My photo
Columbus & Central Ohio, United States
DeLena Ciamacco is a well-known, respected Top Producing Realtor in Central Ohio. Her myriad of accomplishments, recognition, and professional credentials as they relate to Real Estate, make her a perfect individual to provide insight to the masses on all aspects of Real Estate sales. Her creativity and honest approach to marketing Real Estate has enabled her to succeed in her career. DeLena’s philosophy is “An educated and well prepared Buyer or Seller is a smart Buyer or Seller”. Her desire is to inform the public, by pulling from her 20+ years of Real Estate sales & Marketing, what is necessary to get to a successful closing in these challenging times.

Monday, December 29, 2014

How to decorate festively in a condo



(NC) Living in a condominium, townhome, or apartment shouldn't mean that you have to forgo festive holiday decorating. Some of this year's hottest décor trends come in very small packages - and with a little guidance you can create your very own Christmas in Condoland. Karen Sortino, a home organization specialist at Lowe's Home Improvement encourages condo dwellers to repurpose as much of their existing home décor as possible. This includes making use of your current colour scheme to achieve a festive impact.

"Holiday décor is no longer limited to the traditional green and red, many decorations are available in a range of colours that will match or compliment your existing colour pallet, including neutrals, metallics, and bolder tones." Sortino also has the following tips from decorating small spaces:

• Brighten hanging pictures by swapping the current image with ones that capture a special holiday moment.

• Attach evergreen to the top of the frame as an accent.

• Replace existing accent pillows, throw blankets, bathroom, kitchen and dining linens with ones that are holiday themed.

• Break out festive dishware and keep it on display throughout the season.

• Hang wreaths and garlands on walls, window wells and frames.

• Monogrammed hooks can be installed temporarily to hang stockings or wreaths to your walls and mantles, and crystals or ornaments can be dangled from ceilings using ribbon or clear fishing wire.

Many people also insist that a Christmas tree is essential to fostering holiday spirit and to suit varying needs, there are many options available such as miniature trees (natural or artificial), table top trees, or half trees that sit flush against your wall. There are even peel and stick Christmas tree wall decals.

For those who have space to spare, Sortino points out that Lowe's offers a beautiful 7 foot pre-lit Aspen fir pencil tree from GE that measures only 35 inch diameter. If you have a balcony or solarium, consider putting a tree outside and using outdoor lights. This will free up some living space and will look beautiful when dusted with a light coating of snow.

More holiday decorating ideas can be found at www.lowes.ca/holiday.



Tuesday, December 23, 2014

Finding your path to a secure financial future



Trying to find a secure savings path through market swings is similar to being on a safari. Imagine that you've just embarked on the adventure of a lifetime: a safari in Kenya. Now, imagine again if you had to choose between two ways of enjoying this adventure:



• Walking along a bush path in single file with an armed guide at either end, ready to protect you against any wild creature that might pounce from behind the high grasses. Of course your guides are well-trained, but there's always the chance that they might miss the shot.

• Up high off the ground in a large caravan truck with an open roof, safe and sound from any of the dangerous animals. Now you can enjoy the ride, secure in the knowledge that you'll be back to camp in one piece with a camera full of memories.

The second option is best, don't you think? And shouldn't your savings plan be just as secure? The simple answer according to Djamal Saleh, regional vice-president of Individual Savings Product sales with Desjardins Financial Security, is yes. While he admits that market fluctuations can make it hard to stay the course, it is possible to achieve the future of your dreams."These ups and downs can be compared to the peaks and valleys of a mountain range," says Saleh. "At least that's what market yields look like nowadays when you plot them on a graph. We all want to reach the top of the mountain and have different ways of getting there. Some of us like to tackle the steep slope without a harness or ropes. It'll be an exciting climb for sure, but the fall could be pretty brutal. This is why more cautious climbers will set solid anchors at regular intervals as they make their way to the top. So if they lose their footing, their fall will only be as far as the last anchor. They've built in peace of mind and security."

This analogy is particularly true for those looking to securely grow their retirement nest-egg. One solution that promises predictable returns is a term investment sold by insurance companies. Its key features are:

• Guaranteed minimum return or principal guaranteed at maturity

• Risk-free exposure to securities of well-established companies from the healthcare, financials and consumer staples sectors

• Higher return potential than fixed-interest term investments

• No portfolio management and no management fees

• Principal is 100% guaranteed at death

• Eligible for RRSPs, LIRAs, RRIFs, TFSAs and non-registered savings

For more information about this market-linked investment, speak with your financial advisor. Or for immediate answers, visit the Insurance and Savings section of the Desjardins Financial Security website at www.desjardinslifeinsurance.com.



Wednesday, December 10, 2014

Impromptu party planning: How to create great gatherings in 30 minutes or less



(BPT) - Parents have never been more crunched for time. Balancing work demands with parental duties is complex - 56 percent of working moms and 50 percent of working dads say they find it very or somewhat difficult to balance these responsibilities, according to a recent report about modern parenthood from the Pew Research Center. But just because you're time strapped doesn't mean you need to stress when it comes time to host after-school activities or weekend gatherings with friends and family. With a few key strategies, even impromptu parties are a snap to pull together.



Did your teen just call to tell you he's having the baseball team over for an Xbox live tournament tonight? Has a pop-up neighborhood party suddenly happened at your house? Did you forget about the Girl Scout meeting after school today? Whatever the reason, embrace spontaneous gatherings and go from zero to party in 30 minutes or less with these ideas:



Astounding activities



Great parties make everyone feel included, no matter how young or old. For spur-of-the-moment parties, gather your favorite board games and a few decks of cards to spread around on various tables. For outdoor gatherings, nothing beats classic lawn games like Frisbee, bocce, ladder ball or horseshoes. Groups are sure to gather to indulge in the fun, and lively conversation will inevitably follow.



To appeal to younger kids, create a makeshift theater stage with a blanket or shower curtain, and pile up costumes, hats and props. Even wallflowers are sure to bloom during this fun activity that inspires make-believe.



For teenagers, video games are ideal - just make sure your system, game options and high-speed Internet are ready for intensive group play and there are plenty of snacks on hand. Add some comfy pillows and throws so everyone can spread out and enjoy the friendly competition. Ask friends and neighbors to bring over their games too for even more variety.



Fantastic food



Time-crunched parents don't have to worry about fancy food when parties suddenly pop up; guests don't expect an elaborate meal. Take a no-nonsense approach by serving flavors everyone will love. Frozen appetizers you can pop in the oven and serve beside fresh seasonal items are ideal.



Bite-size foods are best for easy snacking. Bake some Farm Rich Mozzarella Sticks, which are made with 100 percent real mozzarella and lightly seasoned. Kids and adults alike will devour these snacks with a crispy coating and warm cheesy center. Add some zesty Farm Rich Jalapeno Peppers and everyone's taste buds will be dancing. These snacks, available at Walmart and other grocery stores, pair well with fresh seasonal fare, so set out fresh grapes or strawberries, juicy sliced melon or chopped veggies with dip - whatever you have on hand or can get quickly at the local market - and you'll have a spread that will disappear almost instantly.



Set the scene



There's no need to deep clean, but spending a few minutes to tidy up creates a welcoming environment for guests. Focus your efforts on areas where people will gather - like the kitchen, patio or living room. Don't forget to stock toiletries in the bathrooms, too.



If you have time, decorate for your last-minute shindig with simple yet clever decor. Hosting a video game gathering? Make a banner such as "Nelson's Awesome Arcade" and hang above the TV. Have memorable photos of your guests? Run a ribbon and attach photos side-by-side with clothespins so everyone can enjoy the fun imagery. Want to add a summer vibe to your party? Skip the florist and cut some fresh buds from your backyard. If you're stuck, a quick visit to Pinterest is sure to inspire.



When really strapped for time, skip decor and focus on the music - play songs everyone will enjoy and that reflect the theme of the party. Upbeat songs that embrace the warm weather always set the right mood. From the Beach Boys to the most current chart-toppers, some toe-tapping tunes will help guests get in the party groove.



With these tips and tricks, you'll throw a party or get together that'll make everybody happy. You'll stress less and no one will know you put the whole thing together in minutes.



Monday, December 1, 2014

DECEMBER 2014 MARKET UPDATE!

Real

 December 2014
DeLena Ciamacco
Included in this blog post is a link to my Real Estate Update Newsletter. Please click on the link below to get the latest Real Estate Update for December! If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to call or email my office. 
614-882-6725
delena@delena.com


real estate forums Real Estate Blogs Directory - Directory of real estate blogs and blogs of industries affiliated with and serving the real estate industry. DeLena Ciamacco on Zillow Realtor ratings and reviews of Delena Ciamacco DeLena Ciamacco (RE/MAX Connection, Realtors): Real Estate Agent in Westerville, OH Westerville Real Estate Real Estate agents Worldwide real estate companies directory and property buyers and sellers guide.

Buying-A-Home.com - Home Buyer Guide Information about common buyer problems every first time home buyer needs to know! Property Directory. We are listed under Residential Estate Agents Real Estate Agent Directory