Gay rights epicenter named landmark

From USA Today and AP.

The entire article is here: http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2009-02-27-gay-rights-home_N.htm?csp=34

clipped from www.usatoday.com WASHINGTON (AP) — The Washington, D.C., home regarded as the epicenter of the city's gay rights movement is being designated a historic landmark. The home belongs to 83-year-old Franklin E. Kameny, who is considered the "father of gay activism" by the Historic Preservation Review Board. Kameny fought in World War II, earned a doctorate and then moved to D.C. to work as an astronomer. But he was fired by the Army Map Service in 1957 for being gay. In 1961, Kameny argued to the U.S. Supreme Court that a federal policy calling homosexuals a security risk was "no less odious than discrimination based upon religious or racial grounds." It was the first civil rights claim in a U.S. court based on sexual orientation. Kameny says he's touched by the recognition.

The Times Of Harvey Milk - Watch the entire documentary movie here!

This Oscar-winning documentary film covers the successful career and tragic assassination of San Francisco's first openly gay man to be elected to office.

The entire movie will play here




Individual segments here

Sage: Best New Restaurant in 2009 - Columbus Alive

I love the place!!!!!!! Congrats to Bill, Eddie, Betsy and everyone!!

Full article is here: http://www.columbusalive.com/live/content/special_sections/bestof/2009/dining/01.html?sid=108

clipped from www.columbusalive.com Sage American Bistro 2653 N. High St., North Campus 614-267-7243 Web: sageamericanbistro.com "I have learned that each and every person that I've ever worked with is part of every plate that I serve," Chef Bill Glover wrote to me once in an interview. The casually stylish diners at Sage American Bistro benefit from that wisdom and experience, as Glover himself seems to get a chance to lend his expert touch to every well-turned-out plate his modestly sized place serves. I say this because Glover's new restaurant exhibits the same kind of thoughtfulness, care and sensitivity that is so evident in those just-quoted words. At Sage, the former chef of the OSU Faculty Club has come up with a clever, focused and seasonally changing one-page menu that never misses its restrained mark - and locals have noticed. Thus Sage always seems to have a smart-looking crowd lounging between its tasteful-art decorated brick walls.

Clever uses for your camera phone from Palm (Thought I would share)

Nothing to do with real estate but I thought I would share.

Clever uses for your camera phone from Palm (Thought I would share)

-Remember where you’re parked at the airport or any crowded lot. Photograph the nearest parking location sign.

-Take a picture of your hotel, building address, room number, and the nearest street sign.

-Take a photo of your child every day as a safety precaution when you’re traveling.

-Capture a whiteboard after a meeting.

-Document damage after a car accident.

-Document your home and belongings as proof for your insurance company in the event of a loss.

-Snap a picture of the takeout menu and business hours of your favorite restaurant.
Shoot a photo of a flyer for an upcoming event or item for sale.

-If you lend out CDs, DVDs and books to friends, take pictures and label them with your friends’ names.

-Take a picture of something you’re about to disassemble, then use it as a reference when you’re putting it back together.

-Entertain kids with a photo scavenger hunt, with a list of things to take pictures of.

-Photograph yourself when you don’t have a mirror.

The link is here: http://www.palm.com/us/emails/articles/02-09/tips.html?sssdmh=dm13.194792

Area home sales down 22% in January...a great time to buy!

From Business First.

The entire article is here: http://tinyurl.com/c5z46f

clipped from columbus.bizjournals.com Coming off another dismal month for Central Ohio home sales, the Columbus Board of Realtors is setting its sights on the spring for better news. The board on Wednesday said 959 existing single-family homes and condominiums were sold in Central Ohio in January, down 22 percent from 1,225 a year ago. Homes in contract, an indication of future sales, fell 29 percent to 1,16 from 1,438 in January 2008. The average sale price of a home in the region fell about $15,000, or 10 percent, to $137,446 from $152,790 a year ago. Board President Gary Parsons said the results reflect an expected decline in holiday home sales. Looking ahead, the board is hoping a recently passed $8,000 first-time homebuyer tax credit and lower interest rates will spur more activity. “As we get closer to spring, I think consumer confidence, like the weather, will start to improve,” Parsons said in a release.

The importance of the federal government in creating equality for all Americans

Cleve Jones On The Rachel Maddow Show. A great interview. Best part is 3:30 until the end.

clipped from www.youtube.com

Sean Penn Wins the Oscar for "Milk" Acceptance Speech

clipped from www.youtube.com

Dustin Lance Black Oscar Acceptance - Gay Marriage

Emotional acceptance speech at the Oscars 2-22-2009

clipped from www.youtube.com

Eastgate: Urban suburban: Diversity, space, mix of housing motivate residents to put down roots

Nice story about Eastgate from the Columbus Dispatch

The entire story is here: http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2009/02/22/Eastgate-WWL.ART_ART_02-22-09_B1_63D0BQ0.html

clipped from www.dispatch.com As racial barriers started to crack in the 1950s and housing options opened up for African-Americans in Columbus, there was only one area where Carlotta Ridgeway considered living -- Eastgate. "Before, you had to live wherever you could find a decent neighborhood," said Ridgeway, 87, an African-American who has lived in Eastgate since 1962. "I had no desire to go anyplace else." With its large lots, majestic trees, curved roads and a mix of housing styles, Eastgate offers residents a haven that some describe as similar to suburban living but with the benefits of a big city. Black families flocked there to take advantage of the spaciousness and nearby parks. Now, the white flight that Eastgate saw decades ago is reversing as whites return and the area becomes more diverse, said Kraig Thornhill, 37, president of the Eastgate Garden Civic Association. Thornhill, who is black, has lived in the neighborhood for seven years.

Franklin County Auditor Updates His Website

Full Article is here: http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2009/02/21/GOTVALUES.ART_ART_02-21-09_A1_NPD05MR.html?sid=101

The auditor's site is: www.franklincountyauditor.com

You still need someone to help you interpret the data.

clipped from www.dispatch.com The "property profile" is one of the new features on the Web site, along with "area sales activity," which lists recent sales prices for nearby homes.

Our Financial Crisis in Three Simple Paragraphs

From USA Today:
http://www.usatoday.com/money/economy/housing/2009-02-18-is-foreclosure-plan-fair_N.htm

clipped from www.usatoday.com Reducing foreclosures and stemming the historic decline in housing prices are crucial to repairing the overall economy. Falling home prices have hurt banks and other financial firms, leaving them less able to lend. States and localities have taken a hit in the form of declining tax revenue and blighted neighborhoods. The housing free fall has plagued home builders as foreclosed homes have gone back on the market, swelling an already huge inventory. Prospective homeowners have found it increasingly difficult to get credit as asset prices fell and worried bankers tightened loan standards. Some buyers, on a bet that prices will fall even further, have decided to postpone buying a house, thereby lengthening and deepening the crisis.

Gay Marriage in America Speech at Goshen College

Nice speech from a young college student at a conservative school.

Link is here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DCFICzRXlIc

clipped from www.youtube.com

Supply and Demand Chart for Central Ohio--- Want to know about your specific area?

Click on the image to view full size.




This data is for the entire Central Ohio area. If you would like a report for your area of town, just e-mail me.

If you are thinking of buying or selling a home, this is critical market information. I always provide this kind of data to my clients.

Mid Winter Tips For Your Home

Baby, it’s cold outside. So stay indoors this winter – and complete a thorough check of these often-overlooked items:

-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 showerheads.

-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 light bulbs in all home fixtures are of the correct wattage.

-Replace all extension cords, lamp cords and plugs that are brittle, worn or damaged.

In a few weeks:

-Inspect walls and ceilings for cracks or bulges – 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.

Megachurch Pastor's Son Arrested in Sex Sting

From the Advocate, a sad story on a couple levels.

Link is here: http://www.advocate.com/news_detail_ektid73069.asp

clipped from www.advocate.com The son of homophobic Dallas megachurch pastor T.D. Jakes faces charges of indecent exposure after he was arrested in a gay sex sting in a public park last month, according to the Dallas Voice. Twenty-nine-year-old Jermaine Donnell Jakes is accused of exposing himself in front of two male undercover detectives on January 3 at Keist Park. Jakes was detained at the scene and then released, according to The Dallas Morning News. He turned himself in on Thursday and posted $1,000 bail. T.D. Jakes heads Potters House, a 28,000-member church in south Dallas. He opposes marriage equality and has said he would never hire a sexually active gay person. While Jakes is an advocate for HIV/AIDS prevention and care, he backhandedly balks at criticism from other religious people who are put off by the disease's association with gays. "Our focus right now is saving lives," he said to the Associated Press in 2007. "Tomorrow we can save souls." (Michelle Garcia, Advocate.com)

Homebuyers get frugal to save for down payment..but don't worry.

If you are thinking about buying, don't be afraid reading this article. Many of my clients are finding FHA loans with 3.5% down payment the best deal. Banks are still lending. I have not had a deal turned down!

The full article is here:
http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/business/stories/2009/02/15/saving_for_down_payment.ART_ART_02-15-09_D4_5QCT2QG.html?sid=101

clipped from www.dispatch.com Americans are saving more than they have in months, new data shows. And while that's bad news for retailers and restaurateurs, it could be good news for the crippled housing market. Many potential homebuyers say they've stopped eating out, going to movies, buying iTunes and other nonessentials to save money for larger down payments that lenders now are demanding. Lenders want buyers with between 20 percent and 25 percent of a house's price in cash, said Guy Cecala, publisher of Inside Mortgage Finance. Even loans insured by the Federal Housing Administration, a popular option for first-time homebuyers, now require at least 3.5 percent down, up from 3 percent last year. "Everybody in America better be saving if they want to buy a house these days," Cecala said.

A comparison of the 2008 $7,500.00 Home Buyer Tax Credit with the new 2009 $8,000.00 Home Buyer Tax Credit.

FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYER TAX CREDIT

As Modified in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act

Major Modifications Shaded

February 2009

FEATURE	CREDIT AS CREATED JULY 2008 APPLIES TO ALL QUALIFIED PURCHASES ON OR AFTER APRIL 9, 2008	REVISED CREDIT – EFFECTIVE FOR PURCHASES ON OR AFTER JANUARY 1, 2009 AND BEFORE DECEMBER 1, 2009
Amount of Credit	Lesser of 10 percent of cost of home or $7500	Maximum credit amount increased to $8000
Eligible Property	Any single family residence (including condos, co-ops, townhouses) that will be used as a principal residence.	No change All principal residences eligible.
Refundable	Yes. Reduces (or can eliminate) income tax liability for the year of purchase. Any unused amount of tax credit refunded to purchaser.	No change Purchasers will continue to receive refund for unused amount when tax return is filed.
Income Limit	Yes. Full amount of credit available for individuals with adjusted gross income of no more than $75,000 ($150,000 on a joint return). Phases out above those caps ($95,000 and $170,000).	No change Same income limits continue to apply.
First-time Homebuyer Only	Yes. Purchaser (and purchaser’s spouse) may not have owned a principal residence in 3 years previous to purchase.	No change Still available for first-time purchasers only. Three-year rule continues to apply.
Revenue Bond Financing	No credit allowed if home financed with state/local bond funding.	Purchasers who utilize revenue bond financing can use credit.
Repayment	Yes. Portion (6.67% of credit or $500) to be repaid each year for 15 years, starting with 2010 tax filing.	No repayment for purchases on or after January 1, 2009 and before December 1, 2009
Recapture	If home sold before 15-year repayment period ends, then outstanding balance of repayment amount recaptured on sale.	If home is sold within three years of purchase, entire amount of credit is recaptured on sale. Applies only to homes purchased in 2009.
Termination	July 1, 2009 (But note program changes for 2009)	December 1, 2009
Effective Date	Purchases on or after April 9, 2008 and before January 1, 2009. Repayment to begin for 2010 tax year.	All revisions are effective as of January 1, 2009

Real Estate Tax Credit Update - For First Time Home Buyers

It looks like these will be the final terms:

• $8000 credit ($4000 for married filing separate...for those who can marry!!!!)
• Effective for purchases on or after Jan 1, 2009 and before Dec 1, 2009. So no penalty if you close today
• 2009 purchasers can make an election to claim the credit on their 2008 tax return
• The credit is refundable -- refund computed in conjunction with filing 1040 tax return
• No repayment requirement for 2009 purchases unless property is sold within three years of claiming credit
• Purchasers who finance their 2009 purchases with revenues from a state/local bond authority will be eligible for credit
  

The State of the Workplace - Human Rights Campaign Foundation, Washington, D.C

The 2007 - 2008 edition is now available for download.

http://www.hrc.org/about_us/7061.htm

clipped from www.hrc.org The State of the Workplace is an annual report, published by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation's Workplace Project. This report is a national source of information on laws and policies surrounding sexual orientation and gender identity in the workplace. The HRC Workplace Project advises employees and employers on the value of workplace diversity. It collects, analyzes and disseminates information to assist employees and employers in implementing policies and procedures aimed at treating lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender workers equally. The 2007-2008 report revealed rapid expansion of protections for LGBT workers in the private sector over the past decade: Full Report pdf (2MB) Chart Pack pdf (216KB) | Slides ppt (1.4 MB) News Release

Columbus, Ohio protests the Defense of Marriage Act

Posted February 3, 2009 5:09PM

It was cold! See the entire story here:

http://www.hrcbackstory.org/2009/02/columbus-ohio-protests-the-defense-of-marriage-act/

clipped from www.hrcbackstory.org Last weekend, winter weather stormed through Ohio.  None of us really expected a great turn out at the rally, but we hoped.  Thankfully, we were not let down.  On Saturday, the Stonewall Center’s parking lot was filled with people from all over Ohio who braved the cold, icy roads, slippery sidewalks and strong winds to support equality for all people. Though winter was definitely chilling our bones, the combined spirit of hope was the cohesive force that held people together as we listened to Congresswoman Mary Jo Kilroy (D) and others (including myself) discuss the importance of equality for everyone, including the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Americans.” - Terry This fall, HRC members and supporters worked tirelessly to help elect fair minded candidates all across Ohio including freshmen members of Congress John Boccieri, Steve Driehaus and Mary Jo Kilroy (Mary won by 2,311 votes!)  Watch footage of the rally including remarks from Freshmen Congresswoman Mary Jo Kilroy: clipped from www.youtube.com

House, Senate quickly reach $790B stimulus deal

From USA Today

The real estate part is below.

http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2009-02-11-stimulus-conference_N.htm?csp=34

clipped from www.usatoday.com Home buyer tax credit A new $8,000 tax credit for buyers of new or existing homes This is down from $15,000 added in the Senate. The White House and congressional leaders agreed Wednesday on a two-year, $790 billion economic stimulus plan. Here's how some of the differences between the House and Senate bills were resolved: In addition to reducing Obama's tax cut, proposals added by the Senate to provide tax credits to home buyers and tax deductions for people purchasing cars were greatly reduced. House, Senate quickly reach $790B stimulus deal

WESTGATE: An affordable oasis

Nice article about Westgate in the Columbus Dispatch.

Here is the link

http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2008/08/10/WESTGATE_WWL.ART_ART_08-10-08_B1_DHAVQKC.html?type=rss&cat=&sid=101&title=Anaffordableoasis

clipped from www.dispatch.com Sunday,  August 10, 2008 3:34 AM An affordable oasis They're comfortable on Powhatan Avenue in their three-bedroom, 1 1/2-story Cape Cod house, which they bought for less than $100,000 last August. "We're the Upper Arlington of the Hilltop," he said. Westgate was founded in the mid-1920s as one of Columbus' streetcar suburbs, a portion of it built on land where Union soldiers trained and Confederate soldiers were imprisoned. The Camp Chase Cemetery, where more than 2,000 Confederate prisoners are buried, is still maintained and open to the public. "It's a nice neighborhood, a family-oriented atmosphere," said Darrell Drone, 53, who has lived in Westgate 16 years.

How to dispute a real estate tax valuation

Older article but the principle is still the same.

Full link is here: http://www.columbusrealtors.com/16243.cfm

clipped from www.columbusrealtors.com Do you think your property, or your client's property, is valued too high by the Auditor's office for real estate taxes? There is a complaint process that is administered by the Board of Revision. If you believe your value is high you will need undisputable evidence to support the valuation. Once you appeal your value, it can go up, down, or stay the same. Taxes are one year in arrears. Therefore, your tax bill that will come out around December 20, 2007, is for the valuation of your property up to 1/1/07. This means if you have an appraisal for the appeal it should be dated as of 1/1/07. If property values are dropping in your neighborhood in the year 2007, then this will take effect with your 2008 tax bill. The county re-evaluates your property taxes every three years. Therefore, the county will be re-evaluating your tax valuation in 2008 (also upon transfer assessed valuation is adjusted to the sales price).

VICTORY: Grand Rapids TV station cancels planned airing of AFA anti-LGBT propaganda special

http://www.hrcbackstory.org/2009/02/victory-grand-rapids-tv-station-cancels-planned-airing-of-afa-anti-lgbt-propaganda-special/

clipped from www.hrcbackstory.org In response to our action alert, WOOD-TV of Grand Rapids issued a statement on their website  today that they have canceled the airing of  the American Family Association’s  “Speechless” video:  GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - WOOD TV8 has rescinded the offer to air a controversial paid program originally set to air Monday. “Speechless: Silencing Christians” was scheduled to air Monday at 7 p.m ., in the slot immediately before President Barack Obama’s prime time press conference. The program was pulled from that slot. The producers were contacted and offered another time slot. In a statement Wednesday, WOOD/WOTV/WXSP General Manager Diane Kniowski said the offer is now off the table. “We made a gesture of the 2-3 p.m. Saturday time period. It’s been 24 hours and we had no response,” Kniowski said. “Our station is being bombarded with calls and messages, and we find ourselves in the middle of someone else’s fight. Ours was a fair offer and we are removing ourselves from this matter.”