Selling Your Central Ohio Home in 2017? Here are the Latest Market Prediction

Many homeowners shore up their pocketbooks and homes for spring when the markets start to get hot. Just after the new year, buyers and sellers often make real estate resolutions about moving, buying new property or selling existing homes. When planning to take ownership of these resolutions, it helps to research the 2017 housing market predictions to figure out when to sell. Here are a few things to keep in mind.

Best of Both Worlds

If a family is living in the suburbs surrounded by urban amenities, it is a good thing for potential buyers. People look for the "best of both worlds," which provides for safe living conditions and access to fun options the city provides. Buyers are looking for suburban homes within steps of shops, restaurants, schools and parks.

Home Features

Formal dining rooms and dark kitchen cabinets are out of style. Open concept layouts, white kitchens and first-floor master suites are just a few 'in' features buyers look for in a new home purchase for 2017. Even if a home does not feature these items, there is no need to worry. Additional value to the home can come from making minor renovations or changes.

Smart Homes

Green homes are nothing new in the marketplace but the trend will likely continue to grow into 2017. Since many buyers are eager to save money on monthly energy bills, energy-efficient home features and 'smart' home systems are inching towards the 'needs' column on buyers' wants/needs lists. Some of the trends include:

• Efficient HVAC systems
• low-E window film
• Circadian lighting

Thinking about 'green' upgrades to the home can help determine which energy-saving features will provide the highest return on sale. Thinking through all of the above pointers will help give a good starting point when looking at some market predictions to give a buyer or seller a boost above the competition.

Choice Property real estate professionals are the best in the business. We can help you check off 'home selling' or 'home buyer' off that resolution list for 2017. Give our realtors a call to discuss the current market and value for your home or potential home. Let us help give you a leg up in the home buying or selling market!

Making a Home in Belle Center Ohio

Belle Center is located in Logan County, Ohio. It has the distinction of being a Tree City, USA due to the city's efforts in tree planting and tree care. Belle Center real estate is some of the most sought after in the Indian Lake region for its natural beauty and serene qualities.

History

During the 1840's, settlers moved into the area to develop a new town. The Mad River and Lake Erie Railroad began to plan a railroad line through the area. Belle Center experienced growth as a result of the rail line bringing economic development with businesses such as hotels, blacksmiths shops, restaurants, markets and an 'Opera House." An ice cream stand, a bank, grocery store and other businesses are now part of the town's landscape.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the village of Belle Center covers a total area of 0.71 square miles, of which, 0.70 square miles is land and 0.01 square miles is water. As of 2010, 813 people called Belle Center home including 232 families residing in the village. A total of 322 households which had 36.3% of children under the age of 18. The median age in the village was 37.2 years with a median income of $45,486,which makes this a great, affordable location to own Belle Center homes.

Community

The village of Belle Center is located near State Routes 68 and 33. The closest highway is Interstate 75. Within Belle Center, there is one doctor's office with Mary Rutan Hospital located in nearby Bellefontaine. Many affordable properties exist in the area with families choosing to purchase Belle Center homes for their affordability and excellent school district with a small town feel.

Schools

Elementary School

Children who live within Belle Center homes attend Indian Lake Elementary School which serves grades K-4. The school prides itself on providing quality instruction, a safe learning environment and giving children an academic place to think, learn and achieve. Parents and community partnerships are integral to the school environment with opportunities to volunteer in the Parent/Teacher Organization (PTO), assemblies or the classroom.

Middle School

Students in the Indian Lake area attend Indian Lake Middle School. Grades 5-8 attend with approximately 600 students. Many clubs are available including clubs, sports, arts, games and other activities. The environment is dedicated to safety and success of each student.

High School

Grades 9-12 are served at Indian Lake High School. Approximately 523 students attend this school. The school sponsors many athletic activities including football, soccer, track and field, cross country, bowling, baseball, wrestling and other programs including music and arts such as Concert Choir, Show Choir and Vocal Jazz Ensemble.

Activities

The downtown area includes restaurants, a grocery store and other small shops. The lake and camping round out amazing opportunities available to families looking at purchasing Belle Center real estate with nearby campgrounds, golf courses and historic caverns within a short distance.

Ohio lakefront living is beneficial in so many ways. Relaxation and peace are not the only reasons being by water increases overall health. Ohio has many beautiful spots to choose from when selecting the optimal lakefront property. Learn more about why waterfront homes provide so much for people who enjoy the serenity of living by a lake.

Health Benefits of Ohio Lakefront Living

Improve Cognitive Functioning

People are likely to enter a quiet, meditative state when near water. Close proximity to water floods the brain with feel good hormones such as dopamine, serotonin and oxytocin. Because of this, people can enhance brain processing while slowing down to enjoy the peace being by water brings.

Fresh Air

Air quality near lakes is higher than inland air which makes it a healthy choice for individuals who want fresh, clean breezes blowing through their windows. After a day out on the lake or spending time near a lake, people tend to feel more refreshed and ready for the days ahead. Living that way every day is like being on permanent vacation.

Sounds of Silence

The soothing sounds of water coming up to shore or nature hovering nearby the water can be extremely relaxing. Nature and water have ways of calming down the senses from the overload of living with too much hustle and bustle. Spas use fountains with running water for this reason. Living near water will bottle this spa effect and bring it home to provide relaxation and a refuge from the outside world.

The "Blue Mind" Effect

Compelling research has shown that water tends to draw people in towards it, like a magnet. Much of a person's daily stress can be relieved by living closer to water. Green spaces in communities help reduce stress and water can provide the same effect.

Immunity

Immune systems function like a well-oiled machine. When stress is high, the machine may not run at optimal potential. As stress decreases, as it can do near water, a person will experience more positive health benefits inside the body including increased immunity. Lakefront living provides a healthier, more relaxed lifestyle in which to exist.

Lakefront living is a great opportunity to take advantage of all the health benefits it offers. Choice Properties provides the best selection of lakefront living at affordable price points and seeks to give you the best service through our top notch realtors.

Let us help you find the best lakefront Ohio property.

Give us a call today!

Spring fever has come with the arrival of some warmer days and longer hours of daylight. This is the time people start to dream about rejuvenating the outdoor garden and picturing beautiful landscapes. Mulch, weeds and other things can get in the way of the dream garden. Learn more about how to choose the right plants to boost the appeal of a home garden that everyone can enjoy.

Plant a Spring Garden in Indian Lake

Dirt Matters

A soil test is the best way to see what is going on underneath the dirt in the yard. The local agricultural extension office can provide helpful information such as what will grow and how to improve the soil quality. Some of the follow are tips to help get started:

• Add organic matter to the soil
• Start a compost pile or add bags of composted manure
• If soil is drained, plants that tolerate wetness are recommended or a dry creek bed can be installed to prevent standing water

Tree Challenges

The trees planted in a person's yard can make a huge difference to the health of a garden. Some trees drop seeds all over and others can dwarf a person's house over time. It is important to select a shrub or tree for the garden with the following considerations in mind:

• Size
• Form
• Habit
• Avoid planting trees with weak limbs or susceptible to pests

Know the Garden

There is more to a garden than 'full sun' and 'partial shade.' Too much sunlight can burn foliage and compromise plant health. Too little sun can make plants weak. Selecting plants that thrive for a person's specific conditions is key to making the whole thing work properly.

• Eight or more hours of direct sun is a perfect spot for vegetables, fruit trees and most flowers
• Partial to full shade is most ideal for growing perennials, ferns and small trees typically found in the understory of a forest

Have Confidence

Look for healthy plants. Inspect foliage at the place of purchase and check the plant for firmness along with healthy roots. The best place to buy is a local garden center or online from reputable nurseries.

Four Seasons

Choose a variety of plants to start that offer interest at different times of the year. Summer-blooming plants like canna, coneflowers and guara keep showing until fall while others can take over as fall foliage. Winter plants like trees can add architectural beauty through the colder months.

Divide and Conquer

Some of the best plants are perennials or ornamental grasses that can be divided up to grow across a garden over the years. Digging up and dividing plants help keep them actively growing. A healthy amount of water helps keep the plants establish in the ground and grow healthy. This is best done every two years to support a cohesive look to a person's garden.

Spring gardening has endless possibilities. Be sure to try the above tips to find the best ways to help grow a sustainable, interesting garden for years to come.