The Barker Team Blog

Observed on the first Monday in September, Labor Day pays tribute to the contributions and achievements of American workers. Its roots can be traced back to the labor movement in the late nineteenth century, and it officially became a federal holiday in 1894. Many...

There are so many things, big and small, to think about when you move into a new home.  We tend to focus first on the things that directly impact our day-to-day lives, like getting the kids enrolled in a new school or having our mail forwarded at the post office.  But...

With the temperatures still soaring into the 90’s on a regular basis, it’s hard to believe some kids have already headed back to school.  June and July were gone in a flash, and August is following quickly on their heels.  Whether we choose to accept it or not (we...

Would your family be prepared in the event of a natural disaster? No one likes to think about living through a natural disaster or similar crisis, but this is definitely not a task to put off because it’s unpleasant to think about. Recent studies show that 65% of...

As a real estate company, we would be remiss if we did not chime in on the latest trend in houses – tiny houses!  A tiny house is just that: a complete house with a kitchen, bathroom, living space, and sleeping space, all for less than 700 square feet.  In fact, many...

Blue is back in a big way – if it ever even left! Cool and calming, it’s also a crowd-pleaser, making it a great color option for those who like to play it safe with their home decor. If you’re bolder, opt for shades of teal periwinkle for a stylish color punch....

Typically we here at The Barker Team devote all of our time and energy to helping our clients find the best homes, and keep their homes in the greatest condition possible.  But today we’re going off the beaten path to talk about a fascinating part of local history:...

For every freedom we enjoy in modern-day America, we have generations of true patriots to thank, a task which mere words fall woefully short of accomplishing.  The American dream began with our forefathers, who demonstrated courage and resolve seldom seen in modern...

 July 1st Red, White & Boom (Downtown Columbus) Reynoldsburg (Civic Park) Columbus(300 W Broad) July 2nd   Pastaskala (Foundation Park) July 3rd London(London High School)     Washington Court House (Fayette Co. Fairgrounds) Westerville (Central College Church)...

Many have heard from family, friends, neighbors, and even the media that it is a seller's market! But what exactly is a seller's market you may ask?! The Real Estate Market operates on supply and demand. So, basically when the amount of available homes for sale is low...

As of 6:34 p.m. on Monday, summer was officially upon us (we bet you can hear us cheering from your house)!  Today’s topic is a continuation of our celebration of the sunniest season in our beloved Ohio, and combines two of our favorite activities: spending time...

Parents of school-aged children know that there is much more to buying a home than just the number of bedrooms and the size of the yard. High on the list of priorities is finding a home in a great school district. If you’re not moving far, chances are, you’re already...

FAQs for First Time Home Buyers   If you’re in the market for your first home, chances are, you’re feeling a little overwhelmed and you may not be sure where to begin.  Researching reputable real estate agencies online is a step in the right direction, and we...

The end of the school year is fast approaching, and for most kids and families, summertime means freedom, fun and making memories.  Even though the end of school usually throws a wrench into the family schedule, most parents will admit that they’re delighted to have...

Flower Power! By now you can probably tell that we at Barker Team Realtors have summer on the brain!  We can’t help it; the warm weather brings with it so many thoughts of outdoor activities, home improvement projects, and today’s topic – landscaping (specifically,...

Although job hunting may seem like a strange topic for a real estate blog, it is not entirely uncommon for a couple or family to relocate due to one spouse’s job, leaving the other spouse in need of work in a new locale.  Many young people take the leap of relocating...

Auctions truly provide the best of both worlds – they offer the flexibility of a private purchase along with the security of a formal, time-honored process. Auctions are filled with so much potential for finding hidden treasures, that can be both rewarding for wallet or tapping into your nostalgic side.

Warm weather brings with it thoughts of long, lazy days and relaxing getaways! If a Disney vacation with the family or a couple of weeks on the coast with your beach chair is in the budget, we applaud you (and wish we could tag along)! But if your vacation funds are...

We here at the Barker Team love all things real estate, but this week we're going to veer slightly off course in favor of something sweet. We're talking about cheesecake. It's rich, it's creamy, it's sweet but not too sweet, it's...perfection. Seriously, is there...

Everyone knows that first impressions last a lifetime, and it's no different the first time a potential buyer lays eyes on your home. Don't let a rundown or disheveled exterior stand between buyers and the charm inside your four walls. Take a walk to the curb, do an...

In the last twenty years, HGTV has grown steadily to become a top-10 cable network in prime time, available in 96 million homes. This is due, in part, to the rising popularity of programs such as House Hunters, which invites viewers to follow along as families tour a...

Spring is here…finally! March welcomes in spring and all it’s glory. Flowers, baby animals, sunshine, the list continues. So open up those windows and let the breeze come in to freshen up your home and blow away those winter blues.

Decorating Without Deep Pockets Moving into your new home is probably one of the most exciting things you’ll ever do, but it can also be one of the most expensive! Whether you hire professional movers or ask family and friends to chip in, there are some costs that...

If you are thinging of buying a home and don’t have much savings, low-down-payment mortgages making a comeback If you have good credit and a steady income but not much savings, you may want to look into the low-down-payment mortgage options that recently became...