Fairfield, Ohio
School Funding 101 for Fairfield Ohio Schools
August 9th, 2011 categories: Fairfield, Ohio
Let me start by stating that I’m not an expert (or even close to one) about how schools are funded in the State of Ohio. But an article in the local paper highlighted how heated the rhetoric becomes when it come to school levies- and sometimes it’s hard to know what’s happening to all the money.
Many moons ago when I worked in an office located in another school district the Superintendent invited me to join the group working on the school levy…and to put it bluntly I was dumfounded at the convoluted processes of how State & Federal money is allocated and then taken away. The current requirements do not allow districts to save money in one area and and spend the savings where they’re needed. Picture having your personal credit cards or checkbook restricted to covering only specified expenses- kind of hard to balance the books.
If you check the State’s site, the difference between actual and real funding due the Fairfield School District – is confusing and for voter’s who want to do what’s best…but not spend more than absolutely necessary….somebody needs to provide “Ohio School Funding for Dummies” or “Ohio School Funding 101″ with a simple explanation of State funding of actual money versus phantom money and where the dollars are spent.
Though our kids never attended public schools, we have supported all but one of Fairfield’s school levies because we knew that good schools are important. Voters need to take the time to understand the issues and separate fact from fiction before it’s time to vote. And just for the record, Fairfield Schools are not alone when it comes to funding issues and with the state of State and Federal funding I would expect many years of levy issues for all the school districts serving greater Cincinnati.
What do you think?
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Don’t Miss Fairfield’s Art Fair on Saturday!
June 17th, 2011 categories: Fairfield, Ohio
Green Fine Art Fair on Saturday- June 18th from 10am until 4pm in Village Green Park.
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Nip/Tuck Real Estate
June 13th, 2011 categories: Fairfield, Ohio
Just like any “soon-to-be 30 year” the house is having some planned and unplanned updating.
Planned work included painting and new carpeting- pretty basic stuff. And just like any indoor projects we have lots of things to shuffle around and relocate in order to for the work to be completed. The unplanned came about when I mistakenly looked up while trimming bushes several months ago and noticed little pieces of brick sitting on the “shoulders” of the chimney. The first thing that came out of my mouth was that the chimney needed a “nip/tuck” and after my other half stopped laughing, I managed to call the repair by its real name “tuckpointing”
The rainy weather delayed this project for months but now a scaffold, close to 3 stories in height, was built on Friday and today the brick and mortar dudes return to begin careful removal and replacement of damaged bricks. In addition to being labor intensive, bricks and mortar also have to blend in with the old stuff.
We were lucky to see we had a problem before we had water damage- sometimes you don’t know about problems until the water starts seeping- and when water intrudes to the inside- you’re having to deal with some very expensive and messy repair work.
In the meantime this “30 year old” is definitely getting spa treatment prior to “30th” birthday in August- and she has earned the pampering.
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What Happens if You Don’t Like the New Neighbors?
June 3rd, 2011 categories: Fairfield, Ohio
Mr. (or Mrs) Squirrel – and about 50 of their family and friends- have taken up residence on our porches, decks, roof and trees. No invitations required! And they have no fear- as you can see I was about 5 feet away with a camera and he (she) didn’t move. I would like to provide a comprehensive relocation package and instigate a “group move” to another yard.
Your suggestions are welcome- meanwhile it’s safe to say I’m not too fond of my new neighbors.
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Learning to Appreciate Real Estate in Fairfield Ohio
March 4th, 2011 categories: Fairfield, Ohio
Fairfield is my hometown. So like every home owner-I watch the local real estate market. And like many of the areas surrounding the area, the sale prices of new and used single family homes has been an up and down roller coaster ride.
The best way to illustrate appreciation/depreciation in Fairfield real estate market is charted below.
(Data from Multiple Listing Service of Greater Cincinnati and compiled by wonderful staff in the office)
What this means that if your home is “for sale” right now- the market has fluctuated so much that we are currently seeing an average sale price of $140,457- and the last time homes averaged that sales price was in the 2001-2003 time frame. So if you purchased a property in 2005-2007- you hit the high in the Fairfield real estate market and the current average price is significantly lower today.
On the other hand, newly constructed homes in Fairfield are bouncing up in price at a quicker pace- almost back to the higher averages in 2006-2007.
What does this mean to you- well if you’re not selling soon- it’s just information. However if you have a property for sale or are thinking about selling sooner rather than later- then understanding the “ups and downs” in the Fairfield real estate market should help you determine what your house it really worth. If not and you need more detailed information- call or email me.
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