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 should crush the expectation that computers are going to provide you with the most accurate answer out there for the valuation of your home.

According to the LA Times, Zillow's very own CEO Spencer Rascoff answered that they're "a good starting point" but that nationwide "Zestimates" have a "median error rate" of about 8%. 

Los Angeles Times: 

Inaccurate Zillow 'Zestimate' a source of conflict over home prices

Realty Times: 

Can You Trust Zillow's Home Price Zestimate? In a Word: No.

Washington Post: 

How accurate is Zillow's Zestimate? Not very, says one Washington-area agent.

US News Real Estate: 

Why Home Value Estimate Tools Aren't as Accurate as You Think

1. Basic Information Can be Inaccurate

User inputted data does contribute to the "Zestimate", information such as how many bedrooms/bathrooms make up the home, square footage of the home, and the lot size has to be accurate! The more information Zillow already has about your home the better... if it's a newer construction or first time inputted into Zillow, be CAREFUL!

  Source: Zillow Advice Thread

2. Mistakes or Omissions in Sales Prices or Property Tax Records Can Happen

This is a BIG one. Property tax records are a part of the home valuation process that should not be overlooked. Just like inaccurate basic information, inaccurate date of sale or past sale prices affect your home's valuation. See the image below for an example. 

  Source: Seattle Bubble

3. Upgrades and Unique Features that are Unaccounted for

To keep things simple... Zillow won't know what you don't tell Zillow. REPORT your home improvements or upgrades to the property. Something that may seem like a quick and easy fix to your home may, in fact, affect your home's value when it comes to trying to sell your home. There is a misconception that if you did, in fact, update your kitchen or remodel the inside doesn't necessarily mean it's worth $100,000 more than what Zillow says. Upgrades and additions to the home greatly depend on what other homes in your market are like.

  Source: Homes Realty Group

4. Housing Turnover Rate

The turnover rate for the housing market is a simple one. The hotter the market (the more homes that are selling and the more information Zillow has about the homes in your area) the more accurate the Zestimate will be!

5. Major Changes to the Zillow Algorithm

If you are in the market to sell your home the Zillow Algorithm is something you should pay attention to. Any adjustments to this can affect the value of your home, but Zillow doesn't adjust their algorithm very often. According to Investopedia.com, Zillow's algorithm was adjusted and it brought the National average two points down from last year to a median error of 6%.

As a proud member of the Columbus area community who actually lives here, works here and sells homes here, I would be happy to send you a free report of exactly what your home is worth. 

Technology is awesome, but when it comes to the value of your largest financial asset, the accuracy of your home's value matters. 

According to a recent case, the company's controversial "Zestimate" tool repeatedly undervalued a woman's home, making her home sell slower than she would like.  This is not the only case of this type of inaccuracy happening. Read more about what this woman had to say about "Zestimates" here: 

So why is this woman's case important? A number as small as 10% inaccuracy works out to be $100,000.  This isn't a small sum we are talking about here, it's a $100,000 difference in your largest financial asset. As you can see below the averages across the country are spread out amount 4% to as high as 7.3% in Tennessee. This information could be the deciding factor between selling your home or waiting.

Zillow doesn't make it easy to track down "Zestimates" on their website. Sure you can easily get a "Zestimate" by clicking the box right in the middle of the home screen, but what if you had a question or wanted to learn more. This is where it gets tricky. 

One statistic that is overlooked by many homeowners is that the accuracy of the Zestimates in their specific area can be drastically different than the national average. 

When you visit Zillow.com ALL the way at the bottom is the small tab "Zestimates". Here you will find a bunch of FAQs about Zestimates and hyperlocal information that you've probably never seen before

Most recently Zillow has placed themselves in the news leaning on outside data scientists, engineers and visionaries to help out with their Zestimate Algorithm.

This is a big red flag. Not only does this tell the public that Zillow is unhappy with how their Zestimate Home Value tool performs, but that they believe other teams can do a better job then they can.

At the moment, Zillow has announced that they are rewarding a team $1,000,000 for drastically improving the Zestimate.

As a proud member of the Columbus community who actually lives here, works here and sells homes here, I would be happy to send you a free report of exactly what your home is worth. 

Technology is awesome, but when it comes to the value of your largest financial asset, the accuracy of your home's value matters. 

There are tons of DIY fixes that you can complete in a weekend if you are committed to rolling your sleeves up and getting your hands a little dirty! (not really)

We filtered through some of the trendiest DIY hacks & projects that we think will be the perfect addition to spruce up even the most dated rooms in your home!

1. Paint A Room Or An Accent Wall

Painting a room or wall may sound like a tough job, but it can make all the difference and can be knocked out in a day! 

2. Switch Out Cabinet Hardware

This one may sound too easy, but we promise it can be the thing to turn your kitchen from average to awesome!

3. Put Up Wallpaper

We know this one is a little odd, but wallpaper is back in style! Pick a small room and get to work! You'll be able to conquer this task in just a couple hours.

4. Re-Paint A Furniture Piece 

Have a vintage chair lying around? Or pick up something eclectic from a garage sale this weekend? Pick up the sandpaper and a paintbrush and give a piece a furniture some new flare!

5. Apply A Removable Tile

This one is new for us too! There is actually tile that you peel and stick! This one is great for the experimenter who wants to really try something new in their kitchen or bathroom.

6. Hang Shelving

With the right tools, hanging shelves can be a breeze! Bring that empty wall to life with some evenly spaced shelving for your mementos!

7. Build A Pallet Couch

Pallets are usually something you can find laying around or maybe your local hardware store might even hook you up with a couple free ones! This project is great and only requires a couple basic woodworking tools to transform any patio space. 

8. Change The Legs  

Swap the legs out on your old coffee table or end table for a new look! It's simple and will take you close to 10 minutes.  

9. Change Out Your Faucets 

There are so many options when it comes to bathroom and kitchen sink faucets, but if yours is starting to seem a tad dated, it may be time for an upgrade!

Let us know how they come out! 

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.

3. Windows

Wash every single window in your home. You might be surprised how much light you can let in (and how much hidden dust you can get out!) 

4. Re-organize 

Cluttered closets, drawers, and cabinets can turn off potential buyers. Make guests envious of your organization.

5. Style

Adding personal touches such as picture frames or a gallery wall can create a welcoming and inviting environment!

From ceiling fans to baseboards there is so much to clean when you're moving out. We want to help make the process as easy as possible, so we made a checklist of everything you should keep in mind while cleaning. 

Just one less thing you need to keep track of! 

1.  Remove nails and cover up holes

2. Spray and wipe the inside of the refrigerator with soapy water 

3. Dust cabinets and wipe them down

4. Thoroughly clean the stove and oven

5. Spray and wipe down sinks 

6. Scrub showers and tubs with cleaning solution 

7. Dust ceiling fans 

8. Wash the windows including wiping down the window sills

9.  Sweep, mop, and vacuum floors, remove stains from carpet, and wipe baseboards

Looking for a recommendation for carpet cleaning, lawn care, a painter or anything in between? 

Email me here now. 

Entry Door Replacement

We know it sounds simple, but it's true. Replacing your front door can make a huge impact on the value of your home. However, be sure to choose a style that fits well with the style of your home. If it doesn't flow with the style, it can actually decrease the ROI. Steel doors bring in a bigger ROI with a national average of 101.8%. Fireglass doors bring in an ROI of 72% and Grand Entrance Fiberglass brings in an ROI of 67.6%.

Installing A New Fireplace

Many buyers love having a cozy fireplace in their home. According to Marshall & Swift's Appraisal Handbook, 91% of the installation costs of a putting in a new fireplace are recouped and bring in an average of 54% ROI.

Kitchen Remodel

This room can make or break the sale of your home. Want to make your home impossible to walk away from without receiving an offer? Update the kitchen. If you do not have enough in the budget to update the entire kitchen, start with these spots:

Most Popular Replacements in Kitchen Remodel:

1. 74% Update Countertops
2. 70% Update Paint/Wallpaper
3. 67% Update Cabinetry
4. 64% Update Flooring

Turn An Attic Into A Bedroom

On average, converting an attic into a bedroom will increase your home value by nearly $39K. If you decide to take this route, note you may need to get estimates on these changes to bring the bedroom to life:

1. Strengthen the floor, insulate, and finish
2. Adding a dormer
3. Creating stair access
4. Adding a bathroom

Siding Replacement

Replacing siding can create some massive curb appeal for your home. It will give your home a fresh and beautiful look. This ROI varies across regions of the U.S., however, the national average ROI is 80.7% for Vinyl Siding, 84.3% for Fiber Cement Siding, and 77.6% for Foam Backed Vinyl.

We hope these tips help you decide which renovation projects you want to tackle this year. 

If you need any help, feel free to contact us below and we can customize your list to make sure you get the highest return!

2.  Resale – Why can it be so hard to re-sell a home in a new build community? Appreciation! Or lack of it, I should say. Not only does a Seller have to compete with the builder incentives (financing or free upgrades) they have to raise the price about 8% to cover the cost to sell. So if you purchased your home for $350,000 you would have to turn around and sell it for $378,000 to break even. New communities typically do not see substantial appreciation until the building is about over and the supply is low. Which is why I tell my clients if you want to build new, plan on staying a while. Depending on the community it could mean 5-7 years or 10-12 before appreciation takes hold. If you are a person who knows being transferred out of town is a possibility, you may want to re-think your idea of building new, unless you have a generous corporate relocation package that would cover the loss or a buyout; which are few and far between these days.

3.  Community Development Charge - Never heard of this before? New to Ohio about 12 years ago. This is not your property taxes. This is in addition to your taxes! Under Ohio Revised Code 349, a developer is able to recover a portion of their development costs for things such as sewer, roads or parks; by creating a New Community Financing Authority and implementing a Community Development Charge. According to Ohio Revised Code 349.07, "an unpaid community development charge is a lien on the property against which it is charged from the date the charge is entered on the tax list and shall be collected in the manner provided for the collection of real property taxes." So it might look like real property taxes but it is not. Another interesting piece of information is that the community development charge is not assessed by the value of the land, but assessed on the total value of the land & home. So it is subject to how many bells and whistles you add to your new home. But that's not all, they can also add an income charge anywhere from 1-2% more or less, depending on the community. This fee is based on the income of the residents and businesses located within the boundaries of the Community Authority. Finally, let's not forget the "Community Center Charge". This charge is typically based on the operating expenses of a community center.

How much are we talkin' here? According to Dublin's new Jerome Village community, technically in Plain City but Dublin School District.

Community Development Charge

• A property value at $350,000
• Assessed value: $350,000 x .35 = $122,500
• Annual Millage Charge: $122,500 x .0095 = $1,163.75
• Semi-annual Millage Charge: $1,163.75 /2 =$581.88

Income Charge 1-2%

• Income at $100,000
• Income charge: $1,000-2,000
• Currently this charge is not in effect. According to their website, this charge "can only be levied after all appointed members of the Jerome Village Community Authority are replaced by the community."

Community Center Charge

• This is based on operating expenses. Although this charge can be increased annually it may not exceed CPI. The charge for 2016 is $362.63.

Pay on time, otherwise the Union County Auditor has the right to add an additional processing fee currently at 3%. Learn more about JVCA here

4.  Representation -The salesperson in the model home represents…..the BUILDER! As a Realtor, I don't have a product to sell you on. My job is to provide you with solid information and sound advice, whether you are looking for a new build home or an existing home. So I know you are wondering, when buying new who covers the Buyer's Realtor Fee? The answer is, the builder does. In most cases, the builder has already priced the Realtors fee in. Most home builders in Central Ohio will not reduce the price of the house without a Realtor for a couple of reasons. First, they do not want Realtors to avoid bringing their clients to them. Second, most builders see the value a Realtor provides in making sure the Buyer is guided through the process, relieving them of any perceived liability for only representing the Builder's interest.

A Realtor is your resource and your advocate. There is nothing more important than my client's money. Growing and protecting my client's wealth and finding the right home for them is all we care about at Galbreath Real Estate. It is a long term relationship and notjust about the sale. Our job is to serve our community. We treat everyone as family. We work to be your real estate advisors for life and look forward to working with those dearest to you because you know, no one will have their back like Galbreath Real Estate.

When building a new home, you are have the opportunity to choose what type of home will fit your lifestyle. Have you really thought this through?

5.  Floor Plan - Do you know which type of floorplan gets the most complaints about noise travel? What is the most important room in your home is besides the Kitchen and Master Suite? Most people don't even think of it until after they have moved in! 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?

As Realtors, we've seen and heard it all. What you love about your home and what you hate. What you would keep and what you would change in a heartbeat. 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. Don't make a mistake and build the home you think you want, build the home you REALLY want. You don't know what you don't know!

For answers to the questions above, click "Things to consider when looking for the RIGHT home".

If you are looking for an experienced, trustworthy, knowledgeable Realtor that is excited as you are to find your new home. Call me to chat, no obligation.

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 Level Split homes. They were in high demand not only for its size and lower price per square foot cost to build, but the two-story Great Room and open Kitchen were attributes sought after and still are today. However, if you plan on living with more than one person you may want to shy away from the open stairwell also known as the "catwalk". The open handrails or in some cases, "half wall" allow noise to travel from the Great Room & Kitchen to the bedrooms; and if you have little ones sleeping, it can be very hard to function in the heart of the house when they are sleeping.

In my opinion, the most important room in the house other than the Kitchen and Master Suite is the place you have been missing…….the place where you can come in and drop your things. This used to called the mud room but is now often called the "locker room" as it is popular nowadays to have built-in open lockers for each member of the family to place their belongings when they walk in the door.

Now, I usually tell my kids to keep the potty talk for the potty, but I will make an exception in this case. Let's talk bathrooms. A bathroom on the main floor which is the bathroom likely to be used by a guest visiting your home is best located near the front door and accessed from the hallway. No one wants to use a bathroom accessed from the Kitchen or main living area…think about it. If you are someone that enjoys entertaining, keep in mind where bathroom #2 might be located. You don't want people to have to go through a bedroom to get to bathroom. In a two-story home, bathroom #2 is best located at the top of the stairs. It can still have another door for direct access to a bedroom if that is important to you.

If you are building a home and not sure you have enough money to get everything you want, scrap the plans to have the builder finish the basement, but DO have them add full bathroom rough-ins. It is much cheaper to have the builder add the plumbing for the bathroom in the building process than it is for you to do it later. If you are looking for an existing home with a finished basement, you may be missing out on some great homes. With all the crafty ways to finish a basement these days, this may be one area you can save a little money on. One of my favorite ways to finish a basement is to install can lights in the unfinished ceiling (floor joists) and then paint it in black matte (using a spray machine). You will have access to all your mechanicals and it will give you a trendy warehouse feel. Drywall the walls, and lay down some waterproof LVT (laminated vinyl tile) that looks like real wood and you've got a sharp playroom/rec room/media room without breaking the bank.

For more tips and help figuring out what floor plan and amenities are best for the way you live, contact me for a no obligation conversation. I'd love to help you any way I can.

Charm!  In many Columbus suburbs that is not hard to find and Worthington is no exception.  At an age where many "charming homes" have fallen to disrepair or are in desperate need of updating, it is important to know what features are worth retaining and which others to say "goodbye!" to.  This home on Riverglen in the heart of Worthington is a great example of modern amenity meeting 1930's Craftsmanship.

No effort was spared to reveal the true beauty and original splendor of the woodwork throughout the home.  Entry highlighted by Quarter sawn Douglas Fir front door with beveled glass. Not to be out done by the authentic tile fireplace - the centerpiece of the Living Room.

This Kitchen renovation is a dream come true. Cherry cabinetry, tile backsplash, granite counters, stainless appliances, vaulted ceiling with transom windows and  deck access are among the quality highlights.

The Sunroom is an addition although you'd never know it!  Attention to detail makes this room feel like an original part of the house.  Anchored by a wood-burning stove (shown in the video).

Narrow wood floors throughout capturing the original craftmanship.

Nothing says charm like a window seat nestled between bookcases.  A great way to spend a Sunday afternoon, wouldn't you say?

The charm doesn't stop upstairs! No detail is too small even in the bathrooms.  The mosiac tile floors and subway tile are simple, yet elegant.

It's not often you find a finished walk-up lower level with a full bathroom in homes built in the 1930's.

Your renovation is not complete without an outdoor living space to enjoy those sunny days.

Interested in seeing more of the spectacular renovation?  Take the video tour below...

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

 

"The Homes on Pullman Way" #grandviewyard #columbusrealestate #galbreathrealestate

A photo posted by Galbreath Real Estate (@galbreathrealestate) on May 3, 2016 at 8:36am PDT

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

 

Bridge Street District underway #dublinohio #bridgestreet #columbusrealestate

A photo posted by Galbreath Real Estate (@galbreathrealestate) on May 2, 2016 at 12:02pm PDT

Interested in learning more about these communities?  Start the conversation here with your Galbreath Real Estate team.

team@galbreathRE.com

614-500-4100

John W. Galbreath, 1915 [above photo]

5th Generation Real Estate Family

My name is David Galbreath.  I am the 5th Generation of a Real Estate Family; and owner of Galbreath Real Estate in Columbus, Ohio.   I would like to share the stories, successes, and failures from over 100 years of Real Estate endeavors.  My hope is to tell these stories before they are forever lost to time.  Although names of companies and towns have changed, most of the buildings still remain.  However, many of their stories are fading.  This is personal quest to unlock the history for myself and in doing so I hope to keep these stories alive for future generations.

Brothers: (left to right)  Dean Galbreath, John W. Galbreath, Gerald H. Galbreath, Sr.

From The Trail of Tears to Thoroughbred Racing

My father (Michael) and Grandfather (Gerald H. Galbreath, Jr) spent years documenting the history of our family.  We have a very rich history!  A family member has fought in every war of America's history (except the most recent Iraq war – sorry family I dropped the ball!).  We walked the trail of tears as members of the Choctaw and Chickasaw Indian tribes. Operated one of the most successful women-ran businesses (after the men died) in Oklahoma that owned 30,000 acres with 30,000 head of cattle in Indian Territory (now - Lindsay, Oklahoma) in the 1860-1880's; only to have the land taken by the US government as part of the Dawes Act in 1887.  Later, after Robert F. Galbreath (my Great-Great Grandfather's Brother) hit the largest oil field in Oklahoma at the Glenn Pool (later sold to Standard Oil); he developed a town named Bromide, Oklahoma with William H. Jackson (my Great-Great Grandfather).  This town was developed around the area's natural mineral springs which were believed to have healing qualities. This is where the next generation of Galbreath's would began their real estate careers.  Gerald H. Galbreath, Sr (my Great Grandfather) manager of "The Galbreath Hotel" would take his youngest brother, John W. Galbreath under his wing, as cashier of the hotel. John would later become the most well-known Galbreath for his real estate development around the world and ownership of the Pittsburgh Pirates from 1945-1986 during which the Pirates won 3 World Series Championships in 1960, 1971, and 1979.  As well as for his Thoroughbred Horse Racing, winning the Kentucky Derby with Chateaugay in 1963 and Proud Clarion in 1967 as well as the Preakness and Belmont Stakes with horse, Little Current, in 1974.

Robert F. Galbreath, Late 1880's

 Robert F. Galbreath and William H. Jackson in Bromide, Oklahoma 1914

The Galbreath Hotel in Bromide, Oklahoma                                                  June 20, 1915

Margaret Galbreath, Family Matriarch

With the passing of time almost all of my family's story tellers from the old generations have passed away.  My Grandmother Margaret Galbreath is now almost 99 and still in good health.  She is one of the last of the family that saw the rise of the Galbreath empire first hand (at least from the 1930's). She has been helping me learn about the old pictures and letters that I now have in my possession. We recently helped her move out of her house and found letter's from 'Bing' (Bing Crosby) and pictures of my Dad as a young boy in front of their twin engine propeller plan (circa 1957).

My Journey

I now own/operate a real estate brokerage and own investment properties.  I see how difficult it is to grow a business from scratch and I have the most admiration for those before me who were able to achieve great success starting from very modest beginnings.  

Since I was a child, I have been asked by many my relation to "The Galbreath Family".  Yesterday, (April 4th, 2016) I was showing a home to a client when a group came out of the house I was about to enter. The Realtor leaving seemed reluctant to give me the key to the house. He promptly asked, "Who are you"?  I said my name and his clients turned to me and said "You're related to the family with the Galbreath Chapel at Ohio University", the other client said "Your family has the big farm in West Columbus."  I said "Yes I am, that is my extended family and I too graduated from OU."  The women looked at me and said "Well, of course you're in real estate!"  My client and I walked into the house, she looked at me and said "Your family is pretty well known."  I gave the cliff note version of the history, which ultimately concluded in the realization that my family built the high rise building she works in downtown at Nationwide. 

Now, I don't want to take credit for any of the achievements from my family members.  I wasn't around and I was not a part of those business transactions (I wish I was!).  However, my Grandfather, Great-Grandfather and great-great uncle were and I would like to share the stories through their old letters and pictures.  It must have been an exciting time! 

I am of course proud of my family legacy.  We are fortunate to live in the same area where much of this history occurred.  I have many cousins (1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th) that still live in the area.  We are not as close as the 'old family' was but we all share in the same history.  What most people in the area don't know is that the modern day Galbreath story began in the early 1800's in Derby & Mt Sterling, Ohio.  This is where my story begins….

Gerald H. Galbreath, Sr and Gerald H. Galbreath, Jr, Oklahoma 1918

I would be especially grateful to anyone who would like to share their stories about the Galbreath family.  You can contact me at david@galbreathRE.com.

- David P. Galbreath