March 09, 2010

Bored?

Posted to Columbus Attractions, Phil Giessler

Oh my. It was around 4:00 and I was out walking our red fox lab when two elementary school students passed by. I said hello and asked, “how are you?” The boy, around 4th or 5th grade, without a moment to think answered, “bored.” These children were returning from a long day at school and to give them the benefit of the doubt, I will say they were tired and ready to relax. But bored?

How can a 10 year old be bored in Worthington, Ohio? Not only do we have libraries, parks, playgrounds, after school programs, and any sport you can think of, there are educational websites to relax and play. Bored? So sad that our children need to be entertained 24/7 and require immediate gratification.

So, bored? Visit these sites:

These are just a few of the websites I found. There are so many more.

PLUS, there is nothing like a walk outside or a bike or scooter to avoid boredom. The best sleep follows outside playtime and with the weather getting better each day, push those kids outside! You can grab a book, sit at the front window and watch them having fun.

Posted By: Phil Giessler


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March 08, 2010

Friendship

Posted to Phil Giessler

One of life’s greatest treasures, we believe, are the friendships we make over a lifetime. Some people say to have one good friend for life is a wonderful thing. We are fortunate to have friends we have made through childhood, our years as students at Ohio State University, work related friends through Cam Taylor Co., Realtors, and neighbors and friends through our church, Worthington Presbyterian Church.

Recently we have had opportunities to gather with old and new friends. One good friend, made through the real estate industry, who has recently marked his “30+60” birthday is pictured to the left. This wonderful man works with vigor, 24/7 in the real estate industry. The stories he tells, and never repeats, are inspiring, hilarious, and captivating. It makes one think the old days really were the “good old days.” As he tells it, life was simple, more personal, and much fun. Relationships were fostered that lasted years, until death. Work was often culminated with a handshake, without all the paperwork today’s laws require. People trusted people, relied on people and the camaraderie among friends was precious.

As well, we recently joined with a group of newly made friends, pictured here. The theme of the gathering was “pizza and pictures.” Each was asked to bring 20 pictures of the favorite spots they had traveled. This was an education in European travel to us, as we have traveled less. Such fun was had as we laughed through the evening talking about our personal adventures all around the world. Pizza from Rotolo’s in Linworth, Ohio was yummy, too!

Posted By: Phil Giessler


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March 05, 2010

Great places to eat in Columbus, Ohio

Posted to Columbus Attractions, Phil Giessler

Our favorite spot to eat and get away from the hectic pace is the North Star Restaurant in Columbus, Ohio. We first visited the original location on High Street around the Short North area. A darling young couple, Katie and Kevin Malhame opened the location several years ago. It was so popular among the Columbus people that they opened the second North Star, further north on High Street, just south of Henderson Rd. Healthy food, freshly squeezed orange juice, great coffee, green tea and the best pancakes in the city and granola and yogurt are just a few of the morning specials. Lunch begins at 11 and dinner is served. Now they are planning another location at Easton. Katie and Kevin really know how to serve their public with healthy and mouth-watering food. Much of the food is purchased from local vendors/farmers. Visit the restaurant group at www.TheNorthstarCafe.com. We highly recommend this as a favorite spot to eat and get away from the maddening crowd.

Posted By: Phil Giessler


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March 03, 2010

Sports Festival

Posted to Phil Giessler

Arnold Schwarzenegger’s sports festival comes to Columbus, Ohio this weekend. Events begin Thursday, March 4 and run through March 7. It’s the world’s largest multi-sports event with 170,000 fans, 18,000 athletes, and 44 sports. In addition to the well known body building events, other sports include cheerleading and dance, archery, gymnastics, sports photography, active living sports for seniors, and cross fit kids.

Venues include Central downtown at Veterans Memorial and in the arena district at the Greater Columbus Convention Center, Nationwide Arena, Dispatch Ice Haus, Lifestyle Communities Pavilion. All sites in the arena district are within an easy walk from each other. More info at arnoldsportsfestival.com.

Posted By: Phil Giessler


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March 02, 2010

North Market Columbus Ohio

Posted to Columbus Attractions, Downtown Columbus, Phil Giessler

Columbus’ only public market with bakeries, candy makers and meat offerings. This outstanding area of north downtown Columbus is comprised of independent shoppes and local farmers who bring their produce to the market. March 3 offers a Chef Series cooking class, March 6, the piano Peddler and March 7, another cooking class with seafood suppers. Columbus trendy short north area is just west of High St. Between Vine and Spruce. It features 35 venders with a variety of offerings. Included are knitted items to fresh fish and poultry. Visit www.northmarket.com.

Posted By: Phil Giessler


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March 02, 2010

Children's Activities

Posted to Columbus Attractions, Phil Giessler

With spring right around the corner here in the central Ohio area, but winter weather still holding on, parents are seeking entertainment ideas for their children. Libraries are a great and free place to entertain kids. Most libraries have children story times for pre-school children and schedules can be found on community websites. Just type into Google the community (Worthington, Upper Arlington, Dublin, Powell, New Albany, Westerville, Hilliard, Grandview, Clintonville, Columbus) you are looking for and select from there. As well, the Franklin Park Conservatory is a wonderful place to take children. Blooms and Butterflies begin March 13 and is awesome, enthralling entertainment for kids of all ages. Check out a multitude of activities here. You will find a calendar of events with suggested age appropriateness. An especially enjoyable place is the Railroad Museum in the Upper Arlington, Northwest Columbus area. This offers a ride in a small train around the site as well as a tour of an authentic train, just like in the old days! Birthday parties are held there as well as community events. You can visit their website here. Remember, spring is just around the corner so hang in there and soon the children will be running outside again! Have fun!

Posted By: Phil Giessler


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March 01, 2010

Schools in Central Ohio

Posted to Columbus Attractions, Phil Giessler

Recently our granddaughter was fortunate to be selected to participate in a reading intervention program at a central Ohio elementary school. Her interest in reading is blooming but her ability to read “chapter books” which seemingly is her goal, is a bit slow. She is taken from the classroom every day of the school week, for 30 minutes one on one participation, with a reading specialist. She tells us they write words in the sand and do lots of fun things. She does not mind at all being taken out of the classroom and is able to make up her missed lessons in the room at another time or as a homework assignment. We see her progressing rapidly and she is almost ready to attack the “chapter books” she so strongly wishes to read. Many of the Columbus area schools and suburbs offer reading intervention in the elementary schools.

Worthington, Upper Arlington, Dublin and Olentangy school systems are outstanding programs and to learn more about the school systems in the central Ohio area visit http://ilrc.ode.state.oh.us.

Posted By: Phil Giessler


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February 25, 2010

The Worthington, Ohio Public Library

Posted to Columbus Attractions, Phil Giessler

I just returned from the Worthington, Ohio public library located in the “Olde Worthington” section of the city. We felt welcomed from the moment we entered the front doors. Our 3 year old granddaughter squealed with delight while her 7 year old sister explained that in a library she needed to whisper. It is wonderful that in the surrounding Columbus, Ohio areas; Worthington, Westerville, Hilliard, Dublin, Clintonville, Powell and New Albany and downtown Columbus, offer so much to children. When the children feel comfortable running and enjoying themselves in the children’s areas, it promotes their enthusiasm for reading.

Central Ohio and suburbs all offer outstanding libraries to the public and we appreciate that. If you are searching for a new home you would be pleased with the Columbus library system. Click here to see a list of Columbus libraries.

Posted By: Phil Giessler


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February 22, 2010

Keep The Blue Jackets in Columbus!

Posted to Phil Giessler

I was recently asked to sign a petition for Forward Together, a Columbus, Ohio group working to keep the Blue Jackets in Columbus. The committee members are an interesting group from all necks of the woods. Represented are New Albany, Dublin, Grove City, Powell, Worthington, Westerville, Hillard and surrounding areas. The article passed along to me boasted of the impact the Columbus Blue Jackets have had on our local economy and referred to the hundreds of thousands who visit Columbus each year for hockey and other arena events. A petition is being sent around for you to sign to show support for the Blue Jackets. Go to Forward Together Columbus Ohio to sign on!

Posted By: Phil Giessler


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August 26, 2009

CAM TAYLOR CO SEES POSITIVE TRENDS OCCURRING

Posted to Judy Gray, Real Estate Markets

July saw a noticeable increase in company wide sales for Cam Taylor Co Realtors. Many reasons are attributed to this turn in the Columbus housing market.

  • Although our local real estate landscape continues to be a buyer’s market; less inventory, affordable home prices, first time buyer’s credit and favorable interest rates have created a much better balance ~ consumer confidence is once again on the rise
  • Although other parts of Ohio are far more economically depressed, Columbus maintains its stability due to the state capital and its reputation as a strong transportation and distribution industry
  • Our diverse economy; through health care, hospitality, manufacturing and the tech industry contributes to a resilient job market
  • Its central geographical location lends itself to an increase of distribution employment nearly 1/3 since 2001, while the rest of the nation, on average, has been in a downward mode

We’re optimistic this trend will continue into the 3rd quarter of 2009 with the number of “in contracts” set to close in September and October. To get a full re-cap of July’s real estate activity, please click on: “July 2009 Home Sales Statistics” as posted on the Columbus Board of Realtors website.

Posted by:Judy Gray


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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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