It’s Farmers Market Time – 2014

For times, locations and other information about area markets Click Here http://www.columbusunderground.com/columbus-farmers-markets-2014

It’s Farmers Market Time – 2014

For times, locations and other information about area markets Click Here http://www.columbusunderground.com/columbus-farmers-markets-2014

24 Indisputable Reasons Columbus Has The Best Damn Food In The Land

From artisan ice cream to pizza and Gyros to die for it's all here.
Sorry can't Talk - My Mouth is Full

24 Indisputable Reasons Columbus Has The Best Damn Food In The Land

From artisan ice cream to pizza and Gyros to die for it's all here.
Sorry can't Talk - My Mouth is Full

U.S. Government Suggests that You Switch from Internet Explorer

another reason the use another browser

U.S. Government Suggests that You Switch from Internet Explorer

another reason the use another browser

Whitt’s End Saloon Opens on Parsons Avenue

"The revitalization of Parsons Avenue on the South Side has long been in focus for the City of Columbus, but aside from major projects at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, private investment has been slow-going. A group of entrepreneurial folks have taken one project into their own hands with the conversion of the old Avenue Bar at 970 Parsons into the new Whitt’s End Saloon."

 Read the News Of Parsons Avenue Here

Whitt’s End Saloon Opens on Parsons Avenue

"The revitalization of Parsons Avenue on the South Side has long been in focus for the City of Columbus, but aside from major projects at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, private investment has been slow-going. A group of entrepreneurial folks have taken one project into their own hands with the conversion of the old Avenue Bar at 970 Parsons into the new Whitt’s End Saloon."

 Read the News Of Parsons Avenue Here

The 12th Clintionville Farmers Market Open April 26th

Read the Announcement

The 12th Clintionville Farmers Market Open April 26th

Read the Announcement

A Showcase for Future of Transit in Columbus

 "If the ideas presented at Seventh Son Brewing Company Tuesday night are any indication, young professionals in Columbus are dreaming big about the future of transit in the region."

See the story here

http://www.columbusunderground.com/event-showcases-ideas-for-future-of-transit-in-columbus-bw1

A Showcase for Future of Transit in Columbus

 "If the ideas presented at Seventh Son Brewing Company Tuesday night are any indication, young professionals in Columbus are dreaming big about the future of transit in the region."

See the story here

http://www.columbusunderground.com/event-showcases-ideas-for-future-of-transit-in-columbus-bw1

Bike to Work Columbus, Friday May 16.

 Join Bike to Work Day, on Friday, May 16 rain or shine by riding into downtown along one of seven pre-planned routes described below and mapped here  (open using Chrome). - See more at: http://www.columbus.gov/B2W2014/#sthash.d8ac5YzU.dpuf

See Full Story Here !
http://www.columbus.gov/B2W2014/

Bike to Work Columbus, Friday May 16.

 Join Bike to Work Day, on Friday, May 16 rain or shine by riding into downtown along one of seven pre-planned routes described below and mapped here  (open using Chrome). - See more at: http://www.columbus.gov/B2W2014/#sthash.d8ac5YzU.dpuf

See Full Story Here !
http://www.columbus.gov/B2W2014/

ReDevelop a Downtown Power Plant Building ?

"The historic Columbus Municipal Light Plant building located at 555 West Nationwide Boulevard may soon get a new lease on life. The Columbus Department of Development has issued a request for proposals for the redevelopment of this West Arena District site."

 “Development today is about building places where companies can attract the people that they need and reach their customers. ”


http://www.columbusunderground.com/historic-downtown-power-plant-building-may-be-redeveloped 

ReDevelop a Downtown Power Plant Building ?

"The historic Columbus Municipal Light Plant building located at 555 West Nationwide Boulevard may soon get a new lease on life. The Columbus Department of Development has issued a request for proposals for the redevelopment of this West Arena District site."

 “Development today is about building places where companies can attract the people that they need and reach their customers. ”


http://www.columbusunderground.com/historic-downtown-power-plant-building-may-be-redeveloped 

OHIO-WHATTA?

"You’d think that a library that’s been around for 85 years and was founded by no less than a First Lady of Ohio would be more familiar. Particularly in Columbus, which has always been its home."
http://www.columbusunderground.com/gcac-presents-ohio-whatta 

OHIO-WHATTA?

"You’d think that a library that’s been around for 85 years and was founded by no less than a First Lady of Ohio would be more familiar. Particularly in Columbus, which has always been its home."
http://www.columbusunderground.com/gcac-presents-ohio-whatta 

Toulouse (Lautrec) for Columbus ?

"Drawn from prestigious private and public collections, the artworks in this exhibition were made by a generation of artists who battled against the formality of Academic art standards, rebelling even against the styles of Impressionism and Post-Impressionism espoused by artists like Georges Seurat, Paul Gaugin, and Vincent Van Gogh."
 
See the Full Announcement Here

Toulouse (Lautrec) for Columbus ?

"Drawn from prestigious private and public collections, the artworks in this exhibition were made by a generation of artists who battled against the formality of Academic art standards, rebelling even against the styles of Impressionism and Post-Impressionism espoused by artists like Georges Seurat, Paul Gaugin, and Vincent Van Gogh."
 
See the Full Announcement Here

Pitabilites In The News

Pitabilies has become one of Columbus most popular food trucks in three years.

"Several festivals around the city would not be the same without Pitabilities, who specializes in serving made-to-order pitas with international flavors. Founded by Jim Pashovich, there are now three Pitablilites trucks in operation, with plans already in the works to introduce a fourth."

See the full story here.


 

Pitabilites In The News

Pitabilies has become one of Columbus most popular food trucks in three years.

"Several festivals around the city would not be the same without Pitabilities, who specializes in serving made-to-order pitas with international flavors. Founded by Jim Pashovich, there are now three Pitablilites trucks in operation, with plans already in the works to introduce a fourth."

See the full story here.


 

Reverse Mortgage Realities

The New York Times
April 10, 2014
By LISA PREVOST

 _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Adult children have reason to be wary when their parents start talking about reverse mortgages. The loans make sense only for those who plan to stay in their homes for the rest of their lives and can afford to pay property taxes and insurance for that long.

But elder law and reverse mortgage experts say they frequently encounter resistance from children less concerned about the terms of the loan than about losing their presumed inheritance.

“If heirs are all concerned about their inheritance, but don’t want to go into their own pockets to help out Mom and Dad, it’s really a Catch 22,” said Matthew Murphy, the president of Reverses Are Us in Hauppauge, N.Y.

Federally insured reverse mortgages, issued under the Home Equity Conversion Mortgage program, are a way for homeowners 62 and older to borrow money using their home equity as collateral. Interest and insurance are charged throughout the life of the loan, and the total becomes due when a borrower dies.

Continue reading the main story

RELATED COVERAGE

• Times Topic: Mortgages

The loans can be costly, but they are sometimes the only option for older homeowners who are cash-poor and facing high health care costs. Their use is expected to rise as baby boomers age. In 2013, half of all Medicare beneficiaries had savings below $61,400, according toa recent Kaiser Family Foundation report.

When the entire family is involved in the discussion about whether to take a reverse mortgage, sometimes the children understand their parents need the equity, while other times, they are openly opposed, said James A. Robbins, an elder law lawyer in New York. The duty of the lawyer representing the parents, he said, is to advise them as to what’s in their best interests, not the best interests of their children.

Parents may decide not to disclose that they’re borrowing against the family home to avoid conflict or because they view it as their personal business. “Sometimes they’ll say, we don’t need to tell anybody about anything,” Mr. Murphy said.

A lack of communication can lead to a rude awakening for adult children who still live at home and don’t realize what a reverse mortgage will mean after their parents die, said Deborah S. Ball, an elder law lawyer in New York. To continue living there, “that child’s going to have to buy the house,” she said. “And that almost never happens.”

More typically, the heirs either sell the house, or if the mortgage balance exceeds the home value, deed it over to the lender in lieu of foreclosure. Heirs are not responsible for any debt beyond 95 percent of the value of the house.

Frank Melia, a mortgage planning specialist with United Northern Mortgage Bankers in Levittown, N.Y., says that since the recession, the adult children he meets with have been a little more open to discussion about their parents borrowing against their equity. But during better times, “it would come up a lot,” he said. “ ‘You’re spending my inheritance.’ ”

The clients he deals with are often reeling from unmanageable health care costs. “They’re basically telling the children, we have to do this,” Mr. Melia said. Mr. Murphy says he tries to educate adult children about the terms of reverse mortgages. “Sometimes there’s just no getting through to them,” he said, “because they’re just being selfish about their inheritance possibility.”

Once fully informed, the children may be more supportive of their parents’ decision. Ms. Ball tells of a wife and ailing husband who took out the largest reverse mortgage they could qualify for so they could renovate their home to accommodate a live-in caregiver. Their children had no objections at all. And “when the children are not a factor,” she said, “it’s a beautiful thing.”

Reverse Mortgage Realities

The New York Times
April 10, 2014
By LISA PREVOST

 _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Adult children have reason to be wary when their parents start talking about reverse mortgages. The loans make sense only for those who plan to stay in their homes for the rest of their lives and can afford to pay property taxes and insurance for that long.

But elder law and reverse mortgage experts say they frequently encounter resistance from children less concerned about the terms of the loan than about losing their presumed inheritance.

“If heirs are all concerned about their inheritance, but don’t want to go into their own pockets to help out Mom and Dad, it’s really a Catch 22,” said Matthew Murphy, the president of Reverses Are Us in Hauppauge, N.Y.

Federally insured reverse mortgages, issued under the Home Equity Conversion Mortgage program, are a way for homeowners 62 and older to borrow money using their home equity as collateral. Interest and insurance are charged throughout the life of the loan, and the total becomes due when a borrower dies.

Continue reading the main story

RELATED COVERAGE

• Times Topic: Mortgages

The loans can be costly, but they are sometimes the only option for older homeowners who are cash-poor and facing high health care costs. Their use is expected to rise as baby boomers age. In 2013, half of all Medicare beneficiaries had savings below $61,400, according toa recent Kaiser Family Foundation report.

When the entire family is involved in the discussion about whether to take a reverse mortgage, sometimes the children understand their parents need the equity, while other times, they are openly opposed, said James A. Robbins, an elder law lawyer in New York. The duty of the lawyer representing the parents, he said, is to advise them as to what’s in their best interests, not the best interests of their children.

Parents may decide not to disclose that they’re borrowing against the family home to avoid conflict or because they view it as their personal business. “Sometimes they’ll say, we don’t need to tell anybody about anything,” Mr. Murphy said.

A lack of communication can lead to a rude awakening for adult children who still live at home and don’t realize what a reverse mortgage will mean after their parents die, said Deborah S. Ball, an elder law lawyer in New York. To continue living there, “that child’s going to have to buy the house,” she said. “And that almost never happens.”

More typically, the heirs either sell the house, or if the mortgage balance exceeds the home value, deed it over to the lender in lieu of foreclosure. Heirs are not responsible for any debt beyond 95 percent of the value of the house.

Frank Melia, a mortgage planning specialist with United Northern Mortgage Bankers in Levittown, N.Y., says that since the recession, the adult children he meets with have been a little more open to discussion about their parents borrowing against their equity. But during better times, “it would come up a lot,” he said. “ ‘You’re spending my inheritance.’ ”

The clients he deals with are often reeling from unmanageable health care costs. “They’re basically telling the children, we have to do this,” Mr. Melia said. Mr. Murphy says he tries to educate adult children about the terms of reverse mortgages. “Sometimes there’s just no getting through to them,” he said, “because they’re just being selfish about their inheritance possibility.”

Once fully informed, the children may be more supportive of their parents’ decision. Ms. Ball tells of a wife and ailing husband who took out the largest reverse mortgage they could qualify for so they could renovate their home to accommodate a live-in caregiver. Their children had no objections at all. And “when the children are not a factor,” she said, “it’s a beautiful thing.”

Goodwill plans collection of e-waste on April 26

Goodwill Columbus plans an e-waste collection event from 9 a.m. to noon April 26 at Huntington Park, 330 Huntington Park Lane, Downtown.

The public is invited to donate unwanted computers, small appliances and other electronics.

Television sets and appliances containing Freon will not be accepted, however.

For a complete list of acceptable items, visitwww.franklincountyohio.gov/ewaste.

Goodwill’s event is being conducted in collaboration with the Franklin County Board of Commissioners, the Columbus Clippers, WBNS-10TV and The Dispatch.

Goodwill plans collection of e-waste on April 26

Goodwill Columbus plans an e-waste collection event from 9 a.m. to noon April 26 at Huntington Park, 330 Huntington Park Lane, Downtown.

The public is invited to donate unwanted computers, small appliances and other electronics.

Television sets and appliances containing Freon will not be accepted, however.

For a complete list of acceptable items, visitwww.franklincountyohio.gov/ewaste.

Goodwill’s event is being conducted in collaboration with the Franklin County Board of Commissioners, the Columbus Clippers, WBNS-10TV and The Dispatch.

Volunteer Registration for Earth Day

Volunteer opportunities: Sat., April 19 through Sat., April 26
Celebration: Sat., April 26 at Columbus Commons

Green Columbus and lead sponsor The Columbus Foundation are pleased to announce that volunteer registration for Earth Day is now open at earthdaycolumbus.org, This year, the volunteer effort will span seven days with service sites across the region from which to choose.

From Saturday, April 19 through Saturday April 26, Central Ohioans are invited to volunteer a few hours of time at service sites around the city, planting trees, cleaning river banks, preparing community gardens and much more. Registration is easy, as is finding the right service opportunity; it is all done online at earthdaycolumbus.org.

Gratitude is this year’s theme, and volunteers will be thanked in many ways, including with vouchers for Chipotle burritos, appetizers from Max & Erma’s, scoops from Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams, cookies from Pattycake Bakery, pizza from Mikey’s Late Night Slice, Clif Bars, car2go memberships and minutes, and movie passes from Gateway Film Center. We will also show our appreciation for volunteers and the natural environment at a celebration on April 26 at Columbus Commons.

Groups are encouraged to volunteer. The school (K-12), non-profit and employer that send out the most volunteers to participate in Earth Day activities will be rewarded with the NBBJ Challenge Cup prize at a special awards ceremony at the April 26 celebration. Last year’s winners were Colonial Hills Elementary School, Girl Scouts of Ohio’s Heartland, and The Ohio State University.

To ensure that there are enough spots for all the volunteers, registration remains open for service sites. If you have a green themed project and need help, visit earthdaycolumbus.org or contact Green Columbus at worksites@greencbus.org.

This will be the 8^th annual Earth Day event organized by Green Columbus, a local non-profit organization, and it remains the largest volunteer effort in the United States for Earth Day, according to the Earth Day Network. Over the past seven years, more than 55,000 hours of time have been invested by Central Ohio’s “green” citizens. In just the last four years, more than 16,000 trees have been planted through Earth Day Columbus initiatives.Visit earthdaycolumbus.org to learn more and to register to participate.

Volunteer Registration for Earth Day

Volunteer opportunities: Sat., April 19 through Sat., April 26
Celebration: Sat., April 26 at Columbus Commons

Green Columbus and lead sponsor The Columbus Foundation are pleased to announce that volunteer registration for Earth Day is now open at earthdaycolumbus.org, This year, the volunteer effort will span seven days with service sites across the region from which to choose.

From Saturday, April 19 through Saturday April 26, Central Ohioans are invited to volunteer a few hours of time at service sites around the city, planting trees, cleaning river banks, preparing community gardens and much more. Registration is easy, as is finding the right service opportunity; it is all done online at earthdaycolumbus.org.

Gratitude is this year’s theme, and volunteers will be thanked in many ways, including with vouchers for Chipotle burritos, appetizers from Max & Erma’s, scoops from Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams, cookies from Pattycake Bakery, pizza from Mikey’s Late Night Slice, Clif Bars, car2go memberships and minutes, and movie passes from Gateway Film Center. We will also show our appreciation for volunteers and the natural environment at a celebration on April 26 at Columbus Commons.

Groups are encouraged to volunteer. The school (K-12), non-profit and employer that send out the most volunteers to participate in Earth Day activities will be rewarded with the NBBJ Challenge Cup prize at a special awards ceremony at the April 26 celebration. Last year’s winners were Colonial Hills Elementary School, Girl Scouts of Ohio’s Heartland, and The Ohio State University.

To ensure that there are enough spots for all the volunteers, registration remains open for service sites. If you have a green themed project and need help, visit earthdaycolumbus.org or contact Green Columbus at worksites@greencbus.org.

This will be the 8^th annual Earth Day event organized by Green Columbus, a local non-profit organization, and it remains the largest volunteer effort in the United States for Earth Day, according to the Earth Day Network. Over the past seven years, more than 55,000 hours of time have been invested by Central Ohio’s “green” citizens. In just the last four years, more than 16,000 trees have been planted through Earth Day Columbus initiatives.Visit earthdaycolumbus.org to learn more and to register to participate.

33 Things You Need to Know About Columbus Before You Move There

How much do you know about the San Francisco of the Midwest? If you're planning to move to Columbus, or just stopping by for a visit, here are 33 things you need to know.

 

http://www.movoto.com/blog/real-estate-tips/33-things-you-need-to-know-about-columbus-before-you-move-there 

33 Things You Need to Know About Columbus Before You Move There

How much do you know about the San Francisco of the Midwest? If you're planning to move to Columbus, or just stopping by for a visit, here are 33 things you need to know.

 

http://www.movoto.com/blog/real-estate-tips/33-things-you-need-to-know-about-columbus-before-you-move-there 

Really? Granite countertops, stainless steel appliances still popular with homebuyers

Zillow Digs survey nails down top 5 home improvement projects for sellers.

______________________________________________________ 

Real estate agents and interior designers who responded to a survey from Zillow’s home improvement marketplace, Zillow Digs, said that low-cost projects like landscaping and painting walls in neutral colors offer sellers more bang for their buck than full-blown renovations, whose addition to a home’s value might not outweigh their cost.

According to the survey, the five home improvement projects delivering the most bank for the buck are:

• Curb appeal (fresh potted flowers, a fresh coat of paint on the front door).
• Staging (“neutral colors and minimal furniture are best”).
• Small home improvements (updated lighting fixtures, cabinet or door handles, and minor kitchen and bathroom updates).
• Decluttering (“Old appliances and furniture can be overlooked if a space is clean, simple and well-edited.”)
• Granite countertops and stainless steel appliances.

Most high-end finishes “don’t equal high-end returns,” says Zillow Agent Advisory Board member Bic DeCaro of Westgate Realty Group in Falls Church, Va. Interior design trends come and go. But most buyers are still requesting granite countertops and stainless steel appliances, DeCaro said.

Really? Granite countertops, stainless steel appliances still popular with homebuyers

Zillow Digs survey nails down top 5 home improvement projects for sellers.

______________________________________________________ 

Real estate agents and interior designers who responded to a survey from Zillow’s home improvement marketplace, Zillow Digs, said that low-cost projects like landscaping and painting walls in neutral colors offer sellers more bang for their buck than full-blown renovations, whose addition to a home’s value might not outweigh their cost.

According to the survey, the five home improvement projects delivering the most bank for the buck are:

• Curb appeal (fresh potted flowers, a fresh coat of paint on the front door).
• Staging (“neutral colors and minimal furniture are best”).
• Small home improvements (updated lighting fixtures, cabinet or door handles, and minor kitchen and bathroom updates).
• Decluttering (“Old appliances and furniture can be overlooked if a space is clean, simple and well-edited.”)
• Granite countertops and stainless steel appliances.

Most high-end finishes “don’t equal high-end returns,” says Zillow Agent Advisory Board member Bic DeCaro of Westgate Realty Group in Falls Church, Va. Interior design trends come and go. But most buyers are still requesting granite countertops and stainless steel appliances, DeCaro said.

Nonprofit group Global Gallery is growing as fair trade gathers steam

http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/business/2014/04/09/trading-up.html

Nonprofit group Global Gallery is growing as fair trade gathers steam

http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/business/2014/04/09/trading-up.html

The concept of what adds ‘value’ to a home is subjective, at best - See more at: http://www.inman.com/2014/03/31/the-concept-of-what-adds-value-to-a-home-is-subjective-at-best/#sthash.bfW9Pbi4.dpuf

By Hank Miller Contributor Inman News

The concept of what adds “value” to a home is, at best, subjective.

One buyer may place a high value on a pool while another may see that as a reason to eliminate the home from consideration. Price and cost does not always equal value, and there can be any number of reasons why that’s the case.

The most common reasons reinforce a basic truth found in all real estate: This is not an exact science, and a number of variables — especially the motivations and desires of buyers and sellers — can be very difficult to account for. While data analysis provides a benchmark for value trends in an area, that data must be blended with the variables present in each situation.

“Value in use” has a number of real estate-specific definitions. It also has a much simpler real-world residential application — does the home suit a specific requirement of the present owner or buyer?

There are a myriad of simple examples: a master on the main, an in-law suite, a single-story home or a handicapped-accessible floor plan. Occasionally, a setting or locational appeal can be the impetus — views, lot appeal, schools or proximity to mass transit. Quality of construction and design, craftsmanship and similar upgrades can also increase appeal.

There’s no shortage of people willing to “pay more” to live in a desirable school district, or for a home with certain design features. The question of what a home is “worth” really has two answers — what the data indicates, and what role it serves for the person who lives in it, whether it’s the present owner or the buyer.

The challenge comes when trying to reconcile the hard data that appraisers rely on with those intangible or specific appealing features a buyer values. This is often the basis for appraisal issues, especially in a lending environment with hyper-underwriting processes.

There are homes with full-sized indoor batting cages, racquetball and basketball courts, bowling alleys and even shooting ranges."

Challenging an appraisal in a situation like this can be difficult; underwriters don’t typically like to think outside of the box. In some cases, this can also undermine the confidence of the buyer if potential appraisal problems are not detailed to a buyer or seller.

While a home may contain highly desirable features, the problem of functional obsolescence due to overimprovement may be a genuine concern. There can be instances of properties with features so unique that their cost is not close to supported by the local data.

While some buyers or occupants may still find a home like this appealing, they might be considered “white elephants” because they are so uniquely equipped. That could become a headache for both sides when it’s time to sell.

Most place a high value on garages. A two-car garage is nice. For some, space for three or four cars is better still. But what about six?

What about a garage equipped with a lift system that allows for cars to be stacked in a garage? Or a garage with a “pit” that allows access to work on vehicles from below? Is a cavernous garage that’s tall enough to accommodate an RV or fishing boat worth the expense?

For select buyers, these might be “must-haves.” For others, they may be features that cannot be justified with a higher price.

Outdoor improvements like pools and barbecues routinely enhance appeal, especially in warmer markets. How much will the market recognize pool features like gunite and pebbletech instead of vinyl? What about hot tubs, waterfalls and vanishing edge designs? What’s more desireable: salt water or chlorine?

Will the market pay more for a fully equipped outdoor kitchen with high-end appliances, media and audio systems, and fire pits or fireplaces featuring real stone or brick?

What about uniquely designed and constructed walks, walls and landscaping? Does something like this, especially if a community has a pool and recreational facilities, return the cost of installation and maintenance when offered for sale?

Another example seen more and more is the trend toward athletic equipment in homes, in some cases rivaling what’s found at professional gyms and training facilities. There are homes with full-sized indoor batting cages, complete with pitching machines and netting, homes with racquetball and basketball courts, bowling alleys and even shooting ranges.

Indoor pools are not nearly as unique as they once were, nor are full-sized gyms with professional-grade equipment. While many buyers might enjoy a gym or target shooting, how many want them in their home, and are willing to pay extra for them?

Some homes serve a general purpose for a limited time. Others serve a specific role that may last for many years.

Real estate is a highly personal business and there are an infinite number of variables at play. But answering the question of “Does this home work for me?” is the most important one to control.

That answer — the “value in use” to the occupant — may not be supported by the market data. Which is why an understanding of these terms is so important when making sound real estate decisions.

- See more at: http://www.inman.com/2014/03/31/the-concept-of-what-adds-value-to-a-home-is-subjective-at-best/#sthash.bfW9Pbi4.dpuf