Connells Maple Lee Flowers & Gifts

Tour and interview

Flowers, gifts and planters

At the front of the store is a walk-in cooler with stunning arranged flowers in vases, the roses were especially beautiful. Stacey mentioned that in January there is special pricing on tulips and loose bouquets. If you check the company website you will find valuable coupons that will be easy on your wallet and brighten your day with flowers. As I walked thru the store I admired many items that would be a perfect gift for a variety of special occasions, there were displays of yummy candy baskets, stuffed animals and a huge area dedicated to foliage gardens.

Wedding department

Wedding designers are on staff to assist with making your wedding day very special from floral bouquets, to table linens, church and reception decorations, and attendant gifts. No task is ever too small or too large; the designers will help you make the best choices that will assure that your day will be very special.

Kids Club

Just for kids ages 5 thru 12 – children can register with parents permission to enjoy fun free activities throughout the year, including holiday events, floral arranging…  what it’s like to work in a flower shop, craft projects such as carving pumpkins,  trick-or-treat bag decorating ,  receive special newsletters,  e-mail announcements and  giveaways. Kids don’t miss out on the fun sign up today.

Patio area and drive thru window

Stacey mentioned that the patio will be used to display hanging baskets and spring thru fall seasonal plantings.   You can phone in or order on line, then pick up the floral arrangement that you ordered at the drive thru window; now that’s quick efficient service.

Valentine’s Day

Grand opening celebration is January 27 thru February 6, in store specials, a free rose to all that stop by, 10% discount on any Valentine’s Day order placed. Store hours are Monday thru Saturday 8am-7pm – Sunday 10am – 3 pm. You will not be disappointed with the floral quality and design workmanship. I have shopped for many years at the Worthington store which recently closed. Will miss the Worthington location but the new store is a nice addition to the Powell-Lewis Center area which has filled a void; not one florist was located in the area, now you and I can purchase a special floral arrangement at the Connells Maple Lee Flowers – Powell- Lewis Center location … please do stop by, this new store is a true delight.  I am looking forward to being a frequent customer, love to surprise my clients with a beautiful bouquet of flowers, it’s a very nice way to say thank you…

When I meet with prospective sellers the question always is asked, when is the best time of the year to sell a house. Although houses are sold anytime throughout the year, springtime is definitely the best time to sell. Curb appeal certainly looks the best when the grass is green and flowers are in bloom. Statistics show that there are more buyers in the market when spring weather has arrived. The bar graph gives you an indication of the sales activity that occurs throughout the year.

It’s official - spring has arrived

On March 20, 2009 the calendar indicates that it’s now spring. To most it feels like spring when the days are warm and sunny and the forsythia and the daffodils are in bloom. In the real estate biz we recognize that buyer interest is rising by the increase of internet activity that occurs on our listings. Recently there has been a significant increase of visitors to the Real Living HER website.  

Fabulous opportunity

The 30 – year mortgage rate fell toward record lows on March 19, 2009 after the Federal Reserve made a huge purchase of mortgage –related securities. The combination of low mortgage rates and the first time buyer tax credit is an opportunity that should be taken advantage of. I just listed a home located in the Powell area. This home has been updated and is well maintained; it shows very well on the internet which has created great interest. 

Buying or selling a home

Most people that I talk to are curious about what is really happening in the real estate market. You can’t depend on what is said in the media; after all, those folks don’t sell houses for a living. There are two sides to a story. Yes there are sad stories of houses going to foreclosure and it’s a very depressing situation. There are many happy stories of joyful buyers purchasing a home at a wonderful value and at an unbelievable low interest rate. Most sellers are happy that their homes have sold. Homes are being listed and sold so if you are able to take advantage of these opportunities you should not delay.

Using green building concepts

On a warm beautiful November day a good friend of mine gave me a tour of her new custom built home. The farmhouse design offers a very open floor plan with a grand kitchen being the center of attention. As we toured the home she pointed out the following green concepts that were used when building her home. The walls were constructed using 2 x 6 lumber which she said adds to increase the insulation value. The insulation is made from recycled newspapers. The windows are low-e-glass which helps stop heat loss. The front and back porches offer shade which saves on cooling costs. I commented on the beautiful quartz countertops that were used in the kitchen and most of the bathrooms. The quartz came from a bone yard where discarded quartz slabs can be purchased at a very economical price which helps the environment by keeping construction waste out of landfills.

No fireplace in this home

Did you know that a masonry fireplace is very inefficient and drafty, a good source of sending your heating dollars straight up the flue. A fireplace robs your home of heat. When using a fireplace all the warm air is drawn up the chimney causing a heating system to work longer and harder to keep the entire home warm. This home is heated by a Geothermal furnace; this furnace uses minimal energy to operate and is very cost effective and uses no fossil fuels which is non-polluting.

Recycled ceramic tile floors and wood scraped oak floors

The owner made use of recycled ceramic tile floors throughout the home. Most recycled ceramic tiles are manufactured with materials such as broken window panes and clear bottle glass. The wood floors were laid using short pieces of Bellawood oak scraped planks that were leftover from other construction projects.

Beautiful custom cabinetry so many built-ins

An Amish craftsman constructed every piece of cabinetry throughout the home, beautiful custom kitchen and bathroom cabinets, window seats everywhere and a custom hutch in the dining room.

No cathedral ceilings or a two- story entry

With 2-story entries and cathedral ceilings there is too much volume to heat and is not energy efficient.

Energy star appliances

The new appliances in this home are rated to be energy efficient; they cost less to operate and use less energy which helps to conserve natural resources. No incandescent light bulbs in this home, compact florescent light bulbs are everywhere they last up to ten times longer and use 75 percent less energy

Low-flow faucets, showerheads and water saving toilets

Water conservation is very important, low-flow fixtures save water and money. In addition, low-flow faucets and showerheads save energy by reducing the amount of hot water that is used.

Green decorating for the holidays

Decorate a live potted evergreen tree that can be planted in your yard after the holidays. Fresh evergreen branches make beautiful displays along with providing a wonderful fragrance through-out the home, natural decorations of fresh colorful fruits create dramatic holiday displays. LED lights are very energy efficient which will help you save on your holiday electric bill. Even the Columbus Ohio Zoo Wildlight Holiday display is becoming green; half of the 2008 displays have been converted to LED lights.

In future posts I will be providing you with more green building concepts that are being used in Central Ohio.

The photo of the tree was taken at the 2008 Columbus Wildlights “Rhythms Around the Watering Hole” a new animated light show set to holiday music. The show is nine minutes, which can be enjoyed every half hour. To enjoy the show you must attend before it ends on January 3, 2009.

Hippity Hop to the biggest Real Living Open House promotion of the year. Over 700 homes will be open on October 26, 2008 from 12:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. So many homes to see, if you are a serious buyer there’s a good chance you will find that perfect home you will fall in love with. Prices are great, home selections are great which can be purchased at very desirable interest rates.

A special coupon just for you

Visit a Citywide House Hop property this coming Sunday on October 26, a Real Living HER agent will validate your coupon which could fetch you a real cool deal of $2,500 savings on the processing of your loan thru Real Living mortgage. If you are a first time home buyer you might want to take advantage of the $7,500 tax credit that is available for homes purchased between August 9, 2008 through July 1, 2009. Now that’s a real deal.

Promotion rules and regulations can be found at the Real Living HER website

The terms of the tax credit are explained along with the deadline for cashing in on the $2,500 Real Living lending incentives, along with a complete list of homes that will be open.

Now don’t miss out on all the fun

Please stop by to see me at my open house located at 567 Glenside Lane Powell Ohio across from Highbanks Metro Park. Treat yourself; this home is wonderfully maintained, priced to sell; write an offer, take advantage of the Citywide House Hop incentives which will enable you to enjoy celebrating the holidays in your new home that you found at the hop.

July 3, 2008 – Parade and Fireworks

Red, White and Boom is the best Columbus Ohio premiere celebration of the year; the festivities start with a huge parade and a fantastic fireworks display that begins at 10 p.m. The parade will start at 6:00 p.m. on Broad Street at COSI; most spectators stake out their special viewing spot hours before the fireworks are fired off. Take note the Red White and Boom launch site has been moved to a new location this year, which is at the rear of Vets Memorial, the spectacular fireworks display will be shot over the Scioto River.

Other Central Ohio 4th of July community events

If you missed the downtown parade you can catch the Upper Arlington Ohio Parade – Northwest Blvd, which begins at 9:00 a.m. on the 4th of July; this parade is noted for its wonderful floats. The Orange Celebration Parade in Lewis Center Ohio – Powell Rd and Old State Rd begins at 10 a.m. Andrea Cambern from WBNS-TV is the 2008 Grand Marshal. You will be able to enjoy listening to the Olentangy High School Marching Band. Many area communities celebrate the 4th with neighborhood parades and picnics. The Green-High Meadows, Harbor Pointe and Meadows at Cheshire communities plan special events for neighbors to enjoy a day of entertainment, games and good food.

Green-High Meadows Community – Powell Ohio

The festivities starts with a huge parade lead by Orange Township fire trucks; the community kids decorate their bikes, wagons and scooters. There are floats and the Orange Township trustees mingle with the crowd. A picnic follows after the parade there’s plenty of good food, games for the kids, and a raffle that offers terrific prizes. There is even a patriotic pet contest.

Harbor Pointe Community – Galena Ohio

Everyone loves a parade especially the neighborhood kids who ride their decorated bikes in a huge group with the music of the Real Living Calliope following behind. After the parade there is a neighborhood gathering, everyone brings a dish to share so there is plenty of good food to enjoy. The kids will have a blast tumbling in the Super Games inflatables, the Taylor Station Band will provide soft rock music.

Meadows at Cheshire Community – Galena Ohio

A group of residents that play marching band instruments gather together a few weeks before the holiday to practice, they play patriotic tunes as they march thru the neighborhood on the 4th of July.

Happy 4th of July 2008

A great day for family and friends to gather together to enjoy parades, picnics and fireworks. 4th of July is more than a day of fun festivities; it’s a day to commemorate the founding fathers of our country for their pursuit of liberty and justice for all. Many have made sacrifices so that we are able to enjoy our freedoms.

Tree line streets, ravines and spacious green spaces

The beauty of the land attracted residents to purchase their homes in this area some are situated on half-acre lots while others back to treed green spaces and ravines.  Area construction began in 1984 with the last homes being built in 1992. The developer was the M/I Schottenstein Company which built about 75% of the homes along with a combination of other known Ohio builders such as Dominion, Virginia Homes and Homewood.

There is a good selection of home styles

Mostly two-stories are prevalent with a few single stories, split and bi-levels which add to the mix. None are smaller than 1,200 square feet with the largest homes being no more than 2,600 square feet. Selling prices range from $140,000 for an entry-level home with larger selling for about $240,000; there are over 500 single family residences in this community area.    

The best community party of the year is the 4th of July parade and picnic

For the past 20 years area residents have so fun and enjoy friendship at this event. The children love to march in the parade and the parents enjoy visiting with their neighbors at the picnic.

 Olentangy Schools

The school age children attend Olentangy schools; the district offers a fantastic curriculum and the students consistently score high on the Ohio proficiency test.

Close proximity to parks

Nature lovers can take advantage of the Highbanks Metro Park; there is easy walking access from the Highmeadows Village Dr. crosswalk into the park. North Orange Park offers a wonderful swimming pool facility, awesome playground area, soccer fields and more.  Minutes to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, Zoombezi Bay water park and the Olentangy Indian Caverns.

Shopping and freeways

The Polaris shopping and dining district is just a short distance away. Many antique stores are located in the City of Powell historic shopping area . There is easy access to Routes 315, 23, 270, 71

Green-High Meadows, Foxridge, Sycamore Meadows

Is a very friendly community
The mailing address is Powell Ohio 43065
Located in Southern Delaware County
Orange Township
Olentangy Schools

Have I peaked your interest in the area?  Take a look at a few homes that have recently sold.