Solar Eclipse Viewing Guide in Columbus 

On April 8, 2024, Columbus will be in the direct path of a total solar eclipse for the first time since 1806. In case you didn’t know, a total solar eclipse occurs when the sun, moon, and Earth all align. Spanning 300 miles, the eclipse’s path will begin around 1:55 PM and reach total peak totality at about 3:12 PM, for a total duration of 2 hours and 31 minutes. 

You can expect a noticeable temperature change, grayish skies, abnormal behavior from plants and animals, and then at peak totality, a dark shadow will appear just before the solar corona appears and totality hits. 

Please Note: it is not safe to look directly at the Sun without the protection of specialized eye protection. Do not look at the Sun through a camera, binoculars, or telescope without a solar filter secured over the optics. 

Columbus has a plethora of events to celebrate the once-in-a-lifetime phenomenon for everyone to enjoy. Let’s explore some of our top picks. 

Land Grant Brewing Company x COSI Science Center Eclipse Watch Party 

Join Land-Grant Brewing for an all-day eclipse extravaganza, featuring free eclipse glasses, exclusive COSI-collab Black IPA: Totality, interactive experiments with the COSI team, cosmic-themed music from Moon Voyager by Pink Floyd, and delicious local food trucks. RSVP here. 

Solar Eclipse Day on the Rooftop 

Witness the historic eclipse on the rooftop of the National Veterans Memorial and Museum. Hands-on learning activities will be available throughout the day including designing a military and NASA patch, drawing your perspective of the sky, and fun giveaways! Admission is free to NVMM members, $5 for students, and $10 for the general public. Learn more. 

VASO Solar Eclipse Party 

Experience the eclipse with VASO at Bridgepark in Dublin from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Attendees will be on the eighth-floor patio for an unforgettable viewing experience of the solar eclipse, complete with eclipse viewing glasses, drink tickets, complimentary tapas, and live entertainment by Dayna Sol. Get tickets here. 

Grab your eclipse viewing glasses and some friends and prepare for the total solar eclipse! Stay safe and enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime occurrence, no matter what event you choose, or if you opt for your own backyard viewing party. 

The Benefits of Working with a Real Estate Agent 

Navigating the intricate world of buying or selling a home is undoubtedly one of the most significant financial transactions individuals undertake. While the option to sell your property independently is legally viable, the current real estate landscape, even in a seller’s market, strongly advocates against it. Discover the compelling reasons why enlisting the services of a real estate agent is paramount in today’s dynamic market.  

Precision in Pricing  

While online tools can provide a glimpse of your home’s value, they often fall short in capturing the nuances required for accurate pricing. Elements such as prevailing market conditions and recent comparable sales in your vicinity play a crucial role. Setting an optimal price that ensures a swift sale while maximizing profits becomes a complex task without the expert guidance of a real estate agent.  

Showcasing Your Home’s Best  

Embarking on the journey of selling your home exposes it to meticulous scrutiny. Every image accompanying your listing should accentuate its finest attributes. This necessitates meticulous preparation, from refreshing paintwork to landscaping enhancements and even strategic staging with rented furnishings. A real estate agent becomes your advisor, suggesting ways to create a captivating first impression and appeal to potential buyers.  

Amplifying Visibility with Marketing 

Even a meticulously priced and beautifully presented home risks languishing on the market if it doesn’t attract attention. Real estate agents prove invaluable in this regard, utilizing their knowledge to strategically advertise your property, expanding your potential buyer pool, and optimizing your chances of a successful sale.  

Confident Document Execution  

The ever-expanding paperwork involved in home sales can be overwhelming for sellers. Understanding the intricate details of contracts, regulations, and mandatory disclosures is crucial to avoid legal pitfalls. With a real estate agent at your side, you gain a knowledgeable companion to guide you through the fine print, minimizing the risk of costly errors that might occur when navigating the process independently.  

Expert Negotiation Tactics  

When envisioning real estate negotiations, the common image is of an agent securing the best deal for a homebuyer. Yet, sellers benefit equally from having a skilled negotiator in their corner. Buyers aim for the most favorable terms, and their agent is committed to securing it for them. Additionally, inspections and appraisals often unearth concerns, making adept negotiation essential. Rather than facing these challenges alone, a real estate professional brings valuable expertise to the negotiating table.  

Selling a house involves numerous intricacies—avoid the solo path. At Vutech | Ruff, Cutler Real Estate, we stand ready to offer our expertise. We consistently rank among the highest-producing teams in Central Ohio. Explore our qualifications or initiate the home-selling process by reaching us at 614-897-0618 or contacting us online today. 

Illuminate the Season: A Tour of Enchanting Holiday Lights in Central Ohio 

As the holiday season descends upon us, there’s a magical transformation that takes place in Central Ohio and its surrounding areas. Streets adorned with twinkling lights, homes aglow with festive decorations, and the crisp winter air filled with the spirit of joy – it’s the time of year when communities come together to create dazzling displays of lights. If you’re eager to immerse yourself in the enchantment of the season, you’re in for a treat.  

Here are some of our favorite activities and hidden gems. 

Wildlights at the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium 
Dates: November 22 – January 5
Where: Columbus Zoo  
Central Ohio’s favorite family holiday tradition is Wildlights at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.  

Lucy Depp Park Light Show  
Dates: November 29 – January 5 
Where: 9360 Frabell Dr. Powell OH 43065 
This 7-acre drive through display is put together by a group of neighbors on private property in Powell.  

Butch Bandos Fantasy of Lights  
Dates: November 22 – January 1 
Where: Alum Creek State Park Campgrounds, 3311 South Old State Rd., Delaware, OH 43015 
Butch Bando’s Fantasy of Lights is an annual holiday 3-mile drive thru light show. 

Conservatory Aglow 
Dates: November 23 – January 5
Where: Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Garden
The annual Conservatory Aglow features thousands of lights twinkling and glowing in stunning displays. 

Columbus Commons Holiday Lights 
Dates: November 22 – February 16 
Where: Columbus Commons, 160 South High Street Columbus, OH 43215
Experience more than 400,000 LED lights dazzle in the park. 

WonderLight’s Christmas 
Dates: November 15 – January 5 
Where: 14028 Fairgrounds Rd, Hartford, OH 43013 
A drive-through Christmas light show. 

Pyramid Hill Lights 
Dates: November 15 – January 5 
Where: 1763 Hamilton Cleves Rd., Hamilton, OH 45013 
This is a 2.5-mile drive-through light display at Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park in Butler County. 

Holiday Lights at Easton 
Easton Town Center has over 2 million lights and a 56-foot tree on the Town Square. They also have special holiday experiences all season long, including photos with Santa and Horse Drawn Carriage Rides. 

The Scoto Mile 
Dates: November 23 – January 3

The Scioto Mile is lighting up the riverfront with over 250,000 lights along the Promenade, stretching from Rich Street to Broad Street.  

Fields Family Christmas Lights 

Dates: November 29 – January 1

Each year the Field’s family adds more lights to their musical holiday display. 
Where: 288 Fox Glen Drive East Pickerington, Ohio 43147 

Agent Spotlight: Greg Collins

We are proud of the team we have built at Vutech | Ruff, Cutler Real Estate. Our team is the cornerstone of our real estate agency, bringing a wealth of experience, expertise, and dedication to guide you through your journey.  

We are excited to share more about the team behind Vutech | Ruff, Cutler Real Estate. Keep reading to get to know Greg Collins.

Tell us a little bit about your path to becoming a realtor…Education background, work experience.

I earned a bachelor’s degree in English Literature from the University of Kentucky, and spent the next six years as a copywriter for various businesses and institutions such as Nationwide Insurance and Ohio Wesleyan University.

I joined the Vutech & Ruff team in 2018, originally in a logistics capacity, but have since expanded my role by becoming a licensed Realtor. I wear many hats, striving to add value with my flexibility and versatility.

Flashback to when you were 10 years old. What do you want to be when you grow up?

Major League Baseball pitcher.

Why did you choose to become a realtor?

To make myself a more valuable asset to Jeff and Marilyn.

What’s your favorite thing about living in Central Ohio?

The people. I find the people of Columbus to be representative of the most reasonable sort of American. We benefit from the vast and diverse “marketplace of ideas” that exists within a city of this size that is also welded to a massive and excellent institution of higher education.

Columbus has been said to have an identity crisis ever since it became the capital in 1816. After having lived here for so many years, I believe that perception is due in large part to the attitude of its population; we’re balanced and measured rather than extreme. We’re proud but not self-aggrandizing. So, crafting a certain identity the rest of the state or country can use to more easily understand us simply isn’t a priority. People in Columbus tend to know how good they have it and that’s infectious.

What excites you the most about the Central Ohio housing market?

Growth is limitless, and so the opportunities are too. The presence of Ohio State means we will always be young. The recent investment our state (and country) has made in making Ohio a crucial global producer will mean there will be plenty of runway for that youth to grow and prosper. There are obstacles, but I’m excited by the rock-solid foundation and the potential.

Describe your typical day for us.

Typically, I drive around the city installing signs and lockboxes, collecting, and delivering checks, solving problems with our team’s various listings, and showing homes to Jeff’s and Marilyn’s clients when they would otherwise be double-booked. Days get very busy when I have all that to do in addition to serving my own clients.

What sets Vutech | Ruff, Cuter Real Estate apart from other brokerages?

I’ve not experienced any other teams, but I can’t imagine there are many made up of such skilled high producers who are all devoted to doing the right thing by their clients, teammates, and the public. The amount of attention and resources paid to various forms of philanthropy is especially inspiring.

What special skills or talents do you have that others may not know about?

I don’t always find enough time for it, but I enjoy storytelling in all its forms especially filmmaking. I’ve done a fair amount of screenwriting and acting ever since I was a kid, and I’ll always love that thrill of storytelling.

Tell us a little bit about your family.

Education is of great importance to my parents. Between the two of them they’ve become a valedictorian, graduated from the oldest and most prestigious high school in the country, and earned four college degrees including a Master’s degree from Harvard Business School.

Although my siblings and I didn’t live up to those achievements, our family remains very close because the one thing my parents valued more than academic success was instilling an unwavering commitment to kindness, empathy, and justice, and I feel we’re all bound by that foundation for how to live.

My sister is a published poet, an animal cruelty investigator, and a mother of two girls. My brother is a recent and decorated graduate of the police academy. I’m very proud of them both. My mother, Mary Collins is a private writing teacher, as well as an English professor at Columbus State University. My father, Neil Collins runs a business incubator called Innovate New Albany and teaches marketing at Dennison University.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

In my spare time I enjoy my fiancé and watching sports (like all the sports).

What are three things you can’t live without?

My fiancé, my family, and the works of my heroes, especially Vonnegut, Orwell, Hesse, Kubrick, and Paul Thomas Anderson.

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

 

Agent Spotlight: Sarah Abbitt

We are proud of the team we have built at Vutech | Ruff, Cutler Real Estate. Our team of qualified agents stands as the cornerstone of our real estate agency, bringing a wealth of experience, expertise, and dedication to guide you through your real estate journey.  

We are excited to share more about the team behind Vutech | Ruff, Cutler Real Estate. Keep reading to get to know Sarah Abbitt. 

Tell us a little bit about your path to becoming a realtor 

I began my education at Capital University in Nursing.  I realized nursing wasn’t for me and switched gears to work on my associate degree at Columbus State.  During this time, I worked full-time for an insurance software company, Ebix Inc., formerly Peak Performance.  While working for the software company, I managed several different areas within the company.  I worked on HR processing, payroll / AR / AP, planning conferences, and managing colleges.  While working at Ebix / Peak, I had the experience of merging three multi-million-dollar companies.  This work experience helped shape my career and prepare me for managing my own business.  After staying home for a few years to raise my children, I returned to college and obtained my bachelor’s degree in business at Franklin University.  I graduated from Franklin University the same year I obtained my Real Estate License.  I had big goals in 2016!  After obtaining my license, I joined the Vutech-Ruff team in June of 2016.   

Flashback to when you were 10 years old. What do you want to be when you grow up? 

When I was 10 years old, I lived in Nashville, TN.  I lived near Alan Jackson and Dolly Parton.  I went to school with Travis Tritt’s daughter and my friend’s mother had written a song for Patty Loveless.  I remember visiting the Grand Olde Opry and thinking to myself how cool it would be to be a famous singer.   

Why did you choose to become a realtor? 

By the time I was in high school, my parents had owned 12 different homes.  I lived in 7 of those.  As my family picked up to move each time, my interest in viewing properties grew stronger.  I enjoyed seeing the different architecture and styles of homes in the varying cities.  As I grew older, it was intriguing to me to be able to run my own business while still being able to love what I do.  I also loved the fact that I could build my schedule around my children or work from home as needed.   

What’s your favorite thing about living in Central Ohio? 

My favorite thing about living in Central Ohio is the proximity to so many different things: Hocking Hills, Buckeye Lake, Short North, Easton Town Center, Polaris Mall, OSU Stadium, Blendon Woods, Blue Jackets Ice Rink, and so much more!  Being born in Columbus, I have witnessed Columbus’s growth since the early 80’s.  The downtown area has transformed in more ways than one.  The development that our city is putting into our infrastructure, parks, and business is drastically different than what I have seen in years prior, and this is a direct reflection of the growth our city is experiencing.   

What excites you the most about the Central Ohio housing market? 

The growth we are going to witness over the next 7-10 years is going to be astonishing.  To hear headline news call us the next “Silicon Valley” is very exciting.   

Describe your typical day for us. 

Part of my morning routine includes checking the MLS for new listings, coming soons, and automated searches I have set up for my clients.  If I see any listings that could be of interest to any of my clients, I reach out to them to gauge their interest.  I check my schedule for showings that day and check each of my transactions to make sure they are on target for closing.  Later in the morning, I like to catch a Jazzercise class before jumping headfirst into my day. 

What sets Vutech | Ruff, Cuter Real Estate apart from other brokerages? 

Just as our motto states, “We are the dream experience”.  When working with a Vuetch-Ruff agent, our clients rest assured knowing they will have a quality experience along the way.  The Vutech-Ruff team is based on building relationships, not just closing transactions.  I tell my clients at every closing, “Things don’t end here.  Please utilize me as a resource moving forward.”  I, as do my teammates, genuinely enjoy receiving updates on our clients’ home improvement projects, marriages, additions to the family, etc.. As I look inward to our team, I am thankful to work for a team that functions as a family business and truly cares about the well-being of each individual on the team.  

What special skills or talents do you have that others may not know about? 

It has been a couple of years since I picked it up, but I have played the violin since 4th grade.  In high school, I was the second chair seat, and I played with the Columbus Symphony Orchestra.  When my girlfriend got married, she asked me to play during her wedding ceremony.  I was also a color guard in high school and marched in the Rose Bowl Parade.  Although those days are long gone, I did participate in the alumni ceremony three years ago with my alumni band.  Currently, I enjoy Jazzercise classes as a means of working out.  

Tell us a little bit about your family. 

My family consists of my two children, Tagan (13) and Scarlett (10), and my two cockaliers, Luna and Nova.  My children stay active with hockey, mountain biking and dance.  When they aren’t busy with their own activities, they enjoy helping me with showings, playing with our dogs, and spending time with friends and family.  My extended family all live within a couple of miles of me.  We have several family gatherings a year, which consist of 30 people or more.  My two children are the youngest of 12 grandchildren but do well at keeping up with the older clan.  

What do you like to do in your spare time? 

My favorite thing to do in my spare time is travel.  My number one location is the beach but as I get older, I am yearning to view more historical landmarks.  When I am not traveling, I like to entertain friends and family or participate in family and friend gatherings.  

What are three things you can’t live without? 

My family, my dogs, and my health. 

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

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.