Dispatch front page photo

At an open house in May, had a few quiet moments and thought I would look thru the newspaper to review the open house ads. Wow, what a surprise as I removed the plastic bag. On the very front page was a photo of a client’s son, photo caption “Prodigy To Play Carnegie” Arts and Life, E-1; quickly I turned to the page to read the article.

Memorable buying adventure

In 2007 a past client referred me to a cute family; mom and dad’s son brought joy to our house hunting day. This amazing little boy was 5 at the time when his parents started to look for that perfect house. Our first day out to preview listings I was in awe as Abhik rattled off names of area roads along with the names of all intersecting roads, remember this child was only 5 years old, he sounded like my GPS system. We had many fun adventures in the snow, sleet and rain; they started to look at houses in February and by March they found a great home that met their needs.

A Special dinner invitation

This sweet family invited my husband and I to dinner after they were settled in their new home. Sandip and Srirupa served us a dinner of Indian cuisine which was really yummy. Abhik made our visit very special by playing the piano for us, what a delight to hear this talented little boy playing those classical arrangements; it is hard to believe that a youngster could play such complicated piano compositions. My husband and I were honored for the family’s hospitality.

Carnegie Hall Follow Up

A few days after I discovered the Dispatch article I called Abhik, wanted to hear about the Carnegie Hall gig, talked to Abhik’s mom, she filled me in as to how Abhik was able to play Carnegie Hall. He was selected as the first place winner in his age division of the Bradshaw & Buono International Piano Competition. The entire family had a fabulous day at Carnegie Hall, Srirupa told me after Abhik’s return home he has become more immersed in his music. Abhik is musically talented beyond his years but he is still a little boy who likes to have fun with his friends. He enjoys drawing; I have one of his special sketches hanging in my office.

The perks of doing a job that you love

Throughout my real estate career I have met many wonderful people. What a privilege to be able to provide assistance to others to obtain home ownership. A house becomes a home where memories are made. Sandip and Srirupa have made a wonderful home for Abhik to become an accomplished pianist along with a loving place to call home to just be a little boy.

Don’t miss the 2008 BIA Parade of Homes

Building Industry Association of Central Ohio

The Parade of Homes – June 14 thru 29 – is located at the Village at Hannah Farms in Gahanna Ohio. The BIA has sponsored a tour of newly constructed homes since 1956. Plan to attend this great event to preview what’s new in home construction, decorating and landscaping trends.

Building a new home or remodeling an existing one

If you attend the parade you will be able to preview intriguing floor plans and new building materials, new designs to accommodate your lifestyle.

A decorators dream

There will be 7 homes featured in the 2008 parade. The interior of all of the homes will be professionally decorated. Visitors can take notes on the latest decorating trends, most popular paint colors, furniture and floor coverings.

Curb appeal plus

Builders know the importance of curb appeal it adds value to the home; it’s like the icing on a cake. Each home will be superbly landscaped. Last years backyard outdoor living spaces were spectacular. Especially popular were the double-sided fireplaces visible from both the interior and exterior of many homes. I especially liked an outdoor wet bar under a covered porch of a carriage house. The covered porch sheltered a plasma TV and a ceiling fan that created a breeze which also kept the bugs away.

Awards are presented

Every year the parade houses are given awards for the best landscaping, interior design, architectural design, curb appeal and more. 2007 parade visitors voted for their favorite house and interior décor, both categories were awarded to Ashley Homes. Lisa Mets a female builder, her first year in the Parade of Homes, it was her attention to detail that made the difference. The awarding winning 6,300 square foot Country French multi-level home incorporated many cool features such as 3 laundry areas, finished lower level with Texas Hold ‘em-themed game room, a kids’ cove that was accessible only by ladders from the bedrooms, wrought-iron balusters, oversized furniture-style kitchen island, the master bedroom had a coffee bar, a mini refrigerator and a built-in coffee/cappuccino/hot chocolate machine, master loft/sitting room, custom 5×5 walk-in shower, spa tub, master closet the size of a bedroom with a stack washer/dryer and a built-in ironing station, energy efficient Nu-Wool insulation and so much more just too much to mention.

You could win a playhouse

This year BIA members will donate supplies and labor to build two playhouses which will be raffled off at the Parade. Every year the Nationwide Children’s Hospital TWIG auxiliary sells raffle tickets for a chance to win a playhouse. All the raffle sale proceeds are donated to Nationwide Children’s Hospital

BIA Foundation Home

Built by Tuckerman Home Group a Country French multi-level over 4,000 sq ft of gorgeous living space, with cool features such as lockers in the mudroom, a walk in pantry, rear first floor laundry along with many other amenities you must come to the parade to see. Each year the builder’s proceeds from the Foundation house sale are donated to Nationwide Children’s Hospital and other BIA Foundation charities.

Preview Party

It’s the very best party in town. The night before the Parade officially opens attendees have the opportunity to preview all the homes, enjoy yummy food and drinks provided by Cameron Mitchell Restaurants. All ticket sales proceeds of this evening event benefit the Nationwide Children’s Hospital Foundation, BIA Foundation, and Housing Charities. This is one of my favorite Central Ohio charity events which I try to attend every year. To purchase Preview Party tickets you can call or stop by the BIA corporate office located at 495 Executive Campus Dr. Westerville Ohio 43082 – phone 614-891-0575.

What you will see at the Parade

Beautiful home sites professionally landscaped and decorated, awesome gourmet kitchens, 1st floor master bedrooms, lavish master bathrooms, wine cellars, computer and gaming areas, the first BIA “Green Home”, and extensive outside entertaining areas. All homes can be purchased – Price range $499,900 to $799,900.

Where: Gahanna Ohio

Village at Hannah Farms – Clark State Road and Reynoldsburg-New Albany Road.

When: June 14 thru June 29

Monday thru Saturday 12 noon to 9 pm
Sunday 12 noon to 6 pm

Ticket Purchase

At the Parade site $10 per person
Children under 12 free
Order on line or stop by the BIA corporate office

Free General Admission Parade Tickets

As a thank you for reading – Central Ohio Real Estate News
Please send me an e-mail request for your free ticket
Quantity limited to the first 25 e-mail responses

Karen.Gorski@RealLiving.com

A message for all moms

Mother’s Day: It was your special day, a day designated to let you know that you are very much loved and appreciated. There is nothing more precious then a mother’s love. A day full of special thank yous for all that you do.

Today’s real moms

As a real estate agent I have been lucky to meet many cool moms. Today’s moms juggle busy schedules; some work outside the home others are stay home moms. When considering a home purchase the first question all moms ask is the neighborhood safe.

Neighborhood safety

When considering a home in a particular community take a drive thru the neighborhood at various times of the day. Look for neighborhood watch signs. Is the community well lit with street lights? Talk to neighbors, they will be a wealth of information. Police departments along with the county sheriff department will be able to provide you with good area statistics.

School information

Moms are very concerned about the schools their children will attend. School internet research can be done at the Ohio Department of Education website that provides proficiency test results and state school report cards. A school visit would be beneficial. Most schools have designated personnel that will give you a tour of the school and answer all your questions.

Desirable floor plan for moms

Large open kitchens with a pantry, great room needs to have good proximity to the kitchen, the living room is losing popularity, a first floor office is a plus great for a home based occupation, a bonus room, or finished basement is ideal for a child’s playroom or home schooling, a window from the kitchen to watch the children at play, a fenced backyard large enough for a swing set, 4 large bedrooms with good closet space, moms spend a lot of time washing children’s clothes so a 1st or 2nd floor laundry is a real plus.

Mother’s Day tornado warning in Central Ohio

Being a light real estate business day due to the Mother’s Day holiday I spent most of the day at my personal residence which is located in Galena Ohio Southern Delaware County. The day was miserable, cold and rainy and to my surprise I heard warning sirens; a call from my husband’s cell informed me that I should go to the basement of our home. Then my home phone rang it was the Delaware county emergency department calling to inform all residents of the tornado warning. Now that was a surprise, our tax dollars at work. Luckily a tornado didn’t touch down, no real damage just heavy rain and strong winds.

In conclusion moms make a pathway to a home

A path within the heart that takes us home to happy memories, meaningful moments, joys, hugs and kisses. Moms make their homes a safe and secure place for their children to live. As children grow older the paths from their childhood home full of love and affection come to full circle. All experiences become stepping stones to who that child will be as an adult. Yes the day will come sooner than you think when you will be visiting your children in their very own homes.

Check out Karen’s website for tips on how to sell or buy a home in Central Ohio.

CondoQuest is a special spring and fall promotion sponsored by the BIA

58 Central Ohio Condominium communities
Showcased by the Building Industry Association
Visitors tour newly constructed condo communities

Condos are for everyone the CondoQuest slogan

First time buyers, empty nesters, busy professionals
No need for ladders, lawn mowers or snow shovels
Lock your front door and leave for a couple of months no need to worry about outside maintenance

Many floor plans to choose from

Ranches and town homes
First-floor owner’s suites
Twin singles and detached patio homes
Prices start at $99,000
Some selling for more than $1,000,000

Great amenities

Great room open-living layouts less formal living spaces
Many communities offer walking trails, bike paths, fitness centers, swimming pools and tennis courts

Spring and fall CondoQuest

Sponsored by the BIA for the past 6 years
Missed the spring promotion, there will be a good selection again in the fall

Karen’s Condo-Quest

Cute town home and 1st floor owner’s suite
The Pros and Cons of Condos

Johnnycake Corners Spring Carnival was a huge success

I recently received a thank you letter from the JCES PTO sponsorship committee for my American Girl Doll contribution to the carnival. The spring carnival was held on April 5, 2008; this fund raiser was organized by the PTO.

Fun, Food and Games

At this wonderful family event children purchased tickets to play games and enjoy their favorite treats such as cotton candy and hot dogs. Many beautiful baskets were donated for the silent auction.

A Great Tradition Has Begun

The PTO extended a huge thank you to all those who gave of their time and talents which made the carnival such a success. Generous contributions provided a nice $11,746 profit for the PTO. The proceeds from this first carnival will go to enriching the Johnnycake Corners Elementary School environment as well as providing additional resources for the classrooms.

So Many Friends and Families

Such a nice opportunity to support the Olentangy School district along with enjoying a day with friends from the Harbor Pointe, Meadows at Cheshire and Summerwood communities. Many children from these communities attend the Johnnycake Corners Elementary School a new school which just opened in September 2007.

Wondering about the name Johnnycake Corners

The school was named after a one-room schoolhouse that was once located on Johnnycake Road which is now known as the 3B’s and K Road the main access road to the school.

Click on this link to learn more about the Olentangy School district.

Welcome to the Harbor Pointe Community – Galena Ohio 43021 located about 20 miles from downtown Columbus, Ohio and 6 miles from the Polaris shopping district Lewis Center, Ohio.  A splendid entry with a beautifully landscaped pond welcomes residents to their community located in southern Delaware County, Berlin Township. Harbor Pointe is such a gorgeous community, surrounded by Alum Creek parklands, ravines and walking trails.

Residents reside in elegant custom homes built by CV Perry Homes, Duffy Homes and Showcase Homes. Ranch, two story and 5-multi level homes are popular home styles. In this community the first homes were constructed in 2002 and still are being built today. It’s a mid sized community; when construction is completed there will be about 200 homes.  The price of homes range from $375,900 to $650,000. No homes are smaller than 2,800 square feet with the largest ones being over 4,500 square feet.  Homes are constructed with many quality materials such as stone, brick, stucco and Hardy Plank exteriors; knee walls are also popular.  Many beautiful interior amenities are found in the homes located in Harbor Pointe such as dramatic 2 story entries and great rooms, huge gourmet kitchens with granite counter tops, custom cabinetry and double ovens, extra wide crown moldings, ceramic tile and hardwood floors, master suites with deluxe master baths with whirlpool tubs and huge showers with steam and multiple shower heads, Jack-n- Jill baths, family rooms with wet-bars and fantastic finished basements. 

Harbor Pointe is not just a community of homes built of sticks and mortar there is a real community presence of friendship; a community were residents gather together not only socially but also provide a helping hand to neighbors in need.  Many volunteers put in countless hours throughout the year to make the Harbor Pointe community a fun place to live. The Easter egg hunt and community garage sale kicks off the spring events. A huge summer block party includes a potluck picnic, games for the kids and a live band, a wonderful community event that provides fun for kids of all ages. The two spectacular fall events are the costume party, haunted trail and cookout. The Harbor Pointe children enjoyed decorating gingerbread houses at the holiday season. There is also a progressive holiday dinner party. The word is out the Harbor Pointe community is a wonderful place to live.

The Harbor Pointe children attend Olentangy Schools. The elementary school age children attend a brand new school Johnnycake Corners opened in the fall of 2007.

If you love to boat, swim and hike the Alum Creek State Park is just across from the Harbor Pointe community entrance.

If you currently live in Central Ohio or are moving into town and are looking to purchase a home near Alum Creek State Park you should drive thru the Harbor Pointe Community.  Such a friendly community with a rural feel but not too far from shopping and freeways.

Please enjoy the slide show of the Harbor Pointe Community

Galena Ohio 43021 is a quiet little village nestled between the Big and Little Walnut Creeks with close proximity to Hoover and Alum Creek Reservoirs. Galena was established in 1809 under the name of Zoar. The creeks created a water power source for a sawmill. When the residents applied for a Post Office in 1834 the name of Zoar was disqualified due to the existence of another community with that name. There is no history as to how the town’s name of Galena was derived. The village green is still visible today with a few vintage buildings from the past. Most of the old buildings were destroyed by fire or demolished to make way for Hoover Reservoir which was constructed in 1950

One sunny spring day I took a walk around the village green. I stopped in to see what was cooking at Jule’s Java & Grill. Such a cute place, they were busy, the bacon and eggs sure did smell good. Jule’s is open Monday thru Friday 6:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and Friday nights 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Now the coolest building that I walked thru was the post office. The interior of the post office was a walk back in time, such beautiful woodwork and all those old fashion post boxes. The postal clerk gave me permission to take the photo that is visible in this post.
A World War II Tribute is the focal point of the village green. I walked over the bridge to view the Big and Little Walnut Creeks; the morning was just beautiful, the sun was shimmering on the creeks and there were a few fellows in the water fishing.

The Galena zip code 43021 includes home sites in both rural and newly developed communities with a short commute to either the Hoover or Alum Creek Reservoirs and Parklands. Community residents that love to boat, fish and hike don’t have far to go to enjoy those outdoor activities.

Listed below are most of the communities located within the Galena zip code 43021. The homes and condos in these communities are within either the Olentangy or Big Walnut schools district boundary area. In future posts I will highlight the communities listed below. The map and slideshow will give you a snapshot of the communities located within the Galena Ohio zip code.  Arbors at Cheshire, Cheshire Woods, Crystal Valley, Galena Pointe, Retreat at Grand Oaks, Harbor Pointe, Heathermere, Hickory Woods, Hidden Creek Estates, Hoover Woods, Keller Pines Estates, Lake of the Woods, Mansard Estates, Meadows at Cheshire, Retreat at Grand Oak, Sage Creek, Sheffield Park, Sherman Lakes, Stone’s Throw, Summerwood, Walnut Creek, Walnut Grove, Walnut Woods, Vinmar Farms, Windale Farms, Woodhaven Estates.

• Galena communities are identified by the blue markers.
• Double Click on the map to enlarge locations

I was fortunate to attend the Home and Garden show on the morning of the last day of the show which was Sunday March 2, 2008. As I approached the ticket counter I was pleasantly greeted by a wonderfully fragrant aroma of spring flowers, ah such a treat.                                                                           
 Anyone who gets depressed by dreary winter weather, the Home and Garden show is a must see to lift your spirits. It’s been a challenging winter season in Central Ohio…snow that turns into rain then back into snow; everyone has been home bound. The day I attended the show was actually a beautiful day; a spring like day-60 degrees-how fitting. The Home and Garden show is always at the Ohio Expo Center which is also known as the Ohio State Fairgrounds. The show started on February 23 and ended on March 2, 2008; it’s quite a large show which encompasses two buildings.  Everyone’s tour begins in the first building which enabled spectators to ramble thru spectacular storybook gardens including large evergreens, flowering trees, footbridges, babbling brooks and oodles of beautiful flowers. 
This years gardens were designed around storybook themes: Including Aladdin, Noah’s Ark, Brock the Balloonist, The Chronicles of Narnia, Swiss Family Robinson, Jungle Book, Hansel and Gretel, Jack in the Beanstalk, Sleeping Beauty, Alice in Wonderland, The Tale of Peter Rabbit, Wizard of Oz, Three Little Pigs and Winnie the Pooh. The Storybook gardens were designed and created by members of the Columbus Landscape Association; 6 months of planning went into these gardens. All the gardens were beautiful and some made me stay a tad longer than others. There was a huge15’ tall giraffe topiary at the Noah’s Ark garden display.

 An outdoor room was incorporated into the Three Little Pigs storybook garden; there was a pizza oven and a concrete counter top, a small sink and a barbecue mounted in the kitchen area of the storybook garden display. The Winnie Pooh storybook garden had a projector aimed into the water area of the Pooh garden. The flowering trees at the Brock the Balloonist storybook garden were really dramatic; the Queen of Hearts ruled in the Alice in Wonderland storybook garden with its breathtaking sea of red tulips. The Wizard of Oz garden evoked my favorite childhood memories.

As I finished the garden tour I browsed thru many outdoor improvements and remodeling displays; I came across these interesting discoveries. A plasma TV made specially to be installed outdoors, a huge hot tub that was 15’ long 8’ wide and 4 ft deep; now that’s a very large hot tub. Beautiful fire pits with seating areas give elegance to outdoor living spaces which are becoming so popular in bringing the indoors to the outside. Being a person who loves being outdoors I spent so much time wandering thru the gardens that I had to rush thru the second building at the show; it contained many new innovations that you could use in all your remodeling projects. A water faucet especially intrigued me with a light at the tip of the faucet. How pretty the water looked as it flowed out of the faucet. Then there was a display of how an ordinary small basement window could be reconstructed into an egress window, great for those that want to add a bedroom in the finished basement. Oh my, what they have done to windows.  Anderson Windows has a new Low-E4 window that cleans itself.  Another window company had a display of fiberglass windows, a great insulator which will not rot like wood windows. There were many displays of kitchen cabinets, ceramic tiles, tankless hot water heaters, gutters and so much more that it’s hard to mention it all.

I also learned that when remodeling you should make sure the remodeling professional is a member of NARI (National Association of the Remodeling Industry). NARI ensures that its members are full-time professionals. To be a member the association puts the professional thru a extensive screening process and there are strict membership requirements including a code of ethics. For help locating a NARI professional in Central Ohio you can visit www.trustnari.org or call 614-895-3080.

There is something for everyone at the show, a special day for seniors and kids; Dr E. Gordon Gee, president of The Ohio State University read from storybooks to the kids on their special day; there were demonstrations from celebrity chefs, gardeners and decorators. There was even a first time homebuyer seminar conducted by Tom Walker of the Ohio Finance Agency. I have just scratched the surface; you need to go see, feel and have fun. If you live in Central Ohio or are from out of town, mark your calendar to see the 2009 Central Ohio Home and Garden Show…you will not be disappointed.