In 1983, Sandy Raines launched her real estate career, quickly earning the prestigious title of "Rookie of the Year." Her rapid success, extensive experience, and natural leadership propelled her to Vice President at a major real estate firm in Michigan.
In 1998, Sandy relocated to Columbus, where she built her own real estate team Stephanie Masterson joined her in that same year, and together, they formed a successful partnership. Their vision and dedication led to the addition of Karla in 2003, officially establishing The Raines Group.
Today, The Raines Group is a powerhouse real estate team, known for its expertise, client-focused approach, and proven track record of success Trusted to guide clients through every step of the selling process, they have earned a stellar reputation for delivering exceptional service and results in the community.
Sandy Raines
Stephanie Masterson Karla Ballenger
CEO
Sandy Raines
CEO
Designations & Affiliations
National Association of REALTORS® (NAR)
Ohio Association of REALTORS® (OAR)
Columbus Board of REALTORS® (CBR)
Founding Member of the Certified Luxury
Home Marketing Specialist Program (CLHMS)
Howard Brintons STAR Member
TRG Mastermind Moderator
New Albany Realtors Association, Member
Stephanie Masterson
Broker Partner and President
Designations & Affiliations
Ohio Realtors Board of Directors, 2024-2025
Columbus REALTORS’ Board of Directors, 2024-2027
Columbus REALTORS’ Foundation Board of Trustees, 2024 Secretary, Member 2023-2025
Columbus REALTORS’ MLS Committee + Board of Directors, Member 2024
Columbus REALTORS’ Scholarship Committee, 2023 Chair, Member 2019-2024
Independent Broker Association, Member 2023-2025
New Albany Chamber of Commerce, Trustee 2025-2027
New Albany Links Swim Team Board, Vice Chair 2023-2025
New Albany Intermediate School PTO, 2023-2025
New Albany Volleyball Coach, Grades 3-5, 2022-2024
New Albany Realtors Association, Member 1998-present
National Association of REALTORS®, 1998-present
Karla Ballenger
Partner and Real Estate
Designations & Affiliations
MLS Committee Member, 2025
National Association of REALTORS® (NAR)
Ohio Association of REALTORS® (OAR)
Columbus Board of REALTORS® (CBR)
The Raines Group, Leadership Council
Real Estate Investment Certification (REI)
Certified Staging Advocate (RESA + CSA)
New Albany Realtors Association, Member
Recipient of Top Agent at HER Realtors, 2001
Started TRG Brokerage, CEO 2022
Joined HER Realtors® Brokerage, 1999
Ohio License Obtained, 1998
Tomie Raines, Inc , V P of Sales & Training, 1988–1998
Michigan License Obtained, 1984
Education: Middle and High School Teacher & Coach, 1972–1979
Other: Delta Flight Attendant, 1979–1984
Real Estate: Certified New Home Specialist Program
Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist Program
Council of Residential Specialists
Program (CRS course work)
Formal: Michigan State University, B S Ed
Church of Ressurection, Parish Finance Council 2020-2025
Ohio Dominican University, 2005 Bachelor's of Science
Magna Cum Laude | Delta Epsilon Sigma Hondros College
Ohio Real Estate Broker, Winter 2007
Ohio Sales Associate, Fall 1998
Columbus State Community College, 1998
Associates Degree - Real Estate
Consultant
Owner/Partner All Terrain Sports, 1998 - 2001
Started TRG Brokerage, Partner, 2022
Ohio License Obtained, 2001
Joined HER Realtors® Brokerage, 2001
Joined The Raines Group, 2003
Joined Leadership NA, 2024
The Ohio State University College of Art & Design Hondros College
The Raines Group:
Our Sales Staff
Our sales staff is made up of real estate experts our clients trust . Each member of our team comes equipped with unique experiences and service-focused skills to help you in your home purchase
CANDACE CAULKINS
Emily Benedict
jenny Bilchak
Dominic Cassan
Rhonda COx
Marian Halliday
Monica Kessel
Krista Lofthouse
Elia Hughes
Kimarie Martin
JENNIFER POPHAM
Abby Carfagna
Tori Cipro
Jami Blosel
Renee Mougin
Jamie SECHLER
Jean-Luc Grand-Pierre
Nicole Ribich
Jenna Murphy
Jenna Crowley
The Raines Group: Our Operations Staff
In addition to our collection of real estate experts, our operations team provides the backbone to ensuring everything on our team runs smoothly
From managing listings to marketing and closing, our team handles every process from start to finish!
Davis Eckelman
Chris Hart
Amy Dutiel
Lauren Childers
Stephanie Wetzel
Christian Callarik
MADDY Rosenburg
Ditche Esguerra
Our Results
Across the region, The Raines Group is trusted for their results and their years of success helping clients sell their home .
Here’s what you get when The Raines Group works for you:
• Award-winning service in Central Ohio since 1998
• On average, our listings sell at over 99.8% of asking price in 13 days or less
• We close between 350 – 450 real estate transactions each year
• 99% of our transactions make it successfully to the closing table
• Approximately 60% of our business comes from repeat business or referrals
We Believe in Results
Our work is motivated by both excellent service and results for our clients. That’s why we’re truly proud of what we’ve accomplished:
We have the statistics to prove our systems really work:
• #1 Sales Team in the Central Ohio (sales volume), 2004-2018, 2020-2024
• Top 60 Large Team Nationally - Sales Volume Ranked By The Real Trends, 2020 and 2023
• #1 Real Estate Team at HER Realtors® Brokerage nationally (closed sides, volume, production), 2003–2018, 2020-2021
Our team of dedicated professionals includes:
• 27 licensed REALTORS®
• • • 5 licensed specialized support personnel 4 specialized support personnel 1 licensed Broker
• 1 full-time virtual assistant
We work to ensure that our results become reflective of our client experiences. That’s because it’s truly our pleasure to help you purchase a home
•
•
Award-Winning Service
We believe that our results are all about our clients . For over a decade, we have been recognized with local, regional, and national awards, and that has allowed us to provide even greater success and service for our clients .
Our selection of awards, distinctions, and designations includes:
#1 in Central Ohio
#1 Large Team in the State of Ohio
Top 60 Large Team Ranked Nationally
#1 Agent nationally for closed volume & units at HER, Realtors®
• • • •
#1 in Central Ohio
#1 Large Team in the State of Ohio
#22 Large Team Ranked Nationally
#1 in Central Ohio (sales volume)
#1 in Central Ohio (sales volume)
#1 at HER, Realtors® (sales volume)
#1 in Central Ohio (sales volume)
#1 at HER, Realtors® (sales volume)
#50 ranked Nationally for by Real Trends (sales volume)
#2 Agent nationally for closed volume and units at HER, Realtors®
#2 Agent in Central Ohio (volume)
#1 Agent nationally for closed volume and units at HER, Realtors®
#1 Agent in Central Ohio (volume)
#171 Sales Team nationally (volume) on the Wall Street Journal’s The Thousand List
#1 Agent nationally for closed volume and units at HER, Realtors®
#1 Agent in Central Ohio (volume)
#94 Sales Team nationally (volume) on The Wall Street Journal’s Top 100 List
#1 Agent in Ohio (sales volume)
#94 Sales Team nationally (units) on The Wall Street Journal’s Top 100 List
#1 Agent nationally for closed volume & units at HER, Realtors®
#1 Agent in Ohio (sales volume)
#94 Sales Team nationally (units) on The Wall Street Journal’s Top 100 List
#1 Agent nationally for closed volume & units at HER, Realtors®
#1 Agent in Ohio (sales volume)
#62 Sales Team nationally (sales volume) on The Wall Street Journal’s Top 100 List
#1 Agent nationally for closed volume & units at HER, Realtors®
#1 Agent in Ohio (sales volume)
#88 Sales Team nationally (sales volume) on The Wall Street Journal’s Top 100 List
#1 Agent nationally for closed volume at HER, Realtors®
#1 Agent in Ohio (sales volume)
#67 Sales Team nationally (sales volume) on The Wall Street Journal’s Top 100 List
#1 Agent nationally for closed volume at HER, Realtors®
#1 Agent in Ohio (sales volume)
#1 Agent nationally for closed volume at HER, Realtors®
#1 Agent in Ohio (sales volume)
#75 Sales Team nationally (sales volume) on the Wall Street Journal’s Top 100 List
#1 Agent nationally for closed volume at HER, Realtors®
#1 Agent in Ohio (sales volume)
#87 Sales Team nationally (sales volume) on The Wall Street Journal’s Top 100 List
#1 Agent nationally for closed volume at HER, Realtors®
Ruby Award ($50,000,000 plus in sales)
#1 Agent in Franklin County (volume)
#1 Agent nationally at HER, Realtors®
Ruby Award ($50,000,000 plus in sales)
Grand Marketing Award from the BIA
Personal Achievement Award from The Wall Street Journal and The Luxury Conclave
HER, REALTORS® #1 Agent nationally
Ruby Award ($50,000,000 plus in sales)
Grand Marketing Award from the BIA #1 Agent in Ohio (sales volume)
Overall Excellence in Marketing Award from The Wall Street Journal & The Luxury Conclave (North America)
Grand Marketing Award from the BIA
#1 Agent nationally at HER, Realtors®
Ruby Award ($50,000,000 plus in sales)
#1 Agent in Ohio (sales volume)
We Appreciate Our Clients
Our greatest joy comes from helping our clients
That is why we have pulled together a selection of complimentary resources to help them when it comes time to make their move .
As our client, we make available the following:
• Moving Truck
• Moving Van
• Table & Chairs
• A Power Washer
• A Frozen Beverage Machine
• Wireless Speakers
• Projector & Movie Screen
No matter what you need, chances are we can help with an inventory that is always growing to better serve our clients.
Giving Back To Columbus
We have always believed in giving back As a community partner, we aim to make a positive contribution to where we live, work, and play .
Causes, programs, and educational leaders we support include:
•
A Kid Again
After School Allstars
Alvis
American Heart Association
Amethyst
Angel Works Foundation
Books For Bedtime
Children’s Hospital
Circle of Friends
Coalition Against Family Violence
Columbus Academy
Columbus Diaper Bank
Columbus Dog Connection
Columbus Jewish Day School
Columbus School for Girls
Columbus Speech & Hearing
Center
Community Kitchen
Crawford Crew
DSACO
Drug Safe Worthington
Form 5 Prosthetics
Furniture bank of Central Ohio
Girls On The Run
Gracehaven
Habitat for Humanity
Healthy New Albany
Huckleberry House
Jerseys of Hope
Jimmie Heuga Foundation
Junior Achievement
Junior League
Lettuce Work
Licking County Humane Society
Lifetown
Love w/o Hurt
Make It Fit Foundation
Make Kindness Contagious
Mental Health American of Franklin County
Nationwide Children’s Hospital
NC4K
Neighbor to Neighbor
New Albany Chamber
New Albany Classic
New Albany Food Pantry
New Albany High School & Middle
School Band
New Albany Historical Society
• New Albany Library
• New Albany Performing Arts Center
• New Albany PTO
• New Albany Symphony Orchestra
• New Albany Women’s Network
• New Albany Well Being Initiative
• Operation Smile
• Overwatch Partnership
• Pilot Dogs
• Project Redeem
• Race for a Cure
• Red Cross
• Respire Haiti
• Salvation Army
• Special Olympics
• TedX New Albany
• United Way
• Wexner Center
• World Vision
• And More!
Our Client Results
We want you to feel comfortable choosing a team not based on what we can do for you, but how we’ve helped others do the same . Here is just some of what our past clients had to say about The Raines Group:
“We are your biggest fans You did what other agents couldn’t do: sell our home.”
– Stephanie and Art Fitzpatrick
“Your team is, without a doubt, the most proactive team of real estate agents that we have dealt with.”
– Jay and Robin Canowitz
“Out of all the real estate agents that I’ve worked with, you, by far gave me the best value for my money ”
– Todd Alexander
“Your ‘can-do’ attitude, upbeat personality and attention to detail made the whole process a real joy.”
– Roger McCoy
“The efficiency, commitment, and competency of the entire Raines Group was outstanding. At no point in the process did we ever wonder what step was next or what was needed from us They were proactive in guiding us through the whole process.”
– Dawn and Chris Hinckley
We could not have been more pleased with The Raines Group. What set them apart was their commitment to our goals, enthusiasm, positivity, and communication. We were thoroughly satisfied and will absolutely recommend The Raines Group in the future ”
– David and Deanna McClure
Comprehensive Marketing For Your Home
We combine our large network, traditional advertising, and cutting-edge digital marketing to give your home maximum exposure .
Today’s buyers demand 24/7, 365 access to information in the convenience of their own homes That’s why we developed the most innovative, comprehensive marketing plan in the business, combining traditional and digital marketing, to drive these “connected consumers” to your listing, regardless of where they’re searching for a home!
By using this customized approach, we’re better able to find the buyer who will pay the most for your home.
The Importance of Effective Pricing
The most activity and the highest and best offers typically come in the first 21 days a home is on the market . Same if you overprice your home and then reduce the price, you lose precious time as well as the excitement that a new listing generates.
A house takes on a reputation surprisingly fast. Even after you lower the price, prospective buyers may be wary, wondering why your home has been on the market for so long . You have lost a strong negotiating position and, in the end, may even have to settle for less than market value . That’s why it is so important to make the most of your entry into the market
But instead of making an offer on your home, these buyers are out viewing others that they perceive to fall within their price range . By overpricing, you are helping to sell other, more competitively-priced homes. You are highlighting their value at your own expense
A disparity between your asking price and your home’s appraisal value can quickly become a deal-breaker.
We must be able to defend your price to the appraiser, and the lender must be able to justify it to the market. If your home’s appraisal value is lower than your asking price, your buyer could back out at the last minute.
The higher your price, the fewer qualified prospects you’ll have.
Buyers compare houses. They are looking for the home with the most amenities at the best price
Interested in a more nuanced pricing strategy? All you have to do is ask one of our specialists for their help
A Buyer’s Perspective On Home Values
The current market value of your home is determined by the selling prices of similar homes in your area . Factors that do not affect the value of your home include:
The price you paid for the house.
The majority of houses sell for market value, which is constantly changing and may not support your original purchase price at the time you choose to sell
Your need for money.
The current value of your home is dictated by the market, not by your need or desire to turn a profit.
Your desire to recoup the cost of maintenance-related repairs.
The purpose of maintenance is to preserve a home’s value, not to create value . The cost of maintenance cannot be added to the market price of your home.
Your desire to recoup the cost of home improvements.
Make improvements for your own enjoyment, not with the hope of passing their full cost along to future buyers
How much it would cost to build your home today.
The bottom line is, you cannot sell your home for more than buyers are willing to pay
How attached you are to your home. Any attachment you feel will not be shared by the buyer . Sentimental value does not correlate with a higher selling price.
Is Your Home Priced Correctly?
At The Raines Group, we will do everything we can to sell your home quickly, at the best price, and with no hassles.
The one thing we can’t control or change is the market
Even though we know how valuable your home is, its value from a selling standpoint will be determined solely by the market.
To help you decide whether your home is priced correctly, The Raines Group has generated the following “levels of seriousness . ”
1. The “Maybe This Seller Isn’t Serious” Level
No showings and no offers. Agents and potential buyers are not even interested in seeing your home. They believe they can get more for their money elsewhere.
2. The “It’s Okay...But I Think I’ll Keep Looking” Level
Either 10 to 12 showings and no offers or just a few showings. Potential buyers believe they can still get more house for their money, and they are willing to continue looking.
3. The “This Is It!” Level
Showings, second showings, and offers in the first four to six weeks. Congratulations! You have placed your house on the market at the right price Your price even supports their belief that your house might be their next home They are now ready to buy
Keep in mind that, even if your home is priced correctly today, that may change with the market. As we list your home, we will keep you informed on the market, how it’s changing, and what we can do to strategize to get an effective result for you
Photography Appointment Checklist
Once your home is ready, you’ll be contacted by our marketing department to schedule an appointment to take photos of your home.
Staging your home is the first step in creating professional and inviting marketing materials that will attract buyers.
We want your home to show all its beautiful details, so prior to your photo appointment, please go through this checklist to make sure your photos turn out the best!
Interior
Schedule an appointment with a staging professional if requested by your agent.
Pack away anything that can “clutter” a photo (framed family photographs, figurines, vases, etc.).
Clear all pens, paper, medicine bottles, mail, and magazines from countertops and desks.
Clear kitchen counters — remove items such as toasters, coffee pots, soap dispensers, and towels.
Remove magnets, calendars, and any other objects from your refrigerator.
Relocate high chairs, booster seats, etc. to a non-photographed area (laundry room, garage, closet) until after the photo shoot.
Relocate trash cans and wastebaskets to a non-photographed area until after the photo shoot.
Remove pet toys, as well as food and water dishes, until after the photo shoot.
Clean all bathrooms . Remove toiletries from countertops and shower stalls. Remove towels and/or robes from the back of doors Lower toilet lids Remove floor mats for a cleaner look
Make all beds and minimize clutter in bedrooms
Check to make sure that all light fixtures are functional. Replace bulbs where needed.
Remove or minimize season-specific decor.
Minimize the number of toys left out by children .
Exterior
Remove cars from driveway or in front of the home for exterior shots.
Close all garage doors.
Sweep walkways, clean up after pets, and clear lawn of hoses, toys, and other objects.
Straighten outdoor living areas (deck, patio, porch, etc .) and arrange patio furniture in an inviting manner.
Mow and trim the lawn, hedges, and trees of any overgrowth.
Remove trash bins from view.
Your To-Do List
An integral part of our sales and marketing system is you!
The information you provide about your home allows us to market your home more effectively and get it sold in a hurry!
The following is a list of items that you must provide to your agent as well as forms (included in this section) for you to complete and return at your initial meeting
What You Need For Your Initial Meeting:
Two copies of house key(s) check to be sure they work!
Floor plans, if available
Copy of title insurance policy, if purchased within the last 10 years
Homeowner Association info including amount and purpose of fees, covenants, and restrictions
The latest appraisal of your home (to confirm correct square footage)
A survey of your property, if available
Alarm instructions, if applicable
Mortgage account number and customer service number
Utility Providers and Chart (2 Pages)
Room Measurements Home
Improvements My Top Ten List
Words From The Seller
* These forms can be found on the following seven pages .
What Items Are Included?
You can help avoid misunderstandings and possible disputes by being very specific, in writing, about what is included in the sale and what is not
Being clear about what items stay with the property and what items are not included in the sale of the home will position you for a smoother transfer of ownership .
Property Address:
Refrigerator
Dishwasher
Trash Compactor
Stove (range)
Microwave
Washer/Dryer
Dining Room Chandelier
Other Light Fixtures (specify) Bathroom Mirrors
Powder Room Mirrors
Other Mirrors (indicate location)
Drapes (indicate location)
Play Structures
Gas Logs Fireplace
Screens/Equipment
Air Conditioner(s)
Central Vacuum/Attachments
Invisible Fence & Components
Satellite TV Components
Other (please specify)
# of Garage Door Openers
# of House Keys
Seller’s Name
Seller’s Name
Date: Date:
What do you love most about your home? Our most compelling marketing ideas usually come from directly from the sellers After all, nobody knows your home better than you do! Ask yourself: “If I were a buyer, what features of this property would I find most attractive?”
Seller’s Name:
Buyer’s Name:
Property Address:
Agent Name:
Agent Email/Phone:
Please make arrangements with the Utility Companies for your new home:
Gas Companies
Columbia Gas of Ohio
Energy Cooperative
Suburban Natural Gas
Electric Companies
American Electric Power
Energy Cooperative
Pioneer Energy
City of Westerville
Fairfield County Utilities
First Energy
Nationwide Energy Partners
South Central Power
Water and Sewer Companies
City of Bexley
City of Columbus
City of Dublin
City of Gahanna
City of Westerville
Del-Co
Guardian Water
Nationwide Energy Partners
Jefferson Township
Pioneer Energy
Spectrum Water
Village of Granville
Trash/Refuse Companies
Ballantrae Association
Big 0 Refuse
City of Columbus
City of Bexley
City of Dublin
City of Gahanna
City of Upper Arlington
City of Westerville
Rumpke
Towne Properties
Village of Granville
Waste Management
Other:
Other:
Other:
800-344-4077
800-255-6815
740-548-2450
800-277-2177
800-255-6815
614-442-7100
614-901-6430
740-652-7120
800-633-4766
877-818-2637
740-653-4422
614-235-8694
614-645-8270
614-410-4750
614-342-4440
614-901-6770
740-548-7746
877-291-3141
877-818-2637
614-864-0740
614-442-7100
614-777-1199
740-587-0707
www columblagasohio com
www ohloenergvcoop org
www snaco com
www aepohio com
www ohloenergycoop org
www pioneerem com
www westervil le org
www co falrfield oh us
www firstenergvcorp com
www nationwIdeenergypartners com
www southcentralpowercom
www bexley org
www columbus gov
www dublInohlousa gov
www .gahanria .gov
www westerville org
www delcowater com
www guardianwp com
www nationwIdeenergypartners com
www jeffersonwatersewerdistrict com
www ploneerem com
www spectrumutilities com
www granville oh us
614-781-0055
888-924-2446
614-645-3111
614-235-8694
614-410-4750
614-342-4440
614-583-5370
614-901-6770
800-828-8171
614-781-0055
740-587-0707
800-963-4776
www ballantraedublinoh com
www blgorefuse com
www columbus gov
www.bexley.org
www dublinohlousa gov
www gahanna gov
www uaoh net
www westerville org
wwwsurnpke.com
www towneprooerties com
www granvilletownship org
www wm com
Big Walnut
• www bigmalnut k12 oh us
Buckeye Valley
• www buckeyevalley k12 oh us
Canal Winchester
• www.cwschools.org
Columbus City
• www columbus k12 oh us
Delaware
• www dcs k12 oh us
Dublin
• www dublinschools net
Gahanna
• www gahanna k12 oh us
Grandview
• www grandviewschools org
Granville
• www.granvilleschools.org
Hilliard
• www hilliard k12 oh us
Marysville
• www.maryville.k12.oh.us
New Albany
• www new-albany k12 oh us
Olentangy
• www olentangy k12 oh us
Pickerington
• www pickerington k12 oh us
Reynoldsburg
• www reyn org
Southwestern
• www swcs k12 oh us
Upper Arlington
• www uaschools org
Westerville
• www westerville k12 oh us
Worthington
• www.worthington.k12.oh.us
HOA/Condo Assoc /or Not Applicable
HOA/Condo Assoc /or Not Applicable
Home Improvements
What updates have you made since buying your home? This is a question frequently asked by buyers and your opportunity to boast about all the wonderful things you have done to make your home truly unique .
Property Address:
Words From The Seller
Are there certain things you wish you could tell a buyer about your home, community, or street? This is your opportunity to write a letter for potential buyers to read when they visit your home
Sellers’ Condominium / HOA Document Checklist
Seller is advised to obtain the following information and documents at time of listing Per Paragraph 6 5 of the Residential Purchase Contract, Seller is required to deliver this information and these documents to Buyer immediately after contract acceptance.
1. Name of Owner’s Association: Contact Name: Phone: E-mail:
2. Condominium/HOA Board / Management Company Contact: Officer Name: Phone:
E-mail:
3. Contact information for any other mandatory membership association, if applicable;
4. Condominium Declaration and/or Deed Restrictions, and Bylaws of the owners’ association (condominium or homeowners’), including all amendments to the Declarations or Deed Restrictions except amendments that only increase the number of units or homes subject to the Declaration or Deed Restrictions;*
5. A statement from the association regarding this home/unit, confirming when the next (assessment) payment is due, the amount of such payment, the amount of any pending special assessments(s), and that the account is current;*
6. Association Initiation Fee, Reserve Contribution, and Association Transfer Fee;
7. Minutes from the last 3 meetings of the directors or trustees of the owners’ association;*
8 Minutes from the last meeting of members of the owners’ association;
9. Most recent version of unrecorded Rules and Regulations, including Amendments to the Declaration, specifically, those affecting this unit or affecting changes in the common or limited common areas . *
10 . Current Financial Statement showing the nature of the association’s assets,* including: A) Most current balance sheets, income and expense statements, and budget; and B) Copy of the most recent reserve study
