New Albany and Central Ohio Real Estate & Community

Seven Tips to Prepare for your Home Inspection

rainesgroup — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 02:30:57 +0000

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.

Columbus Ohio to Be Connected by Rail

rainesgroup — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 13:00:53 +0000

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.

Selling Your Home? Prepare for Photos!

rainesgroup — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 01:05:46 +0000

Depending on the situation, getting your home ready to sell can be exciting, arduous, or a combination of the two. Sellers can be anxious to list their home, not realizing that if they take the time to prepare the home properly, the property has a better chance of making a great impression. There’s usually a lot of buzz around a new listing in the first couple weeks, so to maximize on that time, make sure your home is ready to make the kind of impression you desire.

Photos are the primary way potential buyers will first view your home. To pique their interest in a positive way, prepare your home for photos and request to list your home after the photos are ready. A few tips to prepare your home include:

     1. Reduce clutter so it doesn’t distract from the space.
     2. Neutralize your style so others can more easily “see” themselves in the home. This includes removing personal photos as much as possible.
     3. Remove any excess furniture. Too much furniture makes rooms appear smaller.
     4. Repaint rooms to neutral colors, if possible. It may seem drastic, but neutral colors attract a broader range of buyers.
     5. Limit wall hangings and posters, and remove any that may be offensive.

While it may take a few days or even weeks to accomplish these tips, it is worth the wait.

Village of New Albany Ohio About to Become A City

rainesgroup — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 19:21:41 +0000

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.

Central Ohio Real Estate Sales Buck National Trend

rainesgroup — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 02:43:30 +0000

Central Ohio real estate sales volume was up 11% in December

Central Ohio real estate sales bucked the national trend and were up 11% in December! This news is particularly exciting as news broke that real estate sales dropped 17% nationwide, the biggest drop in 40 years. There is room to celebrate in Central Ohio as the news there contradicts what is happening elsewhere.

The extended and expanded first time home buyer tax credit is seen as a big player in the increase in sales. People interested in using the credit need to be under contract by April 30 and closed by June 30. Central Ohio homes are priced to sell, and combined with low mortgage rates the climate is ripe for buyers.

Central Ohio Real Estate: Better Hurry to Use Tax Credit

rainesgroup — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 02:47:26 +0000

Using the extended and amended tax credit to purchase Central Ohio real estate can save you some money, but you only have until April 30 to choose your new home

Everyone knows that time flies and if you have been considering using the expanded and extended first time home buyer tax credit toward purchasing Central Ohio real estate, time is running out. The tax credit is for first time home buyers and home owners who have resided in their primary residence for at least 5 out of the past 8 years.

Current home owners can get up to a $6,500 tax credit and new home buyers can get a credit of up to $8,000. If you are going to purchase Central Ohio real estate and use the credit, then your new home must be under contract by April 30 and closed by June 30.

If Central Ohio real estate is on your mind for 2010, then now is a great time to start looking.

Before and After Photos of a Property in New Albany, OH

rainesgroup — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 02:55:57 +0000

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.

Central Ohio Communities Benefit From Ohio’s School System

rainesgroup — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 21:54:19 +0000

Ohio ranks #5 in the country for education

If you are raising your children in Central Ohio, you are raising them in a state that ranks 5th in the nation for its school system. For the past two years, Ohio has moved up the educational ladder. In a report compiled by Education Week shows the Buckeye State at number five, up from its rank as number seven in 2008.

The communities of Central Ohio are no exception when it comes to Ohio’s education system. The neighborhoods in Central Ohio, those in New Albany, Gahanna, and Blacklick have been developed to provide a wonderful quality of life, with wonderful pathways, trails, amenities and, of course, schools.

For more information on Education Week’s report card click here.

The Raines Group: Experts in Central Ohio Short Sales

rainesgroup — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 13:14:24 +0000

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.

Restaurant Week is January 18-23 in Central Ohio

rainesgroup — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 04:45:33 +0000

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.