Posts made by author 'Merlina Galbreath'
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Don't check your home's value without reading this first
People throughout the United States have begun relying on "Zestimates" as their one and only source for getting their home's current value. Sadly, as pointed out by the mainstream media below, this information can often be drastically wrong.
In fact, in Ohio, the median error rate is 5.8%. This can absolutely raise some eyebrows when people go to enter in their home's information for an automated home valuation.
LA Times, mentions that in San Francisco, California the median home value is near $1,008,000. With "Zestimates" being inaccurate at a rate of 11.6% this equates to about $117,000. This number alone...
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5 Easy Home Upgrades To Do Right Now
It pays to sweat the small stuff. Especially when it comes to getting ready to sell your home!
Here are some quick & simple tips to maximize your curb appeal, the inside feel of your home, and a cohesive style.
1. Light
Natural light can sometimes be unobtainable. Make sure to replace any burnt out bulbs and use a higher wattage light bulb to achieve the brightness buyer's desire.
2. Mirrors
Mirrors are a simple and easy way to "add" more space to a room. They look beautiful as well as give the illusion that a room is bigger than it really is.
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5 things you should know BEFORE you build your dream home
1. Taxes - Have you ever wondered why the property taxes on a new-build are so low? It's not because you are getting a deal! It's because taxes are paid one year in the rear. So the property tax bill being paid this year are for last year's taxes. Why is this important on new construction, you ask? Because your first year owning your new home, you will be paying taxes on the vacant land before it was improved. This used to be one way a builder's preferred lender could approve you for a higher amount. Couple this with an adjustable rate mortgage (ARM) and you've got yourself the perfect recipe for a recession and foreclosure feast. Does 2007 ring a bell? Year two of owning their new home, property taxes increased and soon after their rate raised as well. Suddenly, mortgage payments became unaffordable. When those home owners tried to sell, they could not compete with the incentives the builder was providing. Not to mention a buyer could build their dream home...
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Things to consider when looking for the RIGHT home
The answer depends mostly on how you live and who you are sharing your home with. However, there are a few tips that can help jump start the process of figuring out what you REALLY want.
As Realtors, we've seen and heard it all. What you love about your home and what you hate. Over the last 15 years, I not only help people protect their wealth by making a sound real estate investment, I help them find a place that lives the way they live.
Do you know which type of floor plan gets the most complaints about noise travel? What is the most important room in your home is besides the Kitchen and Master Suite? Where is the worst place to locate a half bathroom on the main floor? What upgrades are worth doing now and which can be done later for less?
Let's start your process by answering the questions above.
Many people love the idea of an open floor plan but is there such thing as too open? Absolutely. In the mid 2000's, builders could not build enough 5 Lev...
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Dublin & Grandview Heights - putting the "urban" in Suburban
Who knew empty-nesters and millennials had so much in common? The developers of Dublin's Bridge Street District and Grandview Heights' Grandview Yard did. Two pedestrian friendly communities where residents can work, live and play without ever getting into a car - redefining what suburban living means. Add in highly sought after school districts and there's something for everyone! Residents in and around the Bridge Street District and Grandview Yard will enjoy shopping, dining, entertainment, events, recreation all within a walk-able district while offering office space to work and housing to rest those feet after a long day (and night) out and about.
Grandview Yard Overview:
Giant Eagle & Get Go, Massage Envy, LA Fitness, Arch City Dental, Eddie George's Grille 27, Panera Bread, Hofbrauhaus Restaurant & German Bier Hall, Jason's Deli, The Grand Event Center, Hyatt Place Columbus, Courtyard by Marriott
"The Homes on Pullman Way" – 45 Residential Homes
- 2,3,4 & 5 bedroom attached & detached homes
- Detached homes up to 3 stories from 1,764 square feet to about 3,822 square feet including finished basement.
- Townhomes have an option for an elevator and finished rooftop deck.
- Detached homes starting at $536K, Townhomes starting at $500K
- Click here to view available homes for sale on Pullman Way
"Apartments at the Yard"
The Brooks Building – 166 apartments (In progress)
- 1 and 2 Bedroom flats
- Approximately 722 to 1,219 square feet
- 1st Floor, walk-up apartments available
- 128 space underground parking
The Keystone Building – 120 apartments
- 1 and 2 Bedroom flats ( on 2nd, 3rd & 4th floors)
- Approximately 700 to 1,100 square feet
- 1st Floor Retail
The Baldwin, Porter & Pullman Buildings – 154 apartments
- 1 and 2 Bedroom flats
- 2 Bedroom townhomes
- Approx. 600 to 1,600 square feet
- Apartment Amenities:
- Private terraces or balconies
- Standard in apartments are ceramic tile, wood & plank flooring, stainless steel appliances, walk-in closets, washer & dryer
- Access to apartment community swimming pool, hot tub and grilling area
- 1 Bedroom $1,250 - 1,400 per month / 2 Bedroom $1,600 - 2,200 per month
Bridge Street District Overview:
- Pedestrian Bridge - Over the Scioto River connecting Bridge Street District to Historic Dublin
- Riverside Park – Canoe/kayak access points, Ice Skating Rink, Pavilion, Rock Climbing among its anticipated amenities
- Grocery, Shops, Dublin Branch Library, AC Hotel by Marriott, Home2Hotel by Hilton, Conference Center, Restaurants including
- Cameron Mitchell's "The Avenue" and "Cap City Diner"
"Bridge Park West"
- 41 For Sale Residential Condos, 1200 - 6500 square feet
- Price Range $300,000 – $1,700,000
- 15,000 sqft Office Space & 15,000 sqft Retail
- Click here to view available homes for sale in Bridge Park West
"Bridge Park"
- 70 For Sale Residential Condos
- Price Range $350,000 - $450,000
- 720 Apartments
- Studio, 1, 2 & 3 Bedroom, 531-1650 square feet
- Rental Rate $914 - 2,705 per month
- 33,000 sqft Retail & 373,000 sqft Office Space
- 3,165 parking spaces on street & parking garage
"Tuller Flats"
- 420 Apartments
- 1 Bedroom Garden & 2 Bedroom Townhomes
- 2 acre public green
- Rental rate & square footage TBA
"The Grand" – Senior Living Community
- 132 Bed Nursing/rehabilitation care, assisted/independent living, long term care, memory care
- Amenities include:
- Digger & Finch Pub, The Grand Movie Theatre, What's the Scoop? Ice Cream Shoppe, Cool Beans Café, Chapel
Interested in learning more about these communities? Start the conversation here with your Galbreath Real Estate team.
team@galbreathRE.com
614-500-4100