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Direct: 614.336.7560
Office: 614.889.7400
Fax: 614.889.9997
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Copyright © 2009. H.E.R. LLC All rights reserved.
Real Living HER, 77 E. Nationwide Blvd, Columbus, OH 43215. Licensed in Ohio.
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Dublin Schools
Summer registration information for new students
Author: 4/18/2007 - Office of Public Information
Elementary School
New elementary students in grades K-5 may enroll for the 2007-08 school year beginning Wednesday, June 27, through Friday, August 3. Elementary students may be registered at their school buildings until June 20.
Parents should contact Edie Carton at 764-5913 to schedule an appointment at the district's central office.
Middle School
June 27
July 11
July 18
Aug. 1
Please call Edie Carton at 764-5913 to schedule an appointment at the district's central office.
Dublin Jerome High School
June 12 8 a.m.-2 p.m.
Aug. 14 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Aug. 16 8 a.m.-2 p.m.
Please call Peg Kill at 718-8276 to schedule an appointment.
Dublin Coffman High School
June 12 8 a.m.-noon
Aug. 13 8 a.m.-noon
Aug. 14 8 a.m.-noon
Aug. 15 8 a.m.-noon
Please call Sherrell Welcker at 764-5950 to schedule an appointment.
Dublin Scioto High School*
June 13 8:30 a.m.
August 14 8:30 a.m.
August 17 8:30 a.m.
August 29 8:30 a.m.
* No appointment needed.
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June 2, 2007
CONGRATULATIONS to all the Graduating Seniors from Dublin Coffman, Jerome & Scioto High Schools. Enjoy your Summer and Best of Luck in the future.
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All three Dublin High Schools make Newsweek list of best schools
Author: 6/1/2007 - Office of Public Information
All three Dublin City Schools high schools have now made Newsweek's list of the 1,200 best U.S. high schools.
Dublin Jerome High School is ranked 548, Dublin Coffman High School at 965, and Dublin Scioto High School appears at 1,156. This is the first time any of the schools have appeared on the list.
"When we opened Jerome, our goal was to be a top 100 high school," said Jerome Principal Cathy Sankey. "We know we are capable of that. This is a great ranking for our first time on the list."
Sankey said district-wide emphasis on increasing Advanced Placement class enrollment and encouraging students to take the AP exams were both key factors in being ranked this year.
Public schools are ranked according to a ratio devised by Jay Mathews: the number of Advanced Placement, Intl. Baccalaureate and/or Cambridge tests taken by all students at a school in 2006 divided by the number of graduating seniors. All of the schools on the list have an index of at least 1.000; they are in the top five percent of public schools measured this way.
Only 27 high schools in Ohio made the top 1,200 list.
"We are proud of our staff and students," said Scioto Principal Marina Davis. "This is truly something to be proud of because the ranking is indicative of our desire to offer more students AP opportunities."
Dublin Coffman was initially left off the list, but filed an official challenge to not being included.
"We're pleased the error was corrected and that we are now ranked," Miller said. "Having all three high schools on the list is pretty special."
For more information, visit: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3032542/site/newsweek/
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Buy or Sell First Which Comes First: Selling or Buying?
Like the proverbial chicken and the egg, the question of "which comes first?" - in this case, the sale of your existing home or the purchase of your new home - can leave you scratching your head. The answer to that age-old question depends on you and your individual situation. Evaluate each of your alternatives, taking into consideration the effect each scenario will have on your (1) finances, (2) negotiating position and (3) moving-day timeline. Buying before selling
If you choose to buy a new home before you sell your current home, you may have to pay on two mortgages until your former home sells. A bridge loan can ease the strain of double mortgage payments; however, you generally must have sufficient equity in your current home to qualify. Of course, you could make the purchase of your next home dependent upon the sale of your current home, and your Real Living agent can write this contingency into your purchase agreement. A strong housing market may mean that the seller will not be as likely to accept such an offer. The advantage of buying a home before you sell your current one is that you have more time to look for your new home - without the added pressure of moving. Selling before buying
You may be in a stronger bargaining position for your new home if you put off serious home shopping until after you've accepted an offer on your current house. If you wait, you'll have a better idea of how much equity you can put into your next house and, more importantly, you won't have to make the purchase of that home contingent upon the sale of your old one. Of course, there's the added pressure of needing to find a new home quickly. You may not be able to negotiate a lower purchase price if the seller knows you have time constraints. In the end, only you can decide. Contact me...I am trained and experienced in helping you explore and narrow your options, as well as understand the "why and wherefore" of most home-related dilemmas, including buy first/sell first.
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Published in Real Living My Site
June Home Maintenance ChecklistPrepare flower beds and plant your garden.
Clean and organize your garage.
Repair any damage to fences.
To conserve energy, set your thermostat to the highest comfortable setting.
Re-grade soil around foundation walls as needed.
Examine and trim trees and shrubs away from the home.
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Kaira Sturdivant Rouda has been named President of Real Living, Inc. and Real Living Network Services. Previously, she held the positions of chief operating officer and chief marketing officer for Real Living, responsible for the development and stewardship of the Real Living brand.Kaira is responsible for the overall strategy and alignment of the company's agent and customer care centers; marketing, advertising and special events; professional development and training; franchise sales and services; Web services and the information technology infrastructure. Congratulations Kaira!
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Real Living continues to grow!
Harley E. Rouda Jr. announced on May 31st to the Real Living Network that:
"We're thrilled to announce the opening of six new offices, including our first franchise in the Charlotte, N.C. market, and sixth in Florida. By entering Charlotte, we increased our presence to 17 states. We're also very excited to add two new offices in the Real Living Realty Services market in Dayton and Cincinnati, Ohio, as well as two Real Living HER satellite offices in Columbus, Ohio.
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Text Message Lingo Siteshttp://www.webopedia.com/quick_ref/textmessageabbreviations.asp
www.netlingo.com/emailsh.cfm Hope this helps you decipher the new English language
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Excerpt from RL Blog: Real Living Expert Advice
The Difference Between a Home Warranty and Homeowner's Insurance
Home warranties can often be confused with homeowner's insurance, but it's important to know how they differ.
Home warranties can often be confused with homeowner's insurance, but it's important to know how they differ. Home warranties typically assume responsibility for the repair or replacement of covered mechanical components in your home that fail due to normal wear and tear, while homeowner's insurance protects you against fire, and in some areas, floods as well. Most policies also protect homeowners against theft and liability should someone be injured on the property.
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Wishing you all a great weekend..Please drive safely! And take this time to remember our nation's heroes.
Happy Memorial Day!
Ann
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Memorial Tournament Week Traffic Report
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 9, 2007
Contact: Lt. Heinz von Eckartsberg
Dublin Police
614-410-4800
Michael Racey
Community Relations
614-410-4504
Dublin Police releases information regarding traffic, parking and
directions for the 2007 Memorial Tournament
(Dublin, Ohio) — The Dublin Police have designed a traffic
management plan to ease congestion for the motoring public during the
2007 Memorial Tournament.
"We ask that residents as well as visitors show an extra degree of
patience during Tournament week, as traffic may be heavy, especially
around rush hour on Thursday and Friday," said Lt. Heinz von
Eckartsberg. "Motorists not going to the Tournament should try to avoid
Glick Road, Dublin Road, Brand Road and Muirfield Drive."
During Tournament week, traffic on I-270 will be heaviest heading away
from the City from 3 to 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday.
"Motorists are encouraged to avoid using I-270 in and around Dublin
during evening rush hour on Thursday and Friday of Tournament week,"
said von Eckartsberg. "We suggest allowing extra time to reach
destinations if traveling in this area."
Dublin Police suggest these routes for local residents:
Those coming from areas south of Muirfield Village should take either
Dublin Road to the main parking area off Dublin Road south of Glick
Road or take Muirfield Drive to Brand Road, east on Brand Road to
Ashbaugh Road and north on Ashbaugh Road to the Ashbaugh parking
lot.
Those coming from the east should take Riverside Drive north to Glick
Road, Glick Road to Dublin Road and Dublin Road south to the main
parking area.
Dublin Police suggest these routes for visitors to the area:
From I-270 northbound: Exit I-270 at U.S. Route 33 east toward Dublin;
turn left at the fourth traffic light on High Street/Dublin Road; take
Dublin Road to the main parking area off Dublin Road south of Glick
Road.
From I-270 westbound: Exit I-270 at U.S. Route 33 west toward Marysville; U.S. Route 33 to
Avery-Muirfield Drive, turn right; Avery Road becomes Muirfield Drive immediately north of
U.S. 33; follow Muirfield Drive north to Brand Road, turn right, Brand Road to Ashbaugh
Road, turn left, Ashbaugh Road to the Ashbaugh parking lot.
From state Route 161 westbound: state Route 161 to Riverside Drive (state Route 257), turn
right; Riverside Drive (going north) to Emerald Parkway, turn left; Dublin Road (state Route
745), turn right; Dublin Road to main parking area off Dublin Road south of Glick Road.
From U.S. Route 33 eastbound: U.S. Route 33 to Avery-Muirfield Drive; turn right; Avery
Road becomes Muirfield Drive immediately north of U.S. Route 33; follow Muirfield Drive
north to Brand Road, turn right, Brand Road to Ashbaugh Road, turn left, Ashbaugh Road to the
Ashbaugh parking lot.
From Riverside Drive northbound: Riverside Drive (SR 257) to Emerald Parkway, turn left;
Dublin Road (SR 745), turn right; Dublin Road to main parking area off Dublin Road south of
Glick Road.
From I-71 southbound (Northern Ohio): Exit 1-71 at U.S. 36 and 37 west (Delaware); U.S. 36
and 37 west to U.S. 23 and 42 south; U.S. 23 and 42 south to U.S. 42 west; U.S. 42 west to state
Route 745, turn left; state Route 745 to main parking area off Dublin Road south of Glick
Road.
Exit Plan:
From the main parking area off Dublin Road south of Glick Road: To quickly exit the main
parking area, use the drive in the far northeast corner of the lot (behind the Bogey Inn) to go
directly to Glick Road; turn right to access the O'Shaughnessy Bridge. From 3 to 8 p.m.
Thursday through Sunday, the bridge will be one-way toward Riverside Drive.
From the Ashbaugh Lot: Ashbaugh Road to Brand Road, turn left; Brand Road to Coffman
Road, turn right; Coffman Road to Post Road, turn left; Post Road to U.S. Route 33 and I-270.
From Muirfield Drive median and clubhouse parking areas: Take Muirfield Drive south to U.S.
Route 33 and I-270.
For those leaving the Tournament, both lanes of Glick Road across the O'Shaughnessy Bridge
will be one way eastbound from 3 to 8 p.m., Thursday through Sunday.
Parking and Traffic Information
The main parking area for the Memorial Tournament is located off Dublin Road (state Route
745) south of Glick Road, near the sixth tee of the Muirfield Village Golf Club. Overflow
parking is available in the Ashbaugh Road lot.
To ensure ease of entrance and exit during the Tournament, follow the directions of police and
security personnel. They are being updated constantly as to the availability of parking spaces.
Clubhouse parking is available in the area shown on the map. Only those motorists bearing a
Clubhouse parking pass will be permitted in this area.
"A Lot" parking is in the area off Muirfield and Crossgate drives and requires an "A Lot" pass
for admittance. Members of the media, caddies, volunteers and staff are permitted to park in "A
Lot."
Shuttles to the clubhouse are available from this area, for members of these groups. RV parking
is located in the lot off Muirfield Drive, south of Muirfield Village Golf Club. Passes are
required and can be obtained by calling the Tournament office.
By local ordinance, parking on any Muirfield Village street is prohibited except in designated
areas. Cars parked in the street in non-designated areas will be towed. Hospitality Village
patrons may park in the lot on Avery Road just north of Glick Road. A shuttle service to and
from the Corporate Tent area will operate daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The gate located near the sixth tee (Dublin Road) is an excellent location for spectators being
dropped off for the day or for spectators who may be carpooling and wish to let their passengers
out before parking their cars.
Parking for people with disabilities
Parking will be located at the corner of Muirfield and Crossgate drives. Access to this lot will be
limited to individuals/vehicles with a state issued Disability Placard. Shuttle Service to and from
the Clubhouse will be available for these patrons.
Special passes can be obtained at the V.I.P. Courtesy Center (located at 5900 Cromdale Drive,
Suite 100) to allow parking/drop-off for individuals with a disability. Also, accessible restroom
facilities are located near the practice range and clubhouse. Call the Tournament office at 614-
889-6700 for exact locations of accessible parking areas and to receive passes in advance.
Alternate Parking
Thursday through Sunday only: For the easiest access to Tournament grounds on Thursday
through Sunday, Memorial Tournament patrons may park at the Columbus Zoo, located off of
Riverside Dr., just north of Glick Rd. Shuttle buses will transport patrons directly to and from
Tournament grounds. Parking for Tournament patrons is free.
Tune to 1610 AM for information: A radio broadcast station will update motorists on their
way to the Tournament. Tune your car radio to 1610 AM for up-to-date information about
traffic, parking and weather situations. Patrons should be able to receive the broadcast within a
three-to-five mile radius from Muirfield Village Golf Club.
Questions concerning traffic and parking at the Memorial Tournament should be directed to
Lt. Heinz von Eckartsberg, Dublin Police, 614-410-4800.
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Message from Dr. David Axner
Thank you for this opportunity to introduce myself.I want to convey how deeply honored and thrilled I am that my family and I are about to become part of the Dublin community. The academic and extracurricular reputation of Dublin City Schools is known throughout Ohio.
During the interview process, one of the most consistent observations I was able to make is that this community is involved, engaged, and supportive of their school district. It will take all of us to ensure our children receive an education that prepares them for success in the 21st century. I would also like to thank Chris Valentine and fellow board members for the professionalism and clear passion they projected during the interview process. They are committed to quality education, and to helping this school district reach its full potential. Interim Superintendent Roger Nehls has brought a tone of stability, focus, and common sense to the district during his brief tenure. These are qualities that I will also embrace. During the coming months of transition, I will be working with Roger to learn more about our organization. My first priority as superintendent will be to meet with as many staff and community members as possible in order to gain knowledge about the district's staff, students, parents, and programs. I am eager to understand our strengths and challenges. Focus, trust, and communication will be important for us as we embark on our journey together. As a school district, how sharply we focus on students, how genuinely we trust each other, and how openly we communicate will be key to the success of our mission. I am coming to you from Chagrin Falls Exempted School Village where I have served as the superintendent for the past seven years. Chagrin Falls is a suburban district in the Cleveland area. During my career in education, I have been an athletic director, high school principal, assistant principal, middle school principal, assistant superintendent, and teacher. My wife Chris and I have six children, five girls and one boy. Our youngest is in first grade and our oldest is a high school junior. I would like to thank my family for supporting my interest in coming to Dublin, and for their enthusiasm regarding our pending relocation. I will be in the district full-time beginning August 1. Until then, I will be in the district whenever possible. I believe you will find me to be an available and accessible superintendent. I look forward to meeting all of you. Dr. David Axner
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Dr. David Axner selected as new Dublin City Schools superintendent
Author: 5/8/2007 - Office of Public Information
By The Educational Service Center of Franklin County
The Dublin City Schools Board of Education intends to approve a contract for Dr. David Axner as the district's next superintendent at a special Board meeting scheduled for 7 p.m. May 10 at the 1919 Building/Sells Middle School, 150 W. Bridge St. in Dublin. Dr. Axner will attend the meeting and will be available to speak to the community and media.
Dr. Axner has been an administrator for 14 years in the Chagrin Falls Exempted Village School District in Chagrin Falls, Ohio, serving as superintendent for seven of those years. Chagrin Falls ranks in the top 1 percent of the 614 school districts in the state of Ohio, according to the Ohio Department of Education performance index. Chagrin Falls High School has been ranked by Newsweek magazine as one of the top 100 high schools in the nation.
He was selected for the position through an extensive state and national search. The Board of Education also used the input of community members, teachers, and civic and business leaders to establish an ideal community "profile" for the new superintendent. Board of Education President Chris Valentine said that Dr. Axner most closely matched the key qualifications the community and Board identified.
"Dr. Axner's record is one of accomplishment, strong managerial skills, outstanding strategic planning and high ethical standards," Valentine said. "The Board of Education felt that Dr. Axner would bring key leadership skills to the community that would continue to move the Dublin City Schools forward academically."
Dr. Axner has extensive building and central office experience as a former principal and assistant superintendent. He has a strong record of accomplishment, evidenced in the strategic planning process and improving the academic status of the Chagrin Falls.
With the assistance of the Educational Service Center of Franklin County, the Dublin Board of Education extensively interviewed six candidates out of a pool of 21 applicants and identified two finalists. Parents, civic and business leaders met with the two finalists and forwarded the Dublin Board their opinions of the two educators.
Dr. Axner will be offered a five-year contract with an annual salary of $170,000. The compensation was established through factors such as an analysis of similar school districts in the region [Upper Arlington City Schools, Indian Hills Exempted Village Schools, Solon City Schools (Ohio), Naperville schools in Chicago, Ill.], the current enrollment in Dublin Schools (13,500 students) and current budget of $141 million.
The Board of Education is committed to long-term stability in the superintendent's office and believes the current contract offer and compensation package is appropriate given the community profile and expectations of the new superintendent.
Dr. Axner, his wife and their six children will be visiting Dublin the week of May 7 to attend the Board of Education meeting. A reception will follow the board meeting for the Axner family. The public is invited.
Dr. Axner will begin his duties in Dublin Aug. 1, 2007.
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published in Real Living My Site
May Home Maintenance Checklist
May
Remove debris from gutters and downspouts.
Fertilize and aerate your lawn.
Extend downspouts away from house onto splash blocks.
Inspect your deck or patio, and paint if necessary.
Clear window wells.
Replace or repair old and damaged water hoses
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Columbus Board of Realtors Market UpdateApril 18, 2007) After nine consecutive months of negative home price appreciation, central Ohio home prices are again headed in the right direction. The average price of a home sold in March was $168,586, up 2.3 percent from one year ago according to the Columbus Board of REALTORS®. "The average price of a home was up 2.0 percent in February and now 2.3% in March," said Brad Bennett, President of the Columbus Board of REALTORS®. "As 2006 was the only year on record where the average home price appreciation fell, the turnaround is a welcome relief to all home owners." Although January home sales were up 12.2 percent, February sales fell almost two percent and March sales followed up with a drop of 16.1 percent from last year. Year to date, there have been 5,101 home sales in the first quarter, down 4.6 percent from 2006. "We anticipated the drop in closings for March," says Bennett. "It's a direct reflection of the record low temperatures and snow emergencies we experienced back in January and early February which kept most of us indoors as much as possible. As a result, home showing activity and consequently offers to purchase homes dropped significantly." There were 5,200 homes listed in March, up almost one percent from last year. This puts the number of residential homes for sale at 17,699 which is 10.7 percent higher than were on the market at the end of first quarter 2006. According to Bennett, "we added over 52 percent more homes to the market in March as compared to February. This is partly due to the traditional 'coming out' season, but also due again to the weather in February which put the chill on listing activity as well." "Now is definitely a great time to buy a home. There is an excellent selection of homes to choose from and interest rates are still very competitive. And real estate is unquestionably the best long term investment," adds Bennett.
In today's real estate market, being a buyer definitely has its perks. Interest rates are low, prices are competitive and incentives abound. With a wide array of homes on the market, you'll want the help of an experienced professional that can guide you along the way. So visit my Web site to find your next home fast. You'll feel good knowing that I'll be with you every step of the way serving your real estate needs.
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Country Club Living
Interested in joining the new Corazon Club and Day spa located in Tartan West? Special packages are availble if you join Tartan & Corazon for a limited time...contact me.
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Please welcome Brooks Burton as the CEO of Real Living Relocation. In his new position, he will oversee Real Living Relocation Management and Real Living Relocation Services. He will be based in the Real Living Columbus corporate office located at 77 E. Nationwide Blvd.
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New Driving Laws
House Bill 343
This act affects the restrictions on holders of Temporary Instruction Permits and Probationary Driver's Licenses. The act also affects certain provisions of the Child Restraint Law. House Bill 343 is effective April 6, 2007.Temporary Instruction Permit (RC 4507.05) The act prohibits Temporary Instruction Permit holders who are less than 18 years old from driving between the hours of midnight and 6 a.m. However, driving during these hours is permitted if the permit holder's "parent, guardian, or custodian" is in the front passenger seat; holds a current valid Ohio driver's license; and is below the per se BAC level. As a reminder, law enforcement officers are prohibited from stopping a vehicle solely to investigate a potential violation of this section. Probationary Driver's License (4507.071) Restrictions on Age/Time
The act prohibits Probationary Driver's License holders ("license holder") who are less than 17 years old from driving between the hours of midnight and 6 a.m., unless the license holder's parent or guardian is in the vehicle. The act further prohibits the license holders who are between 17 and 18 years old from driving between the hours of 1 a.m. and 5 a.m., unless the license holder is accompanied by his or her parent or guardian. Unlike the exception for a holder of a Temporary Instruction Permit, there are no requirements that the parent or guardian be in the front seat, have a valid driver's license, or is below the per se BAC limit. The act provides the following affirmative defenses to this section: • The license holder was traveling to or from an official function sponsored by the school the license holder attends, • An emergency existed that required the license holder to drive, • The license holder was an emancipated minor, or • The license holder is traveling to or from work and has written documentation from his or her employer. As with the Temporary Permit statute, law enforcement officers are prohibited from stopping a vehicle solely to investigate a potential violation of this portion of the Probationary Driver's License statute. Restrictions on number of passengers
The act prohibits license holders who are less than 17 years old from driving with more than one non-family member in the vehicle. This section does not apply if the license holder's parent, guardian, or custodian is also in the vehicle. Restrictions because of a moving violation The act requires a license holder who is less than 17 years old, and has been convicted of a moving violation, to be accompanied by the license holder's parent or guardian for six months after the date of conviction.
This requirement expires once the license holder turns 17 (even if the full six months has not expired). Child Restraint - 4511.81
Current law requires all children be secured in a child restraint system until they are 4 years old and weigh 40 pounds. The act retains this offense, and also requires any child who is at least 4 years old, but not older than 15 years old, must be properly restrained in either a child restraint system or an occupant restraining device (seat belt). Simply stated, the act requires that all children under the age of 15 years old must wear seatbelts, regardless of where they're seated in the vehicle. The act also eliminates the affirmative defense that allowed non-residents to show that the person's use or nonuse of a child restraint system was in accordance with the laws of the person's state of residence. The allows officers to stop a vehicle to investigate a potential violation for a child under the age of 4 years old or less than 40 pounds who is not secured in a child restraint system. However, the act prohibits officers from stopping a vehicle solely to investigate a potential violation of a child between 4 years old and 15 years old is not in a seat belt. The following chart summarizes the new code sections and penalties for violations of R.C.
4507.05, 4507.071, and 4511.81: Offense Code Section Penalty
New Old
Temporary Instruction Permit - less than 18 - driving b/w midnight & 6
am 4507.05(F)(2) same MM
Probationary Driver's License - less than 17 - driving b/w midnight & 6
am 4507.071(B)(1)(a) 4507.071(B) MM
Probationary Driver's License - 17 years old - driving b/w 1 am & 5
am 4507.071(B)(1)(b) n/a MM
Probationary Driver's License - less than 17 - more than 1 non-family member
in vehicle 4507.071(B)(4) n/a MM
Probationary Driver's License - less than 17 - prior moving violation - no
parent/guardian in vehicle 4507.071(D)(2) n/a MM
Child restraint - less than 4 years old/under 40 lbs. 4511.81(A) same MM
(1st offense)
M4 (2nd offense)
Restraint device - less than 15 years old 4511.81(C) n/a MM (1st offense)
M4 (2nd offense)
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published in Real Living My Site
April Home Maintenance Checklist
Hire a professional air conditioning contractor to inspect and maintain your system.
Inspect your roof for any missing, loose or damaged shingles.
Check the fireplace flue to make sure it is closed for the warmer weather.
Remove your storm windows.
Repair or replace screens with holes large enough for insects to enter your home.
Scrape and paint any wood surfaces that have peeled or weathered.
Clean and inspect your lawn mower.
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Published in ReaL Living site
March Home Maintenance Checklist
Inspect walls and ceilings for cracks or bulges, and patch and paint as necessary.
Hire a professional to check your water heater.
Check basement and crawl space for moisture or leakage after wet weather.
Examine exterior fascia and trim for deterioration.
Repair cracked, broken or uneven driveways and sidewalks.
Inspect your stairs and railings for any loose sections.
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Selling a home in today's market is challenging...You need to Make a Good First Impression.
An attractive, well-maintained home will generally sell faster and for a higher price than a similar home that looks drab or run-down. When you prepare your home for sale, take a critical look inside and out. If you're having trouble being objective, ask your Real Living agent, a neighbor or a friend to help. Watch for places and things you can clean up, repair or replace.
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Changes That Sell, Changes That Don't
Think home improvements will substantially increase the selling price of your home? You may want to think again. Before you invest a lot of money into home improvements and upgrades, you should consult with a real estate agent to determine which changes will most impact your home's sale.Some renovations not only fail to improve resale profits, but could actually detract from your home's overall value. Swimming pools, water gardens and greenhouse additions fall into this unfortunate category. So if you're considering the change simply to increase the value of your home, check out this list first. The list from the National Association of Realtors® includes improvements that enhance the sale of your home and an estimated rate of return on the improvement or upgrade. This information is based on 2006 national averages. Remodeled kitchen, 80.4% (major upgrade). 85.2% (minor upgrade)
Kitchen updates can offer a solid payback. Simple, functional and neutral are the key words here. Second Bath, 74.9%
Add a second full- or half-bath to your home and you'll reap some benefit. Even a humble lavatory can make a difference for many potential buyers. Family Room Addition, 71.5%
This is one of the most popular choices for improving resale value. Remodeled Bath, 84.9%
With a master bath on most buyer wish lists, this is a wise place to invest your money. Consider installing two sinks, which goes over big for buyers who have to handle morning rush hour. Deck, 76.8%
Regardless of locale, outdoor living spaces are in high demand. Low-maintenance deck materials give potential buyers more time to enjoy the view. Finished Basement, 78.8%
A terrific way to add space without building a costly addition is by simply finishing your basement. And if you can include walk-out access in the mix, you'll add even more value. New Windows, 85.3% (wood), 83.7% (vinyl)
New windows can offer reduced energy bills, which is very appealing to prospective homebuyers.
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Mar.'07 Real Living HMC Mortgage Rates Hit Three-Month LOW...A lack of definitive market economic data helped to keep mortgage rates at the lowest point since mid-December, Bankrate.com reports. Mortgage rates declined at the end of last week for the fourth time in the past five weeks and fixed mortgage rates are notably lower than Summer 2006 when the Fed raised interest rates.
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Dublin City Schools Update 3-22-07
Nehls appointed interim superintendent...Dr. Linda Fenner is stepping down from her position as Dublin City Schools Superintendent, effective immediately. The Board of Education has appointed former Deputy State Superintendent of Public Instruction Roger Nehls to serve as interim superintendent. The appointment is effective immediately and runs through July 31.
In July of 1999, Nehls became Deputy State Superintendent of Public Instruction with the Ohio Department of Education. In that capacity, he was responsible for running the Ohio Department of Education's daily operations that included 400 employees and an $800-million annual budget. Nehls also served as superintendent of the Hilliard City School District from January 1984-July 1999, a time of unprecedented growth and challenges in that district.
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Real Living Announces that Listings are now on Yahoo.com...consumers can now find our listings under the "real estate classifieds". Partnering with these real estate search engines is a great way way to provide more exposure for our clients' listings. Listings are now posted on Yahoo.com, Google Base, Trulia.com, Oodle.com and Propsmart.com
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Published in Real Living My Site
February Home Maintenance Checklist
Check the snow load on your roof. If it seems excessive, call a roofing contractor to remove the snow, which could otherwise cause the roof to leak or collapse.
Clean faucet aerators and shower heads.
Remove and replace any worn or crumbling caulk or grout in and around bathtubs, sinks and toilets.
Vacuum bathroom vent fan covers.
Make sure the lightbulbs in all home fixtures are of the correct wattage.
Replace all extension cords, lamp cords and plugs that are brittle, worn or damaged.
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Washington, Jan. 25th report
National Association of Realtors (NAR) reports 2006 home sales third highest on record...
Existing-home sales eased in December 2006 but the year was the third-highest in sales on record, NAR says. Total existing-home sales, including single-family, townhomes, condominiums, and co-ops, eased 0.8 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 6.22 million units in December from a level of 6.27 million in November. There were 6.48 million existing-home sales in all of 2006, down 8.4 percent from a record 7.08 million in 2005. The second-highest total was 6,779,000 in 2004. "It looks like we're moving beyond the low for the housing cycle last fall, and buyers are responding to historically low interest rates and competitive pricing by home sellers," says NAR Chief Economist David Lereah. "In addition, a tightening inventory of homes on the market is supporting prices."
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Excerpt from NAR report
NAR Forecasts a More Stable Market in 2007
The housing market is transitioning into a more normal market in contrast with unsustainable activity last year, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR). David Lereah, said market fundamentals are improving. He said the demographics of our growing population, historically low and declining mortgage interest rates, and healthy job creation mean the wherewithal is there to buy homes in most of the country, but many homebuyers have recently remained on the sidelines. However, after a period of price adjustment, we'll see more confidence in the market and home sales should increase in the first quarter of 2007.
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Published in Real Living My Site
January Home Maintenance Checklist
Keep plenty of salt handy in your garage or basement for icy sidewalks and walkways.
Examine and clean kitchen appliances.
Vacuum the condenser coil located in the back or bottom of the refrigerator and clean the drain pan.
Wash kitchen exhaust hood and air filters.
Clean dishwasher food filters and check that openings in spray arms are clear.
Store a fire extinguisher within reach of your stove.
Check your attic for adequate insulation.
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from RL Blog...Real Living is on the brink of the new era of real estate and offers many of the latest services that technology has to offer, including posting your listings on real estate search sites like Oodle.com, Trulia.com, Propsmart.com and Google Base.
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An excerpt from RISMEDIA, Jan. 17, 2007-With the New Year upon us, there are many things on our minds: parties, the Super Bowl, our struggles to maintain our New Year resolutions. But there's one thing many people don't think about this time of year, though they should be: real estate. Wait, real estate?Yes, real estate. Mid-February, specifically those weeks following the Super Bowl, is the optimum time to put homes on the market. That's the time when buyers are warming up for the spring home-buying season. Plus, listing inventory is low because of the winter and holiday slowdown. The number of buyers beginning to look at homes is disproportionately larger than the number of homes being advertised for sale, giving sellers a competitive advantage.
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Real Living is now in 12 States and growing! Ohio, California, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Michigan, South Carolina, Texas, West Virginia, Wisconsin
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According to the NAR and economists...MAKE YOUR MOVE...Timing is Everything...There's never been a better time than now to buy a home. Interest rates are low, prices are competitive and incentives abound. Visit my search for homes tab and begin your search today!
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In an article published 12/1/06 in REALTOR Magazine "Real Estate's 25 Most Influential Thought Leaders:" Harely E. Rouda was voted one of the Top 25...Why? "Embraces innovation to better connect brokers, sales associates, and the public."
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1-1-07 Wishing You a HAPPY NEW YEAR 2007 filled with peace and laughter
Look for real estate tidbits to be posted on this page throughout 2007!
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