January 05, 2009

COLUMBUS OHIO, NORTH ARC, RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE TRENDS-TENDENCIES AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2008

Posted to Phil Giessler

This spreadsheet is the residential real estate update for the communities that make up the geographic north arc of the greater Columbus Ohio area. The North Arc, as we call it, is the area clockwise from approximately 9 to 2. The information is obtained from the Columbus Board of Realtors® (CBR) Multiple Listing Service (MLS). All housing types including; attached and detached condominiums and single family residences are considered. The 10 areas include school districts: Bexley, Columbus, Dublin, Gahanna, Hilliard, Olentangy, Plain Local, Upper Arlington, Westerville and Worthington. The time line comparisons include October 1 to December 31 of 2008, 2007, 2006 and 2005. The numbers of Sales, Average Sales Price (ASP), and average Days On Market (DOM) are noted. A Supply/Absorption (S/A) yield is also recorded. (The supply/absorption information is especially interesting).

Highlighted in green are results that may be positive. Highlighted in yellow are results that may be negative.

The Sales are down in all areas except for Gahanna which shows a 10% increase. However, Gahanna also shows a 16% drop in ASP

Average Sales Price is interesting intrinsic information especially as we consider the same time lines in previous years. Hilliard, Olentangy and New Albany have all trended downward in the last four years while Upper Arlington and Worthington have trended upward.

Days on Market is a figure that may have significance. DOM is derived from the listing Realtor’s® report to the MLS but only considers the last listing period. So for instance if the property was listed, expired and then relisted the DOM would be recorded only for the last listing. Therefore this may be the least reliable figure of those considered in this report.

A Supply/Absorption of 6 months is considered by most relocation management companies, appraisers and Realtors® as a healthy supply. Under 6 months indicates a sellers market or undersupply and higher suggests a buyers market or oversupply. Unknown and therefore not measured are the number of properties that have been taken off of the market for the holidays. The next quarter might find an increase of supply as owners choose to get their real estate on the market for the hopeful spring upswing. The S/A is not available for other than the current year. The Columbus School District neighborhoods of Clintonville, Beechwold and other northwest Columbus School District areas show a 6.7 month supply. The Worthington School District follows closely at 6.9 month supply. The Olentangy (southern Delaware County), Plain Local (aka New Albany) and Upper Arlington School Districts yield a 12 month supply.

Bottom line is that the residential real estate market in the North Arc of Columbus Ohio is okay, could be better and most certainly could be worse. We make this effort, not for fun, but to try to help the active or potential buyers and sellers understand the best and most current information and even look a bit into the future as much as our numbers permit.

This blog has been created, if not in fact at least in thought, while I was loading up on food and fellowship over the holidays. Besides homestyle family cooking I have enjoyed fare from restaurants in the Columbus and St.Louis, MO areas. Here is a quick “average person” report. In Columbus: Aubergine in Grandview - “fantastic food and drink– Ted was an excellent host, sommelier and chef” this is a private dining club so if you get an offer to go say yes!, Basi Italia in an alley in the Short North neighborhood – “chef/owner John has it all together” “quaint, cozy and hard to find but worth the effort” http://www.basi-italia.com , Caffe Daniela in downtown Worthington - “lasagna and Daniela panini are great” – “Joe and Mary Jo make it go”, LaChatelaine French Bakery and Bistro in Worthington: “Gigi’s pasta but don’t miss the freshly baked items”,http://www.lachatelainebakery.com, Lindey’s in German Village (for Carol and Phil’s 40th anniversary) “Sunday brunch off the menu was wonderful” , http://www.lindeys.com, North Star Café in Beechwold – “always a treat for breakfast and later, organic and local ingredients, http://www.thenorthstarcafe.com , and in O’Fallon, MO a great New Years Eve dinner at B.C.’s Kitchen: ask for the brie followed by crown of pork, one of Bill Cardwell’s spots, http://www.billcardwell.com , All of this guided me to self imposed, early morning, “get healthy” dates at the Worthington Community Recreation Center.

The best for you in 2009!

Posted By: Phil Giessler



December 22, 2008

FROM OUR HOUSE TO YOURS

Posted to Judy Gray

Cam Taylor Co. Ltd., Realtors would like to take this opportunity to wish all our valued clients and partners a most wonderful holiday season. We are grateful for the confidence you have placed in us over the years, and we look forward to working with you on all your real estate and relocation needs in 2009.

As we look back on the year to reflect and review, We can’t even imagine “our family” without you. We conquered our challenges by doing our best, And now with you, we celebrate success! Wishing you a world of joy, hope and peace!

Posted by: Judy Gray



December 12, 2008

Columbus Board of Realtors Centennial Ball

Posted to Phil Giessler

This Saturday night the 6500+ member Columbus Board of Realtors have their Centennial Ball at the Aladdin Shrine Center.

The Easton Towne Center is across the street which provides plenty of fun spots for pre-ball parties and/or shopping at Nordstrom, Macys, the new Tiffany store, or Restoration Hardware.

This is an especially exciting year for The Cam Taylor Co. Ltd. Realtors® as one of senior partners and manager, Gary Parsons, will be the new President of the Columbus Board of Realtors in its 101 Year.

I have the privilege of presenting Gary for the installation and I have decided to provide some of the text here first. I guess GuideMeHomeToColumbus.com gets a “scoop” in a sense.

“It is an honor to introduce and participate in the installation of our new President Gary Parsons. Gary, with the support of his lovely wife Susan, is ready and more than capable to tackle this job in a year which looks somewhat problematic and challenging to all of us. I am confident that Gary will lead with the understanding that any Problems and Challenges are nothing more than OPPORTUNITIES TO BE OF SERVICE. That lesson in life was taught to us by our good friend and guest here tonight Campbell Taylor Jr.

Gary has made a major contribution to our Cam Taylor Company. For 35 years he has helped manage and lead as we have become members of the Leading Real Estate Companies of the World®.

Because of Cam Taylor’s steadfast commitment to the relocation industry, and leadership such as that Gary has given us, we recently received – -as one of only 44 companies in the United States, - the RELO Quality Certification Award for excellence in relocation services. For our small group of 17 Realtors®, this is huge and we are very proud. Without the guidance of Gary and all of our Realtors® working together this would not be possible. And now Gary joins a select group of Columbus Realtors® who have reached the top level of service to our Board. Again as a group of a few at Cam Taylor Co we are very proud and humbled by the opportunity to be of service.

Tonight whatever I will say to you about my good friend and business partner of many years might sound expected and obligatory. But there was no mandatory script for me. My comments are true and are obvious to all who observe him. Gary is as sound an individual as I have ever known. Seldom flustered, he is one to go to in an emergency. He does not need consensus to act. He has the ability to sift through the chaff of desires and recommendations to get to a correct solution. He is a warrior when things get tough. He and we are fortunate to have an excellent executive officer, Larry Metzger, and a wonderful management staff to work with at the “Board”. Author Peter Drucker said “good management is doing things right,- good LEADERSHIP IS DOING THE RIGHT THINGS. Gary has the gift of making the right decisions and doing the Right Things. He will lead us well with courage and confidence."

We are also proud that Karl Schneider will be inducted into the 25 Million Dollar Club. He will join fellow Cam Taylor Co. associates; Penny Call, Marge Drake, Dennis Jewett, Brian Kuyper, Gary Parsons, Chris Rosen, Carla Zak and Phil Giessler in the highest sales achievement recognition of the Columbus Board.

Posted By: Phil Giessler



December 02, 2008

Step back from the Baggage Claim

Posted to Greg Giessler

A good friend of mine and someone who has positively influenced my life recently wrote a book named, Step back from the Baggage Claim: Change the world, Start at the Airport. The book illustrates the journey of Jason Barger who spent seven straight days flying to seven different cities without stepping outside of an airport. His experiences and stories highlight the frustrations people have with travelling and the time spent at the airport. In the book, Jason emphasizes people need to, “step back, be still, share compassion, and live gratefully.” He observes how people interact while going through the airport routine of security lines, loading and unloading of the airplane, and especially how people act at the baggage claim! His overall objective is to illustrate that if more people thought about their actions and lived with compassion the world could be a better place…”Change the world, Start at the Airport!”

Today an article about Jason’s book was written in the New York Times it can be viewed here. If you are interested in learning more you can also visit the website at www.stepbackfromthebaggageclaim.com

Posted By: Greg Giessler



December 01, 2008

Cam Taylor Co. Achieved MD Preferred Real Estate Provider Status

Posted to Judy Gray

As the healthcare industry struggles with a growing physician and medical industry shortage nationwide, Cam Taylor Co. is working behind the scenes to help attract physicians to our community.

We recently achieved MD Preferred Real Estate Provider status and earned the honor of displaying the MD Preferred Services Medallion. This distinction, awarded to less than 100 national Realtors® by US Medical Specialties, a national healthcare consulting firm, recognizes Cam Taylor’s experience and commitment to serving the unique needs and demands of today’s busy physician.

We have so much to offer physicians and their families here in Columbus. We know that a physician places very high value on community and life issues. This network allows us to partner more closely with our hospitals and medical practices in the competition for physician services. We are uniquely qualified to tell the Columbus, OH story.

www.mdpreferredservices.com is a welcome resource to help facilitate relocation for time-pressed physicians and other medical personnel. With Cam Taylor’s long history of working with families moving into and out of the metro area, this is yet another way which we are able to help make a difference in the lives of those on the move. For additional information on this program, please contact Judy Gray, CRP, Global Relocation Director at jgray@camtaylor.com or call her at 800.848.6996.

Posted by: Judy Gray



November 21, 2008

Columbus Ohio, North ARC, Residential Real Estate Real-time Trends-tendencies as of November 20, 2008

Posted to Phil Giessler

The stock market goes up and down every business day, most recently seen as a yoyo, with ups, downs, sling outs and stalls striking glee and terror in the minds and hearts of the many who choose to watch the televised or web provided action.

The residential real estate market can be equally as joyful or tearful but it takes longer to observe an end result. But those of us intimately concerned, in the brokerage business, are working to understand as quickly as possible the actions or inactions of buyers and sellers so that we can assist our clients and customers.

The Columbus Board of Realtors (CBR) publishes a monthly report to the local media which is spun as seen appropriate by the reporters assigned to the story. The most current report will be a month in arrears so the report out November 20, 2008 relates statistics of October 2008.

In these times of expected immediate gratification and impatience (defined as not just “now” but “right now”) there are those of us that are trying to determine the active and current “pulse” associated with the buying and selling of residential housing in the market in which we practice.
Because we have “real time reporting” of activity through the Multiple Listing Service of the CBR, certain inferences are observable. These are figures and conclusions based on current reporting. We make this effort, not for fun, but to try to help the active or potential buyers and sellers understand the best and most current information and even look a bit into the future as much as our numbers permit.

These findings are macro in scope as they are limited to the school district of the communities and include all types of housing styles; attached and detached condominiums and single family residences. I have used a 3 month time line; August 20 through November 20 for the last three years. Micro studies are able to zero in on subdivisions and/or residence style and types. Maybe I will include those in future blogs.

Click here to view some of these statistics.

Posted By: Phil Giessler



November 19, 2008

MONTANA DE LUZ

Posted to Greg Giessler

Last night I had the opportunity to attend a fundraiser/information session for a special place outside of Tegucigalpa, Honduras called Montana De Luz. (Mountain of Light) Montana De Luz provides a home for children with HIV/AIDS in Honduras. Currently the project has over thirty children with the idea of expanding the hope for more children to a regional level. The goal of Montana De Luz is to provide support, care, and comfort for any child in Honduras who is affected by HIV/AIDS.

I have had the opportunity to travel to the orphanage four times in the last seven years to volunteer for these children. Our group has done a variety of work projects while at Montana De Luz but I believe the most important aspect of going on the trip is for people to understand the importance of support for these children emotionally and financially.

I have heard numerous times how different individuals say, “I do not know Spanish, and it will be difficult for me to communicate…” I, for one, thought that would be the case for me. I speak better Spanish than I did six years ago but still not fluent. Fortunately, there are other ways of communication and in the end just a smile, a hug, and a little play time can make the difference in these children’s lives.

It is truly a way to do something different and beneficial. If you have the opportunity to get involved I recommend a trip to Montana De Luz and or making a contribution to Montana De Luz.

If you are interested in learning more go to www.montanadeluz.org and look at the You tube video or contact Greg Giessler at ggiessler@camtaylor.com.

Posted By: Greg Giessler



November 19, 2008

Marathon in Training: Week ????

Posted to Greg Giessler

October 19th was the date of the Nationwide Columbus Marathon. It was a perfect day for running! After months and months of training the day finally arrived with a lot of anticipation, anxiety, and excitement. Question after question kept popping in my mind…Did I eat the right food the few days prior? Am I well hydrated? Are my shoes too tight? Did I train right? Will I make it half way? Will I cramp up? Will I finish? Who will I see on the course? Overall, the 26.2 miles on the marathon route were nice without much elevation change. I situated myself with the 3:30 pace group and continued throughout the race to find my pace vary but stay consistent around that pace group. The entire race seemed to be a struggle. The last marathon I ran, the Marine Corps Marathon in Washington D.C., I cramped up at mile 22 and had to hobble the last few miles…not fun! That thought kept creeping into my mind as I approached mile 18, mile 20, mile 22…As I approached mile 24 and still felt okay the adrenaline rush and sense of accomplishment started to take over. The last couple miles were extremely exciting, especially with the crowd as they gathered to cheer everyone to the finish. I finished the race in 3:28:10 which is my personal best and is 1:50 seconds faster than my goal!

I trained with the MIT (Marathon in Training) group here in Columbus for the session and thought it was very beneficial. They provide a good network of runners of all different pace groups and also provide instruction. It is always enjoyable to look forward to the Saturday morning long runs during training when you will see familiar faces. As well, MIT provides drink stops and bagels at the end of the run which is a nice added feature of the program. If you are interested in learning more contact ggiessler@camtaylor.com and check out www.premierraces.com

Posted By: Greg Giessler



November 11, 2008

Erickson Retirement Communities: Truly a retirement community like no other.

Posted to Greg Giessler

Last week I had the opportunity to sit in on an information session regarding the new Erickson Retirement Community that is in the process of being constructed at Hickory Chase in Columbus, Ohio.

Erickson communities care currently located in thirteen states with over 19,000 residents. Future communities are going to be located in Connecticut, Georgia, Minnesota, New Mexico, New York, Rhode Island and Connecticut.

Erickson Retirement Communities offer a lifestyle allowing you to do more what you enjoy doing than what you have to do. As a member of an Erickson Community you get to enjoy what they coin your “freedom years,” with “no more worries.” No more seasonal exterior maintenance, housing maintenance or major repairs. No more monthly electric, heat, air conditioning, or cable bills to worry about. With an Erickson Community all monthly costs are bundled into one payment. They offer on an on-site medical center, restaurants, salon, barbershop, spa, bank branch, all season swimming pool, billiards, classes, shuttle service, concierge, and the list goes on and on. Many times living in an Erickson Community your monthly cost could be less than what your monthly expenses are currently, with many more amenities!

If you are looking for senior living, Erickson Communities and their affiliated service providers are leaders in addressing all issues that are important seniors. They truly define full-service retirement!

If you are interested in learning more contact Judy, Phil, or Greg at ggiessler@camtaylor.com

As well as, www.ericksoncommunities.com

Posted By: Greg Giessler



October 24, 2008

BIENVENUTO!

Posted to Judy Gray

Leading Real Estate Companies of the World® recently held their bi-annual International Symposium in Rome, Italy, September 12-14. I had the distinct pleasure of attending the conference with representatives from 38 countries. Our main goal was building and fostering cross border relationships, exchanging valuable ideas and strengthening our international real estate network. Business beyond our borders is “business as usual” these days.

Our meeting commenced with the appearance of Onorevole Giovanni Almanno, Mayor of Rome. Although he spoke no English, he quickly welcomed us to his beautiful country and expressed his warm feelings of gratitude that Leading RE had chosen his beloved city as our meeting place.

We had two keynote speakers at the conference. The first was Paola Lunghini, a property journalist and former European Real Estate Society President. She has written scores of articles on the Italian Real Estate industry, as well as economic and financial topics. She is currently the publisher and editor of the “Economia Immobilaire,” a strategic communication advisor and frequent lecturer at conferences. Her latest book, “Italy a Real Estate Portrait” is a compilation of her 30 years in the industry and the changes her country has endured, seen through her eyes.

Another keynote was Matthew Ferrara, Matthew Ferrara & Company, whose company has been influential in global real estate by helping to develop strategies of companies who want to expand their business opportunities to every part of the world. Matthew’s philosophy is a relatively simple one: “Brokers and Sales Associates need to prepare for the “New (Next) Generation of Real Estate” If they are to survive. His presentation was a candid approach to using the internet’s social networking tools; i.e. blogs, podcasts and other types of multimedia interactivity.

Some of the other timely topics we explored at the breakout sessions were:

  • State of the luxury market (domestic and abroad)
  • Keys to promoting and generating cross border referrals
  • Working together to bridge real estate differences
  • Investing abroad and international developments
  • Global marketing strategies to enhance and expand our brands
  • Utilizing social media to manage your online reputation/brand

Read my full story by clicking here >>

Judy Gray



September 22, 2008

Dances with Dirt-2008 Hell, Michigan

Posted to Greg Giessler

For the past two years a couple friends and I have gone to Hell…Hell, Michigan and participated in the Dances with Dirt relay. This past year we did the 62 mile relay trail run with three people. I believe we were the only team that started the race with three. A few teams might have lost a few people along the way!

Overall, it was an enjoyable, mind numbing, body beating day! The day consists of an extreme course designed for ultra-marathoners and the relay teams. Many of the teams decorate their vehicles and dress in costume. Many of them are quite creative! Many are probably too inappropriate to talk about!

Each leg of the race is rated for difficulty and named accordingly. The legs that I ran during the race included Purgatory, This Sucks, Amputation, Vertigo, and Dirt’s Revenge. Half way through “This Sucks” you bottom out into this bog where you instantly are in muck up to your short line. To say the least you get a little dirty and irritated. All in all, it was a pretty entertaining leg to watch and participate.

Though, we did not win the relay we definitely ran well, each of us completing over 20 miles. It was a good feeling at the end of the day eating the free pizza, wearing our medals, and drinking a nice cold beer completely 100% knackered.

If you are interested in learning more check out http://www.danceswithdirt.com or contact me at ggiessler@camtaylor.com

Posted By: Greg Giessler



September 08, 2008

Columbus, OH: #1 in America's Most Affordable Places to Retire

Posted to Judy Gray

Our river city tops Forbes list of the most affordable places to retire. Our reasonably priced homes, lower inflation rates and low unemployment rates for those over 65 who wish to continue working, all contribute to the ranking.

As well, Columbus has the most doctors per capita and the highest number of citizens (per thousand people) tapping their Medicare benefits. Both issues are extremely important as the population’s life expectancy continues to increase. With people living longer, the need increases to stretch those dollars as much as possible.

The Columbus Board of Realtors launched “The Grass is Greener Here” campaign during the Spring. This was done to quell the negative rumors from the media, who tend to pain national trends as opposed to what’s happening in our local markets. As we know, “all real estate is local.”

On the heels of this latest news, see what others are saying about Columbus:

•..One of the top 200 Best Places for Business and Careers..."-Forbes

•...A top 50 hottest city for expansion and relocation..."-Expansion Management Magazine

•...The second best city in the nation for African American families..."-BET.com

•..Franklin County is one of the top large counties for recruiting and attracting new business..." -Expansion Management

•..15th-largest city in the United States"

•..One of the fastest-growing major metropolitan areas in the Midwest."

•...No. 1 among the Top 10 Up-and-Coming Tech Cities..."-Forbes, March 2008

•..Seventh-strongest economy in the nation..."- POLICOM, August 2006

•...Eighth-best big city on Money Magazine's 2006 Best Places to Live list..."-Money Magazine, 2006

•..A top hottest city for expansion and relocation..."- Expansion Management Magazine, 2006

•...No. 9 among the Most Affordable Places to Live Well..."- Forbes, November 2007

•...Population in the Columbus Region as grown by 455,000 people (36%) during the last 26 years - to 1.7 million in 2006. Since 1980, Columbus has grown 12 percent faster than the national average and nearly six times faster than the state of Ohio..."

•...one of the largest college populations in the nation, with 110,000 college students enrolled in 20 higher education institutions. Ohio State University was ranked the largest university in the United States in 2006..."

•...Fourth-safest city for businesses in the United States..."- Risk & Insurance Magazine

•...The state of Ohio ranked number one in the nation for the number of attractive micropolitans for capital investment..."

Posted By: Judy Gray



August 29, 2008

Worthington Farmer's Market

Posted to Greg Giessler

To further my blog entry regarding the speech given at our Dublin Worthington Rotary Club called, Root Down: Get back to real food, I decided to try and make an effort to eat differently and possibly more healthy myself! That prompted me to attend the Worthington Farmer’s market after my Saturday morning twelve mile run with the marathon in training group.

The farmer’s market has been an enormous success in bringing local Ohio grown and organically grown produce to Worthington. The farmer’s market has everything from vegetables, meats, fruits, flowers, herbs, plants, eggs and baked goods.

The success of the summer’s farmer’s market has called for the continuation throughout the entire year. This year the winter market will be held indoors at the Griswold Senior Center located at 777 High Street. I am looking forward to seeing the progress and the continued success of the market.

Attending the farmer’s market was an enjoyable experience. I joked around with people I knew that the thought was there to be more health conscious but the produce and meat would probably end up sitting in my refrigerator and never be eaten!! Somehow I have a problem with the instant gratification of having food ready not now…right now. ..I have surprised myself to say the least and have had three lunches and two dinners since the Saturday market all at home. Hopefully this will spur be to be a little more creative and spend more quality time learning how to cook!

I also found it interesting that the latest National Geographic cover and title was “Where Food Begins,” which was delivered on Monday. Not bad reading when eating your homemade meal!

Posted By: Greg Giessler



August 28, 2008

“Nationwide Children’s Hospital Named 12th Best by US News and World Report”

Posted to

Nationwide Children’s Hospital commitment to excellence has earned national recognition by being named the twelfth on the US News and World Reports “ America’s Best Hospitals” list, while Child magazine ranked Nationwide Children’s as the sixth best pediatric hospital in the country and number one in emergency care. The hospital’s pediatricians are members of the faculty of the Ohio State University College of Medicine.

Founded in 1892 as a 12-bed charity hospital, over the last year Nationwide Children’s Hospital served kids from across Ohio, all 50 states, and 21 foreign countries, recording over 700,000 patient visits. Their mission is best described by the acronym “CARES”: Children’s is dedicated to providing the highest level of Care, Advocacy, Research, Education, and Service to patients and families in central Ohio and beyond, without regard for their ability to pay. To that end, they provide more than $50 million in uncompensated care every year.

The Nationwide Children’s Hospital campus includes:

*More than 2.2 million square feet covering more than six city blocks.

*383 inpatient beds and more than 800 clinicians.

*The Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, one of the country’s premier pediatric research programs.

*The Center for Child and Family Advocacy, a partnership between Nationwide Children’s and the Columbus Coalition Against Family Violence.

*17 Community-based Close to Home Centers and growing.

Nationwide Children’s Hospital remains passionately dedicated to their core purpose-providing the absolute best healthcare to every child while they position Nationwide Children’s to be a world leader in pediatric healthcare. We are proud to have Nationwide Children’s Hospital a member of the Columbus community!

Posted By: Dennis Jewett



August 27, 2008

The Central Ohio Hoover Sailing Club

Posted to Greg Giessler

If you are interested in sailing and live in Central Ohio Hoover Sailing Club is the place to be! Located on Hoover Reservoir, the Hoover Sailing Club has something for everyone. Hoover Sailing Club offers classes to teach and develop an interest in sailing for both youth and adults. If you are further interested and want to help crew on a boat to learn more you can do that as well. Hoover Sailing Club offers Wednesday night and Sunday afternoon racing throughout the season, as well as, has regattas for individual fleets. The Fleets at the club include the 505, Flying Scot, Highlander, Interlake, Laser, MC Scow, Snipe, Thistle, and Windmill.

I started at Hoover Sailing Club three years ago taking classes and now have an Interlake. Though I have found it difficult to find time to spend sailing at the club I have enjoyed meeting new people and spending time on the water though this year my time has been limited. I do have a month or so left to get out on the water so I am going to have to take advantage before the weather shifts!

These photos were taken last Sunday while I was on race committee, one of the responsibilities of being a member. A couple hours on the rescue boat watching others sail is still not a bad way to spend a Sunday afternoon!

If you are interested in learning more check out http://www.hooversailingclub.com or contact me at ggiessler@camtaylor.com

Posted By: Greg Giessler