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9112 Leith Drive, Dublin OH 43017

Weybridge is a quiet Dublin community where you can take advantage of all the wonderful Muirfield Village amenities: walking trails, ponds, playgrounds, tennis courts, swimming pools. You’ll have time since the grounds are maintained for you in this two bedroom, two bath, fee simple attached home.

Condominium or Single Family Home?

Many of us are thinking of simplifying our lives, and even downsizing our homes. It’s a trend all across the nation: Less stuff, smaller spaces, reduced expenses, and a concentration on living well while not living so large. Whether it’s the economy, a new life stage, or a desire to simplify, it seems like everyone is making changes to smaller, simpler, and less expensive. Are you looking to do the same? Thinking seriously of downsizing your living space? For so many Americans, the next step is evaluating whether to purchase a condo or a single family home.

Single family homes are defined as freestanding homes on a piece of property owned entirely by the buyer. Here are some benefits and concerns when deciding to buy a house:

• Independence; you are free to own pets, run a business, and decorate your home
• Privacy
• Greater resale value in most markets, and more stability in price
• Tend to be larger with more storage
• You have to hire experts for maintenance or buy tools and learn the skills to DIY
• More outdoor space, and private outdoor space
• HOAs may require some limits to independent decision making

Condominiums can be a range of physical structures, from apartments to townhouses to duplexes. Here are some benefits and concerns to weigh when deciding to purchase a condo:

• Association fees: (often include snow removal, lawn care, maintenance, sanitation, some utilities, building insurance, etc)
• Association rules
• Often multiple units in a building, meaning shared walls/floors/ceilings
• Communal space available for use, such as party rooms, pools, laundry rooms
• Lesser resale value in some markets, although not all, and are more volatile in price
• Tend to be smaller with less storage space
• Amenities such as pool, fitness center, tennis courts

In the end, the decision to buy a house or a condo rests with you. What would fit your needs better? How much do you enjoy owning and maintaining a home, versus how much would you enjoy the freedom from those responsibilities? There is no right answer. Tour plenty of options of either housing style, talk to an experienced Realtor, and take your time. Housing markets today favor the prepared and prequalified buyer…so know what’s important to you, and happy home-hunting!

Homeowner’s Associations: Are They Right for You?

In some HOAs, they are also required to help maintain a standard of appearance and functionality of homes in the association. Most often, this is to ensure the stability of property values and to enable the HOA to take action against a homeowner who chooses to do things with his property that negatively affect the enjoyment and value of his neighbor’s homes. There is no standard version of an HOA, so it’s important to look at each one individually before buying a home in that neighborhood.

HOAs are guided by a Board of Directors, operate under bylaws that govern how the HOA is run, and publish a list of covenants, conditions, and restrictions. Ohio recently passed a law requiring that HOAs register their bylaws with the State, so every HOA must have a copy of their current bylaws on file by March 1, 2011. This may make it easier to get a copy of those bylaws. The CC&Rs are your rules to follow as a homeowner or tenant. Typically for HOAs with large common areas or common buildings, there is a monthly fee, although smaller HOAs sometimes collect fees yearly, instead. HOAs have been treated by courts as small governments, and have upheld and enforced the CC&Rs, fee collection, and penalties. There are usually penalties for non-compliance, up to and including a lien on your home, or a foreclosure. It’s very important to learn about the HOA that governs a neighborhood in which you’d like to purchase a home. It’s equally important to acquire and examine the CC&Rs for that HOA so that you can evaluate whether you’d be happy living within their rules.

For homeowners who enjoy living in a picture perfect neighborhood, or who appreciate common areas such as tennis courts, swimming pools, and the like, a well-run HOA may be a dream come true. Those homeowners who value the unique, who would resent applying for permission to erect a fence, add a solar panel, or change a paint color, may find HOAs to be more of a hindrance than a help. Ask your Realtor to help you obtain a copy of the HOA bylaws and CC&Rs before you buy your home, and read the information carefully. Then take a good look at what you desire most from your home and your neighborhood. Think about what attracts you most to the neighborhoods you like the most. You know your own needs best, and you are the best judge what would be a good fit for you and your family.

Novel Niche Retirement

There’s never been a time when there were more retirement community options available to consumers. The large number of baby-boomers reaching the age of retirement has meant an upswing in the options available. Called “Niche Retirement” Communities, they cater to a particular interest in order to attract residents with something in common.

In a way, now is a good time to be a baby boomer looking toward retirement. After all, there are so many innovative options for retirement living.

Active adult retirement communities have become standard fare and co-housing and retirement village opportunities are growing.

And niche retirement options have been emerging and you now can find retirement environments that cater to your interests, whether that is art- and education-centered living or something else.

The newest wrinkle in retirement care comes from the recreational vehicle (RV) set. It serves seniors who have enjoyed their golden years on the road.

The Escapees CARE Center is one answer to the question “What happens to full-time RVer’s when they can’t care for themselves because of an illness or because of long-term health needs?” CARE stands for “continuing assistance for retired escapees.”

The unconventional care option in Livingston, Texas, adjacent to an RV park, delivers services to RVer’s who no longer can be on the road and who need assistance. That help can include daily meals and snacks, transportation to medical appointments, access to a nurse, and adult daycare programs.
For more information see, www.escapeescare.org, and watch a video about the community.

Open House in Gahanna

Drop by on Sunday, March 18 from 2-4PM. 4457 Big Walnutview Drive in Gahanna Ohio will be open for your viewing.

More information & map here

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