the heart of this company. That heart has grown, in fact, taken on a whole life of its own. We are proud to have been recognized, year after year, as a top award winning company by our peers at Leading Real Estate Companies of the World®. We are a team of dedicated professionals who care a great deal about adhering to the highest business standards and we are committed to exceeding every client’s expectations for quality service. We are guided by the utmost concern for ethics, real estate law, and the Golden Rule. Today in the midst of all of the mergers and acquisitions of mega-corporations, this family owned company is proud to have made a difference in the lives of so many people we have touched over the years.

Here’s to the next 22 years!

Posted by: Judy Gray
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January 05, 2009

COLUMBUS OHIO, NORTH ARC, RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE TRENDS-TENDENCIES AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2008

Posted to Phil Giessler

This spreadsheet is the residential real estate update for the communities that make up the geographic north arc of the greater Columbus Ohio area. The North Arc, as we call it, is the area clockwise from approximately 9 to 2. The information is obtained from the Columbus Board of Realtors® (CBR) Multiple Listing Service (MLS). All housing types including; attached and detached condominiums and single family residences are considered. The 10 areas include school districts: Bexley, Columbus, Dublin, Gahanna, Hilliard, Olentangy, Plain Local, Upper Arlington, Westerville and Worthington. The time line comparisons include October 1 to December 31 of 2008, 2007, 2006 and 2005. The numbers of Sales, Average Sales Price (ASP), and average Days On Market (DOM) are noted. A Supply/Absorption (S/A) yield is also recorded. (The supply/absorption information is especially interesting).

Highlighted in green are results that may be positive. Highlighted in yellow are results that may be negative.

The Sales are down in all areas except for Gahanna which shows a 10% increase. However, Gahanna also shows a 16% drop in ASP

Average Sales Price is interesting intrinsic information especially as we consider the same time lines in previous years. Hilliard, Olentangy and New Albany have all trended downward in the last four years while Upper Arlington and Worthington have trended upward.

Days on Market is a figure that may have significance. DOM is derived from the listing Realtor’s® report to the MLS but only considers the last listing period. So for instance if the property was listed, expired and then relisted the DOM would be recorded only for the last listing. Therefore this may be the least reliable figure of those considered in this report.

A Supply/Absorption of 6 months is considered by most relocation management companies, appraisers and Realtors® as a healthy supply. Under 6 months indicates a sellers market or undersupply and higher suggests a buyers market or oversupply. Unknown and therefore not measured are the number of properties that have been taken off of the market for the holidays. The next quarter might find an increase of supply as owners choose to get their real estate on the market for the hopeful spring upswing. The S/A is not available for other than the current year. The Columbus School District neighborhoods of Clintonville, Beechwold and other northwest Columbus School District areas show a 6.7 month supply. The Worthington School District follows closely at 6.9 month supply. The Olentangy (southern Delaware County), Plain Local (aka New Albany) and Upper Arlington School Districts yield a 12 month supply.

Bottom line is that the residential real estate market in the North Arc of Columbus Ohio is okay, could be better and most certainly could be worse. We make this effort, not for fun, but to try to help the active or potential buyers and sellers understand the best and most current information and even look a bit into the future as much as our numbers permit.

This blog has been created, if not in fact at least in thought, while I was loading up on food and fellowship over the holidays. Besides homestyle family cooking I have enjoyed fare from restaurants in the Columbus and St.Louis, MO areas. Here is a quick “average person” report. In Columbus: Aubergine in Grandview - “fantastic food and drink– Ted was an excellent host, sommelier and chef” this is a private dining club so if you get an offer to go say yes!, Basi Italia in an alley in the Short North neighborhood – “chef/owner John has it all together” “quaint, cozy and hard to find but worth the effort” http://www.basi-italia.com , Caffe Daniela in downtown Worthington - “lasagna and Daniela panini are great” – “Joe and Mary Jo make it go”, LaChatelaine French Bakery and Bistro in Worthington: “Gigi’s pasta but don’t miss the freshly baked items”,http://www.lachatelainebakery.com, Lindey’s in German Village (for Carol and Phil’s 40th anniversary) “Sunday brunch off the menu was wonderful” , http://www.lindeys.com, North Star Café in Beechwold – “always a treat for breakfast and later, organic and local ingredients, http://www.thenorthstarcafe.com , and in O’Fallon, MO a great New Years Eve dinner at B.C.’s Kitchen: ask for the brie followed by crown of pork, one of Bill Cardwell’s spots, http://www.billcardwell.com , All of this guided me to self imposed, early morning, “get healthy” dates at the Worthington Community Recreation Center.

The best for you in 2009!

Posted By: Phil Giessler


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December 22, 2008

FROM OUR HOUSE TO YOURS

Posted to Judy Gray

Cam Taylor Co. Ltd., Realtors would like to take this opportunity to wish all our valued clients and partners a most wonderful holiday season. We are grateful for the confidence you have placed in us over the years, and we look forward to working with you on all your real estate and relocation needs in 2009.

As we look back on the year to reflect and review, We can’t even imagine “our family” without you. We conquered our challenges by doing our best, And now with you, we celebrate success! Wishing you a world of joy, hope and peace!

Posted by: Judy Gray


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December 12, 2008

Columbus Board of Realtors Centennial Ball

Posted to Phil Giessler

This Saturday night the 6500+ member Columbus Board of Realtors have their Centennial Ball at the Aladdin Shrine Center.

The Easton Towne Center is across the street which provides plenty of fun spots for pre-ball parties and/or shopping at Nordstrom, Macys, the new Tiffany store, or Restoration Hardware.

This is an especially exciting year for The Cam Taylor Co. Ltd. Realtors® as one of senior partners and manager, Gary Parsons, will be the new President of the Columbus Board of Realtors in its 101 Year.

I have the privilege of presenting Gary for the installation and I have decided to provide some of the text here first. I guess GuideMeHomeToColumbus.com gets a “scoop” in a sense.

“It is an honor to introduce and participate in the installation of our new President Gary Parsons. Gary, with the support of his lovely wife Susan, is ready and more than capable to tackle this job in a year which looks somewhat problematic and challenging to all of us. I am confident that Gary will lead with the understanding that any Problems and Challenges are nothing more than OPPORTUNITIES TO BE OF SERVICE. That lesson in life was taught to us by our good friend and guest here tonight Campbell Taylor Jr.

Gary has made a major contribution to our Cam Taylor Company. For 35 years he has helped manage and lead as we have become members of the Leading Real Estate Companies of the World®.

Because of Cam Taylor’s steadfast commitment to the relocation industry, and leadership such as that Gary has given us, we recently received – -as one of only 44 companies in the United States, - the RELO Quality Certification Award for excellence in relocation services. For our small group of 17 Realtors®, this is huge and we are very proud. Without the guidance of Gary and all of our Realtors® working together this would not be possible. And now Gary joins a select group of Columbus Realtors® who have reached the top level of service to our Board. Again as a group of a few at Cam Taylor Co we are very proud and humbled by the opportunity to be of service.

Tonight whatever I will say to you about my good friend and business partner of many years might sound expected and obligatory. But there was no mandatory script for me. My comments are true and are obvious to all who observe him. Gary is as sound an individual as I have ever known. Seldom flustered, he is one to go to in an emergency. He does not need consensus to act. He has the ability to sift through the chaff of desires and recommendations to get to a correct solution. He is a warrior when things get tough. He and we are fortunate to have an excellent executive officer, Larry Metzger, and a wonderful management staff to work with at the “Board”. Author Peter Drucker said “good management is doing things right,- good LEADERSHIP IS DOING THE RIGHT THINGS. Gary has the gift of making the right decisions and doing the Right Things. He will lead us well with courage and confidence."

We are also proud that Karl Schneider will be inducted into the 25 Million Dollar Club. He will join fellow Cam Taylor Co. associates; Penny Call, Marge Drake, Dennis Jewett, Brian Kuyper, Gary Parsons, Chris Rosen, Carla Zak and Phil Giessler in the highest sales achievement recognition of the Columbus Board.

Posted By: Phil Giessler


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December 02, 2008

Step back from the Baggage Claim

Posted to Greg Giessler

A good friend of mine and someone who has positively influenced my life recently wrote a book named, Step back from the Baggage Claim: Change the world, Start at the Airport. The book illustrates the journey of Jason Barger who spent seven straight days flying to seven different cities without stepping outside of an airport. His experiences and stories highlight the frustrations people have with travelling and the time spent at the airport. In the book, Jason emphasizes people need to, “step back, be still, share compassion, and live gratefully.” He observes how people interact while going through the airport routine of security lines, loading and unloading of the airplane, and especially how people act at the baggage claim! His overall objective is to illustrate that if more people thought about their actions and lived with compassion the world could be a better place…”Change the world, Start at the Airport!”

Today an article about Jason’s book was written in the New York Times it can be viewed here. If you are interested in learning more you can also visit the website at www.stepbackfromthebaggageclaim.com

Posted By: Greg Giessler


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December 01, 2008

Cam Taylor Co. Achieved MD Preferred Real Estate Provider Status

Posted to Judy Gray

As the healthcare industry struggles with a growing physician and medical industry shortage nationwide, Cam Taylor Co. is working behind the scenes to help attract physicians to our community.

We recently achieved MD Preferred Real Estate Provider status and earned the honor of displaying the MD Preferred Services Medallion. This distinction, awarded to less than 100 national Realtors® by US Medical Specialties, a national healthcare consulting firm, recognizes Cam Taylor’s experience and commitment to serving the unique needs and demands of today’s busy physician.

We have so much to offer physicians and their families here in Columbus. We know that a physician places very high value on community and life issues. This network allows us to partner more closely with our hospitals and medical practices in the competition for physician services. We are uniquely qualified to tell the Columbus, OH story.

www.mdpreferredservices.com is a welcome resource to help facilitate relocation for time-pressed physicians and other medical personnel. With Cam Taylor’s long history of working with families moving into and out of the metro area, this is yet another way which we are able to help make a difference in the lives of those on the move. For additional information on this program, please contact Judy Gray, CRP, Global Relocation Director at jgray@camtaylor.com or call her at 800.848.6996.

Posted by: Judy Gray


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