Cheryl Jacino

Hi Daria,

I like to use Standard & Poors "School Matters" to compare schools. Here is a link that is already set to compare Heritage Middle and Walnut Springs. http://www.schoolmatters.com/schools.aspx/q/page=sc/scid=61312… I hope that helps!

Thanks for asking!
Cheryl - Mon Jul 21 2008, 21:55

Muirfield is a great choice for a place to live for a multitude of reasons. First, it was designed to balance the highest quality lifestyle with respect for the beauty of the nature surrounding the residents. Second, Muirfield is a community with ordinances that are designed to provide the best living conditions for its residents. Third, it's a golf community neighborhood surrounding the Muirfield Village Golf Club which hosts the Memorial Tournament, part of Golf's National PGA Tour. The Memorial Tournament is a real asset which will always help Muirfield hold value while other new developments come and go. For details on this neighborhood, see these links:

http://homes.point2.com/Neighborhood/US/Ohio/Franklin-County…
http://www.muirfieldvillage.org/

As far as the price discrepancies are concerned, there are about 2300 homes in Muirfield Village divided into four primary neighborhood styles:

~ Golf course neighborhoods
~ Wooded neighborhoods
~ Ravine neighborhoods
~ Open meadow neighborhoods

These Subdivisions and a home’s location, lot size, and builder can impact price, just like it does anywhere else. Finally, some of these homes were built in the 1970's and the price can reflect differences in how these homes have or have not been upgraded.

How can you avoid getting burned? That’s simple, get a Real Estate Agent with local expertise.

Thanks for asking!
Cheryl - Mon Jun 23 2008, 13:43

Meredith,

I have to disagree with the recent comments on your question. This is not California or Maryland where homes may be overvalued. In Columbus Ohio, the economy is diverse enough to stay strong through a recession just like it did in the post 9/11 recession. Columbus Ohio has also had a steady gradual appreciation of home values that has averaged 3% to 4% annually, not the 10% or more that has made the news before the housing crisis.

Think about the alternative to buying a home... renting. You are simply flushing that money down the drain. There are circumstances where it is a better alternative, like a person that relocates frequently. Over 30 years you could be saving a portion of that money with your mortgage payments. Even if a home purchased at $100,000 is only worth $50,000 30 years later, if you have paid off your mortgage you have saved $50,000. If you rented for those 30 years, your rent has gone up and you have saved nothing!

Yes, I am a Realtor which means I have signed a Code of Ethics agreement which says I must put my clients needs before my own even if it ends up costing me money. I am proud to be a Realtor and am always glad to serve my clients needs. I am also a college graduate with a Business Major and Economics Minor so I understand how a local economy impacts the value of housing. I am also a neighbor that cares about community. I am also a mother of 4 children ages 5 to 17. I am also a Cub Scout Den Leader. I have also been a Sunday School Teacher for years. I am also a Christian that tries my best to live by the values I have learned through reading the bible.

We do not know the motives of those who have made negative comments:
Are they Investors trying to drive prices down?
Are they Landlords afraid of losing renters?
Are they Renters just as frightened as you were when you asked this question?

I have personally profitted from my purchase of our first home in 1987 for less than $3,000 down to build a current equity of $80,000. This gain has all been the appreciation of our homes value. Even if our home lost 20% in value, we would still have equity of $40,000 from our investment of less than $3,000 just 21 years ago.

I really do want to help people experience the same good fortune I have had. You can ask anyone who has been represented by me, they will be glad to tell you how I help them:
Make wise choices
Buy at the right price
Choose a location that will be a good investment
Negotiate the best deal for them
Most Realtors are not "RE agents who will do anything to make a paycheck" they generally have a spouse with a steady income and health insurance benefits to help them through the tough times when the market is down. Myself included! The others must use good business practices to prepare for rough times or find another occupation. - Fri Jun 20 2008, 08:35

Hi Meredith,

I wanted to give you a perspective on housing that should help you overcome your fear of buying a home. I researched the average price of homes from March to May of 2008 and compared it with March to May of 1995 (that's the farthest our records at the MLS go back) to see how the homes have grown in value:

The average price in zip code 43214 from March to May of 1995 was $122,326
The average price in zip code 43214 from March to May of 2008 was $197,077

That means if you had purchased a home in 1995 for $100,000 it would have grown in value to $161,000. That is remarkable but it gets even better! During those 13 years your mortgage payment with a fixed interest rate will have no payment increases. There may be tax increases and insurance increases but NO more "rent" increases for the entire 30 year mortgage.

There are no guarantees for future gains but home values have historically gone up even if there are occasional dips along the way.

If you have any questions, give me a call!
Cheryl - Thu Jun 5 2008, 11:43

Hi John,

Another important thing to consider is the timinig of the construction. When you purchase a new build, it is almost impossible to sell before construction is complete. Buyers generally prefer to go to the builder and have a new home built with their choice of finishes. If you are likely to transfer or move before the construction is complete, you may want to look for a neighborhood that is in the finishing stage. Builders are also more likely to give bigger discounts in the final building stage. - Wed Jun 18 2008, 06:08

Hi Jg,

Just checking to see how your search is going. It can take 30 days to get into a home from offer to purchase so don't put off your decision too long.

Best wishes!
Cheryl - Wed May 28 2008, 14:31

You have already received a lot of good advice about beginning with a lender and making sure you have reserves to cover the expense of owning a home. Let me answer your question about buying NOW with NO money down.

Now is a great time to buy for the following reasons:

- Home prices are low
- Interest rates are low
- FHA still allows sellers to offer down payment assistance
- FHA has raised loan limits which helps you buy more home in Dublin Ohio
- Buying allows you to write off mortgage interest on your taxes
- Buying has the potential to begin earning equity (provided home prices rise)

There is no better time to buy provided this is the right time for you. Start with a lender and you will be on your way to owning a home. Let me know if I can answer any other questions! - Sat May 10 2008, 15:18