28 May 2010

The No Money Down NO PMI Loan Program USDA rural housing loan is back!

The Details:

Loan program eligibility is based on property location & buyers income – there are income restrictions.

30 year fixed rate purchase single family owner occupied properties only.

Maximum seller contribution is 6% of the sale price for buyers closing costs, points & prepaids.

Gifts from family are also allowed to pay for closing costs, points, & prepaids

No manufactured homes
No rehab loans or construction-perm loans
Escrows for real estates taxes & homeowners insurance are required
Minimum credit score 620

Call for an application or more details!!

The Underwood Team
Avon Lake
Howard Hanna Mortgage
440-385-5945 work/cell/fax#

27 May 2010

South Bass Island Kayak Rendezvous

June 11-13, 2010 South Bass Island:

Now in it's 6th year, the South Bass Island Kayak Rendezvous is the premier kayaking gathering on Lake Erie. Join more than 100 kayakers from the tri-state area and beyond for a weekend of paddling, camping, socializing and exploring the islands of the western basin on Lake Erie.
Each year on the second weekend after Memorial Day, paddlers have decended upon the South Bass Island State Park for this annual gathering. This paddler organized event, brings kayakers together for a fun weekend. Safety is our utmost concern and paddlers are encouraged to plan their own water based activities, but join our land based social functions. There are countless paddling opportunities among the islands of the Western Basin. For beginners there are paddling opportunities within the Put-in-Bay Harbor, for intermediate paddlers, there are miles of island coastline to paddlen and for experiencded paddlers there are dozens of open water crossings between islands to explore.
South Bass Island is a perfect paddling location for kayakers who want to rough it at the State Park or for those who like to be close to civilization. The ammenities at the State Park are excellent, the views from the cliff-side campsites are amazing, and downtown Put-in-Bay is a close walk or shuttle drive.
Paddlers can make the crossing from the mainland or they can take the Miller Ferry. If the weather turns, the Miller Ferry is an excellent safety gap for the return trip to the mainland.
Most of all, come, paddle, socialize and experience the wonderful gem we call the Erie Islands!

26 May 2010

Medina County, Ohio Memorial Day Parades for 2010

Brunswick
-Monday, May 31st
Parade begins at Visintainer School and ends at Westview Cemetery 10:30am

Chatham
-Monday, May 31st 10:00am
Parade begins at the Chatham VFW to the cemetery and back to the center of town

Granger Township
-Monday, May 31th 9:00am
Parade begins at Highland Middle School and ends at Granger Fairview Cemetery, followed by an open house at the Fire Station

Hinckley Township
-Monday, May 31st 9:00am
Parade begins at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church on Ridge Rd, on to Memorial Park and ends at the Fire Station with refreshments.

Lafayette
-Monday, May 31st 2:00pm
Parade begins at Fairview Lane and continues to the township complex

Litchfield
-Sunday, May 30th 1:30pm
Service at Litchfield Circle Park

Lodi
-Monday, May 31st 9:00am
Parade begins and ends at Lodi American Legion, (120 Bank St) and ends at Woodlawn Cemetery.

Medina
-Monday, May 31st 10:00am
Parade begins at the Old courthouse, continues around Medina Square and ends at Spring Grove Cemetery.

Rittman
-Monday, May 31st 10:30am
Parade begins at N. Main St and ends at the shopping center on the north side of town.
Service at Rittman Cemetery at 11:30am.

Seville
-Monday, May 31st 1:00pm
The observance begins with a speaker at First Baptist Church. The parade steps off right after the speaker and ends at the Mt. Hill Cemetery.

Sharon
-Monday, May 31st 9:00am
Parade begins at Ruhlin Construction and ends at the Gazebo for a Ceremony.

Spencer
-Monday, May 31st 9:00am
Parade begins at the Old School on Washington St. and ends at Spencer Cemetery.

Valley City
-Monday, May 31st 11:00am
Parade begins at Liverpool Community Center and ends at the VFW Post, 6731 Center Rd. Ceremony following the parade.

Wadsworth
-Monday, May 31st 10:30am
Parade begins at Central Intermediate School; Taps will be played at St. Marks on College. The parade will proceed to Woodlawn Cemetery for services.

Westfield Center
-Monday, May 31st 11:00am
Parade begins by entering Simmons Drive from Greenwich Rd., backward around the circle and ends at Westfield Cemetery.

York Township
-Sunday, May 30th 3:00pm
Parade begins at York Methodist Church and goes west to the cemetery. Erhart - York Fire Station will have an open house with drinks and hotdog after the parade. The Historical Society will host an ice cream social at the fire station as well as open houses at the Historical School House and York Methodist Church.

Thank You to the Medina County Auditors office for the above info!

Real Estate Myth Busting: Check out the pdf

  • Required energy license or retrofit of homes included in pending Senate bill - myth.
  • Health Care bill contains 4.0 % "transfer tax" on home sales - myth.

Check out the following:

http://www.cabor.com/Files\NAR%20Myth%20Busters.pdf


12 May 2010

Howard Hanna is Growing!!

Part of Recent Press Release:

Last Thursday in Dallas, TX at the annual REAL Trends conference, the 2010 REAL Trends 500 Rankings of the largest real estate companies in the United States were released.

Based on 2009 production – Howard Hanna Real Estate Services – is the 4th largest real estate company in America!

Having closed 31,765 transaction sides in 2009, we as a company are grateful of our successes, not only on a one-on-one basis with our home buyers and sellers through the communities we serve in Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York and West Virginia, but we are also excited about our national recognition of being one of America’s top real estate companies.

The Hisey Group, LLC is proud to be affiliated with Howard Hanna!

Vermilion Shores,Vermilion, Ohio

Homes are Getting Smaller

Most Americans grew up in a traditional home where space was at a premium. Space was not used for cathedral ceilings and large open foyers - instead every inch was utilized for a practical purpose. Storage under stairs and built in shelving have all become scarce - until recently.

New homes are once again becoming smaller. Prices of new homes is also declining.

Homeowners are still looking for unique features and some "pizazz" in their home, but they are increasingly looking at pure square footage in a negative manner. Buyers are increasingly looking at energy usage, and commenting about needing to "heat all of that wasted space". Some of the new "wow factor" features include upgraded energy efficient appliances, built-ins, and "smart home" systems that track and integrate energy usage and home systems. Younger home buyers are asking specific questions regarding the use of "green" building products.


11 May 2010

10 Most Likely New Home Features in 2010

According to a January 2010 National Association of Home Builders survey of builders the following are ten features we can expect to see in new homes:

1. Walk-In Closet: Master Bedroom
2. Laundry Room
3. Insulated Front Door
4. Great Room
5. Low E Windows
6. Linen Closet
7. Programmable Thermostat
8. Energy Efficient Lighting and Appliances
9. Separate Shower and Tub: Master Bathroom
10. Nine ft. ceilings or higher on the first floor.

There is an obvious movement from what I have been reading towards space efficiency and energy efficiency.

07 May 2010

Middle Bass Island, Ohio

Middle Bass Island, Ohio is the “Quiet Island for Active People”. With an area of 805 acres, Middle Bass has room to take a walk and ride a bicycle, but it still retains a “small town” feel. It is shaped like the Big Dipper.


Some neighborhoods within the island include:


Burgundy Bay


St Hazards


East Point Villas


East Point Association


The Bass Club (The Old Club)


There are several beautiful nature preserves on the island. The state park, which is now a large portion of the island, includes an expansive new marina, the former historic Lonz Winery, and a campground. Two restaurants, JF Walleys and St Hazards, provide food and entertainment. The Middle Bass General Store provides basic everyday needs, or you can hop the Sonny S to the village of Put In Bay to do more extensive shopping. The post office is still located in the back room of the Post Mistresses home.


Middle Bass Island is centrally located within Ohio’s Lake Erie Islands. Each island has its own unique “personality” and recreational opportunities – and every island is just a boat ride away!


Now is a great time to purchase Middle Bass Island real estate. Contact the Hisey Group with Howard Hanna for more information at RealEstate@HiseyGroup.com , or call them at 1-800-974-5184, 216-218-5168 or 440-315-6000.