Chip and Sue Parrish | The Personal Touch

The Columbus area real estate market continues to make gains as the numbers continue to show up positive. With the levels of supply and demand equaling out, our market has posted numbers from the last 4 months of 2009 that show a positive increase of over 24% from the same period last year. The average sale price was $157,130 in December, an increase of nearly 5 % from Dec. 2008, as inventory shrunk 2.7 percent and homes spent an average seven fewer days on the market than a year ago. Much of this can be considered a direct result of the First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit, (which has been extended until April 30th) and incredible interest rates.

So if you want to be part of these fantastic statistics, call The Parrish Team at 614-324-5000 to see how you can take advantage of the tax credit and take charge of your real estate future! Call TODAY! Why wait?

Central Ohio Residential Home Sales

www.columbusrealtors.com

THE RECIPE FOR GREEN

Mix 1 part LOVE, 1 part CONCERN, and 1 part COMMON SENSE In a good way that is. We’re talking about the growing trend of changing your ways to help the environment and the world we live in. We are always looking for ways to reduce, reuse, and recycle but there are even more ways to be kind to our planet. Think about cleaning up your environment literally, beginning with changing the way you clean.

Consumers are becoming more educated on the chemicals in our cleaning products. We are beginning to see more and more “Green” products on the market that are non-toxic, biodegradable, and made from renewable resources (not petroleum). Many cleaners have petrochemicals and can contain bleaches, synthetic whiteners, and artificial fragrances, all of which can cause skin irritations and breathing problems. Boxing up and disposing of those harsh cleaners properly can be more healthy for yourself and your home.

Green cleaning can be as simple as mixing up your own cleaners with vinegar and water, or baking soda. Baking soda can help with those mysterious smells coming from your fridge, or rid your carpet of odors. Just sprinkle and sweep. For laundry stains, try pre-treating with a little bit of borax and water, then (in the warmer months) let your clothes hang to dry outside for a fresh clean scent. In the bathroom, try some table salt in the toilet bowl and sprinkle some lemon juice on a scrubbing brush and scrub off those bowl stains.

Don't forget to replace your disposable wipes, sponges and paper towels with some good old-fashioned rags that are bacteria-free cotton, and best of all, washable and reusable. Most importantly, open the windows and get the fresh air in while you are cleaning.

FUN FACTS:

Some Go GREEN Recipes!

• All Purpose Cleaner: Mix together 1 quart warm water, 1 teaspoon liquid soap, 1 teaspoon borax and 1/4 cup white vinegar. Put in a spray bottle and use on counter tops, floors, walls, carpets, upholstery, etc.
• Glass Cleaner: Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle, spray on glass and wipe clean with newspaper.
• Drain Opener: Dissolve 1 cup baking soda and 1 cup white vinegar in boiling water and pour down the
  drain, then flush with hot tap water until the clog breaks.
• Oven Cleaner: Sprinkle oven with 1/2 cup baking soda (more if needed) and spray with water. Let sit for several hours or overnight before scraping up stains and spills. Rinse thoroughly with water.

For more info visit:
http://www.organizedhome.com

These recipes are not guaranteed but just a suggestion. As with any recipe, be careful how you use the solutions and please use common sense.

REMEMBER
THE TAX CREDIT!

Thankfully buyers can continue to benefit from the tax credit. Qualifying first time home buyers and eligible current homeowners alike can continue to take advantage of the tax credit a little bit longer. In order to qualify for the credit, all contracts need to be in effect no later than April 30, and close no later than June 30, 2010.

So if you are on the fence about whether or not to buy a home this should be the sign you are waiting for! For more information about how you can make the Tax Credit work for you . . .

Call the Parrish Team!