Poll/Survey Results: Northern Ohio Public Transportation

The Questions:

If public transportation such as trains/rapid expanded in Northern Ohio - Would you use it??

The Results:

7% I wouldn't
38% One to Ten Times
38% Ten to Twenty Times
23% Daily

HOW DO THE CANDIDATES APPROACH ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES? CHECK OUT THESE SITES!

Grist
http://www.grist.org/candidate_chart_08.html

Barack Obama
http://www.barackobama.com/pdf/factsheet_energy_speech_080308.pdf_080308.pdf

John McCain
http://www.johnmccain.com//Informing/Issues/17671aa4-2fe8-4008-859f-0ef1468e96f4.htm

Public Transportation Survey: Cleveland, Ohio Region, Northern Ohio

There is one day left to vote on my little survey on "Public Transportation". Take a minute to vote - it's located on the right side of the page. Just click your choice and submit. I'll post the results when completed.

The Question:

If public transportation such as trains/rapid expanded in Northern Ohio - Would you use it??

Plain Dealer Article: Metro Section, "Busy Getting Green"

Grab a copy of the Cleveland, Ohio Plain Dealer today and check out the article starting on the front of the Metro Section B. They cover a variety of Cleveland's "Green" Eco-Friendly projects. Cleveland is striving to take steps in the right direction - and some of them are profiled in this article. It's always refreshing when a newspaper takes the time to report on positive happenings about town.

I was particularly pleased to see the community garden picture - I have a brother that lives just down the street and have the pleasure of seeing the community gardeners performing their gardening tasks on a regular basis. What a wonderful program for communities.

THE MARKET IS DIFFICULT BUT OHIO HOMES ARE STILL SELLING

We are in a very difficult real estate market now - but homes are still selling. What is making a difference? Visibility, staging and creative marketing are three keys in today's marketplace.

Visibility:
Newspapers and magazines still play a roll, but overwhelmingly people now turn to the internet when searching for a new home. Your home needs to be in the MLS, but it also needs to be on multiple websites. If your property is on Lorain Counties far westside, Erie or Ottawa County it should be listed in both the NORMLS and Firelands MLS systems. Keys to the new market - pictures, pictures, pictures and a quality panoramic virtual tour. A slide show with pictures that wiggle isn't enough anymore!

Staging:
It is important to stage your home for sale. It may not be comfortable for you - but the goal is to make the potential buyer comfortable. You want your home to feel somewhat neutral so people can picture their furniture and art in the space. Your home should feel as large as possible - eliminate unnecessary furniture and excessive pictures art and collectibles. Pay attention to the traffic patterns and "line of sight". Get an opinion from someone who doesn't live in or visit the home often.

Creative Marketing:
Price reductions in stages, the seller paying the buyers fees, and help with repairs and improvements are all becoming more prevalent. As a certified EcoBroker I am trained to market and educate the public on energy saving features - if your home has a geothermal system, extra insulation, or energy star appliances they should be marketed. Do you have a flare for gardening, your home is located in a "fashionable" neighborhood, or your homes systems are all computer controlled? Advertise it!! Make your home stand out.

There are many other pieces to the puzzle. Contact the Hisey Group LLc with Real Living Realty One today to list or purchase a home at 440-315-6000 or email at RealEstate@HiseyGroup.com.

Oberlin, Ohio: Opening Celebration of the George Jones Memorial Learning Garden

October 11th, Saturday
3:30 pm until after dark
44333 Route 511 East, Oberlin, Ohio

Local food, walks, tours, movies, and bonfire. Enjoy a fall day at the New Agrarian Center and learn about their programs and facility.

3:30 to 6:00 - Open houses on both sides of the farm w/ farm tours at 4 and 5pm.
6:30 - Finger foods and music at the straw bale building.
7:30 - Dedication ceremony at the new learning garden.

Kid family fun and games! A $5.00 donation is suggested. (don't be cheap - give more for a great facility)

Middle Bass Island, Ohio in the Lake Erie Islands

Middle Bass Island, Ohio still has a very "small town" atmosphere. Middle Bass is 805 acres, and is located within the Lake Erie Islands in Ottawa County, Ohio. It is one of 23 islands, and is the "Middle" island of the three Bass Islands. There is a general store, post office, gift shop, and paved airstrip on the island as well as several nature preserves, lodging facilities and other small businesses.

Entertainment includes J.F. Walleyes and St. Hazards, as well as ice fishing, summer fishing, swimming, biking, and trips to Put-in-Bay on the Sunny S. The state of Ohio purchased large areas of the island to include historic Lonz Winery, and they are currently creating a beautiful park area, campground and expanded marina.

Middle Bass can be reached by regular ferry service, private boat, private plane, and charter aircraft. A fantastic vacation destination - It is close enough to spend weekends - but it feels soooo far away!

For information on Middle Bass Island real estate visit:

http://www.middlebassisland.info/

Elyria, Ohio Apple Festival - an Ohio fall favorite !!

This years festival will be held from Friday, September 19th through Sunday, September 21st. The fun begins on Friday at 12:30 pm with the Elyria Marching Band and continues through Sunday with shows, crafts, food and events. The Elyria Apple Festival is held in Elyria's beautiful downtown square - and the focus of the festival is of course "All Things Apples".

For more information visit: http://www.elyriaapplefestival.com/schedule.shtml

Ohio - Why Should You Work With a REALTOR® ?

Not all real estate practitioners are REALTORS®. The term REALTOR® is a registered trademark that identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION of REALTORS® and subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics. Here are five reasons why it pays to work with a REALTOR®.

1. You’ll have an expert to guide you through the process. Buying or selling a home usually requires disclosure forms, inspection reports, mortgage documents, insurance policies, deeds, and multi-page settlement statements. A knowledgeable expert will help you prepare the best deal, and avoid delays or costly mistakes.

2. Get objective information and opinions. REALTORS® can provide local community information on utilities, zoning, schools, and more. They’ll also be able to provide objective information about each property. A professional will be able to help you answer these two important questions: Will the property provide the environment I want for a home or investment? Second, will the property have resale value when I am ready to sell?

3. Find the best property out there. Sometimes the property you are seeking is available but not actively advertised in the market, and it will take some investigation by your REALTOR® to find all available properties.

4. Benefit from their negotiating experience. There are many negotiating factors, including but not limited to price, financing, terms, date of possession, and inclusion or exclusion of repairs, furnishings, or equipment. In addition, the purchase agreement should provide a period of time for you to complete appropriate inspections and investigations of the property before you are bound to complete the purchase. Your agent can advise you as to which investigations and inspections are recommended or required.

5. Property marketing power. Real estate doesn’t sell due to advertising alone. In fact, a large share of real estate sales comes as the result of a practitioner’s contacts through previous clients, referrals, friends, and family. When a property is marketed with the help of a REALTOR®, you do not have to allow strangers into your home. Your REALTOR® will generally prescreen and accompany qualified prospects through your property.

6. Real estate has its own language. If you don’t know a CMA from a PUD, you can understand why it’s important to work with a professional who is immersed in the industry and knows the real estate language.

7. REALTORS® have done it before. Most people buy and sell only a few homes in a lifetime, usually with quite a few years in between each purchase. And even if you’ve done it before, laws and regulations change. REALTORS®, on the other hand, handle hundreds of real estate transactions over the course of their career. Having an expert on your side is critical.

8. Buying and selling is emotional. A home often symbolizes family, rest, and security — it’s not just four walls and a roof. Because of this, home buying and selling can be an emotional undertaking. And for most people, a home is the biggest purchase they’ll ever make. Having a concerned, but objective, third party helps you stay focused on both the emotional and financial issues most important to you.

9. Ethical treatment. Every member of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION of REALTORS® makes a commitment to adhere to a strict Code of Ethics, which is based on professionalism and protection of the public. As a customer of a REALTOR®, you can expect honest and ethical treatment in all transaction-related matters. It is mandatory for REALTORS® to take the Code of Ethics orientation and they are also required to complete a refresher course every four years.

Call me today at 440-315-6000 for Northcentral Ohio Real Estate Service. The Hisey Group, LLC with Real Living Realty One.

New Middle Bass Island Marina in Ohio's Lake Erie Islands

Looking for a Green Eco-Trained Realtor? Contact Ohio's first certified EcoBroker w/ Ohio's Own Real Living Realty One!

Selling and educating the public about "green" eco-friendly home features -

Contact me today:

Lee Hisey, Realtor, EcoBroker
Real Living Realty One
http://www.LeeHisey.com
440-315-6000

Serving Cleveland (westside), Western Medina County, Lorain County, Northern Erie County and Northern Ottawa County.

Support an Ohio based company - Realty One is in Cleveland, Ohio and Real Living is in Columbus, Ohio -
REAL LIVING REALTY ONE

Avon, Bay Village, Grafton, Eaton, Litchfield, Valley City, Grafton Township, LaGrange, Wellington, Mallet Creek, Columbia Station, North Ridgeville, Lorain, Sheffield, Sheffield Lake, Vermilion, Wakeman, Henrietta Township, Pittsfield, Oberlin, Penfield, Midview School District, Firelands School District, Buckeye Schools, Amherst, Brownhelm Township, Spencer, North Bass Island, South Bass Island, Middle Bass Island, Put in Bay, Catawba Island, Isle St George, and more....

Buildings Account for Huge Energy & Material Use

In the United States alone, buildings account for:

• 70% of electricity
• 39% of all energy use
• 39% of all (CO2) emissions
• 40% of raw materials use
• 30% of waste output (136 million tons annually)
• 12% of potable water

I'm working on a new website directory - http://www.FirehouseHotSpots.com

Follow my new site if you enjoy business establishments and museums with a firehouse and firefighter theme.

Bars, restaurants, gift shops, art and craft establishments, bed and breakfasts, museums, and more. If you know of one let me know and I'll add it. All listings will be free with the exception of tool/equipment/truck/uniform suppliers. Those will only be $10 per year.

I'll also be adding a firefighter event google calendar page. Email me at webmaster@FirehouseHotSpots.com with your firefighter based event info. Again - free!

This should be a fun project: http://www.firehousehotspots.com/

What is a "Green Roof"? Can it work in Ohio?

"Green Roof" systems may vary, but they are all essentially plant material in a light weight growing mix, some type of liner(s) and insulation. The roof helps to regulate the temperature of the building, capture and to some extent purify rain water, and many believe they help to reduce elevated city temperatures. Green roofs may also reduce noise pollution making it's way into the building, help to slow storm run-off, and provide a garden sanctuary for building occupants during their lunch break.

While they have a shorter growing season in Northern Ohio's communities, they are still a viable option. Plants simply go dormant during the colder winter months. Plants used in Ohio may include sedums and and other hardy drought tolerant perennials.

Whether you are building new or rehabbing in Northern Ohio - consider a green eco-friendly roof option for your building.

Helpful Links:

Green Roofs for Healthy Cities
Emory Knoll Farms
Balanced Living Magazine Article
Michigan State University: Green Roof Research Program
North Carolina State University: Green Roof Research Program

Web Favorite: Ohioans are being swamped with political advertisements. What is true? Go to www.FactCheck.org

I don't generally blog politics but this is neutral politics. Ohio is being swamped by massive political advertisements. How can you discover what is true and what isn't? Check out http://www.FactCheck.org. They check Republican's advertisements, Democrat's advertisements and everything in between. Never base your voting decisions on advertisements - always check the facts first.

Great Lakes Bioneers–Cleveland: October 17–19, 2008

For the second year, Great Lakes Bioneers–Cleveland will bring to Northeast Ohio the excitement and energy of the inspiring social and scientific innovators speaking at the national conference and a wideranging line-up of regional and local speakers, workshops and tours to communicate and celebrate the trailblazing work taking place in our region. This year's conference will emphasize water and the important and diverse role that it plays in the social, economic and natural environment of the Great Lakes Region.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO

19th Annual Mojo Blues Festival: Westlake, Ohio at The Savannah

A good time is had by all at the Mojo Blues Festival in Westlake, Ohio. I intend on going again this year. The show starts at 8:30 pm and will feature Billy Branch , Wallace Coleman, and Aces and Eights. If you love the mouth harp (harmonica) and the blues you will not want to miss this annual event.

SATURDAY SEPT 20th AT THE SAVANNAH
30676 Detroit Westlake
440-892-2266

Dog Lovers: Opportunities for help and fun in Berea & Columbia Station, Ohio

Berea Animal Rescue Fund:

Looking for volunteers that can be "Dog Companions" for 2 hours per week or more. Spend time with dogs that are homeless. Help with play time and basic care needs.

For info contact Amber at: onlymutts4me@sbcglobal.net or 440-915-8973.

Frisbee Championship for Dogs:

Columbia Station, Ohio will be filled with dogs that love frisbees on September 6th starting at 11am. The 2008 Skyhoundz Canine Disc Championship will hold a local competition at Columbia Park. There is no entry fee or admission fee for spectators.

For more info contact Don Gotsch at 440-926-2797 or visit http://www.sky-houndz.com/.

"Green" Home Sales

"While new home sales hit a record low in 2007, green homes doubled in sales."

CNN Money, 2008

A Favorite Site: www.FreeGreen.com - FREE plans for your new "Green" Ohio Home

Considering building a "green" eco-friendly home in Ohio? Would you like free house plans and info? Check out http://www.freegreen.com, a site that offers free info, advice, and plans. Free can be good.

Youngstown Ohio's Grey to Green Festival: September 13th

Youngstown is holding it's first "Grey to Green Festival" in Wick Park. Youngstown's Wick Park is undergoing a "Green" transformation. There hope is to turn the area into a center for "Green" businesses and organizations. Enjoy displays, workshops, food, entertainment and more! Youngstown is embracing its new smaller size by creating "Green Space". Abandoned neighborhoods are being bulldozed and returned to their natural state.

For more information contact Debra Weaver at 330-744-1748 or email her at debraweaver2000@hotmail.com.

Stories about the "Greening" of Youngstown:

Youngstown 2010 Plan
The incredible shrinking city: CNN Money

Summit on Sustainability & Environment: September 11th to the 13th, Columbus, Ohio

A summit on sustainability and the environment is being hosted on September 11th to the 13th. The summit, being held at the Greater Columbus Convention Center, will be open to the public. The convention center is located at 400 N High Street. The keynote speaker will be Richard Louv, the author of "Last Child in the Woods". Educational sessions, facilitated conservations, an exhibit hall, field trips and more are planned.

Additional info: http://www.greenregion.org

To exhibit or sponsor call: 614-233-4125

RADON PROBLEMS CAN BE PRESENT IN OHIO: LEARN THE BASICS

Technology Snapshot & Benefits:

Health benefits can accrue from designing and building features that effectively remove radon from your home. Radon is a colorless, tasteless, odorless radioactive gas that can seep into your basement or the lowest livable space in the home from surrounding soil. Decomposition products attach to very small particles in the air and these can be breathed deeply into the lungs, potentially resulting in serious health consequences. National statistics indicate that one in fifteen homes in the U.S. have unacceptable levels of radon.

The only way to know whether your house has unacceptable levels of radon is to have the lowest livable space in the home tested. You may test yourself using kits that are available at home supply stores or seek professional assistance. Winter is the best time to test since doors and windows are kept closed allowing radon concentrations to reach detectable levels.

If radon occurs as a result of out gassing from the soil, the most common reason, this can be readily mitigated with ventilation for roughly $1,000. Removal technology is simple and straightforward. It involves blocking points of entry into the lowest livable space in the home and venting areas to the outside using an active circulation system to exhaust basement air. Usually plastic ducting and piping are sufficient, and these low-cost materials help keep total costs low. In a few rare cases, it has been discovered that foundations were made of radioactive mine tailings or other waste materials. In these situations, the costs of radon mitigation become substantially more than $1,000.

Estimated Cost Savings:

Cost savings of radon mitigation is measured in terms of assuring the quality of indoor air and preventing any health problems associated with radon. A typical cost to eliminate radon from the home is on the order of $1,000, with costs ranging from several hundred to several thousand dollars. Most people find this to be more than worth the investment, when protecting the health of family and loved ones.

Issues:

Remedies will likely involve some sort of ducting to the outside. You should think carefully about how best to design the ducting, keeping in mind both aesthetic and practical considerations.

Regional Issues:

Some regions of the country have soils and rocks with higher levels of radon than others. Even in areas prone to radon infiltration, there is no way of knowing for sure that you have a problem without testing. Testing is inexpensive and easy and should be performed when buying or selling a home.

Installation (Getting It Done):

Be sure to get two or three (or more) bids from designers and/or building contractors to gain immediate perspective on the actual costs of radon mitigation and equipment installation details in your area.

More Articles on This Topic:
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: Indoor Air - Radon
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: A Citizen's Guide to Radon
U.S. Geological Survey: The Geology of Radon

The above compliments of EcoBroker. You can contact your local Northern Ohio EcoBroker Lee Hisey at lee.hisey@realliving.com .