The 22nd annual Arnold Sports Festival is taking place in Columbus this weekend. The largest multi-sport event in the nation, this competition draws athletes and spectators from afar.You’ll find 40 sports and events, including 13 Olympic sports and more than 17,000 competitors. Alongside the sporting events is an extensive fitness EXPO, with 700 booths showcasing the greatest and latest in fitness trends from supplements to equipment.

Stars and celebrities are scheduled to make an appearance, including Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, Mark Alvisi, Randy Couture, Ava Cowan, and Jay Cutler. For a full list and schedule of celebrity appearances, click here.

Tickets for the multitude of events vary in price and can be purchased through Ticketmaster. Click here for a direct link for tickets.

Central Ohio offers plenty of fun events and activities throughout the year. If you or someone you know is moving to, from, or within the central Ohio area, please contact The Raines Group today. We offer professional real estate advice and are happy to help you achieve your real estate goals. Please contact us today via our online contact form or by calling The Raines Group at 614-418-7417.

If you are looking to buy or sell a property in New Albany, Gahanna, Blacklick, Westerville, or another Central Ohio community, please contact The Raines Group. We offer professional real estate advice and are happy to help you achieve your real estate goals. Please contact us today via our online contact form or by calling The Raines Group at 614-418-7417.

Icicles are everywhere in Central Ohio

Winter 2010 has been rough on Central Ohioans. Today, a record snowfall made road conditions hazardous, leading to a 50-car pileup on I-71, closing the interstate. Several Central Ohio counties have declared a level 2 snow emergency, and Ohio State University canceled classes for tomorrow.

But try to look on the bright side. Of course, students in the area enjoy having snow days. And for those able to stay home, some are getting some much needed time together. Realtor Julie Swick is spending time with her newborn baby girl. Director of Marketing Selina Jones has been rearranging furniture in her realatively new home. And fans of The Raines Group on Facebook can enter a contest for the biggest icicle by taking a photo and posting it on their fan page. The winner will receive a Starbucks giftcard.

And what does this mean for real estate in Central Ohio? Despite the weather, agents and staff at The Raines Groupare still conducting business, negotiating offers and putting homes both on the market and into contract. While being cautious with travel in these road conditions, many agents and staff at The Raines Group can work from home, not letting the weather slow down their ability to conduct business and serve their clients.

If you are looking to buy or sell a property in New Albany, Gahanna, Blacklick, Westerville, or another Central Ohio community, please contact The Raines Group. We offer professional real estate advice and are happy to help you achieve your real estate goals. Please contact us today via our online contact formor by calling The Raines Group at 614-418-7417.

Looking for something exciting to look forward to, to help battle the seemingly long winter days? Plan on attending an upcoming evening of fine art, music and friends at the New Albany Symphony Orchestra. They are hosting a season gala and silent auction on Saturday, February 27 from 7:30-10:00 p.m. The event will be held at the Hayley Gallery, 45 Second Street, in New Albany.

A silent auction will take place, for items to include a one-week stay at Park City, Utah Grand Summit Resort (donated by Ron Cadieux and Sandy Raines), as well as a Karen Rumora painting commissioned by the New Albany Symphony Orchestra for its program cover art. For a full preview of silent auction items, click here.

Entertainment wll be provided by the Scott Sadoff Jazz Trio, while you can enjoy food from the New Albany Country Club. Tickets are only $20, and wine will be available for purchase by the glass. All proceeds benefit te New Albany Symphony Orchestra.

Only 100 tickets are available, and must be purchased in advance. Half of the tickets have already been spoken for, so make sure to reserve yours today by visiting the Hayley Gallery or calling the New Albany Symphony Orchestra at 614-323-1237.

If you are looking to buy or sell a property in New Albany, Gahanna, Blacklick, Westerville, or another Central Ohio community, please contact The Raines Group. We offer professional real estate advice and are happy to help you achieve your real estate goals. Please contact us today via our online contact form or by calling The Raines Group at 614-418-7417.

If you are looking to buy or sell a property in New Albany, Gahanna, Blacklick, Westerville, or another Central Ohio community, please contact The Raines Group. We offer professional real estate advice and are happy to help you achieve your real estate goals. Please contact us today via our online contact form or by calling The Raines Group at 614-418-7417.

A new rail system will connect 4 Ohio cities, one of which is Columbus

Ohio was recently awarded federal funds to connect four of its cities by rail, something that hasn’t been done for over 30 years, and Columbus is one of the cities.  Cincinnati, Columbus, Dayton, and Cleveland will be connected when the rail is complete. 

The new rail project will create various jobs as well as inter-city transportation, both of which are good for commerce. The project is certain to help drive Ohio further out of the recession.

The rail project is called a 3C passenger rail network and will be connected with other US cities as well.  The hope is that the project will begin by early 2011.  Columbus, Ohio will be more accessible as a result of the rail project.  For more information click here to see a recent article from Columbus Biz Journals.

If you are looking to buy or sell a property in New Albany, Gahanna, Blacklick, Westerville, or another Central Ohio community, please contact The Raines Group. We offer professional real estate advice and are happy to help you achieve your real estate goals. Please contact us today via our online contact form or by calling The Raines Group at 614-418-7417.

New Albany Ohio is going to change its status from village to city in 2010

The village of New Albany Ohio is about to become a city.  While the name “village” has wonderful, quaint connotations, the word “city” claims efficiency, self-sufficiency, and independence.  New Albany will officially be a city after the census is completed.  A city must have 5,000 residents; New Albany has an estimated 7,000 residents.

Becoming a city means that New Albany will be in charge of its roads, among other things.  While being called a city may make New Albany seem bigger, it is still the same wonderful Central Ohio community that it always has been.

For more information on New Albany becoming a city click here for a recent article at ColumbusLocalNews.com.

If you are looking to buy or sell a property in New Albany, Gahanna, Blacklick, Westerville, or another Central Ohio community, please contact The Raines Group. We offer professional real estate advice and are happy to help you achieve your real estate goals. Please contact us today via our online contact form or by calling The Raines Group at 614-418-7417.

A large number of Columbus-area restaurants will be participating in special event that allows diners to experience fine meals at fixed prices. Price points range from $15-35 per person, and include unique three course menus that are sure to tantalize your taste buds and fill your belly without flattening your wallet. The week-long event takes place January 18-23.

Participating restaurants include Columbus Fish Market, Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Polaris Grill, Mia Cucina, Bexley Monk, Melting Pot, Smith & Wollensky, and many more. For a full list of the restaurants and the fixed prices, click here.

With amazing prices and delectable menus, be sure to make a reservation to avoid a long wait. Not only will you get to eat at an old favorite restaurant or try something new, you will be supporting the local restaurant industray and the Mid-Ohio Food Bank. $5,000 will be donated to the charity on behalf of participating restaurants and (614) Magazine.

If you are looking to buy or sell a property in New Albany, Gahanna, Blacklick,Westerville, or another Central Ohio community, please contact The Raines Group. We offer professional real estate advice and are happy to help you achieve your real estate goals. Please contact us today via our online contact form or by calling The Raines Group at 614-418-7417.

It's a buyer's market in Central Ohio real estate and the sales numbers are rising

Data released in the last couple of weeks shows that Central Ohio real estate is on the upswing.  Home prices have dropped, mortgage rates are hovering at low rates and the first time home buyer tax credit have combined to entice buyers off of the sidelines and into home ownership.

According to the Columbus Board of Realtors, November was the best month in four years for real estate sales.  The increase in Central Ohio real estate sales was up nearly 60% from the previous November.  The positive news is spurring optimism for those involved in Central Ohio real estate, and many are hoping the momentum continues throughout 2010.

Click here for news from the Columbus Board of Realtors regarding Central Ohio real estate.

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Erin Williams: Realtor

The Raines Group is proud to announce that Erin Williams, one of their two Directors of Operations, will be spending more time as an active Realtor. She has gained a plethora of knowledge from processing numerous real estate transactions over the past six years. This hands-on experience with a top-notch team has driven her to this decision to close some of her own deals.

If you are ready for a real estate professional with years of expertise, contact Erin today at 614-418-7437. She is eager to help you with your real estate needs.