How to Enhance Your Curb Appeal This Fall

As the summer sun mellows into the warm and cozy embrace of autumn, it’s an opportune time to elevate your home’s curb appeal here in Central Ohio. Fall offers a unique charm with its vibrant foliage and welcoming ambiance, making it the perfect season to make your home stand out. Whether you are preparing to list your house on the market or simply vying for the most beautiful place in the neighborhood, we have some creative and practical ways to make your home look fresh and well-groomed this season. 

Seasonal Landscaping 

Ohio offers a beautiful display of changing leaves. Consider planting trees and shrubs known for their fall foliage to capitalize on this natural beauty. Maples, oaks, and sweetgums are excellent choices; their leaves turn brilliant shades of red, orange, and yellow. 

Add a variety of colorful mums, asters, and ornamental grasses to your flower beds for a burst of autumn vibrancy. To create a warm and inviting atmosphere, you can also include pumpkins, gourds, and hay bales as decorative accents. 

Maintain Your Lawn 

A well-maintained lawn is the foundation of a beautiful landscape. During the fall, continue mowing your grass, but gradually lower the mower’s blade height. This will help the grass withstand colder temperatures and reduce the risk of diseases. 

Raking leaves regularly is crucial since fallen leaves will prevent proper airflow. Consider mulching the leaves or using them to create compost for next year’s garden. 

Seasonal Décor for Your Porch 

Your front porch is the perfect stage for expressing your fall spirit. Add a colorful wreath to your front door featuring fall foliage, berries, or mini pumpkins. 

Swap out your summer pillows and cushions with warm, cozy throws and autumn-themed pillow covers. Lanterns with battery-operated candles can offer an inviting glow during the darker fall evenings. 

Lighting is Important 

Proper outdoor lighting is essential for aesthetics and safety now that the days are getting shorter. Install pathway lighting to guide visitors to your front door and highlight your landscaping. Upgraded porch lights or decorative string lights can add a touch of charm to your home’s exterior. 

Remove Unsightly Debris 
Regularly clean your gutters and downspouts to prevent clogs. Sweep your driveway and walkways to remove fallen leaves and debris. Additionally, ensure that your house number is easily visible from the street, which is helpful to both guests and emergency services. 

With a little bit of creativity and a few seasonal touches, you can turn your home into a picturesque retreat.  

While the temperatures may be cooling, the real estate market is still hot in Central Ohio. If you are thinking of making a move the Vutech | Ruff, Cutler Real Estate team is ready to talk! We pride ourselves on our in-depth knowledge of the Ohio real estate market and are poised to offer our expertise to help you embrace this season of change.  

Finding your dream home is one thing. Your dream experience is another. Contact us to discuss.  

Get Packing – Tips for Moving in the Fall Months

The summer’s heat is beginning to yield to cooler temperatures as the Buckeye State transforms into a kaleidoscope of rich, warm hues. Fall in Ohio is nothing short of majestic. It’s the time when the rolling hills and picturesque countryside come alive with the fiery oranges, deep reds, and brilliant yellows of changing leaves that stretch as far as the eye can see. This time of year offers a unique backdrop for moving. There is no time like the present to move into your new home, and the team at Vutech | Ruff, Cutler Real Estate has gathered our top tips to ensure your autumn move is as smooth as the changing leaves. 

Plan Ahead for Weather Changes 

Fall weather can be unpredictable, so stay vigilant. Keep an eye on the forecast and have rain gear, umbrellas, and warm clothing on hand. Cover your furniture and boxes with tarps or plastic wrap to protect them from unexpected rain. 

Start Early 

The days are shorter in the fall, so make the most of daylight hours. Begin your moving day early to ensure you have plenty of time to unload and settle into your new home before nightfall. 

Declutter Before You Pack 

Before you start packing, take the opportunity to declutter your belongings. Donate or sell items you no longer need toreduce the amount of stuff you have to move, making the process more efficient. 

Check Your Heating System 

As temperatures drop, make sure your new home’s heating system is in working order. Schedule a maintenance check or inspection before moving day to avoid any surprises. 

Pack Strategically 

Organize your packing to have essential items readily available, like warm clothing and blankets. Label your boxes so you can easily locate items you need when you need them. 

Mind the Leaves 

Fallen leaves can create slippery conditions on walkways and driveways. Keep pathways clear during your move to prevent accidents. Pro tip: Consider a leaf cleanup before your arrival. 

Enjoy Fall Treats 

Embrace the fall spirit by taking breaks to enjoy seasonal treats like hot cider, pumpkin spice lattes, or something with a little extra warmth. It’s a great way to keep your spirits high throughout the day. 

Moving in the fall can be a beautiful experience if you plan ahead and take precautions for changing weather conditions. With a little extra time and thought, you’ll be well-prepared for a smooth transition to your new home. Enjoy the exciting journey that comes with a change of address. Happy moving! 

When you are ready to start the conversation about finding your dream home, the Vutech | Ruff, Cutler Real Estate team is ready to talk! We pride ourselves on our in-depth knowledge of the Ohio real estate market and are poised to make the moving experience a dream for you and your family. 

Finding your dream home is one thing. Your dream experience is another. Contact us to discuss.  

Warm Up With These Fall Cocktails

From sampling treats around a bonfire to hosting football parties, fall is the perfect season to plan activities with your friends and family to show off your home. As the air starts to chill and the leaves begin to fall, we turn to our favorite fall drinks to turn up the heat. While pumpkin spice lattes may be the most popular drink of the season, the team at Vutech | Ruff compiled our favorite cocktails for those who want something with a little more kick.  

Cider Mulled Wine 

The temperature may be dropping outside, but it’s not time to ditch your favorite summer white wine just yet! A little cardamom and allspice, combined with a touch of honey and brandy, this slow cooker sip makes for a transitional fall cocktail recipe that hits all the right comforting notes.

Cinnamon-Pumpkin Toddy 

This slow cooker hot toddy is inspired by the famous holiday pie, which gives autumnal vibes thanks to the canned pumpkin and cinnamon whipped cream. Whiskey and apple-cinnamon schnapps seal the pumpkin pie flavor. 

Hot Orange Sipping Tea 

Add Grand Marnier, lemon juice, vodka, simple syrup, and bitters to a mug and top with freshly brewed tea to create this warm and toasty libation. Adding a cinnamon stick creates an aroma that can best be described as “fall in a mug.”   

Apple Ginger Moscow Mule 

A spicy, warm twist on the classic Moscow Mule, this particular recipe includes apple cider AND apple butter to create a drink designed to sip while you cozy up next to the crackling fireplace. 

Negroni 

We can’t leave off the classic Negroni from our favorite fall cocktails list! September is Negroni Month and for good reason… the century-old combination of gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth is the perfect combination of refreshing and warm that just hits the spot in the early autumn days of September. 

Your home is a place to make memories and the fall season is the perfect time to gather and celebrate. 

If you are ready to start the conversation about finding your dream home, we are here. At Vutech | Ruff, Cutler Real Estate, we pride ourselves on our in-depth knowledge of the Ohio real estate market.  

Finding your dream home is one thing. Your dream experience is another.  

What To Expect in the Central Ohio Housing Market: Fall 2023 

When we talk about the housing market in Central Ohio, the common theme is around interest rates – higher rates. Sellers only want to sell if necessary, and buyers continue to have difficulty finding homes due to low inventory.  

It can be hard to understand what is happening right now, as well as what to expect as we head into the final quarter of 2023. Based on our years of experience, here are three trends we expect to continue in the Central Ohio housing market this fall. 

Sellers will have a decision to make 

Sellers are deciding if they really “have” to move. The frenzy of record-high housing prices we have seen over the last few years is starting to cool down as the market is trending toward stabilization. 

Keep in mind that many homeowners have established equity in their homes and are sitting on a mortgage payment with a record low of 2-4% interest rate. In fact, the Columbus Board of Realtors recently reported that between January 1 and June 30, homes, on average, appreciated by over 20%. And they will continue to increase in value, contributing to higher home prices. 

The good news is that we are seeing an increase in inventory and fewer bidding wars.  

Buyers regain negotiating power 

Now that the buyers have more options, they have gained some leverage. While still contingent on factors including financial situation, property, neighborhood, etc., buyers are beginning to see opportunities such as:

  • • Opportunities for negotiation 
  • • The ability to offer under-asking if they have cash 
  • • Less money out of pocket 
  • • Less waiving of appraisals, contingencies, etc.

Less focus on interest rates 

Interest rates are higher; there is no way to avoid that. But there are other ways to save money when buying a new home in the current market. Remember those opportunities for negotiation that we mentioned?  

Our seasoned real estate expert Jacquie Goumas Fox notes, “People have grown accustomed to the higher interest rates. They have accepted them for what they are and factor that into their budget.”  

The bottom line 

The supply/demand imbalance will continue in Central Ohio. With the news of Intel, there are plenty of economic drivers for business, and entertainment opportunities are abundant. The fact is that while we have always known that Central Ohio is a great place to live, the rest of the world is figuring it out for themselves and the desire to live here will remain high.  

When you are ready to have a conversation about buying or selling, turn to our trusted team at Vutech | Ruff to help you navigate the complexities of the Central Ohio real estate market. We go beyond the standard practice and work collaboratively and creatively to help you reach your desired outcome.

It’s one thing to find your dream home, it’s another to have your dream experience. 

The Vutech | Ruff Way

The Vutech | Ruff Way

With the real estate market on a never-ending “rollercoaster” of highs (interest rate hikes) to lows (low inventory), it is no wonder why it is so challenging to navigate the complexities of buying and selling a home. This is why we have stood by our #1 goal, and that is to make the process as easy as possible for our customers.   

We were recently asked the question; how do you best describe an experience with Vutech | Ruff brokerage? We believe it is these six points that differentiate us from others in the industry.   

  • Simply put, we know Central Ohio. From the schools to the communities to all those “little things” you just would not know about Central Ohio unless you have lived and worked here your entire life. Marilyn Vutech and Jeff Ruff have been partners since 1993 and boast a team of fourteen licensed agents who specialize in all areas of real estate, including buying, selling, investing, and relocation to Central Ohio. Inside track? We think so!  

  • In this challenging market, experience is KEY. Not only has Vutech | Ruff been serving Columbus, Ohio for over three decades, but we recently joined the Cutler Real Estate brand which has been helping people buy and sell homes for 75 years. Their core values emulate ours and our combined experience and expertise are unparalleled in the market.   

  • We offer effective strategies and superior services. Buying and selling homes looks a lot different now than it did just a few years ago. Technology and digital spaces have never played such an integral role in real estate, which makes the access to tools and resources that we have since joining the Cutler Real Estate brand simply invaluable. And, frankly, they are tools that others in our industry do not have.   

  

“The technology and support from Vutech | Ruff, and the constant commitment to excellence, gives them a very boutique-like feel without feeling antiquated.”  

  

  • Our combined team approach works. From open houses to showings to just “having each other’s back”, our commitment to one another and our clients comes across in everything we do. When asking our clients for words to describe our team, we were given “professional, down-to-earth, and very reliable.”  

  • We personalize…everything. We believe that listening to your needs first is what builds a strong partnership in which we can work best together. Things like requirements, budget, and lifestyle must be at the forefront of our goals.   

  • Dream homes are one thing. Your dream experience with the process is another. We understand the emotional toll that listing and/or searching for your home can take on you and your family. We hope to make the process as easy as possible- from home inspectors and mortgage brokers to lawyers and contractors, we can connect you with the best in the business.   

The real estate process is complex, and our goal is to make it smooth and stress-free for you. Our “all-in” approach and out-of-the-box thinking, along with our years of experience and expertise allow us to deliver the highest quality of service to you. This is how we describe the Vutech | Ruff experience.   

7 Tough-Love Things Your Realtor Wants You to Know

Buying or selling a home can be an exciting yet daunting process. That’s why having a knowledgeable realtor by your side is crucial for navigating the market and negotiating the best deals. Here are seven tough-love things your realtor wants you to know to ensure a smooth and successful real estate experience.

1.     Emotional Decisions Can Be Costly

It’s natural to develop an emotional connection to a home, but you must keep your emotions in check when making important financial decisions. Your realtor will encourage you to focus on your budget, needs, and long-term goals, not emotional knee-jerk reactions, to prevent costly mistakes and regrets.

2.     Getting Pre-Approved is Important

Before starting your house hunt, seek mortgage pre-approval from a lender you trust. Pre-approval gives you a clear idea of your borrowing power and shows sellers you’re a serious buyer. Realtors appreciate clients who come prepared with a pre-approval letter in hand, as this streamlines the process and increases the chances of a successful offer.

3.     You Might Not Find a House with All Your Must-Haves

It’s important to distinguish between your “wants” and “needs” when searching for a home. Your realtor can help you prioritize your must-haves, but flexibility is key. Being too picky may prolong your search and result in missed opportunities. Remember, once you own the property, you can always modify it later to improve your quality of life.

4.     Don’t Overlook the Value of Professional Inspections

A home inspection is vital for uncovering potential issues. Your realtor will emphasize the importance of hiring a qualified inspector to assess the home’s condition. Skipping this step to save money may result in costly repairs down the line.

5.     The Market Dictates the Price

Sellers are often emotionally attached to their homes and may believe their property is worth more than its fair market value. Your realtor will provide a comparative market analysis to help you understand local conditions and set a realistic asking price. Overpricing your home could backfire by leading to a longer time on the market and, ultimately, a lower selling price.

6.     Be Prepared for a Counteroffer

Negotiations are a standard part of real estate transactions. Your realtor wants you to prepare for counteroffers and be willing to compromise. Trust their expertise to guide you through negotiations and secure a fair deal.

7.     The Right Realtor Makes All the Difference

Having an experienced realtor in your corner is the best way to ensure a successful home-buying or selling experience. This professional will help you navigate the market and advocate for your best interests throughout the process.

At Vutech | Ruff, Cutler Real Estate, we pride ourselves on our in-depth knowledge of the Ohio real estate market. Our experienced realtors will guide you every step of the way, negotiating the best deals and ensuring your needs are met. For award-winning real estate services in Columbus, OH, please call our office at 614-897-0618 today to speak with one of our friendly agents.

Your Guide to Understanding PMI

One of the most important decisions when purchasing a home is deciding how much money to put down. If you can’t save up a hefty down payment, you may still have options thanks to private mortgage insurance (PMI). For many homebuyers, the concept of PMI is confusing and intimidating. This guide aims to help you understand PMI, its purpose, and how it impacts your home-buying journey.

Continue reading “Your Guide to Understanding PMI”

6 Clever Porch Ideas to Increase Curb Appeal

When it comes to selling a house, first impressions are everything. How would you rank your home’s curb appeal? If it could use a pick-me-up, consider revamping your porch. A welcoming, attractive home entrance and front door can boost property value and entice potential buyers to investigate further. Here are six clever porch ideas to elevate your home’s curb appeal and make it stand out in the competitive Columbus real estate market.

Continue reading “6 Clever Porch Ideas to Increase Curb Appeal”